The Gift of Music

A Gift indeed. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to go to the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music concert this Saturday. My parents had gone the night before and called me right after to let me know that I had to go. The concert featured the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Utah Symphony, guest conductor Erich Kunzel from the Cincinatti Pop Orchestra, and solo artists Denyce Graves and Brian Stokes Mitchell. So I called Drew, as I knew he would know more about the artists, to see if he wanted to go. He pretty much squealed with delight when I told him the guest artist. And now I can see why.

Brian Stokes Mitchell was so amazing. I was highly impressed by his talent and his genuine spirit. There are a lot of guys on Broadway right now that I think sound so whiny. Mr. Mitchell has a beautiful classically trained voice. But he played with it making it sometimes more classical, or more jazz. All of his songs were heartfelt and it was hard not to cry everytime he sang. He kicked it all off with the National Anthem and anyone there would agree it was breathtakingly remarkable. Also, he expressed that he was extremely honored to be singing with the choir and to be in this great hall. Sometimes people say that and don't sound like they mean it. It really sounded like he meant it after sharing memories of christmas with the MOTAB choir RECORD, lol. I appreciated him being there and am now a huge fan. Denyce Graves sang beautifully also, singing a medely of Broadway songs that was very lovely. Then she brought a great spirit to the concert when she sang a song as lady liberty calling all the weak and weary to her. It was quite touching. The Symphony and choir were amazing as usual and the conductor was fun and entertaining. All the artists complimented each other very well and seemed glad to be there.

The music performed was all American music. I really enjoyed all of the songs from musicals, and American composers. There is something about when songs are sung about God and country. It really touches my heart and makes me proud to live here.

I was so glad we went. We were lucky to get in on standby and to also get AMAZING seats (30 or so rows back from the stage). I know Heavenly Father knew it would bless both mine and Drews life and allowed us to experience the concert. I hope everyone will check out the artists featured in the concert when they have the chance. I also hope everyone realizes the blessings of music and how lucky we are to have so many opportunities to hear it here.

Happy? Birthday

Twenty years old. Does that blow anyone else's mind? Who knew I could survive long enough to be this old. This birthday was a different in more ways than just starting into a new decade.

To sum up the beginning of the day I went to Regional Conference, which was wonderful. Had dinner and presents with the family (thanks so much family! muah!), and went to the CES fireside. I had great food, great company, and great spiritual experiences. What a wonderful way to start off your birthday!

Later in the evening I was going to have a small birthday get together with some close friends. Drew came over with me after the devotional and helped me make the cake so that we could have some sort of dessert for the party. Whilst in the middle of making it, Drew got a call from my best friend Elise (his sister) saying that her and her husband were in an accident! Long story short, they got in a scooter accident and are fine for the most part. Just some scrapes, bruises, and broken bones for Jeff. They were very lucky nothing else happened to them, but we did we end up spending most of the night in the hospital. Not exactly the way I planned my birthday to be, but I was hardly worried about that after what happened. The next 10 hours were still bad, but then the sad streak ended with the offer of a new job! And a fabulous dinner at Olive Garden. What a roller coaster ride of events it was in those 48 hours!

All in all, an interesting birthday. But, I did learn that things never go the way you plan and so you just have to roll with them. Even, on your birthday. :) I was blessed with so much on my birthday this year. The gospel, family, friends (alive! :)), and opportunities to serve. It WAS a happy birthday after all.

My new life

I thought I would give a quick update for those who don't know where I am at or whats going on with me.

I am now going to school at UVU and am actually enjoying myself. I am taking some religion classes so that they can eventually transfer over to BYU (also they are free), World Civ (awesome crazy teacher that I think I will learn a lot from), and Sociology (which at the moment seems like World Civ, but hopefully will be going in a different direction soon). Actually my Sociology teacher looks kind of like Tarzan and Weird Al Yankovich mixed together. See it? He is really cool though. Also my religion classes are great and I actually know someone in each one of them. That would have never happened at Weber. Its also good spiritual nourishment for the rest of the day and I already see the benifits of that.

As for my living arrangements. I am currently living in the Crestwood. The apartment I am living in is tre chic. Granite counter tops, leather couches, etc. And my own private room. :) The social activities here are fun and I have actually already had more social interactions than I had all last year at Weber. That's something I am getting used to, but loving. My roommates are all really awesome and we get along well so far. It IS still kind of awkward in the stage we are in still getting to know each other and stuff, but its getting easier every day. So now I have the luxury of both being with familiar good friends that I knew from high school, college, and this summer, and making some fun new ones also. I will let you know any more progress in that area.

As for my job, I just finished up working for a dating company the other day. So I am on the market! I interviewed for a job on Wednesday, so cross your fingers because I find out Monday. I had fun at my old job, but hopefully a new one comes along soon.

That's about it! My ward is pretty cool, but I have only been with them a week and next week is regional conference, so not much interaction there. But I plan on fully participating in all the activities. Wish me luck in all of the new aspects of my life!