Early Christmas present..THANKS UAB!

 Oh hi elder Bakey,

I can’t believe it’s Christmas break, almost for me it is. I need to work tomorrow, and Tuesday even though I’ve got approved time off for that. Plus, mom keeps making plans for my days off that I’m not super excited about. I promised I’d deep clean our bathroom, which will be a full day job. And she’s got us another night at that Deer Valley condo that her friend has. I know that’s supposed to be fun, but it’s sleeping in a strange bed, with a crappier tv and none of my stuff. I know, from your perspective it would be awesome, kingly even. But for me it’s just another day of being told what to do. 

Santa did bring an early preset yesterday though in the form of a humiliating BYU lost to a team that was beaten by 49 points by Georgia. I know Georgia is great, but this team was not. I sent you the Gordon monson article. His second thought was the correct one: “maybe they we’re never that good.” They beat the Utes at their lowest. They’d probably beat that Brewer team again. But they would get stomped by the Rising team. They complain that they were depleted by injury, so we’re most of the teams they beat. The only decent team they played at full strength was Baylor, and Baylor KILLED them. I bet a laughed for at least half an hour after that bowl game. I’m kinda still laughing.

We went to the ward party Saturday night for a few minutes. Mom had to take cookies. Anyway, the big time cougar fans in the ward were all pretty dejected looking. Brother Miller was sitting at a table by himself looking so sad. The carvers kept glancing my way but wouldn’t make eye contact. Non of them wore blue, less than an hour after the game. It was glorious. I texted uncle Tim as nicely as I could, mostly because mom was censoring me. I jus said “tough loss brother”, and he replied “it is what it is”. I so crave to roast Mark.

This morning we went to aunt Laurie’s old ward to hear that kids homecoming. I really don’t care about other peoples kids. At least mom said we didn’t have to go to the open house either. Sometimes there are worse things than a second hour of church. In our Sunday school we discussed the Proclamation of the Family. Sister Walker, our teacher asked why legal marriage is so important. I mentioned how confusing and difficult it is for those people you teach that aren’t legally married or in some cases divorced. I feel proud bringing up your experiences in church.

Mom made roast beef wit Joe’s mashed potatoes, my favorite, for Sunday dinner. It’s my favorite anyway. We finished early then I had to put in about three hours of work. Everyone is taking off for the holidays leaving my department with a ton of work. It bugs me a little. But it’s just part of the job. I hope I get to take most of my days off. Tonight Ashley came over and chatted with mom. You’re brothers and I watched the grand tour and mandalorian.

Ben probably already told you, but Tyler Huntley got the start for the Ravens today. He had two passing and two rushing tds. The lost by one on a missed extra point. We only saw part of the game, but he looked really good. The commentators really praised him. Called him a winner at all levels.

Last Thursday mom fell on the stairs in the garage and turned her ankle super bad. I knew it must have really hurt because she let me take her to the doctor that night. It’s just a sprain, not a break, and your mother is so strong it seems to be getting better. I did manage to get the blame since I made fun of the woman who fell out of her car after crashing it, it had to be my fault.

Friday was super awkward at work. The agency they work with was having a Christmas party. I thought I should go just to show some good will. Ever since working at an agency I always hated those forced social events. What made it worse was that my boss Mike offered to give me a ride. I said yes without really thinking about it. I had just assumed we’d meet up somewhere. Well, then, in total kindness, he offers to pick me up at our house. I’m very proud of our house and our neighborhood, but that made me feel so awkward, like worlds colliding. It all turned out fine. But it was once again verified where you boys get your social reluctance. 

Mom’s been super happy since yesterday. She booked a day at Disneyland for next week. She gave me the choice of that or Harry Potter’s Land. If it had been a choice, I would have rather chosen a colonoscopy than either of those, but Disney was the vastly easier choice than hogwartsland. 

Well kid, I know I whined a lot tonight about the really fun things we have that you are missing out on. I don’t mean to be ungrateful. I am looking so forward to this trip. You will be missed and I think the Utes are going to win. 

I sure love you,

Pops