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
