Ultimate Rock Paper Scissors

I got to play a really neat group game today. It only took about five minutes with a dozen people. Ultimate Rock Paper Scissors is essentially a tournament. Everyone pairs up, and the loser of each pair is eliminated, making the playing group smaller and smaller until there are two contestants left for a final round. I've done this before, but not with the fun twist we had today.

In today's Ultimate tournament, the losers became the cheerleaders of the winners. First, each winning player had one cheerleader, and that pair would find another player-cheerleader pair. The winner of that now has three cheerleaders. This goes on and on until there are two players left, but each player has a group of cheerleaders behind them! A final winner is decided and everyone cheers. The energy of that particular game was impressive. It gained momentum up to the final round. It was a way to play so that everyone, in a sense, wins. I like that. Cheering someone on, giving support, that helps you forget your own disappointments, your own loses. This is perhaps one way to "lose" your life so that you may "find" it in the service of others.

I am grateful for a spectacular game of Ultimate Rock Paper Scissors.

Thank You for Your Reply

Today, I am simply grateful for the people who respond when I contact them (by phone or email). I'm mostly thinking of my internship, but this applies outside of an office as well. I don't intend to go on any sort of rant about poor responders, because in reality most people respond. Sometimes the response is very helpful and sometimes the other person just doesn't have what I need. Either way, I move forward with my project/objective. It is wonderful that we have the technology to instantly communicate over long distances, but it is even more wonderful that we really do use this technology to communicate.

Oh Yeah, Work Really IS Going Well!

Today felt like a slower day at work, mostly because I don't have a lot of pressing assignments. But, I think my attitude had something to do with it as well. I had started to slip into a mental routine of going to the office, sitting there at the desk from nine to five, and then leaving for my apartment. I came to a realization later tonight, though. I remembered that I have a fantastic internship in a marvelous place among wonderful people. I'm three weeks in and I already have to remind myself about this! I am grateful for that reminder. I will go to work tomorrow with that perspective of gratitude that opens my eyes a little more to the good and the great around me.

Don't Want to Go...Should Go...Glad I Went

There were a few things going on after church today, but I didn't feel like going. I felt ready to take a Sunday afternoon nap. Some friends asked me, "Are you coming?" and "You're going to sing with us at the old folk's home, right?" I didn't really want to, but I evaluated my hesitation. The only reason I didn't want to go was that I didn't feel like it. I was tired. I do believe in giving myself downtime if I need it, but in this case I felt that coming along would be a good and right thing to do. At that point, all of my reasons not to go felt like excuses.

So, I went, and I'm glad I went. I had some enriching experiences over the next few hours. If I hadn't gone in the first place, I wouldn't have lost anything. Since I did come along, I gained a lot. I've been looking for ways to improve my Sabbath day observance, and today I did that. Today, I showed God that I was willing to serve Him and His children, even when it isn't convenient. I am glad I took the time to go beyond my personal cares today.

Mini Fridge

There are many nice things about my apartment, and one of those is a mini fridge. I am very grateful to have one here. It makes storing leftovers possible, and those leftovers have saved me money on several lunches and dinners. This kind of appliance would normally be a luxury I couldn't afford, but I am fortunate that I can afford it where I have my internship.

"That My Children May Have Better LIves."

Today I listened to Steve Reich's piece, "Different Trains," twice. It is one of my favorite pieces of music. I listened to it today because I and other interns had an academic assignment on the subject of the Holocaust. I never learned so much about those events before in my life. That subject and all it entailed was on my mind for most of the day.

There are many lessons to be learned from the Holocaust, especially how such events still exist in our modern world. One of the more profound takeaways for me, however, came from a specific quote. I don't have the exact words, the essential idea is this: "Though I have been through terrible tragedy, and have lived through horrible times, I will work and live so that my children can live in a happier and more secure world."

We are the children, the grandchildren, the great-grandchildren. Is our world happier and more secure? Are we better off now than they were then? Yes, I think in many ways we are. This leads me to wonder, do we have that same desire? Do we live with our children, the future generation, in mind?

Even after today's studies, learning so much more about the Holocaust, I have never felt depressed today. Tired and emotionally drained, yes, but not depressed or discouraged. In fact, many other good things happened today. A friend gave an exclusive tour of a historic building, I encountered a decent guitar player/singer out on the street, and I had a delightful dinner with more delightful conversation.

I am grateful for the countless heroes of the 1930s and 40s that helped make this world better than it was in the 1920s.

An Afternoon Chat: Missionary Success

I was involved in casual conversation with some people at the office when I was asked one of the most profound and thoughtful questions about my mission: "In your mission trip, how do you define success? What makes a mission successful?" The person who asked wondered if it had to do with the number of conversions, or perhaps it was just a matter of community service, or something else.

When I was a full-time missionary, the definition of success was something I thought about a lot. Even so, I took a moment to think about my answer. In essence, I said that my focus as a missionary was to meet people to teach them about Jesus Christ, and to find opportunities to serve the people in other ways as well. I remember the many times I helped chop wood, as well as the weekly visits to a local nursing home. To be sure, helping others come unto Christ is just as frustrating as it is rewarding, and I am grateful for the times I witnessed people change for the better as they followed Christ's teachings in their lives. My answer to the question, in summary, is that a missionary is successful if they leave an area better than it was when they arrived. Someone in every somewhere you go should be better because you were there.

The conversation moved on to other topics. I am grateful for an afternoon chat today. It was real conversation that benefited everyone. Also, it led to opportunities to share aspects of my beliefs in ways that are relevant to the work I am doing. This internship truly is a blessing.

Dinner Groups

I've never done these before, though I had heard about them. I've always figured that I am adequately good at cooking to make impressive food when I give myself the time and the resources. All other times, I can still eat well and simply.

This dinner group thing is pretty awesome, actually! It's not just the free food either, but also the fact that I get to cook for other people and socialize with them over a meal. What could be better!

I am grateful for dinner groups.

Elder Richard G. Scott

To a man who was an expert in engineering and in the gospel of Christ,
To a man who will be remembered for the love he had for his wife, 
To a man who looks you in the eye as he shares the convictions of his soul,
To a man who served his Lord faithfully for many decades,
I am grateful.

God bless Elder Richard G. Scott, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he is now reunited with the love of his life. God bless Elder Scott's family at this time as well.

A Little Box of Thoughtfulness

I got a package from my brother today! He told me he would be sending something, though I didn't know exactly what he was sending me. It was a small box with a number of random objects. It included a letter of explanation about the items, which I appreciated. Everything he put in there was for a reason. The bracelet had meaning, as did the homemade bookmark and the shark tooth and other objects. In all honesty, some of these things aren't very useful for my time here in D.C., but my brother wasn't aiming entirely for practicality. The gifts were very thoughtful. I felt that these objects were the result of his love and kindness for me. I know how hard it can be to come up with thoughtful and meaningful gifts, since I approach my gift-giving that way all the time. I am grateful for my brother's package to me. It was a little box of thoughtfulness, like a brotherly hug sent by mail. :)

Reconnecting on Sunday

Sunday is such a good day to connect with friends and family. I wrote a couple of emails, made a couple of calls. These interactions helped to make this a relaxing and refreshing Sunday. I am grateful to know there are people I can talk to and listen to, even though they are currently far away.

The U.S. Constitution

I got back from a big excursion to Philadelphia, and part of that trip was to visit the Constitution Center and Independence Hall. The Constitution Center was impressive. The exhibits there are very well done, and they served as the perfect backdrop for my visit to Independence Hall, to the very room where that document (and the Declaration of Independence) was created and signed. No matter your opinions or feelings about how the Constitution should be interpreted, I'm sure every American can agree to its significance. It is truly a miracle, and I truly believe that God had a hand in making everything work just the way it needed to. There is a reason, I believe, that "God Bless America" is a familiar phrase in this country. He truly has blessed America, and He will continue to do so according as He will. I am grateful for the circumstances and the people (on earth and in heaven) that brought the Constitution and this country together.

When History Came Charging In

Out on an excursion this weekend to some historic sites. A lot of things happened today, but the highlight of my day came charging in. Quite literally, in fact. A history actor and teacher, in full colonial army garb, charged in, screaming about redcoats! For the next two hours (even though he was only hired for one) he took me and my classmates on an educational adventure. We learned so much about the time of the Revolutionary War because he helped us live it as much as was possible. He helped us understand how people thought back then. He was passionate about his subject and he had so much fun with us (which was great because we had fun interacting with him and learning from him).

After we went outside where he gave a mourning shot in honor of soldiers past, he took us back inside to show us some colonial dance steps. No matter what happened to me before this man's performance/lesson, my day ended on such a fantastic and enlightened note because of the actor's work. It looks like a terrific part-time job, and I think it would be so much fun to do something like that! I am grateful for the wonderful work of one of the best history actors I've ever seen.

"Strong Start"

People are quite busy in the office, and it's taking some time for me to adjust to the routine of working in my cubicle while everyone else works in theirs. There are occasional meetings, but most of my time is spent on researching, writing, and editing my assigned projects.

So, I really appreciated some feedback I received on a project that I completed today. The director (my boss' boss, essentially) told me I did a very good job on it, complimenting specifically on the tone of my writing, as well as the quality of the photos I used. I also appreciated a comment on how glad the director was with my "strong start" and how I've "hit the ground running." Those words were very encouraging, and that told me I was doing a little better than I thought I was. I appreciate good words a lot, and I often try to give such words sincerely to others. I am grateful for some encouraging comments from my boss' boss today.

Lots of Debate, But with Sincere Passion

I watched the Republican presidential debates tonight, all five hours of them. I have my opinions about what happened and which candidates I like more and all that. But more than that, I was impressed by this one thing they had in common: They are all passionate people who want to serve their country and make it better. Over and over the candidates brought focus back to the American people. It is clear to me that each one of them have the great and noble desire to do what they can to improve their government and to serve the people of this country. I am grateful for the people of both political parties who passionately and sincerely pursue politics this way. I am grateful for the people who have stepped up and have been showing their willingness to take on the responsibilities of the American presidency.

More on Light and Life

I believe in Jesus Christ, and I believe that He is also known as "the light and life of the world." In tonight's religion class, the following idea came to me: Jesus Christ isn't just the spiritual light and life of the world, He is the literal light and life of the world. He created the world, for "without him was not anything made that was made." He created life on the earth. He made the light that sustains life on earth.

All this may seem rather fundamental. But, when I really think about it, that truth puts things in perspective. I feel I can thank God for more things in my prayers because I can see a little more clearly how things are made possible because of Christ. Also, light and truth are topics that fascinate me. I am grateful that, for me, more light was shed about "the light and life of the world."

Too Much AC

The office felt rather cold today. In fact, when I was done with work I realized that it was warmer outside than it was inside. This allowed me to appreciate the outside weather much more. I am grateful for too much air-conditioning, because when I went away from it I felt the sun.

Attending a Baptism

I attended a baptism today. It had been a while since the last time I attended a baptismal service. Actually, I think the last one I went to was about three years ago. The service brought back memories from my two-year mission, when I had dedicated every hour of every day to the cause of helping people, teaching them about Jesus Christ. I helped prepare anyone who accepted the gospel message for baptism and confirmation. Those baptism services are always very sweet and inspiring. I always feel very happy for the person being baptized because it represented a fresh start for them, the true beginning to following and living the teachings of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for today's baptismal service. It was special, and I'm glad I was able to attend.

Dancing and Kayaking

The best moments of today were either the most energetic or the most serene. It is interesting that you can feel happy in different ways.

This morning, I attended a few free dance/movement classes (they were all part of some community event today). I was pouring in sweat after Judo, African dance, and hip-hop dance classes. But, I was happy to learn new steps and techniques. It was a lot of fun watching other people express their interpretations of the dance steps. Those of us who were there dance and moved with feeling and energy!

In the early evening, I enjoyed the serenity that accompanies kayaking. This past week, I had been enjoying the view of the water. Today, I enjoyed the view from the water, and it was beautiful.

In both cases, I felt happy. I am grateful for the happy and diverse adventures of today: dancing and kayaking!

Fourteen Years Later

9/11 was a big topic of discussion this morning. That discussion left me rather reflective and even a little concerned for the future. Anytime I saw an American flag, it was at half-mast. I recalled that day from 14 years ago.

But I was reminded that there is still a great deal of good in the world. As the day was drawing to a close, I ran into a remarkable performer on the street. It was a cellist! I was sold. I stayed to listen, and I even got to chat with the musician. The performance and the interaction inspired me and filled me with joy. The pursuit of happiness is part of the American Dream that we fight for on many levels. My day, even my week, was happier because of a cellist on the street. That made for a wonderful ending for the day.

I am grateful, on this particular day, to remember and to be happy. :)

I Know Enough About Football

I don't consider myself much of a sports fan. But, I think it is fun to watch a football game, or any sport, with friends (especially if some of those friends are particularly passionate about it). There was a good game on tonight, and I watched it with some friends after another day of internship work. I am grateful that I know enough about football to enjoy a game and understand what's going on.

I Do Care About Things!

We all individually have that one issue (or two...or five) we feel strongly about. It is an issue that you will stand by no matter what authority's quote you hear. You internally shout for joy when you find a video or a quote on the internet that just perfectly matches what you think and you want to share it with the world to convince them that you have been right all along.

Now, I like to think that I always make an effort to seek after, learn, and live by truth. I often have to think before I can determine exactly how to convey any opinion I may have about anything. This is true of me...for the most part. That first paragraph fits me to a tee when it comes to puns.

Sure, most people I know laugh at my puns. But there are naysayers, boo-ers, groaners, and chortlers (at least, it's fun to think that there are to justify writing something fun like this).  There is even a quote by Samuel Johnson, the writer of one of the first dictionaries, that degrades puns as the lowest form of comedy, or something like that. On this issue, I am fixed on one opinion: puns are awesome!

I bring all of this up because I was impressed by a video I came across called, "In Defense of Puns." It is by CollegeHumor, which is not my favorite comedy outlet, but I loved this so much that I shared it on social media. I almost never share videos or memes or anything on social media, except for this blog. This goes to show that even a mild-mannered person like me can have such strong convictions that he wears his opinion on his sleeve for all to see.

So, what am I grateful for today, exactly? Hmm...I guess I'm grateful to know that I have more opinions than I realize. Too often I tell myself I'm neutral but I am becoming increasingly aware that I'm not, and I think that is a good thing to realize.

Dear Self: You Deserve More Kindness Than You Realize

I started work today, and that prospect was of course both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I came in with this attitude: I will be happy; I will take note of things in the orientations; I will work hard; I will ask questions but do all I can to get my bearings and become self-sufficient as soon as possible; I will show them today and this week that they can trust me with worthwhile tasks.

I came into the office with that mindset. I was ready. And yet, I wasn't quite prepared. I wasn't sure quite what to say when I saw that my supervisor's boss had given me over half a dozen worthwhile tasks (writing for them already!) over the next few weeks, or when my he took me out to lunch, or when he kindly opened the door for me as we walked into the restaurant, or when he sincerely complimented me on my work at the end of the work day. I didn't expect such kindness or friendliness on my first day as an intern.

Then tonight, I attended a weekly class that focused on Jesus Christ. This phrase, describing Christ, touched me: "my kind, wise, heavenly Friend," taken from a lovely hymn. One of my personal habits is that so often I approach my life and the things I do in just the same way I approached my internship today: I will do my best to be my best; I will be self-sufficient; I will do what is good and right. Too often I am unprepared to receive infinite kindness from God and Jesus Christ. There is more to God and His love than I am allowing myself to receive, and it can be a struggle to learn to truly trust in Him. This is true even for someone like me, who believes strongly in their religious convictions. This is why I am continuing to pursue a more focused study of Jesus Christ, in personal study and in a weekly evening class.

I am grateful for a personal lesson that applies to my work and, more importantly, to my faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Rejoicing Together

In an effort to be a more informed citizen, I decided to take the time to watch the Republican debate from August 6th of this year. Soon after, I went with some friends to a nearby restaurant. I mentioned that I had been watching that debate and people started to talk about favorite candidates, which soon became a discussion on political issues. I still feel that I know very little about the issues of politics, both domestic and foreign (especially foreign), so I admittedly didn't say very much. But, I tried to be involved when I felt I could contribute to the discussion. Some of us talked for a good 45 minutes or more on these sorts of things. There was appropriate passion for personal convictions, as well as respect for the convictions of others. We listened to each other, which I value and appreciate highly.

After the fact, a verse of scripture came to mind. It was revealed to Joseph Smith and can be found in Doctrine & Covenants 50:22. This section talks about teaching and learning by the Holy Spirit, and I think it has applications for all honest and respectful dialogue no matter the subject. My favorite part of the verse is this phrase: "both are edified and rejoice together." That's the end result, if the conditions are right. Verse 24 talks about light and truth, which is what I hope to find in everything I learn and do. I noticed that the scriptures don't say anything about people being right. It emphasizes learning, self-improvement, and appreciation for others. I am grateful today for a fascinating discussion that edified me, and I rejoice in that.

Welcomed by Temporary Strangers

I attended church this morning in this big city, and I felt very welcome. The way the church meetings were conducted was familiar, and it felt quite like previous congregations I've been a part of, except that I don't know many people yet. I am grateful that I was able to feel welcome and invited in the local church congregation. That happened because people reached out and because I reached in.

Flexibility

I'm grateful for the virtue of being flexible, and by that I mean being willing and able to change plans if things don't work out. I walked out this afternoon with a fellow student with an objective: find the book fair at such-and-such building. We walked down there, and the building was closed. Plus, the book fair wasn't there at all. We decided to try another address, but we ran into a market instead. We decided it was starting to get late so we walked back to the residence building, but not before eating dinner. I had an idea to eat at a certain Italian place nearby, but the menu showed rather high prices. We changed our plan again and went to a good Thai place, with more feasible prices for college students.

It all turned out to be a grand adventure. Of course, I'm grateful that everything worked out and that everyone is safe, but I'm also grateful that we were all willing and able to change our plans and have fun even when things didn't work out.

The Subways

Today, I am grateful for subways because I saw today what happens when they don't work. It really wasn't a huge problem. There was a delay at a station for about ten to fifteen minutes. It seemed rather inconvenient, especially as more and more people filled the platform, waiting for the subway to be fixed and to arrive. It did eventually come, and everything continued as normal. The time we spent waiting was frustrating, but once everything started working I soon forgot my frustration. I was just glad to use the system! I am grateful for subway systems when they do work, which really is most of the time, and that is remarkable.

Walked and Didn't Faint.

There is a phrase in the scriptures that I have come to appreciate. It appears in Isaiah 40:31. It says, "they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I did a lot of walking today. A lot. I walked with a few friends to some local tourist sites for several hours. This morning I walked to and from my internship place so I wouldn't get lost when I start to work there. I walked several blocks with a large group of students as we looked for a place for dinner tonight. The walk to and from the tourist sites was the longest and most challenging, though. I was so exhausted, and yet I still did more walking after that. I am grateful that, today, I walked and didn't faint. I am grateful to be able to take myself where I need to go.

Two Encouragements

This is a very different experience for me, living in a big city. To be honest, I'm rather nervous about it now that I'm here. However, there are a couple of things that encourage and reassure me. First is the fact that all my transportation today, whether on a plane or a bus or on foot, has worked out rather smoothly. I was able, with some help sometimes, to get to where I needed and wanted to go. Many more mishaps and mistakes could have happened, but they didn't. Second, when I called home, I was encouraged by the thought that this is my first day and that it will just take a little time for me to get used to my surroundings. I am grateful that everything turned out well on my first day living and working in a big city.

Local Ice-Cream Place

My parents and I had an enjoyable walk to a local ice-cream place that we've been to many times before. I have many memories of going there with friends and family after a high school concert or after a day of enjoying the summer weather. Every summer and early fall, we went to get ice-cream there a few times while I was at home. I am grateful for this local ice-cream store because of the memories I have that are associated with the place, as well as the sidewalks that lead to it.