My new baby nephew Seth was born on Tuesday, and it was a pretty exciting day. I truly do love my nieces and nephews, and it is excellent to now have five of them! :)
Also on Tuesday night, our stake had a youth Halloween party. I had to miss it, because I was babysitting, but it sounded like it was pretty fun.
On Wednesday night, Brent Nelson brought Brighton over so that I could watch him while Brent went to see Shayla and Baby Seth in the hospital. Brighton, Luke, Logan, Timmy, and I watched The Incredibles. Around 5 PM or so, I went to McDonalds and picked up some food for us. I got a few things off the dollar menu, and then I got Brighton a chicken nuggets kids meal.
While Brent was here, he told me that it was the worst being away from his wife and his new-born child while they were in the hospital. Although Brent still had Brighton, he seemed a little lonely and sad/down, which is understandable. And so after Brent left with Brighton, I thought it over a little bit, and I decided that I was going to take Thursday off from school to go to Brent's house instead to keep him some company and to help him out with Brighton. And so after Seminary Thursday morning...I made my way to Brent's house, and helped out a little bit. I am very glad Shayla and Baby Seth are home and healthy! :)
Thursday night was a fun night. I babysat the Brunson's kids and then I went to Foothill's last game of the season (excluding playoffs). We lost to Coronado in overtime, and it was probably some of the worst officiating I have ever seen by the refs. But I'm probably just saying that because we lost and all the dumb penalties were against us. Haha. Had we won, I would have probably said it was a well-reffed game. ;) The funny thing: Foothill is still going to playoffs next week with a 2-4 league record. We play Las Vegas in the first round, and we are going to get destroyed!!
After the game, my friend Jeff and I went to IHOP. There is an IHOP next to my house, but it is only open until 10 PM. Jeff did some research, and we found an IHOP that is opened 24 hours, and so we drove out there and ate some breakfast around 11 PM or so. I got the breakfast sampler and it was delicious.
Today's been a fun day as well. Some friends and I went to the regional cross country race, and Foothill got second place for both the boys and the girls. The guys would have won, but a few players junked up, and were inelligible. Our girls team has the best girl runner in the state. Leah Leedy is a senior, and I've had a few classes with her since my sophomore year. She is so fast, and she can run faster than a lot of the guys! She finished a good minute or two before any of the other girls. It was sweet, and I hope she wins state next week!!
I am not exactly sure what the plan for Halloween is tonight, but I do believe I will just go to a Halloween party...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
BDN Update (Big Day, Big Month)
Dear World,
I have a lot I want to talk about!
First, I want to let everyone know that I finished the Book of Mormon yesterday. Wow. What a great, great book. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and I am grateful for the lessons that it teaches me. It really does comfort me in my times of need. I challenge everyone to read it and see how much of a difference it makes in your days. There have been days where I forget to read my scriptures, and there is just a huge difference in how you feel and your day never seems to go as well. My next step is to read the New Testament, as that is what we are studying this year in seminary. I also want to continue to study the Book of Mormon so that I have a better understanding of it for my mission. :)
Today was an uneventful day, but it was actually very good. I went to seminary and school as usual, and then I had to work from 1 to 5 PM. The job at GameStop is pretty good, but I am not sure if it's worth it to only work 1-2 days a week. I definitely like my tutoring and babysitting jobs a lot more. Those two jobs are just a lot more fun than being a video game salesman, really. ;)
After work, I had to make dinner. I made some beef stew from the can, and it was the good kind. I enjoyed it. After dinner, we had FHE, and Timmy gave an excellent lesson on obedience. Timmy reminded me that sometimes we just have to be obedient, even if we aren't sure why we are being asked to do something. A very valuable lesson, indeed.
Also during FHE, my Dad helped me choose who to vote for in my sample ballot that I got in the mail. There are a lot of people to vote for other than the President! I never realized that. My Dad surrendered his mail-in ballot so that he can go and vote with me on election day next week. That brought a huge sigh of relief, because this will be my first time voting, and I was afraid my Dad was going to make me go by myself, not really knowing what to do. :)
I also plan on giving blood again on Election Day, since we don't have school, and I have nothing better to do. :) I haven't talked to my friend Scott yet, but I am going to make him come with me and donate some of his blood!
This Friday we also get school off because it is Halloween/Nevada Day, and I am really looking forward to a four day week of school. I am not sure what the plans are for Friday, though. I am supposed to go to IHOP Friday morning with my friend Jeffrey. But I am also supposed to have a Jell-O/Pudding party with some other friends. And then some other friends want me to have a late birthday party on Friday. And then another friend wants me to go over and spend Halloween with him in Las Vegas. And Luke wants me to drive him and his friends around to go trunk or treating. Not to mention that I think another group of friends are planning on having a Halloween party Friday night. So yeah--I am going to have to make some choices this Friday. :)
Tonight I had the opportunity to catch up with my good friends, Kyle Taylor and Forrest Sassaman. It was good to talk with both of them and see how they are doing. Kyle was telling me how he has been busy making sure that everyone over there in Mississippi doesn't fall away, and how he is working especially hard to make sure everyone stays on the straight and narrow path. He is now the first assistant to the Bishop, and he seems to have grown and matured a lot since I last talked to him back in 2005. I am really proud of Kyle and the path he has taken since I moved from Mississippi!
Forrest lives on the East coast now, and his stories are really sad. The last time I talked to him (a few months ago), he told me about how his Mom had gotten cancer and what not. Today he informed me that his Dad was working out of state, and that his Dad leaves for months at a time and comes back every once in a while, but only to visit for a few days. However, Forrest seems to be pretty positive about it, and he's keeping his chin up; I am very proud of him as well. Forrest isn't a member of the church, but he's a great, great kid. We talked on the phone about a year or so ago, and he figured out I was a Mormon. (Haha. He never knew that when we lived in Mississippi because he moved before I could really ever tell him about my religion, etc.) I was afraid Forrest was going to think of me differently because he figured that out, but he only respects me, and every time I talk to him, he asks, "So do you know where you are going on your mission yet?" And it's good to have friends ask me that, because it helps me realize how fast May/June is going to come. :)
Speaking of missions--I got a letter from my good friend, Elder Steven Tolboe. He is a friend of mine from my ward, and he just went into the MTC this month. He's only a year older than me, but he really has been an excellent example to me throughout the years. In his letter, he told me to go out with the missionaries as much as I can. And then I realized that I haven't actually ever been out with the missionaries. And so I am going to talk with the Elders in my ward this week and see what I can do.
Well, my friends, there is a lot more I wanted to say, actually, but I will save all of that for another time, as I don't want to make this post TOO long like I have been known to do. :) However, I just wanted to mention really fast how excited I am for seminary this week. Brother Chase (my seminary teacher from last year) is subbing my class the next three days, and I am really excited to be taught by him again! He's a very good teacher, and it was his seminary lessons that really made everything click for me last year. :) So yeah--I am excited!
I hope everyone has a good week!
Yours Truly,
BDN
P.S.
How could I forget!?!? Most important of all: My sister, Shayla, is having her baby boy tomorrow, and I am super excited. I really do love my nieces and nephews. They have given me a good idea of how much I am going to love my own children, and I am really excited to have another baby nephew to love and cherish! :)
I have a lot I want to talk about!
First, I want to let everyone know that I finished the Book of Mormon yesterday. Wow. What a great, great book. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and I am grateful for the lessons that it teaches me. It really does comfort me in my times of need. I challenge everyone to read it and see how much of a difference it makes in your days. There have been days where I forget to read my scriptures, and there is just a huge difference in how you feel and your day never seems to go as well. My next step is to read the New Testament, as that is what we are studying this year in seminary. I also want to continue to study the Book of Mormon so that I have a better understanding of it for my mission. :)
Today was an uneventful day, but it was actually very good. I went to seminary and school as usual, and then I had to work from 1 to 5 PM. The job at GameStop is pretty good, but I am not sure if it's worth it to only work 1-2 days a week. I definitely like my tutoring and babysitting jobs a lot more. Those two jobs are just a lot more fun than being a video game salesman, really. ;)
After work, I had to make dinner. I made some beef stew from the can, and it was the good kind. I enjoyed it. After dinner, we had FHE, and Timmy gave an excellent lesson on obedience. Timmy reminded me that sometimes we just have to be obedient, even if we aren't sure why we are being asked to do something. A very valuable lesson, indeed.
Also during FHE, my Dad helped me choose who to vote for in my sample ballot that I got in the mail. There are a lot of people to vote for other than the President! I never realized that. My Dad surrendered his mail-in ballot so that he can go and vote with me on election day next week. That brought a huge sigh of relief, because this will be my first time voting, and I was afraid my Dad was going to make me go by myself, not really knowing what to do. :)
I also plan on giving blood again on Election Day, since we don't have school, and I have nothing better to do. :) I haven't talked to my friend Scott yet, but I am going to make him come with me and donate some of his blood!
This Friday we also get school off because it is Halloween/Nevada Day, and I am really looking forward to a four day week of school. I am not sure what the plans are for Friday, though. I am supposed to go to IHOP Friday morning with my friend Jeffrey. But I am also supposed to have a Jell-O/Pudding party with some other friends. And then some other friends want me to have a late birthday party on Friday. And then another friend wants me to go over and spend Halloween with him in Las Vegas. And Luke wants me to drive him and his friends around to go trunk or treating. Not to mention that I think another group of friends are planning on having a Halloween party Friday night. So yeah--I am going to have to make some choices this Friday. :)
Tonight I had the opportunity to catch up with my good friends, Kyle Taylor and Forrest Sassaman. It was good to talk with both of them and see how they are doing. Kyle was telling me how he has been busy making sure that everyone over there in Mississippi doesn't fall away, and how he is working especially hard to make sure everyone stays on the straight and narrow path. He is now the first assistant to the Bishop, and he seems to have grown and matured a lot since I last talked to him back in 2005. I am really proud of Kyle and the path he has taken since I moved from Mississippi!
Forrest lives on the East coast now, and his stories are really sad. The last time I talked to him (a few months ago), he told me about how his Mom had gotten cancer and what not. Today he informed me that his Dad was working out of state, and that his Dad leaves for months at a time and comes back every once in a while, but only to visit for a few days. However, Forrest seems to be pretty positive about it, and he's keeping his chin up; I am very proud of him as well. Forrest isn't a member of the church, but he's a great, great kid. We talked on the phone about a year or so ago, and he figured out I was a Mormon. (Haha. He never knew that when we lived in Mississippi because he moved before I could really ever tell him about my religion, etc.) I was afraid Forrest was going to think of me differently because he figured that out, but he only respects me, and every time I talk to him, he asks, "So do you know where you are going on your mission yet?" And it's good to have friends ask me that, because it helps me realize how fast May/June is going to come. :)
Speaking of missions--I got a letter from my good friend, Elder Steven Tolboe. He is a friend of mine from my ward, and he just went into the MTC this month. He's only a year older than me, but he really has been an excellent example to me throughout the years. In his letter, he told me to go out with the missionaries as much as I can. And then I realized that I haven't actually ever been out with the missionaries. And so I am going to talk with the Elders in my ward this week and see what I can do.
Well, my friends, there is a lot more I wanted to say, actually, but I will save all of that for another time, as I don't want to make this post TOO long like I have been known to do. :) However, I just wanted to mention really fast how excited I am for seminary this week. Brother Chase (my seminary teacher from last year) is subbing my class the next three days, and I am really excited to be taught by him again! He's a very good teacher, and it was his seminary lessons that really made everything click for me last year. :) So yeah--I am excited!
I hope everyone has a good week!
Yours Truly,
BDN
P.S.
How could I forget!?!? Most important of all: My sister, Shayla, is having her baby boy tomorrow, and I am super excited. I really do love my nieces and nephews. They have given me a good idea of how much I am going to love my own children, and I am really excited to have another baby nephew to love and cherish! :)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Not Yet! (The Time Thief)
Last night Timmy told me that my Aunt Marrae and a few other people had told him that today was the day we set out clocks back one hour.
Last night, Timmy and I were on that side of town, and I was hanging out with some friends until about 1 AM. But then Timmy told me it was the day to fall back. And so I thought, "Excellent. I can set the clock back, and we won't be back as late." So we got home around what I thought was 12:45 AM, and I thought, "Sweet!"
Well, I woke up this morning around 7:00 AM, and we had stake conference at 10:00AM, and I was glad for my extra hour or sleep, thinking I still had three hours to get ready. Something was fishy, though: The computer clocked hadn't changed...The cell phones hadn't changed...And the atomic clock hadn't changed!
And so I did a little Google-research and found out that the time actually falls back NEXT Sunday. And then suddenly I only had about an hour and a half to get ready, rather than two hours and a half. I am glad we caught our mistake before it was too late! :)
Last night, Timmy and I were on that side of town, and I was hanging out with some friends until about 1 AM. But then Timmy told me it was the day to fall back. And so I thought, "Excellent. I can set the clock back, and we won't be back as late." So we got home around what I thought was 12:45 AM, and I thought, "Sweet!"
Well, I woke up this morning around 7:00 AM, and we had stake conference at 10:00AM, and I was glad for my extra hour or sleep, thinking I still had three hours to get ready. Something was fishy, though: The computer clocked hadn't changed...The cell phones hadn't changed...And the atomic clock hadn't changed!
And so I did a little Google-research and found out that the time actually falls back NEXT Sunday. And then suddenly I only had about an hour and a half to get ready, rather than two hours and a half. I am glad we caught our mistake before it was too late! :)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Random Tuesday Night Thoughts
Today I realized just how much I don't know, and just how much I need to learn. The last few months, I've been under the impression that I know how the rest of my life is going to play out. But last night I realized that isn't really the case, and it actually made me panic a little. My thoughts, "Maybe I don't know how my life is going to play out after all; maybe it's not going to be as easy as I thought it was going to be."
I did a lot of thinking and pondering today, though, and I came to two conclusions:
1. Yes, it's going to be hard, but I can do hard things if I continue to make the Gospel a priority in my life.
2. About a year from now, I am going on a mission to serve the Lord full-time, and I will be blessed the rest of my life for doing so. And that's the only thing I should be focusing on right now. I shouldn't be worrying about all the other stuff that comes after the mission.
I did a lot of thinking and pondering today, though, and I came to two conclusions:
1. Yes, it's going to be hard, but I can do hard things if I continue to make the Gospel a priority in my life.
2. About a year from now, I am going on a mission to serve the Lord full-time, and I will be blessed the rest of my life for doing so. And that's the only thing I should be focusing on right now. I shouldn't be worrying about all the other stuff that comes after the mission.
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It's taken me a very long time, but I am now approaching the end of the Book of Mormon. What a powerful, powerful book. Tonight I read the first five chapters of Moroni, and as we all know--some of the things Moroni teaches us are about priesthood ordination and the Sacrament prayers. It really was a great reminder to me that I need to be living as righteously as I can to take part in a very sacred ordinance like the Sacrament. I am looking forward to finishing the Book of Mormon over the next couple of days!---------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the goals I have been working on is being a better brother. Now--I know my older siblings are going to probably say that I already am a good brother, but that's probably because y'all are older than me, and I've had a pretty good relationship with all of my older siblings since I was about ten. The ones I have had trouble with are the three younger boys, really. But ever since I've become the oldest child, my three little brothers and I have gotten pretty close, and I really feel like I am doing a good job now.
The primary program for our ward was on Sunday, and Luke's part was to just bear his testimony. Luke likes to get up there often, and a lot of the times he says the same thing every time he goes up. But I was surprised on Sunday when he got up there--Luke shared one of the most powerful testimonies I have ever heard in my life. After the program, I went up to Luke and gave him a hug, but I couldn't get any words out because I was too busy shedding a few tears. Luke has grown up a lot over the years, and I am proud of him, Logan, and Timmy. I know they look up to me, and they do their best to follow in their older siblings' footsteps, and it really makes me feel really good inside.
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On Friday, I skipped my fourth hour to go to my friend Tara's art class, and while I was in there, she and I talked a little bit about college and what not. And then we talked about missions; she's not a member. She couldn't believe that I was going on my mission before college, because she thought it would hold me back. I explained to her that the mission actually benefits us because it teaches us good study habits, etc. I told her that a bunch of guys--including my elder brother Matthew--go on their missions before college, and they actually do better in college than they would have done had they started fresh out of high school. She wasn't full convinced, but it was cool as always to teach her about missionary work. :)
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Sunday, October 19, 2008
Homecoming 2008 (In Review)
Sorry it's taken me a whole 24 hours to let everyone know how homecoming went. :)Homecoming was pretty sweet for me. I only hope that my three buddies can say the same! ;)
For those of you who don't know, my good friend Jared Brummett and I doubled for homecoming this year. JB took my good friend Chelsea, and I took my pal Angela. It was good to be around all three of them, and it really brought back some memories of the good ol' days!
Homecoming actually started off on a bad note. I visited with Brent Nelson for a few minutes before I made my way to JB's house. That was excellent, and I was ready to go! But then I got to JB's house, and he asked me a question about my corsage. My heart sank as I realized that I forgot Angela's corsage in my fridge at home. I looked at JB's clock, and it was 4:18 PM. The plan was to pick up Angela around 5:00 PM. I decided I had time if I were to leave right away. So...I did, and I got back to JB's around 5:10 PM or so. It was definitely a scary moment, though!
Before I tell everyone what we did...I just want to let everyone know how JB and I planned this date. I had a few goals in mind. A)Spend a small amount of cash, B)Do simple, but fun activities, and C)Don't make a fiend out of yourself. Well, I dunno about part C, because I definitely DID say some weird, random things, and it probably was an overall fiendish preformace by me, but it was still fun in the end. :) Part B was probably a B-; we did some simple things, but I could have probably made it more fun. Part A was successful; I dunno about JB, but I spent less than $40, which was an excellent amount compared to last year's expensive homecoming adventure.
Anyways! We started the date off with a little picture-taking. Usually, I talk with someone and get them to take pictures for us. However, last year the lady that took my homecoming pictures never gave them to us, so...JB and I decided to take matters into our own hands. The plan was to just go somewhere nice and take a few shots. Of course, we ended up at the temple because it's a very beautiful place. Sister Seastrand and Brother Seastrand actually ended up coming to take group pictures for us, and it was very helpful! *appreciates*
After pictures, we went to Olive Garden. I love that place. We got stuck with a pretty weird waitress, but she was really pretty sweet. She made us laugh a lot, though. JB got some dipping sauce for our breadsticks, and we asked the waitress what the "green stuff" was in the dip. She looked at us, held up three fingers, and then said, "Four cheese!" Well, we already knew it was a four-cheese dip, but we wanted to know what the green, seasony stuff was, so...We got a good laugh from that! And then there was a really weird waiter that told us some weird story about how his daughter went to homecoming, and how he got angry when the boy kissed his daughter or something??? I am still curious as to what the guy was talking about, really.
We made our way to Boulder City after dinner. As I mentioned in an earlier posts, we were going up to the top of a mountain in Boulder City. On the way up there, we found a little rest stop, and we stopped there to take a much-needed bathroom break (for me, anyways). But before we knew it, we were on the old dusty trail again. It took a while to get up there, but we eventually made it.
When we got up there, JB and I realized we didn't bring any flashlights. Not good. I made these "Constellation Books" that were full of constellations that you could see in the sky. They were pretty sweet books, but they were pretty pointless if it was too dark to read them. HAHA. So JB and I decided to skip that part and just start our little dance. JB started the music up via my car, and we danced to two songs; JB and I danced with our dates and then each other's dates. After dancing, we just chilled up on the mountain and talked and took more pictures. It was sweet. I saw two shooting stars!!
After the mountain adventure, we headed back to Henderson to get a carwash. A carwash was always on my list of "random activities for a date" but I actually needed to get one because my dad asked me to. So it all worked out! After getting the carwash, we went to my Albertson's and bought our dates some Ben and Jerry's ice cream. We made our way to my house, where we ate the delicious ice cream.
And that was it! I thought it was an excellent time. :) Everyone be sure to go here and check out the pictures:
Friday, October 17, 2008
Homecoming Countdown: One Day!
The BYU football team fell for the first time this season last night when they lost to a very well-prepared TCU team. Usually when I am in this situation, I am kind of bummed out and what not. But there is one thing that makes the loss better for me: Homecoming is still tomorrow. :)
I haven't been this excited for a long time. I dunno. My eighteenth birthday was exciting; the trip to Provo was very, very exciting. But I have really been looking forward to homecoming the most. Last year's homecoming experience was okay, but in a lot of ways I found it to be a tad disasterous. I wanted this year to be special and fun, and that's one reason I asked Angela. She is excellent, and she has proven to me that I can always rely on her to make me laugh/smile. So yeah--tomorrow is going to be really fun. :)
Today I got some things done for homecoming after school. My friend Tara and I went to SuperCuts, and I got a haircut. It looks pretty sweet. After the homecoming assembly, Timmy, Kaden, and I went to the mall to get me a sweet new tie. It's probably my new favorite tie. It's excellent!
I have to work until 9:30 tonight, and I hope it goes by really quick. Here is my plan:
-Get home from work; chill with the bros until about 11:30 PM or so.
-Go to sleep.
-Wake up nice and early.
-Do Saturday chores.
-Go to Country Rose and pick up corsage.
-Come home; get other stuff done.
-Prepare for homecoming.
-Enjoy Homecoming Adventures!
I haven't been this excited for a long time. I dunno. My eighteenth birthday was exciting; the trip to Provo was very, very exciting. But I have really been looking forward to homecoming the most. Last year's homecoming experience was okay, but in a lot of ways I found it to be a tad disasterous. I wanted this year to be special and fun, and that's one reason I asked Angela. She is excellent, and she has proven to me that I can always rely on her to make me laugh/smile. So yeah--tomorrow is going to be really fun. :)
Today I got some things done for homecoming after school. My friend Tara and I went to SuperCuts, and I got a haircut. It looks pretty sweet. After the homecoming assembly, Timmy, Kaden, and I went to the mall to get me a sweet new tie. It's probably my new favorite tie. It's excellent!
I have to work until 9:30 tonight, and I hope it goes by really quick. Here is my plan:
-Get home from work; chill with the bros until about 11:30 PM or so.
-Go to sleep.
-Wake up nice and early.
-Do Saturday chores.
-Go to Country Rose and pick up corsage.
-Come home; get other stuff done.
-Prepare for homecoming.
-Enjoy Homecoming Adventures!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
First Day At GameStop
The first day at GameStop was pretty good. There is a lot to learn about the job, and I hope that I will be able to catch on quickly. I've already forgotten a few things I learned, but I can only get better at it, right? :) Today, I worked with my manager Jill. She had me label USED games and what not. She taught me how the computers work and what not. My lesson of the day: I DO NOT know as much about video games as I always thought I did. There are a lot of crazy people out there who ask about/for crazy weird games. It's pretty ridiculous.
With that out of the way.....I am very, very glad Wednesday is over. I've been pretty impatient for Thursday to come this week. BYU's biggest test of the season comes tomorrow when they play TCU, and I am pretty pumped for the game. You can count on me to where my BYU shirt to school tomorrow and what not. It'll be good to watch another BYU football game with my fine brother Brent Nelson for the second time in five days. For once, I'm not 100% positive that BYU will win, but I know they can!
Other things to look forward to tomorrow: I am mowing Sister Wadsworth's lawn, I am tutoring, and I am stopping by Angela's house to get her dress fabric (so I know what color of tie to buy and what not.) Woo-hoo for homecoming! *dances*
With that out of the way.....I am very, very glad Wednesday is over. I've been pretty impatient for Thursday to come this week. BYU's biggest test of the season comes tomorrow when they play TCU, and I am pretty pumped for the game. You can count on me to where my BYU shirt to school tomorrow and what not. It'll be good to watch another BYU football game with my fine brother Brent Nelson for the second time in five days. For once, I'm not 100% positive that BYU will win, but I know they can!
Other things to look forward to tomorrow: I am mowing Sister Wadsworth's lawn, I am tutoring, and I am stopping by Angela's house to get her dress fabric (so I know what color of tie to buy and what not.) Woo-hoo for homecoming! *dances*
Monday, October 13, 2008
Jumping A Huge Hurdle (Late Night Post)
I knew today was going to be a long, stressful one. But now I can say it is finally over, and that I jumped the hurdle. I have literally been working on homework since about 1:30 PM, but I took a few breaks to go get milk from the store, to go to FHE, etc.
But alas. It feels really good to have my Government paper done and out of the way. It feels good to have all my other Government and English homework done.
I went to Country Rose today and bought my date her corsage, and it's about time I finally did that! :) Homecoming should be real sweet, and I shall spend the next few days doing little things to prepare for it.
The #1 thing that was worrying me: How GameStop scheduled me for Thursday. Well, it feels good to have finally gone down and talked to my manager; she understood and apologized for scheduling me on a day I couldn't work. She moved me over to Friday. That means I'll have to miss the homecoming game. What of it? I'd rather watch BYU football than Foothill football! ;)
I have another few busy days ahead of me--mainly Wednesday and Friday. But I am really looking forward to my big break tomorrow and my even bigger break on Thursday when I watch the BYU vs. TCU game. And then Homecoming is on Saturday, which I am really excited for if you haven't figured it out already!! Woo-hoo!!
But alas. It feels really good to have my Government paper done and out of the way. It feels good to have all my other Government and English homework done.
I went to Country Rose today and bought my date her corsage, and it's about time I finally did that! :) Homecoming should be real sweet, and I shall spend the next few days doing little things to prepare for it.
The #1 thing that was worrying me: How GameStop scheduled me for Thursday. Well, it feels good to have finally gone down and talked to my manager; she understood and apologized for scheduling me on a day I couldn't work. She moved me over to Friday. That means I'll have to miss the homecoming game. What of it? I'd rather watch BYU football than Foothill football! ;)
I have another few busy days ahead of me--mainly Wednesday and Friday. But I am really looking forward to my big break tomorrow and my even bigger break on Thursday when I watch the BYU vs. TCU game. And then Homecoming is on Saturday, which I am really excited for if you haven't figured it out already!! Woo-hoo!!
The Forgotten Check
Wow.
So in Government today, my good friend Tara informed me that El Pollo Loco was waiting for me to pick up my check. HAHA.
Truly rare. I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to pick up my last check after quitting the job.
So I stopped by after school today and picked that thing up. It was good to easily make $60+ in one day. (Even though I made it months ago.)
So in Government today, my good friend Tara informed me that El Pollo Loco was waiting for me to pick up my check. HAHA.
Truly rare. I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to pick up my last check after quitting the job.
So I stopped by after school today and picked that thing up. It was good to easily make $60+ in one day. (Even though I made it months ago.)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Luke Shirts
In 2005, 2006, and 2007 Luke took pictures with the pre-school kids. One of the things the Pre-School kids get is a T-Shirt with their picture on it.Three of the Jacoby kids (they are in our ward) are staying the night at our house while their parents are on a journey (I am not sure where.) Well, Luke, Brock (the one Luke's age), and I decided to each to put on one of Luke's shirts and to take a picture.
We look GOOD.
Back From Provo
Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that Dad, Brent Nelson, and I all made it home safely!
The trip was really fun, and it was actually kind of sad for me to come home. (Probably because I have a busy week ahead of me with my new job/homecoming.) But it was really fun while it lasted, and it was excellent spending some high-quality time with some of my family members. :)
For those of you who don't know: BYU beat New Mexico 21-3. It was excellent, and I loved the atmosphere of the Lavell Edwards Stadium. It really makes me want to go back next year right before my mission. The Florida State game next September, perhaps? ;)
While we are on the subject: I called into work today to see when I work this week. They scheduled me to work on Wednesday and Thursday, which makes me pretty angry. I told my manager that I can't work on Thursdays, because I tutor and babysit those days!! This week, though, I am planning on going to Brent Nelson's house to watch the BYU vs. TCU game with him. AND I need to go over there anyways to get something from Angela's house for homecoming. Most of all--I still need to tutor on Thursday. So I am going to go talk to them tomorrow, because that's not going to work. It's probably mostly my fault for not reminding my manager that I can't work on Thursdays. :)
Well, like I said, I have a busy week ahead of me! I have multiple assignments due tomorrow and on Tuesday, and then I work at GameStop for the first time on Wednesday. Throughout the week, I need to get some stuff for homecoming (new tie, mainly), and Friday might be the only time I can do that. So yeah--hopefully I can get my Thursday back, because I could definitely use a break on Thursday from everything else going on the beginning of the week and the end of the week.
Well, until next time my friends! Enjoy the following shots:
The trip was really fun, and it was actually kind of sad for me to come home. (Probably because I have a busy week ahead of me with my new job/homecoming.) But it was really fun while it lasted, and it was excellent spending some high-quality time with some of my family members. :)
For those of you who don't know: BYU beat New Mexico 21-3. It was excellent, and I loved the atmosphere of the Lavell Edwards Stadium. It really makes me want to go back next year right before my mission. The Florida State game next September, perhaps? ;)
While we are on the subject: I called into work today to see when I work this week. They scheduled me to work on Wednesday and Thursday, which makes me pretty angry. I told my manager that I can't work on Thursdays, because I tutor and babysit those days!! This week, though, I am planning on going to Brent Nelson's house to watch the BYU vs. TCU game with him. AND I need to go over there anyways to get something from Angela's house for homecoming. Most of all--I still need to tutor on Thursday. So I am going to go talk to them tomorrow, because that's not going to work. It's probably mostly my fault for not reminding my manager that I can't work on Thursdays. :)
Well, like I said, I have a busy week ahead of me! I have multiple assignments due tomorrow and on Tuesday, and then I work at GameStop for the first time on Wednesday. Throughout the week, I need to get some stuff for homecoming (new tie, mainly), and Friday might be the only time I can do that. So yeah--hopefully I can get my Thursday back, because I could definitely use a break on Thursday from everything else going on the beginning of the week and the end of the week.
Well, until next time my friends! Enjoy the following shots:
Thursday, October 9, 2008
On The Road Again
Well, my friends, I am going to sleep.
And then I am waking up.
And then I am going to school.
And then I am going to the bank.
And then I am coming home, loading up the car.
And then I am going to pick up Brent.
And then I am on the road again to head up to PROVO!! Woo-hoo!!
See everyone in a few days! :)
And then I am waking up.
And then I am going to school.
And then I am going to the bank.
And then I am coming home, loading up the car.
And then I am going to pick up Brent.
And then I am on the road again to head up to PROVO!! Woo-hoo!!
See everyone in a few days! :)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Our Journey To Boulder City
Homecoming is next weekend--October 18. Luckily enough, my side-kick and I have had the date planned out for a few weeks now, which is excellent. I remember last year--for both Homecoming and Prom--there was so much last-second planning. And good to not have any of that.
But alas! Today my very good friend, Jared Brummett (JB, for short), came over to my house. Our goal: Check out the area in Boulder City where we are going to do some fun activities for Homecoming. You see--there is a trail in Boulder City that leads to the top of a mountain, and that was our destination. (Yes, a mountain is a weird place to do something for homecoming, but just wait--it's going to be sweet.)
We drove up to the top today in my family's jalopy of a van, and it was excellent! You get a pretty sweet view of both Vegas and Boulder City, and I am really looking forward to seeing it at night. It truly is quite the sight!
At the top of the mountain, JB and I ate some Little Caesars pizza that he brought as a late b-day gift for me. And then he took me to McDonalds once we were done for milkshakes. Thank you, brother JB!
It was quite the adventure, and I am looking forward to next weekend!
But alas! Today my very good friend, Jared Brummett (JB, for short), came over to my house. Our goal: Check out the area in Boulder City where we are going to do some fun activities for Homecoming. You see--there is a trail in Boulder City that leads to the top of a mountain, and that was our destination. (Yes, a mountain is a weird place to do something for homecoming, but just wait--it's going to be sweet.)
We drove up to the top today in my family's jalopy of a van, and it was excellent! You get a pretty sweet view of both Vegas and Boulder City, and I am really looking forward to seeing it at night. It truly is quite the sight!
At the top of the mountain, JB and I ate some Little Caesars pizza that he brought as a late b-day gift for me. And then he took me to McDonalds once we were done for milkshakes. Thank you, brother JB!
It was quite the adventure, and I am looking forward to next weekend!
Monday, October 6, 2008
My 18th Birthday
First of all, I just wanted to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I got a lot of messages over the Internet today wishing me a happy birthday, along with a few phone calls from my family. It really helped me realize just how much I am loved, and I am truly blessed to have the family and friends that I do.
My eighteenth birthday was definitely a special one:
-My seminary teacher gave me a big chocolate fish, and I loved it. My seminary teacher said, "I am making you a fisher of men! Isn't that cool?" Haha. I thought it was pretty creative, and it reminded me of the scripture mastery Jeremiah 16:16 from the Old Testament. It was an excellent gift, as I will be preparing especially hard for my mission over the next year.
-After school and seminary, my friend Scotty and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings. It was delicious as usual. I then went to the nearest gas station and bought myself a drink and a candy bar as a birthday gift to myself. :)
-In the mail, I got a little package from my sister Cynthia. She gave me a book on how to be an "extra-ordinary missionary" by John Bytheway, and it was really sweet. :)
-I then went to Chuck E. Cheese's with Brent, Shayla, and Brighton, and it was really fun! I love my nephew Brighton, and I think spending some time with him, Shayla, and Brent was one of the best birthday gifts I've ever gotten. :) I am pretty excited for Brent and Shayla's new baby this month and--knowing me--I will tell everyone that Baby Nelson #2 is a late birthday gift to me from Brent and Shayla. ;)
-As we were leaving Chuck E. Cheeses, Brent and Shayla presented me with two gifts--a journal and a book called "The Nephiteologist." I am very grateful for the journal, because I've been in need of a new one, and I think writing in a journal over the next year will be an excellent way to prepare for journal-writing on my mission. :) "The Nephiteologist" book is super sweet, as well! When I got home, I read a lot of sweet stuff from it, and there was just a lot of stuff that made you say, "Really? Wow. That's tight!" When my Dad got home, I showed it to him, and he was pretty jealous. :)
-Last but not least--Bishop Stewart called me not too long ago,to wish me a happy birthday, and we talked for a little while. He said, "Well, the countdown finally begins!" I asked him about mission papers and when the earliest time I could start filling them out was. He told me that you can turn them in three months before your 19th birthday, and he usually gives us two months to fill everything out. And so he said I can start filling out papers and what not around April/May, and that was pretty sweet news! That's only six/seven months away. Yikes! :)
Again--I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and for the missionary gifts! :) It really means a lot to me, and I am very glad that I have family and friends who encourage and uplift me the way y'all do!
My eighteenth birthday was definitely a special one:
-My seminary teacher gave me a big chocolate fish, and I loved it. My seminary teacher said, "I am making you a fisher of men! Isn't that cool?" Haha. I thought it was pretty creative, and it reminded me of the scripture mastery Jeremiah 16:16 from the Old Testament. It was an excellent gift, as I will be preparing especially hard for my mission over the next year.
-After school and seminary, my friend Scotty and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings. It was delicious as usual. I then went to the nearest gas station and bought myself a drink and a candy bar as a birthday gift to myself. :)
-In the mail, I got a little package from my sister Cynthia. She gave me a book on how to be an "extra-ordinary missionary" by John Bytheway, and it was really sweet. :)
-I then went to Chuck E. Cheese's with Brent, Shayla, and Brighton, and it was really fun! I love my nephew Brighton, and I think spending some time with him, Shayla, and Brent was one of the best birthday gifts I've ever gotten. :) I am pretty excited for Brent and Shayla's new baby this month and--knowing me--I will tell everyone that Baby Nelson #2 is a late birthday gift to me from Brent and Shayla. ;)
-As we were leaving Chuck E. Cheeses, Brent and Shayla presented me with two gifts--a journal and a book called "The Nephiteologist." I am very grateful for the journal, because I've been in need of a new one, and I think writing in a journal over the next year will be an excellent way to prepare for journal-writing on my mission. :) "The Nephiteologist" book is super sweet, as well! When I got home, I read a lot of sweet stuff from it, and there was just a lot of stuff that made you say, "Really? Wow. That's tight!" When my Dad got home, I showed it to him, and he was pretty jealous. :)
-Last but not least--Bishop Stewart called me not too long ago,to wish me a happy birthday, and we talked for a little while. He said, "Well, the countdown finally begins!" I asked him about mission papers and when the earliest time I could start filling them out was. He told me that you can turn them in three months before your 19th birthday, and he usually gives us two months to fill everything out. And so he said I can start filling out papers and what not around April/May, and that was pretty sweet news! That's only six/seven months away. Yikes! :)
Again--I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and for the missionary gifts! :) It really means a lot to me, and I am very glad that I have family and friends who encourage and uplift me the way y'all do!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
This Week
I needed a little break from homework, so I decided to write another post. :)
This week should be a good one:
-Tomorrow is my 18th birthday, and I am a little bit excited for that. It's going to be weird being eighteen. Only because it feels just like yesterday when I was fourteen, and it's kind of scary to think of fast time flew for me, and how fast time is going to fly for me. I mean--think about it: If the next four years fly by like the last four years did for me, I'm going to be off my mission and married before I know it. And that's just weird to think about, really.
-Tuesday and Thursday I tutor and babysit as usual. This time, though, I get to babysit until about 10 PM. That's going to be an adventure, and I am looking forward to it!
-Friday is the big day for me. I am heading up to Provo with my dad and Brent Nelson as soon as I get home from school (around 11 AM). I am really excited to go to my first BYU game in Provo, and it's going to be especially great, because I am in desperate need of a vacation right now. It's always been really good for me to get away from Henderson/Vegas for a couple of days. :)
So yeah, it should be a great week! The only con to the week is that I have a big government paper due the day I get back from Provo. I've always been a procrastinator, so I am not sure when I'm going to be able to do that. I'll try my best to do it through out the week, but something tells me I'm not going to have much success. :) I'll eventually get it done, though! No worries.
This week should be a good one:
-Tomorrow is my 18th birthday, and I am a little bit excited for that. It's going to be weird being eighteen. Only because it feels just like yesterday when I was fourteen, and it's kind of scary to think of fast time flew for me, and how fast time is going to fly for me. I mean--think about it: If the next four years fly by like the last four years did for me, I'm going to be off my mission and married before I know it. And that's just weird to think about, really.
-Tuesday and Thursday I tutor and babysit as usual. This time, though, I get to babysit until about 10 PM. That's going to be an adventure, and I am looking forward to it!
-Friday is the big day for me. I am heading up to Provo with my dad and Brent Nelson as soon as I get home from school (around 11 AM). I am really excited to go to my first BYU game in Provo, and it's going to be especially great, because I am in desperate need of a vacation right now. It's always been really good for me to get away from Henderson/Vegas for a couple of days. :)
So yeah, it should be a great week! The only con to the week is that I have a big government paper due the day I get back from Provo. I've always been a procrastinator, so I am not sure when I'm going to be able to do that. I'll try my best to do it through out the week, but something tells me I'm not going to have much success. :) I'll eventually get it done, though! No worries.
An Excellent Experience at McDonalds
My Dad and JoAnn went up to Utah this weekend for conference, leaving me and the brothers alone once again.
It's been excellent! We all watched/listened to General Conference together yesterday, and I loved it. I couldn't really decide what my favorite talk was, but I really enjoyed Elder Wirthlin's talk. His stories were hilarious.
In between sessions, I took my bros out to Burger King for some lunch. We got some stuff off the dollar menu, and then I talked myself into taking them to Sonic for dessert. That was excellent!
The best part of the day, though, was taking Timmy and Logan to Priesthood Session. I really enjoyed it this year, as usual. It's just always so special. And it was great taking Logan for the first time as well. All the talks were excellent--I espeically liked the three from the first Presidency.
An excellent experience happened during/after conference. During conference, the speakers talked about making sure we listen to the Spirit; they also mentioned Quoroms. Well, I was sitting there during the session, and the thought came to me: "We should go to McDonalds for ice cream after this session is over." I decided that probably wasn't an excellent idea because I had spent enough money already.
But the thought kept coming to me. And so I decided that we would go to the McDonalds next to our building after the session. I pulled into the parking lot, and Timmy asks me, "Why are we going inside?" And my reply was, "We have to, brother." And so we walk in.
I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, so before getting the ice cream, I decided to walk over to the bathroom. On my way to the bathroom, however, I heard a lady behind me say, "Are you LDS?" I told her that we were, but I was afraid of what she was going to say next--I thought she might criticize us or something; she had bags of luggage and I thought she was homeless. But the next thing that came out of her mouth: "I am LDS, and I've been waiting for someone like you."
She then told me her story. She was living in Boulder City, where she was converted many years ago. She told me that she moved back to her home town in Tennessee a few months ago, but that she was robbed of most her possessions, hence the reason she was back in Henderson.
She didn't know what Ward boundry she was supposed to be in or anything, so she wanted to speak with a bishop or relief society president. I gave her the number of our relief society president, and she was very grateful.
She told us that the two Elders that baptized her went on to become doctors. She asked us if any of us wanted to become doctors after our mission. I laughed and told her that I wanted to probably do something with computers. I told her that I was going on a mission in about a year, and she thought that was great. I shook her hand when we were finally done visiting with her, and she thanked us very kindly and told me she liked how firm my hand shake was. :)
The brothers and I got our ice cream, and on our way out, we ran into another person--one of my quorom members; his name is Brigham, and he is Hawaiian or something. He hasn't been to church in a while, and so I figured this would be an excellent time to talk to him and see how he was doing. We talked about Football (he plays for Green Valley), and it was great to know that he was doing well. He seemed very happy that we came and talked to him, and it felt great. He is a great, great guy, and I only hope that visiting with him last night will make a difference, perhaps making him more active soon. :)
On our way out of McDonalds, I told the brothers, "So that is why the Spirit was telling us to come to McDonalds, my friends." Logan and Timmy agreed, and both thought it was an excellent experience.
It's been excellent! We all watched/listened to General Conference together yesterday, and I loved it. I couldn't really decide what my favorite talk was, but I really enjoyed Elder Wirthlin's talk. His stories were hilarious.
In between sessions, I took my bros out to Burger King for some lunch. We got some stuff off the dollar menu, and then I talked myself into taking them to Sonic for dessert. That was excellent!
The best part of the day, though, was taking Timmy and Logan to Priesthood Session. I really enjoyed it this year, as usual. It's just always so special. And it was great taking Logan for the first time as well. All the talks were excellent--I espeically liked the three from the first Presidency.
An excellent experience happened during/after conference. During conference, the speakers talked about making sure we listen to the Spirit; they also mentioned Quoroms. Well, I was sitting there during the session, and the thought came to me: "We should go to McDonalds for ice cream after this session is over." I decided that probably wasn't an excellent idea because I had spent enough money already.
But the thought kept coming to me. And so I decided that we would go to the McDonalds next to our building after the session. I pulled into the parking lot, and Timmy asks me, "Why are we going inside?" And my reply was, "We have to, brother." And so we walk in.
I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, so before getting the ice cream, I decided to walk over to the bathroom. On my way to the bathroom, however, I heard a lady behind me say, "Are you LDS?" I told her that we were, but I was afraid of what she was going to say next--I thought she might criticize us or something; she had bags of luggage and I thought she was homeless. But the next thing that came out of her mouth: "I am LDS, and I've been waiting for someone like you."
She then told me her story. She was living in Boulder City, where she was converted many years ago. She told me that she moved back to her home town in Tennessee a few months ago, but that she was robbed of most her possessions, hence the reason she was back in Henderson.
She didn't know what Ward boundry she was supposed to be in or anything, so she wanted to speak with a bishop or relief society president. I gave her the number of our relief society president, and she was very grateful.
She told us that the two Elders that baptized her went on to become doctors. She asked us if any of us wanted to become doctors after our mission. I laughed and told her that I wanted to probably do something with computers. I told her that I was going on a mission in about a year, and she thought that was great. I shook her hand when we were finally done visiting with her, and she thanked us very kindly and told me she liked how firm my hand shake was. :)
The brothers and I got our ice cream, and on our way out, we ran into another person--one of my quorom members; his name is Brigham, and he is Hawaiian or something. He hasn't been to church in a while, and so I figured this would be an excellent time to talk to him and see how he was doing. We talked about Football (he plays for Green Valley), and it was great to know that he was doing well. He seemed very happy that we came and talked to him, and it felt great. He is a great, great guy, and I only hope that visiting with him last night will make a difference, perhaps making him more active soon. :)
On our way out of McDonalds, I told the brothers, "So that is why the Spirit was telling us to come to McDonalds, my friends." Logan and Timmy agreed, and both thought it was an excellent experience.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
New Job!
I had my interview at GameStop today, and it went well. The manager who interviewed me (Jill) was really nice, and she thought it was cool that I am going on a mission in about a year; we talked about that for quite a bit.
Anyways--She ended up giving me the job, but she isn't sure when I'll start. She said, "It definitely won't be next week." I was cool with that, because I'll be too busy next week getting ready for my trip to Provo.
She also said that it was going to be extremely part-time at first, but she said that could change if I am a hard worker. She said she is very flexible with schedules, and even kind of suggested I look for a second job so that I can make more money for my mission.
But alas! I go back on Friday to fill out some paper work, and then we'll see what happens after that! :)
Anyways--She ended up giving me the job, but she isn't sure when I'll start. She said, "It definitely won't be next week." I was cool with that, because I'll be too busy next week getting ready for my trip to Provo.
She also said that it was going to be extremely part-time at first, but she said that could change if I am a hard worker. She said she is very flexible with schedules, and even kind of suggested I look for a second job so that I can make more money for my mission.
But alas! I go back on Friday to fill out some paper work, and then we'll see what happens after that! :)
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