Went to the dentist today. It's been a while. Even so, I got the same message I've received from them every other time I've been there: "You're doing well, but remember to floss after you brush. If you don't, you'll get gum disease." I knew they would say that, and I knew they were right. I decided, however, that I was going to get back into flossing.
I've told myself that before, and I've done well...until I forget and retreat to the bad habit of omitting the floss. Perhaps I'll forget again after a while. Perhaps this time I'll make a more permanent change in habit. Either way, I'm trying again. It can be discouraging to go through this cycle of trying and forgetting and trying again. But, as long as I have the time to try, why not? I am grateful for the work of the people in the dental office. They reminded me to floss again, and I will try again to integrate that habit into my routine.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
At Home with Other Young Single Adults
After church, I spent a good portion of the day enjoying the company of some local friends over meals and board games. I met some new people too, friends of friends. I am grateful for opportunities to be involved in activities and get-togethers with people in my age group wherever I go, whether at school or in my hometown.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Shopping with Mom and Dad
Today was a shopping day. I needed some things, and my parents were looking for a few things as well. I will admit that I don't always enjoy shopping with my parents. Before elaborating, may I mention that I truly appreciate how much they are willing to support me and help me, even now.
But, knowing that doesn't always stop me from feeling frustrated sometimes. My parents, especially my mom, like to take time to weigh all the options. Even when something is bought, there's a real chance that it will get returned for something better or cheaper. Sometimes, the shopping process seems to take for...eh...ver. I tend to take a lot less time. Take shoes for example. I look around at the specific category of shoes, find a few that I like, try them on, and narrow it down. Sometimes I have criteria in mind, but I like to think I'm easy to please. It also takes a while to convince me that I need to go shopping for a few more shirts or a new pair of shoes in the first place, if I think what I have is entirely sufficient.
Naturally, there were some clashes in shopping approach and philosophy today, mostly from me. I've gone through it all before in my growing up years, and some old habits die hard. After a store or two, I decided to be still and listen to my parents more often. They are helping to support me, in many more ways than one, for the school year ahead. As frustrating as shopping can be (especially when it drags on for hours and hours at a time), I took time to appreciate the fact that I was with my parents for a few days. I also remembered a statement I encountered earlier in the day: "I hope you enjoy every moment with your family." I am grateful for that wonderful reminder. At the end of the day, I am grateful for all we've accomplished, and for the time we spent together today.
But, knowing that doesn't always stop me from feeling frustrated sometimes. My parents, especially my mom, like to take time to weigh all the options. Even when something is bought, there's a real chance that it will get returned for something better or cheaper. Sometimes, the shopping process seems to take for...eh...ver. I tend to take a lot less time. Take shoes for example. I look around at the specific category of shoes, find a few that I like, try them on, and narrow it down. Sometimes I have criteria in mind, but I like to think I'm easy to please. It also takes a while to convince me that I need to go shopping for a few more shirts or a new pair of shoes in the first place, if I think what I have is entirely sufficient.
Naturally, there were some clashes in shopping approach and philosophy today, mostly from me. I've gone through it all before in my growing up years, and some old habits die hard. After a store or two, I decided to be still and listen to my parents more often. They are helping to support me, in many more ways than one, for the school year ahead. As frustrating as shopping can be (especially when it drags on for hours and hours at a time), I took time to appreciate the fact that I was with my parents for a few days. I also remembered a statement I encountered earlier in the day: "I hope you enjoy every moment with your family." I am grateful for that wonderful reminder. At the end of the day, I am grateful for all we've accomplished, and for the time we spent together today.
Friday, August 28, 2015
"I'm His Son"
I went to a barbecue this evening, a party for my dad's work. The people who were there were my parents and myself, along with my dad's co-workers and their families. I thought it was neat that some of those co-workers came up to me and greeted me cheerfully. I think I've met some of them before (at other such barbecues and get-togethers), but most of them I haven't. I am grateful for friendly conversations I had with my dad's co-workers for two reasons:
1. It is clear to me that my dad mentions important events in his family to his co-workers from time to time. I've noticed my mom does that at her work too. This shows me that even as my parents are focused on their work, they have their family as a very high priority.
2. It was nice to receive support for my upcoming internship. I am excited for it, and friends and family have told me that they are excited for me. It was neat to receive some additional support from my dad's co-workers, these semi-strangers.
Overall, I really didn't say very much at this barbecue. But in those moments when I chatted with my dad's co-workers, I felt happy to introduce myself as his son. The smiles on people's faces at this recognition was encouraging, and I am grateful for their support of him and of me.
1. It is clear to me that my dad mentions important events in his family to his co-workers from time to time. I've noticed my mom does that at her work too. This shows me that even as my parents are focused on their work, they have their family as a very high priority.
2. It was nice to receive support for my upcoming internship. I am excited for it, and friends and family have told me that they are excited for me. It was neat to receive some additional support from my dad's co-workers, these semi-strangers.
Overall, I really didn't say very much at this barbecue. But in those moments when I chatted with my dad's co-workers, I felt happy to introduce myself as his son. The smiles on people's faces at this recognition was encouraging, and I am grateful for their support of him and of me.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
A Publisher At Home
Continuing with the errands while at home. Our electronic tools are truly marvelous. As much as I like mail, I appreciate the efficiency of sending documents electronically to wherever I need to send them. This reminds me of something that was discussed in some of my editing classes this past year:
Several centuries ago, Gutenberg created a printing press. This allowed anyone to be a printer, which was revolutionary. Documents and books could be copied and distributed, allowing more people access to information.
In recent decades, we've experienced another revolution. The Internet, along with small electronic printers, allows anyone to be a publisher. Not only can anyone read, but now anyone can write and publish. I am grateful for all the good that is being written and distributed with these contemporary tools available to us. As an aside, I am also grateful to have a computer and a scanner available to me so I can continue to get things squared away for my upcoming work.
Several centuries ago, Gutenberg created a printing press. This allowed anyone to be a printer, which was revolutionary. Documents and books could be copied and distributed, allowing more people access to information.
In recent decades, we've experienced another revolution. The Internet, along with small electronic printers, allows anyone to be a publisher. Not only can anyone read, but now anyone can write and publish. I am grateful for all the good that is being written and distributed with these contemporary tools available to us. As an aside, I am also grateful to have a computer and a scanner available to me so I can continue to get things squared away for my upcoming work.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Who Needs Second-Hand Stores?
Who needs second-hand stores when you have the house you grew up in? As I continue my preparations for an internship, my parents helped me go through some of the clothes that have been hanging out in the closets. I was low on business suits and were several of them that still fit me well, from earlier days when high school activities and LDS missions required suits to be worn more often. We will get those suits cleaned up, good as new. I am grateful to have my home as a resource for second-hand clothes. It's quite handy!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Paperwork
Worked on some paperwork today, and it was related to an internship I will start soon. The paperwork itself isn't all that fun, but the fact that I've been working on it shows that it's official. This is really happening! I am grateful for paperwork because it is solid proof that my plans for this coming semester are really coming together.
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