The Lights at Salem Pond. . .

Last night I had the opportunity to go to Salem pond to see the lights there, they were really quite amazing and I liked them more than the lights at Peteeneet. I highly recommend taking another person along, it makes it so much better -- I can vouch for that.
Well, the year is dying, 2007 will soon be history. Here's a little rundown of what I've been up to this year: I started 2007 in Brno, Czech Republic, little did I know it would be one of my last full weeks there. From there I went to Zlin, and this is where we got our first snow of the season, unfortunately it only lasted two days. When spring arrived, I arrived in Plzen, the city where I finished my mission. On May 18, I finally returned home to Payson, Utah. In the course of those five months, I managed to finish reading the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Convenants in Czech. When I returned Home, I quickly found a job as a custodian at UVSC, the same place where I attend school. I finally decided on Journalism as a career. I've also been on a few dates and life is good. I'm glad that I was able to accomplish so much this year, and I owe it all to my Heavenly Father. I hope that you all may have a wonderful New Year.

JB

The Odd Surprises of Life. . .

Isn't it funny how the most amazing things that happen in life always come out of nowhere. These things sometimes take the form of phone calls, watching movies with friends, and just talking with friends. These things are always most welcome, because we somehow get what we need. It's funny how sometimes we overlook these things because they weren't as we "planned them to be." We shouldn't deny that we are happier because such a thing happened, truly the best things in life come as surprises. Well, I still need more time to think about how I can finish this thought, I'll get back to you when the opportunity presents itself.

JB

Christmas Wish. . .

This year, I was fortunate enough to have a White Christmas, something I have not had in three or four years. The time that we spend with families only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas, take for example: my sister. She loves her family so much and the whole world can see that. This year she worked long and hard so her husband could have a wonderful Christmas as they might not have them for the next few years due to his schooling and preparation for his career. Her sacrifice reminds me of the love that we celebrate today. A man, ordinary in every sense of the word, he was as we were, human. Yet He was also the son of the Living God, extraordinary in every aspect, who came forth that we may live forever -- for this we are in His debt. I cannot help but think of what He personally did for you, and for me. May you feel of His radiance and love, that is my Christmas Wish for you -- not just today, but throughout the entire year. Merry Christmas and God Bless You All.

JB

Inspiration Strikes. . .

Recently I have been able to devote a little more time to my artistic pursuits, for example I have written two new songs in the past week -- one of which is nearly complete, setting a personal record. When it comes to life, I definitely love an emotional roller coaster, because this opens me to new ideas that I can utilize when I write. Sure it is hard on me, but I will survive, not a problem at all. Well, I must be going, I hope that you have a wonderful day and a happy holiday.

JB

My Promise. . .

I recently realized that the most important thing in life is not what I desire. It has and always will be your happiness. To all of my friends and family, I make a promise this day:

I am here, I am steady, and I give to those who ask and I will never ask for anything in return.

JB

Feeling Around in the Dark. . .

Well, today I feel that I did very well on my math final and I'm happy about that. I am kind of stressed about a project I've been working on for a while, it's almost as if I don't know anything. I'm feeling around in the dark for answers, but they're not coming, oh well. I guess that I'll just have to try harder or find a different project to focus on for a while. Well, I hope that you are having a wonderful week, after all, Christmas is at our door.

JB

When It's Least Expected. . .

Well, this evening I was driving home from an activity and I had an impression. Very clearly I knew that I had to find someone in my ward who needed my help, so I looked at my Home Teaching assignment and I'm sure that I got my answer. Isn't it funny how inspiration sometimes hits you like a ton of bricks? Well, now I just need to figure out what to do.

JB

Decorating The Christmas Tree. . .

Well, I wanted to have the Christmas tree decorated before my mother returns from a week in San Antonio. So I asked a friend for help so that I could do it all in one night. It turned out to be a good choice as I had an enjoyable time and I got to know her better. She lights up the room whenever I see her and my days go better. Well, I've said enough.

JB

My Unexpected Day. . .

Today turned out to be a very good day, I got through school and work on a good note and I was about to head to a meeting with the Elder's Quorum Presidency (I was recently called as secretary) when I got word that the meeting was postponed until tomorrow night. When I arrived in Payson, I decided to drive up main street to go home. I got to the stop light before the High School and it hit me that I could catch the last fifteen minutes of Institute. Upon arriving in the parking lot, I nearly left but instead I pulled my car around and found a spot to park. I walked into the building and then into a random class and it happened to be where some of my singles ward friends were. This was definitely an added bonus. After the class was over, I had a nice conversation with Todd and I gave him my extra For The Strength Of The Youth Pamphlet from my wallet, as I had two. I then talked with Guy, and subsequently Ali. So, the moral of the story is that I almost did not go. Instead, I went and had the most enjoyable of times. I am so glad I went and that is what truly matters.

JB

December is here. . .

I woke up yesterday to something that I had not seen in a while, snow. Honestly, it brought me both joy and sorrow. How is it that this one thing can bring so much from both ends of the emotional spectrum? This fact is certainly unexplainable as I am certain that snow is very beauttiful and very fun. However, two main drawbacks exist: snow is cold and snow makes driving into a proverbial nightmare, this true I was sliding, peeling out, and skidding as I drove across town, making a five minute journey into a ten minute ordeal. This is not anything to complain about, but it is duely noted that trips must be planned in order to compensate for this weather.

I am happy to report that my blood pressure is at better levels than a few months ago, and for clarification, I was not unhealthy, just out of shape. Now I am running at peak efficiency and I even ran my fastest mile and a half ever, setting a personal best at 9:11. Roughly about 10 mph for the duration of the run, I am guessing that my mile time was just under 6 minutes which is faster than I was in high school. Well, I have ranted enough for one day, adieu.

JB

Czech Lesson. . . One

Well, today I wanted to review my Czech so I can keep up fluency. Due to this, I want to teach you a few words and phrases:

• Hello - Dobrý Den (Dough-bree Den)
  
• Hi, Bye - Čau (Ciao - same as Italian)
  
• Good Bye - Na Shledáno (Nah Sled-a-no)

***

• How are you? - Jak se Máš? (Jahk seh Mah-sh)
  
• I am well. - Mám se dobře. (Mahm se Dober-zhe) zh makes a sound like the si in vision.

Note: In reality, the ř makes a combined sound of a rolled R and a ZH. It is very difficult for beginners and even natives. This is why I divide it up into two seperate syllables instead of one, this makes it understandable yet pronouncable, at least until you get the hang of it.

***

• Thank You. - Děkují. (d-yeh-ku-yee)
  
• Thanks. - Díky. (d-yee-kee)

***

Well, that's it for today, I hope you enjoyed, please get me some feedback, I would love to continue this.

JB

My Idea. . .

I have done a lot of thinking about this over the past month: How can I revolutionize journalism for the twenty-first century? Recently I read an article which inspired me to this idea. The article may or may not have been talking directly about what I got out of it, but that is okay. It called for an untainted source of news for the masses, or in other words, a NON-PROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION. As soon as I figure out the details of what I have to do in order to make this happen, I will get to work, it is now a new dream of mine and I feel really good about it. At first I will have to say that it will be on the internet before it is ever in print as it is cheaper online and I can still spread it to a large audience, provided I have help and motivation to do so. Alas, I must finish school before I can fully realize this dream. This does not mean I will not start with baby steps. After all, I created The Daily Drain for the purpose of getting the facts out, as soon as I learn them.

A Sunset. . .

Over the past few months, I've been working at night. Not until recently did I realize exactly what my job had taken from me. For example, every day I catch a glimpse of the sun as it is setting, unfortunately I am busy vacuuming at the same time. The aestetic apeal is gone at that very moment. Oh how I miss the days when I would sit on the back porch and watch the sunset. I would think about life and just enjoy a purely aestetic moment, on a daily basis. Where did all those moments go? I certainly hope they are still out there waiting to be found. . . and not inside my vacuum. So the next chance you get, watch the sun as it sets, I know I will.

Beards. . .

I said that I had fun shaving, here are four pictures of me, with four different beards.
Full Beard
Greek Beard
Goatee
Handlebar Mustache

(This one's for my brother Rob, I thought he'd get a kick out of it.)

This what five days of not shaving will do to me. Unfortunately, I like shaving every day. Thus, you probably will not see me sporting any of these styles on the street very often.

Happy Holidays!

Review -- Occidentalism: The West in the Eyes of its Enemies

This is my first book review, so I hope that it does justice to the book.

Today I finished (and started) reading a book entitled Occidentalism by Ian Buruma & Avishai Margalit. I found this book very interesting, especially since I enjoy dabbling in philosophy and ethics. The entire basis of the book is what opponents of Western Thought find so offensive and also why they would choose to attack any nation or culture that falls into the category of the West. The book explains several major parties in history including Shinto in Japan, Nazi ideals, Islamic radicals today, as well as the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. I found it to be very informative and well-structured with an index in the back so one could easily find a specific subject or topic. Quoting from the book: "The dehumanizing of the West painted by its enemies is what we have called Occidentalism." (page 5) The professionalism and clarity with which this subject was presented earns a 4.5 out of 5. However, I recommend this book only to those who enjoy a philosophic discussion or those who would wish to empathize (not to be confused with sympathizing) with Occidentalist enemies: past, present, and future.

JB

My Absence. . .

I'm sorry that I have not written in the past few days, I have been very busy. This Thanksgiving holiday has been absolutely amazing, I enjoyed a night at my brother's apartment in Pleasant Grove on Wednesday, we spent some time playing the Wii. On Thursday, I drove down in the morning to my house in Payson to help my Dad finish a room in our basement, then the feast began. Friday, we went to breakfast at IHOP, it was quite delicious, when we got home I decided to have some fun while shaving -- I have not posted pictures yet but soon will. Then I hosted some friends as we practiced to sing Christmas Carols at Peteetneet School in Payson for their program when they turned their lights on. After that, the highlight of my day, Mexican Food with the most interesting person in the world, I am still figuring out what makes Ali so interesting. Well that is a discussion for another time, I am still finding my thoughts on that subject.

Dilemma. . . What To Do?

I thik it is safe to say that life is full of twists and turns. The other day I was asked to sing in a vocal quartet and I would have to say that I was honored. A few days later, I found out that two of the people wouldn't be able to participate, so now I'm singing in a duet. Well, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. . .it's turned into a good opportunity to become better acquainted with a good friend, so I definitely can't frown at it. I'm so grateful for the twists and turns of life.

JB

How Do You Survive When It's Cold Outside?

Today, I was walking to my classes and I realized that it was pretty cold outside and I was just wondering, why didn't I have a better jacket. I would like to say that I did something about it, but no, I froze for the few minutes I was outside. I am so glad that the school is nice and warm inside. I realize how random this may seem, but I deem it sufficient for me to write today, seeing as I have no other things which I am willing to discuss at this moment. I am very happy to be finished with classes this week and I am also very happy to almost be done with work as well. Here's some food for thought with this being Thanksgiving week: "What are you thankful for?"

JB

Do Not Murmur. . .God Will Hear

This experience come from a simpler time: during my LDS mission in the Czech Republic -- One day, about a year ago in November 2006, we had been out on the street for hours trying to get people to talk to us. About this time it started to rain and I will have to admit, I was not very happy with this new development. As we walked to a tram stop in order to catch a ride home, I remember commenting on the rain to myself in a sarcastic manner, I only said one word -- "Thanks!" Immediately the rain began to pour down harder than before. I realized my error and immediately apologized "I'm sorry." At once the rain let up to a light drizzle. In that moment I learned a valuable lesson -- Do Not Murmur. . . God Will Hear.

JB

Well, I finally have a blog. . .

Recently I've been thinking a lot about life. I then realized that if I was going to be journalist, I must have a blog. I hope this will suffice. When school calms down I actually want to start writing a series of posts about Czech National History, My Experiences from Life, and a Spotlight on my Family and Friends. Until then I'll do my best to give you the news as it happens.

JB