Married

As most of you know, I got married last week. (Yay!) So that means Royce and I have to share everything now, including our blogs. Actually, we thought it would be easier to just have one family blog (especially since Royce never posts on his anyway). You can see our new blog here: http://roastandheather.blogspot.com/

Hope to see comments from all of you soon!

Phew!

Twenty-five pages later, and I'm finally finished. Let me tell you what, trying to graduate and preparing for a wedding in the same semester has been pretty crazy. But we're almost there! In six days I will be graduated and married! (I'm mostly excited about the married part--the graduated part is an added bonus.)

So the last few days I've been staying up way too late (turns out I am a more effective writer at 1:00 am) trying to finish this paper for my applied string literature course, which is essentially an independent readings course, whatever that means. Actually, what it means is that you pick a project to work on, with the help of an adviser, and then you work on it . . . most likely at the last minute. I've been comparing 15 editions of the Bach Sonatas and Partitas. I didn't think I would ever in my life write a 25-page paper (for some of you, that probably isn't all that long) but I guess I had a lot to say.

Earlier in the week and in the weeks previous I was working on a big project for my theory class. It was actually pretty hard. Not as much writing, but a lot more analyzing. My brain has had plenty of exercise this week!

Showered!

A couple of weeks ago, I had a fun bridal shower with these cute girls (plus my sister, who took the picture, and Rebecca who had to leave early).

Let me introduce you to these lovely ladies. Kayla, on the left, I've known since we were six. Our birthdays are 4 days apart. We used to play library and school and spies.

Tamra and I met in the music program at BYU--we were in the same quartet for 2+ years. Made lots of stupid jokes over the years!

Lori (who threw the shower) I met in highschool in Mrs. Potter's English class. She and Michelle (who sent the cute apron I am wearing in the picture) and I bonded over an Oedipus Rex project. Lori and I were roommates several times, and we were Women's Chorus presidents together. Sometimes she and Wes treat us to free meals at the Cannon center!

On the right is Emily, who was in the same mission as I was. We were never companions, but we were often in the same zone and accompanied each other on musical numbers. Emily is in the BYU music program, so she's one of the few sisters I see on a regular basis.

My sister Rebecca has always taken a great deal of interest in me and my life. She has 5 adorable children, and she's just the best sister you could ask for.

And my friend Rebecca I met in my ward, and then was my roommate. She makes delicious treats which she generously shares on holidays and at other times!

Lori's adorable daughter, Lucy, and Kayla.


Good times! So I feel totally spoiled to have such amazing friends--there was someone from pretty much every area and time of my life.

And last week I had 2 bridal showers in the same day, thrown by ladies in my old home ward and my current home ward. 20+ ladies showed up to each one (some whose names I don't even know!) and literally showered me with gifts. It was a really overwhelming thing--I don't know if those of you have been married felt the same way, but it's kind of awkward being given so much when all you're doing is . . . getting married. People are so generous and so kind. I feel like the token thank-you note just isn't enough to express how grateful and overwhelmed I feel. Thank you, everyone, for being amazing and kind people in so many ways!

Humility

One of the greatest struggles I have in life is my pride. I suppose most of us could say that to one degree or another. So how does one obtain that infamous humility? It's a constant struggle I come back to again and again. And I think one of the best answers I've found is this little gem, given to me on my mission by an old lady with lots and lots of books:

“Humility is: Perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no troubles. It is never to be fretted or vented, irritable or sore. To wonder at nothing done to me. To feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me or when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in myself, where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be in peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all about is searing trouble.”–Dr. Black

You know, come to think of it I've probably shared that quote before on this blog. But it's been such a long time since I've thought of it, so I feel ok about posting it again. My favorite part is the last sentence. How do you have a blessed home in yourself? I think so often we look, as the quote suggests, for outside praise or outside sources of happiness. When really, we can go inside of ourselves, kneel to our Father in Heaven in prayer, and feel peace amidst any storm, any insecurity, any personal weakness, any sorrow, any hurt, and any feelings of guilt, shame, or remorse. Because real humility leads us to the knowledge that without our Father in Heaven and our Savior, we are nothing. But with them we can be anything. We can be forgiven. We can be loved. We can be happy. Actually, more than that, we can feel forgiven, we can feel loved, and we can feel happy, not just act happy.

If I may, here is another quote that is semi-related (also one which I may have quoted in the past), which is especially needful for me right now:

“We are so absorbed in ourselves–how we look and what we need and whether or not other people like us or think we are attractive or capable–that we have little time and energy to think about and serve others or to seek God’s will instead of our own.”–Wendy Top, Getting Past the Labels, p. 9 (she's my mission president's wife--a remarkable woman!)

Here's to feeling confident about our self-worth and our estimation in God's eyes (not to mention others' eyes, though we may not readily admit it), and to having more energy and emotional strength to serve others more fully. Love to you all!

Friday fun

Royce has come up with a way to help me overcome my indecisiveness. I'm not sure yet how much I like it, but it sure does make for an entertaining evening!

To begin, he handed me a 20-sided die (although his doesn't have neat blue and yellow dots). I was instructed to roll, and whatever number I rolled would determine our activity for the evening. On a piece of paper were 20 possible activities (this list, though, was not to be seen by my eyes, lest I try and cheat). I was also told that if I wanted to roll again for a different activity I could do so, but it would cost me a dollar. Can you believe that my very own fiance is trying to rip me off?! Lucky for me, I was thrilled by the activity that corresponded with the number I rolled: a trip to the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum!

You would not believe how cool that place is. First of all, it's free. And not free in the sense that when you walk in there is a donation box with a person behind it that won't let you pass unless you donate the suggested amount of $15 (have you ever been to one of those? I hate that!). And this week was especially exciting as they were celebrating their 30th Anniversary. The special anniversary event for Friday was going behind the scenes to see the hidden collections. We ended up on the insects tour--not the best choice it turns out, as the smell of chemicals was nauseating to the point where I was trying to breath through Royce's shirt to avoid passing out. But we saw some pretty cool dead bugs. Not as cool as this display though:

A butterfly made out of butterflies! Wow!

At 7:30 they had a live animal show--Friday was supposed to be invertebrates, but instead we got reptiles. A fair exchange, I think. The host of the show, Matt, was super entertaining, but not as entertaining as the kids. We met Otis the Tortoise, Colonel Mustard the lizard, and a boa constrictor, whose name fails me. In any case, the kids asked the greatest questions, such as:

"Is that the kind of snake that shatters?" An incredulous Matt responds, "I've never heard of that kind of snake; it sounds awesome though." The kid: "You know. When their body shatters apart?" My question: is this a shattering snake that also reconstructs after it shatters?

Another one, in reference to Colonel Mustard who is a bearded dragon lizard: "Does it have fire in it?!" Unfortunately, no.

On the other hand, they asked some pretty intelligent questions, such as what each animals' predators were, which were the largest species of each animal, and what species could you find in Utah. I should clarify that these were primarily little boys. Go figure.

Royce had the brilliant idea of inviting the Trumans, who fortunately were able to come, which meant that we got to hang out with Lucy and like star-struck fans watch her every reaction and laugh at her every delight. Following the show, Lori was asking Lucy about the animals we had seen and asked her what color Colonel Mustard the lizard was.

Lori: "Was he yellow?"
Lucy: "No."
Lori: "What color of lizard is he?"
Lucy: "Kind of an orange-green lizard."

Oh. Both orange and green have yellow in them, so I guess that's not too far off.

Well folks, I was going to tell you what happened when I rolled for dinner, but this post is too long as it is, so you'll just have to wait in anxious suspense.

One Month!!!

That's all.

Mysterious neighbor

Late last night as I was driving home, I saw the silhouette of what appeared to be a cat in the gutter as I rounded the corner. For some reason I slowed to a stop to get a better look. As I approached the animal, I saw very clearly a little raccoon staring me down before he disappeared under the grate. Now, I don't know if I'm super excited about having raccoons in the neighborhood, but it is kind of cool to actually see one. Once, on my mission, my companion and I were driving slowly through a neighborhood trying to find a house (it was quite dark) and saw what appeared to be a cat running. As it passed in front of our headlights we realized it was a fox! Real foxes look very different than cartoon foxes, by the way. It was kind of cool.

So I haven't been studying ALL the time

I've definitely managed to have a bit of fun here and there. A few weeks ago--on Leap Day, to be precise--we went to Disneyland with the Fitz's. Though Amy did a more than adequate job describing our adventure, I thought I would add a few pictures.

The McDonald's in Barstow is a great place to stop for breakfast, should you happen to leave from Las Vegas at 4:00 am.
(If you look really hard you can see Royce.)


Once at Disneyland, we kept seeing what we supposed were the dream-givers (not sure if they have a real title) and asked them to take our pictures in front of random areas in hopes that they would give us dream something-or-others. It failed, and we tried at least three times!




We met up with some of Royce's friends for lunch in Burbank the next day.

If you stop by the large thermometer in the desert, you can get your picture taken with this awesome guy at Big Boys Burgers. We didn't eat there though.

Back in Vegas, we finally got to see the caves. You all should go! They're pretty awesome. Just be prepared for a bumpy, slightly crowded ride in Ryan's dad's awesome truck (why didn't I get a picture of that?). Royce and I burned our names into the ceiling of the cave so all will know we were there. And Royce created what I think he called his sacrificial circle. Kind of weird. Good thing we did this instead of going to church (oops!).


And here's a random chronicling of what we've done since that big adventure.

Royce decided we should make a fruit pizza. Here was the result.
Looks pretty good, huh! We wish we had more people to share it with though, because after a few days the crust got pretty soggy!

Last weekend Royce took me on a surprise date. I had been up in Bountiful working on some wedding stuff, and while I was up there he planned a scavenger hunt in the mall. So creative, huh! And so fun, and free!

We decided that we could afford to live here. Think it will work?
I finished all 28? questions in barely over an hour!
And for winning (I didn't have anyone to play against, but I suppose I won) he treated me to an Orange Julius.
What a sweetheart.

My excuse

So, I realize it's been awhile since I posted, but there's definitely a reason. In addition to wedding plans (which, by the way folks, we're almost there!), I've been preparing for my GRADUATE ORALS. If you don't know what I'm talking about, be grateful. So, they were this morning, and, miracle of miracles, I passed! It ends up being a pretty intimidating affair--when asked questions on the spot like that it's amazing how quickly your brain stops functioning. As I was trying to think of various composers I just kept thinking, "Beethoven, then Brahms, then . . . well . . . but he's French . . . " Really helpful. Anyway, it's done. Hallelujah. I'm one step closer to graduating. I have one more REALLY BIG project to complete and then you can call me Master Heather if it so pleases you.

I will try to do some catch up posts here. Sorry you get so much of me at once and then none of me for long stretches. I'll try to be more consistent starting in . . . August?

Dates . . . and otherwise

For Valentine's Day Royce and I got a heart-shaped pizza. It's hard to tell because of all the toppings. But it was pretty romantic. I think it may become a tradition!



Post Valentine's Day, we went on a spur of the moment "blind date." I highly suggest this when you have nothing else to do.
Not too much explanation is needed. All you need is a blindfold . . .
an iPod (the covering of the ears is just for extra measure) . . .
and a secret destination, arrived at by driving in circles to the point of confusion
Then you conduct a taste test.
It took awhile, but he finally made the correct diagnosis. Fun times.


Afterwards we woke up the ducks at the botany pond by throwing them little balls of snow that they apparently thought was bread--it was quite entertaining!

The missing gift

You may recall (probably not) that one of the gifts from Royce for my 12 days before Christmas did not arrive in time. So he quickly substituted that day with some other random gifts. But about a month (or less) after Christmas, the long-awaited gift arrived. I bet you all wish you had one of these.



Can you read the inscription? It says "Jesus is My Coach." My sacrilegious caption is, "Jesus is attacking me with his hockey stick!"

Royce got this for me because I showed him this web page that a professor sent to me. So, so fantastic. I think my favorite line in the write-up is this: "A wonderful way to reinforce Jesus 'as friend' in everyday activities." Enjoy all three pages of pictures!

Not quite the same

Had a bit of a chuckle this evening. I played at a graduate symposium with another grad student tonight. We played Meditation from Thais, by Massanet. A pretty famous little piece--I'm positive all of you have heard it. Before everything started, the cute girl who was announcing everything was double-checking the pronunciation of everything; how to say Thais (Tie-ease) and Massanet (Mass-a-nay). Well, in the actual announcement she said that we were going to be playing "Mediation." Sort of puts a different spin on the mood of the music! I was smiling too hard (couldn't exactly laugh out loud at that moment) to hear if she pronounced the rest of it correctly.

How did I get so lucky?

This is my guy.
I love that I can say that! I feel to exclaim to the world how grateful I am for everything he is for me. Yet, I don't know quite where to start. He's everything I've ever wanted. No, really! Even on the surface level. He's tall, good-looking, has hazel eyes and the greatest smile, and he's not a musician! But even deeper, he's kind, thoughtful, oh so patient with me, and creative (Did you read about our engagement? That's just one example. Last night we played hide and seek in the library). He has a firm testimony of the gospel, which he both lives and shares. He's so organized and thinks of details I wouldn't when planning things. Yet he also has a kid heart--he collects PEZ dispensers (how many did we count so far--200+?), he loves Disneyland, and he's really good at Super Mario Galaxy.

He's a gentleman, both in the traditional sense and in a more literal sense. He is so gentle--I don't think he's ever raised his voice to me (wish I could say the same). He always opens my car door, even when I drive. And when I let him (usually I'm just oblivious) he pulls out my chair in a restaurant.

He wants me to excel in my field and tries to encourage me to practice more. I just hate being away from him though! He's funny, a really great public speaker, easy-going, loves getting dessert at restaurants (we never could get dessert at restaurants growing up), and I think he will forever and ever be trying to tickle me.

We were reading this book yesterday called "Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts", and they talk about how most people go into marriage with an idealized view of their partner. Now I'm not going to pretend that I know exactly what marriage will be like and I'm the exception, but I really believe that Royce has been so truthful in presenting himself to me that there will be few surprises once we are married. I know we will have disagreements (we already have), and I'm sure that we each will do things that will drive the other one crazy, but I am so grateful for him always being himself rather than playing a part. If anyone is going to have a rude awakening I'm afraid it will be him!

I feel like this is a weak attempt at praise, but sometimes the heart is just too full. I love you Royce! Thank you for coming into my life.

At Fossil Rim.

Golfing in Vegas.



Mattress sledding!

Celebrating his half birthday.

Like the stars aligning

Ok, so this is a totally pointless post, but I just had to share with you all an exciting event of my evening. I was on my way home from Royce's, and I was stopped at the left turn lane onto . . . actually, I don't know what the street is called. But it's off of Bulldog onto the street that goes by the Marriott Center. Hmmm. Anyway, I happened to notice that my signal and the signal of the car in front of me were blinking at the same time. Now usually what happens? Well, usually, they're in sync for about 2 or 3 blinks, but then because one is actually faster than the other, they start blinking opposite each other. Not so this time, my friends. Crazy, but it's true. For a good 30 seconds, our lights blinked at the same time. It made my day!

The proof

I know this is a little late in coming, but here's the ring. Unfortunately the pictures don't do it justice. I couldn't figure out a good angle for a close-up.


Thanks Love!

New Post

I have a new post. However, it ended up after my "Special Privileges" post, because I started it before that one. Who knew they posted according to when you started them, rather than when you publish them? Anyway, here it is finally. It always takes a bit longer with all the pictures.

Special privileges

I think I have one of the best callings in the Church. To be called, and set apart, as a musical missionary is a pretty cool deal. It has a lot of perks: I never have to attend committee meetings, I get to be on TV (which, come on, that's pretty cool), I always get tickets to General Conference, I have parking passes to both the Church Office Building and the Conference Center, plus a pass (with an unfortunate picture of me on it) that allows me through the secret tunnels, I have almost zero preparation (just show up and play), and we get to have up close and personal contact with general authorities.

Last night when I arrived to rehearsal, I was told that afterwards they were going to take us over to the Conference Center for a private viewing of President Hinckley. It was pretty neat. The orchestra got to go first, so it was not very crowded. Rather than being rushed through a line, we got to stay for awhile and ponder not only the greatness of this man, but think of the great Plan of Salvation which reminds us that though his earthly tabernacle remains, his spirit continues to live, and will someday be reunited with his body. When the choir came in, Elder Hinckley, President Hinckley's son, spoke to us for a few minutes. And then they had us sing a few songs: We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, Abide with Me 'Tis Eventide, and God Be with You Till We Meet Again.

Also thought I should let you all know that the broadcast this Sunday is going to be a special tribute to President Hinckley. We're going to be playing some of his favorites and I think the Spoken Word is going to be about him. In any case, it will be a good broadcast. Sunday at 9:30.

Utah Adventures

I really liked having Royce with me in Bountiful for Christmas break. We did such exciting things (as opposed to just sitting around at home). Things such as visiting the prophets' graves (we had to jump a fence to see Brigham Young's grave--oops!), playing games with my siblings (Settlers, Guitar Hero), going swimming (he had to beg and plead for me to do that one, but it was fun), and other fun events, of which I have photographic proof.

We tried on random coats from my parents' coat closet. The one I'm wearing is my 10-year-old nieces coat. Looks good, eh? The faux fur definitely makes me look about 20 pounds heavier. Royce is wearing a Guatemalan jacket. Now why haven't those made a comeback?

This is at the Planetarium. I think this is supposed to be an ice planet? Looks real, huh!


That's right, folks. We frequented the "Worlds First KFC"! Right in Salt Lake City, Utah.


Here's Royce with Colonel Sanders and Mr. Harman.

More evidence that this is, indeed, the world's first KFC.


I think this is the original sign.


This is one of Colonel Sanders suits! I think we're going to get Royce a suit like that for the wedding!


Some of the tables have pictures and memorabilia underneath the glass. So you can enjoy greasy fried food and get a history lesson at the same time!


This last picture is in front of the Mrs. Cavanaugh's chocolate factory. It's right off of I-215 on your way to Bountiful. And for the record, it's definitely worth a stop. You get 2 free chocolates. That's right, 2! Per person! (Actually, we lucked out and got 4 free chocolates each.)

Texas Adventures

Can you believe that I'm so on top of it that I'm posting about Christmas break, and it's not even February yet?! Wow.

So on Christmas Day, Royce and I flew to Texas. Here is a sampling of what Christmas is like in Texas.


Very festive!

I think the day after Christmas we went to this place called Fossil Rim. I have no clue where it's located. I just know it took us about an hour and a half to get there from Southlake, which is between Dallas and Fortworth. Anyway, if you ever get a chance you should definitely go. It's a little pricey, but it's totally worth it (speaking of, did we ever pay your parents back Royce?).

Here's a picture of some of the people that went. Royce's mom is in the middle. You can see why Royce is so tall! His brother Robert is on her other side, and this random kid Jose is the other one.

So Fossil Rim is kind of like a zoo, except you stay in your car and most of the animals are not in cages (the cheetas, unfortunately, were caged up the day we were there). You can buy a bag of feed for like $400, and then you can hand feed the animals! You're actually supposed to drop it on the ground, but I think the animals are used to eating out of peoples' hands. I did not feed the animals.


This may be the ostrich that bit Royce.


The giraffes usually get to come out, but it was too cold the day we were there, so they have to keep them locked up by their heated building. Cynthia (Royce's mom) was really sad--she really wanted to see the giraffes up close.


Not to worry. We had zebras practically inside the car.


I think I took about 20 pictures of the zebras. Apparently I really like zebras. I was not aware of this.


This guy looks pretty cool. Sorry it's all blurry. It was taken through the car window.


I wonder if curly horns are like curly hair--some people/animals are just born with it, while others are born with straight hair/horns? I've heard that some women's hair becomes curly when they become pregnant. Weird!

So that was a little glimpse of our exciting adventure. Definitely one of the highlights of the entire break for me!