Hola, mis amigos! Como esta usted?

I am well; thanks for asking.  Sorry I haven't written in a while; things have been busy.  I'm getting ready to graduate; this is my last year of school.  I graduate in just four months, in May.  I then plan on going into the United States Marine Corps.

Mami and Papi are still working at Golden Corral, and I take care of my brother, Pacquito, who is now fourteen, and still dealing with his autism.  He doesn't talk and seems much younger than he really is; he needs someone to supervise him or else he could dismantle the entire house or wander off without giving any regard to himself or to others (or his safety).

It isn't easy dealing with a brother like mine; he can be a regular handful, especially when he has one of his famous meltdowns.

It makes me look forward to graduating school (and enlisting into the Marines) that much more.  I need a break from Pacquito.  He's a nice kid, but he can be awfully difficult to deal with.  He isn't like most kids and it bothers me that people stare, point fingers, or say rude things about him (or about us as a family).  I have enough trouble dealing with people making fun of the fact that we are Mexican; I don't need any more hassles about Pacquito either.

I was gonna go and make music my career, but then I got thinking about the Marines and how much respect they get, so I decided to make the Marines my career choice instead.  I can always try to reenter the music field when I get out; I want to make a difference in someone's life and travel the world.  That's why I chose the military.

I don't know what the future will hold, but one thing is certain: I plan on doing everything possible to make it a good one, not only for myself, but for my family.  I love my family, and I want to do all I can to help 'em and make life easier for them all.

Well, I hate to run, but I have homework; gotta get crackin'.  I will write in here again; sorry it's been too long!  Take care and vaya con dios!

~Arturo.  :)