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.