Determination

The funny thing about New Years resolutions is that I find it generally hard to decide in December what I want to do in January and for the remainder of the year.  With that in mind, I've spent the last 20 days contemplating what it is that I would like to accomplish this year.  Task one...having an awesome roadtrip and getting to Wyoming was rather easily achieved.  But now, I have come down to the more complicated parts of the list-the parts that require determination.  I would say that determination is a comittment to overcoming obstacles and recently I have been overcome with a relentless bout of determination to do several things. 

The first of which was to get a job.  After getting rejected from the front desk of Laramies rec center, I spent the last week walking and driving all over this town responding to newspaper and craigslist ads and filling out applications.  Finally yesterday I caved out of frustration and drove to snowy range ski area where two feet of fresh powder had accumulated over night.  I should explain that snowy range is not just down the road.  It's about 40 miles from Laramie and depsite winds, the drive makes me feel like i'm in Narnia.  So, after some slow turns and hand shakes, I scored a job as a lift operator.  Luckily the job comes with a free season pass which means I will finally get my fix of powder skiing at 10,000 feet.

The second of which is to get my degree.   This unfortunately, is slightly more complicated than obtaining a job.  But luckily, Laramie is a small town and everyone I need to talk to has or makes time to meet with me.  After an early morning coffee chat with the Dean of Students at UW, I feel well equipped to tackle this challenge and get back to school for the fall semester.  Not only did he remind me that it's important, but he reminded me that it's possible. 

Next, to continue my quest towards a more healthy body.  This task has been moderately overwhelming, as fitness at 7,000 or more feet is much different than fitness at sea level.  Aside from the oxygen depletion I experience,  with wind chill the temps are usually around 15 degrees during my runs making me cold, tired, and starved for precious oxygen.  This is the thing thats going to really take patience.

And also continue my quest towards a more healthy mind.  So far this has meant appreciating my plethora of free time and seizing every opportunity to read books and newspapers. In addition, I've comitted to writing this blog and promising myself day after day that I will not neglect it. My blog is my minds expression outlet and gives me the clarity of thought that I find difficult to achieve without writing. I can definitely do this. 

Lastly, to pursue a relationship.  This time last year, motivation from a family member prompted me to go on my first date.  My logical mind realized all I had to do was ask my friends to set me up on a date and that resolution would be accomplished on the spot.  I wound up with much more than just a first date, but now I'm back at the drawing board.  Who wants to find me a date?



Time to have at it...