Consumerism

While this post was mildly inspired by Avatar, it is not about the movie at all. It is a frustrating thing, thinking about how much is consumed and discarded each year by each person from the most wasteful to the most green. Wasteful people seem to disregard the fact that others are affected by their carelessness. In Avatar, the Na'Vi believe they are all connected to each other, to nature, one eternal round so to speak. I got thinking about consumerism and how there are people who, in not considering their connection to others, are emotional consumers.

There are people out there, I know some of them, who say they do not "need" others. People who do not form close relationships or who have so many "associates" that they do not really invest in others. We have all heard the concept emotional bank accounts, we make deposits so that when we need our friends, we can make a withdrawal. Emotional consumers do not make deposits because they do not intend to ever make withdrawals, they don't "need" anyone. These individuals have forgotten that just because they do not invest does not mean that their friends are not investing in them.

I just decided that I don't really want to expound on this subject any further...I will conclude by simply stating:

Emotional consumers suck!

Puerto Rico...In search of sanity

First of all I would like to tell you that I am blogging courtesy of in flight wifi! I am on my way home from my most recent adventure, a small US commonwealth called Puerto Rico. It was really just time for a vacation and I strong-armed Elba into joining me for a beach getaway. A week on an island is NEVER a bad idea. Some of the highlights include:
1. Many many hours lounging on the beach and by the pool
2. Reading 2 and a half non-school books
3. Culebra Island and Playa Flamenco, the second most beautiful beach in the world
4. Swimming in the ocean by moonlight...aaahhh, heaven!
5. Kayaking in the glowing water of a bioluminescent bay, it was like kayaking over a starry night sky
6. Don Pepe's - tasty food
7. Staying up late and sleeping in
8. El Moro - you all know how much I love ruins, the fort was really cool
9. Some of the best sorbet I have ever tasted
10. Finding my sanity...apparently it runs to the ocean and I have to go reclaim it periodically

25 things I'm thankful for

1. My mom, she thinks I can do anything and because of her I believe I can.
2. My dad, can actually do anything...fix your car, custom carpentry, make you laugh.
3. My sisters, you're the best!
4. My brothers, there should be more men like you in the world!
5. My job, all of it, the work, the reward, the kids and the best boss and coworkers ever!
6. My education...invaluable!
7. My health.
8. My integrity.
9. Vacations, they bring me the sanity my life and job suck out of me!
10. My friends, I've got the greatest ones in the world!
11. The Gospel, I'm not perfect but I know I don't have to be because of the Atonement of my Savior! He only expects the best I am capable of and He forgives my weaknesses.
12. My iPhone, I love it!
13. Sunshine!
14. Beaches!
15. My intelligence, lucky to be born with it blessed to be able to cultivate it!
16. My mission. Those 18 months taught me more about who I was and how to serve others!
17. Dansko shoes, oh so unattractive but oh so comfortable.
18. Flip flops and painted toe nails!
19. Pedicures and massages.
20. Love. It shows me the entire spectrum of joy and pain and helps me grow!
21. My apartment, it's warm in the winter, cool in the summer and it's all mine. Plus it's cute.
22. Music, when I need to get lost or get a kick out of singing at the top of my lungs in the car, I love it, all kinds!
23. Good books.
24. Good examples.
25. Thirty years of amazing life experience. I wouldn't trade a single year of it.

SYTYCD

I had no idea what that acronym was for until Mandy showed me this video on on YouTube. Actually, the only time I have ever watched So You Think You Can Dance is with Mandy, but when she showed me this video I fell in love. I loved the song, the idea, the dancers, everything about this...so I am sharing it with you.



The concept for the dance was addiction. The girl is the addict and the guy is the drug, the song is "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles.

I am KAYAK hear me ROAR!

I really enjoy kayaking...despite my lack of experience and skill, it is something that I have come to love. I was watching an episode of the Gilmore girls and just wanted to share this little clip.

Enjoy!

Not my problem

This statement is something that I have learned to live by. When you work in a difficult and sad environment like I do you have to create limits. You have to recognize what is in your power to change and what is not, what you should feel bad about and what you should not and what is your problem to solve and what is somebody else's problem. It took some time to become proficient in the art of realizing its not my problem but it has had some unforeseen benefits that are very helpful in other aspects of my life.

So for now...I feel pretty good about saying "it has nothing to do with me, I cannot change it, I should not feel bad about it and fine, let someone else deal with this problem cause...ITS NOT MY PROBLEM!"

Worth it...?

Michelle asked me the other day if the idea of things being "worth it" was some how a part of the teachings of my church. She indicated that it was a phrase she often heard me use and while the concept was familiar, the words "worth it" were more commonly used by her LDS friends. After giving it a little bit of thought, I determined that we are taught from a fairly young age about trials and sacrifice, we are told "don't give up what you want in the long run for what you want now," we are encouraged to believe that there are things that we do that are hard because they are worth it in the long run. While I don't think the idea of "worth it" is founded in any doctrine of the church I do know that the concept in general is referred to in several ways relating to the gospel. Regardless...the idea of things being "worth it" is something that I weigh out constantly in my mind.

All things question: is the opportunity cost greater than the value of the opportunity? Do we not all evaluate all opportunities this way on a regular basis?

Is "it" worth it?
Maybe I want to have a bigger apartment with central air but I really hate moving...so is it worth it?
I really need to figure out how to make more money but I love my job. If I go back to school to get the next license I can increase my salary but I really, REALLY hate school. Is it worth it?
I love good food and I don't like going to the gym. I want my jeans to fit me when I pull them out for fall but that means going to the gym and eating less. Is it worth it?

Is "he" worth it?
Maybe he is really cute but not that smart. Do I want to sacrifice good conversation for good looks? Is he worth it?
I love his company but he is totally a flake? Is he worth it?
He is amazing, funny, attractive but not a member of the church? Is he worth it?

Am "I" worth it?
Lets be honest, the answer to this one is always yes but I am not always the one making the evaluation. People get to decide for themselves what sacrifices they are willing to make for you. How much of themselves they will give. How much you are worth an hour at your job...etc. It is difficult not to feel sometimes, "well, I guess I wasn't worth it."