What a beautiful mess (better known as my life)!

I guess I ought to update this thing since I haven't been on here in several months...

My life is great! I'm having so much fun! I've been so busy with things that I don't get much downtime anymore. It's good to keep busy with productive things, but I do wish occasionally for some downtime where I could do nothing but relax. Maybe someday in the future (probably when I'm old and bald) it will happen. Until then, I've gotta make the most out of every moment!

The semester is now winding down. I've done pretty well overall. Not perfect, but pretty good. I only took two classes this term. Didn't want to overwhelm myself too much. Both classes were pretty difficult, too, which had me studying fairly hard to keep a good grade in them. The semester officially ends on December 10th, so I've got a couple more weeks (and a few more exams) to finish before I can officially focus on the holidays. I am enrolled for next semester, too. I'm planning on taking a bit bigger load this upcoming term, though. We'll see how that works out!

Work is work. I'm loving it, don't get me wrong. Being at Sundance is an opportunity and a blessing. It is a job, however, and not a career for me. I try and be as productive as possible while I am at work. However, that is difficult in the middle of the night when I've already done most of the things that are required or suggested I complete. I am learning a lot about resort operations and how to better manage a resort facility. Hopefully I'll get to use these skills in the near future if I can find a job in resort management somewhere in the U.S. We're getting ready for the winter season up there, so things are abuzz. From making snow to selling season passes to winterizing buildings and equipment, everyone is busy. Most of us can't wait for the season to open on the 11th of December. Not only will business pick up again, but we can finally play in the snow! Yay!

Church has taken a more prominent role in my life. With my calling, I'm always trying to coordinate efforts and work towards strengthening the ward members. It's hard trying to balance this with school and work. I'm not always the easiest person to reach since I stay so busy. As well, I don't feel like I'm completely myself on Sundays since I'm coming off of very little sleep. I try my hardest to be awake and alert at all the meetings and magnify my calling as best as I can. I just feel like I fall short on a regular basis. I've been told I'll get some counselors soon to help ease the burden and work that I've got. I've yet to see it happen, though. I sure hope it happens soon!

No updates in my social life. Still in the same position as I was several months ago. I haven't allowed much time for anything to develop in this area, though. I've been pretty focused on other things. I probably should start working on this, eh?

One more day...

So, here I go again! I have this great habit of overwhelming myself with so many things that I don't allow for things that I want, and sometimes should, do. I guess it's a habit I haven't learned how to break just yet. Whether it's a bad habit or not is yet to be determined...

Work is work, like always. I'm loving my job at Sundance, but it does make for a long weekend. And since I only work on weekends, it makes it feel longer. I'm realizing now how hard the graveyard shifts are and I am gaining a greater appreciation for those who do them. I find ways to entertain myself when no one is around. Of course, there are things that need to get done and I do those things when called upon to do them. But there's a lot of downtime. And by a lot, I mean A LOT of downtime. I'm finding it is usually a good time to read my chapters and catch up on homework I didn't do during the day. I've also used a good majority of the time to research jobs and careers, as well as rearrange my schedule a time or two (ok, so MANY times). I think I've settled in to the requirements that the job has and have created my own standard for what I need to do each night and how to get it done. Gotta make the job my own! Hopefully I can stay with this job for awhile. I'm tired of jumping from job to job!

School is going well. I've never been a fan of being in school during the summer. Luckily, I've never really had to go to summer school. Unless you count driver's ed. Now, talk about a hot classroom! Other than that, I've avoided any time of educational pursuit during the summer months until now. I only had one class which I had to attend in a classroom, which was nice. It was in the afternoon, which made for an uncomfortable classroom experience. Lucky for me and my classmates, we didn't have to sit too long. And, we had regular breaks where we could grab a drink to cool us off. And, it was an engaging class so it didn't lend too well to falling asleep. But that's a good thing! This week is the last week of class for the summer term. Glad I made it through it all! Now, I'm nervously anticipating the arrival of fall term. I've got another full school schedule planned. Should prove to be fun! I think I'll enjoy this semester quite a bit. It will be challenging, but it will be a fun challenge rather than a drudgery. Kinda shocked at the courses I've picked out for myself, but I sure will love the chance to excel at it!

Family life seems good. My immediate family is all over, causing chaos wherever we go. Don't actually hear too much from my sister Teri and brother BJ. They've kinda been keeping to themselves recently. Not that this is abnormal for my family. We're all kinda keep to ourselves and don't publicize things too often. My youngest two brothers seem to be doing well. One got in trouble with the law recently and now is paying for it. Luckily, he won't have to go to jail for any of it. It saddens me to see all of my younger siblings making stupid choices. Not that I haven't made my fair share of them, though. I see their mistakes and hope that I don't repeat them. They aren't as happy as they could be if they were to choose a better path. But it is their choice and I cannot force them down a path they do not want to go on. I just hope they change some things around soon! My extended family seems to be doing well. One of my cousin's husband just left for basic this past week. I know she's a bit anxious about it, having her husband so far away. I know she'll be able to handle it and their relationship will be stronger because of it! Not really much else to report on from the family otherwise...

Still as single as ever. I laugh about how often this is a topic of my blogs, but it is relevant to my current circumstances! Here's a list of potentials I'd consider dating: Christine, Nicki, Sarah, Amanda, Tiffany, along with a few others. I know, I know. People are going to ask me what I'm doing about any of them. Right now, I'm trying to get myself in order to be able to do something with at least one or two of them. However, it hasn't happened just yet. Time will tell if I'm successful at it! (Watch there be several people following this blog and try to figure out who each of the names listed above are...)

Overall, life is great! I can't complain about much at all! Some days I wish I could complain, but then I remember how great I've got it and how fortunate I really am! I really am blessed to be living the life I have! Sure, there could be things in my life that would make it better. But why focus on something I don't have while neglecting to appreciate what I do have! Gotta love life! It's great!

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

So it has been a rather *wet* week so far for me. I think it has rained almost every day this week! Luckily, there have been periods of sun intermixed with the rain. I do like the rain, though. It does make things greener. But, it's so hard to work outside when it's always raining!

Work this week was fun! It was my first week at Sundance. I worked my last day at Provo Parks on Monday. Kinda took several people off-guard that it was my last day. I didn't tell anyone I was leaving, so it caught people by surprise. I started at Sundance on Tuesday. Tuesday was just orientation, giving me the general feel of how things work across the resort. Thursday was full as it was my first day working. I shadowed Scott from 6 am to 9 pm that night. Lots to learn! But, I think I got most of it down. I was suppose to be off at 6 that night, but the replacement didn't come in until 9. The whole scheduling thingy was messed up for that night. Oops! I guess I got more hours that night, so it wasn't all that bad. Friday night I shadowed Missi to learn what's required of me during the night shift. Nothing too difficult to figure out. Saturday Missi came in for a few hours and then left me alone the rest of the night to handle all of the resort's needs. Kinda weird to be on my own, but I was up for the challenge! The schedule for the next few weeks should be coming out tomorrow sometime. At least, that was what I was told. I sure hope it does so I can start making some summer plans!

Church has been keeping me busy lately as well. Supposedly the other quorum presidency is going to be changing and that shifts all their responsibilities to our quorum presidency. And we're still not completely organized ourselves yet! It's crunch time for us! I think we're going to get together this week or next week and sort through all our responsibilities. Home teaching seems like a daunting task! But, I like challenges!

School has added more stress to my life. I started my EMT course this week, so that was fun. I missed one class, though, which means I need to find time to make up the class sometime soon! I gotta remember to stay on top of the assignments and review the information regularly. I don't want to fail the test come August! Still staying on top of the firefighting class, so that's good. Need to interview a few more people for some reports. Not too much of a rush yet, though.

I really need help making up my mind about my social life! Too much drama for me! Anyone want to help me out and give me advice on the "situations"???

So, I'm GREAT at writing on this blog! (NOT!)

So, I realized that I haven't written on this thing in awhile again.  I kinda feel guilty that I haven't written on it.  I should keep it updated more regularly so that others can keep up with my life's happenings!  I'm sure there are tons of people who read this, anxiously awaiting my posts!  Okay, so maybe not.  I really doubt that anyone really keeps up regularly with this blog.  But for those who may occasionally read this, here are my recent happenings!

First, I've started going back to school again.  I'm only taking two classes this summer: EMT-Basic and Intro to Firefighting.  Nothing too strenuous.  It will require a bit more of my time to keep up with things, but it's nothing that I can't handle.  Hopefully I pass everything so that I'll be one step closer to my career!

Next, work is crazy!  I have worked for the Provo Parks Department since April and have enjoyed working for them.  There are a few things that made the job challenging, but it wasn't anything that dampened my spirits.  However, I just got a new job working for Sundance.  I interviewed for a part-time Safety Officer position and was hired!  Yea for me!  However, a full-time position opened up and they gave me that position instead.  I start orientation on Tuesday and will probably officially start work on Thursday.  I was going to start training last Friday, but I was told I must go through orientation before starting training.  We'll see how everything goes!  I'll have to update the blog when I know!

Next, family stuff is going well.  My family is all off doing their own stuff.  Things seem to be alright everywhere for everyone.  They're all trying to make a run at whatever they're involved with.  Some are doing better than others at that.  Overall, though, we seem to be happy.  Nothing has happened which should be of concern to anyone.

Church stuff has become more time-consuming as well.  I recently got called as the 1st counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency in my ward.  Wow!  They got me!  The rumor has been that they've thrown around my name for several months for a calling in the Elders Quorum Presidency, but I've been able to differ the attention.  Now, they've caught me!  It's not that I don't want the calling.  It's a privilege to have the opportunity to serve and bless other's lives.  I was just hoping for a calling that didn't require as much time.  It's been nice to be so involved in the ward's activities and plans.  However, I wish I wasn't so tired from doing it!  But, it's a nice trade-off:  time for opportunities to serve those I love and care about.

Now, many may wonder what's happening in my social life.  It's actually been quite dead for a bit.  I've just thrown myself in so many other things (school, work, church) that I haven't put much emphasis and time on dating.  I do hang out occasionally with my friends.  Unfortunately, it's becoming a rarity for me to hang out with them.  And, it's been well over two months since I've been on a date.  Kinda sad, eh?  Trust me!  There are several girls I'm interested in.  I just haven't made time to ask them on dates!  I know, I know.  I am always telling people that if it's a priority in life, they'll make time for it.  Right now, I'm not the best at following my own advice.  Sad, eh?  My ex would like to get together again, but I'm not sure I want to just yet.  I'd love to take out a former co-counselor from EFY, but I'm not sure if it will work out.  There are a couple girls that are on missions that I'd love to date when they get back.  The question is whether or not I can wait for them to get home.  As well, there are a few girls in my wards that I wouldn't mind asking out.  But, we'll see what happens!

Another post...

Wow!  So, I haven't written in this thing in awhile (again).  I guess this is a reoccuring habit, eh? I'm trying!  Not that very many people read this thing anyways.  Oh well!  For the select few that do actually read this, here's the update!

Work is still going good.  I'm afraid that I'm getting burnt out a bit, but I'm managing.  I do really enjoy the work up here.  I just feel kinda lost at what to do since they can only keep me on for so long.  The thought of being let go looming over my head isn't exactly an uplifting thought.  I'm seriously trying to find a job, but I haven't had much luck yet.  I've got a couple interviews lined up, but not sure where those will go.  Hope for the best!

My fire class is going good.  I'm learning a lot and trying to do my best.  I'm no superstar, but I'm really loving the experience.  I'm officially running with the volunteer fire crew up here in the canyon and that's a lot of fun.  Good camraderie and expereince.  I sure hope I pass the class in March and get certified! That will ease a lot of my stress!

Not much else really going on here.  Just a guy, trying to make a run at it in this world.  I have gone dancing quite a bit the last few weeks.  And that makes me happy!!!  No new news in the dating scene.  There are a few girls I've got my eyes on, but I haven't made any moves yet.  Most of these girls are unreachable (on missions, elsewhere in the country/world). I think my family is doing good.  Things seem to be fine from all the reports that I've gotten.  Overall, I'm happy and enjoying life.  I have very little to complain about right now, which is great! I do wish, however, that I could improve a couple of things.  But that will happen in time! Yea!

A new year!

Hmm...it's kinda odd to think that it's already 2009.  I can't believe it!  Another year has come and gone.  Due to the new year, I've decided to fall into the commonality of evaluating the past year and set aspirations for the upcoming one.  I wouldn't call it a New Year's Resolution, only hopes and dreams and an occasional goal or two.  It's weird to see how my priorities have shifted over this past year.  Things that once were so crucial seem so insignificant now.  I'm not where I thought I would be a year ago, but that's not necessarily bad.  Just different.  It's fun for me to think of the potential that this upcoming year has and what can be done with it.  Who knows where I'll be next year!?!

Not much has happened the past few weeks.  The holidays were good. Spent most of it hanging out with friends.  I didn't go home this year, a first for me, due to my work schedule and other conflicts.  Kinda felt odd to be away from family during the season that we all focus so much on them.  Didn't really do anything miraculous or exciting.  Just a nice, relaxing kind of holiday.  Work has become a large part of my life (since there's not much else going on in my life currently).  I've become more and more of a workaholic as each week passes.  I really ought to add more to my life, but I just haven't found the venue to do such.  Church remains the same.  I seem to associate with only a core group of friends at church, although I try to branch out and mingle with others.  I don't seem to get too far, though.  The job hunt remains the same: nothing is happening.  It's hard to find employment when everything around is so tightened and stressful.  I'm remaining optomistic about the future and looking at several options.  One new option I have considered is returning to school to pursue a different degree.  Firefighting has become a growing passion within me, and I've debated over whether to pursue a career in firefighting or not.  It does go well with the degree I've already got, so that's not an issue.  Financing further educational pursuits is really the only concern that I have.  We'll see what I decide!