Dusting off the Old Blogg Account

Well, I apologize for the two or three of you who look at my blog on a somewhat regular basis. The last three months have been...tumultuous. Much has changed in my life, as is to be expected. I am unemployed, but I seem to be on the cusp of work. I went from living in a three bedroom house to the basement of my sister's house, but I do not complain for I am very happy here. I went from living in the middle of nowhere to the communities of Calgary, and I love the opportunities that surround me here. I am an early morning seminary teacher, which for someone who never did early morning seminary, it is a real treat. There are two of us teachers, and I am going to focus on being the scripture mastery teacher. Fun fun fun!

While I know that life is going to start changing again soon (just not sure when), I have been using the time to reflect, ponder, think, and take stock of my situation. While I hate the limbo I live in, I am making the best of it by being as active as I can. Annie and I take regualr walks (although I must confess I have dropped out of that after a very bad cold that still nags me). I have become active in the going ons of my ward as well. It is easy to get lost in a big family ward, so I try to do as much and participate as much as I can. I saw a Church counsellor throughout the summer, and he really helped me in processing the looming divorce. In case any of you are wondering, I have had zero indication from Jen that this is going to end in any other way, so I am trying my best to move on with my life and stay positive.

Most of my growth has been spiritual. I am learning more and more about myself each day, and I have never felt closer to my Father in Heaven. I did not ask or, quite frankly, deserve to be in this situation, but I have seen too mouch and know too much to let it keep me down. I do look towards the temple and sacrament meetings for strength and resolve, as well as prayr and reading the scriptures. I am very thankful for the multitude of friends and family members who have been supporting me throughout this terrible ordeal. I am amazed how Heavenly Father has placed so many of you into my life in ways and times that have literally saved me from despair. While I realise that there is little I could have done to avoid this situation, I do not regret my actions. I am learning from my mistakes and making a point to stay strong in my faith. I have felt the personal touch of my Saviour in my life, and I have received blessings and counsel that has left me feeling very optimistic for my future. I know I am not alone, and I know that God looks after His own.

One of the best investments I have made this summer is the purchase of a Calgary Zoo Discovery pass. I have been averaging about one visit per week. It is very relaxing. I have also become a shutterbug there, and I am seriously looking into volunteering there. So, in that mind, I present...

Bryan's Top 10...no wait, I can't decide...11! Favourite Zoo Critters

11. the giraffes. They had a baby at the end of July. I took the picture at the top of this post

10.The hippos. Sparky and Foggy. They are a blast at feeding time (just watch out for the flying poo!)

9. The Colombous Monkeys. They live with the gorrillas and tease them constantly.

8. The Porcupine. I'm talking about the goold old fashioned, north american kind, although the prehensile tail type from S. America and the african ones are cool too.

7. The snow leopards. I got some really cool photos of them that made them a heck of a lot more interesting then normal. I just have not been able to gt them off of my phone yet.

6. The Siberian tigers. These guys are HUGE!

5. River otters. Always playful

4. Asian elephants. there baby Malti is adorable and really hams it up for the cameras

3. Whooping cranes. They are just so rare and yet such magnificent animals

2. Red pandas. no, they are not raccoons!

1. Spider monkeys. When these guys get going, they are a HOOT!