Mt. Everest, really?

I am excited, crazed, nervous and naive. What else can I say? Last year I signed Mark and I up for a "trek" or what I thought would be a nice little "trek" to the base camp of Mt. Everest, traveling from the Napal side. Mark in turn convinced his brother, Jed and wife, Amy to sign up as well. Now I think we are all nuts. Oh my.

It all began when I heard Eric Johnson, an ER physician from Idaho give a talk over lunch at the Ogden Surgical Society meetings last May. He spoke of going to the base camp of Mt. Everest for the past eight years and working with climbers in the altitude sickness tent/hospital. His slides were bright and colorful, portraying the beautiful people, the ancient customs and traditions, and the ominous, elusive, majestic Mt. Everest. He spoke of the trek being a pleasant experience, not to be rushed or hurried, but to be enjoyed.

He also said that he would be guiding a trek in April of 2012 for twenty people who may be interested. He emphasized that if you ever had any desire to go to Mt. Everest, this trek would be your ticket. He explained that this particular trek has the most experienced medical personnel specializing in altitude sickness, is one of the most economical, it cuts all the extras that other trekking expeditions charge for, it includes two days at base camp as opposed to the 1/2 hour limit for those not planning to summit, and it even has CME (continuing medical education) hours for physicians, yada, yada, yada.

I have always been fascinated, awed and bewildered by those super achievers who would even think of attempting to summit that great mountain. I've read Jon Krakauer's book, "Into Thin Air" and heard him and numerous others speak about various expeditions over the years. I was interested!

I spoke to Eric after the lunch, and even called him up with questions. Mark was excited, so I signed us up, purchased airline tickets, Global Rescue insurance, trip insurance, and all of the rest.

Well. Last week, Mark and I met with nine other Ogdenites who are trekking to the base camp of Mt. Everest with a different outfit with two in their group planning to summit. Abe Shreeve who trekked to base camp in 2006 shared his slides and experiences with us. Oh my, were my eyes opened. Instead of being this wonderful, cultural, pleasurable hike, I learned that this trek is a rigorous, seventy-eight plus mile hike round trip at altitudes topping over 17,000 feet. Temperatures can drop to 20 degrees below zero with elevation rises and drops accumulating over 70,000 feet. Signs to the next village are measured in terms of days rather than miles or kilometers.

Then Mike Vause spoke at Ladies Literary about his experiences in both Napal and Tibet in trekking to base camps. It was fascinating, but eye opening. I began listening to my inner head voice saying, "Are you really planning to do this? Do you really know what you are getting into? People die from acute mountain sickness and pulmonary edema. Lukla airport is one of the most dangerous in the world. Retinal hemorrhages are common over 16,000 feet. There is very little oxygen at these high altitudes. Life is precious. Everest puts it on the line." and so forth.

What was I thinking or rather, why didn't I think? Am I really that naive? Yes, I am! I really am!

I have 19 days to train. I'll be hitting the trails tomorrow in my very muddy but oh, so comfortable hiking boots. I really have no idea what the day to day experience will be. But one thing is for sure, it is what it is! Namaste.

Here are some facts about Mt. Everest
Age of Everest: Everest was formed about 60 million years ago.
Elevation: 29,035 (8850m)-found to be 6' higher in 1999.
Name in Nepal: Sagarmatha: means "goddess of the sky".
In Tibet: Chomolungma: means "mother goddess of the universe".
Named after: Sir George Everest in 1865 ,the British surveyor-general of India. It was once known as Peak 15.
Location: Latitude 27° 59' N.....Longitude 86° 56' E Its summit ridge separates Nepal and Tibet.
First Ascent: May 29,1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary, NZ and Tenzing Norgay, NP, via the South Col Route.
First Solo Ascent: Aug. 20,1980, Reinhold Messner, IT, via the NE Ridge to North Face.
First winter Ascent: Feb. 17,1980 -L.Cichy and K. Wielicki, POL.
First Ascent by an American: May 1,1963, James Whittaker, via the South-Col
Mt. Everest rises a few millimeters each year due to geological forces.
Everest Name: Sir George Everest was the first person to record the height and location of Mt. Everest. This is where Mt."Everest" got its name in English.
First Ascent by a Woman: May 16,1975, Junko Tabei, JAP, via the South-Col.
First Ascent by an American Woman: Sep.29,1988, Stacey Allison, Portland, OR via the South-East Ridge.
First Oxygenless Ascent: May 8, 1978- Reinhold Messner, IT, and Peter Habeler, AUT, via the South-East Ridge.
First woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest from both north and south sides: Cathy O'Dowd (S.A.) South May 25,1996/North '99.
Fastest Ascent from South: Babu Chhiri Sherpa 34, NP-16 hours and 56 minutes (5-21-2000).
Fastest Ascent (north side): Hans Kammerlander (IT) May,24,1996, via the standard North Col Ridge Route, 16 hours 45 minutes from base camp.
Youngest person: Temba Tsheri (NP) 15 on May,22,2001.
Oldest Person: Sherman Bull May,25,2001 -64 yrs.
First Legally Blind Person: Erik Weihenmeyer May,25,2001.
Most Ascents: Eleven, 24th May 2000 Appa Sherpa became the first person to climb Everest 11 times. All ascents were oxygen-less.
Best and Worst Years on Everest: 1993, 129 summitted and eight died (a ratio of 16:1); in 1996, 98 summited and 15 died (a ratio of 6½:1).
Highest cause cause of death: Avalanches-about a (2:1) ratio over falls.
Country with most deaths on mountain: Nepal-46.
Most dangerous area on mountain: Khumbu Ice Fall-19 deaths.
First ski descent: Davo Karnicar (Slovenia) 10-7-2000.
Last year without ascent: 1977.
Corpses remaining on Everest: about 120.
Longest stay on top: Babu Chiri Sherpa stayed at the summit a full 21 hours and a half.
Largest team: In 1975, China tackled Everest with a 410-member team.
Fastest descent: In 1988, Jean-Marc Boivin of France descended from the top in just 11 minutes, paragliding.
Only climber to climb all 4 sides of Everest: Kushang Sherpa, now an instructor with Himlayan Mountaineering Institute.
First person to hike from sea level to summit, no oxygen: 11th May 1990,Tim Macartney-Snape, Australian.
Largest number to reach the top in one day: 40, on May 10, 1993.
First person to summit Everest twice: Nawang Gombu-Nepal(once with Whitaker in '63,and again two years later in '65). Gombu now works for the Himalayan mountaineering institute.
The oldest woman to summit: Anna Czerwinska, age 50, May 22, 2000.

A Dramatic End

"Every child should have mudpies, grasshoppers, waterbugs, tadpoles, frogs, mud turtles, elderberries, wild strawberries, acorns, chestnuts, trees to climb, animals to pet, hayfields, pinecones, rocks to roll, sand snakes, huckleberries and hornets. Any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of his education." Luther Burbank, 1849-1926

About a year and a half ago, Chelsea received this unique gift as a joke from a caring cousin who was thinking of her as he strolled through an exotic bug show in Salt Lake. It was a Vietnamese Centipede. You most likely have never seen one of these unless you have been to our house or the Hogle Zoo. They are a very interesting arthropod that eats crickets, cock roaches, and yes, even baby mice. They are large, aggressive, and medically significant. They are found throughout the worlds' tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia.

"The Vietnamese Centipede is the only species that has a human death attributed to it. The only reported fatal case was in the Philippines; the centipede bit a seven-year old girl on her head, and she lived for another 29 hours. Even though death from a bite of the Vietnamese Centipede is almost unheard of, the venom is said to cause extreme pain, therefore you want to exercise care with this centipede."

The person who sold it to cousin Steele said that in his military experience, he had been shot with a gun and stung by one of these critters. Between the two, he would take the gunshot any day because it was less painful. Wow.

You can imagine my horror/delight when Chelsea moved home and brought the "thing" with her. My biggest fear was that its cage might get knocked off the shelf or carelessly left open. Or perhaps when feeding it or changing its water or bark, it might escape or bite.

Chelsea lined the cage with about two inches of shredded bark. Sometimes when walking by the cage you would think that there was nothing inside because the centipede would burrow itself deep down under the bark with not a piece of it showing. Pretty freaky.

Sometimes when Chelsea would feed it, Mr. V.C. would lunge on the food very aggressively, clasping it with eight or so of its legs and pass it right on up its legs until it reached its mouth, sswallowing the food whole.

I had a love/hate relationship with this "thing." I hated it because it was such a dangerous, disgusting looking arthropod for which I felt responsible and liable, but I loved watching it because it was so interesting.

Its cage sat on top of a bookcase in the library about chest high. Each time I walked through the library to the craft room (which is many, many times a day), I would watch it. And I would stare at it to see what it was doing. I didn't realize how much time I spent looking at it until Chelsea moved back to Salt Lake and took the "thing" with her. I suddenly realized how much I missed it and enjoyed observing it. Oh my. I felt a void in my life, believe it or not!

When she returned Mr. V.C. and its cage last fall to be in a warmer environment through the winter, I felt the love/hate thing all over. And once again I watched it, fascinated by all those legs and mean pincers in front and back.

Well, two days ago, Chelsea and I noticed some strange behavior in the cage. Mr. V.C. began marking the perimeter of the whole cage with a clear fluid like substance, much like a dog would mark territory in the forest. We watched it on and off throughout the evening. We had never seen it act like this.

Chelsea left to go back to Salt Lake and I kept an eye on it. Shortly after she left, it extended itself along one side of the cage (about 10-12 inches long), laid on its back and rested. In some of its legs it clutched a piece of wood - why, I don't know. I sprinkled a bit of water on it to see if it was still alive. It was for a while, but the next morning, it was gone. Like a bad dream. Toast. Never to bite or worry about again.

It was an interesting "pet" in a sense, and we learned alot. Its behaviors were fascinating. But now, I can sigh in relief. RIP, Mr. V.C. 2/26/12.

My Valentine

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I Like Clever People

I really enjoy fun, clever people who are witty and smart. This posting made me chuckle.

C, an E-flat, and G go into a bar. The bartender says: "Sorry, but we don't serve minors." So, the E-flat leaves, and the C and the G have an open fifth between them. After a few drinks, the fifth is diminished: the G is out flat.

An F comes in and tries to augment the situation, but is not sharp enough. A D comes into the bar and heads straight for the bathroom saying, "Excuse me, I'll just be a second."

An A comes into the bar, but the bartender is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor. Then the bartender notices a B-flat hiding at the end of the bar and exclaims: "Get out now! You're the seventh minor I've found in this bar tonight." The E-flat, not easily deflated, comes back to the bar the next night in a 3-piece suit with nicely shined shoes.

The bartender (who used to have a nice corporate job until his company downsized) says: "You're looking sharp tonight, come on in! This could be a major development."

This proves to be the case, as the E-flat takes off the suit and stands there au natural. Eventually, the C sobers up and realizes in horror that he's under a rest. The C is brought to trial, is found guilty of contributing to the diminution of a minor, and is sentenced to 10 years of DS without Coda at an upscale correctional facility.

On appeal, however, the C is found innocent of any wrongdoing, even accidental, and that all accusations to the contrary are bassless. The bartender decides, however,
that since he's only had tenor so patrons, the soprano out in the bathroom, and everything has become alto much treble, he needs a rest and closes the bar.

A Little Bit of First Things First

Here is the talk I gave in church today.

YSA 18th Ward Sacrament Talk
January 15, 2012
Meg Naisbitt

January is the time when we begin a new year. I rejoice at the beginning of a new year. I love the idea of being able to remodel my life – to tear out and haul away things that didn’t work and to build and beautify the things that worked. For years, I have kept a journal and have always tried to include an entry around the 1st of the year to list the things that I accomplished and then to make my resolutions for the New Year. In preparing this talk, I took some time to review many years of resolutions. I was quite amazed to see how many of the resolutions repeated themselves, but also to see a common thread about being less busy and making time for things that matter most.

I have been asked to speak on gospel oriented goals and Christ centered resolutions. To me, this means putting first things first. As Steven R. Covey states, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

This ward is for young single adults, ages 18 to 30. This time of your life is probably the most critical, crucial time for making good decisions - decisions about jobs, careers, education, friends, dates, marriage, and what you are going to be and do when you grow up.

These factors all present increased demands on your time and abilities. There may be the temptation to devote all of your time and talents to success in school or a job while putting church and other obligations “temporarily” on the back burner. Some may rationalize and say, “Don’t make such a big deal out of this. It’s not like I’m going to leave the church or something. I know it’s true. I just need to focus on my schooling or job for a limited period of time, and if I do, it will be a set up for me and my future family for the rest of our lives.” What is wrong with that?

It entails the idea that there is something unique or unusual about that demands of school or a job that justifies relaxing our covenants with the Lord during that time. You are not seeking permanent inactivity from serving the Lord, but just a brief sabbatical. The fundamental premise is that this is a once-in-a lifetime challenge that you won’t have to face again in the future.

That premise is false.

The temptation to put the church on the back burner to study or work is no different than the temptation to do so when you start a small business, gain a promotion, or try to hold on to your job during a recession. If you give in to these temptations this time, it will only be more difficult to resist the next time around.

When I was 19, I spent a year in Japan living with a Japanese family and teaching English at a private Buddhist University. The very first day I was there, my Japanese mother invited four or five friends over to welcome me and to perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. All of them wore beautiful silk kimonos and spent about 20 or 30 minutes performing this cultural tea ceremony where they presented me with a bowl of tea. This was my very first encounter with my Japanese mom and I knew that one of the worst things one could do in the Japanese culture is to embarrass an elderly person in front of her peers. Knowing very little Japanese there was no way I could explain the Word of Wisdom to the women graciously.

I felt this huge amount of pressure trying to figure out what I was going to do. If I just accepted the bowl and pretended to sip a little of the tea, I wouldn’t embarrass anyone and I wouldn’t be breaking the Word of Wisdom, but on the other hand, I wouldn’t be doing myself justice in the future because they wouldn’t know my stance or beliefs.

Upon handing me the bowl and I said, “Domo arigato gosaimasu” or “thank you very much”. I then I shook my head and said, “Watashi wa Morumon desu” (I am a Mormon), and as graciously as I could, I handed the bowl back to them. I knew if I gave in, it would only be more difficult to explain the next time around. The next day, my Japanese professor in charge of the program explained to the mom that I was a Mormon and that Mormons had a code against drinking coffee, tea and alcoholic drinks.

The Lord searches for those who will serve him no matter what the situation. I tell this story to show that in your lives there will be instances where the pressure to make exceptions to your gospel commitments can be very great. Those who establish their response to such pressures will find themselves better able to withstand pressures later. This is a way that we make gospel oriented goals and Christ like resolutions.

A scripture in 2 Nephi 28:30 states, “For behold, thus saith the Lord God; I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom, for unto him that receiveth I will give more; …”

I was so touched Brandon’s testimony last week when he spoke of his experiences in ringing a bell for the Salvation Army at Christmastime. My awareness was increased as I heard him talk about standing in the cold, day after day, and the kindnesses extended to him from true Christians – some who brought meals, hot chocolate, and warm clothing like the pair of gloves on the cold day when he forgot his.

These little kindnesses make a world of difference in people’s lives. I read an article last week that said, “If you want to accomplish great things in this new year, think small! Toss out the grandiose ideas and goals, and think about making improvements on a smaller scale. Thinking small, when it comes to setting goals for ourselves, will quickly replace the feeling of looming failure that often accompanies big goal setting, with the attitude, “I can do this!”

So many things in our lives are determined by small, little decisions that we make each day. Those small decisions actually have the ability to point each of us in a total different direction long term. Jim Rohn, (a successful businessman, author and speaker from Idaho) said, “You don’t have to change that much for it to make a great deal of difference. A few simple disciplines can have a major impact on how your life works out in the next 90 days, let alone in the next 12 months or the next three years.” In Doctine and Covenants, 64:33 it states,

And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

The prophet Nephi said in 1 Nephi 16:29, “…And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” These little small and simple changes are more affective in producing a lasting transformation in behavior.

When my husband was about nine, he played Little League on his big brother’s team. Everyone was two years older than he was. They would always put him at the very end to bat because he wasn’t very good. One time, it was the ninth inning with two outs, score tied, bases loaded and it was Mark’s turn at bat.

Everyone on the team kind of cringed, thinking that he would lose the game for them. Mark said that his coach came up to him and whispered, “Just hit it a little bit, that’s all you need to do. Just a little bit.” All of a sudden, Mark felt this encouraging surge of power. The pitcher threw the ball. Mark concentrated so hard just to hit a little bit that he felt like the whole ball was in slow motion. He swung and hit the ball, --- just a little bit. It dribbled past the catcher and the short stop fumbled it. It was just enough to get him on base and a runner in. To this day, Mark will tell you that that advise was a tipping point for him. It was so impressionable, that today, his email address is litbit@comcast.net.

So as we start this New Year, let’s maybe think small about making some lasting changes in our lives. Whether we want to lose weight, read our scriptures,

daily prayer or service. 100 calories less a day is something doable. “And five minutes of daily scripture study is better than nothing, and allows us to receive of Heavenly Father’s blessings for keeping his commandments to read the scriptures daily.” Make a little difference in someone’s life by smiling at them, or saying a kind word to the grocery store clerk or giving some hot chocolate to the Salvation Army bell ringer can make an impressionable difference.

One time Chase was out mowing the lawn and he ran into a rose bush and broke off a branch.

Soon there were beautiful roses in a little vase of water that he put on the counter. I thought he was so thoughtful and it made my day. I had no idea that he was salvaging the rose bush that he broke. Another time I was out of town. When I came home, my kids had left some dried flowers in a paper wrap like a snow cone cup on my pillow. They wrote on a little piece of paper, “We missed you.” It melted my heart. Those little things make a big difference.

It is my prayer that we all strive to make some gospel centered goals and some Christ like resolutions this year. In closing, I would like to bear my testimony of Jesus Christ. He lives. He knows each of us. He loves us and he is our Savior and Redeemer. He is our advocate with the father and gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. As we renew our covenants and partake of the Sacrament each week, it is my hope that we will seek to put first things first and to always remember Him.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I Love Ogden

I have spent the better part of my life in Ogden. I love Ogden. I love the diversity of Ogden. I love the people in Ogden. I love the beauty of Ogden. And today, especially today, I love the kindness and love shown when one of our own OPD officers was senselessly snuffed out.

I didn't know Officer Francom. I never met him, never saw him and never talked with him. But I went to his funeral. And I cried. In fact, I cried at 8 a.m. this morning as I drove home from my Crossfit class at the Ogden Athletic Club and saw just a portion of the 5000 flags that lined Harrison Boulevard. Yes, 5000 beautiful American flags gently swaying in the breeze. 5000 flags put up by people who care, symbolizing love and solidarity for a fallen officer.

At 10:00 a.m., I had a meeting in the Weber County Commission chambers. I altered my normal driving pattern on the back roads just to follow the flags along Harrison Blvd., down 30th St. and then north on Washington Blvd. What a beautiful sight. Big blue ribbons were tied around the pillars of the Market Star building, around doors, on lampposts, and what not. After my meeting, I walked by the County Attorney's office and observed a green sign stating, "Office closed till 3:00 p.m." It was such an appropriate thing to allow them the opportunity to attend the funeral. And such was the case with Ogden City and its employees.

Being so overwhelmed with gratitude and sorrow, I decided to attend the funeral. These situations are rare and special and I was glad to have some free time. I drove to the Dee Events center and parked next to a Logan police car. My parking spot wasn't unique. I could have parked by any number of police cars for the whole parking lot was filled with police motorcycles and cars from jurisdictions far and wide. Upon entering the building, it was overwhelming to see hundreds and hundreds of uniformed officers filling seats in every section. I have never seen a sight quite like that.

The funeral was lovely. The speakers and beautiful music did Officer Francom justice. We all enjoyed an inside view about Jared, his passions, his family, and his desires. He was a very caring person who wanted to help. That love and desire spilled on to so many people who surrounded him.

Following the funeral, police officers lined the hallways paying their respects to the family and for one of their own. Their cars and motorcycles filled the streets all the way to the Ogden City Cemetery as did the flags and bystanders waving flags in their hands. It made my heart proud to see so much love, care and concern expressed by a community trying to ease the pain for a little family now fatherless and for those officers who put their life on the lines to protect our freedoms.

All I can say is I love you, Ogden. I am so sorry for what happened, but I am proud to be an Ogdenite. I send my love to the Francom family and the other officers involved. Thank you for your service.

Not So Bigness

In my early married years, I was fanatical about the house. Every night after I put our little ones to bed, I spent the next hour or so putting every toy, shoe, sock, book, paper, or whatever back into its "proper" place. The kitchen garbage went out to the dumpster (partially because we lived in New Jersey where cockroaches came out of the woodwork when darkness descended), the dishes were re stacked on the shelves, the floor was swept, and clean laundry was folded and placed in the drawers.

I made up bottles of formula, restocked diapers, and prepared every needful thing to ease the onslaught of surviving a new day. Any remaining time which was very little was spent reading or doing needlework before hitting the sack with total exhaustion. A clean house gave me a sense of control and established some structure over my otherwise hectic, chaotic life with newbie twins, a two year old, and a husband in a stressful, demanding residency program. I longed for the day of having a minute of leisure time to pursue a hobby, to chew the fat, or enjoy some peace and serenity in life.

Those years are long gone and I now have the luxury of deciding what to do with my time. I no longer have the urge or desire to straighten my house each night or run the garbage out except when it overflows. I miss reading stories to my kids and watching them discover the magic ball of a potato bug.

I miss sitting on the steps of the front porch for hours on end while they played outside.

I miss watching them drag their little plastic three wheelers up the hill then racing down as fast as possible, squealing with delight over and over again. But I don't miss the hectic pace that life delivered each day.

As each New Year approaches, I like to evaluate things from the prior year to determine what worked or didn't work and what I would like to change or accomplish. Last year was not a stellar year. I feel it was more a year of existing or rebuilding things to their status quo rather than creating. Much of it was spent on things I really didn't want to do. The non essentials or things that are supposed to enhance and enrich life life overtook the essentials, or those things I feel provide the basic structure and foundation to keep me balanced and centered.

For example, in January, 78,000 gallons of water burst through our second home in Brian Head. We thought all was under control until April when the insurance company sent up some water mitigation folks to make a final inspection before closing the file. That was when all *&%$#* broke loose. Upon measuring a high water content throughout the house, they tore up hardwood floors, sheet rock, insulation, cabinets, toilets, etc. Our house was in shambles. It took months and many weekends to put it back together. Way too many weekends. And way too much worry. This is a place that was meant to provide relaxation and serenity to life.

Last fall, after spending hours and days blowing leaves, mulching, sweeping and cleaning the yard, the hellacious December windstorm struck with 102 mph winds. We lost huge trees, bushes, and electricity. Our yard was strewn with branches and leaves resulting in six truckloads of stuff collected and hauled off to the green station. The newly installed soffit and fascia blew off our home along with shingles on the roof of an apartment building we own. Waaa, waaa, waaa.

If nothing else, it reinforces the fact that we cannot always control external situations. These things happen. But what I realize, is that many of the things I can control such as clubs, boards, concerts, galas, external obligations, subscription series, etc. were so jam packed in my year that I had little flexibility to spend time elsewhere.

With that in mind, I have decided to remodel my life and clean out much of the clutter. I desire to spend more time being present with Mark, to be perhaps a bit more free for spontaneity, and to be available to serve or help where needed. I like the "Not So Big Life" concept to make room for what really matters. Can I really do it?

Quote:
“There is one thing in this world that you must never forget to do. If you forget everything else and not this, there’s nothing to worry about, but if you remember everything else, and forget this, then you will have done nothing in your life.

It’s as if a king has sent you to some country to do a task, and you perform a hundred other services, but not the one he sent you to do. So human beings come to this world to do particular work. That work is the purpose, and each is specific to the person. If you don’t do it, it’s as though a priceless Indian sword were used to slice rotten meat. It’s a golden bowl being used to cook turnips, when one filing from the bowl could buy a hundred suitable pots. It’s a knife of the finest tempering nailed into a wall to hang things on.

You say, “But look, I’m using the dagger. It’s not lying idle.”

Do you hear how ludicrous that sounds? For a penny, an iron nail could be bought to serve the purpose. You say, “But I spend my energies on lofty enterprises. I study jurisprudence and philosophy and logic and astronomy and medicine and all the rest.” But consider why you do those things. They are all branches of yourself.

Remember the deep root of your being, the presence of your lord. Give your life to the one who already owns your breath and your moments. If you don’t, you will be exactly like the man who takes a precious dagger and hammers it into his kitchen wall for a peg to hold his dipper gourd. You’ll be wasting valuable keenness and foolishly ignoring your dignity and your purpose.”-Rumi

This whole concept of not so big may sound ironic as we prepare to leave in April
for base camp of Mt. Everest, the biggest, most majestic mountain in the world. But in one sense, I have had to clear my life to do something I have always wanted to experience, something that matters to me. I am gently reminded that Mark and I are not getting any younger, so if we don't make arrangements and prepare now, when will we ever do it?

I guess it boils down to taking a look at my life, deciding what I want to do, what I want to accomplish, how I want to do that, and pruning those things that detract. I look forward to a new year and the opportunity of making it meaningful. I have begun my life's remodel. Let's see how it goes!