Now We Meet Again

I've said before that I love October for many reasons, and it all starts with the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'll admit I wasn't the best listener at the last conference six months ago, but this time I will be a little better, and that's the whole point of the conference. The sermons and music that will be presented tomorrow and Sunday are divinely inspired. I truly and firmly believe that. After an early leave from work, and relaxing on a Friday night, I am grateful that General Conference weekend has come again at last.

Kid President's Gratefuls

I love it when I see people expressing gratitude in their own way. Have you ever heard of Kid President? He's awesome, and he's trying to make the world more awesome. Today, I encountered the video below, and it made me smile. It encourages me to keep looking for my daily gratefuls in the little things.

And that's awesome. :)

Super-Vision

My supervisors at work decided to set a team goal for the day. In other days, I'd calculate how many tasks each employee would need to complete, on average, in order for our team to meet a goal, and I'd do it. Today's goal was more ambitious, and I realized that if I did my averaged-out portion of the work, I would break a personal record.

Well, let's get to work, shall we?

Such was my attitude, and I did it! It wasn't the hardest thing in the world, but I pushed my limit a little bit more today. I am grateful for the "super" vision of my supervisors today, believing we—as a team—could achieve something ambitious today.

My Word

I was humbled today when someone I've first met about a month ago said that I am a man of integrity. A humbling and reassuring compliment. That got me thinking about my word (as in, "being a man of my word").

I briefly reflect on how I use my word. I write words to work, create, and to express daily gratitude. I speak words when I act or tell a story. I talk of what I have done, what I am doing, and what I will do. I verbally react to the world around me, for good or for ill. I use my word to create my own limits when I say, "My word is my bond." I love words, and I often play with them (those who know me know of my affinity to puns, because they're awesome and clever). I am constantly fascinated by language, which makes me grateful for the way I can use language positively.

I believe that God brought me here to earth, and has given me a lifetime to act—and speak—according to the dictates of my own conscience. I am grateful to have my word.

Tonight's Debate: It's Real

Even though presidential debates often annoy me to no end, for various reasons, I appreciate the purpose they serve in presidential campaigns. If I'm being honest, I'd say the debates make this presidential race feel much more real than any amount of social media discussion or (goodness forbid) contentious argument. Online, it all just feels like some constant threat or annoyance over all American's heads every day we spend at a computer. But seeing candidates' faces on TV, providing speeches and argument, and having sincere discussions with friends and/or family afterwards, that feels real. That is true American politics. I am grateful for tonight's debate between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton.

This race is real, and it will all end in 42 days.

Compliments About Classroom Comments

In my experience, if you give a talk, share your personal testimony, or perform a musical selection in a Mormon Sunday service, at least a few people will give you compliments about what you've said or presented. I always appreciate such compliments, and I often try to sincerely give them. But, getting compliments for comments you gave in a religious class? While that still happens, that happens less often, I feel. Someone gave me one of those compliments today, and I appreciated it. That means that they and I were both attentive and learning in the class. I am grateful for compliments about classroom comments.

Beauty and the Beast

Because I've recently seen a video of Angela Lansbury singing the title song at 90 years old, because I'm excited about the live-action rendition of the movie starring Emma Watson, because I watched the Disney movie tonight with friends, I am grateful for Beauty and the Beast.

Game Night and Play Testers

I love playing games, and sometimes I get ideas for new games. For example, I made some homemade cards for a Harry Potter-themed group game (kind of like Mafia or Werewolf). I thought my roommates would like it, since they are huge Harry Potter fans. We all really enjoyed a few rounds of the game. Lots of laughs happened throughout! To top it off, my roommates offered some suggestions for improvement. I appreciated the feedback. I am grateful for a fun game night, and some helpful play testers!

Supervisors

Each morning, I set a goal to complete a certain number of tasks for the work day. It seemed a reachable goal, until a meeting lasted much longer than anticipated (it was a good, productive meeting; I learned a few things). When I realized I had less time than usual, I wondered how I could meet this goal. It seemed I wouldn't

Now, no one would have batted an eye if I didn't meet these goals today, but I still wanted to see if I could do it.With fifteen minutes to go, I had one task left to do to meet my goal, and...

...something in the system stalled.

For some reason, I couldn't get another work assignment. I smiled at this "predicament." I waited a few minutes for the problem to resolve (after reporting the issue to a supervisor), and—wonder of wonders—I finished that last task and met my goal just as 5pm hit. Yes! Win! I felt so accomplished. I appreciate the work my supervisor does.

To add to the blessings, my boss's boss (a nice, friendly guy) saw me out in the rain, headed home, and offered me a ride. How nice of him! I am grateful for my work supervisors. I work for and with wonderful people.

Google Doodle: First Day of Fall 2016

Google has done it again with its doodles. You can find this adorable doodle if you make this search:

First Day of Fall 2016 Northern Hemisphere Google

Can we all appreciate the fact that the rocks are so happy about the falling leaves, but that there's also one little rock on the right that just looks so miffed about it. This is a perfectly cute depiction of reactions I see every year. Most people love the incoming seasons, but there are always people who complain about the incoming cold, and wished summer would stick around.

Well, too bad. Fall is here, and it is glorious. Deal with it. ;)

I am grateful for Google's lovely doodle tribute to the first day of my favorite season of the year.

Early Morning Hazard, But It's Alright

Several hours after my last post, at about 2:45am, the fire alarm went off at my apartment complex. Yeah...it was awful. Acting on cue, the guys who lived in the building evacuated. Firefighters appeared after about 10–15 minutes, and the alarms were finally called off for good a little after 3:15am.

I'm glad any hazard, whatever it was, was taken care of. But I'm also very grateful that I still had the capacity to work today. I was not nearly as tired as I thought I would be, though I needed a nap in my room after work.

It's Gonna Be Okay

The reason I write in this blog every day is I feel strongly that the Internet, the world, is in desperate need of a constant, consistent flood of goodness daily. When I spend enough time on social media, I can feel the effects that the many negative and cynical and doubting messages have on my mind. This is a huge part of why I have this blog.

It is also why I greatly love and appreciate the most recent song released by The Piano Guys. On July 16, 2016, I attended a Piano Guys concert in Utah. It was my first time seeing my favorite music group live. what an amazing concert! The highlight for me was when they performed a world premiere of this song, and filmed it for their video. Tonight, that video was released, as you can see in the link. I'm in that crowd, somewhere near the back...somewhere.

In any case, the message of this song, every word sung by Al van der Beek, resonates with me strongly. Those words agree with my belief in Jesus Christ and a God who is just and true and full of love.

So, although I am saddened by the pain and suffering of humanity in diverse places, although I often view injustice with clenched fists and furrowed brows, although I am concerned about the warm contentions that seem to dominate many American political discussions today, although I often worry about my own well-being and about those I love, despite all of this, I truly believe that, in the end, it will all work out. #It'sGonnaBeOkay :)

Double-Blind Surprises

Tonight, I was invited to a dinner event with lots of friends and family around. At first, I didn't think I could make it, but things worked out such that I could. I decided to make it a surprise, so I didn't tell anyone I was coming.

It was a wonderful dinner, but there was someone I especially wanted to surprise, and that person wasn't there because they felt sick. Oh well, I thought. Good food and good company nonetheless. Imagine my surprise when the person decided to show up! Double surprise! It was a good evening for everyone. I'm grateful for double-blind surprises.

Photographers

Today, I found myself in a park in the midst of people trying to take quality photographs of each other. Most were dressed for a high school homecoming dance, but there were the occasional family and engagement photos. I gained a greater appreciation for friendly photographers who know how to take good shots and how to get people to look their best. I am grateful for special event photographers.

Best Scavenger Hunt Ever!

Some friends organized an epic scavenger hunt, with clues that led to specific points in the city. My team almost won, too! The clues were challenging at times, but it made me feel clever when I figured it out. I am grateful for an epic scavenger hunt.

Huh...Didn't Realize I Had That

I thought I had some envelopes, some stamps, and a few photos lying around. But, I didn't know where they were. Today, I found them all. They were hidden in plain sight (it didn't help that my things are strewn all over my room still, after only a few weeks of living here)! I am grateful to find what I already had.

Steampunk

I just really love the style of steampunk. Sometimes I'm not sure why. I think it's a combination of classy ladies & gents (top hats and all), cyborgs and robots, gears, invention, and mystery. It is among my favorite genres and styles. I am grateful for steampunk.

Others Have Done It Before

This week, I've been taking care of a few things with my living and financial arrangements. I decided to call my parents for some advice, and to update them on my life as usual. I may sometimes be classified as a millennial who is just realizing how to "adult," but overall I realize I'm doing well. A big part of that is I know people who have done it all for the first time before, and they love me enough to help me. I am grateful for that. :)

I Work With Such Nerds, and It's Wonderful!

I've realized this since my first week of work. The people I work with are nerds about some of my favorite things: Pokemon, Star Wars, Hamilton, Dungeons & Dragons, and the English language, to name the most notable fandoms among some of my co-workers. Apparently, today was National Video Game Day, and my workplace hosted a party at around lunch time! There were several game consoles going ( playing Mario Kart, Super Smash, etc.), a viewing of Wreck-It Ralph, and lots of pizza. It was a great way to spend a lunch hour!

I am grateful to work with like-minded people, people who like to work hard, who love words, and who love some of the more nerdy and geeky things in our world. It's a pleasure to work with each of them. :)

9/11: Fifteen Years of Progress

It has been 15 years since the 9/11 attacks. My young eyes didn't realize at the time that they were viewing American history. When I was in D.C. for an internship about a year ago, one of the more memorable trips was to the Newseum. There, they have a powerful exhibit about the events of 9/11. The centerpiece of the exhibit was a large, crumpled remnant of a media tower from one of the World Trade Center buildings.

I was a kid at the time, and I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about. Besides, I didn't know anyone in New York. I've never even been to New York. Still haven't. But, I think about our country then, and I look at our country now. My conclusion: despite what many people say or complain on any platform, social or otherwise, I truly believe the United States of America has learned a lot in fifteen years, and that we are a better nation now. I am grateful for 15 years of progress since those unfathomable, unthinkable events.

Solo Football Party

I saw a football game at my apartment tonight. It doesn't happen very often, but it was a BYU vs. Utah game. I wanted the Y to win...and we missed it by a hair. The funny thing was, I was the only one in my apartment at the time. It would have been more enjoyable with other people there, but I still enjoyed reacting, talking, almost yelling at the screen with excitement, because I don't do that very often. I am grateful for a solo football party. :)

When Someone Else Says "Brrr..."

It's starting to get a little chilly. I wore a sweatshirt today! My favorite half of the year (the cold half) is coming! I like it, and am grateful, when someone says "brrr" in September.

Voting: On Top of Things

You know, I've got about a dozen to-do tasks that nag my mind each day. Each day, I try to work on one or more of them. Sometimes, I forget to or don't feel like doing anything after work. Today, I noticed a friend of mine applying for an absentee ballot, making sure everything would be in order, in order to vote at the upcoming presidential election in a couple of months. I am grateful for a friend's reminder to stay on top of a citizen's duty: to vote.

Don't Feel Like Dancing

I like dancing, and I've enjoyed many dance parties and events since high school. There was one in my area tonight, in conjunction with a picnic event, and oddly enough, I didn't feel like going. This could be the result of getting "old," or getting engaged, or not really knowing anyone there. In any event, I felt like doing other things, being more productive, working on personal projects. Is this part of becoming an adult (I say this jokingly, for the most part)?

Dances have their place, but it wasn't the place I needed or wanted tonight. I am grateful that I can feel satisfied and fulfilled in my current relaxed environment.

When the Message is Sweeter Than the Refreshments

Religion classes, also known as institute, are offered during the week near my apartment. I have gone to these classes lots of times and I have always enjoyed the gospel lessons and the food served afterwards.

It has been a few weeks since I've attended, and I am so grateful I attended today. The teacher presented an uplifting and inspiring lesson, which led me to ponder on my personal spiritual habits, the good and the bad. Although doughnuts were offered after the lesson, I enjoyed the lesson a lot more than any amount of sugar and fried dough.

A Day Dedicated to the People Who Work

Happy Labor Day! I had a nice holiday weekend with people I love and care about. Though I didn't have work today, I am grateful for those people who did, and for those who work each day in the constant and worthy effort to improve lives, communities, and nations.

When No One's Home for the Holiday...Except Us

It's a holiday weekend, which means many people are out of town, visiting family and friends. However, there are always those few people that have no where to go and no plans. That's why I love it when someone puts together a game night or some sort of party or outing. If no one else is doing that, I'm always happy to set it up and invite people! I am grateful for spontaneous holiday get-togethers, for the people who have no where to go for the holiday weekend. It's also a great way to meet new people.

Taking Notes

I believe I have a pretty good memory, but I've found taking notes makes it easier to remember. I take notes for homework, planning, personal projects, and anything else I am afraid to forget. I am grateful that I can take notes when I need to.

Rewatching in the Cinema

My roommate invited me to go with him and some friends to see Star Trek: Beyond. I had already seen the movie in theaters, but I thought it would be fun to watch it again with more good company. I really enjoy watching someone else watch a good movie. It is also great to watch a movie after knowing the endings and punchlines. I had fun watching my friends' reactions to the action and jokes. I am grateful for the re-watch value of many great, enjoyable cinema films.

A Closer Walk!

My new apartment is closer to a store than my last apartment was! I am grateful for a shorter walk to the store today.