9th President: William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison was our shortest-serving president. He died in office, after serving for only a few weeks. On the plus side, this allowed the Constitution and other federal laws to come into effect that allowed a vice-president to take office in a presidential vacancy. If nothing else, President Harrison proved that established law worked, allowing a peaceful transition to the next presidency.

Plus, despite the circumstances this man is still recognized as one of the 45 people to hold presidential office in America. This country at large has always held the mantle of that executive office with dignity and respect.

Also, Harrison was apparently the first president to use slogans and songs in a presidential campaign. That's cool.

I am grateful for William Henry Harrison.

8th President: Martin Van Buren

I have to admit, this particular post was more difficult. Anything I read about America's 8th president seemed to emphasize the ineffectiveness of Martin Van Buren's term as president. From glancing over a summary of his presidential achievements and policies, the underlying pattern seemed to be that he was more politically minded. He seemed to make decisions based on what he thought would bring the least amount of conflict and the most amount of political support.

He was unsuccessful in a fair amount of things and events, but at least we can all read and learn. It is inevitable that America's democratically republic system will be filled with imperfect people. Nevertheless, each person who was elected president was, indeed, elected president. Besides, if everyone was successful, we wouldn't be able to tell if we were doing a very good job. I am grateful for the things we can learn from Martin van Buren's presidential term.

Perhaps the most reassuring lesson of all from this is the fact that any mistake he made hasn't "ruined" America. He was president for a time, and when his time was up, the nation moved on. This is the case for every president. Whether you think Obama, or Trump, or Bush, or the older Bush, or any other president "ruined" America, I tend to disagree (unless, of course, we are currently living in a world that would be dystopian for someone from the 19th century).

P.S.—Strangely enough, it is possible that Van Buren's presidential campaign introduced "OK/okay" into English (according to Wikipedia, this is one possible origin for "okay"). If it is the true origins, we have one huge reason to thank President Van Buren. :)

7th President: Andrew Jackson

I am aware that Andrew Jackson is often considered one of the country's most controversial presidents, but my focus–as always–is going to be on why I'm grateful for his place in history.

General Jackson won a great victory for America at New Orleans in the War of 1812. He is considered the founder of the Democratic party (even if you dislike the Democratic party or their platforms, there will always be political parties that disagree with you; it just so happened that one of the two main parties of our day saw its beginnings with Andrew Jackson). Also, he led the country at the time of Manifest Destiny, which saw the great political expansion of the country and the beginnings of the western states.

For these reasons, I am grateful for Andrew Jackson.

6th President: John Quincy Adams

As I understand it, John Quincy Adam's defining moments in his presidency included the Erie Canal, establishing a national observatory (which now also serves as the official residence for the vice-president), an immense personal diary, and being a strong opponent of slavery in America.

I am grateful for John Quincey Adams.

5th President: James Monroe

Based on the little I know of our 5th president (as well as some brief research for this post), it seems that James Monroe's legacy has a lot to do with national borders, as well as foreign policy. He is probably most famous for the Monroe Doctrine, which states his policies about avoidence in meddling with European colonies and settlements, while defending all settlements and nations in all of North and South America. This doctrine, however controversial, had some far-reaching effects, even influencing public opinion in America during WWII.

I am grateful for James Monroe. He greatly developed the American discussion about how to interact with immediate and distant neighbors. I understand he also settled U.S. borders and seized Florida for America.

4th President: James Madison

I gained a tremendous appreciation for America's 4th president when I watched a film called A More Perfect Union. The film, produced in 1989 by Brigham Young University, focuses on the context for, the creation and discussion of, and the significance of the U.S. Constitution.

The film aimed for an accurate portrayal of the events, and James Madison is one of the main characters because he spent many, many hours researching governments, politics, sociology, and philosophy. He then drafted a plan (known later as "the Virginia Plan") for a new form of government, much stronger and more effective than the weak Confederation of the time.

Because of his tremendous contributions in such significant events, James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution. I am so grateful for him for that.

Of course, he continued his public service for many years, siding with the Democratic-Republican party with Jefferson (against Hamilton in the Federalist party). He was the president that got our country through the War of 1812, those conflicts with Great Britain, some battles taking place in Canada.

I am grateful for James Madison.

3rd President: Thomas Jefferson

Another president who had tremendous influence in the founding and shaping of America. I am grateful for Thomas Jefferson's work as ambassador to France during the revolutionary times (I imagine he was a big help in getting France's help in that war). I am grateful for Jefferson's contributing his library to create the beginnings of the now enormous Library of Congress. I am grateful for that amazing Louisiana Purchase.

I know he did many, many other things, but I'll say I'm most grateful for the things I've mentioned. I am grateful for Thomas Jefferson.

2nd President: John Adams

Yesterday's post was slightly lengthy because I know and appreciate so much about America's first president. Expect shorter posts for the lesser-known presidents, of course.

That said, I'm grateful for John Adams. Why? Well...um...oh! He was ambassador to Great Britain for a time, in fact during a crucial time when America was officially forming as a nation. That's a very important place to be while the Constitution is being discussed and drafted.

I'm also aware that he is known as the Father of the U.S. Navy. Where would we be without our navy? I am also aware that he had many tough decisions to make regarding relationships with England, France, and other European nations. Some of his decisions were unpopular.

In spite of any shortcomings (and I say that ironically because I believe he was one of the shortest presidents we've had), he and his proactive wife, Abigail, were significant figures in the founding of America. That's why I'm grateful for John Adams.

1st President: George Washington

In honor of President's Day, and because I thought it would be fun and fascinating, I'm going to express my gratitude here for every American president, starting with the first (and, to be honest, my favorite). Another reason I'm doing this is to help myself—and those who read these posts—to see the good, the things we can be grateful for with each of our presidents, and I mean each one.

So, let's get started with the first of 45, eh?

I am grateful for George Washington for many reasons, and I don't even consider myself much of a history buff, just an average college-educated man.

I am grateful for his extensive military service to the colonies and young America.
I am grateful for his extensive involvement and influence in the founding of America.
I am grateful for his amazing estate, Mount Vernon, a beautiful historical site.
I am grateful for his service as our first president under the Constitution, and for the example he set for all American presidents since then. From his inaugural addresses to taking the oath of office on a Bible to his resignation after two terms of service, he set tremendous and meaningful precedents.

I've noticed that almost every portrayal of the man I've seen, just about every discussion about his life and service is done with respect and admiration. There's something about his legacy, his demeanor during his life, and his personal policies and convictions about law, religion, human beings, and government that makes it so easy to put the man on a great historical pedestal.

He was, of course, a real man, and I don't pretend that he is perfect. But, I do see him as a man to be respected, admired, and—in many ways—emulated. I am grateful for George Washington.

Hidden Figures

I saw another wonderful film this week: Hidden Figures. The film was very well done. The acting, storytelling, and the actual historical events the film portrays all greatly impressed me and inspired me. I was inspired in many ways, including the passion those women had for their work. It inspires me to really think about what sort of passion or care I can apply to any job I do.

I am grateful for the film Hidden Figures, and the real women who inspired the film.

Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers

Twice today, for lunch and dinner, I had some sort of burger (beef and chicken, respectively) with lettuce replacing the bun. I've normally had my burgers with wheat buns, but in my efforts to reduce carbohydrates in my food I opted for lettuce. It tastes really good! I like having lettuce-wrapped burgers! I still get to eat burgers, and have them much healthier at the same time!

I am grateful for lettuce-wrapped burgers.

Lego Batman

Batman is pretty cool, I guess. I liked the trilogy by Christopher Nolan.

But Lego Batman is AWESOME!!!

I am a big fan of The Lego Movie, and I was excited about a Lego Batman movie. I finally got to see it, and I was not disappointed! It's all of the zany, random hilarity I expected. It's even got another sentimental message that centers around a father and son relationship (well, more like father and adopted son).

The film's use of a wide variety of characters was so entertaining! I am grateful for this clever and hilarious alternative persona for a great superhero: Lego Batman!

Temperature Tolerance

I have noticed, throughout the past several years, how tolerant I am with indoor temperature. You know, those "thermostat wars" we hear about (unless you've fought in those wars with your family or roommates). As for me, I almost never bother. I tend to be quite tolerant and comfortable in a wider range of degrees Fahrenheit than some people I know.

For example, at my work, we've had thermostat issues, particularly during the winter. Certain conference rooms would feel so cold that our team would avoid meeting in them at all. As for me, yeah, I feel that it's colder, but I can generally handle it. It never bothered me (anyway).

Or those few months when my co-workers needed a space heater near their cubicles, but I didn't. Even if I ever do feel cold, I like to put my coat on and deal with it.

Anyway, perhaps that makes me weird and sometimes less sensitive to those who care more about the particulars of room temperature (like the time today when my wife observed that we forgot to turn the thermostat back up, and I never noticed that it was colder than normal in our home).

Call it a blessing or a curse, I am grateful to be temperature tolerant.

P.S.—As always, my intention is never to ridicule or downplay anyone else's experience of life, but only to point out the little things I notice each day that I'm grateful for.

A Valentine's Day Dance, Again

My wife and I attended this Valentine's Day Dance this evening (second year in a row, actually). Of course, we had a lot of fun, and part of that was watching other couples dancing. I've taken dance classes before, but I haven't incorporated those lessons into my dancing like those other people have. I love watching couples, young and old, bust a few moves in swing and Latin dancing. I was especially impressed with the older folks. How young they looked when they danced!

I am grateful for dancing, especially those people who are really good at it. Watching any kind of good, confident dancing is inspiring to me. It doesn't have to be very good. It could be downright silly (like exaggerated spins, dives, and jumps with "Near, Far, Wherever You Are" in the background), and I would smile and be happy to be alive.

Tim Burton

Have I expressed gratitude for Tim Burton before? Well, if I have, I'll do it again. My wife and I both had long days at our respective workplaces (her especially). We decided to do something fun after we shopped for groceries (with a new diet plan in place), made a yummy meal together, and took out the garbage.

We opted for a movie, and found "Corpse Bride" on Netflix. We were both fans of Tim Burton's work, including this film, so we watched it, and loved it again!

I'll admit, sometimes Burton's aesthetic is a little too macabre for me. But for the most part, I find his work and art quite delightful and clever. I also like how often he enlists the talents of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Danny Elfman, and others. For all these reasons and more, I am grateful for Tim Burton.

A Fitness Professional

My doctor recently referred me to a fitness professional (mostly because he saw that I was showing signs of potential health problems in the future, problems that could be solved with better fitness; I have nothing serious at this point). I met with that professional today, and I was impressed. I know there is a lot out there about fitness and I approached this with a bit of skepticism. But, I appreciated the man's sincerity and his genuine passion for his work. I truly felt that he could help me begin constructive habits for my well-being.

I am grateful, not for specific fitness programs or regimens, but for a greater understanding of the principles that will help me feel physically better in my life.

Graduate Gratitude

I don't know everything, or even most things, but know how to learn, and I'm grateful for what I do know. I'm grateful for what I've learned. I'm grateful for the training I've received in my chosen fields of study. Whether you're glad or outraged about today's political events, I hope we can all realize that, though we may not all agree on method, we can all agree on purpose: ignorance is not bliss; knowledge is power.

Even Joseph Smith, the first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, declared that "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance" (Doctrine & Covenants 131:6). Not only do I believe in learning by study, but I also believe in learning by faith, growing by study and faith.

I hope we can all have continued faith in ourselves, our communities, and our countries. I am grateful for what I have received from the American education system.

Dollies

I'm not referring to the toys my sister played with and that my brother messed up when we were all little. No, I'm referring to the lever contraption people use to move washers, dryers, and refrigerators. I got to help a friend move into a house today, and their cargo included a washer, a dryer, and a refrigerators. I am so grateful for moving dollies. Without them, moving those things would be so much harder and much more painful.

Service in a New Community

I've been looking for opportunities to serve and interact with my new neighbors, and such an opportunity came today. A family in a nearby apartment was moving out soon and needed more boxes. Well, there were still plenty of unpacked boxes at my home, so my wife and I were able to give the family five empty boxes to use. The family was very grateful, and we even had a pleasant chat for a few minutes. I am grateful for a pleasant service opportunity in my own community today.