Didn't Sleep Longer Than Needful

I had set my alarm for a certain time, and I woke up almost an hour earlier. Naturally, I got back to bed. But, I couldn't get back to sleep. My felt felt like it had gotten the sleep it wanted and wouldn't accept any more. As much as I wanted to stay in bed until my alarm, I decided to get up and get a few things done ahead of time. I am grateful that I got as much sleep as I needed today, and that it was less than I thought I needed.

1000 Things to Be Grateful For

This is post #1000, a milestone that deserves its own recognition, its own expression of gratitude. I started this blog several years ago with the goal to express gratitude for as many things, and as many days, as I could. Now, I have proof that there are at least a thousand good and wonderful things in this world. Isn't that something to be grateful for?

And it turns out I'm not the only one to do so. Neil Pasricha has a website and a few books that talk about the awesome things he's found in life. Check out 1000awesomethings.com!

I am grateful for a thousand days of gratitude, and many, many more to come!

No Work Yet, But I Have Time Now to Work On Projects

It's been an average day. I had a hard time thinking of something to be grateful for. But something came to mind. Something always comes to mind when I'm trying to find something to be grateful for each day.

I am still working on finding work...so, I have a fair amount of free time on my hands. Sometimes I just relax. Other times, I work on personal projects I've been putting off until now. I am grateful for the time I have to work on personal history projects.

Meeting Revelation

Does revelation from heaven exist? I believe it does, for each one of us.
If so, when was the last time you received revelation? For me, earlier today.

I was in a church-related meeting. We were discussing a certain aspect of Sunday worship, and how we could make it better for everyone. We prayed first, and then we discussed. Ideas came to me and to the others in the meeting. As we discussed these ideas, I felt excited about the ideas. I felt uplifted, edified, enlightened, and at peace. When I left the meeting, I knew that God had blessed us with His spiritual influence to help us in our meeting. It was one of the best church meetings I've been to in a while.

I believe that such edifying experiences happen more often than we often realize. When we feel enlightenment and piece, we receive just a piece of heaven to keep us going. I truly believe that everything that is good comes from God.

I am grateful for the personal revelation I received today in a meeting.

Serving "Neighbors"

Today, with simple interactions, text messages, and quality time, I have helped a few people smile today. These people are family and friends, loved ones. At the end of the day, I realize that that was a form of service. It was the type of service Jesus Christ did during His ministry. My mind went to the concept of "loving thy neighbor," as well as the question, "who is my neighbor?"

I feel that often, especially in a society in which people generally don't know who their neighbors actually are, we translate this biblical sense of "neighbor" to "stranger." While I certainly believe that we must do good for everyone around us, I wonder if we actually do more Christ-like service than we realize.

I am grateful that I could serve a few neighbors today, and that this time those neighbors just happened to be people I really love and care about, family and friends.

Out of School, But Still A Lot to Learn

Now that I'm a college graduate (yeah!), my job search continues in full swing. I had an interview yesterday, which was really just an editing/grammar test to show my editing abilities for a job. The test was very similar to homework I had in my editing classes, and I realized I will always be learning and re-learning throughout my life, and that's okay. In fact, I like it that way. I love the concept of life-long learning, and I am grateful to know that I get to keep on learning even when it is so easy to convince yourself that you know everything you need to know.

More Epic by the Dozen

I had so much fun teaching almost a dozen people how to play Munchkin. That's way more than normal for the game, but we made it work. I've gotten used to teaching people how to play, and it is usually quite confusing for people at first. But, once these friends were starting to understand it, things got crazy and awesome! People were using the rules and their cards to give themselves advantages while sabotaging others' chances of winning. It was awesome to see so many people new at the Munchkin game have to much fun in an hour and a half. It was a good game night.

I am grateful for an epic Munchkin game night, with a dozen people!

Moving DAY

Moving my things, my sister's things, and my brother's things so we can all start to move to our respective apartments has taken all day. This has literally been moving DAY for me and my family. This whole moving process is one of many things that is difficult, yet possible.

Today, I am grateful for the help I've received in my moving efforts, as well as the opportunity to help my siblings in theirs. My parents, the great troopers they are, tirelessly helped all three of their kids move today. :)

Congratulating the Graduate

All graduation ceremonies are completed, and I can now move on to the next destination and adventure. Before all of that, however, it's time to celebrate! I didn't have much in the way of celebration plans, but what really mattered to me was spending time with loved ones. I was impressed that several people I love were able to make the trip over to celebrate with me. The presence of each individual meant a lot to me, knowing that they cared about me. I am grateful for those who came to celebrate with me today, as well as for those who sent their congratulations to me if they couldn't be there in person.

BYU

For five years of my life (that's basically one-fifth of my earthly existence, if you can believe it), I was learning, living, and experiencing the BYU experience. Five years of classes, exams, dances, roommates, church congregations, a cappella club, music ensembles, library work, and so much more have truly shaped my life for the better.

Brigham Young University is a wonderful, exceptional place to learn and grow. I won't be conviced otherwise otherwise because I have lived and learned and loved it there for five years. I can say, truly, sincerely, that I have been intellectually enlarged, my character has been building, I have been spiritually strengthened, and I have a strong personal commitment to life-long learning and service. I entered to learn, and now I go forth to serve. I truly intend to. I am grateful, so very grateful, for Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.

In short: It's been great, BYU. Thanks for the great times. Thanks for letting me walk around in a cap and gown and tassel today. :)

I Did It...I'm Done!

The other day, I mentioned my last testing center final. Today, I took my last final as an undergrad! The projects are done; the papers are done; the exams are done; I am done! Now, I get to enjoy some exciting and solemn celebrations over the next couple of days with family and other loved ones. I made it. I did it. Yesterday, I said "one more day." It was tempting to just let my last projects and exam slide, but I am grateful that I finished them. I am grateful that I was able to complete all the requirements for graduation, and then some!

I've taken a lot of other fun classes and did many extra activities: a cappella club, dance classes, music classes, a preparation for marriage class (no, I'm not planning on getting married very soon), library and museum work, and more. It's been long; it's been hard; it's been fun; and it has stretched my capabilities and capacities. Once again, I am grateful that I was able to complete all that was required of me to be able to graduate this week!

Just...One...More...Day...

One day separates me from graduation. Just one portfolio project and one final final exam. It's been hard to stay motivated because I'm so close. It's been hard to want to do the work I need to do to fully justify walking with a cap and gown this week. But, with one more day (being tomorrow), I have resolved that I can finish. I am grateful that I still have one more day to finish my undergraduate education. The work is hard, but very possible!

Testing Center

There is a testing center at my campus. It doesn't distribute every exam, because some are scheduled to be taken in classrooms. But, a lot of exams are taken care of at this testing center.

Today, I took my last final exam from the testing center. I still have two scheduled finals to take, but I'm not worried about them at all. I am grateful for the work and the services of my campus' testing center.

From One Calling to Another

These past few months, my calling, or volunteer assignment in the local congregation had a lot of responsibility for a lot of people. I really enjoyed being of service to them, and being a friend in this capacity. Today, my church leaders asked me to take on a different assignment (releasing me from the previous one). This assignment is much smaller in scope, and not something I expected at all. But, the leaders felt I was the right person for that job, so I will do it.

In a time of extensive transition, my church duties are affected as well. But, I'm okay with that, because I know I can make a difference for good no matter where I am. As I approach college graduation, I approach my new assignment with excitement and determination.

I'm grateful for a new church calling. I've enjoyed my previous one, and now it's time to transition to new responsibilities.

To Those Who Looked Up

After taking an exam, I decided I had a few extra hours to implement an idea I had for the past couple of weeks. I bought a piece of foamboard and a thick Sharpie and wrote the following message:

"You Survived! Yay!
Have a wonderful day!
(Free Puns, just ask!)"

I stood with this sign outside a campus building so that students who had just finished a test would walk out and see my message. Though I was in plain sight, there were a few people who never saw me, because they were looking down on their phones to text or start to call someone.Understandable to a degree, but kind of unfortunate.

Most people, however, did see me, and it was worth the couple of hours of standing to see smiles on students' faces. Several people asked for a free pun, which brought added delight all around, as did a smattering of high-fives and hugs. Today, I am grateful for those people (indeed, most of the students that walked out of the exam building) who looked up and saw me, sharing a good sign.

People CAN Change, in Such Wonderful Ways

As many Mormons can attest, an LDS mission is perhaps the most frustrating and rewarding experience in a young person's life. My mission, nearly three years ago, was no different. Every so often, I run across someone from my mission and many memories suddenly come back to me. I especially recall memories of the people, and the successes and frustrations I saw and experienced with them. Some people improved their lives, and it was a wonderful blessing to help them become happier. On the other hand, some people never seemed to reach their full potential. It was frustrating to see people continue destructive habits and attitudes when you tried to help them overcome their challenges.

Today, I ran into a fellow returned missionary and we talked about some of the people we met on our missions (we served in the same mission). I remembered many of these people and the successes and frustrations that attended them. There was one individual I remember that had particularity frustrating challenges. While I was in the area, this person didn't seem to be on the road to improvement, and there wasn't much I could do. Today, I learned that this person has since reformed their life and abandoned their destructive habits and influences. This person is now a leader in the local community, serving other people in wonderful, beneficial ways. This was perhaps the greatest news I've heard in a while.

Today, I am grateful for belated missionary success. I may not have had direct influence on this or other positive changes in some people's lives, but I know I did my best, and that means the world to me.

Taxes

Like final exams, projects, and papers, filing taxes has been looming over my head for a while and I just never feel like getting around to it. But, like just about every exam, project, and paper I do, it was finished more quickly than I thought it would be. I am grateful for the IRS and state tax websites that allowed me to figure everything out in less than two hours, without paying any fees.

Hope everyone has a good, successful tax day tomorrow!

Ron Chernow, Thank You

For those of you that have heard of (and fallen in love with) the musical, Hamilton, you may be familiar with the book that inspired its creation: Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton. I have been wanting to read it for a while, because the book is always better, right? I finally got to check it out of the library, and I've enjoyed the first chapter so far. It has been quite a while since I've started reading a book just for personal enjoyment. I guess that's one perk to being almost done with school!

I am grateful for Ron Chernow's book that has inspired an ingenious musical, and which captures my imagination in its description of a unique founding father of America.

My Last Day of Class

That's right, I attended my last class ever on campus. I may go to graduate school later on, but that's not in my immediate future. When the teacher of my last class asked if anyone had good news to share about their lives, I raised my hand and shared this bit of news. I got a round of applause for it. Five years of classes, and I get applause. Worth it!

Now, to finish all these projects and exams...

I am grateful for my final last day of college classes. It was a good day. :)

It's Nice to Know

Are you familiar with the musical Fiddler on the Roof? Most of my friends and family are. There's a song in that show in which the middle-aged protagonist asks his wife if she loves him. His daughters are beginning to get married and leave the house, so love is on his mind. A delightful duet ensues, and concludes with them declaring their love for each other. They say, "It doesn't change a  thing, but even so, after 25 years, it's nice to know."

At home and here in college, I am surrounded by people who I love and appreciate, and I am quite confident they feel the same way about me. For example, I was at a community picnic this evening, and my ecclesiastical leader, a man I truly admire and respect, was there. As I was about to leave, he spent a few minutes walking and talking with me and my roommate. I've never doubted his love and appreciation for me, but it was really nice to hear it from him today.

Also, I received a message from a special friend today, in which she expressed her love and appreciation for me. Again, it has never been in doubt for me, but it's so nice to hear it. It's nice to know. These two instances weren't the only ones in which I've received love and kindness today, but they stick out in my mind right now.

I am grateful for the people in my life who tell me and show me their love and appreciation. It means a lot to me.

What I Know; What I've Felt

While I was at church today, I decided to be better at focusing on what is said, as well as how I feel about what is said. These were my thoughts:

I have taken many daily blessings for granted. I have had many moments when I have felt at peace with my life and with the world. I have had the desire to do good, multiple times a day. I have felt empathy, love, and understanding for those I meet and know. All of this because I am grateful for for Jesus Christ, His life and His sacrifice. I love the Savior, who strengthens me and comforts me in all things, through the Holy Spirit.

A gospel teacher asked his class today: "What do you love about the Church?" I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it teaches what I've come to believe to be true, such as those principles behind the thoughts and feelings I described in the previous paragraph. I love that the Church focuses on Jesus Christ in every word, song, action, and ordinance. I am grateful for the truths and principles taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I realize more and more that I am blessed by these true principles every day of my life. Everything that is good comes from God.

Balinese Gamelan

Three years ago, I didn't even know what a gamelan was. Thanks to a wonderful teacher and good friends, I have enjoyed five semesters of Indonesian percussion (specifically, from the island of Bali). My participation fulfilled a requirement for my music minor. Besides, I wanted to learn more about percussion. Balinese music has fascinated me ever since. Tonight we had our percussion concert that happens each semester. Just like with the a cappella group, this is a bit bittersweet since it was my last as a student in the group. But, I am so very grateful for the time I spent in a campus gamelan. It may make me a little "weirder," but I don't care because I loved it.

My Favorite Audacious A Cappella Group

I have been directing an a cappella group for the past three years. Each semester brings a new group of singers, and each semester got better and better. Group rehearsals were always a great highlight of each week, especially when I see the other group members smiling and having fun. My group performs once a semester, and we had a very successful performance tonight. I call it a success when, at the end of the concert, the members of the group leave with big smiles on their faces, grateful for this semester-long experience.

This is a bit bittersweet for me because this was my last concert with this group. In my life, I try to live and lead in such a way that what I do and say blesses the lives of those around me. In my life, I try to make people smile and look up (metaphorically). I believe that I have done that as director of this wonderful a cappella group. I am grateful for three wonderful, successful years as director of Audacity.

To Er is Human...

I had a job interview today. It went pretty well, considering that I was late because I missed public transportation (that's what you get for delaying buying a car). The hiring manager was forgiving, and we went on to have a good interview. I try very hard on making good first impressions, and I was honestly quite worried about my tardiness to this interview. But, it all worked out for the best. I am grateful for times when humans can let other humans be imperfect humans.

Poetry Readings

A local library is having poetry readings on Wednesdays for National Poetry Month. Someone gave me the idea of sharing the lyrics of a song I recently wrote ("In 1776"), reading it like a poem. So, I did. I enjoyed sharing it, and several people praised it. People I admire and respect told me my work was great. Such validating words mean a lot to me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share poetry with others this afternoon.

Can't Have Too Much Vitamin C

When I feel a cold or something coming on, I down several packets of Emergen-C when I can. One packet contains 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, and those things have worked wonders for me in the past. I am grateful that you can't really have too much vitamin C. If there's too much, your body just gets rid of it naturally. There are so many things that our bodies do already so that we can worry about more pressing matters, like final exams!

Hard Drive Cord

I really appreciate my external hard drive, which I've used in the past to back up a few files. I hadn't used it in a while because I lost its cord. I found it today, so I could make use of the hard drive again! I am grateful for the cord to my external hard drive, as well as the hard drive itself.

I Get to Read Them Over and Over Again

This weekend was the LDS General Conference, held every six months. I always love the counsel and direction given by inspired Church leaders. Unfortunately, I was very tired this weekend, and it was hard for me to stay awake and fully focus on what was said. I am grateful that I can soon review the inspired messages of Conference over and over again, once they are available online.

General Conference with People I Love

I grew up watching LDS General Conference with my family every April and October. In recent years, I've watched a few sessions with friends or by myself. It's always an edifying experience, but I enjoy it more when I watch it with people I care about. Today, I got to do that. I am grateful I can enjoy LDS General Conference with those I love and appreciate.

April Fool's Day is Fun!

I don't mind April Fool's Day at all. I love seeing the creative pranks and announcements that are usually made on this day. I actually considered doing something like that on this blog today, perhaps saying something like, "This will be my final post on this blog because I have run out of things to be grateful for." Then I decided it wasn't really that funny. Besides, by the time I publish this post, the day will be nearly over.

In any case, I think April Fool's Day is rather fun, at least what I've seen of it. I'm grateful for April Fool's Day.