Keep Kids Alive, Drive

I had no idea how dangerous eagles were. I wish I had one that was loyal to me. A whole convocation of giant ones would probably solve all my problems.

I'm probably blogging right now because Merilee is at a Relief Society activity making/eating things made with lemon. I've been getting used to being around her all day now, whereas before, I was used to being productive by myself. Maybe I could finish filing some papers away, or finish reading a magazine I checked out from the library. I'm a few steps away from completing the summer adult reading program at the SLO library. I decided to try and start reading leisurely and figured it was a good place to start. Plus, the theme seems to be centered around science.

The last couple days, I've been organizing and doing some other random odd jobs, as well as cooking food while Mer looks for jobs. She's been a real champ and has applied to quite a few places by now. There seems to be a big gap between cost of living and salaries here, so it's hard to find something that seems reasonable to us (not that we're getting job offers either).

Since we moved here we've had two visits from ward leadership. The first was a counselor in the bishopric, who asked us to speak on the 24th. You should come. We also were visited last night by the EQP, who just got to know us a little. So far, we're feeling the love pretty strong. It's nice. Our apartment is pretty cool. I baked cookies yesterday or something.

In other news: I've been doing a pull-up every time I go in or out of the bedroom. Merilee and I ran Monday and today and I did half of an insanity CD yesterday. I've rededicated myself to fitness after I, with a Herculean effort, put my church pants on last Sunday. I was 190 when we got back Sunday night and I'm going to try and get down to 170. Weight isn't the most important thing but I am pretty chubby right now, so even if I get some more muscle, I can reach that weight without too much of a problem I think. So far I think I've been transitioning into it pretty well. Running with Merilee stops me from over-working my calves, and this week I'm only doing half of the insanity workouts so I can walk (and even run) the next day with Merilee. Hopefully, with consistency we'll be able to build up together and get some more serious running going. Maybe I'll even be able to fit into my suit for my talk.

I've also been trying to eat better and more regularly since we're home almost all day and have no excuse. I heard eating something small every few hours was good for you. Merilee got me a bag of Reese's minis for my birthday, so that's been helping with that. I said before that I made cookies but we shared with our neighbor, visitors, and I took a picture of them. That removes at least some of the calories, doesn't it? I should probably just accept the fact that I'm doomed and will never be as "skinny" as I was when we first got married.

Oh so I had my birthday. Thanks for calling. I almost ruined my step-father's 80 birthday surprise party that had been so carefully orchestrated by my mother. This included getting all his, and some of our, family together and planning activities. They called me when they were all together, sometime around 10 in the morning. They being my sister and her family, my brother, my mom, and Bob. Assuming the surprise had already been dealt that day (it felt later to me), I wished him a happy birthday and later asked if he liked his surprise. During the call, I was informed via text that he didn't know anything about it. You people. Luckily, it went right over his head. I also got to see Guardians of the Galaxy (awesome) and got a really cool photo-book from Merilee (thanks Bonnie for putting it together and for everyone who contributed to it. It was awesome!). I remind myself of a toddler with how pleased I am to read peoples' positive thoughts of me next to my face, some photos of which I never knew existed.