One Year Ago

February 28, 2008, will be my personal day of infamy. That was the day that my wife of then almost six years and I separated. Now, looking back at this last year, I felt I should say something as to where I have been and what I have to look forward to.

It is obvious to me that barring some sort of colossal miracle (or more likely several all at once), I will be divorced shortly. This is of course if Jen still desires to make this quick and painless for both of us. However, the one year anniversary of this event did not go down anywhere close to how I thought it would even as recent as a few weeks ago. Before I go much more into that, let me reflect back on my journey thus far.

I miss Thunderchild and the people I left behind, especially my old high school teammates Marnie, Hussein, Cheryl, Ken, and Rob. Life was possible there because of them. I also miss my students and hope that I left them better off than before I got there. I also miss my Battleford branch members, most noticably my branch president Larry Raciccott. He more than anyone else got me through the first few months of the separation. I also appreciate the stake presidency members who had been so supportive of me. The help I had received from all of them pulled me up.

Obviously, the biggest change in my life has been my move to Calgary. my big sister Tara and her loving family did more than open their home to me; they saved my life. As hard as I worked to avoid Calgary, I felt more and mroe strongly that this is where I needed to be. Obvioulsy the Sagers were the biggest part of it, but it has become much more than that. Calgary is where I began to feel conencted to life again.

In July I started meeting with Bryan (yes, another Y-Bryan!) Livingston of LDS Family Services. He has helped me come to understand where I stand with the Lord and why I have felt the way that I felt. He helped empower me to recognize whose opinions of me I had been believing, and where I should really start putting some trust (ie my Heavely Father). He also guided me through a process in which I held myself accountable before my Heavenly Father concerning my marriage and its breakup, and I will only say that the Lord accepted my efforts. My faults are what they are, and I know that He understands me more than I understood myself. It is good to know that the Lord can tell you that you have done everything in your power. My hardest task in this was to find the courage to accept His love and support, as well as forgive myself.

September I found myself doing something I had always wanted to do. I was called as a seminary teacher, and I loved every early morning minute of it. The youth of my ward are amazing souls, and though I could not remain their teacher for the entire year, I cherished every chance I had to discover and study the life of Christ with them. I still miss the classes, but it is OK. I hope to have the opportunity again sometime.

I began volunteering at the Calgary Zoo in October (by the way, come see the koalas!) and have found a haven at the zoo in the insanity of life. I have met new friends and discovered something that I could not only be passionate about, but something that I could share with others. I rediscovered something about serving others, and that has been an anchor to me, and it allowed my to find true happiness in serving good people and a good cause.

Around the same time I found some part-time employment at Sir Winston Churchill High School, probably the top acheiving high school and one of the finest I have had a chance to work in. I taught 3 classes of Bio 30 (a dream come true!) and met some of the most amazing students there are. I still dwell on one special student whose life took a tragic turn just before finals, and if she ever reads this, Melissa, I still pray for your full recovery. Most significantly were the science teachers that I had the honour of serving beside. They were wonderful. I could write much on all of them, but I will settle for the two who influenced me the most. first is Dr. Ted Pike, a man who personifies the scientific curiosity and wonder that I wish to instill in my students. His passion for his work is only rivaled by his pure, sincere goodness that is as contagious as it is endearing. We had a few good conversations, and he was able to help me through a few things, but mostly it was his general attitude that he carried about him that gave me the most strength. Secondly, I met the greatest department head I have ever met. Deb Miller was the one who interviewed me and hired me. From her I regained my self-confidence and my sense of professional aptitude. I am not saying it that I lost it in Saskatchewan, it was just that after Jen left my confidence in everything I did was shaken. I found a mentor and a true friend in Deb, and I am thankful for all that she did for me in the short time I worked with her. She gave me so much love, friendship, and respect that my life is truly enriched for it. Dare I say that she became another in a line of mother figures who helped fill in the shoes of my own eternal mother who was called home too soon for my likings. Thank you Deb.

Christmas was not nearly as difficult as I expected it to be. I felt that the separation would have been the main focus for my thoughts, but it is hard to do that when you are surrounded by the families of my big sister and my dear little brother TJ. Christmas truly became about family, and I am grateful for that. I found I did miss not seeing the Hills, but I want them to know that they will always be a part of my family. I wish my father and beloved step-mother could have been there, but I know that they love me.

January saw me buying a new computer, getting called into the primary, and wind down my time at SWC. All I can say about the primary at this time is that I find it challenging, but I welcome it gladly.

Now, the last month. February saw me leave SWC and head for FFCA territory. I had interviewed twice before for a high school position, and though they offered the jobs to others, I know they made the correct decisions, and I am grateful to be with them now. My principal and vice principal are two of the most supportive administrators one could find, and their faith in my is great. I have met many great teachers there, but I must confess that my favourite is my new BFF, Liz Amer. Her job was one of the ones I had interviewed for, but I am glad she got it because now I get to work with her in a great way. Not only does she have similar ideas and past connections with, but we became fast friends very quickly. I could not imagine a person I would rather teach beside than my dear HC fairy. She is so full of drive, courage, enthusiasm, and passion that it is hard to not try to stretch myself even further. When I joined the FFCA, I needed a friend. Liz was an answer to a prayer. I hope we can teach together for a very long time to come.

One of the things that made me impressed with this high school is how close everyone was. I was constantly amazed at the level of teamwork. Well, this last weekend I found out why. I attended the Rapport Leadership 1 training session, and without giving anything away, it was the most intense, challenging, difficult, and rewarding training that I have had since my MTC days. I met some great people, and while I do not wish to upset any of them, I must give a special thanks to my fellow FFCA teachers, Mr Green and Mr Widmer, as well as Ms Winter, Ms Smart, Ms Nestor, Mr. Virji, Mr Llewellyn, and Ms Huddleston for helping me get through this. I also thank my trainers, Mr Ferguson and Mr McKinney. I not only broke some of the barriers that I had allowed to hold me back, I blew right through them. I found the man I used to be again, and I am so grateful to see him again. While yesterday marked the one year mark into my separation, it was one of the best days of my life. I can stand tall and say that I AM BACK! I am not afraid to live anymore. I am not afraid to take risks anymore. I am not afriad to love anymore. My students deserve me. My family deserve me. My colleagues and friends deserve me. Most importantly, I DESERVE ME! I will not stop until my Heavenly father tells me that it is done.

To wrap this up, I would just like to say a special thanks to two of my oldest and dearest friends. I have always believed that God puts specific people in our lives to help us get through the hardest times. I believe that all the people I mentioned fit that category, as have many that I have not mentioned in this. Still, I cannot thank my Lord enough for sending me Matt Harker and Dan Oler 20 years ago (over 20 for Matt). These two have become as much as brothers to me as anything else. They have always been there for me, no matter what. There wives became close friends of mine (and Mindy and Sharon, thank you for marrying these two. They deserve the best, and that is who they got). I love their children as if they were my neice and nephews (and yes, Dan and Mindy naming their youngest after me was one of the highlights of this last year). I will make sure that they know that I will live and die for them. Their friendship cannot (nor needs to be in their eyes) ever be repaid. I love you guys.

So, as I look forward to the future, I am ready to charge head first into whatever the Lord feels I need to endure. I know there are rich blessings in store for me. I know that there is security in the temple for me. I know that a family of my own is coming. I know that I will fail, but I will then rise, dust myself, and keep moving forward until there is no more strength in me. I will never give up on myself again. I can humbly say now that I deserve my Lord's blessings and the love of those around me. I have always had a hard time believing others when they told me that I am strong. I doubt that no more. I know that I am strong because of my Father in Heaven, and I know once more that I will overcome all because of Him and my Saviour Jesus Christ who I commit once again my life, heart, and soul.

Top 10 List: The Top 10 Things I learned about myself these last 365 days:

10. When I put myself behind the needs of others, I cheated them from giving the best of myself. When I make myself a priority, I am a greater benefit to them.
9. I am truly happiest when I am serving others. That still does not mean I cannot have fun while doing it.
8. One of God's greatest gifts is our free agency. The Spirit taught me today that part of exercising that agency is to choose to believe in myself. I have not done that enough, and it ends now.
7. I will not fear failure anymore, not when I give my best effort. Failure just means I get up and move forward.
6. I am respected by many people, more than I ever believed possible. I touch lives and I make a difference. I can humbly accept that.
5. The Lord has a plan for me. It is happiness and love. Why would I ever doubt that again? Simply put, I shouldn't.
4. When I give everything I have, when I reach deeper than I ever have before, and dig so deep inside of me that I cannot fathom ever going farther, then I go a bit more, and when it is finally finished and I can no longer stand, my Father in Heaven has given me brothers and sisters to catch me when I fall.
3. I am strong. I am powerful. I will overcome. I AM A LEADER!
2. I love my God, I love my family, I love my friends, I love my colleagues, I love my students. I love myself for them and me.
1. God loves me. He always had. He always will. I should be more like Him in that regard.

First Blog Away From Home

Here I am at parent teacher conferences for my new school, and I have nothing to do. This is because these interviews are for last semester, and I am new here, so many parents just stop by to meet me and then leave. Don't get me wrong, I have had several good talks and visits, but I have hit a lull and thought I would try to post a blog while I have some time.

The new school is great. The staff here are amazing. I feel very much at home. There are a few things that I am still getting used to, but over all I am happy. Life is good on the professional front.

I have been feeling a bit down lately for some reason. I am not sure if it is the lack of sleep or what, but my energy levels are a bit low. I have been wrking a heck of a lot harder this week, and I am having fun working with the SMART board (I can actually drag components of my lesson on the board and be much more versatile with my lessons than before). I am looking forward to going to the temple in Edmonton this weekend, especially because I'll be spending some time with Matt Harker. I just wish that he lived much closer to where I am these days.

The koalas are at the zoo, and Tuesday I had a chance to get a sneak peak at them. I believe that this is the first time I have seen live koalas, and they are a bit bigger than I expected them to be. Yes, they are quite cute, and they were actually awake when I was there. I have some pictures taken, but I am still figuring out how to install some of the photo programs on my new computer (stupid VISTA). They should be posted soon. Apparently they sleep for about 18-20 hours a day, so I'm guessing that most of the time they will be dozing when I see them. You know, volunteering there has been great. Liz, my new BFF at FFCA, came by and I showed her around after my volunteer shift last Saturday. I think if I ever get tired of teaching, I should get a job at the zoo as their official tour guide. So, for the few of you who are following this blog, let me know the next time you are in town and I'll be happy to give you the 5 Star tour.

So since I am blogging here at the teacher interviews, I'll give you the top 10 places that I would like to blog from in the future:

10. San Deigo. I went once many years ago and loved the place. I'd like to go back.
9. Toronto. It would be neat to blog from the CN tower (probably at the ground floor because of my fear of heights).
8. A cruise ship. I've done Vancouver-Alaska, but a Caribean cruise might be nice as well.
7. The House of Commons in Ottawa. Imagine, I could give play-by-play of the idiocracy that abounds there.
6. Hockey game. I don't like hockey, it would just give me something to do if I am ever there.
5. New York. I'd never want to live there but I would like to visit.
4. Edmonton. I lived there long enough, but I would like post a blog from there. Maybe this weekend.
3. Vulcan (Alberta, not the planet, although that ould be cool too)
2. Riding the back of an animal. Probably an elephant, maybe a camel. A horse would be a bit to ordinary. Hmmm, I wonder if I could ride a zebra?
1. Sydney Australia. The only thing is that I fear I may never want to leave.

Just Some Ramblings

Oh, where to begin. Life has become more eventful for me. Last month I said good-bye to the great people and students at Sir Winston Churchill high school where I had the honour of teaching Bio 30 for 3 months. What an experience. I came into the class as the fourth teacher in two months, and I got right down to work at gaining the trust of the students. It did not take long, and I found that the kids were outstanding. Three months later I had formed such a good working relationship with them. The downside is that when one of them hurts, I feel it with them. This happened when a particularily nice girl was sent to the ICU after a sledding accident just days before the final. When last I heard she was still in the ICU and was doing "OK" but was likely going to be suffering some permanent paralysis. You know, one of the hard things about my job is that these students become such a part of your life that what happens to them long after you have parted ways still has an effect on you. I have had two former students (that I know of) both die in car accidents in the last three years. One was Evan, and that guy always had a smile on his face. I remember taking his Bio 20 class to the gym for some "Bio-based games" and he was literally climbing the walls like a monkey. The other was Branden, and though we often butted heads, when he graduated there was a mutual respect that had been built. Suffice it to say that despite his sometimes rowdy behaviour in my class, he was one who tried to live life to the fullest. So this latest accident hit me pretty hard, but again there is little I can do.

At my new school, the FFCA high school, I have done what I never thought I would do. I have a BFF. Liz, the other bio teacher, and I hit it off really well right at the start. I have to say that there have been several colleagues over the years that have meant a lot to me. Kim Baowlin, Val Bishop, Marty Hoehn, Lori Bjorklund, Marnie Noon, Hussein Barbari, Cheryl Cowan, Eldon Oakanee, Deb Miller, and Ted Pike have stood out as outstanding colleagues. Now, there's Liz Amer. She is just too much fun, and even though I am feeling a bit stressed about other things in my life, she makes me laugh and feel so appreciated. I showed her around the zoo yesterday after my double koala shift (yes, the koalas are here, but they won't be open to the public until Wednesday). She was like a kid, all wide-eyed and excited. For the first time since I moved to Calgary, I feel that I have found a long-lasting friend. I had been praying for someone that I can just have fun with, and she has fit the bill nicely. So, to my little Hot Chocolate fairy, thanks! Now, if we start dressing the same (we already think much alike), I'll start panicking.

On a down note, it is just three weeks left before Jen can file for the divorce. I am at the point where I just want this trial to be over. It has been a long haul, and hopefully the proceedings will be quick and painless. Since there really isn't anything that should drag it out, I anticipate that by the end of March it will be done, and I can move on with my life. This last year has had its shares of ups, and I feel truly grateful for the blessings that Father has poured upon me, but let's face it, the break down of my marriage has been the single worse experience of my life, bar none. I truly never thought that I would find myself in this predicament, and considering how hard I worked at my marriage, tosee it all go down the drain without so much a whimper has been devestating. Still, I am anxious, albeit nervous, to get back on the path to my ultimate goal of being a husband and father. Had a shot at the first, and did good. Now it's time to get out there and find whoever Father has been preparing for me. In some ways I am looking forward to dating again, but there is a bit if trepidation. Just a warning to all out there, I feel a bit gun-shy, but I will get out there and do it.

In the spirit of looking forward, I have this issues top 10 list of movies that I am most looking forward to seeing in 2009. I made this list up a couple weeks ago, and already went out and saw one of them, but I'm too tired to go look up another one. So if you are thinking of cathcing one of these, let me know. I'd love to tag along.

10. Escape to Witch Mountain - I saw the original as a kid and do not remember much about it, but I am all for giving nostalgia a chance, so I have good hopes for this one.
9. Inkheart - Brendan Fraser, one of my all time favourite actors, has ahd a good couple of years. This is the one that I saw, and I quite enjoyed the story telling in it.
8. GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra - yes, another toy obsession from my past is headed to the screen in a big blockbuster movie. It also stars Brendan Fraser. Honestly, I am not expecting much from this one, but it will be fun to watch
7. Sherlock Holmes - not due out until next winter, this has Robert Downey Jr in the lead role. I like the detectve stories, so I'll give this a glance.
6. The Pink Panther 2 - I very much enjoyed the first one, and have heard some good things about the sequel. Hopefully, it will be a "Good one"
5. Earth - A disney nature film. I have seen the trailer, and I just love these kind of films. Bring on the critters!
4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine - when I first heard the concept, I was a bit skeptical. When I learned some of the casting, I was even moreso. Still, it is X-Men, so let's give it a chance.
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - I really hope this one goes well. I must admit a bit of a disappointment with the last one, so fingers are crossed.
2. Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - yes, my childhood hero, Optimus Prime, is gearing up for the big screen again. The first was a blast and a dream come true, I just can't wait for the next adventure.
1. Star Trek - OK, who did not see that one coming! With JJ Abrams at the helm, I am cautiously optimistic about this revival. OK, I am getting way pumped about it. Tara and I were talking with one of her colleagues, Richard, about getting a group together to go see it openning night. Let me know if you want in!

Happy New Year

Well, 2008 is finally over, and I can say that it is one of the few years that I am glad to see go. 2009 is hopefully going to be much better for me. time will ultimately tell, but for the time being, I am happy for this fresh start.

One example of this will be the new computer I am going to receive any day now. My old Medion finaly bit it, but it had a good three year run. I am eagerly anticipating my new arrival, although I am pretty much done spending beyond the necessities until payday. I am also going to be starting a new job soon, teaching high school biology at the FFCA high school. If you are not familiar with this school division, they are a publicaly funded charter academy. I am excited about working with them, but I must confess that I am not looking forward to saying good-bye to the great staff and students ant Sir Winston Churchill High school. I must say that this has been the best high school I have worked at, and much of my thanks goes out to the leraning leader/deaprtment head Deborah Miller. I have been vry fortunate in being able to have worked with some of the best educators in the business, and she ranks right up there.

As I mentioned, the students there are great as well. When I started there in late October, I was the fourth teacher that the kids had for Biology 30 since the beginning of the year. They have done marvelously. As it has been everywhere I have taught, my students really became a becon of light and joy to me, and I am honoured to have served them as their teacher. Sadly, it seems that with the joys of associating with such wonderful students, there comes the pain when one of them is hurt. Sadly, one of the nicest young ladies I have ever taught was involved in a terrible accident over the weekend. She is currently in the Foothills hospital, and is apparently paralyzed from the waist down. I have had two former students from Radville pass away in car accidents since I have left there, and I am feeling the ache again. To see such wonderful people taken from the world so soon, or in this recent case, inflicted with a terrible injury fills me with much sorrow and pain. thankfully, I know that there is more to life than pain, and there is much that comes after that we can look forward to, but it does not always mean that the hard times are any less hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to my student and her family. I can only hope and pray for the best at the moment.

To hopefully end things on a more positive note, I have created for this issues Top 10 list, the top 10 Movies I saw from 2008. Please note that I did not see many of the movies from last year, but I saw enough to make a fairly complete list, I think.

10. Valkyrie - the latest movie from 2008 I saw would have ranked higher if the characters spoke with german accents. Still, Tom Cruise was good.

9. Eagle Eye - Shia Leboef continues to be one of my favourite young actors. This movie had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was great.

8. Wall*E - Pixar delivers again, though I must admit that this is not their greatest ever. Still, it is excellent.

7. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - I know many people hated this movie, and I understand why. Me, I thought it was just great. It had the familiar spirit of the first movies, and while not my fav of the group, I enjoyed it immensley.

6. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor - I love this movie series. I rated this higher than others on the list because to be quite honest, I thought that this movie would stink, when in fact I had a blast watching it. My only complaint is that Evelyn was not played by Rachel Weis.

5. Ironman - All I can say is high octane action + great acting by robert Downey Jr. = amazing summer blockbuster flick.

4. Get Smart - I haven't laughed so hard in a theatre since "Rat Race". OK, would you believe "the Man Who Knew Too Little"? It kept to the spirit of the TV series while making it unique from it. Great fun, and anne Hathaway is in it. Growl!

3. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - not as good as the Lion/Witch/wardrobe, but it was amazing action, witty dialogue, and alot of fun. Of all the movies on this list I watched it the most this last year.

2. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed - this film did a few things for me. First, it gave me an even deeper respect for Ben Stein. Second, it re-enforced my beliefs about teaching science while beleiving in God. third, it made me laugh and think. Greatly overlooked and it should be seen

1. Batman: the Dark Knight - it was not just Heath Ledger's performance that made this movie special, though I admit he gave the best performance of the year. It ws the whole deal. Great action, a compelling story, and wonderful multi-dimensional characters. I do not always like the top grossing movie of the year, but this is one I agree with.

R.I.P. Malti

This Saturay, one of the Calgary Zoo's most endearing critters succumbed to an illness and passed away. Malti, the year-old Asian elephant calf, passed away due to complications from the elephant herpesvirus. Only four elephants who have contracted the virus in captivity have survived. This has deeply saddened those who worked with her at the zoo, and others such as myself who visit the zoo regularily and get to know the animals there. Suffice it to say, her passing is difficult, and I am sorry that I did not get to see more of her, but grateful for the memories I do have of her.

While this news is terribly sad, there has been an unfortunate side effect of it. I have read several comments form news sites as to the creulty of having animals in captivity, and that Malti wuld still be alive if she were in the wild, blah blah blah. Honestly, I think that alot of these people need their heads examined. The Calgary Zoo is an amazing facility that does much good in the ways of species preservation. I am honored to have been a small part of their programs, and hope to be further associated with this noble institution.

No top 10 with this post. Just a tribute to a precocious little 1000 pound one year old who left the world too soon. Rest in Peace Malti. You are missed.

A Bunch of Firsts

These last couple weeks saw a few firsts for me. Last Monday, I went to the birthday party of the youngest daughter of one of my mission companions. We wen to Chuckee Cheeses. I had never been there, and while I found some of the games fun and could understand why kids love the place, there was something a little unsettling about the place. It was probably that creepy mouse. He sure ain't no Mickey! I also had my first adult-solo trip to the zoo with my neice and nephew. A ton of fun, but different for me. I also met my namesake for the first time. Dan and Mindy Oler, two of my dearest friends, had their fourth son this past Mother's Day, and named him Bryan. It was nice that they spelled it correctly and I must confess my bias, but he is the cuteset little guy there ever was.

I also had a first in last night's federal election. I voted, but really had no desire to vote, so I will make my Top Ten List a little political. I present:

Top 10 Changes to the Government That Will Restore My Confidence
10. After an election, all party leaders must share in a group hug.
9. All election ads must be prescreened to eliminate the "stupid factor" (pooping puffins et al)
8. After the election, nobody is allowed to make any political comments for at least one week.
7. Candidates will show more respect to those voters who do not share their viewpoint.
6. Do not complain when someone does something mean to you while you are doing the same thing.
5. All party leader debates should include a section where the candidate must praise their opponents.
4. Fixed election dates, and in order to do that, we must...
3. Take away the power of a government to call an election whenever they feel it is to their party's advantage.
2. Elect the senate. It is a crime that they can hamstring a government and not be held responsible by the electorate.
1. Eliminate block party voting in the House of Commons. Eliminate the ability of a party to boot out any MPs that vote as their constituents want them to and not how the party wanted them to.

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!