Some of my friends go on this weekly trip to local Mexican restaurants on Tuesdays for tacos. I have never gone with them before because of other conflicts I've had on Tuesday nights, whether it be A Cappella Club or library work...
But not this Tuesday night!
I joined my friends as we walked down to a restaurant a block away. We had great food and great fun in great company. I am grateful that I was finally able to participate in Taco Tuesday this week!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Monday, May 18, 2015
I Had a Great Weekend!
On Saturday, I took a ride on a giant swing. It was terrifying and exhilarating. It was an adventure I had never experienced before. Though I was quite nervous to ride this swing (even with the safety harness), I'm glad I did it.
On Sunday, I made greater attempts to be my best in my church responsibilities, as well as in being a friend to others. I met some new people, and some of my friends told me that they appreciated the way I conducted the music for church and for choir practice. I appreciated that.
Today, I created a homemade variation of the classic party game, Mafia. I had a friend who wanted a Harry Potter version, so I came up with one. Me and some friends tested it, and it met with general success. Even more importantly, I had wonderful and hilarious conversation with several friends over a KFC dinner. We were all being ridiculous, and it was all very fun and refreshing.
What did you do this weekend? Well, I guess many people had more eventful and productive weekends than I did, but that doesn't make my weekend any less meaningful to me. I am grateful for the uplifting interactions I had these past few days. It is such a comfort and blessing to be surrounded with people you can laugh and talk with, even if you've only met them a few weeks earlier!
On Sunday, I made greater attempts to be my best in my church responsibilities, as well as in being a friend to others. I met some new people, and some of my friends told me that they appreciated the way I conducted the music for church and for choir practice. I appreciated that.
Today, I created a homemade variation of the classic party game, Mafia. I had a friend who wanted a Harry Potter version, so I came up with one. Me and some friends tested it, and it met with general success. Even more importantly, I had wonderful and hilarious conversation with several friends over a KFC dinner. We were all being ridiculous, and it was all very fun and refreshing.
What did you do this weekend? Well, I guess many people had more eventful and productive weekends than I did, but that doesn't make my weekend any less meaningful to me. I am grateful for the uplifting interactions I had these past few days. It is such a comfort and blessing to be surrounded with people you can laugh and talk with, even if you've only met them a few weeks earlier!
Friday, May 15, 2015
Vuelie (from "Frozen") and Eatnemen Vuelie
A friend of mine (a fellow music and Disney lover) showed me the origins of that "chant' song that begins Disney's "Frozen."
The song, Vuelie, is indeed based on an old Norwegian style of music, called joik. The composer, Frode Fjellheim, wrote a song in 1996 called Eatnemen Vuelie, which means "Song of the Earth." Cantus, an all-female choir from Norway, recorded the song in 2011 and it became the inspiration for Disney. Eatnemen Vuelie and Vuelie are extremely similar. The only real difference is that the original song acted as a setting for the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus," also known as "Beautiful Savior" or "Crusader's Hymn." Disney asked Fjellheim to rewrite the melody for "Frozen," making the film version shorter than the original version. More details about these two versions are found on Cantus' website.
This morning, I decided to listen to what these two versions would sound like when played simultaneously. The result is gorgeous, especially since it is the same choir (Cantus) that recorded both versions.
Here is a video of the original and the film Vuelie. They are exactly the same for the first 30 seconds, then you can hear a difference in the similar melodies. To play them simultaneously, it is best to start the Cantus video first, then start the Frozen video when Cantus reaches 0:01.
Eatnemen Vuelie (original)
Vuelie (Frozen)
Isn't it lovely? It's as if it was meant to be a double choir piece!
I prefer the original because it's longer, and it uses a hymn I've known for many years. I really like the connection between the title and the lyrics. Eatnemen Vuelie = "Song of the Earth," and one version of the lyrics says "Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son." This song of the earth is a "joik," that is, it "joiks" the earth or paints a musical picture of the earth. What a lovely thought that a song of the earth celebrates the ruler of nature and nations, Jesus Christ! A beautiful tribute to the Savior, who created the earth and gave His life for us, under Heavenly Father's direction.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Nearly Missed My Ride
I was running a few minutes late to catch a ride for a class field trip. I went to the designated meeting spot and I wasn't finding anyone I knew. Then, I heard a car horn and saw my ride approach me along the road. They were just about to leave because they had no way to contact me. All's well that ends well. We all made it to the field trip destination and everything worked out. I am grateful for this small miracle, especially since I had been looking forward to this field trip all week.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Library Projects
I spoke with my supervisor today about the work projects I have lined up this summer. There are a couple of large ones, and a couple of small ones. I've always noticed that I'm the most satisfied and fulfilled in my job when I am busy in my job (as opposed to sitting around, waiting for the next patron). I am grateful to be trusted with these library projects. I appreciate the opportunities I've received and have been receiving to gain small, valuable skills and experiences as a library worker.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
A Couple of Fine Old Gentlemen
On my way to campus this morning, I ran into an older man. He was tall and looked fit. To my surprise, he started making small talk. He asked if I was taking spring and summer classes, what my major was, etc. Then at one point he said, "Well you oughta minor in business." That was another surprise. I said I never thought I'd own my own business. The man's reply was that most young people think they never will, but many do. "Entrepreneurship is an important part of America." The man teaches Organizational Behavior on campus. When we parted ways, he wished me luck in my education and career goals.
Later today, at work, an older gentlemen approached me and my co-worker, asking for a certain book. He helped him with his research for over an hour, though a good part of that time was spent with him explaining his life's work, and how this important person and that president asked him to do these things, and how his current research applies. He suffered from fatigue as he walked, but his passion for his work was unquestionable. In the end, I couldn't find what he needed, but I referred him to people who could help him progress in his research. He thanked me and left the library.
Today I am grateful for two unexpected, pleasant interactions, each with a fine, intelligent gentleman. I may never see either of them again, but our brief interactions enriched my day, and inspired me to continue to give meaningful efforts in my study and in my work. That way, I will be able to achieve the expertise and passion in my chosen field that I saw in these two men in their fields.
Later today, at work, an older gentlemen approached me and my co-worker, asking for a certain book. He helped him with his research for over an hour, though a good part of that time was spent with him explaining his life's work, and how this important person and that president asked him to do these things, and how his current research applies. He suffered from fatigue as he walked, but his passion for his work was unquestionable. In the end, I couldn't find what he needed, but I referred him to people who could help him progress in his research. He thanked me and left the library.
Today I am grateful for two unexpected, pleasant interactions, each with a fine, intelligent gentleman. I may never see either of them again, but our brief interactions enriched my day, and inspired me to continue to give meaningful efforts in my study and in my work. That way, I will be able to achieve the expertise and passion in my chosen field that I saw in these two men in their fields.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Friends in Food Service
Today, I am grateful to have friends who work at restaurants. It's not because I get discounts, because I generally don't. I'm grateful because whenever I meet someone who works at a place I haven't tried before or often, I like to visit the restaurant to try the food and say hi to my friend/acquaintance. Today, I decided to walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner. I hoped to see my friend working there, but I didn't see them. So, I just bought some food and left a nice note for the workers (and for my friend). The food was really good! I've tried this place once before, and I forgot how good the food was! I was impressed, and I appreciated the service. It made for a nice highlight to my day. :)
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