Some things you should know:



- I went to Golden Corral yesterday for the first time in my life. It was amazing. If they don’t have buffets in heaven, I’m not going.

- One time I went to Low Book Sales to see about selling the Mrs.’s car. I will not go back. The guy that talked to us reminded me of the dad on Matilda. They have lost my business for eternity. If they are in heaven, I’m not going.

- I do not hate LeBron. I did, but then the Mavs won. So now I don’t.

- My current musical obsession: Trace Adkins—“All I Ask For Anymore”

- I watched three movies the last couple of days that ain’t half bad.

Hereafter—The Mrs. and I cried. Definitely will make the all-time list.

True Grit­—Still haven’t quite wrapped my mind around it. Those Coens are interesting

Saving Private Ryan (edited of course)—Well, since it was edited it was pretty disjointed, but I’m pretty sure I cried every ten minutes. “Earn this”

- I hate spiders and snakes.

- I should be cleaning the bathroom right now. All in good time.

- I don’t want Jimmer to go to the Jazz for the same reason that I don’t want Romney to be president.

- The Mrs. is smart. Way smarter than I am. If you have any questions, ask her.

- I made waffles that were edible for the first time in history today. Mom’s are way better.

- Even though I can make waffles, I still don’t feel adultish. Maybe when I turn 30.

- I think this upcoming year I might actually teach my students somethings. No really, I think I might. I mean, I've been trying for the last four, but I think this might be the year.



That’s all.

Graduation

High school graduation was a couple of days ago. We teachifiers are required to sit up on the stand and watch the whole process. Although some teachers hate it, I love it. I love to see all those students walk by. Since I know most of them, I always feel so proud of them for their accomplishment. In fact, occasionally I might shed a tear or two when a student walks by. Not because I’m sad, but because as they walk by, the life lessons I’ve learned from them flash before me.

See, I just don’t think high schoolers realize the impact they have on their ornery old teachers like me (and yes, I am old). We get paid to plan lessons, teach, and grade papers, but somehow, in the end, I think I learn more than my students than they do from me.

When I tell grown-upified people I teach teenagers for my profession, they cringe. “How can you put up with them every day?” they wonder. But that question always just confuses me. I have no answer because, honestly, I don’t understand it. I don’t “put up” with my students (although, of course, I’m sure there are some teachers that do). I learn from them, I admire them, and hopefully, I teach them a little tiny bit in return. They are truly remarkable.

Truthfully, I love my job. I have no idea how I am so lucky to be able to do what I do. In fact, besides being with the Mrs., I would rather be at school teaching than anywhere else.

So, what exactly have I learned from these young people this year? I will listify for you.
- What it means to be a true friend.
- What it means to work hard.
- What it means to never, ever give up on a dream.
- What it means to be and stay positive.
- What it means to lift others up.
- What it means to respect others.
- What it means to love learning.
- What it means to accept trials and continue with your head up.
- What it means to become better.

Thank you students.

Life's not fair

Sometimes I just don’t get how life can be so unfair. I just don’t understand it. For example:



- How can it be fair that I got to live with my dad for 27 years, but my brother only got to live with him for 11?



- How can it be fair that I have an amazing family and an amazing wife when some people don’t have either those?



- How can it be fair that I have the best job in the world when some people just wish they had any job?



- How can it be fair that I get to travel to Europe every year when some people are lucky just to have enough money to eat?



- How can it be fair that I'm relatively healthy when some people are so sick?



- How can it be fair that I was born with the Book of Mormon in my home and some people will never even hear of it in their lifetime?



I just don’t understand.

Sports

Well hello there. Today me and the Mrs. watched a little basketball (yes, I realize it’s the Sabbath, but I was still in my church clothes so it should be alright, shouldn’t it). Anyway, as we were watching (and occasionally flipping to ESPN to watch baseball), I had the following thoughts:



I really don’t like the LeBron, but at the same time, I really don’t like Carlos Boozer either. Basically I have no idea which team I should cheer for in the Miami vs. Chicago series (plus, as the Mrs. noted, both LeBron and Carlos aren’t good-looking at all).



I’m really glad that the Lakers lost to the Mavs, but you know, compared to the Heat, Kobe really isn’t that unbearable. From here on out I choose Kobe over LeBron every time. And Kevin Durrant over both of them.



Has there ever been a more depressing Final Four in NBA basketball? I don’t think so. Who am I supposed to cheer for?



If I were to choose my top ten favorite teams in the NBA, none of those four teams would even be close.



I really hate the Yankees.

I think one of the happiest moments in recent memory was hearing that Spanish Fork tied Salem in soccer. I can’t even describe the elation.



Is it bad that other people’s failures in the wide world of sports make me feel so good? (my own answer: probably not).



My favorite players left in the NBA playoffs

Mr. Kevin Durrant

Mr. Dirk Nowitzki

Mr. D-Wade

And that’s all, I don’t even semi- like anybody else that’s left. Except for maybe Mr. Derrick Rose.



My 2B class is the most anti-sports class I have ever had. Honestly, I could ask them what team Kobe Bryant played for and more than half wouldn’t even have a clue. I just wonder how people like that even survive.

I was watching the movie Fiddler on the Roof the other day and I would just like to say that it is amazing. Honestly, that and the Wizard of Oz have to be in a tie for second right behind My Fair Lady for favorite musicals all-time.



Speaking of favorites. Miracle is quickly moving up my favorite all-time sports movies. Right now the list is as follows:

Chariots of Fire

Hoosiers

Miracle

The Natural

Remember the Titans



And that’s about it for today. Good Sabbath to you.

Good Sabbath

Dear People,



I think y’all should know the following:



I live in Goshen, Utah.



I do not like the Lakers. If they win the NBA championship this year, I’m never watching NBA basketball again. Ever.



My glasses are broken. They’re always broken. I’m now wearing my mother’s glasses.



I watched the Spurs pull out a miracle win (literally) this week only to lose the series two days later. I hate sports.



My wife is amazing. Just ask any of my missionary companions and they’ll tell you how unbearable it is to spend any amount of time with me on a consistent basis. And yet six months later she’s still here.



As opposed to many, I’m actually quite enjoying the current weather patterns. The snow and rain keep the allergies away and for that I am grateful.



Surprisingly, I still have hair.



Payson High School’s Prom is this week. 12 years later and I still don’t understand why anyone would go.



Could you please explain to me why anyone would ever live in Eureka (and don’t even think about making comments about the Goshe, I can tell you 523 good reasons right now).



You know what I think about the government. I think people should stop complaining. How is it that we constantly complain about the people WE chose? I don’t get it.



I watched Jurassic Park for the first time ever last week. Really? This is what everybody was obsessed about when I was in middle school? Unbelievably average. How in heaven’s name was that movie so popular?



I’m still a little bit confused as to why the royal wedding was so popular in America. No seriously, why? I lived in England, I study history, and I still don’t understand.



Ever since Jerry Sloan left, I am absolutely apathetic regarding the Jazz. Who cares what the Jazz do? Jerry’s not there.



I’m supposed to be doing something productive right now.



Do you know what’s in style at Payson High School these days amongst some of the athletes? The mullet (and I have no idea how to spell it, so I apologize if I’m wrong). Can you believe that? I can’t.



The real question is though, how many people do you think would good inactive if the Church came out tomorrow with the following: “Just kidding, the temple isn’t going to be built in Payson anymore, it’s going to be built in Salem.”



That’s all.

The Goshe

Dear Peasants,

Here I be in the Goshe with the Mrs., myself, and Holdikus. We’re watching Toy Story 2 on this fine Sabbath afternoon.

Anyway, yesterday my Uncle Conrad and I drove around the Goshe examining the living units. As we were cruising, I decided that everybody in the world should know the following about my beloved village of residence.

1. Goshen has an estimated population of 945.6.

2. Goshen has an estimated 798 trucks, 564 tractors, and 1021.3 four-wheelers. 95% of which are broken down.

3. When I first moved to Goshen, I thought there were two trailer parks. However, after driving around yesterday, I actually realized that Goshen itself is a trailer park, with a few houses spread throughout.

4. There are two places to purchase merchandise in the town.

Here . . .



and here



5. When we say we’re going to the city we usually are referring to Santaquin (population 8,566). Although, if we’re really going to the city we probably mean Payson (population 18,150). And occasionally we do make it all the way to the Provo. Which is 45 minutes by car and half a day by horse.

6. Driving from the east side of Goshen to the west side takes exactly 22 seconds if you’re going 43 miles per hour. Really, I timed it myself.

7. Goshen used to be named Sodom. Honest.

And that’s all.

A Few Letters

Dear Man Upstairs,

I hate snow.

Dear Government,

I don’t care what everybody else says, I still don’t hate you.

Dear Kobe,

I’m still torn. Should I hate you or not? And if I should hate you, should I hate you more or less than LeBron?

Dear Mr. Peery,

Southern Timpview doesn’t deserve you. But since you’re there, hopefully you can talk some sense into ‘em.

Dear Deron,

Serves you right.

Dear Jerry,

With Deron gone, will you please come back.

Dear Jimmer,

You’re a really good player, but I don’t think Jackson would mind if you passed to him a little more often.

Dear Goshenites,

New city ordinance: unless you’re having a family reunion, could you please keep the number of cars outside your house less than 10.

Dear Brother Joseph,

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Menken,

Please don’t ever stop writing music.

Dear the Mrs.

I love you a whole lot.

Dear Dad,

I miss you a whole lot.