Flashback to '03

Flashback:

The year is 2003. I am suffering from a little skin problem called nodular acne. Not only is the acne extrememly painful, but it is also causing a lot of problems at school--kids saying rude and unneccesary things, people staring at me, etc.

I am in my seventh grade year, and I am walking into my second period study hall class.

The first words out of my study hall teacher's mouth: "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE!? SICK!"

My thoughts: "Wow. It's probably the twelfth week of school, and she's just now realizing? I wonder how she would feel to go through as much pain as I do."

Weeks later: My study hall teacher is in a car wreck, and she breaks her neck. I feel bad, and somewhat blame myself for the accident.

I am sitting in P.E. class one morning. An eighth grader comes and sits next to me and gives me a look of disgust, "WHAT'S ON YOUR FACE??" I don't have any answers for him; I just look at the floor and ignore him.

I am now walking through the hallways. Every other person I walk past is staring at me. Every now and then I can hear a few people saying "ewww!" or "sick!"

The friends I made in elementary school (save a select few) are now ignoring me, because they don't want to be seen with me. They are beginning to care more about fitting-in than friendship.

It's a late Tuesday night--11 PM or so. I am trying to sleep. However, I can't because if I try putting my face on my pillow, it hurts. I try laying on my back. Nope. My back is now covered with the acne as well.

I am at a Halloween party. I'm not wearing a costume; I'm just wearing regular clothes. A kid comes up to me, and he says, "Where did you get the mask? Or is that make-up?" I tell him that's how my face always is, and then he freaks out.

"You definitely have the worst case of it," my Mom tells me one day. "Worse than your brother or your Dad."

This actually makes me laugh, and I take great pride in it, rather than being negative and thinking, "Why me?"

It's my thirteenth birthday. I'm not having a big party like I did for my twelfth birthday party. I only want to be with my family, because they know what kind of pain I am going through. My Mom makes me my favorite meal--her home-made chicken fingers. She also buys me Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on her way home from work, and she even makes me a cake with Final Fantasy characters on it. The game helps lift some of my pain, as it made me both very happy and it gave me something to do when I couldnt' sleep at night.
"Thanks, Mom. You're the best."

Fast-Forward:

The year is 2008. I think about the year 2003 every now and then. If someone would have told me back then, "BDN, five years from now, you will look back on these days and miss them" I would have probably told them to shut up.

It's true, though. The year 2003 was definitely a special one for me. It helped me grow in a lot of ways, and I really do miss it a lot.

The worst year of my middle school year was definitely the best. It really helped me realize what was important in life. I'm glad I wasn't popular; I am glad people were disgusted by me.

You know what that year taught me? It taught me that I was unique. It taught me that I have a choice: The choice to be negative and not get through the trial, or the choice to be positive and to get through the trial. It taught me about true friendship. It taught me that my family truly does love me and will always be there for me, even in the worst of times.

And so I'd like to thank everyone who helped me get through those hard times--my Mom, my Dad, my siblings, and my friends. If it weren't for your guys' examples, I probably wouldn't have made it through that horrible, horrible school year. :)

And last but not least....I'd like to thank the year 2003 for all the memories it brings back to me--the good and the bad.

One day after getting a hair-cut.

Chicken fingers for my 13th birthday.

At home on a late Friday night!

My Final Fantasy Cake

The first stage of the acne. Trying to sleep and play with Logan at the same time. Haha.

"The Tree and Me" By: Benjamin David Nelson

Dear World,

I was working on cleaning my room today, and I found a few gems. I found a poetry notebook of mine from eighth grade. I will share one of the gems with you. Enjoy!

Sorry that it's so mushed together! I put a space in between each stanza, but it won't stay that way when I publish it! :(

Yours Truly,
BDN

"The Tree and Me"

Benjamin David Nelson

In my yard there stands a tree.

A tree that is ever so taller than me.

I always wanted to be taller than it.

But, of course, it always beats me by a bit.

I always wanted to be tall,

For if I was, I would never fall.

And so I try to stand so high

But trying only leads to a lie.

Now I give up on becoming like this tree

But perhaps time will bring the idea back to me.

In my yard there stands a tree,

A tree that is ever so taller than me.

Years later, a new idea finally came to me

I said to myself: I will climb to the top of this tree

At the top, I would be taller by a couple of feet;

Once I reach my destination, the tree would be beat.

I began climbing the tree by jumping from branch to branch,

And as I got higher, I saw my ranch, my ranch.

I climbed and climbed and by the time I reached my destination,

I could see the stars face to face and my heart went through restoration.

I am now like the tree in my yard--tall

And because of this, I will never fall.

So now I am in my yard, taller than my tree

The tree that is ever so shorter than me.

Things To Look Forward To The Next Few Months:

1. BDN's 18th Birthday: Yes, you read it right--18th. This should be interesting.

2. New Job??: Will I get the job at GameStop? I sure hope so! I need it. :)

3. BYU vs. New Mexico: This is the one, my friends. I am looking forward to October 10. As soon as I get home from school, my dad and I are setting off. We are picking up Brent Nelson, and then we are on our way up to Provo. We are staying in a hotel up in Provo, and it's going to be sweet! I look forward to my first game at Lavell Edwards stadium, and I look forward to wearing my sweet BYU jacket in the cold football weather. :)

4. New Nephew!: Shayla and Brent Nelson's baby will be born in a month and a couple of days. I am really excited for a new nephew, and I look forward to having two nephews around whenever I go visit their family. WOO-HOO!

5. Thanksgiving: I am not exactly sure of the exact plans for Thanksgiving, but when is Thanksgiving ever NOT good. I am looking forward to starting the Home Alone tradition on Thanksgiving night. And I am looking forward to the Holy War (BYU vs. Utah) Thanksgiving weekend.

6. My Last Christmas At Home: Yes...My last Christmas at home before I go on my mission. I really do enjoy the Christmas season, and this one should be really special. I have a few ideas of gifts for my little brothers (already), but it all depends on whether or not I get that job or not. ;) I hope I get that junt, because then I could buy gifts for everyone! And I kind of hope to do that, as it IS my last Christmas with everyone until 2011. :)

7. Homecoming: Homecoming is going to be really fun this year. That is the goal anyways, and you never know how dates actually turn out before they happen. I've had dates turn out as complete failures, and I've had dates turn out ten times better than I had hoped. Hopefully it turns out just as good as I think it's going to be, if not better. :) Should be grand.

Small BDN Update

Dear World,

I turn 18 in twelve days. Yikes.

In other news: Gamestop called me today, and we set up an interview for next Wednesday. Now...I know that doesn't mean anything, but I really hope I get that job. :)

Other than that...All is well! The weekend is coming quick as usual, and that is great. :)

Yours Truly,
BDN

One Voice + Celestrial Dating

I am not sure if this is something I personally wrote down or if it's something I copied down during an EFY class.....

But I found the following entry in my EFY journal, and I thought I'd share it. :)

One Voice

-Although I am only one voice, my voice can go far and be heard by everyone that is willing to hear it.

-My voice is not alone. I have the voice of my friends, family, and others from the Church.

-I will use my voice to pray to my Heavenly Father, so that I can receive His voice and find answers to the questions that are on my mind.

-Christ was one voice. His voice carried far, and He changed the world. Through his voice, He has made all of this (in life) possible. He helped others one at a time with His voice.

I wish I could remember what lesson/class this is from!! Haha. :)

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Also, while going through my journal, I found an excellent section on "Celestrial Dating."

The 10 Commandments of Celestrial Dating (For Teens)

-Thou shalt choose friends and dates with great care.

-Thou shalt date in groups and attend only wholesome activities.

-Thou shalt be clever and creative in planning dates.

-Thou shalt set rules and guidelines.

-Thou shalt dress and speak appropriately.

-Tough shalt not make-out.

-Tough shalt not back rub, lie down, etc.

-Tough shalt not enter date's bedroom.

-Tough shalt not think you are an exception.

-Tough shalt listen to the Spirit at all times.

Wow.

It seems like years since I've last written anything on this thing. Truly rare.

There really isn't much to update everyone on. You see--every fall season is the same every year. School starts, and I start getting busy. And then there are a few other things that keep me busy as well. ;)

I am still on a job hunt, but I have been keeping myself pretty occupied with a few small jobs. I babysit these kids in my ward twice a week, and then a tutor this girl in my ward twice a week, and I get some pretty good money from that. I also mow a lawn for a lady in my ward every other week or so.

Football season started, and my college team (BYU) is playing superb. Football keeps me busy Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. Friday night is high school football, and Saturday is college football. I am looking forward to my trip up to Provo in three weeks. :)

My Dad went out of town this weekend, leaving me with all the boys. We had a pretty good time. It's good to get a break from parents sometimes, and I am sure my parents feel the same way. ;)

Anyways. The boys and I took a trip over to the Vegas side of town. Timmy visited with Joe, and Luke and Logan spent some time with Shean. I hung out with a few people. I visited with my friend Chelsea for a little bit, and then I went over to Brent's house. Brent Nelson and I watched some football, and then I went to see my good friend Jared Brummett. It was his birthday yesterday, and the Seastrands and I took him to Macayos for his and Sister Seastrand's birthday. We had some good times, and we laughed a lot. I haven't laughed that much in a long time! It felt good.

Speaking of the whole lot: I am going to homecoming with my friend Angela. We are doubling with Jared and Chelsea, and it is going to be fun. :)

Well, that is all for now, really. I hope all is well for everyone! :)

Seminary--Good Times

There just really aren't any teachers quite like my seminary teacher last year.

Brother Chase is substituting Timmy's class for the first two days of this week. I joined Timmy's class today, because I really miss Brother Chase's powerful lessons.

After going months without teaching, Brother Chase pulled off another great lesson, and it was just great being there for it. There's something about the way he teaches that just makes you feel the Spirit so strong, and it definitely makes a difference in your day. :) I mean--seminary is like that in general for me, because all the teachers teach the same thing, and the effect is all very much the same. But...Brother Chase just does it in a unique way, and it's especially powerful.

I am looking forward to tomorrow!

BYU, FTW!!

Yesterday BYU beat UCLA 59-0.

Brent Nelson and I watched the game together, and we couldn't stop laughing. It was just a grand game, and I am proud of the BYU football team. Truly.

All the non-conference threats our out of the way. We just need our perfect record now.

BYU in da hou' FTW!!

Seven Years Ago Today

Wow. I cannot believe it's already been seven years since that terrible, terrible day.

"I know this day in history will live on, to quote another, in infamy, for it's anniversary.

So, I just want to pay my respects to all those people

Who lost their lives on this date [seven] years ago,

Wnd we pay all our respects to them and to all of you who lost somebody special,

And to all of us who lost our innocence on that day.

We will never forget it, no.

But let us also not forget all the millions of people that have died all over the world for the same terrible reasons.

I hope that one day we will find a peaceful world to live on."

-Dave Matthews Band (9-11-03)

This Weekend

Today is my last day of the week with any worries! I am about to go tutor a girl in my ward, and then I am going to go babysit the Brunson's kids as usual. The problem: I haven't started any homework, and I won't home until around eight. But I always manage to get it done. :)

Which brings us to tomorrow--Friday! Timmy and I are going to the Foothill vs. Mojave game at Mojave. It should be grand. After that, I am gonna go stay the night at my brother's house, I believe.

Saturday will be a good day as well. Brent Nelson and I are watching the BYU vs. UCLA game on TV at his house, and I am just really excited for that. Should be a great battle!

There are a few other things going on over the weekend, but I will write about all that later. ;) Cheers!

"Bye"

The word "bye" is just too sad for me to hear. Definitely not a favorite word of mine. Too common, too.

That is why, my friends, I use the word "Cheers!" in its place. It is much more uplifting and powerful.

That is all. :)

Cheers!

BDN (A Changed Man)

Dear World,

WOW. Yes, it is true. I have changed the last three years. Yes, yes, indeed. You see--I found my old MSN blog. I was reading through it. WOW. Just WOW. Take a moment to read a few of the following posts:

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"Float Away Here With Me"
Dearest Blog:

So it's been a while. So sorry. I am a changed man, really. Girls aren't really a big part of me anymore. Not a bad thing. It's actually a good thing. It's kept me from alot of sadness and what not. S'cool. But yeah. Birthday is three days. Saving up for this sweet guitar, and then I am gonna buy a mic and some sweet recording equipment, so than I can record some stuff once I learn how to play the guitar. Heck. Might even produce my own album. HAHA. Well, yeah. Here are some shots of the whole not. Be seeing you.

The Undersigned,
Benjamin David Nelson
BDN




"There Must Be Some Kind of Way Out of Here"
HEY YAWL HOWZA DOIN'!?:

It's been a while; yes'n'deed. I haven't written due to school and what not. That is okay, though.I am just writing to say that I am alive and that school is pretty good.

Hmmmm. Time for bed. Heading off to a Family Reunion tomorrow. See y'all!

Your friend,
BDN

"I'm okay, I'm Okay. (How Are You?)"
Dearest Blog o' Understandment:
Dudes, I know how it is with the meatloaf and what not; but it is gonna be okay, man. Just spank yourself twice and take a swig of milk. You'll be okay. I'm okay, I'm okay. How are you?

1st Period: English I Honors
2nd Period: Geometry Honors
3rd Period: CAD (Computer Aided Design)
4th Period: P.E.*
5th Period: French I
*LUNCH*
6th Period: Biology I Honors
Notes:*=With Cynthia Nelson

Cheers!
Your friend and master,
Benjamin David Nelson
BDN
"Omega"

"Still y'all my best friends"
Dear Blog o' Sincerety:

Well, life is pretty good. I am going to Foothill High School in Henderson. (GAS-SPANK-IT!!) I guess it will be pretty good. Back to the Mississippi lifestyle, I'll say. I can sit on my computer all day and listen to music as I wait for my Vegas friends to get online. I might play a little video games, too. Yup, the Mississippi Era! Those were boring times; but good at the same time. At least my Vegas pals won't be long distance when I call. School should be pretty good, though. Cynthia and I are pretty much gonna be in the same French class, I am thinking. We shall try being in the same guitar class, too. Sweet, sweet.

So life is grand our here in Vegas. My best friends (Chelsea, Shelby, Angela, etc.) made the volleyball team. Cheers to them! I want to throw a party for the whole lot.

Well, I gotta go spank myself and get over life and what not! Farewell, blog!

Your good good friend,
Benjamin David Nelson
BDN
"Omega"

"Lie about it, Cry about it, We'll be Okay. Lean upon me, I'll lean upon you, We'll be okay"
Dearest Blog o' Sensation and what not:

TODAY IS SUNDAY! I LOVE SUNDAY. IT IS MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK FOR ONE REASON: CHURCH!! I LOVE CHURCH. THRICE! IT ALWAYS PUTS ME IN THE GREATEST MOOD, AND I LOVE IT! I LOVE THE GOSPEL. IT BLESSES MY LIFE. TWICE!

But yes. I get to go back into town Monday night. VICTORY! I cannot wait to see all my good good friends again. I miss them so. But yeah. Bryson and some others are online and they are keeping me in some good moods until then.

If only I were a flower,
Benjamin David Nelson

P.S.Can't wait until my mission!!

Me and Her
Dearest Blog o' Nature:

Life is so, so good! I love it! It is just so smooth and what not. I love my friends!! They mean the world to me. I have had alot of friends, but the ones here in Vegas.....There is just something about them. They are the greatest!!! But now there is one more problem: What will become of me????? Will I be forgotten??

Yours,
Benjamin David Nelson

"You're sleeping; I'm in your mind"
To my friends::

I just want to update you with my life. I am here in Henderson again. On Friday and Saturday, I had the chance to stay at Todd's house. I had some good times! We had a movie night on Friday night, and then a swimming night on Saturday night. It was a good good time! Also, on Saturday, I was able to see my brother Bryson. He is truly the most amazing friend out there. We love him; he is, like, the greatest! I hope to go down to Vegas tomorrow for Steven Walker's birthday party!

But yeah. I must go for now. I am gonna go watch some Digimon with my little brothers. It should be fun! Speaking of fun, Angela and Kaite Pitts will be beginning EFY tomorrow. They are lucky to be there, because it is lots of fun! Too bad I can't be there again this week. I went to EFY; I saw the light. Fare thee well!

Your master,
Benjamin David Nelson

"Tonight Is a Good Good Time!"
To my beloved Blog o' power and truth:

Hello. Life has been pretty boring and what not here in Henderson. Like I've said: I'd rather be in Las Vegas with my pals! Oh well. CC, KK, Kiki, and Toots are coming tonight...so tonight is a good good time!! Anyways. I just want to let the world know that I am the coolest kid in all of the universe, and Dinner is excellent! Thank you for your time.

Your golden man,
Benjamin David Nelson"
Omega"

P.S.
To my fans:"Though things around you seem heavy (with me not being there with y'all and all), doesn't mean you can't get up off this ground!" Good luck without me, pals!!

P.P.S.
I am gonna start writing stories in my blog. For the kids!!
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A few things come to mind: A)WEIRDEST. KID. EVER. B)WOW, and C)You've got to be kidding me!! I wrote all this junk?? HAHAHA! I never realized how weird I was. So...to everyone who was affected by my weirdness in a negative way....I hope you do forgive me. :)

But to be honest--I thought these were hilarious. That is all.

Your Friend,
BDN

*Misses Nephews and Nieces*

So...After visiting my brother's blog and my sister's blog today, I realized how much I missed my nephews Brighton and Landon and my nieces Tori and Ella!!!

That is all. :)