Service Leads to Service

Goodness begets goodness, light cleaves to light, and service leads to service. I received a free car ride to and from my apartment so I could help a friend move to a new place. I received some candy as left overs from what I had bought to share with classmates. I was helped as I helped others. This was a day that was filled with opportunities to make someone else's day a little better, and I'm grateful for that.

Canada Day/Independence Day Week!

Back to campus, back to the daily grind. But you know what? This week, we celebrate the birth of two great nations: Canada (Wednesday, July 1st), and the USA (Saturday, July 4th). Two days this week to celebrate Canada, as well as American independence. I'm happy and grateful to have two exciting holidays in one week.

Rooftop Gardens

I went downtown today with my family this afternoon. We brought some food from home and ate it at a rooftop garden. It was refreshing. Not only were we able to literally rise above the noise and bother of the streets, there was some green grass and other plants to admire up there as we enjoyed our treats and each other's company. I am grateful for rooftop gardens, or rooftop lounges. I don't visit such places very often, and I'm glad we did today. :)

Surround Yourself with Goodness

Today was a bit of a party. We set up the party, had the party, took down the party, had dinner, and watched a movie. I noticed that through it all, I was surrounded by wonderful, excellent people, friends and family. These are people who love me, are grateful to see me, appreciate my jokes and puns, and who help set me up for success (in more ways than one). I am grateful to be surrounded not only by greatness, but also by excellence and goodness.

A Lovely Day

A lot has happened in America today, and yet not much has happened. I was not aware of today's court ruling until late tonight. Though the event took me by surprise, I was not surprised to see many people talk about it on social media. Many people will be looking through rainbow-colored glasses this weekend. I certainly have thoughts and feelings about the subject, but that's not the purpose of this blog.

A lot has happened to me today, and yet not much has happened. It is a wonderful blessing to have my family close to me. Today, I am very grateful for the love and acceptance I feel when I'm with my family. My mother and father have been raising their children for more than twenty years. All that time, they have shared their love for me and my siblings, as well as the love they have for God. I believe love is truly one of the greatest of heavenly attributes (1 Cor. 13). I believe love has always existed. I believe love created the heaven and earth. Love provides a way to be happy forever. Love always wins, because I believe God is love.

May each day be filled with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, for one and for all.

A Couple of English Students

Have I mentioned how much I love what I study? Well, I have another reason to love it. There are several people in my apartment complex who are here to learn English to study in an American university. These students often try to improve their English by interacting a lot with English speakers. In a way, I'm studying what they are studying, but as a native to the language. Because of this, I feel more confident in helping answer questions about English vocabulary, grammar, and usage. Today, a friend asked me to help improve her presentation. Her native language is Spanish, and she wanted to make sure that what she said in English was easy enough to understand. I am grateful I was able to help my friend make a presentation better. Honestly, she's doing better with English then she may realize.

Hey, An Old Movie That Was Funny!

I have some friends that enjoy watching old movies (usually pre-1960s). For the past few weeks we have had vintage movie parties, admiring and chuckling at the style and antics of the films. In past weeks, we've watched Casablanca, and Citizen Kane. Today, we watched It Happened One Night.

I thought tonight's movie was a real delight. It felt refreshingly funny! It was refreshing because, for some reason, I wasn't expecting that much comedy; and it was clever too. I think the lightheartedness of the movie caught me by surprise because in the past two weeks we watched more serious films. Casablanca and Citizen Kane are certainly great films, but they are more serious and dramatic. They dealt with heavier themes. It Happened One Night is delightfully witty in comparison. Not only am I grateful for "vintage" movies, I'm grateful for vintage movies that make me laugh!

Glad I Came Anyway

You know those moments when you know you should do something good, but don't feel like it? Well, that was me today. There was an inspirational talk scheduled this morning on campus. I almost didn't go. I didn't really feel like going, especially when an hour for lunch sounded better than ten minutes for lunch. But, I went anyway, knowing it would be good and inspiring and all that. I'm glad I did! The speaker said several things I truly felt I needed to be doing to be better at being of service to those around me. I felt the need to think less about myself than I have been.

Plus, I had the time to get some good food afterwards!  I am grateful that I did the good thing (attending an inspirational talk) instead of ignoring it.

A Friendly Reminder

As I walked to work this morning, I heard a cheerful "Hi!" somewhere nearby. There was a girl walking the same direction I was, and she was talking to me. I assumed she was someone I knew, but she wasn't. We had never met before. She was just being cheerful and friendly. I was caught off-guard for a moment, but then I realized how refreshing it was. We had the typical small talk about where we were off to this morning and what year we were in school. We talked like typical acquaintances, even though we were strangers a few moments before.

I attribute this interesting encounter to the general friendliness that I know is more common in this part of the country than in other areas. Even so, it takes courage (at least for me) to strike a conversation with a stranger on campus, even people my own age. It was an appreciated, "friendly" reminder to continue to be a little more friendly to the people I meet, and not just to the people I know and like.

Thank You, Dad

I have received many things from my dad, including but not limited to love, encouragement, Canadian ancestry, blessings for every school year, my cool last name (someone once told me it sounded British), his laugh, a love of letters (hence my English Language major), priceless one-on-one time, and an example of how a man can have success in his work, in his church service, and in his community while still keeping his family first.

You know I love and appreciate you, Dad. Each time I call you we end our conversations with the familiar "Love you/Love you too!" exchange. You've said it to me many times, and I have always known that you sincerely meant it. Thank you. I am grateful for you.

I Like Trains

I always enjoy riding trains. I'm talking about the above-ground trains. I like subways to a degree, but there's something enchanting about riding a train and looking out across the landscape that speeds by. I think a large part of that enchantment for me comes from the First Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia movies, which each feature the protagonists riding trains early in the stories, across the land of the British Isles.

Today, I helped organize a group date to take a train ride. All we did was play board games and card games on the train. We rode north for about an hour, got off, immediately got on the southbound train, and arrived back in our hometown about an hour later. Among the games we played was "Ticket to Ride." A train game in a train! It was one of the more successful and enjoyable dates I've been on in recent months.

It may be easy to see public transportation, such as a public train, as a mundane, everyday feature. As of yet, I have never gotten tired of riding a train, especially when I play the "Chronicles of Narnia" music in my head. I like trains. I am grateful for trains.

Welcome to Exam Freedom (for Now)!

Today was the last day of finals. I didn't have any finals today, I was done yesterday. But, I had several friends who had much more difficult exams than I just had. They studied for hours, and took hours to take their exams. Now, they too are finished. I was able to congratulate them with high-fives. I am grateful that my friends have now joined me in the freedom that follows spring term exams. It's nice to see those around you happy and relieved as well as yourself. :)

Now, we have a few days before summer classes, or a job, or an internship!

The "Final" Party

I was fortunate to have a pretty easy final exam today. It was a vocabulary test, only a dozen words to provide definitions for. Then when everyone in the class was done (which took about 10 minutes), the teacher brought out the pizza and soda to celebrate a successful spring term! It is clear that this professor truly cares about his students. He wants them to succeed. He encourages his students to use him as a reference (at least, he did to all 11 of us in the class), he often discussed the work environment in publishing and editing, and he knows how valuable free food is to college students. I am glad I took at least one editing class from this professor (and I may take his other editing class during the school year). I am grateful for a successful spring term of this editing class, appropriately celebrated with pizza and root beer.

Next week, summer classes start!

Obscure National Holidays

I am grateful for obscure national holidays. Oh there are some of the more well-known obscure holidays such as Talk Like A Pirate Day or Doughnut Day or Best Friends Day, but I especially like the ones that are more obscure. For example, today was National Fudge Day. It was also a friend's birthday today. So, along with wishing them a happy birthday, I had the pleasure of wishing them a Happy Fudge Day too!

Isn't that fun? That's why I'm grateful for obscure national holidays. They exist, people make them, and some people celebrate them.

Just As Well...

You know those times when you're trying to do something and technology or other things get in the way and finally you think, "Oh, it's just as well that it didn't work out, because I have this other thing going on anyway, etc." Well, I spent some time this afternoon playing games on my phone. I've spent hours on them in the past, so it has been getting close to being a bad habit for me. Tonight, my phone had some wi-fi issues, and I finally said to myself, "It's just as well, it's getting late and I need to get ready for bed and write in my journal and go to sleep."

I'm grateful that my phone stalled. It was just as well; I needed to start getting ready for bed anyway!

Was It Really That Funny?

I enjoy making puns and jokes in social situations. Sometimes only one person gets it, sometimes no one gets it, and sometimes the whole room is in a fit of laughter. That last scenario doesn't happen very often, but when it does it is when I least expect it.

For example, today I was hanging out with friends at another apartment, and someone had a while balloon with an owl drawn on it (the owner of the balloon named it Hedwig, for some reason...). The owner warned us not to pop it or otherwise mess with it. The following dialogue ensued:

Me: Who shouldn't we mess with?
Friend: Hedwig, the owl.
Me: Who?
Friend: The Owl!
Me: Who?
(insert general fit of laughter here)

I really didn't think it was that funny, but apparently it was. I am grateful for moments when jokes get a much bigger and better reaction than expected. Those moments are few and far between, and I appreciate each one.

Edinburgh

As I was listening to my music list, Peter Hollens' cover of "Shenandoah" came on. Among the lines of lyrics are these words:

"'Tis seven long years since last I've seen you
And hear your rolling river."

I wondered where I was seven years ago, then I realized: I was in Edinburgh, Scotland!

Back in the summer of 2008, I was lucky enough to go on a high school theater trip to England and Scotland, especially the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. I have many wonderful memories of hiking the hills (Arthur's Seat!), performing in a show, attending many more shows, visiting castles and museums, and being with high school friends and teachers all the while. It is such a beautiful and enchanting place!

To paraphrase:

'Tis seven long years since last I've seen you,
And tread your rolling hillsides.
Oh Edinburgh, I long to see you.
Way, I'm bound away,
Across the great Atlantic.

I've Been Around the Block Before

I have been in the same town for several years, and there is still much I don't know about it. But, I am very familiar with my immediate surroundings. I am aware of good places to eat near my apartment, and on campus. I know where to find some great activity/date ideas. I know a few great spots for the Homecoming and 4th of July parades. I know a few great places to shop. I am grateful to know one area of town really well, so that I can be helpful to those who are new to the neighborhood.

Quarters

Today, I am grateful that I have quarters, the keys to completing laundry. Quarters are a bit of a valued commodity where I live, since they are only coins accepted by the laundry machines. It isn't really much of a problem to go to a store to get change, but it is a nice, small blessing to not have to do that. At least, not until my current store of currency runs out. :)

A Beautiful ASL Performance

I attended a lecture on campus that was preceded by a vocal/piano duet performing a Christian hymn. At these lectures there is a corner of the room where an ASL interpreter sits and interprets for the benefit of the deaf. I don't have a habit of paying attention to the interpreter but this time I did. I listened to the musical performance and the words being sung as I watched it interpreted in sign language. That was a performance all to itself. The interpreter's facial expressions, the sincerity in his movements and gestures, and the way he looked heavenward when a sign required it; I was moved by all of that. I didn't just hear the music, I felt it through the actions of the interpreter. Keep in mind that I don't know American Sign Language (apart from the alphabet and the first ten numbers). That lack of knowledge was an obstacle in understanding the exact meanings of the signs made, but hearing the hymn helped with that.

I am grateful for ASL interpreters. I see it just as much a performance--a reenactment--of what is going on, as well as a translation from sound to gesture.

The Best Place to Eat on Campus

There are many food choices on campus alone, though a lot of them aren't the best in terms of healthy eating. My lunch (and sometimes my dinner) on campus often consists of a bagel sandwich, some Greek yogurt, water, and some fruit, all under $6-$7, sometimes even cheaper. I am grateful that I was able to find a place to get food on campus that had cheap, healthy selections.

Wrote the Music, and Shared It

I recently finished a larger musical composition, a "song cycle" for an octet of instruments. I had been working on this piece of music for over a year, and I have finally written it all! I I've mentioned it to family and friends, and today I shared it with a good friend who also writes music. I am grateful for his comments and feedback, which was actually all positive. This project had nothing to do with school or work or church responsibilities; it was just a side project that I thought about and worked on when I had the time. I am grateful to have this song cycle finished, and sharing it with my fellow composer friend was a highlight of the day.

Choir Director

I am grateful to have the opportunity to direct a choir. It's not a large choir, just an informal group of friends that perform every so often at church. We all enjoy singing with other people. With what experience I have, I try to make practices enjoyable for me and for the rest of the choir. I am grateful for the success I've seen so far as a choir director, and for the time I get to spend with other people who love to sing. :)

Talking Shop, Over Cheesecake

The highlight of my day was definitely getting a visit from a good friend. We spent a few minutes catching up, and then spent the rest of our time talking about my friend's creative writing, and fiction in general. Talking shop about fiction writing, as it were. It was a true pleasure for me to be with my friend and to be there as another witness to his progress in his writing so far. I enjoyed the discussion, and really appreciated the company.

I am grateful for cheesecake, and more grateful for the time I spent with a good friend tonight.

A Mountain Visit

Mountains have been used as places of meditation and enlightenment for centuries. I think it is important for each person to have a "mountain," a place or a time to step back, to think, to pray, to assess goals and current life direction. As for me, my mountain is "the mountain of the Lord" (Isaiah 2:3), which I believe is an LDS temple. It is true that I have frequent walks in which to be introspective, but the temple, even the gardens around them, is to me a place apart from the world. I was able to visit a temple today, and I left that place a better man than I was when I entered.

I am grateful to know where I can go to truly have help in pondering the truths of life, and of my life.

Opportunity to Say No

I sent an email this morning in which I politely declined an offer for student work. It was a good work opportunity, but there were other options that were closer to my goals. I am grateful for the times when it is necessary to say no in order to say yes to something more important or relevant to you.

P.S.--I ended the day by working on some new music pieces, one of which is titled, "No!" What a coincidence!

A Good Problem

Sometimes, the problem is choosing between two or more wonderful options. Having a few internship offers is a good problem to have, and I am grateful for them. I am also very grateful for the people I've talked to these past few days as I consider my options and make decisions over the next week or so.

Moorhead, MN

This city is very dear to me for many reasons, and now I have a few more. Some people decided to look at over 1,300 small cities and rate them based on certain criteria. The article, which was posted yesterday is here.

What's at the top of the list? Moorhead, MN! I am a bit biased towards the Midwest, and college cities. I've lived in college cities almost my entire life. I even served as a missionary in a college city. I am grateful for Moorhead, MN. It is a great town with great neighbors (shout-out to Fargo!), and it thrives in both the sports and the arts scene.

P.S.--For those of you who have a bias towards other parts of the country, the top 100 list in this article has cities from around the country, including a few from Utah, Arizona, New York, Alabama, and elsewhere.

Granted with Many Talents

I know a man who works as a web designer. We both work in the library, and we have seen each other in other events around campus. Very friendly guy. A good performer too! Today he approached me with an update about a large project that involved reworking a part of a website. I really appreciated his clear explanations, and for the things he left out that would have confused me about HTML and all of that. I felt I understood what he was talking about without me knowing a lot about web design or programming. I admire that about him, he is friendly, approachable, and cheerful. It is always clear that he is happy with his job and proud of his work.

I am grateful for his help today. I am grateful for the work he does. I am grateful for our friendship. He has been granted with many talents that he willingly shares with others.