What can I say...maybe I'm finally growing up.  After all, you're only young once...but you can be immature forever...

...or not.

If Maturity means getting things done even when you don't want to, then perhaps I'm not quite there yet.  I'm having a "lazy day".  Some plans I had for this evening fell thru and here I am; writing a 'blog post because of all the productive ways I could be spending my downtime, this is the easiest.

I'm growing my hair.  Why?  Because I'm nearly 50 years old and this may be the last opportunity I have to enjoy having long hair before it either turns grey, or starts falling out (or both!).  I may even keep it long up until I go to visit the folks next month...whereupon I could offer my Dad the opportunity of cutting my hair like he used to do when I was a kid.  I'm not sure he would enjoy that, I used to give him a lot of guff about it.  As the son of an Air Force Officer, long hair was just not in the equation.

It's Ok, but a whole lot more care involved than when I kept it short.

I'm also looking for a new vehicle.  I have confirmed that the Quest will NOT exceed 18 mpg in the city and with gas at 1.50$ plus a liter, that will not do.  I can hypermile to extend the van's range...but that only works up to a point and can put serious strain on the transmission and starter of an older vehicle.  I was thinking of a PT Cruiser.  A 2001-2004 model with a manual transmission (easier to hypermile)...but I can't really afford one.  I was even getting nostalgic for my old Mk III Caravan!  That model is available on the junker market, but not for the 200$ that I bought each of my previous 2 Caravan's for.  But it's close - especially if you figure in what I spent re-building Mean Green's engine.  The Elio - my dream vehicle with the 68 mpg fuel economy - will not be available in the NA market until later this year (if ever) and is unlikely to be available in Canada until next year (if ever).

I finally have a career goal in mind.  I can learn most of what I need to know online, but I will need a two-year certification course at some point.  Acquiring the books and courses would be easier if I had any money left at this point.  Wah.  Still getting started on it...the parts that don't require any money, that is.

So my money situation is contracting...I'm now dipping into my savings, the spendthrift days of money flowing like water are over.  I'm not even unemployed yet!  Lucky me.  HBC does seem to be in it for the long haul but if the economy doesn't pick up soon...I don't know how much more the company can cut and still stay in business.  Not really itching to find out, either.  So I have decided on a backup plan...and as the plan is not completely formed yet, that's all I'm going to say about it at the moment.

I have been called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency.  Obviously the Bishopric has some plans for me...and who am I to argue?  I had already decided on a life of service and activity in the Church...but still, this came as a bit of a surprise.  Not sure what I'm supposed to do.  Should be reading my Leadership Manual!  I'm feeling more than a touch damp behind the ears here, nowhutImean?

And I think it's high time I started dating.  I mean actually setting out some goals and seeing some people and exploring some expectations and what I've really got to offer!  'Cause I'm kind of awesome...

I am thankful for all I have...I have it really good right now (money issues notwithstanding).  The Lord has been very patient and very generous with me...and I have enjoyed all the opportunities I've had to serve...and I am thankful that they are not going away any time soon.  I am thankful for the wisdom and knowledge the Lord has given me, and the opportunities to learn.  So much I don't know!  I am especially grateful for the opportunities to teach the gospel.  I really should get around to reading all of "Preach My Gospel" one day soon.

Annnd.  I think I'll close here.