DAY 7. and 8.

So I missed yesterday... That never happens ;) hah. It's just cause Thursdays are my day where I literally don't use a computer all day because I'm in the HFAC for class, playing cello, teaching lessons, or having my own lesson. I don't work in the HLR at all that day.

Anyways, I still thought of things that I am grateful for! And here they are:

1. Good teachers. Some of the teachers that I've had in my life have really shaped me and molded me for the better. I guess I was thinking about this today cause I had a cello lesson and it was a kinda luke warm one. Like it was not very good. At least from my perspective. But my teacher was still able to help me work on things and knowhow I could improve and be better. I am grateful for all of the cello teachers that I've had. They have helped me come to love this instrument and have helped me want to push forward even when it's hard.

2. I'm grateful that I get to teach! I started teaching 160R cello lessons at BYU this semester and it has been SOOO MUCH FUN!! Like I literally have never had so much fun in my life. I dunno what it is, but every time I teach I'm just happy and bubbly, which is how I usually am, but even when I'm super tired and haven't slept a ton the night before, I just feel happy! I guess that I hope to someday have the effect on my students that my teachers have had no me. I want to help them! To be that source of inspiration!

3. Cello technique. I know, a weird one. But really! I know that I still have a long way to go, but I feel like I'm a much better player now than I was before my mission and I feel like a lot of the reason is because of all the technique I have done since getting home. So as much as I like to whine about playing thirds and sixths... I really am grateful for them and for how they condition me and help me grow.

And here's for today.

1.  My job slash boss. Ok, but seriously, I am the biggest fan of nepotism in the world. I got this job cause my sister worked here when she was at BYU. So sophomore year, when I was looking for a job, came and talked to Harold about working here. He couldn't give me a job right away, but I left my contact info and he contacted me the next semester. I was stoked. And it has been sooo good ever since. I love this job! It is pretty laid back, but we getta help people and do fun digital conversion projects. Harold is the also the world's best boss. Not only has he taught me everything I know, but he is sincerely interested in helping us and in our lives. He has come to my last two concerts just because, and he is so kind! He also speaks French! Which is pretty fun. Anddd, not to go on too long about this, but my co-workers are also the best. We are tighhht. We love each other and support each other. We talk and laugh together maybe too much at times, but it's so fun. Anyways, I just said like three in one here, mais bon.

2. Baroque Ensemble! I getta play with this wonderful group this year and it is so much fun! I love playing on baroque instruments and just playing the beautiful music we getta play with this group! It is way fun. Today we were sitting in a circle (cause we're doing Vivaldi's concerto for four violins.) And it kinda just hit me how blessed I was to be there! #thatmusictho It is just so beautiful! We had our concert last week, and it was so fun! And we are doing one more mini one! For concerts at noon on December 4th. So come if you're free! It's gonna be good.

3. Performing! I am grateful that I get to perform as much as I do. It's so fun! And it really is getting to be a more enjoyable experience every time. It used to freak me out. And I would freeze and just not do well. And I still have my moments, a week ago on Friday at concerts at noon I got nervous playing Elgar, which was kinda weird, cause that hasn't happened in awhile and that piece is my jammm. But it's so fun and I get excited every chance I get to perform. I used to make it a goal to perform once a day for someone, and I might try to start doing that again cause it's good preparation for the big stuff, like recitals!

Well, I am grateful for all these things and more! God is good.

L'evangile est vrai!

Love, Pono