This past week has been an eventful one. First, I finished writing a very rough draft of the introduction to my thesis that my Advisor praised a little. We discussed where I should be headed and she gave me quite a few insights that I can use in writing my thesis body. Luckily, quite a bit of it is already there because I did a great deal of it before my mental crap out in December 2010. I feel way more confident this time around than last time. I still have to control my impulses for procrastination and such, but I have a much better handle on how this is all going down.

I started to wet shave with a safety razor. I do not have the courage to step up to a straight razor. I started out with those cheap Bics when I was a teenager that cut my face to ribbons. I decided to use the Mach 3 when it first appeared on the market. I used that for several years until I became tired of spending so much on the blades. I started using my father’s favorite – disposable Gillette’s from Winn Dixie. Not a bad choice but they cut a little as well. It got to the point where I either didn’t shave for a week because I hated shaving or shaved because I really dislike facial hair. The war got a little hairy sometimes, if you’ll forgive the pun. I decided to try something different. I bought a Merkur straight razor and a shaving brush with cake soap. All I can say is why did it take me this long to find you. It has given me the closest shave with the least irritation than anything I have ever used before. *Update* My Merkur razor unexpectedly came apart, but the merchant that I purchased it from is providing a replacement at no additional cost. Very nice.

In addition, I went to get a new phone. Actually, I went to the Sears Auto-center to put new tires on my car and change the oil. While waiting, I went to the nearby AT&T store to look at their selection of Samsung Galaxy 3IIIs. The price was a little too much and I was easily talked into buying a HTC One X. I had an HTC Inspire, but had had significant issues with it – mostly call reception and battery life. My brothers said that it made me sound muffled and low, while the new phone was crystal. So far, I am loving my new phone.

Speaking of something new, I also gained a new great-nephew. Elijah Joseph Sibley was born the 25th of September 2012, weighing 8 lbs and measuring 22 inches. While this is not my first time as a great-uncle, he is pretty damn cute, if I may say so. It stinks that I am so far away and will not be able to meet him until December. Here are one or two pictures.

I also had a Korean chapter test in which I intially felt alright about but was only able to secure a 86% score. There was not a deep fundamental flaw, mostly nicks taken off here and there. This just means that I will have to study harder. Doh!

Hmm, I also met with some old friends for lunch at the Hunan Gardens Restaurant for hotpot. I had not had hotpot since I came home from China in 2010. It was awesome. I made tentative plans for a later reunion with these same friends and others at the same place. Thank you Lisa for taking me there and Quincy for joining us. It was great meeting with you ladies after such a long time. Quincy also invited us to her single’s ward meeting and an afterward break the fast at her house in Park City. The meeting was pretty good and it felt great since I had not been to church since arriving. I know, I know – I’m a slacker. The break the fast meeting was excellent as well. I would like to thank Quincy’s parents for opening their home to me. Next week, I am going down to Cedar Hills (north of Provo) to go to church with the Moak boys and also watch football. Geaux Tigers!