Day 13: I'm grateful for the education I've been able to obtain and the opportunities I have to continue to learn.
In detail:
Honestly, sometimes I forget how much school I've actually gone to and how many different things I've learned.
All the different subjects I studied in K-12:
The standard English, history, science, math. And the extras: 3 years of art, technical drawing, yearbook, speech and debate, newspaper, cooking, 4 years of German, 2 years of French, psychology, drama.
And then there's college:
2 years of in depth world history, statistics, 1 year of Italian, 1 quarter of French lit, world music, the Beatles, gospel choir, logic, BA in Linguistics, BA in Human Development, MA in Education.
It kind of amazes me when I think about the variety of things I've studied and learned. And while I don't claim to remember everything I've learned, I remember more than I would have expected given that I don't use most of it on a regular basis.
I'm also grateful for the opportunities I have to continue to study and learn new things, in my career and my personal life.
There is so much knowledge in the world and I get a little thrill of excitement when I realize that so much of it is available to me.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Day 12 of 30 Thankful Days
Day 12: I'm grateful that I've learned it's okay to make mistakes when I try something new and that I shouldn't give up just because my first attempt isn't perfect.
In detail:
This has been a hard lesson for me to learn. I am the consummate perfectionist. I want to know everything before I've been taught it and I want to execute everything perfectly the first time I attempt it.
Unfortunately, as I've experienced repeatedly, I'm not capable of that level of illogical perfection.
However, I am proud (and grateful) to say that I think I've finally accepted that it's okay to fail and make mistakes. And that it's not a true failure as long as I accept it gracefully and keep trying!
That, I think, is the hardest part for me: to keep trying! Not to give up when I get frustrated, but to push on.
I've found this lesson to be applicable in pretty much every aspect of my life (work, crafting, performing church callings, etc.).
Case in point: I've gotten drawn into the current online crafty sensation of subway art like this.
And for quite some time I've been looking for a way to create my own. I thought, in our modern, technological society that for sure there would be some sort of automated application where I could just type in my quote or text and the program would magically format it into subway art that I could manipulate to my heart's content.
Sadly, for once, the internet has failed me. I cannot find such an app. However, with the help of my good friend Amy, I am now in the process of learning to create my own subway art the old-fashioned way (okay, well not really old-fashioned because that would probably require some sort of paper and stencils and such, and this is all digital...but, well, you get the point).
I am not terribly proud of my first attempt:
But! The important part is that I didn't give up when I didn't love it!
And now I have my second attempt (which I'm still not super happy with) and I intend to keep going until I create one I'm truly proud (and beyond).
In detail:
This has been a hard lesson for me to learn. I am the consummate perfectionist. I want to know everything before I've been taught it and I want to execute everything perfectly the first time I attempt it.
Unfortunately, as I've experienced repeatedly, I'm not capable of that level of illogical perfection.
However, I am proud (and grateful) to say that I think I've finally accepted that it's okay to fail and make mistakes. And that it's not a true failure as long as I accept it gracefully and keep trying!
That, I think, is the hardest part for me: to keep trying! Not to give up when I get frustrated, but to push on.
I've found this lesson to be applicable in pretty much every aspect of my life (work, crafting, performing church callings, etc.).
And for quite some time I've been looking for a way to create my own. I thought, in our modern, technological society that for sure there would be some sort of automated application where I could just type in my quote or text and the program would magically format it into subway art that I could manipulate to my heart's content.
Sadly, for once, the internet has failed me. I cannot find such an app. However, with the help of my good friend Amy, I am now in the process of learning to create my own subway art the old-fashioned way (okay, well not really old-fashioned because that would probably require some sort of paper and stencils and such, and this is all digital...but, well, you get the point).
I am not terribly proud of my first attempt:
But! The important part is that I didn't give up when I didn't love it!
And now I have my second attempt (which I'm still not super happy with) and I intend to keep going until I create one I'm truly proud (and beyond).
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Day 9/10/11 of 30 Thankful Days
So...I had intended to post each and every day. Clearly I'm not doing very well at keeping up on that. But I'm not giving up! I'm adapting. And pushing forward. So here goes...
Day 9:
In detail:I think I can say, unequivocally, that Friday is my favorite day of the week. Well, sometimes Sunday gives Friday a run for it's money. But I suspect I'll get to that later in the month.
In detail:
I think sometimes we all feel a little (or a lot) burdened down by the responsibilities and duties we have in life, whether they be to family, work, church, friends, or other. I know I've felt that way, more frequently than I like. And I often fall into the trap of complaining about my obligations.
But, when I really think about my responsibilities, I realize how many blessings I receive through them:
-the opportunity to grow and develop talents
-the joy of utilizing talents that I have developed
-connections to others and a greater love for them
-a sense of self worth and purpose in the world
-material rewards
-structure to my life (as much as I enjoy a day of sloth here and there, I can't imagine a life of sloth...)
And so much more.
Day 11:
In detail:I think I can say, unequivocally, that Friday is my favorite day of the week. Well, sometimes Sunday gives Friday a run for it's money. But I suspect I'll get to that later in the month.
My favorite thing about Friday has to be that the entire weekend is before you. Sometimes filled with amazing and wonderful plans. And sometimes completely empty and free; filled with the possibility of unexpected adventures or indulgent relaxation.
There's just something about a Friday that to me always seems a little bit like a holiday.
Day 10:
In detail:
I think sometimes we all feel a little (or a lot) burdened down by the responsibilities and duties we have in life, whether they be to family, work, church, friends, or other. I know I've felt that way, more frequently than I like. And I often fall into the trap of complaining about my obligations.
But, when I really think about my responsibilities, I realize how many blessings I receive through them:
-the opportunity to grow and develop talents
-the joy of utilizing talents that I have developed
-connections to others and a greater love for them
-a sense of self worth and purpose in the world
-material rewards
-structure to my life (as much as I enjoy a day of sloth here and there, I can't imagine a life of sloth...)
And so much more.
Day 11:
In detail:
As today is Veteran's Day in the US, I thought it the perfect opportunity to recognize the service of those in the armed forces, both past and present.
I'll admit that I don't recognize their efforts and sacrifices on a daily basis, although I know I partake of the fruits of their contributions each and every day. I feel very blessed to live in a country where I have access to many freedoms others in the world cannot even conceive of:
-freedom to worship according to my conscience
-freedom to cast a vote for by whom, and how, I'm represented in our government
-freedom to speak up and make my voice heard in society regardless of the popularity of my statements
-a safe and clean place to live, free from the fear
I'm proud to say that my ancestors and family have served in our armed forces to establish and protect these and other freedoms.
I'm grateful for their service and for all those who make the sacrifice to serve our citizens often without recognition or even acknowledgement from those they serve.
As I said before...THANK YOU!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Day 6/7/8 of 30 Thankful Days
Ok...so, I'm a little behind. But, I have a valid excuse. Really. I promise. It'll become more clear as we go along. So...since I have a little catching up to do...
Day 6 (aka Election Day)
In detail:
While the results of the election (and I did watch them come in live...there was a lot of refreshing going on) may not have been what I was hoping for, I am deeply grateful and moved by the privilege to make my voice heard.
I'll even admit to getting a little teary eyed (yes, tear fingers necessary) when I think about the sacrifices so many people have made to obtain and preserve this privilege for me (some of whom were my own ancestors). And I firmly believe it is the duty of each eligible voter to honor that privilege and those sacrifices by exercising that right whenever possible!
Day 7 (aka my birthday!)
In detail:
As my friend Shaine puts it, my birthday is my favorite holiday. My parents (especially my mom) did an excellent job of making me feel extra special on each and every birthday I had growing up. A tradition which has continued over the years, past adulthood and straight into the present.
This birthday was no different. We celebrated as a family a day early, on election night. It was a low key evening; just they way I wanted it. We had a delicious steak dinner, followed by a lovely and tasty chocolate cake (with Ghiradelli curls on top - or so my father said).
Then there came the presents. Every year I tell my parents not to go overboard, especially since I'm a grown up now. But they still spoil me. I love how much they want to show their love to me and I appreciate the thought and effort they put into demonstrating it. As usual, they did an excellent job (although I will admit that I think I've had Soft Kitty from The Big Bang Theory stuck in my head on an off for 3 days now...).
The following day, my official birthday, I was able to work from Concord for one of my last 3 days where I was treated to lunch at Sizzler by some of my favorite colleagues. I was also gifted some lovely flowers by my parents.
Oh and I almost forgot the cake saga. Man, I should have made this a separate post altogether. Oh well, too late now, and I'm not leaving this story out!
So I brought the remainder of the cake from my family celebration to work to share with my colleagues since there was about 7/8 of a 3 layer cake left. Well, along the way the cake sort of...collapsed? divided? I'm not sure how to describe it other than it basically turned into the Grand Canyon of cakes (or as I described it to a couple of people, an inverted Aztec pyramid). I pretty much figured there was no way I was going to be able to salvage that.
Well then after lunch, two of the installers (Feng and JC) stopped and bought me a birthday cake. Which they walked over to my cube and proudly handed me, pronouncing "Happy Birthday" and then walked away, refusing to partake of said cake. Okay, so I have a pretty well established sweet tooth, but there's no way I can eat nearly two whole cakes! I prevailed upon our admin at work to invite all the employees at Concord that day to a "cake break" at 2pm where both cakes were shared (we managed to salvage what then became termed the "homage to Tropical Storm Sandy" cake). I think my favorite part about the whole thing was that many of my colleagues were very confused about why we were having cake and kept wishing me the best at my new job and hoping to cross paths with me in the future. Well, they probably will, next week, when I'm back in the office in Concord again. :-P
The evening was spent with Katy and Lisa D. We did a delicious dinner at Eddie Papa's followed by some excellent shopping at the mall. Then Lisa and I ran into Jessica at Target and got to do some shopping with her as well.
And to top it all off, when I got home I found a surprise on my door - Jessica had heart attacked me while we were at dinner! It's my first official heart attacking and it was pretty awesome.
Oh, and throughout the day I was treated to very sweet Facebook birthday wishes and text messages. All in all, I felt really loved and grateful for all the support.
Day 8 (today...aka catch up day)
In detail:
I think tonight was my opportunity to recover from the very full and very good last two days. I worked from 9 to 6:15, with a cake break at around 4 pm. That's right, I got yet another birthday cake, that makes a grand total of 3 this year, from my new boss.
I got home at 7 and spent the evening in my cozy footie pajamas with my butt parked on the couch, watching T V. Oh yeah, with some of my favorite candles burning. It was pretty much exactly what I needed!
Day 6 (aka Election Day)
In detail:
While the results of the election (and I did watch them come in live...there was a lot of refreshing going on) may not have been what I was hoping for, I am deeply grateful and moved by the privilege to make my voice heard.
I'll even admit to getting a little teary eyed (yes, tear fingers necessary) when I think about the sacrifices so many people have made to obtain and preserve this privilege for me (some of whom were my own ancestors). And I firmly believe it is the duty of each eligible voter to honor that privilege and those sacrifices by exercising that right whenever possible!
Day 7 (aka my birthday!)
In detail:
As my friend Shaine puts it, my birthday is my favorite holiday. My parents (especially my mom) did an excellent job of making me feel extra special on each and every birthday I had growing up. A tradition which has continued over the years, past adulthood and straight into the present.
This birthday was no different. We celebrated as a family a day early, on election night. It was a low key evening; just they way I wanted it. We had a delicious steak dinner, followed by a lovely and tasty chocolate cake (with Ghiradelli curls on top - or so my father said).
Then there came the presents. Every year I tell my parents not to go overboard, especially since I'm a grown up now. But they still spoil me. I love how much they want to show their love to me and I appreciate the thought and effort they put into demonstrating it. As usual, they did an excellent job (although I will admit that I think I've had Soft Kitty from The Big Bang Theory stuck in my head on an off for 3 days now...).
Oh and I almost forgot the cake saga. Man, I should have made this a separate post altogether. Oh well, too late now, and I'm not leaving this story out!
So I brought the remainder of the cake from my family celebration to work to share with my colleagues since there was about 7/8 of a 3 layer cake left. Well, along the way the cake sort of...collapsed? divided? I'm not sure how to describe it other than it basically turned into the Grand Canyon of cakes (or as I described it to a couple of people, an inverted Aztec pyramid). I pretty much figured there was no way I was going to be able to salvage that.
Well then after lunch, two of the installers (Feng and JC) stopped and bought me a birthday cake. Which they walked over to my cube and proudly handed me, pronouncing "Happy Birthday" and then walked away, refusing to partake of said cake. Okay, so I have a pretty well established sweet tooth, but there's no way I can eat nearly two whole cakes! I prevailed upon our admin at work to invite all the employees at Concord that day to a "cake break" at 2pm where both cakes were shared (we managed to salvage what then became termed the "homage to Tropical Storm Sandy" cake). I think my favorite part about the whole thing was that many of my colleagues were very confused about why we were having cake and kept wishing me the best at my new job and hoping to cross paths with me in the future. Well, they probably will, next week, when I'm back in the office in Concord again. :-P
The evening was spent with Katy and Lisa D. We did a delicious dinner at Eddie Papa's followed by some excellent shopping at the mall. Then Lisa and I ran into Jessica at Target and got to do some shopping with her as well.
And to top it all off, when I got home I found a surprise on my door - Jessica had heart attacked me while we were at dinner! It's my first official heart attacking and it was pretty awesome.
Oh, and throughout the day I was treated to very sweet Facebook birthday wishes and text messages. All in all, I felt really loved and grateful for all the support.
Day 8 (today...aka catch up day)
In detail:
I think tonight was my opportunity to recover from the very full and very good last two days. I worked from 9 to 6:15, with a cake break at around 4 pm. That's right, I got yet another birthday cake, that makes a grand total of 3 this year, from my new boss.
I got home at 7 and spent the evening in my cozy footie pajamas with my butt parked on the couch, watching T V. Oh yeah, with some of my favorite candles burning. It was pretty much exactly what I needed!
Heart Attack
Monday, November 5, 2012
Day 5 of 30 Thankful Days
Day 5: I am grateful to live in California (where it was a balmy 76 degrees today).
In detail:
As I was driving to work today, sitting in traffic, I happened to look up and actually SEE how beautiful the world around me is. I feel very privileged to live in an area where on my morning commute I can pass more species of trees than I can name, in a variety of stages (fall colors, bright green, I've even seen some blossoming at odd times of the year).
.
I'm also grateful to live in an area where I can get to the ocean, hills, mountains, lakes, forests and major cities within a couple of hours.
I'll admit a certain amount of envy and wonder at the sheer age and weight of history in Europe. But I also value the newer, rawer history I can find here. And I love even more that I know my family has a piece of it.
In detail:
As I was driving to work today, sitting in traffic, I happened to look up and actually SEE how beautiful the world around me is. I feel very privileged to live in an area where on my morning commute I can pass more species of trees than I can name, in a variety of stages (fall colors, bright green, I've even seen some blossoming at odd times of the year).
.
I'm also grateful to live in an area where I can get to the ocean, hills, mountains, lakes, forests and major cities within a couple of hours.
I'll admit a certain amount of envy and wonder at the sheer age and weight of history in Europe. But I also value the newer, rawer history I can find here. And I love even more that I know my family has a piece of it.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Day 4 of 30 Thankful Days
Day 4: I'm grateful for access to an abundance of healthy food, to the point where I have to exercise self control not to overindulge.
In detail:
Particularly at this time, when Tropical Storm Sandy has taken a big bite out of the East Coast and we're once again reminded (as is so often the case during any natural disaster) of the trials and challenges others around the world are facing, I am grateful to live somewhere with access to safe, nutritious food on a regular basis. And I'm rather ashamed that I so often not only take this abundance for granted but, in fact, reject the healthy offerings available to me in favor of less healthy and even unhealthy options.
Really, how blessed should I feel that rather than struggling for food and took keep from starving, I'm struggling to diet and keep my weight in a healthy range?
I hope that I can keep this sense of gratitude going forward and allow it to influence my choices.
I think it's also inspiring me to donate to and volunteer to support efforts to make sure nutritious foods are available to everyone:
Heifer International
http://www.heifer.org/
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
http://www.foodbankccs.org/
Alameda County Community Food Bank
http://www.accfb.org/
In detail:
Particularly at this time, when Tropical Storm Sandy has taken a big bite out of the East Coast and we're once again reminded (as is so often the case during any natural disaster) of the trials and challenges others around the world are facing, I am grateful to live somewhere with access to safe, nutritious food on a regular basis. And I'm rather ashamed that I so often not only take this abundance for granted but, in fact, reject the healthy offerings available to me in favor of less healthy and even unhealthy options.
Really, how blessed should I feel that rather than struggling for food and took keep from starving, I'm struggling to diet and keep my weight in a healthy range?
I hope that I can keep this sense of gratitude going forward and allow it to influence my choices.
I think it's also inspiring me to donate to and volunteer to support efforts to make sure nutritious foods are available to everyone:
Heifer International
http://www.heifer.org/
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
http://www.foodbankccs.org/
Alameda County Community Food Bank
http://www.accfb.org/
Saturday, November 3, 2012
30 Thankful Days?
I noticed on November 1st that several of my dear Facebook friends are posting something they are grateful for each day in November.
I decided that gratitude is never a bad thing and so I've officially jumped on the bandwagon.
For day one, I posted my gratitude for my new job.
In detail:
I'm grateful to have a continued employment, particularly with Siemens (which will allow me to seamless transfer not only my benefits, 401k, and PTO, but also my laptop, blackberry, and Siemens corporate specific knowledge).
I tend to be something of a perfectionist and I hate, hate, HATE, trying things for the first time or the beginning part of learning new things when I feel completely incompetent. So, it's at least somewhat helpful when starting this new job that I'm still in the Siemens family and can transfer some of my knowledge and skills while I try to wrap my brain around a whole mess of new information. Um, I'm going to be working for Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Molecular and Microbiology...I barely remember hints about this stuff from some of my GEs in college...
But I digress. I'm somewhat amazed at this opportunity and very amazed that the transition is going as smoothly as it is. Once again I have to say, I have no idea where the Lord is leading me, but I'm happy to be along for the ride.
For day two, I posted my gratitude for my old job and the people I've worked with.
In detail:
I learned more during my (almost) 7 years at OCS than I could have imagined. I've worked with a wide variety of diverse and fantastic characters, traveled more than I ever expected, and became a much stronger, outgoing, and capable person than I would have thought possible. For the first time I have confidence in starting a new phase of life that even if I don't already know everything (rest assured, I know how illogical my thinking has always been about learning new things), I do have the ability to learn and succeed and I don't need to be a basket case of fears.
But I think the greatest blessing from these past few years has been the opportunity to work closely with my father and get to know him on a whole new level. It has been a wonderful experience that I will always be very grateful for.
Day three, I am posting my gratitude for my home.
In detail:
I feel very blessed to live in what is quite possibly the nicest, and definitely the newest place I've ever (and may ever) lived. I've been at the condo on DeMarcus for 4 years now (the longest I've lived anywhere other than my parents house) and in that time I've been blessed with wonderful roommates and very few household problems.
I feel safe and have all the conveniences I could need. With the new job, I'm particularly grateful for the location of my home at the crossroads of 580 and 680 which gives me a lot more flexibility in my commute. Of course I have some pet peeves about this place (noisy children in the courtyard, oddly shaped rooms, etc.) but on the whole, it's really more than I would have expected or planned to have and I am frequently grateful for it.
I decided that gratitude is never a bad thing and so I've officially jumped on the bandwagon.
In detail:
I'm grateful to have a continued employment, particularly with Siemens (which will allow me to seamless transfer not only my benefits, 401k, and PTO, but also my laptop, blackberry, and Siemens corporate specific knowledge).
I tend to be something of a perfectionist and I hate, hate, HATE, trying things for the first time or the beginning part of learning new things when I feel completely incompetent. So, it's at least somewhat helpful when starting this new job that I'm still in the Siemens family and can transfer some of my knowledge and skills while I try to wrap my brain around a whole mess of new information. Um, I'm going to be working for Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Molecular and Microbiology...I barely remember hints about this stuff from some of my GEs in college...
But I digress. I'm somewhat amazed at this opportunity and very amazed that the transition is going as smoothly as it is. Once again I have to say, I have no idea where the Lord is leading me, but I'm happy to be along for the ride.
For day two, I posted my gratitude for my old job and the people I've worked with.
In detail:
I learned more during my (almost) 7 years at OCS than I could have imagined. I've worked with a wide variety of diverse and fantastic characters, traveled more than I ever expected, and became a much stronger, outgoing, and capable person than I would have thought possible. For the first time I have confidence in starting a new phase of life that even if I don't already know everything (rest assured, I know how illogical my thinking has always been about learning new things), I do have the ability to learn and succeed and I don't need to be a basket case of fears.
But I think the greatest blessing from these past few years has been the opportunity to work closely with my father and get to know him on a whole new level. It has been a wonderful experience that I will always be very grateful for.
Day three, I am posting my gratitude for my home.
In detail:
I feel very blessed to live in what is quite possibly the nicest, and definitely the newest place I've ever (and may ever) lived. I've been at the condo on DeMarcus for 4 years now (the longest I've lived anywhere other than my parents house) and in that time I've been blessed with wonderful roommates and very few household problems.
I feel safe and have all the conveniences I could need. With the new job, I'm particularly grateful for the location of my home at the crossroads of 580 and 680 which gives me a lot more flexibility in my commute. Of course I have some pet peeves about this place (noisy children in the courtyard, oddly shaped rooms, etc.) but on the whole, it's really more than I would have expected or planned to have and I am frequently grateful for it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)