I guess by “structure” I am talking about having rules that I am required to live by. I often admire and am sometimes irritated by those who don’t seem to need rules to live by or those who make a habit of not living by rules and yet still find success and recognition.

Besides structure, another thing that helps me work effectively is a feeling of accomplishment, which can be hard to come by when you’re doing biological research. A lot of the time it just feels like you’re spinning your wheels. It’s frustrating.

At the same time, it’s a good opportunity to learn to work hard and effectively in the absense of structure and measurable progress.

I find it curious that in your quest for structure, you fail to apply it in the definition of the very thing you seek more structure from. :-)

I have often been confused at what the purpose of the HPG really is in the ward, other than proxy representation for the stake presidency. It just seems like an org unit that wasn’t really well thought out. It’s trying to be a presidency, without the authority that a presidency carries.

Would I be off base in suggesting that all you do is organize home teaching and temple trips, and have a lesson once a week?

Anyway… Back to your question. I crave structure, definition, and order. I like a predictable, comfortable framework that I can rely on. If HIS is a house of order, how can it be any other way?

When we were first called as a presidency

HPGL’s aren’t in a presidency. The presidency of the HPG is the Stake Presidency.

I’ve gotten better at being more spontaneous and I worry less (which I owe to my husband’s personality), but I still need some structure –puncuality and responsibility also fit nicely in there.

But just like Susan, I usually have to be held accountable by someone else. I run 4 miles every morning (okay, most mornings), but only because my friend goes with me. My house stays clean most of the time –but only because I teach piano lessons, and I want to have some kind of professionalism when they arrive. It’s funny how divided I feel in the “structure” respect, because honestly, when it comes to church things (meetings, practices, etc.) I usually don’t need to report to somebody to get it done. But if it’s personal (like housework and exercise), I do. Go figure.