36. Cultivating Wit: Part II

Several years ago I was hanging out with a group of friends and we were all having a blast. My best friend was among those gathered. As we all sat around talking and making jokes everyone found themselves being cut off by their own laughter. This was in part because of my friend's diverse humor but mostly because he was so quick to the draw. The thing is, he cultivated this ability to captivate others. So now I'm working on mine!

35. Reflecting on Progress (or Lack Thereof...)

...I'm thinking...I'm thinking...

"Chris how are you doing with all of this stuff?” I got this text a few days ago, and it's a question that I knew was inevitable. One that I've been asking myself the last several days. I'm just over 1/3 of the way through the 99 Gifts project. Between my coursework for school, working on the project, writing the blog, and trying to figure out the next steps of my existence, I've been rather busy the last few weeks. As such, I've not had a lot of time to revisit many of the goals and habits I've been trying to form over the last month or so. That is today's gift: a hard, honest look at what I've set out to do and how it's going so far. I'll only list the gifts that require continued action.

34. Embracing the Cost of Honor

Seeing my friend's name come up on the screen, I answered the phone with one free hand while wrapping a towel around my waist with the other. "Hey bro, I'm 10 seconds away from getting a shower - what's up?" The reply, "Dude, I'm engaged!" I'd actually already been made aware of this fact, but verbally rejoiced with him again while securing my elusive towel. Whether sensing my predicament or allowing providence to play a part, he quickly got to the reason for his phone call. I was asked if I would be a groomsman for my good friend. I heartily replied, "Absolutely!" The instant I said this, my brain completely shifted gears to this: We unfortunately live in a culture where honor is not only underrated, it is often seen only as something else entirely - an expense to ourselves.

33. No Rest For The Weary?

I have been working like crazy recently, especially for the last month. All with no compensation. As an unemployed student, I feel much pressure to justify my worth to others. In fact, I just spent nearly an hour working on today's post to say just that. As I was proofing it, I decided to scrap the whole thing. Why? Because this is what I want to say about today's gift: Some times it's okay to just take a break. If you know that you have worked hard, don't let others tell you differently. Tonight, instead of working extremely hard to write an article like I did about Leon or my dad [those each took a few hours to do well], I did something I've not allowed myself to do in a long time. I took a break. Maybe I don't have a great piece of writing for today. But I know this - remembering the importance of taking time to relax is a quality that would make all men better. Sure I could have tried to make this point very eloquently. But I'd rather embrace the message. Until tomorrow, folks.

PS - I'm benefiting from the rest and coming back in full force tomorrow. Hopefully you'll all still be with me!

32. My Dad is ___________

There are some days that stick in your memory no matter how much time has passed. One of my first ones was when I was in first grade. The day began like any other but soon the room was teeming with large, unfamiliar men trying to navigate their way through a sea of tiny desks and high pitched voices. Order was soon restored, and one by one these men regaled the class with tales of police work, fighting fires, and corporate conquest while their progeny beamed with pride. Meanwhile my six year old self sat in the back and began to quietly cry. The teacher noticed, and edged her way over. Putting her arm around me she asked where my dad was. My simple response: "I don't know." She had no clue the depth of those words.