Soo many birthdays!!

Wow..

So everyone (who's cool at least) was born in the month of September, ESPECIALLY during the last week or so of this amazing month, yours truly included.
Therefore, I would like to send a shout out to all you people out there who are amazing enough to be born in September! Let me highlight a few of these:


The stunning Marian Hunckler starts off our list. Mare, you've been one of my best friends since high school and I love that we've stayed close over the years. There is never a dull moment around you, and you're is always one for partying it up. You're is also one of THE coolest friends to have, because you stays true no matter what. I always love talking to you and you definitely put a smile on my face! Happy Birthday Mare!!


Elder Garen Kunz graces the next spot on this birthday list. Elder Kunz is currently serving a mission for the LDS church right now, but will be returning home in a few weeks. One of the best roomies I've ever had, Garen has always been an influence on me for good. He knows what's necessary to be successful in this life, and loves to encourage. Plus, he's a stud. I couldn't ask for a better friend and its gonna be awesome to have part of the Sanctum back together again! Happy Birthday G-unit!


Kirstin Gunn, come on down! You were part of that amazing summer group, freshman year, that we never wanted to end. What can I NOT say about this awesome girl? You've always been a snappy dresser (as one can see), you're always laughing at something random (or not random), you're always good for a nice talk, and you love going out and dancing almost as much as I do! You, my dear, are just one of those people that you can't help but like, and I'm soo glad we are friends! Happy Birthday Kirs!!


Up next, Heidi Rothart! You'll find Heidi in the middle of this picture, and though I haven't known Heidi as long as I've known some of these other listees, she has quickly become one of my favorites. Heidi, you have a tender heart and care a lot for the people around you. We have had such great talks about life and the gospel, I can tell you really have a testimony and love for life. And though we don't live in the same complex anymore, we're still tight like a rope swing! Glad we're birthday buddies! Happy Birthday Heidi!!


One of my dearest cousins, Karissa Anderson.. We've been birthday pals since we were in diapers and I love sharing these same couple days as you! It's hard to believe you're 19?! But we're both getting older I guess.. I always have fun coming to visit you guys cause I know that you and I and Sarah will always find something crazy to get into. Whether it be jumping into fountains, watching stupid movies, or just TPing someone's house, I love the fact that you are my cousin and that we get to be family forever. Happy Birthday Karissa!!


And of course last, but not least, Marcie Garrett (picture from last year's shared birthday dinner). You were the best part of my senior year. I'm so glad that we got to know each other so well and that we still continue to be friends, cause I would've hated it if we had stopped talking. You have a love for the Lord that is inspiring and you're always so much fun to be around. I'm happy that you finally got to go off to college at Wilmington and I can't wait to hang out when we're home again! Happy Birthday Marcie!!

Whew! Okay so that was a pretty big list, of course that didn't cover anyone from the first part of this month. So I'll send a shout out to Kylie, Jacob, Matthew, Dustin, etc. Happy Belated Birthday to those who were born in the greatest month!!!

The week of preparation

This picture was taken almost TWO YEARS AGO! It's hard to believe how much time flies on by...
But here I am two years later, headin into that same week this picture was produced: General Conference week! Now some people might say, "But Joey, Conference is this weekend, not this week!" (I don't think any of you would say that, I might be using it for dramatic effect) And I am here to say that I plan on making this whoooole week, Conference week.
In the past, I haven't made too much of the days leading up to this amazing weekend where we get to hear a modern day prophet speak to the world, but this week things are going to change.
What are some questions I have that I need answered?
What are some issues I am struggling with?
What do I need to be strengthed in the most?
And most importantly: "...learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it."- Richard G. Scott
I challenge you to focus this week. Really study and try to be united with His will as this fantastic opportunity this weekend presents itself, and I will do the same. I can guess that we will all be surprised with the results.

my calling in life, pretty much figured it out!

Okay I've mentioned before how much I love writing right? I have? Well...
I LOVE WRITING!
It's seriously one of the best feelings in the world to get a story down on paper, to take pictures from my mind, of people events, places and describe them so that I and other people can enjoy them. Finding out that there's something that's not quite fitting with the rest of the story and getting to tweak and play with it till it does. Creating! There is no better feeling.
One reason I may be raving on and on right now is that I just got out of my fiction writing class... might very well be the reason. But it's also interesting that I've met quite a few people in the last few weeks who love writing and we've had discussions and read each other stories and I'm just like, I LOVE BEING A WRITER! (I don't feel like I'm emphasizing this enough)
And as I sit here writing all this it just makes me think of the English language, of language in general and what a phenomenon it is. That these random letters and sounds that human beings came up with to interpret the world around them has become one of the main hallmarks of civilization. Where would we be without it? Don't answer that question, it's rhetorical.

Ok so I'm done with that little shpeal, just had to get it outta my system, ya know? This past Sunday was an example of why I enjoy living in Utah. President Packer, Elder Holland and Siter Beck all came to our regional conference here and spoke to all the members in this area (for those who are confused by the terms heretofore mentioned check out Mormon.org). What spiritual giants! I was touched by every one of their talks and felt that each one was meant for me. It feels like I'm being really cliche today but its true that's how i felt. With General Conference right around the corner I am pumped!

Back to the writing thing for a sec, sorry but I just thought of it. Since coming back to school everyone's always asking me what my major is. Seriously... I have NEVER been asked a single question more in my entire life. So when I tell them English, a couple responses have just been whatever, but there are quite a few that say "Oh I'm soo jealous! I seriously would love that! I love writing but I'm terrible at it so I decided to go a different route." My comment to anyone out there who feels that way is write!! Don't not do anything just cause you stink at it, if everyone did that nothing would get done! Life is all about learning new things, then learning how to do them well. I'm not an amazing writer, but I'm learning how to be better one day by day. So do it! Or i'll come find you.. You think I'm kidding? You best sleep with one eye open!

can I do this?

Hey there! Long time no see.. I know I know, I've been horrible about writing but can you blame a guy? Sheesh, I got a full plate here and all you can think about is "when the heck is Joey gonna write on his blog again?" But here am I again, rambling on and on about my life while I should actually be doing the stuff in it, right?
But its all good. Life is good, right? Right!
So this weekend was fantastic! After a hectic week at school and not a huge amount of play time, it was nice to kick back and relax a bit. Though I cant say that I relaxed a whole lot, Dad may not like the sound of that...better say I spent all weekend applying for jobs.. yea that sounds a lot better, right?
Naw, just kidding Daddyo! I relaxed and filled out a few job applications, multitasking very nicely if I do say so myself (and I do). You're thinking,"Job apps?! Again!! Joey, you need to hold down a job my friend.." Of course, I can't take all the blame, it being a temporary job and all. But such is life, and I have a feeling that something is gonna turn up for me. Just gotta keep on truckin' as usual!
New semester, new roomies, new experiences. You're ready, right?