NC Chinese Lantern Festival

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, North Carolina. This was my first time attending and I have to say it was an amazing adventure!!

Truthfully, I had no clue what to expect when we arrived. But once we did - it was breathtaking. Just the entrance way alone was a sight to see!

We began the journey of seeing over 15,000 LED lights in exclusively-made lanterns all Made in China, with the Butterfly Gallery - an archway of beautiful lantern butterflies. If you follow my Instagram (@Mister_JB_Sir) - you’ll know I love Butterflies, according to Kris Jenner.

Exploring the 15+ large lantern displays, anywhere from deer to poison dart frogs, to panda’s playing with bamboo; each display was very detailed, unique and breathtaking.

We also had some fun on the swing display, which lit up our soul.

Prior to watching an amazing on-stage Chinese cultural performance, I grabbed a Hot Honey Ginger Tea from local food truck, "Cripsy Gyoza" - which was amazing!!!

Overall, attending the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival was a great way to officially end the Holiday Season. If you're in the Raleigh, North Carolina area next year - make sure to check it out!

New Year’s Resolutions

American writer, Melody Beattie says that “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” Every year I tend to list out some Resolutions or Goals - usually never following through.....let’s hope this Blog and following up will help me keep on track. 

Last year, one of my goals was to run 500-miles. I did very well, but focused so much on making sure I was logging the miles that I ignored the signs my body was telling me and just ran through pain until it became intolerable. The injury has caused me to not be able to run for a few months and landed me in physical therapy. 

Another goal was to run in 12 x Road Races - well, only ran in one - PurpleStride Raleigh-Durham. Obviously that went hand-in-hand with being injured, but I definitely miss running in road races and exploring different communities. These local races always take you deep into the communities and places you would have never known about it and really brings the community together. 

For those that know me - I LOVE McDonalds!!! So last year, I gave it up for the year....I made it!!! The first month it was hard, but I got use to not going. I did go there two days ago - grabbed a M&M McFlurry and sweet tea...didn't really care for it much. 

2020 GOALS
This year, I’m going to try and knock out these goals - help me stay on track:
- Finish my Bachelors Degree in Public Administration, Minor in Emergency and Disaster Management.
- Workout at least 6-Days a Week. I’m not going to set a specific measurable goal, rather just do physical activity to be a healthier person.
- Learn to Cook Meals, and eat dinner at home a  minimum of 4-nights a week (when I’m not traveling). I think this should be fun - hope I don’t get anyone sick!!! 
- Make this LAST FULL YEAR IN THE ARMY AMAZING! I want to experience and enjoy this last full year in the Army before I retire in September 2021. I want to share my experiences and knowledge with younger Soldiers and set others up for success while I attempt to set myself up for success in the “Real World”

What are some of your New Years Resolutions or Goals?

Happy New Year

In previous years, I’ve captured moments in my life using Journals, Blogs or posting pictures - this year I want to try a Blog. I haven’t blogged since I was deployed to Afghanistan from 2011-2012, where I basically told the story of my 9-month adventure working in an explosive exploitation laboratory.

This year I will do my best to share my experiences, adventures and thoughts. It should be a fun year - hope you enjoy the read!