...winter comes again.

This morning I was in a meeting with several of the local leaders of out church. As we discussed a family in need of assistance, their house in dire need of repair and they do not have the resources to do it themselves, our Bishop made the statement that we, and they, need to get things done now, because "winter comes again."

He meant it literally when he said it. But the statement struck me figuratively as well. Perhaps that is because I am in a figurative winter right now.

I guess the lesson here is that winter always comes, so prepare in the summer, figuratively. Perhaps you should also say that summer also comes again. Which can be hard to remember in a winter.

Figuratively, of course.

On a not completely unrelated note, I was released from my calling of Elders Quorum President today. While I feel some relief, as it has been a big responsibility and sometimes burden, I am saddened by the loss of opportunities to serve my brothers. Before my experience as the EQP, I cared little for people outside my own family. I never sought to help others. I hope that if I
learned anything, it's to love people and to actively serve those who need it.

I know that Tauni fears that with my release, we will lose what divine help we had been receiving. I do not feel that this is the case. If anything, I think there will be less opposition to his blessing.

I know, I know. I'm not normally one to get so religious in my blogging. But, it is a part of who I am.

Also, we finally got rid of our Chrystler Town & Deathtrap. We traded it in for this wicked Nissan Altima.

Oh, lordy, my nips hurt!

I guess it's something that I'd conveniently forgotten from my days of running cross-country in high school. Or perhaps I repressed the memory, like I do with all horrible things.

Either way, I certainly recall it now:

running = chaffing

I'd become reacquainted with the chaffed inner-thighs thing a few months ago, and got some new undies that took care if it.

Over the last few weeks, I've experienced some new chaffing. On my nipples. And it's getting worse. Seriously, it's like running in sand-paper shirts.

I hear there is some sort of roll-on anti-chaffing stuff, like a deodorant stick. As soon as I figure out where to buy some, I most definitely will do so.

Green Monster

After running 6.51 miles on the treadmill this morning, I had this yummy green monster shake. It consists if fresh fruit, protein powder, and a butt-load of spinach. Turns out it was freakin' delicious.

"Daddy, I don't want to hurt your feelings, but your shake looks like throw-up." -Elyse

I'm OVERWEIGHT! Woo-hoo!!

I know, I know...being overweight isn't something you'd normally celebrate. But today it is, for me. For the past couple of years, I have been obese. And, as of this morning, I'm not. I'm only overweight.

So, I'm gonna say it again: WOO-HOO!  I'M OVERWEIGHT!

Honestly, I didn't expect this milestone for a few more days, but weight just fell off me between yesterday and today. I lost 2.2 lbs. Verified on 2 separate scales, so I know it's legit.

To celebrate, I went to the gym and burned 800 calories on the treadmill.

If you really want to show me that you love me...

I can't say it any better than Elder Lynn G. Robbins. Watch it, please.

I recently did make a 'to be' list. I call it 'My Standard'.

Yesterday, this talk was given in General Conference. I think it was in direct response to my own poor parenting. And this talk spoke to me more than any other given this conference.

The day before yesterday, Katy made me a little snowflake out of paper, and colored it carefully. When she gave it to me, I was already frustrated and angry at being the only person to have done any work on the house that day. I had done laundry, dishes, cleaning, cooked, laundry, and dishes. So, instead of accepting her loving gift as I should have, I said "If you really wanted to show me that you love me, you'd help me."

While my statement may have been true, it wasn't said in a loving or teaching way. And what did Katy learn from it? Well, she walked away sad, and didn't help any more after I had said it than she did before. So, I'd say she learned that her angry daddy doesn't appreciate her.

Since listening to Elder Robbins's talk, I think I have done better. When the girls fought yesterday, I sat them down and talked to them about principles of the gospel, specifically about loving God and your neighbor. I reviewed that lesson with them on the way to school with them this morning. And, hopefully, one day I will get it to stick.

New Shoes

I got sacked today. But that sucks monkey balls, so I'm not gonna talk about it.

I got some new shoes today. My running shoes, of the cheap Wal-mart variety, exploded mid-workout a few days ago. Since then I exercised in them once, which resulted in a severely bruised heel and sore shins.

Here is a pic of the crappy wally world shoes.

They have definitely been well used. I think I put about 150 run miles on them, plus I wore them for a few years just to walk around in back when I was a lazy fatso.


We had a $50 gift card to Cabela's that we decided could help me out. And help it did. There was one pair left of last years Under Armor running shoe, and it was clearanced out for...$49.99...FATE I TELL YOU!

So, we bought them, they're sexy and comfy and I can't wait to run in them.

Here is a pic of the damage to the old shoes. The visible damage, at least. The damage to my foot and shins tells me its a bit more extensive than what you see here.

With the previously mentioned employment loss, we are kind of looking into some belt tightening options again around here, so it almost felt like a luxury purchase, to get the new shoes. But I needed them in order to continue working-out regularly. And it was a Cabela's gift card, so really, it was this or bullets. And someone in my mental state should not be buying bullets (kidding, sheesh).

Anyway, I think I am going to start logging exactly how many miles I run in a pair of shoes, before I send them to shoe heaven. Not that it is important information, just that I think it would be cool to know. And it kind of gives me another reason to track how far I run each day, week, month , year, decade, century, millennium...

I track my running at dailymile.com, by the way. I could use more friends over there, so if you run, want to run, or want people to think your run so you'll look cool, then get over there, sign up, and add me a friend.

Here is the new hotness. They're almost to sexy to run in. The fuzzy leg stickin' out of it ain't too bad either. Raaawrrr...


We'll good night, cruel world.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna walk all over you, for a change.

Funk - Invictus

So...I've been in a bit of a funk. Not the self-destructive kind that I have plagued myself with in the past, but still a funk. I have felt demotivated and discouraged, and above all, tired.

I need a success. I need a little glimpse of glory to spur me forward and shake off the chains that are pulling me down.

I need a victory. Specifically, I need a victory at work. A big one. One of the save-my-job-or-get-a-new-one kind of victories.


In honor of my special needs I am posting my favorite poem. And, for the record, it was my favorite long before they made a movie named after it.

Invictus

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance	5
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,	10
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:	15
I am the captain of my soul.

I have, always loved that poem, since the first time I read it.

If you read this, respond with an inspiring poem of you own.