Hey All

Well I am hoping the Facebook post actually brought some of you here. If you don't have an account on here, comment on this post on the Facebook post....

Anyways, it's hard to believe how much has happened lately, and I didn't feel like Facebook should be where I write the daily happenings because a status update doesn't allow me enough characters, and I've always felt that the "Notes" interface is odd to navigate(I almost feel like Facebook considers it an extra-long status update), and thus I got back into my blog a little bit and here we are, a brand new post. I doubt many of you use this, as it's popularity has declined over the years, but I would hope at least 1 or 2 of you read it...

So much has been going on lately that I am not 100% sure where to start. Well for starters, I now currently work at the YMCA. I am a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor. And, as cliche as it sounds, I don't think any other job beats mine. And I'm not talking about the fact that I get paid to sit in a chair for 3 hours, or swim and whatnot. But I am talking about the children that I work with. I work with kids ages 3-10, mostly teaching or guarding them during swim lessons. And I'll be honest...these kids are so extremely energized, that I'm pretty sure their parents give them a cup of sugar right before swim lessons. Haha. Anyways, the reason I love working with these kids is because they are amazing examples of tenacity, and of having a love for learning. I just wish that I could show the same energy. And these kids learn SO fast. It's just amazing to see a kid who didn't know how to do his freestyle arms one month, be doing side-breathing the next...And I just know that I'm learning patience, because these kids take a lot of it. :P

Next, recently, on her 88th birthday(November 28th, 2011), my Grandma was reunited with her husband. As the youngest of 22 grandchildren, I knew her for the shortest amount of time, but she was the greatest example of love that anyone could ever ask for. She showed me how to be a better person by loving her family and by giving us grandchildren all of her time as she did her best to be a major part of our lives. And I got to tell you guys; this has been the most amazing thing in my life, because I think as a kid, I just assumed that everyone was like my family, and all the love that I saw, was something that I've done my best to emulate. I don't know if I'll ever be as perfect as many in my family at loving everyone, but I'm certainly willing to give it the best shot that I possibly can.

Last, but certainly not least, is the preparations for my mission to the people of the Cleveland, Ohio area. I have been preparing for this for a few months now, and I really cannot wait to serve the Lord in a full-time capacity. The Lord pours out His blessings everyday, and I hope I can always recognize them.

This isn't all, but I'll keep updating as I go along....This will probably also be my missionary blog when I leave. Love you all! :D