The Monday-est Tuesday...

One of my co-workers said this today: "This is the most Monday-est Tuesday ever." I felt the same way. I was tired, and even sleepy as I tried to get work done. It was hard for me to work today after a very enjoyable weekend. Then, the supervisors announced that if we, as a team, are able to clear the queue of articles to edit for the day, we could all leave early. We did it, and we all left the office a couple hours early.

I really do enjoy my work, but today I am grateful that I could get home early after a very Monday-ish Tuesday.

Finding Joy and Laughs in Losing

I was playing board games today and some, like Clue, I hadn't played in quite some time. I like to think I'm good at board games, but my opponents used strategy that I didn't think could exist in the games. I lost twice in a row, all in less than twenty minutes! But, we all had a good time. I am grateful that losing in a board game can still be just as fun as winning.

Some Calls to Pass the Time

I had a brief meeting after church today, but it was scheduled at an hour and a half after church was over. I decided to stay in the building and take the time to call loved ones. I make these phone calls on Sundays anyway, so I thought this would be the best time to do them. Thankfully, I was able to reach everyone I wanted to, and the 90 minutes went by quickly. My brief meeting was also a success. I am grateful that I was able to pass the time by talking with people I love over the phone.

Pacific Festival

I was walking downtown today, and found a street market set up! I had no idea why it was there, so my curiosity was piqued. Turned out, it was a festival, celebrating Pacific island culture. It was a lot of fun! The music, dance, and crafts were all wonderful. I have experienced these cultures to some degree when I spent a couple of months doing volunteer work, working directly with a man from Tonga. I have never been to that part of the world, and I likely never will. But, I appreciate the beauty and the goodness of the people there. I am grateful for the peoples and the cultures of the Pacific islands.

I Appreciate Literary Sandwiches!

I had lunch at a place that had a sandwich called "Catcher in the Rye." I ordered it, and it was delicious! I also really appreciated the literary allusion, of course. I am grateful for a literary sandwich. :)

Surprise Birthday Party! In My Kitchen! Surprise!

I walked into my kitchen to discover that I was in the middle of a surprise birthday party, because I have roommates who are awesome like that.

No, it wasn't my birthday, it was for someone else. But, I am grateful for these spontaneous celebrations. I am grateful to be part of a community that enjoys celebrating each other together.

An Alumnus, Still Learning

One awesome thing about being an editor is the amount of reading I get to do. I read dozens of articles each day at work, about many different topics. Right now it feels like an ever-filling soup of information in my mind, so a lot of the information I come across is hard to distinguish from the rest. But, I'm learning a lot of things about a lot of things. Already, I've become more convinced of the importance of regular flossing, and I'm getting back into that habit. I am grateful that I can still learn things even as a college alumnus.

Just For Two Hours

I appreciate having a great job, though working eight hour days is a change for me. But I've figured out that I only need to worry about up to two hours at a time. Because of scheduled breaks, meetings, and other events in the office, I have up to two hours before something breaks up the routine. I can handle that! I can work for two hours at a time! I am grateful that I'm able to find ways to work hard for hours without being bored.

Candid Journal

For over a decade, I have been recording my personal history. Some days are better than others when it comes to this habit, but it happens. I get things written down. In a journal entry today, I was especially honest and candid with myself. I felt that I was truly writing down a snapshot of myself at that exact moment. Whoever reads it (if anyone ever reads it), they will have a good idea of who I was today during my lunch break. I am grateful that I can express complete candor in my journal.

Headache...Got Better!

Sunday morning church was hard for me today, because exhaustion and a headache distracted me from the good, edifying messages given today. I did the best I could, and I laid myself down at my apartment afterwards. As I lay there, talking on the phone, I realized I felt much better! My head stopped hurting, and I was able to enjoy and focus on the rest of the day. I am grateful for the disappearance of this morning's headache.

Coloring Books

I haven't done coloring books in years, until today. It was relaxing, and the end result was something to be proud of. I am grateful for coloring books, especially those with complex patterns for adults.

A Bit of a Stretch

Are you familiar with that feeling you get when you stretch? It's painful, but after a few hours of sitting at a desk, it is a great release. I am grateful that my workplace encourages occasional stretch breaks, because I sit in front of a computer for hours on end.

It's Great to Be An Editor!

I work as an editor, and it is quite rewarding to see a second draft of a piece and see tremendous improvement. I am grateful for the editing profession. It has given me a source of income, and it gives me fulfilling work.

Forgot My Lunch, But Didn't Go Hungry

I was late for work today because I missed a bus. No harm done, really, except that I forgot to bring the lunch I had packed. I decided I would deal with it and focus on working.

Well, it just so happened that a coworker was celebrating a work anniversary and brought a bunch of muffins to the office! By lunchtime, there were still lots of muffins left! So, that was my lunch, eating my fill of yummy muffins until I wasn't hungry anymore. That got me through the work day.

I am grateful for free muffins, because they ended up being my free lunch!

Do You Have Any Questions?

The question of questions, and it ironically doesn't get answered too often because usually people don't know what to ask. Such is the case with my new job. I expect the first week or so to include information overload about the company, the industry, my specific job, and the office culture and procedures. Often, I am asked if I have questions. I've had a few, but I told my new supervisors what I often say when I'm asked if I have questions: I believe any questions I have will be answered shortly.

It seems that the best way to learn many things is to just start doing it. I've found that this often solves my unanswered and/or unspoken questions. As much of an information overload as these first couple of work days have been, I am grateful that I have a lot of time ahead in the company to learn the answers to my questions.

Owl City Fans

It's been a long day for me, but a good day of work. Some great music is a great way to end such a day. I thought I was a pretty big Owl City fan, until I met my current roommate. He plays Owl City music more often than I do, and I think that's awesome. I am grateful to have a roommate that appreciates Owl City as much as, if not more than, I do.

Home Teachers, Home Friends

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I've always had home teachers. Sometimes I have home teachers that don't come often, if at all. Sometimes I get home teachers who are diligent in their church service. Sometimes I get to have good friends as my home teachers, and such is the case now. I really appreciated the spiritual discussion we had today, as brief as it was. It made this Sunday more meaningful and special for me. I am grateful to have good friends as home teachers.

The Count of Monte Cristo

I am really intrigued with the story of "The Count of Monte Cristo." There is such mystery, injustice, poetic justice, anguish, guilt, and redemption. I've read the book years ago, and I've watched the movie and seen the musical more recently. Wonderful, gripping story, and I am grateful that it exists in the world.

Track Meet...and a Job!

Today, I am grateful that I was able to support a friend in a track meet.

Today, I am also grateful to finally land a great full-time after graduation!

These two blessings occurred at just about the same time today.

Make it a great day, everyone!

Personal Nosebleed Doctor

I got a nosebleed today, and then I took care of it until it stopped. I may not know very much about medicine, but I do know enough to take care of myself every day. I am grateful to know how to cure a simple nosebleed. I am grateful to be able to take care of myself everyday.

Genealogy 101

I am not a licensed genealogist, nor do I have a job in genealogy (although I would really enjoy such a job), but I know enough to help those who know less than I do. Today, I had the opportunity to help a friend who knew very little about family history research and yet wanted to get started on it. The sort of beginner knowledge she needed was the sort that I could share. I am grateful for the time I took to help someone learn the basics of genealogy.

The Stories I Know, and the Stories I Have Yet to Know

I participated in a family history activity today, in which people shared stories and facts they found after about half an hour of searching online. I am grateful to know several inspiring stories about my ancestors. These stories range from early Mormon converts in Europe to westward-bound American pioneers to Civil War veterans, and many more. I look forward to the many other stories I will discover as I continue to search my family history in the years to come.

Capture the Flag

I got to play Capture the Flag with friends for an hour and a half today. I had forgotten how tough that game is, especially since I'm so out of shape! Somehow, my team had smaller numbers than the other team, but we coordinated our efforts to distract and outrun them in their field. Alas, to no avail. No team really won, but I had a lot of fun. For me, it wasn't about winning, but the journey towards that hopeful victory.

I am grateful for a great hour and a half of Capture the Flag.

Skype Song

I can never adequately thank my mother for all she has done for me, nor can any gift I give truly add up to the value and significance of her influence in my life.

However, when I joined all of my siblings in singing one of my mom's favorite songs to her, she said it was the best gift she could have received. What was truly remarkable was the fact that this occurred over a four-way Skype call. We sang as best we could, and according to my mother, it was enough.

I am grateful for my mother, as always, and I am grateful that my siblings and I could sing to her over Skype.

Saturday Night Sunday Lesson

When I was tired and had thoughts about how directionless my life has felt in recent days, a friend asked if he could practice his Sunday lesson for me. The lesson was on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I felt the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, and I felt at peace. As I have before, I felt that things would be alright, that I had no reason to truly be fearful or panic. I am doing my best, and I am becoming better, and because of Christ I can be the best I can be. I am grateful for a Saturday evening Sunday lesson.

Good Car Sales

The last time I remember visiting a place that sold cars, I was about ten years old, and my parents chatted with a salesman for about an hour...an eternity for a kid my age. At that point, I didn't like car dealerships, or shopping for cars.

Since then, I've been able to avoid shopping for a car for quite some time, but I know I'll need to get to it eventually. I went with someone as they went car shopping today, and it was a much more positive experience. The man we talked to was considerate and agreeable. He was a good man, working at an honest establishment.

I am grateful for a positive experience at a car sales company.

My Youngest Cousins

As the oldest child of my family, I have no nieces or nephews. However, I have very young cousins that are between the ages of 2 and 12. They can be a handful for their parents, but they are so adorable, delightful, and pleasant. I always enjoy going to this particular home to spend time with my aunt, uncle, and their young children.

I am grateful for each of my cousins, and today, I wish to express gratitude for my four youngest cousins. I am grateful to be able to see that family as often as I can. They also serve as a wonderful model that prepares me for the time I will have children. They are good, they are crazy, and they are part of my family. I am grateful for them.

Teacher's Day! (Thanks, Google)

Yesterday, Google reminded those of us in the United States that it was Teacher's Day. Such an adorable doodle, am I right?

I am among the tremendous ranks of people whose lives have been shaped by wonderful teachers. So, here's to you Mom, Dad, Noble, Solemburger, Richard, Kruger, Nigg, Biller, Beckus, Fererra, Magus, Ingersol, Cole, Gerchak, Tobias, Mey-Lar, Gunderson, Costello, Jorgensen, Johnson, Blake, Gigstad, Dunn, Larson, Ring, Horst, Cermack, Farren, Hall, Brown, Smith, Simmons, Bates, Gilstrap, Whitchurch, Howard, Jones, Resse, Olsen, Donakey, Oaks, Spencer, Gardner, Grimshaw, Turley, Lawrence, McInnis, Chapman, Layton, Skousen, Hallen, Elzinga, Thorne, and the myriad of others that have escaped my memory but have no less made a difference in my mind, heart, and character.

I am grateful for teachers, and one day after they are nationally recognized, I wanted to personally recognize them.

P.S.--Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with you. 

Candidates Have It Rough

The American presidential election has one fewer participant now that Ted Cruz has dropped out of the race. Though I have never been directly involved in a political campaign, I have lived and worked in Washington D.C. for a few months, and I did see every episode of The West Wing. I know a little of what presidential candidates go through, and I don't think anyone ever gets enough credit for the physical, mental, and emotional work put in by a candidate or their staff. Ted Cruz worked very hard for what he truly believed in, and his family has worked alongside him. The very same goes to Donald Trump, John Kasich, Hilary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders, and every other presidential candidate still in the Americal presidential race.

On this point, I really don't care if you agree or disagree about which candidate would be the best for our country. Just like when I picked a major in college, there could be several good options. I believe that there is much more good in each candidate than we often see in our various news and social media channels.

In any case, I am grateful for the men and women who run for president, and any other political office. Right now, I don't have the time, the interest, the resources, or the conviction to run for a political office. I very much admire any man or woman (and I mean any man or woman) who steps up to the racetrack.

"My Daily Grateful"

Recently, I realized that the title of my blog would be more direct if it was consistent with the URL: mydailygrateful.blogspot.com. When I created this blog a few years ago, I hoped to use this address: whatamigratefulfortoday.blogspot.com. I didn't because,as  you can see by following the link, it was already taken. That's why I chose "mydailygrateful." This choice helped guide my first few daily posts, making them brief but unique.

I wondered if I was the first to use this "daily grateful" phrase. Turns out I'm not. Check out this neat little page I came across: My Daily Grateful.

I am grateful that I'm not the only one to commit to finding a "daily grateful." There truly is a lot of good in the world, and there are a lot of good people who try to see the good and share it.

Phone Calls

As much as I appreciate the convenience and flexibility afforded by texting, I am grateful for what may now be considered the "good old-fashioned" phone call. It is good to hear the other person's voice. It is good to talk instead of exchanging a series of brief notes. Each method of communication does have its place, but when it comes to communicating with the people I love, phone calls are the way to go. I still get nervous when making calls to people I don't know or have some control over my placement in a job or other opportunity, but it is so much more conducive to communication to just talk instead of text.