Music to My Ears

So tonight on "What's that behind door number 1?" we will discover the new toys of Aaron. So for our first peak, we will look behind door number 1. Drum roll please..........

A fancy new shoe horn from Russia!!! You better believe it, that puppy is two feet of pure metal with the name of my mission engraved on the back. It's pretty much the best thing since sliced cheese. I got it from my mission president and his wife. Thank you so much President and Sister Collins!!!!

Okay, now it's time for a peak behind door number two. I know you can hardly wait any longer. Wait the handle is turning the door is creaking and lo and behold..... a new pair of headphones. These things are so much better than the ones that come with i-pods, they are soft and comfy and block out any distracting noise.

But why such the excitement about a pair of headphones you ask? Well let's look behind door number 3. I know, the excitement is intense. Another drum roll please...... Ladies and gentlemen it's not a bird, it's not a plane, it's not even that man wearing a weird costume with an S painted on his chest, it's a.....brand new keyboard!!!! And there was much rejoicing in the land. Well at least for my roommate and I. It's been pretty sweet to have a piano to play and relax with. I must say that I have been wanting one ever since I got to college, but now was the time. Anyway, I would love to write more about the exciting things in my life, but I've got an appointment with my keyboard. Ah... that is music to my ears.

BYU and Vacation

First of all, GO COUGARS!!!! That is awesome that we won our first game against Oklahoma State University yesterday! I'm pretty excited about that. The cheering and honking in Provo lasted at least an hour and a half. So that was pretty fun.

As you might have guessed the BYU school year has just begun and the first week of classes are completed. It's been a good experience so far and I think that I will be able to handle this semester with all of the many things that I have going on, like my trip to Washington, D.C. in November. The most exciting thing that has happened so far is that I made Concert Choir!!!!! I am so excited because we are singing with the King Singers and the BYU philharmonic orchestra in October. How awesome is that? I haven't been able to sing in a mixed choir since I sang in Bonnevaires five years ago. Our first rehearsal was so refreshing because of the refined sound. Have I said I love to sing in the choirs at BYU? I found out Friday morning and I'm still pumped! I must admit that happiness sometimes is having your dreams come true.

Also yesterday, I went down to Capitol Reef with my family for a mini vacation. It was so much fun! We hiked around caves and took lots of pictures.

Zach, my nephew, is definitely photogenic and he knows it. There is hardly a picture taken without him finding the perfect pose. I've posted a picture as an example. So it's been a very fun weekend.

Life and a Little Bit of Politics

Hey all! I'm loving being at home for a little while before the craziness of school starts again. I just added a new section to my blog to give a chance for others to write what happiness is to them. I thought that it would be a good chance to get a wider definition of one of the greatest purposes in life. So if you've got something great to say, go ahead and comment.

On politics, I just wanted to say that I disagree with the current health care plan because I feel that it is forcing a generic health care plan on the entire country. Just thought that I would throw that out there.

On life, I just finished reading The Return of the King for the third time. I still love that book. It's pretty amazing, especially the ending. Sam is my hero. I did particularly enjoy this dialogue between Frodo and Sam:

'But,' said Sam, and tears started in his eyes, 'I thought you were going to enjoy the Shire, too, for years and years, after all you have done.'

'So I thought too, once. But I have been too deeply hurt, Sam. I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: some one has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them.' ~J.R.R. Tolkein

I am thankful to those that have given up so much, even their lives, so that I could keep the freedoms enjoyed by so many in this country.