2025, January 20-26

We had a health scare for the kitty,  Mike and Hallie celebrated our anniversary, and Mike has found a full-time job. 

Eliza often likes to go back and forth from Smith's to visit with Mom at work. Often she is joined by someone, but just as often she goes on her own. She went with Hallie to work on Monday and returned home on her own.  

Tabitha's Way transitioned to its new location this week, and Mike had the chance to help get things stocked on Monday along with many other volunteers. 

He also hit a milestone on Duolingo. What's funny is that he got back onto Duolingo after several years not using it so that Landon would use it for his Spanish class. As it is, now Mike has finished the Spanish course and is learning some conversational Japanese and quick mental math. 

Having passed his CDL permit test, Mike got contacted by Nebo School District Transportation to start his bus driver training next week. He continues substitute teaching and making art in the meantime. 

Mike got a call from PACE International Academy on Wednesday while waiting for Eliza at taekwondo to have an interview on Thursday. The interview went well, and he has chosen to start working there part time next week and full time starting in February. Just as substitute teaching has been a nostalgic callback to his days teaching in LAUSD, he anticipates working at PACE will feel a bit like his days teaching at the Simi Adult School. 

Mike and Hallie celebrated their anniversary in low-key fashion after Mike did an observation at PACE and brought home some carry-out. Think of it as saving some funds as a raincheck for a splurge when we're in Japan. That being said, Hallie surprised Mike with an Apple Watch. There was a bit of drama in that Hallie had the watch delivered from Sam's Club and ended up with the floor demo model (missing bands) in a blue bag set on the front porch. She and Eliza resolved the issue on Friday, and Mike got a new watch at a discount! 

Landon has completed paperwork for his Jimmy John's job and will be starting whenever the next schedule gets drawn up. His friend Zeke works there, and we've had the pleasure of his company several days this week. Landon has decided to improve his diet and exercise routine by eating more unprocessed foods, less junk foods, and with a calorie deficit as he and Zeke work out. 

Fergus started acting lethargic late in the week. 

By Saturday morning, we decided he needed to see the vet. We always get concerned when Fergus starts acting abnormal. Mike thought he might have eaten a poisoned rodent. Everyone gave Fergus their love before Mike and Eliza took him over to Payson Family Pet Hospital for an urgent care visit. After checking him out, Dr. Fillerup gave Ferg a prescription and recovery plan (thanks to the doctor and technician for being there!). Looks like kitty might have an intestinal bug. By Sunday afternoon, Fergus seemed like he was feeling a bit better. 

We had snow for most of the day Saturday, a welcome sight after seeing so little precipitation this winter so far. Next week is sure to bring all sorts of unexpected happenings, hopefully positive ones.