11/30 Invitation Completion and OK Go!

Tomorrow is my last day long-term subbing. I can't believe it, it is surreal. The time flew by, and also went by slowly at times too. I'm happy with what I have accomplished. I introduced The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to them (although, I didn't finish it, unfortunately). I might be able to convince Mrs. Ramos to show the rest of the movie to them. Then again, maybe she'll want to finish it next week with the new sub, which I don't oppose.

Today, when the day was ending, my first day with this SDC class happened all over again. Anthony, Elijah, Andrew, and Richard were chasing Michael. It was terrible. And after I ran and stopped them, they did it again. Mrs. Litchford saw me afterwards, and she was like, I can't believe you would volunteer to take that class. She hadn't noticed that I had taken their class because she hasn't been around. The rest of the day went by alright. I showed them the OK Go This Too Shall Pass music video because we were talking about potential and kinetic energy. They just soaked it in. Everyone was watching the Rube Goldberg invention. They asked for more. So I gave them more, but it wasn't as captivating as that video.

Sarah also showed me a video tonight from OK Go, that was super good, that I had never seen before.

We did it! We finished 90 of our 150 invitations. Sarah made me food tonight, which was like canned turkey with cauliflower and carrots and almonds, plus tortilla chips. Then we went at it, after discussing Star Trek. We listened to Jewel Christmas, and part of Manheim Steamroller Christmas.

Then we watched The Middle using her new Bluetooth speaker that she got for us. It worked really well. I'm going to send out the invites tomorrow.

Good night.

11/29 More invitation Stuff

2 more days and I will be getting married this month!

We're soooo close to sending out our invites. Hopefully all goes well. It seems that Sharon Hudrlik is still not too happy with us. It still hasn't blown over. We made a list of people we want at the Sealing. It's quite a lot, but half won't be able to make it.

Work was okay. Minimum day, so it was nice. I had to call to IT at least 5 times today so I could get the attendance on the laptop. It finally worked.

It seems that I'll be paying the Arrowhead bill in full but in installments, unfortunately. We'll see, Sarah's going to try something.

I had a Frisco burger from Nogales, and mom had a breakfast burrito.

Sarah went to Miguels and met me at the Library with a donut to work on invitations.

11/28 3 on 3 Dodge ball and Immaturity

I got to work this morning, and I couldn't log in to the role of my class. I did bump into Mrs. Ramos which was good, because she wasn't even there yesterday. When I called Veronica about the role, she connected me with IT, but they didn't answer, so I walked to the office to talk to Veronica. I told her about my problem and she printed out the roles for me. However, who walks in, but the sub that was placed in our class the Friday right before break. Well, he has been assigned the SDC class I was teaching. Veronica called Valerie and he talked to Valerie on the phone. At the end of the day, I found out that he had to go because my class was already taken by me. It kinda made me feel bad.

6 boys wanted to play dodge ball, and the rest of the 10 of the class, didn't...so, I watched the dodgeball game and Mrs. Yousself watched the rest of the class on the playground. I didn't even feel bad, because the kids don't want to play dodgeball for a reason, and one of those reasons is because it can get intense and people get hurt and feelings hurt. At the end with 10 minutes left in the PE I had 5 of them play Four Square. Some were getting into it. Anthony on the other hand was mad that I didn't make anyone else play dodgeball and also calling 4 Square gay, etc. He definitely has a potty mouth.

The day went by alright. No real big problems. We are still reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. They make fun of the name Aslan. They're like, if the author were here today, he wouldn't have called the Lion that. It's all very immature, and of course it is the boys that say that, Anthony being one of them, Andrew is another.

I went to Sarah's house to eat dinner. I got wrapped up in the new speaker that she bought, which is really cool. She asked me for a blessing because she's been having a lot of things she has remembered from her past, and she just wants to be better. I didn't help yesterday. We kinda worked on our invitations. Also, she cooked me rice with Italian sausage.

Now I'm going to watch the DC crossover episodes.

11/27 No Mrs. Ramos and The Forgotten Carols FHE

I'm going to be brief today because it is so late.

Work was crazy. First of all, Mrs. Ramos didn't make an appearance today, which would have been fine and dandy if she told either me or Mrs. Yusef, but she didn't, and we didn't have subplans for today and possibly for tomorrow if she doesn't show up again. Mrs. Yusef and I worked pretty hard to get things ready for the day. Especially during PE time. Mrs. Ceja, from Mrs. Raymondo's class came and was the second aide for our class for the day.

I hurt Sarah today, because I made it sound like doing The Forgotten Carols in FHE was a mistake. It wasn't, it just was really long winded, and Bishop was texting me asking me how much longer the story would take. Overall, though, it was a really neat story about a girl named Constance who meets John the Beloved. She's a nurse and he is suppose to be crazy.

Jacob's letter was nice. No mention of anxiety nor headaches, thankfully.

Good day.

11/26 Letter #45

Hey Brother,

Man, what a week it has been!?!

First of all, I had the week off. But then I also volunteered to help the Gardner's out. I house and 2 dog-sitted for them. They have 2 dogs, both girls, named Sailor and Chloe. Sailor is a Mastiff, only 8 months and she is so big already, bigger than Chloe, who is already full grown I think. I watched their house from Tuesday-Saturday. They went up to St. George for the holiday. It took them 8-9 hours to get home from there on Saturday, crazy. They were surprised I didn't eat them out of house, haha. I did eat all the chips. A whole container of chocolate milk and some apple cider, and like 6 or so bags of Tuna Creations, not to mention two or three packs of Nutter Butters. If I was there more throughout the week, like during the day, I probably would have eaten them out of house. I was mostly there mornings til like 10 and nights. I slept over each night. They said I could use the Master Bedroom, but I just slept in the boy's room with the fan on me.

Thanksgiving was really good. Sarah and Dad were at it in opinions of like Trauma and Mindsets and stuff like that. So much so that mom had to shush them up. But it was good. We had Lucy and Jesus over and we played Spoons which Lucy won and beat Dad (because she had three 7s  to begin with). Then we played one round of Menos Nueve, which I won. I was sad though, because Lucy and Jesus had to leave after that round and nobody wanted to play it anymore. We just talked for several hours, mostly about Sarah's life growing up, but also about Dad's conversion. When the Peruvians were here, we talked about where Thanksgiving originated. Food was great. Dad's turkey was obviously the bomb.com. Sarah brought green beans. We had potatoes and gravy, stuffing, Papa a la Huancaina, etc. It was super good. Oh, and of course we had Sparkling Cider. Mom only had a little bit, of course.

On Saturday, Sarah and I went to a family's house on Thoroughbred St who set up their house for Christmas lights every year. They are part of that block in Alta Loma that has their lights up with the whole neighborhood, and where people come from near and far to see. It was pretty fun. My favorite part was setting up the countdown clock, which was 30 days and several hours, minutes and seconds.

After that, Sarah and I went to Koreatown to visit with two of her good nonmember friends, Jonathan and Erika. They cooked omelets for us and we had a nice time chatting about everything from driving to how Sarah and I met and about working in the school system. The drive there was way cool, and reminded me about our drive we took from the Griffith Observatory to the temple. It was quite fun.

Then we drove home and got there in time to watch the last three quarters of the BYU vs Hawai'i football game. It was good. We won. Sarah's been really good, but she was tired from the drive home and so she fell asleep on my shoulder in like the last five minutes of the game.

Unfortunately, while I was at the Gardner's house, my car died. It just wouldn't start. Fortunately, after like 6 or more hours of waiting and thinking it was the Starter (which would've cost $300) it turned out to be the battery, which only cost $120. And much more fortunately, the Gardner's payed me $200. So, it all worked out.

We are getting invites sent out this week. Yay! Sometimes, I don't know how women do it. I do not think of half the stuff about the wedding that Sarah has to think about. She's pretty great. I do love her.

Well, I love you. You know:drop a line or two, if you can. I'm anxious to hear about the #LighttheWorld initiative. I was also impressed by your contributions to the #ThinktoThank initiative. Sorry I didn't really participate.

I love you so much.

Your brother,

John

11/25 Nowa Christmas Light Set up and Jonathan and Ericka

Today was pretty awesome, after I got up, took the dogs outside, got rid of all the poop (even though some nastily stayed on the shovel, and fed the dogs, and took a shower.

I drove to Sarah's and from there, we went to the Nowa's house to help them put up their lawn decorations. My favorite one that I got to set up with bishop was the Countdown to Christmas digital clock. I also helped with lights on a tree, lights on bushes with Danielle Demke, putting up three lighted Christmas trees which can be seen in the background of these two pictures. Diego said that for a fee, he could make clay cake toppers for us...and sarah wanted to ask him if he could just make a clay wedding cake for show.

After that we drove to Koreatown LA. to visit two of Sarah's best friends: Jonathan and Erika, who are both married. She took me the scenic route which took us through the heart of LA and other scenic places. It was a nice time spent with her friends. They were super nice people. They cooked us omelets that were super good. Then we talked for a while afterwards. They asked us about how we met. They told us about their driving experiences, which was much. They told us about their Thanksgiving. We met their two dogs Kaya and Whiskey. I really liked them. They were really nice people.

Drove home and watched the BYU vs Hawai'i game which we won 30-20. Lot of fun stuff to watch in their last game of the season. So we go out winning 4 of our 13 games. And I noticed that Kalani has a winning record that matches his losing record, crazy. Sarah was awake for most of the game, but couldn't handle the ending and fell asleep on my shoulder, which was nice. She hasn't done that before.

I kissed her goodnight and had fun so I could wake her up for her drive home.

11/24 Starter or Battery and House deep Cleaning

Well, after waiting about 6 hours to see if I had a battery problem, or a starter problem, they finally came up with a verdict. Well, they couldn't check the starter (after like 5 hours of waiting) because the battery was so corroded. They said it was only putting out 100 amps instead of 500 amps. So, $120 later, I got a new battery and they said the car was starting fine. In fact, the guy that rung me up was like, "A starter problem in a 2011 Toyota Corolla, I didn't believe it." So, yeah. But I lucked out on it not being both. They said that it would have cost me $200 for the starter and $100 for labor, so I definitely lucked out.

I had dad pick me up because I was getting hungry. We were at the Pep Boys in Fontana. I did watch a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bears. Of course I was rooting for the Penguins, but they lost 3-4. Dad and I, and later mom and I went to a new store close to the pep boys called Fallas, not spanish. We found some balls for christmas for the wedding. The first time we went I was walking aimlessly because I was so hungry. When I got home, I made myself a turkey sandwich, and I had some turkey soup.

I helped Sarah clean her house and bedroom. It took us the full three hours. I did everything that she told me to do, like washing dishes, vacuuming the carpet, and wiping down the fridge, and later helping her hang up clothes in her bedroom, putting away boxes, throwing away trash, helping her make her bed, etc. It wasn't as bad as I made it out to be. Sarah's dad is not doing too well. He's in Monterrey where they had Thanksgiving. She's worried, rightly so. I hope everything turns out well,

11/23 Sarah and Dad at it, and a Happy Thanksgiving

So, after I got rid of the poo, and gave all the dogs an extra cup of dogfood this morning, my car wouldn't start. I called mom, after like 10 times of trying, it finally worked, but now I left my car at home just in case right, and Sarah brought me to the Gardner's house after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was good. Sarah didn't know that Lucy and Jesus were going to be there, so she only brought helpings for the four of us, and some green beans that I asked her to make. The green beans were super duper good. The turkey that dad seasoned and mom cooked was superb, and the turkey stuffing tasted great. Lucy brought some Papa a la Huancaina. We all toasted and ate. Mom and I didn't talk too much. Dad and Sarah went at it twice. Twice because mom hushed them after they were going at it. The biggest thing I got from it was about trauma and healthy eating and mindsets. Dad just wasn't having it, and so they were talking, not so quietly in both English and Spanish about this stuff.

We then played spoons, which Lucy won because she had 3 sevens in her hand to begin with at the start of the last game. Then we played one round of Menos Nueve, which I won, but Lucy and Jesus had to leave after the long practice round. They bumped into Sarah's car because I didn't give them good instructions. I was happy I didn't get pinned in between both cars.

We then sat in the living room and talked for several hours. Sarah shared about her mom and dad's situation from beginning til now, dad asking questions every now and again. And Dad, at my request, shared his conversion story, and about his dad's influence in his life. They both got emotional.

Sarah drove me home, and asked me if tomorrow we can clean her house to Shaunna's standards. And we kissed. It was nice. Sarah asked why I didn't say too much. I didn't really have anything to say.

11/22 Chloe and Sailor and some Lawn Mowing

The dogs, Chloe and Sailor, woke me up this morning a couple of times. So, finally, I took them outside and gave them water and food to eat. Then, I left them, and went to Home Depot to pick up some silver spray paint. It was a wait to get it, but then I brought it home after I got it. Turns out, there are only like 5 out of like 15 or so frames that aren't silver already. But, I didn't spray paint them today.

I got home and mom and dad (I didn't know that he was going to be home from work), wanted to go somewhere to eat. So, they took a shower and viola, they were ready to go out to eat. We went to Pancho Villas. I got my usual, combo with a burrito, chile relleno, and beef enchilada. I didn't want the chips and salsa today because of eating too many chips last night.

Then we took a visit to the Gardner's house. Dad wanted to see it. The dogs were very excited. And I gave them some more water.

Then we went to DI. I didn't get anything.

I was kinda perturbed because I wanted to get the lawn mowed, and I wanted to do it when I got home today, but, that didn't happen. I did finally mow the lawn. It was pretty difficult. Right when I finished it, I started to feel anxious. Which I worked with by reading scriptures and a conference talk. I felt okay, until I drove back to the Gardner's house. In the car, I felt anxious again.

Sarah was going to make mom dinner, but it fell through because the rice boiled over. She was feeling terrible, but it was okay. She got the last of the cards printed out for the invitations. She also picked up Silver labels.

We ate a burrito that dad gave us and later we watched the next episode of the West Wing, and after introducing Sarah to the dogs, she left.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Crazy. This week has flown by.

11/21 Mom's birthday and Breakfast burritos

It was my mom's birthday today, so after I went to the Gardner's house to learn about how to houses-sit and dog-sit their two dogs Sailor and Chloe, I went to Nogales Burgers at her request, and got ourselves a Nogales Breakfast burrito and some fries. Man, that thing filled me up until we ate at like six pm. It was super good. After that, I did nothing until like 4pm, because I was trying to nap, but it wasn't working. Then I cleaned my room and read my scriptures. Then mom and I went to the grocery store to buy some last minute Thanksgiving groceries.

At the cash register, the lady in front of us got a 15 lb. turkey that had no tag on it. We didn't think we could help until last minute with our 15 lb. turkey. The cashier got some help. The helper brought a 20 lb. turkey.

Mom wasn't feeling too good, so we decided to have me go to In N Out. We got the usual. Sarah wanted to get mom something and see me before she had her mentoring meeting. So she got mom some wafers and some gum. Mom asked me to come home tomorrow to mow the lawn and Sarah asked me to spray paint the frames we got from DI silver.

Yes, yesterday, Brother Gardner called me asking me if I could house and dogsit through Saturday for his dogs and house, and that their guy cancelled. I told them I could so I came here to their house at 9 this morning to be taught the lay of the land. Now it's time for bed. I didn't know that their house was so small.

57 Reasons why I love You, Mom

1. For all the times you told me to "do good and be good."
2. For coming to get me when I got sick.
3. For always showing concern.
4. For those times we shared our love of Gilmore Girls.
5. For loving and watching The Middle with me.
6. For all our grocery trips, even when we didn't feel like it.
7. For those times we took walks.
8. Sharing our days at work, when it was really hard.
9. For all those duets we've played.
10. For you playing the piano and me singing.
11. Or just our both singing together.
12. For super fun trips to Utah.
13. For those times when I could call you and chat, which was like everyday.
14. For when we shared lunch at Poplar.
15. When I worked at your school and we shared lunch.
16. For our love of RomComs.
17. For your beautiful testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
18. For your support.
19. For your graciousness.
20. For your generosity.
21. Always taking care of me, in every instance.
22. For the love of the temple you instilled in me.
23. For your faithfulness in callings.
24. For your love of music.
25. For your loyalty to your friends.
26. For our love of BYU Football.
27. For our love of BYU Basketball.
28. For your love of pets like Oreo and Pepper.
29. For the love you have for your parents.
30. For the love you have for you siblings.
31. For teaching me to comb my hair.
32. For your skill in Spanish.
33. For your prayers on my behalf.
34. For teaching me how to pray.
35. For teaching me the importance of the scriptures.
36. For helping me be worthy.
37. For your love of kids.
38. For teaching me to be responsible.
39. For assisting me in elementary, middle, and high school and in college.
40. For your love of chips.
41. For your love of BBQ and Dickies.
42. For all the meals you made me, countless.
43. For all the times you told me you love me.
44. For your love of Dad.
45. For your love of Utah, the state.
46. For the love you have for Jacob, Sarah and Briana.
47. For all your help in helping me get my Eagle.
48. For your love of reading.
49. For your love of bowls with pitchers.
50. For all your help.
51. For accompanying me to help Grandpa.
52. For teaching me to make my bed (even if I don't always do it).
53. For teaching me about Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ.
54. For your love of crafts.
55. For your love of puzzles.
56. For being twinners when it comes to using a fan to be cooler.
57. For being a great example of righteousness.

11/19 Letter #44

Hey Jacob!

I gave my talk today in Sacrament meeting. Now everyone is calling me the chip boy because I shared an instance in which I didn't show integrity. In particular, when we were at the potluck before the face to face, Sister Kirtley apologized for not having any chips or cheez-its. I was unsure I would have enough material, but in the end, I actually had too much and I had to cut things out, including a 3rd embarrassing story from my childhood. Sister Harris mentioned that she had listened to the talk I had based my talk on. The talk was from Priesthood Session by Elder Richard J. Maynes. I had forgotten to wear my watch today so I was going off the clock in the chapel. Before I spoke, the choir sang Homeward Bound, a song that Sarah doesn't particularly like because it has nothing to do with Christ, it's just a really pretty song that the MoTab sing. She's right though, I looked at the lyrics and there was nothing there to point to the Savior. The choir director, Celeste, asked me to sing a quartet for the upcoming Christmas program, so for next week, Sarah and I will be joining the choir again.

Like a week or two ago, Sarah and I finished Stranger Things season 1. She liked it so much that we started watching the second season which came out about Halloween time. I have been so looking forward to watching the second season that I went ahead and watched the first episode by myself when I had told Sarah that I would watch with her. She wasn't mad, but I waited to watch the rest with her, and we finished the second season on Friday. Believe me, Jacob, the duffer brothers did not disappoint. It was definitely higher stakes than the first season. We definitely enjoyed the season, and it was so much more scarier in parts. I can't wait for a third season. Fortunately, it was as cliffhangery as the first season, so, I can wait the year or so that it'll take for them to produce the third work of art.

The football game was so-so. I was so tired that I was falling asleep during it. It seems to always be the case: I'll fall asleep during at least one game in the season. I think last year's was the game against Michigan. Is that the one where we lost by a ton. I don't even think we scored a touchdown that game. I might be wrong and please correct me if I am. We finally brought it in the fourth quarter, but by then, it was too late. Joe Critchlow, who had a magnificent game last week, was iced against UMass. The commentators said that it was possibly because it was his first home game, and it was senior day, and a lot of other factors, I'm sure. It's sad to think that BYU hasn't had a 9 loss history (maybe ten) next week, since like the 80's or so. I feel sorry for my man, Kalani Sitake, who has to deal with first having had a great first year to, coming away with so many losses this season. I hope we can learn from this year, and improve next year. Even so, I am still a fan of BYU football and will not stop watching even if we do poorly. Heck, I've continued to watch even this year. I mean, in the immortal words of Mike Heck from this, the farewell season, you can't stop following a team just because they have a losing season. You stick to your guys and go down with the ship. OK, I made up the whole going down with the ship part.

I mean, that's what I have done with my job these last few weeks. I've gone down with the ship. I've stuck with my students, and I still have six more days to go after the break is over. One of my students, the one that doesn't like me, got suspended for a day for using a pencil to stab and obnoxious boy in my class (who frankly deserved it) in the arm. We had a fun day on Friday, the day before break. We did a STEM project where we guided water from one styrofoam cup to another using straws, tongue depressors, clay and tape. Then we watched up to the part where we are at, of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It took just enough time til lunch. Then we had the kids paint mason jars fall colors, and then we made silly puddy out of borax, water, shaving cream, glue, and food coloring. Fun day.

This last week wasn't all that bad. At least I can't think of anything noteworthy from my class that happened. By friday, I was still unsure if they were going to give me the job, because THEY were unsure as to whether or not the actual teacher was going to return after the break. When I heard that he wasn't, I went to the office and told them to continue to let me teach the class. I still have six days from when it'll start with them, until December 4. Sarah and I will need all the money we can get, as it is very expensive to live here in California, as I am sure you already know.

As for that, we are definitely looking for a place to live. We haven't really ruled out anywhere (except for maybe Rancho, because it is so dang expensive). We're looking into places with rent that is under a grand. Preferably, one that is $900. There really isn't any thing under that, so we'll see what we can get and find.

Well, I hope you are doing well. You know what I'm going to tell you: drop me a line or two.

Love you, kiddo,

John

11/18 Rootbeer and Ice and a Talk

Good day today, first of the week long break.

I offered to get Sam's Club pizza for lunch and during the football game against UMass that we watched. Later, Sarah brought Rootbeer and Ice at dad's request. BYU lost the football game, and later the basketball game. I was pretty tired during the football game, especially in the slow parts. Dad was in and out of watching after he was done eating.

I worked on my talk that I have to give tomorrow in church. I wrote the different things out. My talk is on being people of integrity, a reference to Richard J Maynes talk that he gave in Priesthood session of the last conference. I have funny stories but I don't know how it all is going to fit together, and I just want to go to sleep right now. I might just revisit it tomorrow when I get up and before church.

Mom helped me on addresses of people that I need to send wedding invitations to.

Sarah and I took a relatively long walk and talked about things.

Hopefully all goes well tomorrow.

11/17 STRANGER THINGS Finishing after 20 days of being out

Tonight I finished the second season of Stranger Things with Sarah. We watched 3 or so episodes of it and I was home by twelve. My computer actually gave out, it was scary, because my computer is part of my life. Second season did not disappoint. The ending Snow Ball was exciting, and Dustin's hair was crazy super fine. I love Eleven. I'm glad she did not die. Sad for Bob Newby. RIP.

Sarah made spaghetti for me for dinner. She made a special sauce and it was super good. Smoked paprika and ground beef, plus mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Super, super good. And she topped it off with chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream.

There was some confusion at work today as to whether or not I would be coming back to work at Jurupa Vista Mr. Martin's class when Thanksgiving break ended. But Veronica told me to come back, so I am. Mrs. Ramos was mad, almost pissed, when she heard that Mr. Martin asked for more time off. IDK what is wrong with that guy.

We did a STEM challenge of passing water from one cup to another using straws, puddy, tongue depressors, and tape. We watched to the part we stopped in the book, of TLTWaTW. We painted mason jars fall colors. And we made slime to put into the jars out of glue, borax, water, and shaving cream.

When I got home, I worked on getting my $500 debt taken care of because they sent me another collections letter. It took me a little while to get it squared, and I still have to wait for my carrier to get my fax. I was praying that it would all workout.

Mom and Dad went to do sealings at the temple tonight. They didn't have enough Priesthood to do men names. Oh Well, right? I was surprised that they didn't provide men to help. Oh well.

Good day! I have to work on my talk tomorrow and watch the football game, and possibly basketball game and wash my whites.

11/16 Missionary work and Miguels, with some LT subbing

Nothing too crazy happened at work today. I called Valerie MacDougall early this morning to get the status of my job: whether I am going to stay another week after break, or if they will be getting Mr. Martin back. She didn't know, so she said she'd call Veronica of Jurupa Vista, and arrange to find out before tomorrow. So tomorrow I will find out. Tomorrow is suppose to be a fun day, since it's the day before the break. We'll see how it all plays out.

I saw Sister Davies this morning. She's always been nice to me.

Sarah and I ate dinner at Miguels Jr with the missionaries, Elder Pierce and Elder Ogbonna, and I invited Chris because it was his birthday. He later asked for five dollars for gas and I gave him 10 since I didn't have five dollars. The photographer cancelled on us, but we still made a trip to Redlands to see Sarah's dad because he requested Pepto Bismo and cans of spaghetti and meatballs which we got at Stater Bros. close to where he lives.

We then drove back home on the 210 and watched episode 5 of Stranger Things 2. It was a super emotional and driven episode. A bit scary too.

It's been a good day.

11/15 A Run for my Money (Michael) and Peru Conquers and makes it into the World Cup

Almost at the end of my third week of long-term subbing at Jurupa Vista, and I'm coming away from it like a champ. Nothing too crazy has happened...and believe me, crazy things happen everyday with this bunch of kids. Damien is still giving me problems, even after a one-day suspension. Maybe because of that one-day suspension, haha. It was minimum day, which was nice. It meant that after we read TLTWATW, and did the questions that followed (today I decided to skip the vocab associated with the chapter) it was time to go home. Those kids though, they can be so mean some times, and especially Michael. He gives me a run for my money sometimes, and today was no exception.

PERU WON THEIR REPECHAJE GAME AGAINST NEW ZEALAND!!! The final score was 2-0. Oh, when they scored their goals, it was a sigh of relief. Because of this, they are going to the World Cup after a 35 year drought since 1982. Dad just told me that because they won, Peru is having a holiday tomorrow. Crazy! Dad was super happy and went out to celebrate with Lucy and Jesus at Viva Villa.

I stayed home and watched Stranger Things with Sarah, and then we sat in the car and talked about things going on. She had a lot that she wanted to tell me.

I studied Pres. Eyring's talk, and I also watched the newest episode of The Flash.

11/12 Letter #43

Dearest brother,

It's been a nice crazy week.

Really, just a week of work and a three-day weekend that we got to enjoy. I introduced The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to my SDC class for them to read and answer questions to. We are on chapter five, but I'm very proud of myself for suggesting and starting things for them to read of my own. The only problem is they don't have a class set available. Mrs. Towne is in charge of the books that are class-set sized and we took a look at the room that has the class sets but there were none in there. So, she told me that she would ask the teachers if there were any available. Turns out, sixth grade are using the class sets for TLTWATW. Strange right, and they wouldn't offer any to me. I'm just happy Mrs. Towne was so helpful. I still have this next week and possibly until the fourth, but it is strange because the principals sent out a letter saying I would only be around this week left and that the normal teacher would be back after Thanksgiving break. If it is true, then that is good, but I was told I'd be in there til the fourth, so miscommunication. In some ways, I'm happy that I have another week of work left, but you know, I also like vacation, so like Mom, I'm ready for break time and some relaxation.

We still have three classes of the self-reliance program. Just three more weeks! I am so happy that I started it though and have continued to power through it to the end. It has for sure brought Sarah Rebecca and I much closer together, because everything is out in the open about money, and I don't have to be scared about finances. It has also taught me about debt and how to get insurance; stuff I hadn't really thought about before. Which is funny, because I have had insurance of health and perhaps car insurance that I'm going to have to get.

I still haven't sent out that painting you wanted me to send to Kylie. I will do it within the next few days...probably tomorrow when I get the stamps for the invitations.

Yep, wedding preparations are in full swing. We are planning on getting invitations sent out this week by Friday. We still have to gather the many addresses. We are planning on getting the addresses printed out, etc. Sarah, cutting board style did all of the invitations after we taped them to cardstock. They look good, I'm telling you. I'll have to send you one, even though I already sent you the JPEG.

So, for the three-day weekend, I elected to watch the Peru vs. New Zealand soccer game. We tied 0-0. Dad was certain we'd blow them out of the water, and we were doing well first half, but we were getting tired during the second half. There's one more game left some time next week. I think if we win, we go to the world cup. Dad's told me that if we tie again, we'll probably do penalties to decide the outcome.

After that game and Inka Cola and Anticuchos and grilled chicken, I went back home to watch the BYU vs UNLV game. We did so good, man. It definitely didn't disappoint, that's for sure.

When I say elected, Sarah and I could've gone to either a wedding or a Fall Formal, plus there was a missionary opportunity to pass out fliers in Victoria Gardens during the tree lighting ceremony. So there was a lot to choose from. We had originally wanted to go to the formal, but Sarah was so considerate because she knew I wanted to attend the games more. So we did that that night.

OH, I have to give a talk next sunday. Probably my last in the singles ward! The topic is something I gleaned from any of the talks given during priesthood session. If you have any insights, send them my way. Otherwise, I still have to read the talks to familiarize myself with them. The talk I remember the most is the one by President Eyring about being a bishop and having stewardship over so many and being trusted with such love.

We had a talent show this week. It's one of the events in the singles ward that I look forward to the most, I don't know why. We had an aerialist perform from sheets. Crazy.

Also, one of my students either hates me or really dislikes me. I can't decide which. His name is Damien. He attempts to frustrate me by bumping into me purposefully and moving the cart that has the computer and projector on it. He even says bad words to me, is defiant, and flipped me off during a lesson so no one could see it. IDK.

With that...thanks for dropping a line to me next week. It's refreshing to hear from you, even those weeks where you ask me to do stuff for you. Send me a line this week if you get a chance.

I love you so much and I'm thankful for you, my missionary brother.

KEEP up being great.

Love,
John

The pictures Sonia took on Saturday