The last two days have been good. I was tired yesterday, but it's been good at work.
At lunch, I've been sitting with the two girls that work with Aunt Kerry, Terese and Nancy. Nancy is from Mexico and speaks spanish with me, and Terese really wants to learn, so she has been practicing with me. They are both nice people, and they let me eat in front of them. They actually invited me to eat popcorn chicken with them at 11:20am tomorrow. Patrick was like, are you trying to get him hooked.
I've been introduced to twins in the class. A twin boy and girl. Their names are Jenna and Brady. They both are pretty interesting, and I swear Jenna looks like Brooke Amelia Taylor, a girl I knew from the single's ward. Brady lays on the floor and chews on a rag the whole day.
I have really grown an attachment to Gavin. Yesterday, after we had walked around the field once, I started taking him to the air conditioned halls when out of nowhere, he just books it. He sprints, and what was worse is it was passing period, so as he was sprinting he was dodging people and doors. Fortunately, I caught him before he could go to far by holding on to his shoulders and guiding him back onto the field. Today, I walked with him around the field and we sat next to this ledge. It was nice. No sprinting today.
We got a new IA named Tiffany. She was the one that just got married over the weekend. It was nice not to be the clueless one and to be asked to help. She's definitely a nice girl. They went to the Grand Canyon on their honeymoon. Also, a helper named Jamie Peterson came yesterday to help with our morning routine.
I went to the DMV today. I am super intimidated by the people who work there, because I am afraid that everything will go wrong. I applied for a 90 day extension to get my car registered. $15. It all worked alright.
The air mattress still has a hole in it. Time for bed.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Sunday, August 26, 2018
8/26 Letter #83
Dear Jacob,
What a week it has been. Why? Well, I finally started a job this last Wednesday. I am working at Mesa High School as an Instructional Aide in a Severely Intellectual Disabled class. It has been quite an experience already, let me tell you.
The very first thing that I did upon entering the classroom was, the teacher asked me to take a student named Gavin outside to walk around the field with another teacher taking another kid. She was like, he's flighty, he likes to run away. I heeded the warning and started walking with him, really following him. Well, he did run...towards the fence, where he stopped, looked at me and laughed. We walked (and ran) around the field three of four times. A lot of the kids are confined to a wheelchair. Almost all of them have trouble talking if they talk at all, and most are wearing diapers which we have to change, and we need to feed them if they can't feed themselves.
Well, update: Gavin now follows me around, and he doesn't run off. On Friday, I decided to take him out for a walk around the 100 building that has a huge hall that is air conditioned. He stuck by me for the duration of the walks (I went with him twice and got 17,000 steps that day). I just point to the library and the posters on the wall. He doesn't respond. And we wait while passing period is underway. He just follows me around the block now, and I don't have to worry about losing him.
I think the class has about 8 or 9 students. However, we averaged about 5 each day. On the first day, there was a student named Hunter who also is flighty and who they keep in a wheelchair strapped down. I got close to him and he literally snatched the glasses off my face. Fortunately no harm was done to me or the glasses. He also bounces up and down in his wheelchair. It doesn't have wheels that the student can reach, so that's quite the feat. Also, he makes clicking and quacking noises to communicate. He didn't come the last two days.
After three days, I think I am finally used to my work environment and getting my way around the school. I thought working at a high school was going to be scary and something I am not use to, but it has actually been rather nice. I have been truly blessed to get a job. I had lunch with Aunt Kerry on my first day there. Yeah, she works at the school I'm at. I have been doing my best to represent.
That said, I'm looking for extra work to do. I have been applying for an online tutoring company, as well. I had to send a minute long video teaching something that I am passionate about. In the sample video, the lady taught the best way to make chocolate chip cookies. So, I decided, since talking about cookie baking was off the table, that I would talk about music, and in particular the Grand Staff and the Treble clef. I drew the Grand Staff on a piece of paper and in a minute, which isn't a whole lot of time, I taught. I felt good about it. Hopefully, they email me soon.
The tios have had another person over to stay at their house. His name is Cameron Ramirez. His mom knew our mom in Blythe, and yes, he is from Blythe. He is in the air force, asked to be stationed out here for about a week and a half (until the 31st). He's a super nice guy and it has been good talking to him.
Gracie and I went to her school football game on Friday night. We got there in time to witness a touchdown play. There were four minutes left in the half, but they stopped the game, a delay due to the lightning afar off. So, they told us to go to the auditorium to wait and not to stay on metal stands. Well, we probably wandered around for a good amount of time, taking a picture with the Eagle mascot, before we decided to leave. We went to Walmart where we played Mario Cart and a punching game. It was a fun time.
Other than that, it's been a laid back weekend. I went to Goodwill yesterday because they were having a half off sale that they have every two weeks on a saturday. I bought some more pants, partly because I ruined my Khakis in the wash the other day. I'm getting one of them tailored which will be ready next Saturday. I also went to the temple yesterday to do initiatories. It was a nice time.
No real good Sunday news. I went to a branch today that started earlier than the time that was listed on LDS meetinghouse locator. So, I looked for a 2pm church. Found one. They were nice to me in Priesthood, and the lesson in Sunday School was really good, even though I knew nothing about Hezekiah to begin with. Honestly, I am still feeling Guerrero Park Branch.
Life is good. Sarah's in Utah right now because Shaunna asked her to take her, because of her mom. Her mom isn't doing too well at this time. She is probably at the equivalent of where Grandpa was, so prayers out to her family would be nice.
Love you bud. I can't wait to hear from you. I know the US Open is beginning tomorrow, and first BYU game is next week. Lots to look forward to. Send me a line.
Love ya,
John
What a week it has been. Why? Well, I finally started a job this last Wednesday. I am working at Mesa High School as an Instructional Aide in a Severely Intellectual Disabled class. It has been quite an experience already, let me tell you.
The very first thing that I did upon entering the classroom was, the teacher asked me to take a student named Gavin outside to walk around the field with another teacher taking another kid. She was like, he's flighty, he likes to run away. I heeded the warning and started walking with him, really following him. Well, he did run...towards the fence, where he stopped, looked at me and laughed. We walked (and ran) around the field three of four times. A lot of the kids are confined to a wheelchair. Almost all of them have trouble talking if they talk at all, and most are wearing diapers which we have to change, and we need to feed them if they can't feed themselves.
Well, update: Gavin now follows me around, and he doesn't run off. On Friday, I decided to take him out for a walk around the 100 building that has a huge hall that is air conditioned. He stuck by me for the duration of the walks (I went with him twice and got 17,000 steps that day). I just point to the library and the posters on the wall. He doesn't respond. And we wait while passing period is underway. He just follows me around the block now, and I don't have to worry about losing him.
I think the class has about 8 or 9 students. However, we averaged about 5 each day. On the first day, there was a student named Hunter who also is flighty and who they keep in a wheelchair strapped down. I got close to him and he literally snatched the glasses off my face. Fortunately no harm was done to me or the glasses. He also bounces up and down in his wheelchair. It doesn't have wheels that the student can reach, so that's quite the feat. Also, he makes clicking and quacking noises to communicate. He didn't come the last two days.
After three days, I think I am finally used to my work environment and getting my way around the school. I thought working at a high school was going to be scary and something I am not use to, but it has actually been rather nice. I have been truly blessed to get a job. I had lunch with Aunt Kerry on my first day there. Yeah, she works at the school I'm at. I have been doing my best to represent.
That said, I'm looking for extra work to do. I have been applying for an online tutoring company, as well. I had to send a minute long video teaching something that I am passionate about. In the sample video, the lady taught the best way to make chocolate chip cookies. So, I decided, since talking about cookie baking was off the table, that I would talk about music, and in particular the Grand Staff and the Treble clef. I drew the Grand Staff on a piece of paper and in a minute, which isn't a whole lot of time, I taught. I felt good about it. Hopefully, they email me soon.
The tios have had another person over to stay at their house. His name is Cameron Ramirez. His mom knew our mom in Blythe, and yes, he is from Blythe. He is in the air force, asked to be stationed out here for about a week and a half (until the 31st). He's a super nice guy and it has been good talking to him.
Gracie and I went to her school football game on Friday night. We got there in time to witness a touchdown play. There were four minutes left in the half, but they stopped the game, a delay due to the lightning afar off. So, they told us to go to the auditorium to wait and not to stay on metal stands. Well, we probably wandered around for a good amount of time, taking a picture with the Eagle mascot, before we decided to leave. We went to Walmart where we played Mario Cart and a punching game. It was a fun time.
Other than that, it's been a laid back weekend. I went to Goodwill yesterday because they were having a half off sale that they have every two weeks on a saturday. I bought some more pants, partly because I ruined my Khakis in the wash the other day. I'm getting one of them tailored which will be ready next Saturday. I also went to the temple yesterday to do initiatories. It was a nice time.
No real good Sunday news. I went to a branch today that started earlier than the time that was listed on LDS meetinghouse locator. So, I looked for a 2pm church. Found one. They were nice to me in Priesthood, and the lesson in Sunday School was really good, even though I knew nothing about Hezekiah to begin with. Honestly, I am still feeling Guerrero Park Branch.
Life is good. Sarah's in Utah right now because Shaunna asked her to take her, because of her mom. Her mom isn't doing too well at this time. She is probably at the equivalent of where Grandpa was, so prayers out to her family would be nice.
Love you bud. I can't wait to hear from you. I know the US Open is beginning tomorrow, and first BYU game is next week. Lots to look forward to. Send me a line.
Love ya,
John
Friday, August 24, 2018
8/24 Going to ALA's football game and Walking Gavin for Many Steps
Today was great.
It ended with me going to a football game with Gracie. We got there when right before the end of the first half. We were able to witness a touchdown by the Eagles, but after they did that, they stopped the game because of lightning out in the distance. They said that there would be a delay of game and they wanted everyone off the metal bleacher while the storm passed. They invited people to go in the auditorium while they waited. Well, we met a coach and he said that the previous JV game from Thursday did the same thing. Then we saw Gracie's math teacher. Then we entered the auditorium and got a picture with the mascot, which was awesome. I played with some kids broken hand thing. But then we decided to leave because the officials were going to wait another 30 minutes. Well, we decided to go to Walmart, where we looked at electronics and played on a Nintendo switch. We played a punching game and Mario Cart. Gracie beat me all the time and got first once. Then we travelled home. It was a fun time.
Friday at Mesa High School was really good. I got there right when Kari was wheeling some of the kids over to an assembly. Ryan was going super fast so I got a hold of him. Jennifer's sister Monique was there to help us the whole day. Kari had Keenan and later Eva came with Gavin. The assembly was pretty interesting. The host copied a game I had seen on Facebook a couple days before where they put hula hoops on the floor in a trail and two kids play Rock, Paper, Scissors and try to get to the other side. It wasn't big enough for them. And, I had seen them play this with like first graders. So, it was very weird seeing high schoolers do it.
I walked with Gavin around the halls in the main building. I even got over 16,000 steps. He was very good and followed me around and around. He's pretty good company, even though he can't talk. I would show him the library and read him the stuff on the walls. When there was an influx of people leaving during passing period, we stopped and waited for the gist of people to leave.
I was also asked to take Roman to get his medicine. Well, right as I took him out of the classroom, his mom, Lisa appears out of nowhere. She walked with me to the nurse to give him his medicine an hour late. This is the mom that Eva is fed up with because she rights detailed letters of disgust for us teachers. She thinks she knows better than the teachers how to handle her son, and is nitpicky about every little thing. She even asked the nurse what day pictures were being taken, mostly because she wants to color Roman's hair pink for October breast cancer awareness. While we were in the nurse's office, an incident happened on the outside, so we went out another way. Well, I had accidentally left the applesauce lid in the nurse's office. So, Eva was a little annoyed, so I offered to pick it up, as well as take Gavin for another walk. Also, I hadn't known that Roman had already eaten. So, his mom was not happy about that either. But I was wrong. The whole lunch schedule was off because of the assembly.
I found out that I am getting paid $13.50/hour. This is kinda good news, as the job offered was only for $12.50, but after doing the math, I found out that I am not even making anywhere close to the $120/day I was making as a sub. This is bad news for me. I like the job a lot, but that is just not enough. So, I talked to Sarah and I am for sure going to finish applying for Revolution Tutor company, so I get $20/hour. I'll probably work 25 hours at Mesa and 20 hours for the tutoring company, hopefully.
I am almost done with Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5, the last season available. I have about 3-4 more episodes. Probably binge watch it over the weekend. Maybe even tonight, haha.
It ended with me going to a football game with Gracie. We got there when right before the end of the first half. We were able to witness a touchdown by the Eagles, but after they did that, they stopped the game because of lightning out in the distance. They said that there would be a delay of game and they wanted everyone off the metal bleacher while the storm passed. They invited people to go in the auditorium while they waited. Well, we met a coach and he said that the previous JV game from Thursday did the same thing. Then we saw Gracie's math teacher. Then we entered the auditorium and got a picture with the mascot, which was awesome. I played with some kids broken hand thing. But then we decided to leave because the officials were going to wait another 30 minutes. Well, we decided to go to Walmart, where we looked at electronics and played on a Nintendo switch. We played a punching game and Mario Cart. Gracie beat me all the time and got first once. Then we travelled home. It was a fun time.
Friday at Mesa High School was really good. I got there right when Kari was wheeling some of the kids over to an assembly. Ryan was going super fast so I got a hold of him. Jennifer's sister Monique was there to help us the whole day. Kari had Keenan and later Eva came with Gavin. The assembly was pretty interesting. The host copied a game I had seen on Facebook a couple days before where they put hula hoops on the floor in a trail and two kids play Rock, Paper, Scissors and try to get to the other side. It wasn't big enough for them. And, I had seen them play this with like first graders. So, it was very weird seeing high schoolers do it.
I walked with Gavin around the halls in the main building. I even got over 16,000 steps. He was very good and followed me around and around. He's pretty good company, even though he can't talk. I would show him the library and read him the stuff on the walls. When there was an influx of people leaving during passing period, we stopped and waited for the gist of people to leave.
I was also asked to take Roman to get his medicine. Well, right as I took him out of the classroom, his mom, Lisa appears out of nowhere. She walked with me to the nurse to give him his medicine an hour late. This is the mom that Eva is fed up with because she rights detailed letters of disgust for us teachers. She thinks she knows better than the teachers how to handle her son, and is nitpicky about every little thing. She even asked the nurse what day pictures were being taken, mostly because she wants to color Roman's hair pink for October breast cancer awareness. While we were in the nurse's office, an incident happened on the outside, so we went out another way. Well, I had accidentally left the applesauce lid in the nurse's office. So, Eva was a little annoyed, so I offered to pick it up, as well as take Gavin for another walk. Also, I hadn't known that Roman had already eaten. So, his mom was not happy about that either. But I was wrong. The whole lunch schedule was off because of the assembly.
I found out that I am getting paid $13.50/hour. This is kinda good news, as the job offered was only for $12.50, but after doing the math, I found out that I am not even making anywhere close to the $120/day I was making as a sub. This is bad news for me. I like the job a lot, but that is just not enough. So, I talked to Sarah and I am for sure going to finish applying for Revolution Tutor company, so I get $20/hour. I'll probably work 25 hours at Mesa and 20 hours for the tutoring company, hopefully.
I am almost done with Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5, the last season available. I have about 3-4 more episodes. Probably binge watch it over the weekend. Maybe even tonight, haha.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
8/23 Day two In the Severely Intellectually Disabled Classroom
After work, I was exhausted for a bit, plus I ate all the chips I bought yesterday, so I was dehydrated and I had a headache. Uncle Jesse and Aunt Kerry made bacon, biscuits and eggs for dinner tonight. It was super good, and it was good talking to everyone around the table. I came home and listened to talks and lay down for a bit, right after I went to switch our storage unit at Extra Space Storage. I changed it, and then I did my best to give Sarah encouragement while she arranged for Brother Mendoza to help her move the remaining stuff. She destroyed the tv, haha, but fortunately it wasn't really needed.
Sarah's going with Shaunna to Utah tomorrow morning for about two weeks or so to be with Shaunna's mom. They had a special fast for her mom today, to decide what the right course of action would be, because she's not really eating of her own free will, so they were trying to decide if she should remain the same or if they should let her stay the course, and pass soon. So, who knows how long they are going to staying up there with her while all this happens. Sarah will probably stay with friends while she is there, which is good.
Today was a good second day. Cheryl is not going to be at work tomorrow. It's her day off. She made sure me and Kari (a woman that I met today who is an aide, mostly to help Roman, I guess, but who is a week new), that we could take them to the bathroom and stuff. So, by myself, I helped Ryan go to the bathroom a couple of times. He's easy, though. I helped Keenan go to the bathroom, he isn't as easy. I did it all by myself, though. I think yesterday he was the one that I had sweated bullets with when I helped him out. He is always soiled for some reason.
Gavin was pretty good today. The only two things was I had to stop him from playing with his thing and later he appeared to have wet himself. But he was good otherwise. He went to the bathroom on his own several times, after I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom. I even was able to get him to participate in the secondary half of the day by getting him to sit on his favorite bean bag. He did a good job by moving the stuff on the touch screen.
Hunter was absent today. So, I didn't take him to the nurse. Also, Cheryl said that I was going to have to learn how to feed Jennifer water through her tube that she drinks out of that is connected to her stomach. I also helped out by cutting laminated pages that Eva had printed out. I also sorted them.
They gave me my badge today, so I wore it on my collar. They also taught me how to clock in and clock out and to take lunch. I sat with the aide Kari at lunch and we talked a bit. It is hard to understand her because she has some kind of speech impediment. She also seems a bit handicapped as well. But she is nice, and she was tired by the end of the day as well.
Aunt Kerry texted me and asked me if I could translate for her in a meeting today. However, by the time the meeting started, the parent wasn't there, so I left before she could arrive. It was okay though, because she had her daughter to help her out. They even extended a job of translating to her. Also, Patrick found me today and gave me an application to be an interpreter. I don't know if I'm going to sign it or not. I probably will.
Not a bad day.
Sarah's going with Shaunna to Utah tomorrow morning for about two weeks or so to be with Shaunna's mom. They had a special fast for her mom today, to decide what the right course of action would be, because she's not really eating of her own free will, so they were trying to decide if she should remain the same or if they should let her stay the course, and pass soon. So, who knows how long they are going to staying up there with her while all this happens. Sarah will probably stay with friends while she is there, which is good.
Today was a good second day. Cheryl is not going to be at work tomorrow. It's her day off. She made sure me and Kari (a woman that I met today who is an aide, mostly to help Roman, I guess, but who is a week new), that we could take them to the bathroom and stuff. So, by myself, I helped Ryan go to the bathroom a couple of times. He's easy, though. I helped Keenan go to the bathroom, he isn't as easy. I did it all by myself, though. I think yesterday he was the one that I had sweated bullets with when I helped him out. He is always soiled for some reason.
Gavin was pretty good today. The only two things was I had to stop him from playing with his thing and later he appeared to have wet himself. But he was good otherwise. He went to the bathroom on his own several times, after I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom. I even was able to get him to participate in the secondary half of the day by getting him to sit on his favorite bean bag. He did a good job by moving the stuff on the touch screen.
Hunter was absent today. So, I didn't take him to the nurse. Also, Cheryl said that I was going to have to learn how to feed Jennifer water through her tube that she drinks out of that is connected to her stomach. I also helped out by cutting laminated pages that Eva had printed out. I also sorted them.
They gave me my badge today, so I wore it on my collar. They also taught me how to clock in and clock out and to take lunch. I sat with the aide Kari at lunch and we talked a bit. It is hard to understand her because she has some kind of speech impediment. She also seems a bit handicapped as well. But she is nice, and she was tired by the end of the day as well.
Aunt Kerry texted me and asked me if I could translate for her in a meeting today. However, by the time the meeting started, the parent wasn't there, so I left before she could arrive. It was okay though, because she had her daughter to help her out. They even extended a job of translating to her. Also, Patrick found me today and gave me an application to be an interpreter. I don't know if I'm going to sign it or not. I probably will.
Not a bad day.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
8/22 My New Instructional Aide Job
You probably won't believe it, but today was my very first day in the severely intellectual disorder (SID) classroom.
Yesterday, Aunt Kerry called me while I was out and about. She said that everything has gone through, and that I would be starting the next day (today). She gave me my EID (Employee ID number) and said to come to Mesa High School as soon as I was done driving Gracie to school.
Well, I did just that. I parked near the front office, and talked to the secretary Victoria (I think). She gave me a bit to fill out. And, another secretary took me to the psychologist room to wait for Patrick. I waited and soon he came and guided me to the door of my new classroom.
In I went. I met the teacher Eva, and her principal aide Cheryl. Immediately, I was asked to shadow a boy named Gavin outside with another teacher named Cal. Well, they told me he was a runner. So I followed and ran after him for three laps around the playground.
-I fed Hunter after my lunch, great lunch, cut up chicken wings and fries.
-Helped several go to the bathroom. Learned protocol for most of the kids.
-Took Hunter to the nurse twice, first time with Cheryl and second time on my own.
-Helped Gavin go to the bathroom at the end of the day and pushed him towards the bus.
Ate lunch with Aunt Kerry.
Good Day!
Yesterday, Aunt Kerry called me while I was out and about. She said that everything has gone through, and that I would be starting the next day (today). She gave me my EID (Employee ID number) and said to come to Mesa High School as soon as I was done driving Gracie to school.
Well, I did just that. I parked near the front office, and talked to the secretary Victoria (I think). She gave me a bit to fill out. And, another secretary took me to the psychologist room to wait for Patrick. I waited and soon he came and guided me to the door of my new classroom.
In I went. I met the teacher Eva, and her principal aide Cheryl. Immediately, I was asked to shadow a boy named Gavin outside with another teacher named Cal. Well, they told me he was a runner. So I followed and ran after him for three laps around the playground.
-I fed Hunter after my lunch, great lunch, cut up chicken wings and fries.
-Helped several go to the bathroom. Learned protocol for most of the kids.
-Took Hunter to the nurse twice, first time with Cheryl and second time on my own.
-Helped Gavin go to the bathroom at the end of the day and pushed him towards the bus.
Ate lunch with Aunt Kerry.
Good Day!
Monday, August 20, 2018
8/20 The New Guy, Cameron, and Feeling Good that The Tios Are letting me Stay
Sarah and I got in an argument about the way I smile (if I smile) when I take pictures today. She wanted me to take a better picture than I did that I sent to her. Well, it ended with me I guess taking an issue to how people judge me when I take pictures. It was alright, though. No backstabbing or anything. I called her later on because as I was doing laundry, a blue pen was caught in my khaki pants and blue splotches were found everywhere in the back. I was really not so happy about that. Otherwise, the whole of the laundry that I did today went well.
I finally asked Aunt Kerry if I could stay with them for longer than we had expected. She was like I thought Uncle Jesse told you about that (which he did) but I wanted to make sure, and she told me yes, that I could stay with them.
Right after that, Cameron Martinez came to our house. He is a guest of Aunt Kerry's. He is in the Air Force. His mom was my mom's and Aunt Kerry's best friend at Blythe. They have some interesting stories, including one where his mom and Aunt Kerry and his aunt stole their grandparent's car and they called the police on them. It was the only time that Granny and Grandpa grounded her. He's a pretty cool guy. He's working at a recruiters office until the 31 of the this month, then he's moving to an Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Melanie took a while to get use to him. The tios had me and Gracie get some Pizza Hut pizza. We also picked up a bone for Melanie at PetCo, where Gracie got to hold a ferret for a sec. And we picked up some soda. Pizza was super good.
Shaunna, Sarah, and I had FHE at 8:30 this evening. Shaunna was asked to prepare a lesson. She chose a talk from Elder Massimo from April 2018 conference, about being a true disciple. Sarah shared a scripture from D and C 71. And we played a game where I typed the middle section of the texting prompt. It was quite funny.
Sarah and I discussed if she's going to see me by visiting me. We have prayed about it, but haven't come to a conclusion.
I finally asked Aunt Kerry if I could stay with them for longer than we had expected. She was like I thought Uncle Jesse told you about that (which he did) but I wanted to make sure, and she told me yes, that I could stay with them.
Right after that, Cameron Martinez came to our house. He is a guest of Aunt Kerry's. He is in the Air Force. His mom was my mom's and Aunt Kerry's best friend at Blythe. They have some interesting stories, including one where his mom and Aunt Kerry and his aunt stole their grandparent's car and they called the police on them. It was the only time that Granny and Grandpa grounded her. He's a pretty cool guy. He's working at a recruiters office until the 31 of the this month, then he's moving to an Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Melanie took a while to get use to him. The tios had me and Gracie get some Pizza Hut pizza. We also picked up a bone for Melanie at PetCo, where Gracie got to hold a ferret for a sec. And we picked up some soda. Pizza was super good.
Shaunna, Sarah, and I had FHE at 8:30 this evening. Shaunna was asked to prepare a lesson. She chose a talk from Elder Massimo from April 2018 conference, about being a true disciple. Sarah shared a scripture from D and C 71. And we played a game where I typed the middle section of the texting prompt. It was quite funny.
Sarah and I discussed if she's going to see me by visiting me. We have prayed about it, but haven't come to a conclusion.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
8/19 Letter #82
Hello Brother!
It's been a good week.
I was at our parent's home sunday night. Dad and I talked in his office for a long time that night, probably until about 3am. What about? Well, I had initially gone to his bedroom to help him with an earlier request. He wanted to connect to Instagram. He had a two-pronged reason for doing so. I only thought it was because he wanted to follow his family, and more importantly Briana, for Cohen updates that she adds daily, but then he surprised me when he said he also wanted to learn how to post onto Instagram. He didn't actually post anything, he just observed, and copied down notes, as I showed him how I post onto Instagram, posting almost all the selfies I had taken at last week's birthday party. He wanted to learn for his own personal paintings and drawings that he has done. He followed Briana, Sarah, you and me. Well, that probably lasted an hour, then we discussed sending pictures using the Google Photos app. He took notes, and now he should be able to do it. I showed Dad the private videos that I have put onto YouTube. Then, we discussed blogs. We didn't actually set up a blog for him. But I found out that he wants to publish pictures and articles and books that he has written onto his own blog. I showed him the countless blogs I have. In all, it was a good conversation (despite the time it took, and the hour of which I went to bed).
Sarah picked me up early the next morning. We did some errands before I had to be at the Greyhound bus station in San Bernardino at 10:20am. We got breakfast together and ate in the car in the parking lot. Well, I left her, kisses and hugs complete and entered the station. They checked my bags (not so thoroughly, but checked nonetheless) and I waited to board. I was one of the first, as I didn't have luggage to put under the bus. I quickly got a window seat in the middle of the bus. I noticed that some people had blankets, and I soon found out why. The crevice in between the wall and the window was bellowing air, cold cold air (which I'm grateful for since we were travelling to the desert). But it was non-stop and soon I was freezing, wishing I had a blanket or something to rest my arm on the crevice. Well, quick thinking later, I reached into my backpack and pulled out my pajamas. I wrapped my right arm (the arm touching the crevice) in my pajamas, which gratefully shielded me from the frost.
There were many people on the bus. Thing is, they tell you there is free WiFi, but what they don't tell you is you cannot stream any type of movie. I tried Hulu first. Then Netflix. Then YouTube. Lastly, the videos off of lds.org. All to no avail. I wasn't too happy about that, but oh well, what can you do. I was on my computer from the ride from San Bernardino to Blythe. In Blythe I talked to Sarah, and she told me to be social. When I first got onto the bus, a man sat next to me and I quickly told him that he could use the outlets that were connected to the wall. Well, after the Blythe stop of 30 minutes, I got into a conversation with the man next to me. Turns out, he was gay, but he wasn't weird. He told me he loves volleyball and was invited to the Randall Building in Fontana to play with the Tongans, because he too came from Tongan heritage. He was travelling to Georgia, all on the Bus, all in two days. He wanted to take the bus to get the experience of travelling across country. He was going to live with his Aunt to help take care of her, and then fly back to be with his husband.
It was cool. I found out that they want to adopt. But first he needed money to do so. He also told me about how they wanted to have surrogate child. I had an idea of what he was talking about, but I asked him just the same what he meant by it. Anyways, he was a good guy. We got to Phoenix, where the scheduled wait time was 45 minutes, but it lasted an hour or so, and they switched buses on us. I really disliked the Phoenix Greyhound bus station. They had a deli, where I picked up a sandwich, but what really got me was that they were very unclear as to what was happening. It was definitely a bigger station than San Bernardino, and there were tons of people there. I was so confused as to what was happening. They finally called us to board, after a long wait. And then we got onto the new bus. Another girl sat next to me but I didn't talk to her, as we only had a 20-30 bus ride into Mesa. There, Uncle Jesse was kind enough to pick me up and drive me to where I had parked my car at the Friday before.
I learned upon arrival, that the whole Williams family had been sick over the weekend. They had sinus issues, headaches, and other different things. Gracie stayed home from school several days this week. On Friday, they found out that she had a double ear infection. Kerry and Jesse went back to work the following days, and Gracie stayed home with me the other days that she was sick.
On Monday morning, Mesa Public Schools got a hold of me by phone (while I was still in Fontana). They said I could go to their district office in Mesa any of the following days to fill out paperwork for the Job Aunt Kerry was able to get for me. I did on Tuesday. I went to the office that day, filled out the Application to be an Instructional Aide (IA) at Mesa High School. Then I filled out the tax forms and other forms that they had for me. Then, I took a picture for my badge, and they took my fingerprints one by one. Fortunately, since I had my fingerprint card, the fee was waived. They told me to add my college transcript and resume to the application, which I did while I was there after the fact, and also fill out a form online for retirement that all Arizona employees must fill out. Then I was done. I decided to go to the sixth floor of the building and visit Shaunna's sister-in-law Debbie Lee. She is such a nice lady, and she gave me some leads into apartments I should look into. She told me to go to the MCC (Mesa Community College) Institute building. Which I did after I talked to her. There were three postings on a bulletin board in there of which I took pictures. Also, that building reminds me of the Rancho Institute building, but much much bigger. I then went to DI in Mesa, where I bought some $4 jeans (mine had rips in them). I also went to the Mesa Deseret Book. Nice place.
I spent Wednesday finalizing an application for an Online Tutoring company. Sarah helped me with content and I sent it in. And Thursday, I spent the day looking at and comparing apartments in the Mesa area, including $$, amenities, ward and stake we would be in, and websites. I got it on a google doc and spreadsheet.
Aunt Kerry was home on Friday. She took Gracie to the doctor to get checked out. I went to the Gilbert Barnes and Noble. Gracie had warned me that the building was two stories. I went to check to see if they had an NES Special Education Test book, which they didn't have. The B&N is in a mall called San Tan. The day before, I had gone to the Deseret Book in Gilbert. I like it, but not as much as the Mesa one. I have been wanting to get the biography of Russell M. Nelson. Sarah and I made a goal to read and study all of his talks since he was called as an apostle and now prophet. I spent the day learning about him, reading a talk and later the biography that was printed with the Ensign when he became president of the Church.
Yesterday was fun. I got to go to the temple. Sarah went at the same time as me, but to the Redlands one. BTW, I posted several birthday wishes to you and Sarah on Instagram and Facebook. I'm sure you can see them. I am honestly grateful for the prayers that you offer on my behalf while you are on your mission. I can surely feel them. Later that day, I posted a side by side picture of Sarah and I at the temple. My time at the temple was not as eventful as the first Gilbert experience. But stuff I noticed is I was in the first endowment room (the first time I was in the middle one, which meant now windows). This endowment room had windows on the left side. But as they showed the movie, outside curtains covered them, and after the video, they uncovered the windows. It was super cool. I sat in the way front, and the crowd only filled up half the session. I also got there early so I could print out a name I got from Sister Garcia from Fontana.
When I came home, I found Kerry and Jesse cleaning the house. While I was at the temple, Aunt Ann took Gracie to the movies and out to eat. However, she came soon after I came home. I offered my help and Jesse asked me if I could cook several things. The first was two loaves of meatloaf. This was the first time I ever made it. I looked at the recipe, though, after he asked me to make it, and it is pretty simple. If you've never made it, you should try making it. (Although, I am unsure of how it tastes as we were saved it for another day). I also formed three hamburger patties, and after I cooked the ground beef for taco meat and other things, Jesse asked me to make them. Throughout, I was listening to conference talks and things as I was doing it. We ate dinner. I had it between bread, Kerry had a ground beef salad, and Jesse had it between two leaves of romaine, I think. I was glad to help, though.
I went to a different branch today, the Liahona 3rd Branch. They meet in the building that is right next to the Mesa Arizona Temple. (However, the Mesa Temple is undergoing renovations for the next two years or so. I was able to meet the branch president, and he showed me where Sunday School was being held. Of course, I told him about how I am trying out branches and about how I already attended the Guerrero Park branch. He, of course, said that this Branch was better. Well, I really enjoyed Priesthood meeting, out of all three meetings. Many people introduced themselves to me in Priesthood. We learned about Job (or Hobe, in Spanish), in Sunday School. It was a good lesson.
During Sacrament meeting, I had the thought to contact my first companion in the mission, Elder Steven McLaws. I did, and he invited me over for dinner tonight. It was a great time. They fed me stuffed cheese ravioli with veggies and mashed potatoes. I got to know his four kids: Megan, Melody, Dallin, and Zachary. Their oldest, in that order is 5. I had lots of fun getting to know them and talking to each one with their own little personalities. His wife is pregnant with their 5th. He has a nice house, with a big backyard. We went outside and played a game called Sharks and Fishes. The kids had a lot of fun. We also kicked a soccer ball around, and the kids played on their swing set. They definitely have a nice house. It's so new. We then came inside and played two games of Uno with the kids. Then I said my goodbyes and E. McLaws called me his "Hijo." Also, during the prayer on the food, he said, "We're glad to have juancito here with us to share in this meal." We talked about what we were up to and stuff. I love E. McLaws. He was a good dad. Still is. Haha.
As far as branches to attend, I'm still leaning towards Guerrero Park Branch. But who knows where we'll actually end up.
I love you Brother, So Much. You're a great motivation to me. I'm grateful for the things you are doing out there. Happiest of Birthdays to you.
Send me a line, please!
Your big bro,
John
It's been a good week.
I was at our parent's home sunday night. Dad and I talked in his office for a long time that night, probably until about 3am. What about? Well, I had initially gone to his bedroom to help him with an earlier request. He wanted to connect to Instagram. He had a two-pronged reason for doing so. I only thought it was because he wanted to follow his family, and more importantly Briana, for Cohen updates that she adds daily, but then he surprised me when he said he also wanted to learn how to post onto Instagram. He didn't actually post anything, he just observed, and copied down notes, as I showed him how I post onto Instagram, posting almost all the selfies I had taken at last week's birthday party. He wanted to learn for his own personal paintings and drawings that he has done. He followed Briana, Sarah, you and me. Well, that probably lasted an hour, then we discussed sending pictures using the Google Photos app. He took notes, and now he should be able to do it. I showed Dad the private videos that I have put onto YouTube. Then, we discussed blogs. We didn't actually set up a blog for him. But I found out that he wants to publish pictures and articles and books that he has written onto his own blog. I showed him the countless blogs I have. In all, it was a good conversation (despite the time it took, and the hour of which I went to bed).
Sarah picked me up early the next morning. We did some errands before I had to be at the Greyhound bus station in San Bernardino at 10:20am. We got breakfast together and ate in the car in the parking lot. Well, I left her, kisses and hugs complete and entered the station. They checked my bags (not so thoroughly, but checked nonetheless) and I waited to board. I was one of the first, as I didn't have luggage to put under the bus. I quickly got a window seat in the middle of the bus. I noticed that some people had blankets, and I soon found out why. The crevice in between the wall and the window was bellowing air, cold cold air (which I'm grateful for since we were travelling to the desert). But it was non-stop and soon I was freezing, wishing I had a blanket or something to rest my arm on the crevice. Well, quick thinking later, I reached into my backpack and pulled out my pajamas. I wrapped my right arm (the arm touching the crevice) in my pajamas, which gratefully shielded me from the frost.
There were many people on the bus. Thing is, they tell you there is free WiFi, but what they don't tell you is you cannot stream any type of movie. I tried Hulu first. Then Netflix. Then YouTube. Lastly, the videos off of lds.org. All to no avail. I wasn't too happy about that, but oh well, what can you do. I was on my computer from the ride from San Bernardino to Blythe. In Blythe I talked to Sarah, and she told me to be social. When I first got onto the bus, a man sat next to me and I quickly told him that he could use the outlets that were connected to the wall. Well, after the Blythe stop of 30 minutes, I got into a conversation with the man next to me. Turns out, he was gay, but he wasn't weird. He told me he loves volleyball and was invited to the Randall Building in Fontana to play with the Tongans, because he too came from Tongan heritage. He was travelling to Georgia, all on the Bus, all in two days. He wanted to take the bus to get the experience of travelling across country. He was going to live with his Aunt to help take care of her, and then fly back to be with his husband.
It was cool. I found out that they want to adopt. But first he needed money to do so. He also told me about how they wanted to have surrogate child. I had an idea of what he was talking about, but I asked him just the same what he meant by it. Anyways, he was a good guy. We got to Phoenix, where the scheduled wait time was 45 minutes, but it lasted an hour or so, and they switched buses on us. I really disliked the Phoenix Greyhound bus station. They had a deli, where I picked up a sandwich, but what really got me was that they were very unclear as to what was happening. It was definitely a bigger station than San Bernardino, and there were tons of people there. I was so confused as to what was happening. They finally called us to board, after a long wait. And then we got onto the new bus. Another girl sat next to me but I didn't talk to her, as we only had a 20-30 bus ride into Mesa. There, Uncle Jesse was kind enough to pick me up and drive me to where I had parked my car at the Friday before.
I learned upon arrival, that the whole Williams family had been sick over the weekend. They had sinus issues, headaches, and other different things. Gracie stayed home from school several days this week. On Friday, they found out that she had a double ear infection. Kerry and Jesse went back to work the following days, and Gracie stayed home with me the other days that she was sick.
On Monday morning, Mesa Public Schools got a hold of me by phone (while I was still in Fontana). They said I could go to their district office in Mesa any of the following days to fill out paperwork for the Job Aunt Kerry was able to get for me. I did on Tuesday. I went to the office that day, filled out the Application to be an Instructional Aide (IA) at Mesa High School. Then I filled out the tax forms and other forms that they had for me. Then, I took a picture for my badge, and they took my fingerprints one by one. Fortunately, since I had my fingerprint card, the fee was waived. They told me to add my college transcript and resume to the application, which I did while I was there after the fact, and also fill out a form online for retirement that all Arizona employees must fill out. Then I was done. I decided to go to the sixth floor of the building and visit Shaunna's sister-in-law Debbie Lee. She is such a nice lady, and she gave me some leads into apartments I should look into. She told me to go to the MCC (Mesa Community College) Institute building. Which I did after I talked to her. There were three postings on a bulletin board in there of which I took pictures. Also, that building reminds me of the Rancho Institute building, but much much bigger. I then went to DI in Mesa, where I bought some $4 jeans (mine had rips in them). I also went to the Mesa Deseret Book. Nice place.
I spent Wednesday finalizing an application for an Online Tutoring company. Sarah helped me with content and I sent it in. And Thursday, I spent the day looking at and comparing apartments in the Mesa area, including $$, amenities, ward and stake we would be in, and websites. I got it on a google doc and spreadsheet.
Aunt Kerry was home on Friday. She took Gracie to the doctor to get checked out. I went to the Gilbert Barnes and Noble. Gracie had warned me that the building was two stories. I went to check to see if they had an NES Special Education Test book, which they didn't have. The B&N is in a mall called San Tan. The day before, I had gone to the Deseret Book in Gilbert. I like it, but not as much as the Mesa one. I have been wanting to get the biography of Russell M. Nelson. Sarah and I made a goal to read and study all of his talks since he was called as an apostle and now prophet. I spent the day learning about him, reading a talk and later the biography that was printed with the Ensign when he became president of the Church.
Yesterday was fun. I got to go to the temple. Sarah went at the same time as me, but to the Redlands one. BTW, I posted several birthday wishes to you and Sarah on Instagram and Facebook. I'm sure you can see them. I am honestly grateful for the prayers that you offer on my behalf while you are on your mission. I can surely feel them. Later that day, I posted a side by side picture of Sarah and I at the temple. My time at the temple was not as eventful as the first Gilbert experience. But stuff I noticed is I was in the first endowment room (the first time I was in the middle one, which meant now windows). This endowment room had windows on the left side. But as they showed the movie, outside curtains covered them, and after the video, they uncovered the windows. It was super cool. I sat in the way front, and the crowd only filled up half the session. I also got there early so I could print out a name I got from Sister Garcia from Fontana.
When I came home, I found Kerry and Jesse cleaning the house. While I was at the temple, Aunt Ann took Gracie to the movies and out to eat. However, she came soon after I came home. I offered my help and Jesse asked me if I could cook several things. The first was two loaves of meatloaf. This was the first time I ever made it. I looked at the recipe, though, after he asked me to make it, and it is pretty simple. If you've never made it, you should try making it. (Although, I am unsure of how it tastes as we were saved it for another day). I also formed three hamburger patties, and after I cooked the ground beef for taco meat and other things, Jesse asked me to make them. Throughout, I was listening to conference talks and things as I was doing it. We ate dinner. I had it between bread, Kerry had a ground beef salad, and Jesse had it between two leaves of romaine, I think. I was glad to help, though.
I went to a different branch today, the Liahona 3rd Branch. They meet in the building that is right next to the Mesa Arizona Temple. (However, the Mesa Temple is undergoing renovations for the next two years or so. I was able to meet the branch president, and he showed me where Sunday School was being held. Of course, I told him about how I am trying out branches and about how I already attended the Guerrero Park branch. He, of course, said that this Branch was better. Well, I really enjoyed Priesthood meeting, out of all three meetings. Many people introduced themselves to me in Priesthood. We learned about Job (or Hobe, in Spanish), in Sunday School. It was a good lesson.
During Sacrament meeting, I had the thought to contact my first companion in the mission, Elder Steven McLaws. I did, and he invited me over for dinner tonight. It was a great time. They fed me stuffed cheese ravioli with veggies and mashed potatoes. I got to know his four kids: Megan, Melody, Dallin, and Zachary. Their oldest, in that order is 5. I had lots of fun getting to know them and talking to each one with their own little personalities. His wife is pregnant with their 5th. He has a nice house, with a big backyard. We went outside and played a game called Sharks and Fishes. The kids had a lot of fun. We also kicked a soccer ball around, and the kids played on their swing set. They definitely have a nice house. It's so new. We then came inside and played two games of Uno with the kids. Then I said my goodbyes and E. McLaws called me his "Hijo." Also, during the prayer on the food, he said, "We're glad to have juancito here with us to share in this meal." We talked about what we were up to and stuff. I love E. McLaws. He was a good dad. Still is. Haha.
As far as branches to attend, I'm still leaning towards Guerrero Park Branch. But who knows where we'll actually end up.
I love you Brother, So Much. You're a great motivation to me. I'm grateful for the things you are doing out there. Happiest of Birthdays to you.
Send me a line, please!
Your big bro,
John
Friday, August 17, 2018
8/17 Two story barnes and noble and Learning about Russell M. Nelson
It's been a good day.
Gracie stayed home from school today. She went to the doctor with Aunt Kerry. Well, turns out, she has a double ear infection in both ears. Crazy. I thought she didn't really have anything. But I was wrong.
I helped clean up the dog poop in the backyard.
Then I went to Barnes and Noble. I looked for NES special education books, but couldn't find any.
I did a lot of reading. Sarah and I decided that, in addition to a conference talk a day, we are going to read Russell M. Nelson's conference talks in order from oldest to newest. Today's was about his call to apostleship. I also read the bio that President Oaks gave on him. I didn't know that Pres. Nelson had been offered a faculty position at the University of Chicago, and didn't take it because a prophet told him not to.
Also, at Barnes, I just looked around. This Barnes has two stories, which Gracie told me about before.
I also took this picture and sent it to Sarah.
And today was Sarah and Jacob's 22nd and 20th birthday respectively.
This gem was produced by Briana:
Gracie stayed home from school today. She went to the doctor with Aunt Kerry. Well, turns out, she has a double ear infection in both ears. Crazy. I thought she didn't really have anything. But I was wrong.
I helped clean up the dog poop in the backyard.
Then I went to Barnes and Noble. I looked for NES special education books, but couldn't find any.
I did a lot of reading. Sarah and I decided that, in addition to a conference talk a day, we are going to read Russell M. Nelson's conference talks in order from oldest to newest. Today's was about his call to apostleship. I also read the bio that President Oaks gave on him. I didn't know that Pres. Nelson had been offered a faculty position at the University of Chicago, and didn't take it because a prophet told him not to.
Also, at Barnes, I just looked around. This Barnes has two stories, which Gracie told me about before.
I also took this picture and sent it to Sarah.
And today was Sarah and Jacob's 22nd and 20th birthday respectively.
This gem was produced by Briana:
Thursday, August 16, 2018
8/16 Online Apartment Shopping Day 1 and Changing Plans
Besides sleeping, I spent most of the day looking for apartments on apartments.com, their own apartment websites, apartmentlists.com, etc. I came to the conclusion that most apartments we are looking at and the amenities that they offer that we want will be more than $650 or so and higher. The things we're looking at are places with a fitness center, a pool, refrigerator, and other stuff. I was feeling a little discouraged, because it didn't seem like we would have enough money to rent an apartment until after September 1, the day that we originally planned to move here together. I felt like I was breaking my promise to Sarah to get her out here by that time.
Well, I talked to Sarah. Voiced my concerns and we talked. We decided that we will probably stay where we are at for another month, in order to save. Plus, my job/s will be starting in less than two weeks. So yes, unless further confirmation comes, we will probably stay at the place we are now. Me, with Aunt Kerry and Uncle Jesse and Gracie, and Sarah with Shaunna. Shaunna needs Sarah. By the time we will be able to afford an apartment (in October), the end of the six weeks that Shaunna will be incapacitated will end and she will be going back to work.
Well, I've been apartment shopping today, online. It's been pretty fruitful, but as Uncle Jesse explained a few seconds ago, it'll be drudgery after a while (and after spending the morning looking, it was).
When Gracie came home today, I was playing the piano, and Gracie joined me in singing primary songs, including the boy and girl parts in Love is Spoken Here and A Child's Prayer. I had to help her stay on key, but we concluded that if we practiced, we'd get better.
I watched several episodes of Brooklyn Nine Nine, today, including the 5th Halloween Heist episode that ended in Jake Peralta asking Amy Santiago to marry him. It was quite breathtaking. I was like, stuff is definitely going down.
Talked with Aunt Kerry for a little while. Still haven't asked them if I can stay for longer. But, the other day, Jesse pretty much extended an unofficial invitation to stay with them until we get on our feet financially. So, I'm not worried.
Well, I talked to Sarah. Voiced my concerns and we talked. We decided that we will probably stay where we are at for another month, in order to save. Plus, my job/s will be starting in less than two weeks. So yes, unless further confirmation comes, we will probably stay at the place we are now. Me, with Aunt Kerry and Uncle Jesse and Gracie, and Sarah with Shaunna. Shaunna needs Sarah. By the time we will be able to afford an apartment (in October), the end of the six weeks that Shaunna will be incapacitated will end and she will be going back to work.
Well, I've been apartment shopping today, online. It's been pretty fruitful, but as Uncle Jesse explained a few seconds ago, it'll be drudgery after a while (and after spending the morning looking, it was).
When Gracie came home today, I was playing the piano, and Gracie joined me in singing primary songs, including the boy and girl parts in Love is Spoken Here and A Child's Prayer. I had to help her stay on key, but we concluded that if we practiced, we'd get better.
I watched several episodes of Brooklyn Nine Nine, today, including the 5th Halloween Heist episode that ended in Jake Peralta asking Amy Santiago to marry him. It was quite breathtaking. I was like, stuff is definitely going down.
Talked with Aunt Kerry for a little while. Still haven't asked them if I can stay for longer. But, the other day, Jesse pretty much extended an unofficial invitation to stay with them until we get on our feet financially. So, I'm not worried.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
8/15 Finishing a tutor application and Gilbert Deseret Book
Sarah was feeling a little bit down this morning. I had gone to Deseret Book in Gilbert. Afterwards, she called me and asked me to go through a visualization with her. She came to the conclusion that she feels if she doesn't make any money, she's not useful in this marriage, or something to that effect.
I slept in after I took Gracie to school. When I returned from Deseret Book and talking to my wife, Gracie was already home, because she had a short day today.
I guess she wasn't feeling up to par, because when Kerry came home, she thought she was feeling not too good.
Sarah and I worked on the rest of the Tutoring position application, with three questions and cover letter.
I worked out for 15 minutes. It was super good.
I talked with Kerry and Gracie, and then Jesse when he returned home. I didn't eat anything except for two nectarines and when they had gone upstairs to sleep, I ate some chicken.
Of course I talked to Sarah. She's going to help her sister Christina do her classroom tomorrow.
I slept in after I took Gracie to school. When I returned from Deseret Book and talking to my wife, Gracie was already home, because she had a short day today.
I guess she wasn't feeling up to par, because when Kerry came home, she thought she was feeling not too good.
Sarah and I worked on the rest of the Tutoring position application, with three questions and cover letter.
I worked out for 15 minutes. It was super good.
I talked with Kerry and Gracie, and then Jesse when he returned home. I didn't eat anything except for two nectarines and when they had gone upstairs to sleep, I ate some chicken.
Of course I talked to Sarah. She's going to help her sister Christina do her classroom tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
8/14 Filling out Mesa Public Schools applications and Riding Around Mesa
I'm in the Mesa Public Schools system now. I went to their HR office building and filled out the application, along with a W-4 form and a retirement form, and other forms. Got my fingerprints done and had the fee waived. Took my ID picture (which the school will give to me later). Attached my resume and college transcript. They said the process will take between 7-10 days.
So, Uncle Jesse mentioned that if I needed to stay here for longer before we save enough to get an apartment, that I could. Also, Aunt Kerry let me know that another person is coming to stay at their house for about a week before the end of August. He is a military man. Forgot his name. They said that I'll for sure probably get the upstairs bedroom by that time.
I went to DI in Mesa (the only one in Arizona, I think). Got some blue jeans, and a present for Sarah, which we will incorporate in our family (the reading of The Forgotten Carols).
Then I went to the Deseret Book by the Mesa temple. Enjoyed my time there. Enjoyed seeing a picture of the Phoenix temple with lightning behind it. Also, Book of Mormon crossword. They also have a Distribution Center there as well, small.
I got a Gyro from George's Gyro. An original (I think with real lamb meat). It was super good, and a strawberry citrus mountain dew from Circle K.
Traveled down Main Street until I hit Power Rd, and went home.
Did my best to quell Sarah's fears. Read a talk with her and our scriptures with her. First Conference talk we ever read together. It was the first one from April 2018 General Conference.
I talked to Debbie Lee on the 6th floor after I filled out the MPS apps. She told me about a bulletin board at the Mesa Community College Institute Building. I went there while talking with Sarah and we found three listings. Hopefully one will work out. The cheapest two bedroom one.
So, Uncle Jesse mentioned that if I needed to stay here for longer before we save enough to get an apartment, that I could. Also, Aunt Kerry let me know that another person is coming to stay at their house for about a week before the end of August. He is a military man. Forgot his name. They said that I'll for sure probably get the upstairs bedroom by that time.
I went to DI in Mesa (the only one in Arizona, I think). Got some blue jeans, and a present for Sarah, which we will incorporate in our family (the reading of The Forgotten Carols).
Then I went to the Deseret Book by the Mesa temple. Enjoyed my time there. Enjoyed seeing a picture of the Phoenix temple with lightning behind it. Also, Book of Mormon crossword. They also have a Distribution Center there as well, small.
I got a Gyro from George's Gyro. An original (I think with real lamb meat). It was super good, and a strawberry citrus mountain dew from Circle K.
Traveled down Main Street until I hit Power Rd, and went home.
Did my best to quell Sarah's fears. Read a talk with her and our scriptures with her. First Conference talk we ever read together. It was the first one from April 2018 General Conference.
I talked to Debbie Lee on the 6th floor after I filled out the MPS apps. She told me about a bulletin board at the Mesa Community College Institute Building. I went there while talking with Sarah and we found three listings. Hopefully one will work out. The cheapest two bedroom one.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
8/12 Letter #81
Brotherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First off, Happy Birthday to you and to Sarah! I was talking to mom and dad and we came to the consensus that once you turn 20 this Friday, they will all have kids in their 20s. Welcome to the twenties club. You definitely have your whole life ahead of you (as do I, and as do our two sisters). Great things are happening, and have been happening in our lives, and I know they won't stop happening. Actually, you guys cease to amaze me with your greatness and love for the family. Happy birthday, bud. Get an ice cream, on me!
So, you might not believe it, but I am actually in California right now. You are probably wondering what I am doing. Well, it's been in the works for me to come back to visit and this weekend gave me the opportunity to do so. I've come to visit Sarah, mainly, Mom and Dad, and Sarah's family. The occasion we were celebrating, were many. Sarah's mom's birthday was Friday, her brother's family (my niece) came to celebrate their middle girl's birthday, and ultimately, that same brother had a baby blessing to give.
Let me tell you about it in detail so you're not confused. So, Thursday, Sarah and I made the decision for me to travel from Mesa back to Rancho on Friday. The final decider was that Sarah's roommate Shaunna has a brother in Mesa that had already made plans to visit his sister this weekend. Let me back up. Shaunna, Sarah's roommate who is a teacher, was walking from her classroom to her car with heavy boxes, misstepped, and rolled her toes and ankle, so much so that she broke and injured her foot. While this might be hard, it has been a blessing that Sarah has been there with her. Not just for the physical and emotional help, but because Sarah had a similar injury that she needed help with a couple years ago. Well, she has been there, side by side, giving her the necessary help she needed. Sarah has been a blessing to Shaunna in so many ways. She has been running errands for Shaunna left and right, and teaching Shaunna how to be more mobile. If you remember, when I first met Sarah, she was in a wheelchair.
Well, Shaunna's foot surgery was Friday. And lucky for her, her brother in Mesa was wanting to come help her out with his wife Debbie. When Sarah heard that he was coming for the weekend, she immediately asked Shaunna to ask Dale (his name) if I could hitch a ride. At first she was hesitant to do so, but she did it, and Dale said I could ride with him on Friday afternoon. The ride was uneventful, but of course, uneventful on the road is good. If you can get from one place to another without incident, that is definitely considered a success. We stopped just outside of Blythe for dinner from Wendy's and a five hour drive later, I was back in Rancho Cucamonga. Dale and Debbie were super nice to me. We had good conversation about the different things going on in our lives and what I was doing away from my wife in Arizona.
They delivered the package (me) to Sarah that night. When I got there, of course the first thing I did was hug my wife (after helping Dale with luggage). She went into her caretaker mode with Dale and Debbie, letting them know all the protocol with dealing with Shaunna and her newly acquired cast and medicine and procedures. She did a good job telling them about everything, and we left them to it.
That Thursday, when we had finally made our decision that I would be coming, I immediately called mom and dad and asked them if we (Sarah and I) could stay at there house Friday Night and Sunday Night (we were going to stay at Sarah's mom's house on Saturday night). After a bit of deliberation, they said we could come and stay with them. So, we drove from Shaunna's to mom and dad's that night. It was already very late, so we went to bed after a bit of chatting.
Saturday was a busy day for us. Sarah's mom's birthday was Friday, and our niece Maya's birthday party was on Saturday at McMaster Park in Los Angeles. We arrived at the party and said hi to all that was there. We noticed that there weren't any forks or spoons, so we went (me half eating the food already) to Smart and Final and got a bunch of utensils. The food was so good. They had a taco man cater for us. It was super good tacos with super good salsa and other toppings. A lot of Sarah's family was there with their kids, like Richard and Diana with their five boys, Enoch and Sonia with their three girls (one of which was the birthday girl and another was the girl that was getting a baby blessing on Sunday), Athena with her son Noah, Lisa and her two teenage kids Julius and Adina, Christina with her two daughters Fiona and Brianna, and Danny and Carol. Not to mention all of the birthday girl's other side of the family. It was quite a good time. I made it a point to take selfies with all of Sarah's family that was there. I was quite successful, actually, despite brothers that didn't want their picture taken.
They had three pinatas. THREE! I took pictures, and then had an opportunity to help with the rope. The cake was also very good. It was made by a friend of the birthday girl. Anyways, we had a good time just talking and building relationships. I also got to make friends with little Noah, throwing a plastic ball his way. It was fun, and others joined as well. At the party, Enoch extended an invitation to participate in the baby blessing of little Madeline. I of course said it was an honor. Also, Sarah's sister Christina asked us if we could come help her do some errands the rest of the day.
We of course said yes. Sarah's sister Christina is just a little younger than her. She has two girls, Fiona and Brianna of ages 5 (almost 6) and 3. She first took us to the laundromat. We were able to entertain the girls for about an hour while she washed clothes. We also talked with Christina and I was able to get to know her more. She has been living in Rigby, Idaho with her husband and two kids. Her husband is a police officer there and she was working as a teacher there as well. Well, they had the impression to move to Los Angeles, mostly as a feeling. Well, her husband is still in Idaho, but will soon be coming and acquiring a job in LA. Christina has been living with her two daughters in a friend's house, until Jonathan comes soon.
It was our pleasure to help her do these things, as you can imagine, being a single mom (for the time being) with two rambunctious but precious little girls. I was making friends with little Brianna. She was opening and closing dryer doors (with my help) and she was enraptured by me spinning the quarters around. Christina said she was taking to me, both girls were. Fiona was doing thumb wars with me, and of course, I let her win almost every time. I'm telling you, being an uncle suits me. I love messing around with little kids (even the teenagers). You'll see with little Cohen and all the nieces and nephews your wife has. It's just a nice high calling in life.
Well, after the laundry, Christina needed to go grocery shopping. So we went to Walmart and well, it was a Saturday night, weekend before school started in LA, so of course, it was the busiest I have seen a Walmart in a long time. There were tons of people and barely any available carts. But we found two, and we went around shopping. It was fun being with them. Crazy at times, and fun. Well, the line to the register, was no lie, probably 15 to 20 people long, with like three registers open. Even the self checkout line extended passed us in a different direction. It was just great being with one of Sarah's sisters and building relationships as we shopped and watched the girls and talked and listened. Then we got Carl's Jr. for dinner (at my request).
That night, Sarah's mom let us sleep on her waterbed upstairs while she slept on a couch. It was super duper hot. Almost unbearable, but I guess I was tired because I did get some shut-eye. We went to church the next morning. We were the first ones there with probably 10 minutes before the meeting started. Sarah's mom was wondering where everyone was because we needed to practice a song for the middle of the Sacrament meeting. Well, everyone trickled in and sat down. I got to participate in my second ever baby blessing. Well, true to form, she cried throughout. Enoch told me later why he thought that happened. But it was a beautiful blessing. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was nice and we took pictures afterwards. We sang Families Can Be Together Forever as a family. It went well. We had a nice Peruvian lunch. I was able to give Christina a blessing as well, which was a super nice opportunity. I'm glad I could help, and extend my help in that way.
Mom and Dad invited us for Sunday dinner. We had roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and veggies. We had pleasant conversation. It was nice to be there with my wife. In fact, the whole weekend was nice. Super good. Sarah departed to be with Shaunna, and tomorrow she will take me to the Greyhound Station in San Bernardino so I can travel back to the Valley of the Sun. Tia Lucy and Tio Jesus came to visit me and I recounted my weekend and the good news of the week for me.
Oh yeah, so you don't know, because Monday was test day. Well, as you were probably writing to me, I took my NES Special Education test at a testing center in Tempe. I felt good about it. I noticed that I had an email from LIFE but I decided not to check it before the test, which was probably a good idea. The outcome: well, I needed a 220; I got a 214. So, no passing. Then I checked my email, and it was from LIFE; they didn't want me. Two blows in a matter 10 minutes. I called Sarah, and just cried, not at first. I parked at a gas station, and read the letter you sent to me. It definitely comforted me in the moment, along with the comfort and encouragement of Sarah.
Well, the good news: Thanks to Aunt Kerry, I will probably have a job by the end of this next week. She called me on Wednesday while she was at work and told me that there was a position available at her school for a Special Ed teacher's aide. I talked to Patrick, who gave me the details of the position, warning me that if I take it, one of my responsibilities is to help the children go to the bathroom. I said I was definitely interested in the job. He said great, and told me he was going to contact HR about it and expedite the process and that I should soon be hearing from HR, probably without an interview. Crazy, I know, how things seem to work when things don't seem to be working. I thanked Aunt Kerry later. She is definitely my lifesaver. She also told me that this job doesn't have to be permanent and that Patrick knows I'm trying to get better work, but in the meantime I can do this.
I have had the opportunity to pick up Gracie from her new school. Let me tell you, the process to pick up is just as bad as picking up if not worse than your high school. But I had to learn the secrets, like instead of getting there late, I can get there early and park in the parking lot and shortcut my way out. Jesse also asked me to take Gracie to school Wednesday thru Friday. Not as bad as picking up. And Gracie makes a fun passenger, as she is super into music and we listen to anything and everything on our rides there and back.
She also has been sharing Anime with me. Well, just one show called One Piece with Monkey di Luffy. It's been pretty good. She actually got homework on Thursday, math homework, conversions, and she did great and I was able to check her work. It was fun getting my brain working again. I've also been applying to an online tutoring company. I've been working on the cover letter and short-answer questions. I will probably finish the application early this week.
Well, I can't wait to see what this week brings. Thank you for all your prayers. I consider the prayers of missionaries very sacred and important. I think that is why the temple workers try to remember the missionaries in their prayers. Have a great P-day and an even better birthday! I will be thinking about you, my brother.
I love you so much. Take luck! and send me a line! I truly savor your letters.
Love,
John
First off, Happy Birthday to you and to Sarah! I was talking to mom and dad and we came to the consensus that once you turn 20 this Friday, they will all have kids in their 20s. Welcome to the twenties club. You definitely have your whole life ahead of you (as do I, and as do our two sisters). Great things are happening, and have been happening in our lives, and I know they won't stop happening. Actually, you guys cease to amaze me with your greatness and love for the family. Happy birthday, bud. Get an ice cream, on me!
So, you might not believe it, but I am actually in California right now. You are probably wondering what I am doing. Well, it's been in the works for me to come back to visit and this weekend gave me the opportunity to do so. I've come to visit Sarah, mainly, Mom and Dad, and Sarah's family. The occasion we were celebrating, were many. Sarah's mom's birthday was Friday, her brother's family (my niece) came to celebrate their middle girl's birthday, and ultimately, that same brother had a baby blessing to give.
Let me tell you about it in detail so you're not confused. So, Thursday, Sarah and I made the decision for me to travel from Mesa back to Rancho on Friday. The final decider was that Sarah's roommate Shaunna has a brother in Mesa that had already made plans to visit his sister this weekend. Let me back up. Shaunna, Sarah's roommate who is a teacher, was walking from her classroom to her car with heavy boxes, misstepped, and rolled her toes and ankle, so much so that she broke and injured her foot. While this might be hard, it has been a blessing that Sarah has been there with her. Not just for the physical and emotional help, but because Sarah had a similar injury that she needed help with a couple years ago. Well, she has been there, side by side, giving her the necessary help she needed. Sarah has been a blessing to Shaunna in so many ways. She has been running errands for Shaunna left and right, and teaching Shaunna how to be more mobile. If you remember, when I first met Sarah, she was in a wheelchair.
Well, Shaunna's foot surgery was Friday. And lucky for her, her brother in Mesa was wanting to come help her out with his wife Debbie. When Sarah heard that he was coming for the weekend, she immediately asked Shaunna to ask Dale (his name) if I could hitch a ride. At first she was hesitant to do so, but she did it, and Dale said I could ride with him on Friday afternoon. The ride was uneventful, but of course, uneventful on the road is good. If you can get from one place to another without incident, that is definitely considered a success. We stopped just outside of Blythe for dinner from Wendy's and a five hour drive later, I was back in Rancho Cucamonga. Dale and Debbie were super nice to me. We had good conversation about the different things going on in our lives and what I was doing away from my wife in Arizona.
They delivered the package (me) to Sarah that night. When I got there, of course the first thing I did was hug my wife (after helping Dale with luggage). She went into her caretaker mode with Dale and Debbie, letting them know all the protocol with dealing with Shaunna and her newly acquired cast and medicine and procedures. She did a good job telling them about everything, and we left them to it.
That Thursday, when we had finally made our decision that I would be coming, I immediately called mom and dad and asked them if we (Sarah and I) could stay at there house Friday Night and Sunday Night (we were going to stay at Sarah's mom's house on Saturday night). After a bit of deliberation, they said we could come and stay with them. So, we drove from Shaunna's to mom and dad's that night. It was already very late, so we went to bed after a bit of chatting.
Saturday was a busy day for us. Sarah's mom's birthday was Friday, and our niece Maya's birthday party was on Saturday at McMaster Park in Los Angeles. We arrived at the party and said hi to all that was there. We noticed that there weren't any forks or spoons, so we went (me half eating the food already) to Smart and Final and got a bunch of utensils. The food was so good. They had a taco man cater for us. It was super good tacos with super good salsa and other toppings. A lot of Sarah's family was there with their kids, like Richard and Diana with their five boys, Enoch and Sonia with their three girls (one of which was the birthday girl and another was the girl that was getting a baby blessing on Sunday), Athena with her son Noah, Lisa and her two teenage kids Julius and Adina, Christina with her two daughters Fiona and Brianna, and Danny and Carol. Not to mention all of the birthday girl's other side of the family. It was quite a good time. I made it a point to take selfies with all of Sarah's family that was there. I was quite successful, actually, despite brothers that didn't want their picture taken.
They had three pinatas. THREE! I took pictures, and then had an opportunity to help with the rope. The cake was also very good. It was made by a friend of the birthday girl. Anyways, we had a good time just talking and building relationships. I also got to make friends with little Noah, throwing a plastic ball his way. It was fun, and others joined as well. At the party, Enoch extended an invitation to participate in the baby blessing of little Madeline. I of course said it was an honor. Also, Sarah's sister Christina asked us if we could come help her do some errands the rest of the day.
We of course said yes. Sarah's sister Christina is just a little younger than her. She has two girls, Fiona and Brianna of ages 5 (almost 6) and 3. She first took us to the laundromat. We were able to entertain the girls for about an hour while she washed clothes. We also talked with Christina and I was able to get to know her more. She has been living in Rigby, Idaho with her husband and two kids. Her husband is a police officer there and she was working as a teacher there as well. Well, they had the impression to move to Los Angeles, mostly as a feeling. Well, her husband is still in Idaho, but will soon be coming and acquiring a job in LA. Christina has been living with her two daughters in a friend's house, until Jonathan comes soon.
It was our pleasure to help her do these things, as you can imagine, being a single mom (for the time being) with two rambunctious but precious little girls. I was making friends with little Brianna. She was opening and closing dryer doors (with my help) and she was enraptured by me spinning the quarters around. Christina said she was taking to me, both girls were. Fiona was doing thumb wars with me, and of course, I let her win almost every time. I'm telling you, being an uncle suits me. I love messing around with little kids (even the teenagers). You'll see with little Cohen and all the nieces and nephews your wife has. It's just a nice high calling in life.
Well, after the laundry, Christina needed to go grocery shopping. So we went to Walmart and well, it was a Saturday night, weekend before school started in LA, so of course, it was the busiest I have seen a Walmart in a long time. There were tons of people and barely any available carts. But we found two, and we went around shopping. It was fun being with them. Crazy at times, and fun. Well, the line to the register, was no lie, probably 15 to 20 people long, with like three registers open. Even the self checkout line extended passed us in a different direction. It was just great being with one of Sarah's sisters and building relationships as we shopped and watched the girls and talked and listened. Then we got Carl's Jr. for dinner (at my request).
That night, Sarah's mom let us sleep on her waterbed upstairs while she slept on a couch. It was super duper hot. Almost unbearable, but I guess I was tired because I did get some shut-eye. We went to church the next morning. We were the first ones there with probably 10 minutes before the meeting started. Sarah's mom was wondering where everyone was because we needed to practice a song for the middle of the Sacrament meeting. Well, everyone trickled in and sat down. I got to participate in my second ever baby blessing. Well, true to form, she cried throughout. Enoch told me later why he thought that happened. But it was a beautiful blessing. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was nice and we took pictures afterwards. We sang Families Can Be Together Forever as a family. It went well. We had a nice Peruvian lunch. I was able to give Christina a blessing as well, which was a super nice opportunity. I'm glad I could help, and extend my help in that way.
Mom and Dad invited us for Sunday dinner. We had roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and veggies. We had pleasant conversation. It was nice to be there with my wife. In fact, the whole weekend was nice. Super good. Sarah departed to be with Shaunna, and tomorrow she will take me to the Greyhound Station in San Bernardino so I can travel back to the Valley of the Sun. Tia Lucy and Tio Jesus came to visit me and I recounted my weekend and the good news of the week for me.
Oh yeah, so you don't know, because Monday was test day. Well, as you were probably writing to me, I took my NES Special Education test at a testing center in Tempe. I felt good about it. I noticed that I had an email from LIFE but I decided not to check it before the test, which was probably a good idea. The outcome: well, I needed a 220; I got a 214. So, no passing. Then I checked my email, and it was from LIFE; they didn't want me. Two blows in a matter 10 minutes. I called Sarah, and just cried, not at first. I parked at a gas station, and read the letter you sent to me. It definitely comforted me in the moment, along with the comfort and encouragement of Sarah.
Well, the good news: Thanks to Aunt Kerry, I will probably have a job by the end of this next week. She called me on Wednesday while she was at work and told me that there was a position available at her school for a Special Ed teacher's aide. I talked to Patrick, who gave me the details of the position, warning me that if I take it, one of my responsibilities is to help the children go to the bathroom. I said I was definitely interested in the job. He said great, and told me he was going to contact HR about it and expedite the process and that I should soon be hearing from HR, probably without an interview. Crazy, I know, how things seem to work when things don't seem to be working. I thanked Aunt Kerry later. She is definitely my lifesaver. She also told me that this job doesn't have to be permanent and that Patrick knows I'm trying to get better work, but in the meantime I can do this.
I have had the opportunity to pick up Gracie from her new school. Let me tell you, the process to pick up is just as bad as picking up if not worse than your high school. But I had to learn the secrets, like instead of getting there late, I can get there early and park in the parking lot and shortcut my way out. Jesse also asked me to take Gracie to school Wednesday thru Friday. Not as bad as picking up. And Gracie makes a fun passenger, as she is super into music and we listen to anything and everything on our rides there and back.
She also has been sharing Anime with me. Well, just one show called One Piece with Monkey di Luffy. It's been pretty good. She actually got homework on Thursday, math homework, conversions, and she did great and I was able to check her work. It was fun getting my brain working again. I've also been applying to an online tutoring company. I've been working on the cover letter and short-answer questions. I will probably finish the application early this week.
Well, I can't wait to see what this week brings. Thank you for all your prayers. I consider the prayers of missionaries very sacred and important. I think that is why the temple workers try to remember the missionaries in their prayers. Have a great P-day and an even better birthday! I will be thinking about you, my brother.
I love you so much. Take luck! and send me a line! I truly savor your letters.
Love,
John
Saturday, August 11, 2018
8/11 Maya Trefflich's birthday party and good times with Christina at Walmart
Today, Sarah dropped something in the girl's room we were in and woke me up early in the morning. So, we went downstairs to get Sarah something to eat. Well, we started watching the middle, and mom woke up. We watched a bit of BYU Sports Nation and talked. Then we went to sleep (or at least I did). We got ready. Sarah asked for a blessing. I gave her one. In it, she was warned not to take offense.
We left, went to McDonalds to get Big Macs and smoothies (which Sarah didn't like). Then, we drove to McMaster Park in Torrance. We got tacos of every kind of meat as catered by Sonia's mom's friend. We found out that there weren't any forks or spoons, so Sarah and I went to Smart and Final down the street to pick up some.
When we returned, Sarah was having hard times with some family, so she went to the car. I told her to come back out. Then I went to get her as the Pinatas were being pummeled by little children. They had three. Then things lightened up for Sarah, and she could see that her family loved her. And then, Christina asked us if we could accompany her to do laundry and go to Walmart.
We were at the laundry and I played, mostly with Briana, with quarters on the floor, spinning them. I also talked to Christina. It was definitely a bonding experience.
We went to Walmart and we got stuff, it was fun and even more bonding.
I love Sarah's fam.
I even took Selfies of all that were there.
Tomorrow is the baby blessing of Madeline. Enoch asked me if I could participate in the circle.
We left, went to McDonalds to get Big Macs and smoothies (which Sarah didn't like). Then, we drove to McMaster Park in Torrance. We got tacos of every kind of meat as catered by Sonia's mom's friend. We found out that there weren't any forks or spoons, so Sarah and I went to Smart and Final down the street to pick up some.
When we returned, Sarah was having hard times with some family, so she went to the car. I told her to come back out. Then I went to get her as the Pinatas were being pummeled by little children. They had three. Then things lightened up for Sarah, and she could see that her family loved her. And then, Christina asked us if we could accompany her to do laundry and go to Walmart.
We were at the laundry and I played, mostly with Briana, with quarters on the floor, spinning them. I also talked to Christina. It was definitely a bonding experience.
We went to Walmart and we got stuff, it was fun and even more bonding.
I love Sarah's fam.
I even took Selfies of all that were there.
Tomorrow is the baby blessing of Madeline. Enoch asked me if I could participate in the circle.
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