Travel Tip #2 - Locke's Tip

"A leader can't lead until he knows where he's going." - John Locke, season 1, episode 5 of LOST

LOST is a great show on many levels, but this scene with Locke and Jack is one of my all-time favorites. It's at the beginning, when characters are still figuring out who they are going to be, and the audience is wondering. Jack, in this particular episode, is struggling, chasing something, and wrestling with identity issues. He is questioning his strength and leadership capabilities. And it is here where John Locke offers him some great advice -the quote above.

And Locke is right. I've been on many trips, and although it is sometimes fun to freely explore the surroundings, wandering spontaneously without a plan, the best leaders always have a map to come back to. What is a building without structure? A school without some rules? A relationship without guidelines? I am convinced that everything in life is working toward a goal, whether we are aware of it or not. This is true for a good leader. No one's going to follow you, unless you first know where you're going and how to get there. So, take a look at the map.

10 Movies that Mean Something

Over the past few weeks I have had more time on my hands than normal. This, of course, means that I have had the wonderful, relaxing priviledge of sitting for hours in front of the TV. So, it's only fitting that my next list should be about movies. Here are 10 that I have enjoyed, learned from, and replayed throughout the years:

~ (500) Days of Summer: Okay, so this is a new movie, which I've only seen once, but I loved it. The soundtrack, the skipping around of days, the witty dialogue all make this one I want to buy.

~ Elizabethtown: This may just be my ultimate favorite. I saw it for the first time this summer (I have no clue where I was when it really came out!) and watched it for a second time right after. It's kind of long, but so worth the watch. It has the best road trip scenes I have ever come across and there are tons of quotable parts!

~ Paycheck: My favorite action movie. It's easy enough to understand, invites you to figure things out along with the main character, and is not only about blowing things up, though there is that too.

~ The Dust Factory: This one is not as well known as most on this list. Plus, I've tried watching it with some of my friends and none of them understand my interest. I do admit, it's somewhat strange, but includes intriguing thoughts on Heaven and Hell and will definitely spur discussion.

~ Dan in Real Life: The most real romantic comedy I have ever seen. Steve Carell is hilarious in a much more subtle way than we're used to seeing him.

~ The Village: Utopian societies always peak my interest. Enough said...

~ Pride and Prejudice (the 5 hour BBC version): This had to be on the list. I don't think I could be considered a true reader, let alone a girl, if I didn't love this. I've only seen it once, but give me a bit of credit because I saw it in England. It's great how closely it sticks to the book and of course includes the wonderful wit of Darcy and Elizabeth.

~ Pride and Prejudice -A latter day comedy (the mormon version): Thanks to my roommate who has this on her favorites list, now I do too. The story is familiar but with a twist. It is a low budget film, but is high in quality.

~ That Thing You Do: If you haven't seen this, shame on you! It's classic. The music, the cast, the Oneders, the whole thing is a blast from the past, in the good way.

~ Red Eye: Creepy psychological thriller that's almost all talk and not action. I love how even when confined to two seats on an airplane, the dialogue can still completely scare you. The acting is great and the script reveals just how powerful words can be.

What movies are on your list?

Random Travel Tip #1 - Single Steps

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

Let's face it, the first step is always the hardest. I don't know about you, but every day I find myself in the exact same position. Whether it's having the stamina to wake up in the morning, the self-control to pick the healthy food at meal time, or the drive to keep my priorities straight, I am continually fighting to start moving. But I've come to the realization that once moving, it's easy to continue. 

Once I am finally out of bed for the day, I am good to go. In fact, it's normally difficult to get myself back to sleep when the next night arrives. After I pick out a healthy meal, I eat it, enjoy it, and usually feel satisfied enough to do it again. As for keeping my priorities straight, the more time I spend at the prayer chapel, gym, or library, the more time I want to spend in those places. 

I'm guessing the trip to gain knowledge or health isn't the exact scenario Tzu had in mind when he came up with his wise words. But any journey begins with a single step. With the willingness and determination to lift your feet off the front porch and onto the road, anything is possible. You never know when your own steps will take you a thousand miles. And even if you don't get that far, at least you'll be a step closer. 

Oxford

I'm in love with a place
That isn't here
Somewhere far away
Distant and surreal
With pastel buildings
And spires made of dreams
I long with a passion
To be back in this scene
The miles of cobblestone
Layers of fog
The details on gateways
And swans at the pond
The cheese and the chocolate
And thinkers of old
I'm in love with this city
Far away down the road

Mist

On the road you travel

There will sometimes be mist

One minute you can see clearly

The next all certainty is gone

The fog gets thick

And you can no longer see

More than two steps

In front of you

You cautiously follow

What you hope you will find

After the next step

One foot in front of the other

Until it is suddenly clear again

Dear Friend

Dear friend, 
You may not know me well yet, or maybe you've known me forever, but either way I think it's about time I say thank you.
Thank you for the way you always look me in the eyes, even before I know who you are.
For the smiles you send my direction and the intentional way you call me by name as soon as you know it.
Thanks for the genuine excitement you have whenever you see me.
The dinner discussions, the coffee dates, and the midnight chats make me smile with content every time.
Your eye rolls in class make me laugh and so do the many times you voice exactly what I'm thinking. 
Traveling together, learning together, serving together, makes my life great.
Just so you know, I'm grateful that you hug me even though I squirm. That in spite of my complaints you push me to be better. The times you criticize me make a difference.
Thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt. For sticking by me on the bad days, not merely the good ones. 
Thanks for the inside jokes, the insightful comments, the secret sharing.
I love the fact that you humor me, listening one too many times to the same story, being patient when I need to rant or talk something through. 
You daily teach me loyalty, accountability, and community.
I am so glad that you are here. 
That you invite me out. Invite me in. 
You might not always feel like that great of a friend. Like what you do or who you are matters.
But it does.
I've noticed. And so,
Thank you!
Yours truly,
Amy

Happy New Year!

2010.

The 2 times I looked at my watch and wondered why I couldn't just go to bed before midnight.

The os of surprise as we played stupid party games.

The knowledge that 1 night celebrating, 1 year behind us, and 1 life ahead is a gift.

The waiting for the next time there will be 0 days before the new year.