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Ten Things of Thankful: BYU Education Week Edition

Every August I am able, I find myself at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, for Education Week.  About 20,000 individuals from all over--I've met folks from as far away as New Zealand--gather together to enjoy classes on numerous topics.

Today's TToT post captures some of my thoughts from this year's experience.



1.  I'm thankful for the "Y" on the mountain above campus, which provides a visual symbol of the university.


2.  I'm thankful for the bell tower, which chimes "Come, Come Ye Saints" every hour, reminding all of the dedication and sacrifice of the early pioneers.


3.  I'm thankful for the beautifully manicured campus, and for those who work diligently to maintain the grounds.



4.  I'm thankful for unexpected moments of cuteness.  This quail was in a parking lot, with its family members hiding under a nearby car.


5.  I'm thankful for the romance of being on the campus where John and I met and fell in love.

6.  I'm thankful for the many, many instructors who prepared fabulous presentations.  I attended classes such as:  "The Life of C.S. Lewis,"  "Nutrition: Antioxidants and Living Fruitfully,"  "Family History Work,"  "Matters of the Mind," "Bringing Ritual to the Routine of Daily Living," "Foreign Language Learning," "Finding Christ in the Old Testament," and others. 

7.  I'm thankful for Marvin Goldstein and Janice Kapp Perry, who presented an interactive class on music.  We weren't quite the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (though this video is of them), but we did sing this song (among others):



8.  I'm thankful for the chance to visit with my college kids, and I'm thankful for the great Indian food restaurant they recommended for dinner.  I was hungry.  The food was delicious and the company wonderful. 

9.  I'm thankful for John's parents, who welcomed me (again!) into their home for Education Week, even though their wedding anniversary seems to fall during Ed. Week every year. 

10.  I'm thankful for the uplifting, inspiring spirit I've felt this week.  My batteries are recharged and I feel ready to face the demands of life again.  
 
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Please let me know what you are thankful for this week.
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Thanks for Education Week!

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Ten Things of Thankful


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Comments

  1. Looked like a wonderful time and loved getting to see all the pictures of the university. Seriously gorgeous from your photos. And I can totally see why you would be so thankful for getting to attend!!

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    Replies
    1. It is a beautiful campus, and Education Week is a highlight of my year.

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  2. I do so love that moment of cuteness!

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  3. Was the restaurant the Bombay House?

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    Replies
    1. I don't remember, but I believe so. When I googled "Bombay House", the location seemed to be where we were. I take it you've eaten there, too?

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    2. "The restaurant with the elephant" was EM's favorite restaurant when he was little. We ate there so often, the waiter could order for us.

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  4. I've only been to Provo once, when my brother married at the temple. The BYU campus was pretty in December, and your pictures prove it's even better in the summertime.
    After you mentioned it in a previous post, I was able to talk briefly with my sister-in-law about education week. She had nothing but great things to say about it, too.
    I'm glad you were able to enjoy visiting family, learn a few things, and take some time for yourself.

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    Replies
    1. Each season brings its own beauty to the campus.

      Everyone seems happy to be there. I know it's a highlight of my year every time I can attend.

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  5. What a wonderful time to look forward to each year... meeting up with friends and family in a place of such strong connection, learning together, and strengthening your faith... that sounds like about ten wins to me! Such a beautiful campus too!

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  6. That's a truly beautiful campus! What an enjoyable place to be able to visit each year.

    The lectures you attended sound really nourishing for the soul and the intellect. A great opportunity.

    And WOW that's a big ol' 'Y'!

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    Replies
    1. When I was there as an undergrad, I'd hike up to the Y each year. I haven't done that since, but maybe I should next year. It's lovely to be able to look out over the campus and valley.

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  7. What a gorgeous campus! I like the symbolism of the bell tower, too. What a journey those early pioneers went on to find just the right place to settle. Glad you got the opportunity to go to Education Week and left so refreshed!

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    Replies
    1. I love the bell tower. Not only does it play "Come Come Ye Saints" on the hour, but occasionally students will perform concerts. I particularly enjoyed annual Christmas concerts.

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  8. Hey! I saw that giant letter!

    lol... I know a lot of people travel and have been to Salt Lake City...for the last couple of years I have gone there on business in March and can recall looking out of the hotel window and seeing the Y something cool about knowing 'real people' in a place that you've visited.

    glad you posted this!

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the post, but I'm afraid that if you saw a letter on the mountain from Salt Lake City, you probably saw a "U" for the University of Utah (BYU's rival!) :-)

      BYU is located in Provo, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

      However, Temple Square in Salt Lake City also has beautifully manicured grounds and the same sense of pioneer sacrifice as does the BYU campus. If you haven't had a chance to visit, I'd recommend it next time you are in SLC. (You could even hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in person! It's free to watch them practice, or to be in attendance for the weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast.)

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  9. What a wonderful week to be thankful for - and a lovely place to recharge your spiritual batteries, too :)

    I loved that you can go back there, and revisit the times when you met John - it must be so romantic :)

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    Replies
    1. Yes. Hopefully one of these years he'll be able to attend with me. :-)

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  10. What a great week and way to recharge!

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  11. Wow- the grounds of campus are so beautiful. Love all the bright flowers!

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  12. Salt Lake has to be one of the most gorgeous places on earth. Seriously beautiful. My dad and I were able to spend a little time there on a trip from Denver to San Fran. Love the photos and glad you had such a great and recharging trip!

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  13. What a great time...sounds really good! I love the Y...Im not sure how come ( I was trying not to say "why") but I do!

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  14. Hmm that is a very nice campus. I have many relatives in SLC, but I've never been there or to Provo. For some reason (like everyone else) I really like the bell tower.

    Sounds like you had a great time, and it's always nostalgic to revisit a place of great importance.

    The mention of Indian food makes me hungry lol Lately I've been craving it really bad. We have a handful of restaurants here, but I am doubtful they are widespread. Glad the place you attended was so good!

    Hope you got the recharge you needed and that your week has been awesome!

    Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of Ink

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