Grateful for 2015

I do truly believe that any day can be the beginning of a new year for anyone. But, I think it is still fun and productive to consider ways to improve myself for the new year. I looked at my resolutions from last year, and I didn't really accomplish most of them. But, I have noticed that I've done many great things right, and consistently. A couple of recent examples include working out with my parents every day this Christmas break (except Dec. 24 and 25), and never missing a day in this blog for the last four months of the year. For me, 2015 also included many wonderful friendships, an internship, and many great family relationships that continue to be great blessings to me.

So here's to 2015, and here's to an even better 2016!

Vacation at Home

A couple weeks ago, I told myself that I was going to get so many things done over the holiday break. I did get a few things accomplished, but not nearly as much as I hoped because I often have very high expectations for my productivity during off-time. In general, this has felt a little like vacation for me. I got to spend the holiday season with my family in my hometown, and it has been quite relaxing. Very soon, I will be back in the full-time school/part-time work routine.

I am grateful for a few weeks of vacation time at home.

Haircut at a Men's Hair Salon (or "hair-cutting place," whichever is more manly, I guess)

It's been too long since the last time I got my hair cut. Now, my hair has been reduced from about 3" to about 1", and it's such a relief! Even better, the hair-cutting place was pretty good. They specialized in men's hair, and I appreciate the work they do.

Go Speech Team!

I had the privilege of helping out at a "speech camp" today. It was an event for a local high school speech team of which I am an alumnus. Some of my greatest memories of high school came from my involvement with the speech team, and I am always very happy to help at the annual speech camp.

It was a productive activity for the current team members. I enjoyed witnessing the creativity, the energy, and the silliness of today's "speech kids," similar to the speech kids I worked with a few years ago. What a delight it was for me to be involved in all of this for a day!

I am grateful for the time I had to be with a high school speech team, to give them my support, advice, and encouragement.

Threadbarely Had A Chance

Often, without thinking about it, I find myself following an old saying: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." This holds especially true for my socks. I didn't ask for any new socks this year because I thought I had plenty of them. They all worked fine for me, and if they got a little thin, I wore slippers more often. Who cares?

A-parent-ly, my parents care.

My mom asked to look through my socks before I packed them away in my suitcases. If she found any holes in them, they were thrown. Seven socks (yes, an even seven, odd isn't it?) were found wanting, and they were thrown away. To make up for my loss, my mom found some brand new socks among the leftover stocking stuffers. "Oh, alright, I'll take the new ones," I said. It's not like I don't like getting new socks; it's just that I usually don't get around to it, and my parents are only too aware of that.

Today, I am grateful for new socks. :)

Celebrating Love

Today, we celebrated my parents' anniversary by going out to a nice restaurant for dinner. They gave us a free dessert, and they even wrote "Happy Anniversary!" on the plate in chocolate! We all (my parents and I) had a lovely time.

Tonight, we decided to watch the film Interstellar. Oh. My. Goodness. Gracious. My mind was blown several times in the space (or was it time?) of 2.5 hours. I was quickly invested and wrapped up in all the emotion and science and technology and disaster and [insert further raving about this spectacularly stellar movie that blew me away while my confusion dawned into recognition and amazement...multiple times]...etc.

Anyway, that's enough raving. What impressed me the most about Interstellar was that at the heart of the film was love, hope, and humanity, especially love. Today, I am grateful for a celebration, followed by a wonderful film, centered on human love. :)

A Family Christmas

My parents and I opened all our presents and enjoyed Christmas treats and Christmas dinner today. We had a three-way Skype call between my parents and I at home, my sister on her mission, and my brother on vacation. Both of my grandmothers called to say hi, see how we were doing, and wish us a merry Christmas. My parents even played two rounds of Munchkin, the Christmas Lite version, with me (my mom won the first game, and my dad the second)!

My Christmas 2015 was all about family, and at the center of my family is Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrated with beautiful traditions. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Traditions

After coming home from a Christmas Eve party at a friend's house, my parents and I decided to watch "White Christmas." It was soon getting late and we had just barely finished wrapping all the presents and putting the Christmas stockings out. It was actually approaching midnight when I suggested we do two more things; two things we did as a family every year on Christmas Eve: First, read the Christmas story in the scriptures. Second, each person gets to open one present.

My parents were feeling more tired than I was, so I read the three scripture passages that make up the true Christmas story in the scriptures: Luke 2:1-20 (the most well-known Christmas passage); Matthew 2:1-12 (the three wise men); and 3 Nephi 1:4-23 (the Book of Mormon tells of how the ancient American people knew of the birth of Jesus Christ). I love those passages. They center me on the reason for the Christmas season.

Oh, and the present was nice, too. :) I am grateful for my family's Christmas Eve traditions.

Electronic Workout Trainer

At the gym, there are lots of treadmills and elliptical machines available for use. Most of them have a video monitor, which displays information about your workout, as well as TV shows. I am grateful for the elliptical machine I used today because the machine helped me recognize target heart rates and adjusted its slope and resistance according to how I was doing. Technology! Amazing, eh?

Caroling, Caroling, Down I Went and Down They Go.

One of the activities that kept me busy back in high school was high school caroling. I was able to don a coat, gloves, a cravat, and a top hat (the girls had dresses and hand muffs) and sing as a tenor in a dozen Christmas carols in many gigs across the town, for most of December. It was hectic and busy, but it was so much fun.

It's been a while since I was a high school caroler, and I'm glad that tradition continues on. I was able to visit my old high school and listen to this year's group of carolers. I found myself remembering most of the tenor parts, which surprised me a little. It was a lovely and cheerful performance. It was a good mix of nostalgia and Christmas cheer for me. I am grateful for high school carolers, from the time I was one of them to today, when I was able to watch them.

Film Commentaries

The things that go on behind the scenes to make a movie fascinate me. That is why I am grateful for film commentaries. Today, I listened to George Lucas and other filmmakers discuss how they made Star Wars: Episode IV. Great stuff! As an added bonus, they give me more bits of trivia that I can share with family and friends. 

Acquainted with Many Minds

It is easy for me to feel frustrated with politics. Sometimes, when I work out on cardio machines, I like to flip between news channels to catch up on current events using several viewpoints. For example, one day I switched between Fox News and CNN. What frustrates me the most is the competitive attitude against the "opposing" party. I notice this a lot on social media as well:

"[Some Democrat] does not care about the American way of life."
"[Some Republican] does not care about the American people."
"Liberals are astray and do not uphold any established values."
"Conservatives are backwards and do not see different points of view."

I don't quote any one source, but I paraphrase many of the arguments I've seen and heard.

I know it's hard to settle differences. As I ponder all of this, I am reminded of my own background, my own biases. I realize my ideological background is more diverse than I originally thought. Looking at my friends, family, acquaintances, and everyone I interact with in person or online, I realize that I have influences on both sides of many political, ideological, and even some moral issues. On some things I feel certain, on others I feel less certain, and I sometimes get frustrated with arguments and verbal attacks. But, I am grateful to be acquainted with many minds. I am grateful to know a diverse circle of people, and that allows me to see the world in more ways than I could on my own.  From there, I have the freedom to think, speak, and act according to the dictates of my conscience. 

The People at Home

I went with my parents to a Christmas party tonight. We knew several friends there, and I knew people would ask me how I was doing and what my next step in life is. I'm one of those kids who's out of the house but returns home for Christmas and most summer holidays. I'm always happy to be home, and I am always happy to see these familiar friendly faces, most of whom I know from church. I have never doubted that these people, who have been teachers, leaders, and friends in my growing up years, have anything but hope and encouragement for me and my future. I am grateful for my friends in my hometown. They are an essential part of what makes my hometown feel like home.

Going A Mile in Record Time

I've been getting back into an exercise routine this holiday season. I begin by jogging for a mile. I'm interested in seeing how fast I can cover the distance. I still remember the dismal running times I had in elementary school. I was a slower kid who watched the athletic kids finish a mile in seven minutes while I finally arrive in double the time. Earlier this week, I clocked in with a 10:10 time in jogging a mile. Today, I impressed myself with a 9:10 time. I never thought I'd cover a mile with a single-digit time!

I don't think I've gotten considerably faster in under a week. Rather, I now have a slightly better idea of my physical limits and I started to push them a little. Also, I think it has a lot to do with increased confidence, too.

So, I'm grateful for significant improvement in running a mile. This gives me encouragement to continue my workout efforts.

STAR WARS VII!!!!!!!!!

I am grateful for Star Wars!!!!!!! Predictable? Admittedly. Ashamed? Heck, no!

...I'm actually not going to see the movie for another week or so...but that aside, I'm pretty sure most people in the country, nay, in the world are very grateful that Star Wars exists! People have been excited about Episode VII: The Force Awakens for over a year. Can you believe there was a time when people thought it was all over after The Revenge of the Sith was released!?

Explanation hardly seems necessary here, but I'll have a go anyway. Who doesn't love the majestic scrolling introduction, the awe-inspiring lightsaber battles, the madness of Sith lords, the wisdom of Jedi masters, the myriad of unstoppable duos (Han Solo/Chewbacca, Luke/Leia, Han/Leia, R2D2/C-3PO, Jango/Bobba, Anakin/Padme, Qui-Gon/Obi-Won, Obi-Won/Anakin, Anakin/Palpatine, and on and on), the timeless film quotes, and that EPIC John Williams score, to name a few of my favorite things.

Yes, I am grateful for Star Wars, and thanks to this new movie, the world has awakened with a new hope that this epic franchise will go on.

To all who are off to see the movie: May the Force be with you. 

Interior Design--Christmas Style

I've never taken a class on interior design or anything, but I have taken some basic art and design classes and I am intuitively aware of the basic principles of color, shape, space, composition, layout, etc.

With my parents busy with work and other things, and with me being all done with school for the semester, I've started to decorate the living room a little more with our Christmas things, starting with the tree and a Playmobil nativity set. I was in a very blissful Christmas mood as I listened to Christmas music while winding colorful lights around the tree. I felt I was playing the role of artist as I carefully considered and implemented the placement of each piece of the nativity set. when I create something, I like to have meaning in it, even if it's not obvious. For example, a nodding head or an upturned hand might seem appropriate for the scene I want to create. Also, we've had Mary stand up in years past, but I decided to have her sit down, closest to the manger this time to show her resting after delivering the baby Jesus. Little things like that came to mind as I worked, and it made me smile.

I am grateful to be involved in Christmas decorating this year. There always seems to be a hint of magic or inspiration in the process.

Grad School Applications...It Has Begun...

I finished a couple of grad school applications tonight. They are just the beginning of the dozen or so schools that need transcripts, letters, statements, resumes, and anywhere from $30-$100. Definitely not my first choice of an activity for Christmas break, but at least I've got a good start. Also, I've had an incredible amount of help today and in the past couple of years, in preparing for graduate school, not the least of which has come from my parents.

I am so very grateful for the amount of time and effort my parents give to support and encourage me as I apply for graduate schools.

YMCA

You know, the YMCA is fantastic. I have some good memories of that place from when I was a kid, and the facilities are still very good. I am grateful for the service and experiences they provide to the communities that have them. Yes, they do deserve that popular song!

Christmas Drop-Offs

Today, I went with my mom to drop off some treats for some friends, as well as a person in need. While we visited with these people and dropped off our Christmas goodies, I had this thought that encompassed in this activity is not just true Christmas, but true Christianity. We gave gifts because we wanted to share some love, friendship, fellowship, and Christmas cheer. I am grateful for these kinds of drop-offs.

Washington D.C.

For a place drenched in rich history and fascinating politics; 
For the capital of the United States of America;
For the city in which I've lived, worked, learned, and explored for the past few months;
I am grateful.

This past semester has been a tremendous adventure. I've gained experience, friendships, memories of memorials and museums, professional confidence, some political enlightenment, and a desire to continue my service and learning. I could not have asked for a better, more fulfilling internship experience. I am grateful for a fulfilling semester in Washington D.C.

Finding Value in a Short-Term Investment

For my last day in the East Coast, my roommate and I decided to make a day out of Mount Vernon. We traveled for a while to get there and got to walk around the home and estate of George Washington, including the tomb where he and Martha Washington have been laid to rest. It was beautiful, all around, especially the view of the river from the mansion.

We met up with a friend about halfway through the trip. We had only known this guy for a week or so, but we had great conversation. I could tell he was a little sad to hear that my roommate and I would be leaving tomorrow. This encounter made me wonder: what is the worth of getting to know someone and invest in a short-term friendship when you will part ways soon? Personally, I sometimes struggle with this question. Tonight, I received an answer: It's worth it in this moment. Why not work and act and interact with people as if you'll be staying for years? People will come and go throughout my life, but I should do what I can to make every interaction worthwhile. It is worth interacting and conversing with people in such a way that, when all is said and done, you and the other person have both become better people because you've met. There should be some sort of learning, edification, enlightening, or rejoicing together.

Today, I am grateful for a joyous adventure in Mount Vernon, and the very pleasant interactions I had with a couple of guys I met only recently.

Successful Internship

Today was the last day of my semester-long internship. Wow, what a delightful and challenging experience it has been! I couldn't have asked for anything more in an internship. The people who work there are wonderful, and I felt that thank you cards were the least I could give them for their help and support. As I said goodbye to the other employees, I had a sense of fulfillment. It's that victory I long for at every goodbye: Knowing that I left a place better off than when I arrived. The full-time employees thanked me for my contributions this semester.

I am grateful to know that my internship has contributed to the organization, as well as my growth from student to professional.

No Such Thing As Free Lunch, But What About Free Cupcakes?

I am almost at the end of my semester-long internship. My supervisor invited me and our other co-workers to have lunch together today, and he brought cupcakes for all of us! It was a pleasant lunch because I felt I was in pleasant company, and that these people were genuinely grateful for the work I had done these past few months.

I am grateful for free cupcakes, shared with good co-workers.

Need to Improve, But Doing Many Things Right

I attended my weekly religion class, the last one of the semester, actually. It has been beneficial for me to attend a class about Jesus Christ and His teachings. As I participated in the class, I thought and felt that I needed to improve, and I recognized specific things I needed to better about. I actually felt frustrated with myself, since it seems so hard to be better, even if I try.

Then, I was reminded of something my parents said to me recently: "Ask God what you're doing right." I think a lot about how I can be better, but it is easy for me to disregard the fact that I'm already a very good person that has done very good things. I was reminded of that tonight, while I committed to work a little harder on this habit or that little thing that holds me back.

I believe in improvement and progression, and sometimes it's hard to recognize that it's even happening. I am grateful for a good, challenging semester of weekly religion classes. I believe I have become a little better because of it.

Yoga

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed yoga. I think the last time I did a real yoga session was in high school. I did yoga with some friends for about half an hour today and I'm glad I did it. The most fulfilling moments for me were at the end. After all the stretching and balancing and such, we ended by sitting cross-legged and taking deep breaths. All this while a lovely piece of music ("The Light," by Album Leaf) played from someone's phone. The meditation did me good. I felt relaxed and free. I felt quite happy and accomplished. I felt mentally refreshed after a full day of work.

I am grateful for a successful and refreshing yoga session.

When Your Favorite Carol Comes On...Twice

I watched the Christmas Devotional tonight at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, UT. Wonderful Christmas messages given by good Christian people. My favorite aspect of the devotional was the music. Not once, but twice the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (informally, MoTab) sang my favorite Christmas carols (I have about half a dozen favorite Christmas carols). They sang "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Carol of the Bells."

I am grateful for those awesome moments when MoTab sang my favorite Christmas carols...twice!

The Man and the Birds: Beauty and Storytelling...and Christian Parables

At a Christmas party tonight, part of the festivities included someone sharing a Christmas story. I had never heard of it before. It was this story: The Man and the Birds. I knew there was a point to the story somewhere, so I listened patiently until the end. I soon realized that the story acted as a parable. I expected the narrator to explain what the man and the birds each represented. But no; the story ends wit the man kneeling in the snow. It seemed to be an abrupt ending at first, but then I realized how it left the audience to realize the conclusion for themselves. Jesus Christ often taught this way, not always giving obvious explanations to His parables.

I am grateful for a beautiful Christmas story and the silent lesson it tries to teach.

Magical Christmas Lights

I attended a Christmas-themed concert today. I enjoyed it, and there was a wonderful and impressive display of Christmas lights outside. Christmas lights often feel magical to me. I remember visiting the Salt Lake Temple Square in Utah a few years ago, admiring the light display there. I am grateful for Christmas lights. Though schoolwork is not over for me yet, I really appreciated this display of holiday cheer so early in the month. :)

When Your Laptop Just Isn't Enough...

I was excited for an NBC special tonight: "The Wiz Live!" I was once in a production of "The Wiz," so I was hoping to watch this NBC version tonight. However, I didn't have access to a TV (they were all being used by others), so I tried to access it through live streaming. Not on Netflix; not on Amazon; can't get it on my phone; don't have Hulu; don't have Dish Network or access to any other cable network on my own. I finally resigned to my fate and started on that homework I never really got to this week...

But I'm glad my laptop couldn't get me "The Wiz Live," because I got all my homework done tonight! Yes, I'm up really late, but it's done! I feel that sense of accomplishment. I also feel a sense of hope that perhaps I'll get to watch that show on the NBC website or on Youtube or something. I can dream, right? :)

Good Podcasts

I listened to a few NPR podcasts while doing some repetitive work at the office today. Fascinating stuff! I really enjoyed the content, and felt that I learned some great things. I am grateful for good podcasts, especially from NPR.

An Encouraging Inquiry

If you aren't aware, Blogger provides lots of really great statistics for their bloggers. Of course there is never any personal information shown to me or anyone else. What I can see is number of page views, where those views come from (what country, browser, referring URL, etc.), and which posts have been more popular than others. I don't look at those stats very often, because that has never been the purpose of this daily blog. But, every so often I look at it, just 'cause I'm curious to see where people are coming from.

One interesting stat is "Search Keywords." I don't know exactly what this is, but it seems to be a list of the internet searches that lead to my blog posts. I've looked at this before, but there was one particular search that came up this week that caught my eye:

"what can the united states be grateful for"

According to the stats, this search generated two page views. I don't know who made that search or why, but that's not my business. In the end this gives me the idea that what I'm writing here every day is making a small difference. I imagined someone asking that question and literally searching for an answer to see what comes up, and they read something that I wrote here. This encourages me. This is my hope and dream: to be assured that the world is a little better because of what I could do and be.

By the way, if I were asked that question in person, I would say something like this: "I think the United States has more to be grateful for than anyone realizes, or believes. [name a few general things like social progress, certain freedoms, prosperity, life, liberty, etc.] It surprises even me whenever I stop to seriously think about it." :)