And here we go again...

To be old and wise...you have to first be young and stupid.

- I forget

Well, I'm finally 18!  Turned 18 a week ago and celebrated my first birthday away from my family.  Just to get it out of the way so that everyone knows for sure...yes, I AM missing my family!  But, at the same time, I could not be having a better time up here in Provo.  I just love the atmosphere here and the cooler weather is a nice change too.  I just really feel like I'm in the right place at the right time...and that's always a wonderful feeling to have. 

My classes are going pretty well and I'm getting my work all done.  It's amazing how much more time I have on my hands now that I don't have practice every day!  My parents think that my newfound freedom means that I can handle a job.  I totally agree with them, though it's more because I'd like to save money for my mission which will be starting sometime in the summer.  If anyone hears of job opportunities up here, let me know!!!  I'm looking too!

Speaking of which, my mission.  I have looked forward to leaving and serving the Lord on a mission for my entire life and it seems to be just around the corner.  I can't think of a better way to spend two years than out preaching with a tag on my chest saying who I'm representing.  That's also the scary part though.  To anyone and everyone I meet, I represent the Lord's church.  I am an ambassador of his word.  That's a lot of pressure and I'm taking it very seriously.  That's why I've been off of Facebook and changing how I spend my time.  I'm trying to spend more time reading scriptures and working out instead of online.  I've found out that unless I'm actually doing something productive or absolutely need to relax for a minute, I don't like being kept inside.  I miss being able to go outside and do yard work, shoot hoops, or go on a cruise with my bud, Casey.  Speaking of drives...geez, I miss my truck.

I've learned a lot about myself since coming up here to the Y.  For one thing, I've found out that around girls...I am really old fashioned and take things a lot slower than most of the guys I know.  Some people think that I might need to work on speeding it up, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see (no pun intended).  At the same time, I have also learned a lot about dating activities.  For instance, I've found out that I have a hard time taking girls on dates to sporting events because I get so into the game that I sometimes forget to keep up a conversation.  Honestly, if I'm comfortable around someone, I feel like I don't need to talk.  And while I definitely want to be taking people that I can talk to, I like being able to not have to constantly be talking.  I guess it's just the way I am.  

Well, I better get back to doing my homework now, so I guess this is the end for this post.  I'll try to update this more regularly than I have been.  I hope anyone out there reading this right now is having a great day/night.  If not, and there is any way that I can help, hit me up!  I'm just in my dorm finishing an essay with my country music playin'. 

'til next time,
J.C.