October

Oct. 20th:

Okay, trying this again.  I had typed up quite a bit, then the computer acted up on me.  One of the reasons I am so far behind on this journal is I have had several computer issues, and will need a new one soon.  Just been debating whether to just go for a Mac, since I am so tired of PC issues!  But, the cost will be so much more.  I knew I had some issues when we left on this mission….my “L’’ key was broken, but I could still type using the plastic piece, but now that piece is broken, so I have to stop and adjust it occasionally.  So it really slows down my thinking and typing.

Also, I am not used to being a full time worker and still do my regular chores.  Usually in the evening, it is close to 6 by the time we have dinner, then clean up, preparing lunch stuff for the next morning, laundry is a constant, as is ironing, I need to make bread frequently too, and shopping.  We usually hit the hot tub around 8:30, then are in bed around 9.  But, sometimes, I am so tired we go a half hour earlier.

Well, that outing awhile back that we took with the GPS was the big escape for us, and even then it was sort of work related, as we were testing out the GPS for Gary.  As a side note….it is a Garmin, and it is turning out to work VERY well for him.  He says the directions are easier to follow than our cars version of GPS.  So, that is GREAT news, as he is on the road so much, and that was one of my worries….him being able to find his way around safely.

Conference weekend.    THIS was our big escape from missionary work and our normal routine.  Tim had a conference to attend in San Francisco from Wed. Oct. 2 to Sat. Oct. 5^th.  Melissa few in to San Jose on Friday, the 4^th.  I picked her up at the airport….my first trip to that airport.  Brought her back to see the office and meet the people there, and to see our apartment.  Since it was slow, Sis. Crawford told us to just leave the office and visit.  We couldn’t do too much, since Gary wasn’t done working yet, but I showed her our building where we meet for church, and our old place on Woodmoor.  Gary finished around 5, and we picked him up and went to the apt. to change and finish packing, then we headed for San Francisco.  They had booked a room for us at the hotel they were staying at.  We spent Sat. site seeing around San Fran…….took a trolley, saw Lombard Street, went to Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s wharf, took a cruise out in the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.  Because of the government shutdown, you couldn’t go to Golden Gate park or to Alcatraz, so that was as good as we could do.  Went to China town in the evening.  We did a LOT of walking!  I bought me a Chinese hat in China Town (which is like the Vietnamese hats too), and earlier in the day, we got some Ghirardelli chocolate, and I had gotten a Christmas ornament—a trolley—as a souvenir from SF.   On Sunday, we slept in a little, then checked out of the hotel and drove. We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, decided to check out a beach, but the first one we could come to was closed….again, the government shut down, so drove a little farther.  It wasn’t very far, but it was a very winding road, so took longer. Especially because we were behind someone who must have been a foreigner and didn’t understand what the pullouts were for to allow faster cars to pass you!  So he never pulled out the whole way, and drove VERY slowly.  We had a line of cars behind us too.  After that time at the beach, we decided to head back to SF, get a bite to eat on the way to the airport, and then we were to drop them off.  Actually, this whole time Tim was the driver.  But, got in some traffic, so we ended up just going straight to the airport, dropped them off, then we headed home.  It didn’t take as long going home as we had thought.  We kept thinking it might be over an hour, so were going to stop and get a bite to eat, but it only took about 40-45 minutes, so we just drove straight home!  Going to SF we took 280, coming home we took 101.

Wed. Oct. 9^th was the last day for the Crawfords.     On our own now!

Most days are pretty steady, but some a little slower.  I am still working on adding a new Vendor…a new apartment…that Gary secured.  I have been having some issues there, but it should be straightened out Monday.  I will call Salt Lake again if it isn’t in the system on my computer tomorrow.  I will need to to get that rent set up to be paid for November’s rent!  

I have been put in as a Relief Society teacher in the branch, and taught my first lesson Oct. 13^th.  The lessons are short, as you have to allow for translation.  Gary has been put in as Sunday School President and teacher.  He is teaching every other week, alternating with Sister Kim.  His first lesson was today.

Last Thursday night, we both had to attend Stake Auxilliary meeting, so that night was gone! 

We had a good thing in the branch.  We had a baptism on Saturday….the first one in over a year I think they said.  And, we have 2 more next Sunday! Yeah!  That is great news for the branch!  So, Sat. we went to the baptism, then they eat afterward (I took lasagna and garlic bread).  After that, we came home, I did some laundry, then we left for a bit.  Decided to see if the beauty salon close to here had an opening so Gary could get a haircut.  They had time, so he did. They asked if I wanted one too, and as I was debating, the lady suggested I get my eyebrows done……must have looked bad!!!  So, I did both.  First time ever to get eyebrows done.  I told her I couldn’t see close any more to pluck them myself.  They look good!  The haircut was maybe a little shorter than usual, but it is fine.  After that, we went and got the car washed for the first time here.  Bought 2 hats…a straw one for me, and a sporty one for Gary…at the car wash place.  Then went to the mall to shop a bit.  Was looking for coveralls for Gary.  He got paint on one pair of slacks while working, and another time got grease on his white shirt while working (cleaning an oven that day).  So, he definitely needs some protection for his clothes.  It is crazy that he is required to wear white shirt, tie and slacks for that kind of work!  He has ruined some ties already too, and we just hit the 2 month mark!  We couldn’t find overalls at Penney’s, Sears had some, but not his size, but they told us another place to check, down by the Blossom Hill mall.  So we can check there, or just order online.  

Let’s see…..another thing in the last few weeks. We found the Chick-fil-a to use the gift card Miss had sent us.  Never saw such a long line for a fast food place in my life!!! But it went fast.  It is the only one in SJ currently, though another is opening soon in Sunnyvale.  Melissa sent us 2 more gift cards recently…..Subway and Walmart.  She is spoiling us!  Kori has sent a Subway card too.   We used that one in SF.

Well, hopefully that catches me up somewhat.  We hope to soon have some Saturdays that we can just relax and not have to go shop or do anything.  I am just beat.  I took a 2 hr nap today even.  This type of mission is harder than we realized.  No time off, really.  The MLS missionaries take things at a slower pace if they want. They schedule their appointments and time themselves.  We have our time scheduled for us.  9-5 (at least, sometimes longer) in the office, Monday through Friday.  Sat. we have had ward things….baptism, wedding, reception.  And some Sunday’s after church are things…mainly dinners for major events….Elder Atkinson before he left, the Crawford’s.  

Even though we thoroughly enjoyed spending the time with Missy and Tim, it was sad to miss the days sitting and listening to Gen. Conf.  Now we need to spend time and watch online to catch up!

We just learned yesterday that Buddy’s grandpa Doxey passed away.  His funeral is tomorrow.  I guess he passed away last Sunday, but we hadn’t heard from Kori.  We were glad we knew him....he was a great guy!