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