Well, I have a little powerful/amazing story to share. Sorry this is a day late; I planned on writing it yesterday, but I was pretty busy. :)
As everyone knows, I have been going to the doctors to get my mission papers done. And while doing so, the doctor has been real worried about my kidneys after finding a lot of blood and protein in my urine.
I was starting to get worried, and my first thought was, "I always knew something was wrong with my health." Well, I went in again, and the doctor just decided to re-test me and hope that the problem just went away. He seemed really iffy about the whole thing, and he even sounded more worried this time.
But I knew that everything would be okay if I got a blessing from my Dad. And so the day before I went into the lab, I had my Dad give me a blessing. I could feel the power of the blessing right away, and I knew everything was going to be okay.
I went to this doctor's office this last Friday, and all the lab results came back negative/normal/healthy. The doctor was really surprised, and he left the office to go write a letter for me to give to the bishop. While he was gone, I start started crying. The Spirit was telling me that the reason I was okay was because of my faith, my prayers, and the blessing from my Dad. :)
The doctor even wrote in the letter that he doesn't see any reason why I wouldn't be able to serve anywhere in the world. You see--He wants me to go to Ecuador or Chile. (He's not LDS; he just really likes those countries.) :)
And then right after the doctors appointment, I went on splits with the missionaries and it was so cool! Tara and I went with Elder Doubleday, and we talked to a lady who was really nice, but she wasn't interested. And then we tried to talk to this one guy, but he attempted to "scare" us off by saying he was sacrificing a cat in his house, and he would only let us in if we drank the cat blood. HAHA. We just left the guy alone...
We then went to an appointment and taught this girl named Asia. She is ten and is part of a less-active family. She was a sweet girl, and she is supposed to be getting baptized on Saturday FTW! :)
Time for seminary graduation!! :) I am speaking, and it's going to be great. My best talk yet, IMO. ;)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hottest. Weekend. Ever.
Not only is it hot outside, but I have been living/sleeping in a furnace the last couple of days.
For some reason, our air conditioning is broken upstairs, and it is HOT.
It's 9 PM, and it actually feels A LOT better outside right now than it does in here...
I just went for a swim, and my clothes are still a bit damp...So it doesn't feel as bad right now; it actually feels pretty good.
But what would feel even better? Some air-conditioning. *hopes it works soon!!* :)
For some reason, our air conditioning is broken upstairs, and it is HOT.
It's 9 PM, and it actually feels A LOT better outside right now than it does in here...
I just went for a swim, and my clothes are still a bit damp...So it doesn't feel as bad right now; it actually feels pretty good.
But what would feel even better? Some air-conditioning. *hopes it works soon!!* :)
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sticky Tack (Random Thoughts)
A lot of random stuff to say.
First, I just wanted to point a little something out: I was reading some old blogposts from when I first started this blog, and wow. I was a fool. I know it wasn't even a whole year ago, but I definitely feel like a different, better person. I posted some of the dumbest junk! Not saying I still don't, but...Last year was definitely worst. :)
I finally got my mission physical signed and sent in. However, the doctor still thinks there is something wrong with me, and he is going to continue having me come in to figure it all out. I asked him if it was a bladder infection, and he said it wasn't. He told me it had something to do with my kidneys, and then he used a lot of big terms that I didn't understand. He seemed a bit worried while telling me all of this, and it worried me a bit, too! But he said it might be something that comes and goes, so...I am going back to the lab again to get tested one last time--hopefully! :) Whatever the problem is...I know I can overcome it!!
I went on a group date last night with TAB, Timmy, and Joe; it was sweet. I took my friend Marissa, and we had a lot of fun. We made pizza, played games, and then went and saw Night At The Museum II. Good times, good times! :)
Yesterday was my last seminary lesson; it's such a bummer! I'm really going to miss seminary. I know I have my mission ahead of me, but...the last four years of seminary have been great. It's so crazy to think that I only have eight more days of high school adventures. :( I am going to miss it all. I think I am one of the only seniors that actually kinda doesn't want to graduate. I wish I just had one more month!! ;)
But with that said...I am excited for the next few months! It's going to be awesome to figure out where I am going to be the next two years. :) Only a few more weeks until I put in papers!! June 28.
And did I mention how good it has been to see KT's family??? I love Tori, Ella, and Landon!!!!! ;) And KT and Jared, too, of course. :)
First, I just wanted to point a little something out: I was reading some old blogposts from when I first started this blog, and wow. I was a fool. I know it wasn't even a whole year ago, but I definitely feel like a different, better person. I posted some of the dumbest junk! Not saying I still don't, but...Last year was definitely worst. :)
I finally got my mission physical signed and sent in. However, the doctor still thinks there is something wrong with me, and he is going to continue having me come in to figure it all out. I asked him if it was a bladder infection, and he said it wasn't. He told me it had something to do with my kidneys, and then he used a lot of big terms that I didn't understand. He seemed a bit worried while telling me all of this, and it worried me a bit, too! But he said it might be something that comes and goes, so...I am going back to the lab again to get tested one last time--hopefully! :) Whatever the problem is...I know I can overcome it!!
I went on a group date last night with TAB, Timmy, and Joe; it was sweet. I took my friend Marissa, and we had a lot of fun. We made pizza, played games, and then went and saw Night At The Museum II. Good times, good times! :)
Yesterday was my last seminary lesson; it's such a bummer! I'm really going to miss seminary. I know I have my mission ahead of me, but...the last four years of seminary have been great. It's so crazy to think that I only have eight more days of high school adventures. :( I am going to miss it all. I think I am one of the only seniors that actually kinda doesn't want to graduate. I wish I just had one more month!! ;)
But with that said...I am excited for the next few months! It's going to be awesome to figure out where I am going to be the next two years. :) Only a few more weeks until I put in papers!! June 28.
And did I mention how good it has been to see KT's family??? I love Tori, Ella, and Landon!!!!! ;) And KT and Jared, too, of course. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Prom 2009
Erin has all the sweet pictures that she took on her camera, but here are a few of mine for now! We both look good, eh? FTW!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Urine: Failure
Went to the docter's office yesterday and they found some blood in my urine.
So...mission papers are on hold once again!
I will keep everyone posted as I try to finalize everyone this next week...
So...mission papers are on hold once again!
I will keep everyone posted as I try to finalize everyone this next week...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Plan C: Thank-You Dad!
Plan B failed.
All was going well--until I handed over my paperwork, and they realized it was a mission physical.
They took me back to the front desk, and I basically went through the same conversation I went through with the lady at the front desk as always.
So...Just so everyone knows: Plan C was to pay the $300-$400. (After the medical center called my dad and talked to him for a bit.)
And to make a long story short...All went well! It was actually $200, and my dad paid it with no complaints--which was awesome, and I am grateful for him willingly doing so!!!
Now...I just need to go in on Thursday and Friday to get my results from all the lab work I had done. :) Urinalysis...Blood Work...TB Test...
Just a few more days and all my mission paperwork drama will be done! FTW!! :)
All was going well--until I handed over my paperwork, and they realized it was a mission physical.
They took me back to the front desk, and I basically went through the same conversation I went through with the lady at the front desk as always.
So...Just so everyone knows: Plan C was to pay the $300-$400. (After the medical center called my dad and talked to him for a bit.)
And to make a long story short...All went well! It was actually $200, and my dad paid it with no complaints--which was awesome, and I am grateful for him willingly doing so!!!
Now...I just need to go in on Thursday and Friday to get my results from all the lab work I had done. :) Urinalysis...Blood Work...TB Test...
Just a few more days and all my mission paperwork drama will be done! FTW!! :)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Plan A: Mission Failure! ...Time For Plan B...
What was Plan A, you ask?
Plan A was to make my way to Fremont Medical Center at 8:20 AM, get my mission physical done, and then walk out of the place like I owned the joint. Not so! I definitely walked in like I owned the joint, but I didn't walk out feeling the same way.
You see--I made my grand entrance and made my way to the front desk. I told them I had an appointment.
"You know--insurance doesn't cover the physicals, right?"
"Yeah, I know that."
"Okay...You sure?"
"Well, how much do you think it's going to be? Around $90, right?"
"Um, mission physicals are a bit pricey. It's going to be at least $300."
And that is where our story begins. The kind lady at the front desk then told me to give my dad a call to make sure that was alright and what not. My first thoughts: "Well, dang, Dad is definitely not going to be alright with this."
I was right. I went outside, called my Dad, and I told him about the conversation that took place above. He wasn't furious like I had expected, but he was just a little confused. "I go in an get an annual physical every year. That's pretty much the same physical you are getting, and insurance covers it," Dad explained to me.
As I am trying to talk to my Dad and figure things out, this Asian woman walks out and says, "Benjamin, you need to come in now." (I could already tell that this lady was going to be some-what annoying.) And so I said bye to my dad, telling him that I would just question the doctors further and what not.
And so I went in with this Asian lady, and she weighed me and measured my height. And then she took me into a room and a little something like this happened:
"So this physical is going to be $300?"-Me
"$300??? No, no. Much more than that! With X-rays and blood work and urinalysis...Those are all very expensive!"-Asian Lady.
"Oh...Well, I talked to my Dad, and he wasn't very happy. He said that insurance covers his annual physicals every year."-Me
"Oh, but this isn't an annual physical."-Asian Lady
("Yeah, but it pretty much is."-Me in my head.)
"Oh, okay..."-Me
"Have you asked your school of any places that can give you a cheaper physical?"-Asian Lady.
"Um, no, we serve missions for our church--not our schools."-Me.
"Yeah--have you asked someone at your school?"-Asian Lady.
("Wow. This lady must not be hearing me..."-Me in my head.)
"No, I haven't asked my school about anything..."-Me
The lady then starts freaking out a little, and she has me call my dad again. I talk to Dad, and he tells me that he is going to call the office to talk to them about it. I told the Asian lady this, and then she gets not-so-happy! She starts freaking out, and is like, "So...What are you going to do?"
"I dunno; I might just get the physical here; we'll have to see what my Dad does/says."-Me
"What? I dunno...Here--go get started on this."-Asian lady as she hands me the urine cup.
"Cool," I thought. "I doubt I am even staying here for the physical, but I still get to pee in a cup. SWEET!" And so I went in the bathroom and started urinating in the cup. But then the unexpected happened--the power went out! At first...I thought the Asian lady was playing a trick on me, and I was a little freaked out.
The power pretty much came right back on, and I went back to the room where the Asian lady and I were talking before. I texted my Dad, and he told me that the power went out while he was on the phone with the office and that I should just leave. And so when the Asian lady came back, I told her my Dad just told me to leave. (She seemed a whole lot happier!) And so I left my cup of urine there in the room, got up, and walked out of the place!
Now...What's Plan B? Well, to make a long story short...My Dad called the insurance company and the doctors office, and he figured everything out for me. Basically...instead of putting me down for a physical (which insurance doesn't cover), my dad made an appointment for me to get a "well-check" (which insurance does cover; AKA my Dad's "annual physical" AKA exactly what my mission papers pretty much are). Ridiculous? Yeah--pretty ridiculous.
And so I am going back in tomorrow at 10 AM for the real deal! (And my Dad is meeting me there to make sure they get it right this time; haha.) Thanks, Dad!!!
Plan A was to make my way to Fremont Medical Center at 8:20 AM, get my mission physical done, and then walk out of the place like I owned the joint. Not so! I definitely walked in like I owned the joint, but I didn't walk out feeling the same way.
You see--I made my grand entrance and made my way to the front desk. I told them I had an appointment.
"You know--insurance doesn't cover the physicals, right?"
"Yeah, I know that."
"Okay...You sure?"
"Well, how much do you think it's going to be? Around $90, right?"
"Um, mission physicals are a bit pricey. It's going to be at least $300."
And that is where our story begins. The kind lady at the front desk then told me to give my dad a call to make sure that was alright and what not. My first thoughts: "Well, dang, Dad is definitely not going to be alright with this."
I was right. I went outside, called my Dad, and I told him about the conversation that took place above. He wasn't furious like I had expected, but he was just a little confused. "I go in an get an annual physical every year. That's pretty much the same physical you are getting, and insurance covers it," Dad explained to me.
As I am trying to talk to my Dad and figure things out, this Asian woman walks out and says, "Benjamin, you need to come in now." (I could already tell that this lady was going to be some-what annoying.) And so I said bye to my dad, telling him that I would just question the doctors further and what not.
And so I went in with this Asian lady, and she weighed me and measured my height. And then she took me into a room and a little something like this happened:
"So this physical is going to be $300?"-Me
"$300??? No, no. Much more than that! With X-rays and blood work and urinalysis...Those are all very expensive!"-Asian Lady.
"Oh...Well, I talked to my Dad, and he wasn't very happy. He said that insurance covers his annual physicals every year."-Me
"Oh, but this isn't an annual physical."-Asian Lady
("Yeah, but it pretty much is."-Me in my head.)
"Oh, okay..."-Me
"Have you asked your school of any places that can give you a cheaper physical?"-Asian Lady.
"Um, no, we serve missions for our church--not our schools."-Me.
"Yeah--have you asked someone at your school?"-Asian Lady.
("Wow. This lady must not be hearing me..."-Me in my head.)
"No, I haven't asked my school about anything..."-Me
The lady then starts freaking out a little, and she has me call my dad again. I talk to Dad, and he tells me that he is going to call the office to talk to them about it. I told the Asian lady this, and then she gets not-so-happy! She starts freaking out, and is like, "So...What are you going to do?"
"I dunno; I might just get the physical here; we'll have to see what my Dad does/says."-Me
"What? I dunno...Here--go get started on this."-Asian lady as she hands me the urine cup.
"Cool," I thought. "I doubt I am even staying here for the physical, but I still get to pee in a cup. SWEET!" And so I went in the bathroom and started urinating in the cup. But then the unexpected happened--the power went out! At first...I thought the Asian lady was playing a trick on me, and I was a little freaked out.
The power pretty much came right back on, and I went back to the room where the Asian lady and I were talking before. I texted my Dad, and he told me that the power went out while he was on the phone with the office and that I should just leave. And so when the Asian lady came back, I told her my Dad just told me to leave. (She seemed a whole lot happier!) And so I left my cup of urine there in the room, got up, and walked out of the place!
Now...What's Plan B? Well, to make a long story short...My Dad called the insurance company and the doctors office, and he figured everything out for me. Basically...instead of putting me down for a physical (which insurance doesn't cover), my dad made an appointment for me to get a "well-check" (which insurance does cover; AKA my Dad's "annual physical" AKA exactly what my mission papers pretty much are). Ridiculous? Yeah--pretty ridiculous.
And so I am going back in tomorrow at 10 AM for the real deal! (And my Dad is meeting me there to make sure they get it right this time; haha.) Thanks, Dad!!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!
I just wanted to say happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!
But I especially wanted to say it to my own Mom. My Mom is so cool, and I continue to brag about her to all of my friends--even at the age of eighteen and what not. My Mom has always been there for me during my worst times. I remember how hard my sixth and seventh grade years were for me; and how going to my Mom for comfort was always the solution.
Mom, you never were a failure--and don't let anything ever convince you otherwise. Look at where your kids are at now. You raised all of us so well in our youth, and each and everyone of us is going to serve missions, get married in the temple, become good parents, etc. And I can honestly say that we all will because of the way you raised us and continue to raise us. You do a wonderful, wonderful job, and I will love you forever, Mom!
We will never forget you. To me--that is just impossible. I might get busy and forget to call you and what not, but I never forget to think about you and pray for you. I love you, Mom, and I hope you have a wicked cool Mother's Day! :)
Greatest. Feeling. Ever.
"This is what it's all about."
Today was just awesome. I woke up, feeling a little uneasy because I kept having weird nightmares throughout the night--most of them being about me missing Tara's baptism.
The day just dragged on and on, and I was just really excited for Tara's baptism! So I just sat in my house, waiting and waiting.
Tara came over a little bit after 6 PM, and she and I were both starting to get a bit nervous. I was starting to feel like I didn't know the prayer well enough, and it was starting to worry me.
Before I knew it, we were all at the chapel. Tara and I dressed up in our jumpsuits, and then I started to really get nervous because people were starting to show up. My mouth was as dry as a desert! "I am going to mess up; I can feel it."-My thoughts.
As Tara and I both sat in the Relief Society room, though, waiting for the program to start, I turned to her and said, "We should both say a prayer." And so we did, and it definitely helped. I asked Heavenly Father to keep the Spirit with me as I preformed the Baptism Ordinance and as I went about my night.
The Spirit was definitely there and is still with me now. I said another little prayer before going into the font. I got into the font with Tara, and then all of the sudden my mind went blank. "Junk! What do I say? I forgot..." And then the Spirit took control and helped me out a little bit. All of the sudden, I was very confident with myself. I closed my eyes, and raised my right hand. And then the words just came to me. And then I dunked Tara! :)
After the Ordinance, we had a Testimony meeting. Wow. Elder Doubleday was right when he told me that the Spirit is super strong when you baptize someone. The Spirit was so strong during the testimony meeting, and everyone was definitely feeling it. There weren't too many dried eyes in the room!
And that's why this is what it's all about. My goodness! I cannot wait to get out there and teach people His message. I am so excited for Tara, and I am grateful for the experience she provided for me. "This is what it's all about." The Gospel changes lives, and it's so cool to see it happen!! :)
Missionary Work FTW!!!
Today was just awesome. I woke up, feeling a little uneasy because I kept having weird nightmares throughout the night--most of them being about me missing Tara's baptism.
The day just dragged on and on, and I was just really excited for Tara's baptism! So I just sat in my house, waiting and waiting.
Tara came over a little bit after 6 PM, and she and I were both starting to get a bit nervous. I was starting to feel like I didn't know the prayer well enough, and it was starting to worry me.
Before I knew it, we were all at the chapel. Tara and I dressed up in our jumpsuits, and then I started to really get nervous because people were starting to show up. My mouth was as dry as a desert! "I am going to mess up; I can feel it."-My thoughts.
As Tara and I both sat in the Relief Society room, though, waiting for the program to start, I turned to her and said, "We should both say a prayer." And so we did, and it definitely helped. I asked Heavenly Father to keep the Spirit with me as I preformed the Baptism Ordinance and as I went about my night.
The Spirit was definitely there and is still with me now. I said another little prayer before going into the font. I got into the font with Tara, and then all of the sudden my mind went blank. "Junk! What do I say? I forgot..." And then the Spirit took control and helped me out a little bit. All of the sudden, I was very confident with myself. I closed my eyes, and raised my right hand. And then the words just came to me. And then I dunked Tara! :)
After the Ordinance, we had a Testimony meeting. Wow. Elder Doubleday was right when he told me that the Spirit is super strong when you baptize someone. The Spirit was so strong during the testimony meeting, and everyone was definitely feeling it. There weren't too many dried eyes in the room!
And that's why this is what it's all about. My goodness! I cannot wait to get out there and teach people His message. I am so excited for Tara, and I am grateful for the experience she provided for me. "This is what it's all about." The Gospel changes lives, and it's so cool to see it happen!! :)
Missionary Work FTW!!!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Birthday Tori!
Tori was my first niece to be born, and I can't believe she is two already!! Tori and I spent two summers together: one in 2007 when she was just a new-born baby and one last summer when she was here for Cynthia's wedding.My favorite thing about Tori is that she always wants me to hold her! (Or she did last summer anyways.) I can't wait to see her again next week!!
Happy Birthday, T-Spoon! Uncle Ben loves ya!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Happy Birthday T-Money!
Today is my good friend Tara's (AKA T-Money's) birthday. Tara has been an excellent addition to our family the last couple of months, and we all love having her over throughout the week! She is getting baptized tomorrow, and that makes me even more excited for her and what not.Happy birthday, T-Money! We <3 you! Haha.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Almost Complete!
I spent most of my day today filling out mission paperwork. :) I just need a physical, and then I will be done with this part of the process! *is excited*
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Fasting (2x)
As much as I love food, fasting has never been too tough for me (except for when I accidently take a drink of water from the water fountains at church). However, our ward is doing a forty-day fast, and our family signed up to do it today--the day after fast Sunday. And so I am fasting for the second day in a row, and I must admit--it's pretty tough!
I have never wanted a drink of water or some food more than I do now!
During Government today, I pulled my water bottle out of my backpack, and I was so tempted to take a sip. But I didn't.
During Calculus today, my friend Jeffrey pulled out all of his food and started eating it. He made himself a delicious bagel sandwich, and he usually shares with me, but...I didn't let him today.
I went down to work in the daycare, and watching the kids eat a delicious egg casserole was the worst! But then I heard we made more for dinner tonight, so that wasn't that much of a temptation. :)
The worst temptation today, though, was being outside in the hot sun with the kids and filling up a bunch of little cups of cold water for them--not me!
In fact...As I write this, my mouth is parched. I am so thirsty! Only a few more hours, though. :)
I have never wanted a drink of water or some food more than I do now!
During Government today, I pulled my water bottle out of my backpack, and I was so tempted to take a sip. But I didn't.
During Calculus today, my friend Jeffrey pulled out all of his food and started eating it. He made himself a delicious bagel sandwich, and he usually shares with me, but...I didn't let him today.
I went down to work in the daycare, and watching the kids eat a delicious egg casserole was the worst! But then I heard we made more for dinner tonight, so that wasn't that much of a temptation. :)
The worst temptation today, though, was being outside in the hot sun with the kids and filling up a bunch of little cups of cold water for them--not me!
In fact...As I write this, my mouth is parched. I am so thirsty! Only a few more hours, though. :)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Exciting Week!!
This week is gonna be a special one for me.
I just made my account on LDS.org, and my bishop is putting me in the computer later tonight! So this week I am gonna be filling out paperwork and what not for my mission. I am really excited, and I am meeting with the Bishop on Wednesday to make sure I know what I am doing, etc.
I am excited for a volleyball-filled week. This week is the last week of volleyball for Foothill. I am going to Walter's senior night on Tuesday, and then I am going to Timmy's tournament on Friday! I am excited. :)
What I am MOST excited for, though, is Tara's baptism! Tara is getting baptized at 8 PM this Saturday at the Palo Verde chapel, and I am so excited for her. I am honored to be able to baptize her, and I am really, really looking forward to it! I am proud of you, T-Money!!! :)
That's all there is to it! It's gonna be an awesome week!
I just made my account on LDS.org, and my bishop is putting me in the computer later tonight! So this week I am gonna be filling out paperwork and what not for my mission. I am really excited, and I am meeting with the Bishop on Wednesday to make sure I know what I am doing, etc.
I am excited for a volleyball-filled week. This week is the last week of volleyball for Foothill. I am going to Walter's senior night on Tuesday, and then I am going to Timmy's tournament on Friday! I am excited. :)
What I am MOST excited for, though, is Tara's baptism! Tara is getting baptized at 8 PM this Saturday at the Palo Verde chapel, and I am so excited for her. I am honored to be able to baptize her, and I am really, really looking forward to it! I am proud of you, T-Money!!! :)
That's all there is to it! It's gonna be an awesome week!
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