Denver!

So, I just got back from Denver today. Wow! I never thought I could cram so much into such a short trip! Well, I guess I could have tried to stick more into the schedule. I'm glad I didn't! I'm REALLY tired right now! But, I'm at work tonight, covering for someone who was sick. So, I've got time to update the blog! I'm getting better at updating this thing! Yay for updates!

So, let me explain my trip. I scheduled the trip to take a fire test in Denver. The test is used by twelve different departments to draw from when they're looking for candidates to hire. I went out for a test that took me about an hour and a half to take. But I got there on Saturday night and left early Tuesday morning. A bit expensive but definitely worth it! I got in Saturday and hung out with my buddies and some of his friends that he grew up with. Sunday was full of church and meetings and home teaching. It was fun to see how the church is run out there in comparison with where I'm at. Not any differences in the doctrine. Just in the way people handle the situations in their current circumstances and environment. Interesting to watch how people act/react to life's experiences. The singles ward out there was neat. A lot of good members. Even a few cute girls I could enjoy getting to know a little better! Monday was test day, so I wasn't up too late Sunday night. Like I mentioned before, the test only took me an hour and a half. I wasn't the first one to finish. But, I was within a few minutes of him. After the test, I went out to eat with my buddy Preston and his family. Then, I relaxed for an hour or so before I picked up Preston from work and went to see his dad's training center. Quite a sight! Their fire district spent about $19 million for the fire training facility. It was totally worth it, though! It is a state-of-the-art facility with several classrooms, great fire props, and plenty of space to practice. I'm jealous! I would love to train at a facility like that! Wow! It's amazing! After the tour, Preston and I went home and ate before his FHE. Their FHE activity was glow-in-the-dark basketball which was kinda fun. I wish more people had shown up but I was happy to play with those that did. Then, I hit the sack early so I could wake up in time and not miss my flight. Kinda a whirlwind of a trip. But, it was fun! I really liked Denver! Was there anything specific that drew me there? Not that I can recall. I just really like the area and town. I have some strange attraction to the area. Really can't place a finger on what draws me to that area. I just know it's something I need to investigate and pursue. We'll see if I get a job out there or not! I haven't heard any specifics as to whether any of the twelve departments will hire or not. There were a couple maybes but no definite plans by any of them to hire in the near future. Let's hope they do! I wouldn't mind working in the Denver area!

As far as other updates in my life...

I voted today! Yay for voting! It's weird to think how passionate I was about voting this year. Over the last few months, I've done a lot of researching on candidates and issues. By no means did I become an expert on any specific subject matter. I did learn a lot about what I believe and possibly what others believe. Needless to say, I felt it was very important for me to vote. I've never been one to really discuss politics. I think it brings out too much contention and anger when people talk about it. I've had only a handful of calm, non-confrontational discussions when politics and opinions about such are brought up. I guess that's why I've always avoided the topic. So, I voted today. Felt I voted for those I could support in office. Some of my votes were rewarded with helping someone gain or stay in office. Others didn't. Some of the issues and propositions that I voted on didn't go my way, either. But, the majority of the people spoke and so I will make the most of what will be done. It will be another interesting two years. I hope the right people were elected to bring about the change that this state and country need. However, I'm a bit skeptical as to whether or not these candidates will follow through on their promises. I think we're in for another long two years of difficulties and strife. But then, I may just be too jaded...

Work is still work. For being slow, we're still quite busy. Not anything like what we've been before, but we're not dead quiet yet. I'm glad to see guests around. It gives me something to do. Intermission will be difficult. Not sure how I'll entertain myself for the several hours of nothingness that will be my shifts for the rest of this month. I'm glad to have a job; don't get me wrong. But, there are some issues that I wish would get resolved. How to bring about change in an atmosphere that sticks to the norms and fights change? I'm up for any ideas!

Family life is still difficult. Not really much I can do except pray...

Trying to keep my promise to myself and go on one date per week. Haven't done one yet this week and the week is almost half over. Better get on it! Several girls (both new and old) that I'd love to take out! We'll see how I do in asking them out...

Music has become a stronger passion in my life as of late. I've begun examining why I like certain genres more than others. As well, I've been trying to listen to the lyrics more often and try to understand what they're saying. I guess that's why I'm becoming more and more a country fan. I usually consider myself a mood guy, listening to whatever music suits my mood. But, country music has seemed to dominate my listening as of late. Am I becoming old and weird? Maybe. Am I overly concerned about it? Definitely not.

Well, that's enough rambling for the night. Now, to get ready for the rest of the morning!!!