1986 Continued
Saturday, January 18, 1986:
Actually it’s Sunday; it’s 1:15 a.m.
It’s not that I can’t get to sleep, it’s that I was dumb again and stayed up watching T.V.; “silly.”
Today I did a lot of driving.
I went up to Smiths [grocery store] to fill out my application to be a bagger.
Took it up the same day I got it; that’s pretty neat.
I would sure like to get that job; it would be a lot of help for me: money.
I put a few things on it that I might like to change, but oh well.
Jeanette stayed up late last night; real late, and today she’s still up.
I was sitting for the Simpsons and met this girl from Denmark.
Dr. Simpson asked me if I would get some people her own age to talk to.
She says she would like to talk to some kids her own age; she’s 18.
Sunday, January 19, 1986:
Today was a very uplifting day for me.
First, today at church Matt came and so I listened more closely than I would usually; so it was neat.
In Sunday School we talked about folk music, etc.
Then at 5:00 I went up to the ward and did some committee stuff for the youth; that was neat.
Then at 7:00 I went to a very good fireside [where the speaker] talked about rock music in our society; the cult, but mostly the cult.
It was really surprising; I enjoyed it very much.
He was a very good speaker; he had 22 years experience with this.
He knew the facts and told them to us.
His name was Bry Kent.
I really enjoyed it and I told him, so that’s kind of exciting for me.
I don’t do that [kind of thing] much.
I’m glad I don’t have school tomorrow; Martin Luther King, Jr. [Day].
Great day today!
Monday, January 20, 1986:
Today we had no school because of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday; so I didn’t do a lot.
About the only thing I did was: when my dad had to go downtown to fix a computer, I went down with him and got some knee pads for wrestling.
They cost me $8.98.
I might have been able to get them for $4.95 at Woolfs, but they’d probably be different.
I was just reading back to November 12 and on about my operation.
I noticed on November 21 I started having a little pain in a different place.
I think that it just might be what I’m having now.
I don’t know though.
Tomorrow I want to try and go back to wrestling and see how it feels.
My right knee is really doing bad, so I’m not really sure I should go back.
And also my back [is doing bad], but not that much; it’s already been two months and eight days, so my back is recovered.
I do remember last year wrapping my (I think) right (or was it the left) knee and also my back having lots of problems.
Tuesday, January 21, 1986:
Today I was very tired after school.
I was in a real good mood today, too.
After school I (actually yesterday) decided to (maybe Sunday) go dress for wrestling, so I did.
I’m sharing Alfe’s locker; I wrestled him and Eric Conn as well as John Wisannot; I think that’s all.
My back felt real good during, but after a while it started pretty worse.
Then after practice I was so tired; I’m so out of shape; that’s why.
My operation back was just fine and still is, but my upper back is real bad.
I was supposed to go to a basketball game, but didn’t, because I couldn’t sit there for that two hours.
Its 15 to ten and I had a nap.
I hope I get a great night’s rest.
Wednesday, January 22, 1986:
Tomorrow James will be 18.
This morning I was real sore from yesterday.
My operation back was sore, my upper back, my leg, bum, arm and neck, not to mention probably a few other places.
It’s pretty late now.
I’ve got some tests tomorrow and Friday that I didn’t study for, that much.
We’re half way through the year.
Yesterday I signed up for the chess club and asked if it was too late for bowling and it was.
I’m probably not well enough for it anyway.
next week I’ll go in for a check up on the operation.
I’ve made a list of everything that hurts and I’ll tell him all about it.
I hope I’ll bet all better some day.
Thursday, January 23, 1986:
James’s birthday.
We went to a Hawiian Restaurant.
It was pretty good (not the best I’ve ever had, but good).
After school I could have gone to a wrestling match in Davis, but didn’t because of James’s birthday.
After school I went to an orchestra practice.
I had lots of cans [??] to write after that.
And on my way home my mom picked me up.
The guy from Smiths (I believe his name was Doug) called today to get me to come up for an interview.
At first I though he was calling to tell me I got the job, but no such luck.
I was kind of down today, wishing I had more things: money (I have some), a car, etc.
I also failed two tests today.
Maybe not my German, but I’m sure my Math though.
I had a nap after school at about 4:30.
I was reading in a book called Priesthood.
My back’s not a sore, but still is.
My knee was real tender: whenever I touch it, it hurts.
I wish it wouldn’t.
Friday, January 24, 1986:
I got the job.
I’m supposed to run if it’s more than three steps away.
I think it will be hard, but I think I can handle it (I [had] better, and I’ll try my best).
I don’t know how to bag, though.
I’ll be going on an orientation on Tuesday.
I hope it tells me a lot
The basketball team won Davis, 66–60.
Davis was the only undefeated team in the state; it was a real good game.
Because of this job my whole Wednesdays and Fridays will be shot as far as social activities go; I work from 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Its a real good job I think.
It’ll be paying about $40.00 a week so by the time the San Diego trip comes around, I’ll have enough money.
Saturday, January 25, 1986:
Today I went up to Smiths and got some papers and things to fill out to take to this meeting on Tuesday.
I’ll be working at $2.85 an hour for a month (or maybe it was 30 days), then switch to $3.35, if I make the evaluation and get the job.
I sure hope that I can make it.
Also today I went to a performance at the Children’s Museum: only played three songs, then left.
Sunday, January 26, 1986:
This morning I got up kind of late so I walked up to church.
It was a real wet day.
It was Rich Cannaday’s [missionary] farewell [program].
It was real neat.
After that I walked home and at about 1:00 started watching the pregame show [for the Superbowl].
Then Chicago blew new England away, 44–10 (I think).
Then at about 7:30 we had a family home evening.
We’ve got lots of problems, our family.
[I’m] not saying I don’t [have problems], but we do.
Today at church I started admiring Rich, who’s a real neat guy, and wanting to be like him; have that passion to want to serve; be excited and have those leadership abilities.
I know Rich will do real good on his mission in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
A great guy, Rich.
Monday, January 27, 1986:
Today was pretty neat.
At seminary Bro. Shoell asked me to be the president.
What he does is have you serve [as officers] for one semester, then get new ones.
He’s releasing the current ones, then putting me in as president and he’ll let me give suggestions (he had some) on who else to put in, but he’ll call them really.
I’ve got some people in mind, but it doesn’t go real for all [?] that.
I’ll pray about it tonight and maybe see (as Recl [?]).
Wednesday I start my new job at 3:00 and end at 6:00.
I went up today and returned the wrong jacket.
I’m supposed to get a vest, which I have.
Today I went and played some cards at a friends and won 27 cents: 24 from James and 3 from the friend.
I did mention it to my dad, but not much.
I knew it was probably against church doctrine and so I burned my cards a while ago.
My dad, for a devotional before prayers read from a book what Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith said about gambling and card playing: people get addicted, etc.
It’s not good to get into it.
I gave back James’s 24¢ he gave me and I’ll give Will his 3¢ tomorrow.
Dad said he knew someone that used to go to Nevada with thousands and came back with none, so he could relate.
I’m not going to get into that type of stuff.
Tuesday, January 28, 1986:
Today was quite a day.
In 4th period I learned that the space shuttle had exploded and watched it all that period.
It happened about 9:30 a.m., 1:13 (12–15) or so seconds after lift-off.
The first school teacher [to attempt space flight] was on board.
After school I went to get my glasses fixed (got some candy to sell for orchestra), left them at the shop, then went to the orientation at 1550 S. Redwood Rd.
It really psyched me up to go out and really work hard, be nice, and get the money.
Smiths really has a good philosophy.
I wish we could all live it all the time (relatively).
Then [I] went to get my glasses; [they] didn’t work too well, so I’ll go back maybe Thursday.
Then [I] got my dad and finally got home about 9:30.
Now it’s 11:00; do my Math and here I’m ready for bed, except reading scriptures and this.
Friday, January 31, 1986:
Last Wednesday was my first day of work.
It was awful.
I was so tired when I got home, I just laid down and laid there for ½ an hour.
Then I threw up.
All I had that day was lunch and some vicks and water; maybe some breakfast.
I didn’t go to school on Thursday and threw up, etc., went to the doctor and he gave me some pills.
Then today I wasn’t feeling well at all, so I called in sick.
Also, I called up for the schedule of when I work: Sunday 12–9, Monday 4–10, Friday 3–9, Saturday 5–11 — 26 hours; that’s a lot.
They must have a shortage of baggers.
I’m kind of distressed about Sunday, but I’ll work it out.
I don’t even know if I’ll be well by then.
At 3:45 today I went to Shriners and this thing they know what’s wrong with my knees.
I have to do some exercises every day three times a day, and he gave me some pills
Just a while ago I threw up real bad.
It’s probably from all the pills I’ve been taking, plus, I had a Big Mac and some fries.
[I] haven’t been feeling real good today.
Also I haven’t been getting enough sleep.
My throat’s still sore, I’ve had a temperature all day: 102–99+.
I thought I might be OK soon, but I sure hope so.
I’ve got to get my strength back.
Saturday, February 1, 1986:
I’m still sick but getting better.
I called in work again: said I’ve been sick, etc.
I think he understood more than last time.
I’m going to get as much rest as I can and hope to get better, if they’re going to have me work for so long.
My throat’s still bad; it was worse today than before.
Not much happened today.
I’ve still got a fever.
I was sweating pretty bad today once.
I hope I get better soon; like tomorrow.
Sunday, February 2, 1986:
I didn’t do anything today — no church, no work.
My stomach is still in a knot; my back will always hurt (I hope not); my throat is sore — pretty bad all day.
My nose is blowing blood now.
I’ll be going to school tomorrow and have to work from 4–11.
It’s going to be hard for me to recover with working.
I should have gone to sleep earlier; it’s 11:15 — late, huh?
I hope I’ll do OK at work tomorrow.
I don’t have to work again until Friday, 3–9.
I’m probably going to become the troup’s senior patrol leader, which (I just thought) might be a little hard, because of work.
But with this sick spell, I’ll have to work real hard to keep it.
I sure hope I’ll be better for tomorrow; I’ve got to keep that job!
Monday, February 2, 1986:
I didn’t go to school; I went to work, saw a few people I knew.
One I was surprised to see drinks.
I just got back from work; it’s 10:30.
I got off at 10:16 because I didn’t finish my job in time.
I have to go to a meeting tomorrow at 8:00 so I’ll have to miss some school.
I’m behind pretty bad.
Wednesday, February 5, 1986:
Today was kind of dumb; I didn’t do anything.
I was going to get a ride from Matt, since he came this way every day anyway.
So I waited and finally I left and saw them go by.
I had to do the laundry for wrestling — no biggy.
A lady brought my wallet back today, gave it to Dad.
He didn’t know her.
I drove in the car and got some gas.
At 8:00 I went to Grandpa’s and sold some stuff; that’s all.
I’m getting bored with school; I don’t like it that much any more.
Today was my first day of welcoming the class as president.
I also had the devotional.
My devotional person is Izzy Dunford, who is a very good girl.
I like her lots; I think she’ll do good.
The secretary is Melanie Wilkey; she’s quiet and shy, but I like her lots as well.
Her name came to me, as well as Bro. Shoells, by revelation; she’s called of God.
Thursday, February 6, 1986:
James is bothering me to turn out the light so I’ll sleep[?].
I don’t like school anymore.
I’m tired and I wish my health was better, wish I knew more people.
And, I guess that’s my fault, and I’m the only one that can change it.
Today I started playing the alto clarinet, but I didn’t have a reed, so I didn’t play.
I’ve got one now, so I’ll be able to play on Monday.
Saturday, February 8, 1986:
Yesterday I got home at about 9:20.
I got my first paycheck; it was for $26.72.
It was more than I expected.
I had a pretty fun time yesterday at work; I was happy.
I don’t know why though.
I’ve got a loaded work-week this next week: I work Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat.
Today I’m going to a leadership meeting (it’s 12:30 a.m.; I won’t have time to write later), then get out of it early and go to work at 5:00 till 11:00.
My time is hardly any nowadays.
I finally threw away my folders that were all messed up and got organized.
It’s about 12:00 midnight now and I just finished work at 11:20, came home, ate, and I read in some scripture that happened to be the D&C and I finished it not three minutes ago.
Also at work I cashed my check and so now I’ve got $23.00 toward my trip to San Diego.
I need $160 more.
Good night.
Sunday, February 9, 1986:
I just got back from work five minutes ago.
It’s now 11:20.
Boy, was it slow!
Most the time I didn’t have anything to do, but I did find something.
Some crazy was up there bugging some ladies and the cops were called, but he left before he (police) came.
Church was pretty neat today (nothing real spiritual happened).
I couldn’t wake up because I didn’t get to sleep till about 1:00–1:30.
Nighty-night.
Tuesday, February 11, 1986:
James got his Eagle.
Actually he didn’t get it, but he earned it.
I’ve been on a spiritual tune all day.
Tomorrow I’m going to have a presidency meeting.
I think I should say “we.”
I think we’ll get a lot out of it and get a lot done.
I’m going to take the papers from the last two leadership conferences.
I think we’ve got a great council and a great Seminary Class.
One of the girls in my class, Karen Ensign, who used to be our secretary, got a desease and will be out for a long time.
I’m going to suggest that we have a seminary class fast for her.
I don’t know what’s supposed to happen to her.
I hope she gets a speedy recovery.
Friday, February 14, 1986:
We got a lot accomplished at our last presidency meeting.
I didn’t have to work today.
I went up and got my check; it was for $45.00.
I put $5 in tithing and $40 in the San Diego fund.
I might just be going down to San Diego as a clarinetist rather than a percussionist.
Today in Seminary we had a breakfast and after that we had the Junior Assembly.
There’s this one girl I think’s got something for me; she always lights up around me.
She’s kind of strange though.
I won’t be doing anything about it, I don’t think.
Tuesday, March 4, 1986:
Not a lot has happened since the sixth of February.
My grades have dropped; I’m working sitll; I’m getting enough money for the trip on the 19th of this month to San Diego.
I’ve switched to the Cb alto Carinet and there’s a concert tomorrow and I’ve been playing for about three days now.
I’ll be going to San Diego as a percussionist.
My right knee’s been kind of sore lately, but on the whole they’re getting better.
I belong to the worst bagging store in the Smiths’ chain.
We are really going to crack down and get to working hard or we won’t keep our job.
They’ve got some new policies and we’re going to have a head bagger and things like that.
My spiritual life is going up.
Seminary is great; I’m getting to love my class very much.
Me and Karen did a devotional today about prayer that I learned in Sunday School.
And Izzy said something so profound about prayer it would blow you away:
“Prayer is like a watermelon; the best part comes from the heart.”
I told this to Heather and she thinks it should be changed to an artichoke.
Tuesday, March 25, 1986:
On Monday at 12:10 in the morning I got back from the best trip that I’ve ever had.
I went to San Diego with the Orchestra, Jazz Band and Acapella.
We left Wednesday the 19th at about 10:30 and got in Las Vegas for breakfast and San Diego at about 1:30.
We were supposed to play at Sea World at 12:30, but didn’t make it.
We lounged around the pools and had pizza that night and I went to sleep around 12:00 that night.
Then on Friday we went to Tijuana for some bargaining fun, got a sombrerro and two bone statues (not big, small).
Then we went to a workshop and got some post cards and then went back to the hotel.
The Jazz Band (I wish I was in the Jazz Band) got to play at the Mexican Restaurant we ate at.
Then I won $10.00 in a poker game as someone else won $80–90 and another lost.
I also went to a party in Brent Cole’s room and there were a bunch of people there.
We went to Dale’s room while he was sleeping and had fun.
Then we talked by the pool for a while.
I started to meet Dina Carlson that night.
She’s my favorite person now.
Then Saturday was the beach and I got pretty burned and met Dina very much more and slept (ha, ha) in Brent’s room.
She got about five minutes and I didn’t get any.
We didn’t do anything wrong.
We were talking serious now about something that happened; nothing wrong.
I think I’m going to ask her to go to the Senior Prom, but I don’t know if she wants to go with a Senior because she is one.
I’m also going to the Computer Dance the 26th of April.
On Sunday I got maybe a half an hour of sleep on the way home; woke up Saturday 10:00 a.m.; went to sleep Sunday 1:30 a.m.; some cat naps.
I think I’m in love; Dina, you’re such a wonderful girl.
I’ve even told her how I feel about her.
Also I had to take her out Sunday at about 4:00 a.m. to talk to her.
That’s when we talked serious, plus, in Mosito; I want to help so much.
Wednesday, March 26, 1986:
Today I went to the Regional Orchestra Festival.
I did pretty good and I thought everyone else did great.
I saw Dina there and I asked her how it’s going and she said, with most wonderful face expression and voice I know, “Good!”
She asked, “How are you?” I said, “Great.”
I really want to be a good friend of hers and I hope to be very much.
She’s doing all right; I’ve been a little too worried (right word?). I still want to be her friend.
I’m going to the Computer Dance with about eight other people.
I think it’s going to be great.
Thursday, March 27, 1986:
Now it’s 7:30 p.m. and I had to work at 4:00 so I’m writing now.
Today me and James went job hunting.
James got a job at the Marriot and I got there too late, so I didn’t.
I met an old teacher and he referred me to a shoe store where his son is manager.
I left my name and number.
I’ve decided I don’t want to go to work any more, so that’s why I’m looking now.
I never do see Dina except in Orchestra, which is about never.
I haven’t changed my attitude for her yet.
I’m still in love.
I think it’s going to be hard for us to be good friends in the sense of — without Saturday night coming up.
But I sure am going to try.
I think that I’m going to get a job downtown.
I’m going tomorrow as well.
Friday, March 28, 1986:
Today was a real good day.
I went to Ramses II Exhibit at BYU and that was neat.
Then I went downtown to get some shorts.
I got a pair of shorts, a swimsuit, and a great looking shirt; and was helped by the nicest lady.
At 4:00 I went to work; it wasn’t toooo bad.
I talked to a produce man and am going to talk to the produce manager tomorrow.
I hope I get a job (my job) there.
I kind of have an idea of when the Senior Prom is.
I’ll have to find out when for sure.
Someone called two nights ago and said they’d call back.
I thought that it was kind of important, but I guess it might not be; they haven’t called back yet.
Wednesday, April 2, 1986:
It’s late, 11:20, I had a nap and my days have been pretty boring lately.
Except now I’ve got a new problem: a girl gave me an Easter basket with lots of candy.
I think that means that she likes me.
Girls have liked me before, so it’s not real new, or a real crisis.
She’ll get over it.
My attitude toward girls is changing very much.
Ever since California it’s been changing.
I’m more interested and also my personality’s been changing ever since as well; I like it.
But some of the feelings are kind of hurting to me.
As far as Senior Prom goes, I’d like to ask Dina, but I’m having second thoughts.
I kind of figure that she might want to go with a Senior instead, but she would probably say yes.
But I don’t want her to be unhappy.
If what I finally decide is ask her and if she happens to say yes, I’ll have to plan for the most enjoyable evening she’s ever had.
We’ll see.
Thursday, April 3, 1986:
I was just going over my surgery papers on page 50ff.
It was very interesting.
I’ve learned a lot from just reading sometimes.
Today was pretty fun.
After school we had an orchestra rehersal and I didn’t have to do anything, so it was boring.
Then at 3:30 there was an N[orth]R[egion?]S[softball]L[eague] game on Chandler Drive.
It was fun in one inning; I made three outs while playing center field.
Right now it’s very late.
I haven’t been able to get to sleep yet (I did have a half an hour nap; big deal!).
I think that I’ve just been thinking too much about the Senior Prom — if I should ask, how, etc. . . . some complex problems.
James asked Melissa Moyle to the Prom so we might go double or triple with Kevin.
You might be able to decipher that I would like to ask Dina.
She is such a neat girl; I just can’t get over it.
If I don’t hurry, it might be too late.
That thing about maybe she wants to go with a Senior instead is probably not true.
We’ll see.
I think if I finally do go, it ought to be loads of FUN.
Almost forgot: next week is going to be the musical, “Once Upon a Mattress,” and I get to play in it (percussion).
So that next week [is] taken care of: I know I’ll work Saturday and one other day, so it might be a problem on one day, but that’s probably it.
Friday, April 4, 1986:
Today school was fun.
At lunch I played Yatzi with Wendy and we tied, 280–280.
I was going to go to 7th Seminary, but found out Seniors were in another room, so I didn’t.
After school there was an NRSL game; I left early.
When I left we were killing; no thanks to me.
I was feeling depressed when I left because of the way everyone was acting and talking and also how I’m poor and everyone else is well off.
But walking home I noticed how well off I really am.
How much better spiritually I’m doing and things like that.
So I’m still a little depressed, but not as much.
We were talking about Senior Prom when we were coming back from getting family pictures.
I know I’ve got to go, so I’m going to ask Dina on Monday or Tuesday or I might just call her.
I don’t know; whatever we decide to do we will have the greatest time I’m sure.
Next week I have to work Monday and Friday, so I’ll miss some practice time and performance, one of each.
Oh, Monday I’m going looking for a job again.
I hope I get one.
Saturday, April 5, 1986:
The first time I’ve missed Priesthood Session since I’ve been a Priesthood holder was today, because I had to work.
I really didn’t want to work today, but oh, well.
What I’m going to do is read the Ensign to see what I missed.
Early on at work I was feeling REAL bad because of cramps.
But it mellowed out a bit.
On Monday I’m going to go job hunting again and I have to work 5–11.
I’ve decided to ask Dina to Senior Prom.
I’ll either ask Monday, if I go to the practice, or Tuesday.
If I don’t see her, I’ll just call her.
I don’t want to wait too long or someone else will ask her, I’m sure.
I talked to Grandma about taking piano lessons from her for two years, I guess, so I can play before I go on a mission.
I am real excited about learning, and serious.
My life’s going great right now.
I got a letter (addressed to James & Geoff) from Leo Linning, who’s on a mission, thanking us for writing during missionary week.
The thing he stresses, and I’m working on it, is D A I L Y S C R I P T U R E R E A D I N G.
Also, in my Patriarchal Blessing it says, “Study the scriptures in your youth and incorporate them into your life.”
I’m doing that and hope to do it more.
Life is great.
Sunday, April 6, 1986:
Today was the last day for Conference.
The last session was a Solemn Assembly.
Everyone thought that they would sustain a new Apostle, but they didn’t.
Not much happened today.
[I] did some planning for Senior Prom (I still need a date; it’s on the 18th of April); that was fun.
Tomorrow [there is] no school, so I’m going to go out and look for a job and go up to talk to the produce manager to see if there are any openings; I hope there are.
Monday, April 7, 1986:
This morning I went and talked to the produce manager and there weren’t any openings, but he [said he] would keep me in mind; I’ll go back once in a while and see.
Then I went down to Kenny Shoes and got a job as a stock boy and then came home and Mom talked me out of it and I called back and said I couldn’t work; so now I got [just] one job again.
At work it was real slow, so it was kind of nice.
I just thought of a way that I could have kept that job; oh, well, too late now.
Tuesday, April 8, 1986:
Today we practiced, had a break, went to the Cadence [?] and played some slam — practiced.
[I] almost asked Dina.
I told her I was going to call her on the phone, and, so when was she home; she’s not home [till] after 5:00, so we’ll see.
I’ll have to ask her tomorrow or someone else will (if not already).
