approximately 10:29:30:27

Dear World,

 

Writing from the State capitol, Olympia!  When you are here, it is a little bit hard to believe that this is the capitol.  Tacoma, or Seattle would seem very logical, this seems very random.  But it's all good :)  

 

You ask, "what's it like having a Pizza Hut at the end of the block?  :)"....  Does the phrase "eternal temptation" mean anything to you?  Haha,  just kidding, I'm stoked about it.  I'm just nervous about making my missionary funds last the whole month.  I'm usually pretty darn responsible, but pizza is my biggest "want" expense.  And Pizza Hut is twice as expensive as Little Caesars.  Early Thanksgiving gift card present? ;)  Haha, just kidding, but also not really.

 

OK, let's make a deal real fast.  I'll do my best to answer "going home" questions, to the best of my physical, mental, and emotional ability -  but no more telling me how many days til I'm home.  I almost had a heart attack.

 

Update on Zhang (Chinese Chase) he has returned to China.  On Sunday he was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  On Monday he received the Priesthood.  On Tuesday he received his Patriarchal Blessing.  On Wednesday he flew back.  Keep this wonderful, valiant young man in your prayers :)

 

I'm serving with Elder G, who is a great guy.  Good heart, and a real desire to help people.  He plays basketball, likes Marvel, and worked in a pizza shop once.  What's not to love there? 

 

So, in a foursome, planning takes about 2.5 times as long, and then with the remaining time in the night, everyone is rushed to make a quick dinner, use the bathroom and get ready for bed, and almost every night in Lakewood I'd hit my bed at approximately 10:29:30:27 or something along those lines, give or take a millisecond. 

 

In this companionship, our planning rarely takes us the full half hour, and never exceeds it.  I have an hour or more every night I have absolutely no idea what to do.  The first night was absolutely terrible.  I finished, and just paced around the apartment for an hour.  I wanted to knock doors, but successfully talked myself out of it.  I have gotten in the habit of working out again at night, and stretching, while watching "Finding Faith in Christ" or "The Testaments".  I almost have them memorized. 

 

By the way that reminds me, my usage of the word "like" has cut down significantly.  Updates on my game:

 

5 pushups for saying the word "like" period.  In any context.  Let's be honest, it's a pretty weak word, and never conveys much.  Always a better word choice somewhere.

 

5 pushups for every "ummm"

 

3 pull ups for every "Ya know?"

 

5 pushups for every "I mean,"

 

It's good stuff.

 

Well, my time is about out, and my poor companion has been done for about a half hour.