drawsomething...a favorite pastime

The pictures below are what I drew on my phone with my finger.  It's a game that I play with a few people around the world - my favorite people to play with is Jessica, Megan (who has forgotten how to play) and Ella. 

I play with a lunch ladies from Florida, a grandpa from Nevada, a student in California, and a Muslim lady in London England.

It's fun!

 

 
    
 
 
 

 

 
 
        

Evil Machines...

THIS IS THE EVIL MACHINE THAT HAUNTS ME EVERY WORKOUT, AT LEAST FOR THE FIRST 20 MINUTES.  YES, THIS IS REALLY WHAT THE MACHINE LOOKS LIKE!!

 

I have been working out since the beginning of the year.  Our office building (which is owned by our company owner) also is home for the Stairmaster offices. (Quick funny story about Stairmaster - They are on the 3rd floor and the only way to reach that floor is to use the elevator.)  Stairmaster said if we would provide the space they would provide the equipment for a office-members-only workout room.  I usually go there after work, 3 times a week, so I can cool down and shower at home.  When I work out at lunch time I don't have time to cool down, my shower "doesn't take", and I sit at my desk and sweat for the next hour.

OK, this is the EVIL MACHINE when I am not working out with him...don't be fooled by his innocence.

For a free gym - it's great. 

It has weight machines, dumbbells, treadmills, stair-steppers, and about spin-cycles. 

 

Last time I lost all my weight I worked out and did shakes (Herbalife) and dinner.   This time I just eat better, smaller portions, and work out.  I have lost exactly 30 lbs. since Jan 3rd of this year.   Everyone asks me - "How do you do it?"  My reply is "Be so overweight that with a little effort  you can drop 30 lbs. in 2 1/2 months"

 

I wanted to lose weigh eating foods that I like to eat and not just protein shakes.  I still have a "Mitch Day" and I haven't overly restricted my diet.  I still get to eat out (only once a week), I have pizza at home (just less slices), and this also forces me to take time to make good meals and not quick fixes (even though I found healthy quick-fix options too). 

 

Here is another 'shocker'...I have had NO SODA since Jan 3 -- I have replaced all my soda drinking with WATER.  I drink over 150 ounces of water a day.  They say when you are in weight-loss mode, you should drink 1/2 your body weight in water.  So when they told me I should try the P90X workout, the "X" stands for 'times' (Pee 90 times),,,it's really not that bad (and yes I sleep though the night just fine - I know TMI)

 

I also have my mind in a good space.  I used to be a stress eater and a big-time comfort eater.  I am in a very good place right now.  Let's say I have had a few paradigm shifts and eye opening experience or two and one very personal spiritual experience.  Onward and upward.

 

I was riding on one of the bikes the other day and it reminded me of when I lived in Provo and Scott and I use to drive up to Orem in the early morning and workout together, which included the menthol steam room (until we couldn't take it anymore) and the hot-tub pools with all the elderly men.

 

My goal is anther 20 lbs. by my birthday and another 20 lbs. by September...maybe 10 more by Christmas.  The longer I work on this the more difficult the shedding of poundage is...

 

My new motto - Hurry up and weight...

Well Suited

I bought a new suit...I thought that Elder Perry and Elder Nelson looked pretty sharp in their temple dedication white suits that I too would follow suite.

I am now an official Temple Ordinance Worker...I will rotate around every Wednesday night from 4:30p-9:45p - working either endowments, recommend desk, initiatory work, but not baptistery (there are others workers assigned to that specific area).

I got a call from the temple secretary, Sister Lucas.  She left a message, that Jen took down for me.  Jen gave me a slip of paper that said "Please call Sister Lucas to set up an appointment with President Kimball"  I knew there was no President Kimball in the temple presidency at the Portland Temple...it was President Campbell.

My fear is my lack of memorization skills.  Mom can attest to that and my awesome scripture chase memorization.  I could find the scriptures faster than anyone, cross reference them, paraphrase them, tell you how to apply them in your life...memorize word for word NOPE!

I was promised that my memorization in the temple would be a total different experience than anywhere else.

My first day went very very well - I spent 1/2 of it in the study room, 1/4 of it as a patron doing initiatory work, and 1/4 helping with endowments.  All but one time did I have the whole thing memorized verbatim.  It was a great feeling and great spiritual moment for me.

I look pretty good in a white suit too...first time ordinance workers get 1/2 off their first suit, which helped , but still was a little spendy - BUT well worth every penny.
on the same

I am looking forward to spending time in the temple weekly.  My boss is scheduled on the same shift as I am and we will be able to carpool together.