Day 16: I'm grateful for family history and the joy I get from working on my own and other's.
In detail:
I'm not sure why, but I have always been fascinated by family history (genealogy). Ever since I was a small child I've loved watching old home movies, looking at old family photos, or listening to stories about my ancestors.
I think the stereotypical age to become interested in genealogy is sometime after retirement. I started working with old school pedigree charts when I was 12. I'm 'only' 32 and I can say I've been working on my family history for somewhere around 20 years...
It has been amazing to see the development of the resources and technology available over the past 20 years. I remember the first time I walked into a family history center, armed with my paper pedigree charts and my floppy disks. I'm pretty sure the internet wasn't even involved at all. 20 years later I do almost all my research online, upload the information to the new.familysearch.org website, and can print temple ordinance requests online.
And the volume of information available in digitized records, worldwide, is pretty astounding. And it's growing every day.
I'm trying to teach myself not to work on family history late at night, especially on weeknights. There have been a few too many mornings where I asked myself, why did I stay up until 3am on Ancestry.com. And some of those times, I haven't even been working on my own family's history.
I think the thing that makes family history so special to me is the deep feeling that these aren't just names on a chart; these are real people. Who led real lives. And I am privileged enough to take a peek into their lives and get to know them a little.
And the icing on the cake: taking the names of my family members to the temple and completing the ordinances they didn't have access to during their lives. That experience is truly indescribably wonderful.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Day 15 of 30 Thankful Days
Day 15: I'm grateful that I have an amazing view of the temple on my way home from work every day.
In detail:
Since I've started my new job, I have a completely new path of commute. Instead of taking 680 North to work, I now take 580 West. Mileage-wise it's only about 2 miles different each way. Time-wise it's between 10-20 minutes longer each way.
There are a couple things about my new commute that I'm not terribly happy about: The traffic is quite a bit more congested, and I no longer have the option of stopping at my parents' house on the way home.
However, I have discovered that calling and talking to my parents on the way home makes the commute much more enjoyable, and also makes me a more courteous driver.
But I think my favorite thing about my new commute, particularly when coupled with the recent time change which results in me driving home after dark every evening, is that for a portion of my drive I can look up and see the beautiful shinning sight of the temple on the hill. And it is beautiful. And it is bright. And every single time it reminds me that that is where I need to keep my focus and that that is the direction I always want to be going in.
And that is pretty awesome.
In detail:
Since I've started my new job, I have a completely new path of commute. Instead of taking 680 North to work, I now take 580 West. Mileage-wise it's only about 2 miles different each way. Time-wise it's between 10-20 minutes longer each way.
There are a couple things about my new commute that I'm not terribly happy about: The traffic is quite a bit more congested, and I no longer have the option of stopping at my parents' house on the way home.
However, I have discovered that calling and talking to my parents on the way home makes the commute much more enjoyable, and also makes me a more courteous driver.
But I think my favorite thing about my new commute, particularly when coupled with the recent time change which results in me driving home after dark every evening, is that for a portion of my drive I can look up and see the beautiful shinning sight of the temple on the hill. And it is beautiful. And it is bright. And every single time it reminds me that that is where I need to keep my focus and that that is the direction I always want to be going in.
And that is pretty awesome.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Day 14 of 30 Thankful Days
Day 14: I'm grateful for music.
In detail:
I don't express it very often, at least not in so many words, but I really do love music. For a lot of reasons:
1) Music can carry memories
Just a snippet of a song can bring me back to the first time I danced with a boy in high school, or a sunny day dancing around the kitchen as a child, or my mom kneeling by my bed as she sings me to sleep.
2) Music can influence emotion
When I really think about it, what is it in movies that really makes me scared, or sad, or tear up at something sappy? The music behind the scenes. When I've had a bad day, I only need to pop in some upbeat music to lift my spirits and inspire an impromptu dance party. If I need some peace in a hectic day, I can listen to some hymns. It's amazing how quickly and how deeply music can affect my emotions.
3) Music passes the time
I love driving. But I think part of the reason I love driving is that I get to listen to music. Occasionally I actually look forward to an extra long commute if I have some new music to enjoy along the way. And I can't imagine a long road trip without some great tunes!
In detail:
I don't express it very often, at least not in so many words, but I really do love music. For a lot of reasons:
1) Music can carry memories
Just a snippet of a song can bring me back to the first time I danced with a boy in high school, or a sunny day dancing around the kitchen as a child, or my mom kneeling by my bed as she sings me to sleep.
2) Music can influence emotion
When I really think about it, what is it in movies that really makes me scared, or sad, or tear up at something sappy? The music behind the scenes. When I've had a bad day, I only need to pop in some upbeat music to lift my spirits and inspire an impromptu dance party. If I need some peace in a hectic day, I can listen to some hymns. It's amazing how quickly and how deeply music can affect my emotions.
3) Music passes the time
I love driving. But I think part of the reason I love driving is that I get to listen to music. Occasionally I actually look forward to an extra long commute if I have some new music to enjoy along the way. And I can't imagine a long road trip without some great tunes!
Day 13 of 30 Thankful Days
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.
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.
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
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