December musings

I am thinking about wrapping up my blog at the end of 2009. I want to focus on other things come the new decade. The decision is not made yet but the more I think about it, the more it feels like it is time. But before I am completely gone, there will be one or two more posts.

Here are a couple things that came across my path this week:

Obama's peace speech...here is a part that moved me:

So let us reach for the world that ought to be — that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls. Somewhere today, in the here and now, a soldier sees he's outgunned but stands firm to keep the peace. Somewhere today, in this world, a young protestor awaits the brutality of her government, but has the courage to march on. Somewhere today, a mother facing punishing poverty still takes the time to teach her child, who believes that a cruel world still has a place for his dreams.

Let us live by their example. We can acknowledge that oppression will always be with us, and still strive for justice. We can admit the intractability of deprivation, and still strive for dignity. We can understand that there will be war, and still strive for peace. We can do that — for that is the story of human progress; that is the hope of all the world; and at this moment of challenge, that must be our work here on Earth.

Teux Deux

A new to-do software I am checking out. As a lover of lists, I hope it helps me hold on to everything I need or want to do. It currently does not have an igoogle app or iphone app...they are working on it. Will just test it out during the next couple weeks to see if it is worthy of my lists :-). Speaking of tracking things, I am looking for an online budget tool that is easy to do. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

I have started to think about next year's theme and long-term life objectives especially as this decade winds to an end. I am enjoying the Art of Non-Conformity's perspective on year-end reviews and planning. If you haven't checked out this website, please do...it has some pretty insightful and achievable ideas on how to live life fully. As much as I love my life, I know that I am not necessarily living as intentionally and fully as I could be. In 2010, there will be some changes...they will be difficult but necessary. I am an instant-gratification type person and I need to think more long-term about my life and humanity as a whole.

I will sign off with a quote from Dolly Parton...

You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try.