If You Want To View Paradise, Simply Look Around and View It!

Willy Wonka holds so many life lessons worth living. I mean the old Willy Wonka! One of the reasons I didn't like the new Wonka is that a lot of the cool lessons were lost. It was just more about being weird and entertaining. ...I'm really of daddish that way, though. I love shows and books that make you think. That change you. I can totally see myself pausing movies like Willy Wonka and preaching to my kids. "Now what is something you think Mike TV should have done better? How are we like Mike TV?"  ..."Dad! FREAK! Stop pausing the movie!"

Well ever since my blog post a few days ago... the one with the Wonka song in it... I've had that song stuck in my head. And I've been known to suddenly start singing, "If you want to viiiiiewwww paradiiiiise simply look arooouund and view iiiiiit!" Usually in the shower. Or to myself. But mostly in my head!

And while I was working at 4 this morning, there it was again. And I started pondering how true those words are! I realized just how good I have it. In spite of it all, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy my life.

:: My Personal Paradise ::

1. Church
I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Been a member my whole life! And I listed this as my first one because religion, doctrine, principles, covenants, and etc etc etc help me to find understanding, direction, hope, and peace in this life.

(The Salt Lake Temple)

(Missionaries. I was one of them once)

2. Family.
Okay... my mom's hilarious and one of my best friends. Just so you guys can get an occasional taste of our daily interactions, I've made a "Favorite Quotes from my MOM" section over there on the right. Oh, so funny. Mom, you're the greatest! And just to spare you the embarrassment, I won't post your picture. You're welcome.

3. Friends
The best friends money can buy! ...er... wait.

(We hang out anywhere, even in strangers' trucks)

4. The career I've always dreamed about!
I've wanted to be a pilot since I was 3 years old. I started flying when I was 14. ...and I haven't crashed yet!

(Preflighting the Katana, Summer 2009)

5. A future filled with hope.

6. A past filled with trials.

7. A present filled with stability and cleanliness.

(This isn't quite what I meant, but... oh well)

Now I'm not naive. Things can be really hard. Things can be downright miserable. But what I'm saying is that if you really sit back and think about it, and kinda look deep inside... maybe to the more innocent part of yourself... you'll realize that you can still manage to see the paradise. If you're having trouble with that... write me and we'll talk about it a little further! :)