"Compliments Journal"

“You’ve done a great thing for these guys.” Regarding the packages and letters I’ve sent to the soldiers.

But, to be honest, I cannot remember a single one. And, that just proves the point of this excercise to me. When I don`t make a concerted effort to really HEAR the nice things people say to and about me, all the compliments go in one ear and out the other.

Must work on this a little harder.

I joined the English department’s co-rec intramural flag football team. I’ll admit I’m not the strongest player on the team (in large part because I’m not 100% clear on all of the rules), but tonight I made a really good tackle, and my team congratulated me. It made me feel a little more like an athlete.

I’ve been really feeling down on myself lately and I was talking about this with a friend, who reminded me that I am a good loyal friend, who will gladly do anything for her friends. That meant so much to me. I think it’s one of the greatest compliments that I’ve ever received.

I got that today. Which was lovely. And it’s true.

I flew home to see my mom this weekend. My dad is in Cambodia on business (for the third time this year!). I called her at the beginning of last week, and she just sounded really lonely. I got off the phone with her, hopped on the internet and booked a plane ticket, and then I called her back to tell her I was coming home at the end of the week. She told me that she was lucky God blessed her with such a good daughter. And when she dropped me off at the airport yesterday, she said that I had made her weekend so much better, just by being there with her. And that’s exactly why I did it.

But then again, I didn’t have much social interaction today. I certainly don’t expect to receive compliments whilst weeding the garden or doing laundry : )

I wrote and presented a paper at a local conference last week. My slot was really early in the morning so my faculty sponsor for this conference (who is also my committee chair) told me that she wasn’t going to make it. This was fine with me, because my presentation slot was at 8:40 in the morning, and I was happy to email her a copy. But, when it was my turn to go—she walked into the room! I was incredibly flattered that she would drive all the way from Dallas to Arlington just to hear me give my paper. I read my paper and afterward Dr. F told me that I had done a really good job on my paper AND that it was worth trying to publish if I expand it. She even offered to help me get it ready for publication. A few days later she told me that she thought I should have won one of the prizes for presentation Yay! I’ve been living with pride from this compliment for the last week because it’s high praise from someone whose judgment, opinion, and literary knowledge I really really respect.

“NC, thanks for including us. You are very thoughtful.” Yay.

today, I’m going to compliment myself.

NaughtyChimp, you’re bright!
NaughtyChimp, you’re kind!
NaughtyChimp, you are frugal!