Sixty Minus One

Oh hello handsome Joe,

This is your good-for-nothing, letter skipping dad. I feel somewhat justified in not writing last week since we got to chat so many times. I think my favorite birthday present was being able to talk to you on my birthday. You actually helped your unemployed dad feel better about his life choices as you reminded me of all the cool stuff that my choice of professions has offered me over my career, I am proud of those things. Things are changing so much in this profession with the advent of generative AI that if you do pursue it, your training and experience will be vastly different from mine. That being said, I came up in a similar time of transition, and I took advantage of some of those changes that gave me a big head start In my career. We can talk through it more, but as I say, you don’t really have to worry about it just yet.

I’ve been wondering about any transfer news you may have. You can almost see the end of your mission from here, so it probably weighs heavier than previous transfers. I’ll look forward to the news tomorrow.

Other than your brothers being in Japan, there’s not a lot I can remember from the previous week. Time moves fast man, it’s hard to keep up. This week has been a fun family week. Last Sunday for Easter aunt patti had us over for a really delicious turkey dinner, I loved it and it was so fun being with everyone. Mom and I stayed later than usual because we were waiting to pick up your brothers from the airport. It’s nice to have them back. It seems they had a trip of a lifetime and I’m grateful that they were able to do it.

Monday night grandma took us, uncle Tim and aunt Lithia, and uncle Steven and aunt Becky for our birthday dinners and Longhorn Steakhouse. It was good, and fun to be with everyone.

Tuesday was my birthday. We kept it low key. Mom and Ben made smash burgers for dinner and we went to Baskin Robins for ice cream, yum.

Also Tuesday I heard back from one of the church jobs I had applied for. It’s was for a one-way video interview. It’s been while since I’ve had an interview and the video aspect made me fairly nervous. Generally, I’m a very confident interviewer, but answering questions on screen was daunting. I had used AI to generate a bunch of interview questions based on the job description and my resume, and it provided some good results. But as I sat alone and tried to practice I just kept feeling flustered. So as I prayed for help it came to me that I should go to the church employment office in Riverton and practice with the missionaries there. I went straight over and practiced with them for an hour. It was incredibly helpful as it gave me the confidence back that I was a decent interviewer. So I came home, put on my suit, set up my phone and my light, and did the interview. I feel like I did as well as I could, and I hope I get a second interview. But whatever happens, I’m glad I put every effort into it. The job is for the Salt Lake Temple open house communications manager, which sounds daunting…and awesome!

Thursday was moms commencement at BYU. It was your standard drawn out commencement ceremony at the Marriott Center. It was crowded and the speeches were long winded, but I am so proud of your mother. She has worked so hard for this and has never wavered in her commitment to it. She looked so beautiful in her robe. Your mother is amazing Joe, she is such an incredible person and example. 

Grandma, aunt Patti, and your brothers came. Aunt Patti wanted to go to the bookstore before and it was crowded. We met your cousin Jewelynn there for a minute. She is a very cute girl. After, we went to Texas Roadhouse and your brothers gave me a hard time for ordering a burger. In my own defense though, it was a freaking good burger.

Saturday morning your brothers took off to las Vegas for the AC/DC concert. Your brother Jake was trying to convince me to go with them, which made me really happy. But I really couldn’t justify spending the $200 to $300 for a ticket in my current situation. The summary of that trip is this: Vegas sucks, the food is overpriced, the concert was great, Brian Johnson is getting old, and Angus Young is the greatest guitarist ever. Under any other circumstances, I would have gone.

Mom and I spent the day doing chores. As you remember, I oddly enjoy Saturday chores. We went shopping, I changed the oil in Jacob’s car, I mowed the lawn, pressure washed the patio and porch, and did some weeding. I got some sun and it felt really good.

Today was a normal Sunday, we had my side of the family over for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Mom and Ben made Greek style chicken, roasted potatoes, lemon rice, and naan bread. Aunt Patti brought fruit and my favorite chocolate cherry cake. Lately, it seems that I don’t just enjoy being together with family, I need to be together with family.

Uncle Aaron seems to be recovering nicely, he may be back to work in a couple of weeks. He is a miracle, one I am so grateful for.

That’s the week Joe. Next week is another big one with Ben’s graduation, Jordan’s wedding, and grandma is having us over on Sunday. I also have some freelance work to get done.

I love you kid, talk soon,

Pops