The King's Singers

I believe I expressed gratitude for them a couple of months ago, but why not again?

I had the tremendous blessing of attending a King's Singers concert tonight. I finally got to hear them in person! Their precision, their timing, their charm, and their wit delighted and impressed me. They are wonderful performers who love and appreciate their audiences and fans. I am grateful for the charm and talent of the King's Singers.

It All Worked Out Well, and Will Be So Tomorrow

Today I am grateful for a lot of things:

I am grateful for the time I have this weekend to work on my assignments and duties for next week.
I am grateful that tonight's charity concert, which I performed in, was a good success.
I am grateful that I was able to help a friend find their missing car keys so they could go home.
I am grateful that this blog has been looked at over 10,000 times now.
I am grateful for the calming influence of the Holy Ghost, which is so helpful in this busy time.
I am grateful to have a clean kitchen now.
I am grateful for the help I receive as I search for an internship for later this year.

A lot happened today, and some of it was stressful. But today, several times over, the moment of stress turned into a moment of consolation. In those stressful moments, I had the thought come to me that it will all work out, and that I can do what I've been asked to do. It's true, and it's comforting to know that.

I'm grateful that everything worked out for good today, and for the assurance that tomorrow will also be a good day.

Extra Credit

Took another midterm today. I felt confident on most of it. I had a bit of a cushion because extra credit questions were provided at the end of the exam. I am grateful for my teacher, who generously provided extra credit opportunities for her students.

Small Smiles

I spent a couple of hours today advertising an a cappella concert on campus. I was singing and handing out flyers with a couple other guys who will be in the concert. As we sang, I noticed a few people looking our direction and smiling a little. I felt that our singing and beat-boxing and overall jamming out in public made someone's day, made someone's day a little more spontaneous and joyful. I suppose if nothing else we must have been amusing. I am grateful for the small smiles that come as a result of music I make.

The Hard Part of the Week is Over

At least the hardest part is for me. Last weekend, I was concerned about yesterday and today because I had deadlines I wasn't sure I was going to meet. But, I was able to make things work and turn in my homework assignments on time. I guess I still have some stuff to do: a final draft of a paper tomorrow and an exam on Thursday, but I'm not too worried about those things. I'm grateful for the challenging school assignments I was able to complete today.

The Highest Title in the Game

I have a lot of fun with a pun game on my phone. It's a puzzle game in which you try to solve one pun after another. I really enjoy going through this game with a friend, my prolific partner in punnery. As you solve more puns, you are promoted to higher levels such as "Baron," or "General." As you advance, you become a Guru, a Pharaoh, a King, and an Emperor. When you solve the last few puzzles in the game, you get the highest title of all: Dad.

I understand the joke: that the "Dad" is the guy who tells all the corny jokes and groan-worthy puns. That aside, I see something poetic in this. I truly believe that the titles we have in our families are the most significant, the most eternal. For me, someday, my most significant title and responsibility of life will be that of a father. For a woman, it would be that of a mother. I believe this because I know that God is our Father in Heaven. In the eternal realm, he still holds his family title. I think that is significant.

I am grateful for this little, though perhaps unintentional, reminder in a simple game: After all you will have accomplished on earth, after all the other titles you earned in the world lose their meaning, those titles of father, mother, and child will still remain.

Inspirational A Cappella

I had the privilege of attending an inspirational performance by a great a cappella group in the area. The performance took place in an LDS chapel, so the tone of the evening was very reverent throughout. I can truly say I was edified. I received comfort and I had thoughts of how I can be more faithful to what I truly believe. I am grateful for an inspirational, edifying a cappella performance.

The Calm, Improved Aftermath

Today was quite an eventful day for me. I attended two exciting and fun activities: a video game tournament, and a Nerf gun war...back to back. Especially during the Nerf gun games, the atmosphere was pretty wild. We moved furniture to make obstacles, and so on. When we were all worn out, it was time to clean up.

I like the principle of leaving a place better than it was when you found it. My friends and I tried to do that, and we were successful. It's a really satisfying feeling to see the room tidy again after all of that. Everything looked as if nothing had happened, but a lot had happened. Not only did the room look a little better, the people who participated now have the memories of the games.That successful moment when all the work is done and everything you prepared for is over, I am grateful for that.

Pitch Perfect

I have never seen the movie "Pitch Perfect" in its entirely. I've seen clips of it, though. This may seem odd because I am a huge advocate for a cappella music. I will say that even though I haven't seen it, I am grateful for it. Why? Because the riff-off event in the film inspired a real-life riff-off on campus tonight! I was able to go with my a cappella group to perform and compete. It was a wonderful evening! I am grateful for the inspiration from "Pitch Perfect" that led to a riff-off on campus tonight!

Complement vs. Compliment

I received some great insights in my Early Modern English class today. Among these was a fresh take on the term "complement" as related to the language of Shakespeare and of today.

We were looking at the first scene of King Lear in class, and we discussed the corrupt, insincere dialogue between the characters. The word "complement" was used in this context because the word is derived from the old meaning of being "full," as in "full of it," too much flattery, etc. Basically, the nice things that people say to each other in the court scene are spoken in order to build each other up, to gain friendships, and to curry favor with those in higher positions. In this sense of "complement," niceness and politeness is given with self-promotion or self-protection in mind. Contrast this with the idea of "compliment." I define this as kind, altruistic comments sincerely given with a desire to express true emotions and thoughts to uplift someone else.

In the first scene of the play, King Lear's older daughters spoke in complement style, professing the amount of love they have to their father when what they really care about is the land they will receive from him. Today after class, I complimented my teacher, thanking her and telling her it was a really good class today.

Upon further reflection, I recalled a few times when compliments I gave to others were really in complement style, meaning I was more worried about impressing someone or gaining something than I was truly caring about the person. I am grateful for this fascinating insight about the difference between complement and compliment, at least in Early Modern English, which shows principles that are still applicable today.

A Design Class

I am grateful for my design class that I've taken for my editing minor. Every time I prepare something for others to see, be it an academic paper or a simple flyer for an event I'm organizing with friends, I keep design principles in mind to make my documents readable, understandable, and visually appealing.

Dreamers and Editors

In A Cappella Arranging, by Deke Sharon and Dylan Bell, the authors talk about the creative process and the different roles you play. Two of those roles are Dreamer and Editor. The Dreamer comes up with the ideas, and the Editor puts them together to make them look good. It's the difference between the idea and the plan. It's interesting to see those roles play out in real life.

Today, a couple of creatively-minded people had great ideas for activities. I liked the ideas and decided to help make them happen. I took an Editor role by making venue reservations and talking with the Dreamers to give form to the ideas. I am grateful I was able to help make these dreams come to life.

Of course, I'm not an Editor or a Dreamer all the time, and neither is anyone else. We all play these different roles in different situations. It just so happened that the circumstances called for an Editor and I was willing and able to fill that role. I am grateful for the great Dreamers and Editors that are in each of us and in everyone around us every day.

Holiday: More Work!

Today, I am grateful for a holiday, because I got to work a bunch of extra hours! I got some homework done, I did some fun activities, but right now I'm mostly grateful for the extra hours.

Day of Rest

I am grateful that Sunday can be a day of rest. Granted, I am pretty tired from a lot of walking and several meetings throughout the day. Even so, this day for me is often a day of rest from many other concerns, mostly my school and work. This day, for me, is very spiritually refreshing. I am able to take the time to focus on important things that may go by the wayside in the business of the rest of the week.

A Successful Valentine's Day

Some call this holiday Single's Awareness Day or Single's Appreciation Day. Though I am certainly aware of my single status, I certainly appreciate what I have. Today I worked for several hours; I relaxed in my apartment; and I went out to a great dinner and dance activity with some other people. For me, this was a Valentine's Day well spent because I love my job, I love the comforts of my apartment, and I love the company of good friends. I have been in a good mood all day, and though it never had anything to do with romantic love, I feel today has been a success for me. Indeed I have much to be grateful for today.

Mini Golf Course in the Library

The campus library officially set up a mini golf course, made of lots of books, boxes, media materials, and other library items. It was a bit of a challenge to deal with the light foam balls, but I got used to them and had a lot of fun with the course! I am grateful for the creative things my library does every year for Love Your Library Week. :)

Squishy Film Canister

There was a library trivia game at the work meeting today. I correctly answered a question about where to find Bollywood movies, and then was invited up to the front of the room to choose from an assortment of small prizes. The thing that intrigued me the most was a stress ball in the shape of an old film canister, the kind that used to hold movies. For some reason, someone somewhere made this squishy foam object. I grabbed it and thought of my roommate, a film student.

Tonight, I gave him the "stress canister," and he could hardly believe what it was. He very gladly took it. I was very happy that I was able to find a perfect little gift like that--not for any real occasion, but because something reminded me of someone else and I thought that someone would appreciate the thought. I cherish moments like that. I am very grateful for moments like that.

Blind Date with a Book

This week, the campus library wrapped a bunch of books and DVDs in brown paper for people to check out as a "blind date." I picked a book, checked it out, unwrapped it and what did I get? A high school drama: Going Vintage, by Lindsey Leavitt. It is actually a delightful story about a girl who feels betrayed by her boyfriend and swears off technology to live a vintage sixties lifestyle in order to find herself. There were a lot of good insights about the role of technology in the lives of adolescents today. Here is my favorite quote from the book, which I feel is a good summary of the heart of the story:

"It's not that different now, is it? Being sixteen?"

"Adolescence is the same tragedy being performed again and again. The only things that change are the stage props."
                                  --Malloy (the protagonist) and her wise grandmother, Going Vintage, chapter 23

I am grateful for my blind date with a book. :)

Stories from Regency

I will admit that though I have yet to read a Jane Austen book from cover to cover, I really enjoy watching movie adaptations of these regency period stories. The costumes, the settings, the ridiculous amount of social rules and regulations that are never written but always followed by "proper people," all kind of fascinate me. Plus, the music associated with this time period is quite delightful. I am grateful for stories from the nineteenth century, whether they be in the United Kingdom or in America.

The Smell of Rain

It didn't rain much today, but I was outside after the fact and I noticed that I generally like the smell of rain. I was reminded of a children's song about how clean the earth is right after rain, and how baptism by water (the same way Jesus Christ was baptized) symbolizes the same thing: cleanliness. I am grateful for the clean smell of rain.

God Wants Me to Be Happy

This is a truth I've heard and learned for myself for a number of years, and I have seen evidence of it everyday (as I'm striving to express in these posts of daily gratitude). Today, in church, I received specific ideas for how I can focus more on those most important things that will make me happy. I realized a few small changes I needed to make to be more effective in helping to share the love and the truths of God to those around me each day. I know that I am loved by many and supported by many. I know that the one who loves me most and is most anxious for my success and happiness is God himself. Today, I am grateful for the specific promptings I've received in church on what I can do now to be a better man.

Geocaching Adventure

I'd say the highlight of my day was a geocaching adventure on campus. Found some and didn't find some, but I discovered new places on a campus so familiar to me. :)

Going to the Temple Together

My local congregation organized a trip to the nearby LDS temple tonight. I make the effort to serve in the temple regularly, but this time was special because I was going with lots of my friends. This temple trip made this night very special and inspiring for me. I always walk out of the temple a better man, and tonight even more so. I feel happier because I came. It is a special thing to worship and serve with good friends while I'm out here going to school. I am grateful for tonight's special temple trip.

Nerf Gun Toys

I really don't think I'm too old for this sort of thing. I was sitting with some friends, working on plans to set up a Nerf gun war! I am grateful for Nerf gun toys and the adventures that can be had with them! They are so fun to play with, and if you can get a bunch of people together you can set up an epic battle! I also have a blow gun, made of a PVC pipe, that can shoot foam Nerf darts and marshmallows. I am also grateful that all this adventure can be had with very little harm or danger. :)

Doubley Classy!

It was Wednesday, so naturally I dressed up for Classy Wednesday! My internship interview today gave me a second reason to dress up. I was classy for two reasons, one serious (internship interview), one silly and fun (Classy Wednesday). I am grateful that I had not one but two reasons to dress up today!

Sharing Goodness--A Wonderful Example

A few days ago, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) created the following post on his Facebook page:

"During a family lunch last summer, a man dressed as a superhero introduced himself to me. Many people around the world see these popular characters as “heroes.” However, I was blessed with the opportunity last week to celebrate the life of a real hero, Wallace “Wally” Leroy Price — a humble, unassuming 99-year-old usher for the Utah Jazz basketball team who passed away recently.

Wally was a wonderful man who tried his best to live the gospel and teach his children and grandchildren gospel principles. At a basketball game soon after the funeral, an empty chair sat alone in the usual place where Wally sat for so many years. Like Wally, we all have the capacity to be everyday heroes. Real heroes are those who try their best to inspire, uplift, and improve the lives of others, and who seek to love their fellowmen as the Lord loves them."

This is a great example to me. President Uchtdorf shared a small, humorous life story and tied it in to an aspect of goodness and truth he witnessed or felt that day. This is a wonderful example to me of how day-to-day experiences can be appropriately shared and used to expand one's influence for good. That's what I hope to do as well. I am grateful for this delightful and inspiring Facebook post by a man I admire.

Origami

Had a fun evening of origami with friends today! Some people were more serious with their craft, making complicated dragon figures and such. I had fun making silly and simple things, like paper airplanes and those four-way fortune tellers. I am grateful that origami exists. It can range from the silly things I made to great works of art (I believe there's an art exhibit in town dedicated to origami).

From a Friend, with Hope

There was a time today when I felt very upset and frustrated about something. The worst part was that I knew I shouldn't have been upset about it, but I was nonetheless. Then I received a note from a kind friend, a tiny message of hope and encouragement. Soon after I read the note I became less upset and more grateful for what I do have, and the hopes I have for the future became stronger. I am grateful for the thoughtful words of a friend.