A Record Unto My Peeps

How the Internet almost made me the new Zayn of One Direction

2015-03-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

K so maybe the title was a little bit click-bait. But you'll see what I mean at the end of this.

I was browsing Twitter yesterday morning when I came across an article that Zayn was going to quit OneDirection, a follow up to the fact he just ditched their world tour a few days ago. The idea popped into my head that I should tweet about being Zayn’s replacement for tour. I thought it would be funny.

I'm now able to make an exciting announcement - I've been invited to replace Zayn in @onedirection! So excited for this new phase of life!!!
— Bryce Romney (@bryceromney) March 23, 2015

However... the tweet started to get a bunch of favorites and retweets, which got me thinking:

April Fools is a week away, and if you REALLY want to have a successful prank, you can’t do it on April 1.
Pranks tied to current events are $$$$$.
I’ve got enough people who follow me only because of music, so perhaps the idea isn’t too farfetched for them.
I can really sell this if I do it right.

From there, I took to Facebook. I posted just before noon.

In the course of two hours, the post was getting a LOT of attention. People asked me to verify that it was true. I commented a couple of times to clarify.

I even asked my family and some friends to comment/tweet and go along with it.

And then the ever-talented Melissa Whitehead photoshopped this beauty.

From there, I knew I was gonna just take the plunge. I took the picture from Melissa and Instagrammed it. I conceded to the fact that it was a photoshop and directed people to my Facebook post.

At this point it was 2pm and I had Vocal Point rehearsal until 4, so my phone was on airplane mode.

The entire time I was nervous for what would be waiting for me at 4pm when I connected to the internet again... I hadn't expected this many people to believe me so easily.

"Pranks are supposed to be a lot more work than this to pull off, right? If people get too invested, they'll be devastated when they find out!"

When I finally connected to the internet again, it was a nightmare. I had loads of texts and missed calls.

I had complaints from family members and friends that they were getting questions, texts, and phone calls.

I had Snapchats and tweets and comments and likes and PEOPLE WERE SHARING THE POST SAYING THEY WERE PROUD OF ME and others were talking about bragging to friends and going to buy tickets to come see me! It was horrible! I was even contacted by someone at the campus newspaper and someone in the Dallas Morning News (although both called my bluff).

Originally, I was going to let the prank run at least 24 hours. I had planned to do even more with it. I would talk about getting to Indonesia, the next show on the tour. I was gonna take pictures with the Asian club on campus. I was gonna post a wing tip Instagram about flying to a new adventure and life. I was gonna ask some of my more influential friends to tweet support. I was gonna see if someone at the campus newspaper might grab my story to help perpetuate an early April fools joke.

I really could've gotten away with it, at least for a couple of days. I was gonna tell people I was simply a voice double for certain parts of songs, that I wasn't featured on stage much, and that the position was purely temporary. People would have believed it. They were ALREADY believing it. Most of the convincing would have come from some skilled photoshop work (and I had friends willing to help!!) Here are some early drafts from an anonymous source (for real though, I don't know who did these, but they're hilarious!).

Seriously, though, you've GOT to check out these comments on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Here's a little sample from Instagram.

It was hilarious and the attention was flattering, but I just couldn't keep it going. I had to call it off. It was too much. Too many people though it was real. I posted an explanation and apology on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. (Although since yesterday I've deleted both the Instagram and Twitter posts. I want people to have to work for the truth! :) )

To date, the original post has 482 likes and 153 comments, with this apology post having 401 likes and 66 comments. The apologies most likely would have been the end of this whole ordeal.

Except the last line in the post, courtesy of Megan Hatch.

(((((do you think I could get on Ellen for this!?)))))

People were encouraging it. I was getting excited. And then I got this email.

Only a fool would fall for that. I had pranked hard, I should be pranked back. But I kept coming back to the email address - andylassner@gmail.com.

Andy Lassner is a celebrity. He's a big deal. To have his name available, first and last, no punctuation separating, on gmail. That was either a huge score for the pranksters, or this was maybe possibly could it be real. And if it's even maybe possibly could it be real, and you have nothing to lose, you respond.

You text all the usual suspects, and each seems to verify that they aren't behind the email. And then you use other means to see if this might be legit (with the help of your friends).

@andylassner We're late nighting at Chic-fil-a with @bryceromney, who can't decide if the email from you is real. pic.twitter.com/rHg2taPkpt
— JonRose (@jontherose) March 24, 2015

And then you sit with them and watch in wonder as they devise a plan to get the attention of the Ellen Show anyway (two of them do social media professionally). And the craziest part about it is that it just might work!

And even though Andy Lassner himself confirmed that the email was fake...

You realize that you've now got the attention of one of the producers of Ellen.

You also realize how hilarious and good at being melodramatic some of your friends are.

@bryceromney pic.twitter.com/zyxAMUAuhf
— danny (@dundlewood) March 24, 2015

@bryceromney pic.twitter.com/Q5MyB1u584
— Jennifer Riding (@jenriding) March 24, 2015

And you realize you just want answers!!!

Finally, you realize people are really supportive when it comes to friends, crazy campaigns, and social media.

So if you'd like to support the cause and think this prank/ordeal is good enough to get me on Ellen, please like and comment on the Instagram above HERE! Or you can share whatever to try and get her attention. It would mean a lot! Social works!

If nothing else comes of this, it was a crazy experience that shows how things can escalate when you feed a flame.

I feel like if today has taught me anything it's: 1) what goes around comes around 2) social media is POWERFUL 3) Yall are amazing friends
— Bryce Romney (@bryceromney) March 24, 2015

The internet is crazy y'all.

UPDATE: Apparently the drama continues. The pranksters took it a step further, and I was BLOCKED by Andy Lassner. This is the updated story.

Bashing = Losing = Stop

2013-12-01T22:26:00.001-08:00

I just watched a video by Soul Pancake about Mormonism. They’re the same ones that make the kid president videos (Not cool, Robert Frost!) . It was great. The video was an interview with a young dating couple in the church and it was pretty funny and positive.

I then looked at the comments and my heart sank. Just like they always do when I look at the comments. Hate is everywhere.

I can think of little more pointless or sad than bashing a religion. I mean, besides fry sauce, but that’s a different topic altogether. (half the flavor of ketchup and double the fat? I try and love it, Utah, I do. I guess I'm just missing something?...)

Oops... now you want fries, huh?

It’s not the fact that people attack MY religion. It’s the fact that people attack A religion. It’s that ordinary people feel so passionately against a slightly different yet no more harmful group of ordinary people that they go out of their way to attack them.

I just don’t get it. Argument and religion never can and never will come to a happy conclusion. If you believe in God, you’ll know that he intended religion to be unprovable so that we would learn to exercise faith. Even if you don’t believe in God, proving a religion wrong or right is legitimately impossible: the very basis of an argument requiring facts is null in the faith-based environment of religion.

This summer I was able to visit many different countries where the dominant religions were not Christianity: namely Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, and Confucianism. I love those religions. The experience made me grateful that I go to a university that encourages its students to learn about and respect different religions. There is SO MUCH GOOD and SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE in all of them that I can learn from.

I would never dream of posting something derogatory about them, but perhaps that’s because of my own experience as someone on the other end.

My entire life I’ve had my religion attacked. Early on, it put me in a position where I had to figure out exactly what I believed and why I believed it. I can tell you the foundation of my faith is based on a feeling and not on logic (although I feel it’s important that logic and scripture support those feelings). I’m solidly convinced that I am where God wants me to be, and there’s no way that facts could change that belief in God’s will for me. “Evidence" isn’t my foundation, so opposing “evidence" won’t make it crumble.

I understand why the non-religious wish for a world free of religion (“Imagine” - The Beatles) because I too absolutely hate the polarization that competing religions can cause. The God I know isn’t a God of competition or contention. I don’t know why some people feel they have to share their opinions like a political debate.

I’ve read comments bashing my religion in pretty much any forum where the word “Mormon” is mentioned. The article can be about something completely irrelevant to religion, yet without fail there are comments. It amazes me, yet I don’t get offended. I don’t get defensive. I’m not converted to what they say. I don’t question my own beliefs because of their words. I just feel bad...

I feel bad for those that feel that proving me wrong is possible, is necessary, or is helping.

Not possible - I sense a misinterpretation of the word “belief”. It’s not, nor will it ever be, based on facts. It can’t be proven, otherwise it is no longer a belief. Religion is a system of beliefs. Good luck trying to prove someone’s beliefs wrong when yours can’t be proven right in the first place.

Not necessary - I hope your concept of requirements for your personal salvation doesn’t include causing others to question those things that bring them closer to God. That would move all of us backwards and apart in a world that desperately needs unity.

Not helping - I've known situations where people felt like they were oppressed by their religion. That’s very sad, and I sincerely hope that those people can find a way to remedy that oppression so that they can feel liberation. I don’t identify with those people who feel oppressed. In fact, I've felt the opposite. The God and Gospel that I believe in have liberated me from my oppressions. I would hope that all people with faith in God feel the same way.

If the reason for bashing isn’t one of those three, the only other conclusion I have come to is that there are underlying insecurities in the person’s own beliefs.

I was a missionary for two years. I studied scripture for two hours every morning so that I could effectively preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those that wanted to listen. I preached. I never bashed, but sadly I knew some missionaries that did.

The concept of bashing and preaching to me are complete opposites. I refused to get in scriptural arguments with people who wanted to “Bible Bash”. I guess I could have put up a good fight, but I never did and never wanted to. What would come of it? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Those bashers didn’t want to learn. They wanted to feel like they were right and make me feel like I was wrong. Religion isn’t a game. It’s not a competition.

I know what the scriptures teach and I know how those teachings can be confusing. I understand how opinions can be different. However, I came to a peace about what I believe through feelings and promptings that words could never do justice to. At this point, I feel that no amount of different interpretations of scripture will change that for me.

As a missionary, I made it a point to never offend anyone because I knew that the second I did, the love of God would be impossible for them to feel. Discussing contradicting doctrines with people of contradicting religions is perhaps the most delicate topic that I know of. Through two years of doing just that, I learned two life lessons:

Those that you are trying to teach will never listen unless they feel that you love them.
Never try and take from someone anything that encourages love.

We all believe different things, but hopefully one belief we can all have in common is respect. Please, let’s just stop bashing others religions a.k.a. wasting our time a.k.a. spreading hate a.k.a. being dumb a.k.a. STILL NOT COOL ROBERT FROST.

If you love fry sauce, I totally respect that and am glad that you have something that makes fries delicious, as do I!

Thanks.

That Time I Almost Got Shanghaied

2013-08-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

So, I know the title is a bit dramatic, but it is a REAL THING. I've finally decided that this story is worth telling, if nothing else, to give you a laugh.

Just a precursor, I'm torn on how to write this post. I could exaggerate to make the story more interesting, but I do so at the risk of making myself look super naive (Instead of moderately naive). The other option is watering down the whole thing so that my choices look more understandable.

I never liked diluted orange juice. Let's just be real with this.

If your opinion of me changes after reading this story, that's cool. My siblings always say that, although I'm book smart, I am seriously lacking in common sense. According to my calculations, there's an 80% chance that they are right.

Ok, so here's the story. I'm in Shanghai, and my group of friends makes plans to do some fun things, the first of which is going to a cricket market. Yeah, like lucky crickets. Like Mulan. Of course, I get so sidetracked by the rows and rows of animals, including lizards, crickets, turtles, kitties, puppies, birds, gerbils, fishies, that I lose track of the group and I find myself alone. No cell phone. Little money. No map. Little muscles. No fun.

I know where the group is headed next, so I decide to just get on the subway by myself and meet them there. I mean, what could really happen to a 22-year-old 6'5" white male in the land of the 5'4" Asian?

I'm wandering this HUGE cultural shopping center looking for my friends when I'm approached by a couple of young adults, a guy and a girl. They want me to take a picture of them and then they start talking to me in English. They seem friendly enough and explain that they are students studying English, then they tell me about this fun tea party thing that they are going to and invite me to go. Keep in mind, I had just had the most wonderful experience with my Asiangel Michelle. Also, I tend to trust people quickly. I should have assumed that it wasn't a literal party, but that thought did not even cross my mind.

You would trust these faces too, wouldn't you. I got this picture as possible evidence. I'm half way kidding.

These two were persistent! Apparently, if I watch more action movies based on international affairs, the fact that this was a hoax would have been immediately apparent. Yeah, I don't do that...

I tell my new friends that I don't have much time. I even tell them that I don't drink tea. They assure me that it's a must-do in Shanghai and that I don't have to stay for long if I don't want to. Not gonna lie, I love a good party. You say party, I say yes. So I agree and we walk to the sketchiest place you've ever seen. Totally a set up. A single room, the tea server is waiting for us with everything set up for three people. It's all super fishy, and then I realize that I'm going to have drink the tea (I was going to observe for a few minutes... that was the plan). I also realize that I am going to have to pay for this. At this point, escalation of commitment kicks in. I don't know what to do. I ask to see the prices. They flash a menu in my face and it's like $8 per tea, and there are about 12 different teas that I will be trying. That's almost $100! YEAH RIGHT. Ain't nobody got time fo dat!

Here are my thoughts at that exact point: Hey, maybe they're trying to run a business to earn money for school and can only afford to rent out one room. Or maybe they are trying to drug me and rob me. Or maybe I'll be Shanghaied and wake up a slave on an opium trade ship. Either way, I am not happy that I have been tricked into coming here, drinking tea, and spending money.

Sometimes I think it's a good thing that I am reserved in expressing my true feelings. However, this was not one of those times. For all I know I am in MORTAL DANGER. Yet, I try not to hurt feelings. Like, really Bryce? Really? They would take all my stuff but I can't even take a little courage? I'm positive that I'm one of those kids that would've gotten into the white van with the stranger if offered candy. Especially Kit Kat. Mmmm!!

Anyways, they start to do a supposedly ancient tea presentation and present the first tea. So, (1) I hate hot bitter drinks and (2) I have no idea what the heck the herb even is and (3) I AM GOING TO BE A SLAVE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. But I drink it. Why? Well, the other two drank it and I'm dumb and still trying to convince myself that this might be a legit tea presentation. Common sense score: Siblings 1, Bryce 0.

Then they try and convince me to drink like 3 cups of the tea, assuring me it won't cost extra. They say it's bad luck if I don't drink it and it's good for my body if I do. I refuse additional cups. "Remember, I said that I don't like tea!" They move on to the next tea. At this point I tell them I really have to go meet up with my group. They pretend not to hear. I pretend to punch them, but only in my head, really.

Timid of confrontation, I wait for the tea presentation to end and I down one half cup of the second tea. Yeah, I will never like tea. My two Asian buddies inhale the tea like nobody's business. At this point I'm checking my senses to make sure nothing is fading. I'm also legitimately scared that they've maybe built up an immunity to some kind of poison that we're all three drinking a la Princess Bride.

Again, they insist that I keep drinking the tea. I refuse. Then the girl starts touching my arm all weird. And by weird I mean she is being VERY flirtatious. I start to wonder if there's some sort of aphrodisiac in the drink. No, I still don't find her attractive. I'm still coherent. Ha! But maybe it's got some sort of delayed effect!? I'm seriously weirded out at this point and tell them I honestly need to leave.

This time they hear me and tell me that I might as well drink the third tea because it's already been prepared. I have to pay for it anyway. I tell them I really don't want to, but they pour it, again supposedly hard of hearing. You have to understand that my pathway to the door is physically being blocked by where they sat me. I can't get around the table or the girl or guy. I size up the situation and figure that I can push out of there if I need to.

They get me to try the third tea. I pretend to take a sip and tell them that I really need to go. At this point I am shaking nearly uncontrollably. In all seriousness, I'm thinking that I am going to pass out at any point, but I don't know if it's something that I've ingested or simply the level of stress at my situation. I stand up and demand to leave. They say okay and ask for the bill. I end up sitting there, staring at my hands, making sure that I stay awake.

I pay ($25!) and leave. AND THEY DECIDE TO ESCORT ME. I'm convinced that at some point I will pass out and they will take me away in a black van never to be seen again. They're just waiting for the drugs to kick in. It is so uncomfortable. And the girl keeps touching my arms and shoulders. GET THEE BEHIND ME! Seriously, I am shaking so badly and stumbling as I walk.

We get to the spot where I initially met them and turn to say goodbye. They are persistent in asking to meet my friends or taking me to this "great" lunch place. I politely refuse. I thank them for their time and leave so quick. SO quick. I turn the corner and am walking faster that I ever have. Sign me up for the next power walking event at the olympics, you've got a gold medalist here.

At this point, a miracle occurs. I see my group of friends! I run, nearly crying, into their arms. The relief was real. I have a testimony of that. Prayers are answered. I have them verify the amount of time that has passed since we last saw each other (hey, maybe I had passed out for a few hours and they did inappropriate things to me and my stuff, how could I know?). I also verify the amount of money in my wallet. All good. I explain what I just went through, but instead of sympathy they give me a hard time.

End of the story: $25 and a lot of pride later, I'm safe. I'm not a slave. I'm not pregnant. They only thing truly robbed is my dignity.

To make you feel better and to hopefully help you forget this embarrassing story, here are some fun pics of Shanghai! What a beautiful city!

Look at the name of the drink. "Let's eat tar" (k really it's Taro but lol)

That's a really big hand.

The new Mercedes symbol: Yours truly.

The leaning tower of FISH FACE!

Beijing: A Forbidden Post

2013-08-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

The Chinese are very ambitious. I admire that a lot. Like, even their beggars are really really persistent. The Chinese are a force to be bargained with, and if you aren't ready, they will take your moneys. Alls of them. Legally. Because YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY WEAK. The silk market, which has nothing to do with silk and everything to do with ripping off amateur tourists, is a perfect example of Chinese ambition. It was a love-hate relationship.

They start selling at about 10x the real cost of the item, sometimes even more. A good bargainer can get that down to about 1.5x the cost (15% of the original offer). For example, if you ask how much a nice shirt costs, they might tell you $50. You offer $5. It's actually embarrassing giving such a low price, but you have to do it. They get offended and either ask you to leave or laugh at you and insist that you give them a price that isn't a joke. No matter what, you have to stick by your guns. Maybe you go up to $5.50, maybe $6. But that's your final offer. Then you have a battle of wills. You threaten to walk out. They call you ridiculous. The customer always has the real advantage because they're the ones with the money, but the seller has played this game so many times that they've got experience and know how to push buttons. Eventually, they come down a lot and you end at $7.50 and they accept. All parties are happy, offenses forgiven, and you both go on your way, elated on life. It's a sick uncomfortable game. But that's just it... it's only a game.

Let me tell you, it is NOT easy. The goal is 15% of the asking price. The best I ever got down to was 20%. It's the game you hate to love. The only way to lose is to let emotions make decisions. I'm a sucker. I got a lot of clothes there, but probably paid about twice as much as I needed to.

Yeah, the Chinese are ambitious, the result of living a tough life. I mean, they're surrounded by forbidden things. A person has to be very resourceful when that's the case.

There's the forbidden city…. duh.

Then there's world's greatest wall, NOT even exaggerating that it's the greatest, which was to forbid anyone from entering. Ever seen Mulan? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about then.

There's the great firewall, which blocks Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and a bunch of other stuff (but not INSTAGRIZZAM… #forbiddenpics babyyyyyyyy!).

If you want to go to a Christian church in China, it's forbidden for Chinese nationals.

Ruining a photo by standing RIGHT THERE TO CHECK A MAP FOR A FEW MINUTES is definitely socially forbidden.

Tour guide belt pack sound systems SHOULD be forbidden.

I'M ON A DRAGON BOAT. They made a new law after this saying that it's forbidden to be so cool. Sorry guys. I ruined it for all of us. Look, even that little chubby boy is so taken aback by my coolness.

This picture is forbidden. But really. I snapped it and put my phone away while the cops saw some people taking pictures and took their phones. This was some sort of protest where people threw loads of sheets of paper in the air with some sort of message. I'll never know what they said, and neither will anyone else. The police were there so fast and collected all the papers. Then they collected the protestors (aka arrested them fyi so you know etc). So yeah, don't tell the Chinese government about this pic. K?

So while many things are forbidden, it is still a wonderfully beautiful place (extreme air pollution equal to smoking multiple cigarettes a day aside). You should visit!

Asiangels in Hong Kong

2013-08-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

The world is full of good people. One way to find them is to be lost in Hong Kong, trying hopelessly hard to understand a subway map full of Chinese characters and more trains than colors of the rainbow. As Trevor and I were looking like the most clueless tourist white boyz, an angel entered our presence:

"Hi. My name is Michelle. I speak English... do you need help?"

(Angel choirs, beams of light, doves and happiness fill the air)

"Yes! Please! We're looking for…. well, we really don't know where we're trying to go or what it might be."

"…….ok…."

"We know there's a bunch of escalators. Also, where would we find a wet market, and what is a wet market? Then there was something about peanut butter filled waffles and a market for ladies and riding ding dings?"

"Well, which one do you want to do first? I can draw you a map to do all of those things."

She proceeded to try and indicate so many places and lines to get there that we were probably more lost then than before her explanation. Here's the important part though, and an indication that humanity has hope and that it never hurts to ask:

"Michelle… are you busy for the rest of the day? Would you be willing to show us all of these places?"

If there was ever a time that I tried to be as helpless/innocent/cute/inviting as possible with my face, this was that time. I imagine it looking pretty good, but it probably looked more like a cross between constipation and seduction.

"Well… I just finished my classes.... so... (cue face)... yeah, I would be happy to!"

Yes, you heard correctly. Within 90 seconds we went from having no clue on earth how we would manage to navigate Hong Kong to having a personal English-speaking friend and escort. Did I mention that Michelle is our age, speaks perfect English, and understands Western humor? Yeah, I wasn't exaggerating when I said ANGEL.

Literally an angel sent to rescue us. An Asian angel. An Asiangel, complete with kindness, charity, sass, honest opinions, and fun facts. She stayed with us all day, and when night eventually came and we had to part, we decided that we didn't care how odd it might be for her and her culture, we wanted to hug her. So we did. I remember that, all things considered, it could've gone worse. :)

That day was honestly the best day of the trip. No, we didn't pet tigers or ride elephants or see great wonders. We didn't even do anything that cost money or that we had been planning for months. We just explored the city with a resident, taking a glimpse into the lives of a normal citizen of Hong Kong. Forget sights and bucket lists. There is no other good reason to travel than to do just what Michelle provided that day. She probably doesn't know the impact that she had on the manner in which I will try and travel for the rest of my life. THANK YOU MICHELLE!

PICTURES OF THE BEST ASIAN DAY EVER AND BEST ASIANGEL YOU EVER SEEN.

This is Michelle! Can you see her wings?

We found the waffles and fish balls! The waffles taste how you'd imagine but with a really sweet peanut butter type spread. Fish balls are fried fish meat balls with a most unpleasant texture.

At a typical bakery. You load up all you want on these trays using tongs. Trevor currently holds an egg tart. Mmmmmm!

Ding Dings, aka cable cars! The slowest form of transportation I've ever experienced! Woohoo! #highrollers

It's a little hard to shop when we have no idea what we want or what anything even is.

Seriously. Escalators on escalators. Stories and stories of them. There is no way to even pay adequate tribute to the amount of escalators in the city of Hong Kong.

Saying goodbye to Michelle after our great day. Then she flew away back up into heaven. Or subway line 14. Same thing.

MORE PICTURE OF GREAT ASIAN THINGS IN HONG KONG

Double decker bus tour and an unbelievable amount of skyscrapers. People... GO TO THIS CITY!

Mainly I just wanted to put this pic here because... What the duck?

Kelsey channeling her inner Gaga. Lady Gaga stayed in this room the night before in the highest hotel in the world, the Hong Kong Ritz-Carlton.

That. Hat. Is. NOT. A. Joke. And he is working it!

We lookin' fly. You're welcome, Kelsey.

The TEMPLE. Amazing.

That expression needs no caption.

Look who I bumped into on the last night! The Young Ambassadors, more specifically, Amanda! This is one of the best pictures of the whole trip.

Hong Kong: My favorite city of the trip.

MISSINGAPORE

2013-06-14T12:42:00.002-07:00

I'm just going to focus on the interesting from here on out, mainly because nobody wants to read boring stuff (i.e. Did this, ate this, took this bus, slept this long, my pee was this shade of yellow, etc.). But also so that I can power through documenting the rest of this trip before getting too far behind during my upcoming adventures.

Singapore. We didn't stay there too long, and there aren't any super unique stories to tell, so here's a brief summary in the form of actual thoughts that I had:

- "Wow, this place is cleeeeean"
- "We seriously almost got arrested for eating food near the subway. What is this place?"

- "I am so brave right now for getting closer than the wing span of this HUGE bat without any kind of
fence between us. IN THE DARK. What kind of amusement park is this? Man card upgraded."

- "Is it ever appropriate to talk about uterus's in sacrament meeting talks, even on Mother's day?"

- "I'm the brightest thing on the beach right now, and not because of my neon swim trunks... #PALE"

- "We ALMOST made it sneaking in to the infinity pool on the Marina Bay floating boat"

- "Did we really just wait that long for such a small laser show?"

- "I am literally eating silver leafing on my Indian dessert right now."

- "If it's not weird enough that 99% of the people here in Little India are men, some of them are holding hands. That's one MAJOR culture difference right there."

- "This country is how big? ... LIL BAAYYBEEE"

So yeah... there's Singapore. Great country, English is the national language which is nice, but overall, a bit too hard on my college student bank account. Someday I will go back, but probably not until I'm rich!

It was a blast!

Elephigers of Thailand

2013-06-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

Elephant + Rhino = El-if-I-know
Elephant + Tiger = Elephiger... ???

Thailand was Sweet. With a capital 'S'. And nearly capitalized "weet" to go along with it.

The highlight was certainly the last day. After visiting a museum about the POW camps, we saw the bridge on the river Kwai. Here's a link to the theme song, if you'd like to reminisce a bit. Apparently the bridge isn't original or something like that. The first was destroyed during WWII, so they rebuilt it, but primarily because of the popularity of the movie.

Then we saw some of the memorial sites where fallen foreign soldiers are remembered. Each memorial plaque had a personalized message on it. Many were Bible verses chosen by the family. Others were poems and touching phrases. How many countless lives have been lost so that I could enjoy the freedom that I do?

Then. ELEPHANTS! That one is in all caps, a tribute to their awesomeness and size. Every so often, the elephants would make a low, grumbling sound. I'm not sure if it was to express anger, but I half expected them to buck us off. I'm not sure if that's possible, but when you're scared, what's possible or not is irrelevant.

Then, tigers. Italicized for their mystique and prowess. The underline is an homage to their stripes, duh. Que majesty! Notice that I never get close to their face? The workers were super careful (like I would have done that anyways). For animal rights activists, don't you worry 'bout a thing. The tigers are treated very well in the temple, like kings, with volunteers and monks caring for them. For a few hours a few days of the week, they step down from their throne to take pictures with the general public. Kind gestures help them maintain their totalitarian reign.

My Sister: Missionary, Angel, Hero

2013-06-03T17:37:00.002-07:00

Although I've been in Asia for the past few weeks, one of the most beautiful things that I've experienced came from home, on a phone call. The connection was so terrible that I only had the bandwidth to listen in without speaking. I attentively tuned in as my sister Brooke opened up the letter that would tell her where she will spend the next 18 months of life. Despite the internet cutting out, I caught some of the emotion.

Blake made this touching video of her opening the letter.

Here she is in the frozen flesh!

Oh wait... :)

Hearing my little sister read her letter after I read mine over three years ago made me realize how "old" I am... and how "old" she is getting. She's not the little girl that copies and bugs me anymore. She doesn't get in any more urges (HAHA!). We don't make ramen together and sit on the floor after school watching That's So Raven. She can now school me in basketball. She's had more serious relationships than I have (WUT...). She is OLD! :)

As I sit here and reflect, I am amazed at how awesome my little sister is. But really. I admire her so much. She is fun, mature, loving, caring, hilarious, pretty, athletic, easy going, down to earth, friendly... really, she is such an amazing girl. I love her and will do what I can, within my role as a brother, to make that sure she is happy.

Brooke has decided to give 18 months to the Lord by going to Chile to preach His gospel of love and peace. The volunteer work that she will do will build families and communities. It will help people live happier, more fulfilling lives. It will reduce violence and poverty. It will improve health and promote volunteer work. Most importantly, it will bring people closer to Christ, the Savior of mankind.

Brooke will be an answer to prayers. I speak literally when I say that she will be an angel down in Chile.

Brooke's decision wasn't easy, and probably still isn't. It's hard to up and leave your life, friends, family, and ambitions for a year and a half. On top of it, those 18 months will have a few disappointments and rejections. She is tough. She will muscle through it. She will be an influential missionary in the hands of the Lord. She will love it.

I had a unique perspective as she made the difficult decision.

At the beginning of April, Vocal Point was asked to put on a short worship service, called a devotional, at the Missionary Training Center. The MTC is a place where all new missionaries go for a short time to learn skills, like how to teach effectively, how to speak the language, how to help others accomplish their goals, etc. I was more excited about the MTC performance than about any other performance that I've done... probably ever.

I was able to invite a couple of family members, so I invited Brooke and our friend Catherine Asay, who is practically my third sister; I could go on and on about Catherine just as I have with Brooke. The plan was to sing them some songs, give some brief messages, and hope to uplift at least a few of the 2,000+ missionaries watching. As always happens with missionaries, we were probably more uplifted than they were.

Before the devotional, the missionaries sing songs as prelude. As the congregation of missionaries sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth", I was surprised to hear a slight modification. A section of the words was changed from "We will be the Lord's missionaries" to "We are now the Lord's missionaries". While it might not seem like such a big change to some, it blew my mind after singing that song hundreds of times.

An already powerful song sung by thousands of missionaries as a literal army of righteousness. Talk about a powerful moment.

I looked down from the stand at Brooke and Catherine. The program hadn't even started, and all of us were visibly emotional. It's moments like that that are impossible to describe. The only way to understand is to feel.

I didn't know to what extent my sister and Catherine were struggling with the decision to leave for a mission. The only thing I knew is that it was in the realm of possibility for both. I had prayed hard that they would receive inspiration from above to direct them to paths that would make them happy. It's hard because, unlike boys who are expected to go on a mission, girls can choose whatever path they would like and both are completely okay. Obviously the fireside wasn't the sole reason that they made the decision to serve, but I do know that it had an impact.

When I joined Vocal Point, I knew the Lord wanted me there. What I didn't realize is that the Lord had plans that had nothing to do with me. I needed to open up doorways for others. Brooke and Catherine are examples of that.

I feel so blessed that I was able to witness of such a powerful event. There are a lot of people in Chile waiting for Brooke to get there, whether they know it or not (and so many people waiting to meet Catherine in Temple Square). Although she will be missed, I'm happy to lend her to them for 18 months.

Nothing can replace the feeling of knowing that you are where you are supposed to be. Some people search their entire lives to feel it, but we've felt it and we should never take it for granted.

I love you, Brooke!

The Land of Smiles

2013-05-19T09:49:00.002-07:00

Having a random Chinese girl fall asleep on my arm was a small price to pay for extra leg room on our 11-hour flight. That, combined with hand-fulls of jellybeans, knock-off Samoas cookies, and a month of Asian adventures with good friends to look forward to, made 30 hours of traveling bearable.

This was inevitable:

We finally landed. Thank goodness we finally landed. Thank the good heavens that we landed (and didn't fall out of them). All hail the liberating power of limitless leg room.

Thailand was a dream. An exotic tropical paradise kind of dream. And about as hot and humid as you can imagine.

Thailand:

Where the buildings grow faster than the trees.

Where the letters look like the Pokemon "Unknown", if you catch me (or should I say, if you catch'em all)

Where cold water runs hot, and hot water runs lethal.

Where life-changing hour-long massages only require $10 and a bit of discomfort.

Where custom tailors give taxi drivers free gas if they bring their passengers to the store.

Where pink is the manliest of colors. Especially on taxis.

Where tuktuks taketake you anywhere.

Where temples are visited 10% by worshipers and 90% by tourists.

Where Siamese cats and Siamese twins must hide out... I was disappointed in an unsuccessful hunt.

Where exotic fruits are never adopted into international cuisines for a reason.

Thailand is deemed the land of smiles. I now understand why. Ummm... I couldn't stop smiling every day that I stayed in this riverside resort.

Or ate this breakfast.

Or rode our private shuttle boat.

Or slept on a bed garnished with a flower.

Or got a Thai massage (two in three days baby!).

We got to visit some temples that were absolutely stunning.

How often do you get to drink Coke out of a bag while playing Hearts in front of the Royal Palace in Thailand?

How often do you get to have little fish eat the dead skin off of your feet?

How often do you get to lay on the helm of a shuttle boat and star gaze on the way back to your riverside resort?

Three years ago, when I received the letter letting me know where I would be spending two years preaching the love of Christ, it could have said anywhere in the world. My first hope was that it would say Thailand. My second was Argentina. Miraculously, it said Argentina, and I had the best two years of my life. It was a wonderful blessing that I could visit Thailand not even a year after returning home.

It was better than I had hoped. I plan on going back.

Summer InvAsia!

2013-05-05T17:39:00.002-07:00

Can I just tell you about the really pretty awesome things that I get to do this summer? I've been containing this for a while because I didn't want it to seem like I was rubbing it in anyone's face, but I think the time has come. I now feel justified, if only because of my sheer excitement.

When I joined Vocal Point, I had to sacrifice my original study abroad programs in Jerusalem in order to do our summer shows. I was bummed (understatement), but I had faith that I would still have worthwhile wonderful experiences this summer.

After a lot of planning, I've packed my summer so full that, if it all works out, it will literally be the summer of my dreams. I don't use the word 'literally' figuratively either.

I now present PHASE 1:

At 6AM Monday morning (in 12 hours... yeah...), I will be traveling through Denver...

through Vancouver...

through Hong Kong...

to Bangkok, Thailand!

Yeah... Thailand! Followed by stays in SINGAPORE, CHINA, and JAPAN!

I'M GOING TO HAVE AN ASIAN ADVENTURE! It's an invAsian!

Here's a map of the trip:

And here's me the whole time:

I'll be doing a business study abroad until the middle of June. Our group will be visiting various cities and touring major businesses. I am beyond excited. But really, I haven't let myself think about how wonderful it's going to be. I've got to tackle that to-do list and packing list before I let that happen.

I'm going to do all I can to get the most out of this experience. Ever dollar better be worth it. If I have down time, I'm going to use it to blog and stay updated. If I don't, just know that it's because I am taking advantage of my scarce Asian hours. When I get back I will for sure blow up your feed with invAsian experiences.

Did I mention there will be a week-long pit stop in Hawaii on the way back? Oh yeah, that's a different phase.

Here are the other phases of Dream Summer 2013:

Phase 2: Hawaii

Phase 3: Vocal Point Mid-West Tour

Phase 4: Summer Camp Adventures

Phase 5: Munich and Jerusalem Family Vacation

Phase 6: EFY

Phase 7: Home at Last

What Matters Most - Grace

2013-04-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Part of a Religion 333 Project

This week I got to have a completely new experience. Instead of being in front of the audition table, I was put behind it. I was the one judging.

I've never been in that position before. Now that I have, I'm not sure which one I'd rather deal with.

At the end of the preliminary auditions, we met together to determine who should be called back. That was tough work. Where should we draw the line? We couldn't have too many people called back or else the callbacks would take an entire day. At the same time, there were so many good people that we wanted to see again that we didn't want to cut them too soon. Out of necessity, a middle ground was found.

For hours we were staring at the pictures of those who auditioned, deliberating to determine if they could fill the positions that we needed filled. It was a necessary process, but it was SO DIFFICULT. Why was it so difficult? I began to think of other things in life that we strive to qualify for.... jobs, promotions, sports, etc... and my thoughts eventually landed upon the ultimate judgment: the day we see our Creator. I wonder if God has such trouble as he determines what should happen with each one of us.

Yet, something inside tells me that there are a few factors distinctly different between the judging we were doing and the judging that God does.

First, there is no limited space in heaven. God hopes that we ALL make it back to live with Him, and He has provided the way for us to do so.

Second, there is no two-outcome "you make it or you don't" result. That is the traditional belief of heaven and hell, and yet I can't bring myself to believe that there's simply two groups of eternal consequence. The idea of categorizing billions of unique people into one of two predetermined fates screams injustice. That would make sense if there were two groups of absolutely identical people, but each person is unique.

I do believe in the concepts of heaven and hell, just not in the traditional sense. We all have weaknesses and talents that define us and make us unique. We are all a different mixture of successes and regrets. We will receive our just reward from a just God. To me, that means a personalized evaluation and result. There will not be two homogeneous groups. There will still be individuality. The holiness that we attain in this life is the glory that we will inherit when we go to heaven, whatever that unique glory may be.

I don't want to get too heavy in to doctrine. If you have questions, feel free to ask, but for now, that's where I'll leave that.

Third, I don't think that God will nit-pick the negative. For many, the idea of judgment invokes feelings of fear and damnation and embarrassment. Certainly there will be negative things to confront and discuss, and if we are not prepared, we should feel pressure to change our lives now so that we ARE prepared. However, I tend to think of the final judgment as a very fulfilling and edifying experience. God is invested in our well-being. All criticism will be constructive. We will come out of the experience stronger and with a better perspective and resolve. Sure, there will be disappointment, but I think that most of it will be disappointment in ones self. There will be no feeling of misunderstanding or injustice. Things will be absolutely fair, love will dominate the situation, and mercy through Christ's loving sacrifice will save us as we accept it.

For auditions, there were a limited number of spots. A line had to be drawn. We did our best with what we had, praying that we would be guided in the process, but we had to make decisions within the limited contexts of mortality and time.

There will come a time when there will be no limitations of mortality or time. Currently, there is no limit to God's ability to bless us. The only limit that He has in blessing us are the ones that we put on ourselves.

After writing this, I realize that I haven't even mentioned the word "grace" once. Grace is what makes all of this possible. It is love. It is more encompassing than we often times think. There is nothing that we can do that we cannot be forgiven for. This speech, His Grace is Sufficient, says it all much much better than I ever could. I strongly recommend taking the time to read it, or better yet, watch it. The simple comparisons that are presented here about mercy and justice have changed my perspectives and therefore my life.

What Matters Most - Music

2013-04-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Part of a Religion 333 Project

My dad tells me that, as a little kid, I showed some promising signs of having athletic talent. In fact, my dad was hoping that I, his tallest son, would someday become a star.

I understand why any parent would want their child to become a sports star. Even now I wish I could add star athlete to my list of accomplishments. They have amazing opportunities to influence people and they get to experience moments of intense satisfaction almost daily. Plus, who doesn't love to be the best at something, to have a goal to constantly work towards, and to have an awesome body as a result?

Early on, I knew that I wouldn't enjoy pursuing sports. It's not because I wasn't good (I was also far far away from being the best... ). I was simply never quite motivated to give it my all or to practice. As a result I fell behind the skill level of my peers, which is what has led me to where I am today. Today, as a general rule, you don't want me on your team, no matter the sport.

I remember talking to my dad when I was in 8th grade and telling him that I didn't want to play football anymore. It was terrible. I was crying because I didn't want to disappoint him. I knew that he saw potential in me and that he loved sports. I was his last son to experience all of that father-son sports bonding with. I was scared to tell him, and as a result it took me quite a while to finally say it. Of course, he, being the amazing father that he his, hugged me tight and told me that he would support me in whatever I chose.

I count that as one of the most bonding experiences I have had with my dad. Some of the strongest bonds that we can form are a result of revealing vulnerability and having our trust that love is unconditional affirmed.

Instead, I began to focus more on music, something that I had always loved. I won't say a lot about how I've come to love it. I've done that in some other posts. What I'd like to elaborate a bit on is WHY.

I said that I never really liked to give my all in practice or in games. There are two possible explanations for that.

I have this complex that I don't like winning a game if it means that someone else has to lose. I'm not pretending to be the nicest guy in the world. I'm simply saying that I have never minded losing in sports if it meant that someone else got to feel like a champion. I don't put a lot of value on winning athletic competitions, so someone who does should get that rush. I'm perfectly happy losing at any sports game I play.

The other possibility might be a lot more believable. Perhaps I'm simply so lazy that I justify not putting forth the effort to practice by inventing a coping mechanism in my brain that makes me not care if I lose.

Either way, because of my lack of desire to improve in sports, I saw more opportunities for fulfillment and growth in music. As I've gotten older, I've tried to pinpoint why, and I think it's this:

When music is done right, everyone wins. The whole audience. All performers. Everyone.

In no way am I implying that sports are inferior to music as a pursuit. They are simply different. Sports are about becoming the best you can be and reaching your full potential. Music, however, has a different motivation, and that is sharing experiences. It's about conveying a story in such a way that our emotions can easily connect with what is being expressed. Through music, we can feel, understand, and experience much deeper than with words alone.

I really love that. I love that success in music is not quantifiable (I don't count commercial accomplishments, such as record sales or YouTube views, as a measurement for successful music, and neither should you). Music is successful when it inspires, conveys a message, or shares an experience.

I can't count how many times music has been the means by which I have had life changing experiences. I also count my blessings for the number of opportunities I've had to provide uplifting experiences through music.

Sunshine Generation - CLASSIC

Family Reunions

Vocal Point

Priesthood Choir

Summer Camps

Men's Chorus

Miranda Sings... :)

Jams with friends

Musical Theater

The Band

I am so blessed because of the music in my life.

If you were to look at my iTunes library, you would see a bit of everything. I can't tell you what my favorite song is. It depends on the day, sometimes the hour. I can't tell you what kind of music is the best. That, too, depends on how I'm feeling and what I'm in the mood for.

Music can influence for good or bad. It can instantly bring any emotion. It can inspire you to help or to kill, to compete or collaborate, to anger or to relax, etc.

Have you ever thought about why music is so powerful? It's something that still baffles me. Why do harmonies bring about emotion? Why does pounding rhythmic percussion make you want to get up and dance? Why does saying something at a certain pitch for a certain number of beats feel so much more real than if you simply speak the words? How can odd sounds from weird shaped brass tubes and vibrating tuned strings coordinate to provide such dramatic effects in a matter of seconds?

It makes no logical sense to me. I don't understand it, and I probably won't spend much time trying to. I like the magic behind it all. To me, music simply... is.

There's an answer that satisfies me. It resonates with my innermost self; I believe that music is celestial. It is a special gift that God has given us. It is a higher, deeper form of communication.

Music is a powerful tool. I think that people of all beliefs and opinions can agree that music best serves the world as it inspires and uplifts others. That's what I will strive to do. In the process, I myself will be uplifted and inspired.

That's why music is a miracle. It truly is a miracle.

What Matters Most - Being Together

2013-03-03T11:07:00.001-08:00

Last week, I had my golden birthday.

I listened to Taylor Swift's "22" approximately 22 times.

Here are some photos and videos to document my golden birthday.

Trevor and Jon surprised me at midnight with ice cream and balloons

The most delicious cupcakes and ice cream from Eric

Josh decided that this would be a good idea... Hmmm

Birthday Waffle!

Peace, love, and Bryce.

A sample of my SWEET golden package from Carrie

Birthday festivities - Zombie peep massacres

Are there any more to add?

It was AWESOME, as you can see.

Although that was fun, I'd like to take time to talk about something serious.

The celebration of my life stood in contrast with the sadness of death. In the middle of the day, we had the incredible privilege of singing "Danny Boy" during a memorial service for a former BYU student who was killed in action in Afghanistan. The family requested that the song be played, and we happily rearranged our schedule to be able to sing it in person.

It's hard to describe what I felt. Here was a family honoring the life of their fallen brother, and here I was, receiving gifts for simply living another year. My carefree happiness juxtaposed their reverent sadness. While all of us knew it wasn't goodbye forever, the time and experiences lost because of his absence are what made the family so emotional. That is why it is difficult losing a loved one, even with the strongest faith in life after death.

Immediately after, we drove to Wyoming to our Vocal Point performances. The best birthday present that I received was sitting in the audience. Blake and Erika already live here in Utah, my parents came up for my birthday, Brad and Carli came exploring housing markets. From Utah they drove an additional two hours to see me perform! I can't even explain how happy I was that we were all able to be together.

If you'll indulge me, I want to take a moment to reflect on how important time is. Time is the most exhaustible resource that there is, yet it's the one that we most willingly throw away. It is either the most useless or most useful commodity at any given moment, depending purely on our perspective. Time is always a blessing, yet too often we find it a burden.

I love how technology keeps us connected, but I hate how I now have to make a conscious effort to not let those interactions replace in-person ones. Technology saves us so much time, and yet we've never been busier. Because of the conveniences of technology, we find those things that are worth the most the most inconvenient.

I can't say that I'm an expert at utilizing every minute. In fact, I waste way too much time on pointless things. I can say, however, that fulfillment doesn't come from having every minute of the day filled. It comes from doing what you love with those you love. Joy comes from making a difference, which takes time.

I could keep going for a long time with these comparisons, but I won't. What I am trying to say is that I know of no other thing that means so much to me as someone who is willing to spend time with me; just like my family did in coming to my show, just like my friends do when they come and visit me, and just like my Heavenly Father does when He thinks of me and chooses to bless my life.

I think that the value that I feel in having people willingly spend time with me is that I realize how valuable time is. It makes me feel nice knowing that I am worth that amount to them. In contrast, when I choose to spend time with someone, but I see that they would rather be spending their time doing something else, I feel rejected.

My beautiful family

For me, heaven is heaven because there are no goodbyes and no time constraints! We are together forever! We think of eternity and our brains start to hurt. I hope that when we think of days never ending, we don't think that we will be waiting or bored every day, but rather that we will have finally learned to appreciate every minute that we have with our loved ones.

Absences and death in this life help us appreciate the blessings of being together. I'm happy to know that we are forever, and so are our relationships.

Week 4 - To Infinity and Beyond

2013-02-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

June 8, 2010

All is good and well here at the MTC. Not much has changed. But what else is new? Oh, I just answered that.... nothing! Ha!

But it's so great! Everyday we learn more and more about Spanish and about the gospel. I can feel my heart changing. I remember the discussions I would have with people about why Mormons are so dedicated to their faith and standards. They thought it was because we were a cult or had to deal with a lot of persecution. You want to know the real reason? We have the whole truth! Others are dedicated to their faiths, and that's great, because everyone has at least some truth. But we're trying to help people find the whole truth, the truth that Christ originally taught, not modified by man or creeds or anything else. This is the pure truth, which inevitably leads to pure happiness, because that's what this religion is. Happiness. There's no reason for us to be perpetually unhappy! We are children of our Heavenly Father! We know who we are and our potential!

We had a devotional about the cosmos. If the incredible affirmation of the Holy Ghost weren't enough, it's so incredible how each scientific discovery falls right in line with what we know to be the truth! I love science because it only confirms we have a creator! It doesn't do the opposite. Those who think it does aren't really truly seeing science. The closing song was the primary song "A Child's Prayer". I felt the spirit so strongly! Sure, space is huge, and there are trillions of children of our Heavenly Father, but He really does listen and answer every child's prayer. I am a child of my Heavenly Father, and I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have that He loves me and knows me individually.

My first package!

Another devotional we had, we got to listen to three authors of hymns. I got to shake the hand of the lady who wrote "Families Can Be Together Forever"! Isn't that so awesome!? Really, she was so inspired while she wrote that song. It's helped me so many times. And when you have a family like mine, how could you not get emotional realizing that we WILL be together forever?! I love it.

The Argentine consul came this past week. Basically, I'm not going to get delayed on my visa. Boy is the adversary working hard at not letting people get visas. There are so many here just waiting. He really does want people to be miserable, and he does it any way he can.

We only had one teacher this week. We were supposed to have two. It's amazing how each time I'm in a Spanish class, all I have is subs. If I come out of here a scrub, it's not my fault. We should be getting another permanent one next week, but that's about 3 weeks with half the usual teaching. It's okay though. My district is incredible and we make stuff to do when there's no teacher around.

We had a funeral for English this week. We wrote love notes, or Dear Janes. Mine went something like

"Dear English, It's been real. We've had some great times together, and I really don't want you to get the wrong impression, but I feel we need a little time apart. I have to admit, there is another language involved. Her name is Spanish. She's great, and I think that she can offer me a lot. We can still be friends, but at least for the next two years, we've got to go our separate ways.

Love, Elder Romney"

Basically, we're not speaking English any more! Really! Unless we have to for a teacher or interview. And it's hard. But it's really helped. I definitely don't talk as much any more. We decided to do the Referral Center in Spanish this week. It was so nervewracking! Me and my companion did tandem calling, so we could switch off if we couldn't understand. I switched twice. He never switched. But that's ok. We called one guy, but it was the wrong number, so I asked if he would like a free DVD instead. I bore testimony, but when I told him the name of the church, he interrupted me. "Oh honey, I'm gay." I stammered for a few seconds, said "I'm sorry...." and he hung up. I was so taken off guard and I feel so bad! What I said was rude. It was just so shocking. Me and my comp we're busting a gut! It didn't help the guy had a lisp either.

The secret stash from previous missionaries

You asked me what I need. I don't need anything! I have the gospel! Haha but really, I don't need anything. I wish I could have fruit, but we don't have a fridge and I don't think it would keep. Also Blue Bell, but of course that's impossible! And chocolate. So really, only chocolate.

The story you told me about the pet turtle... man I was crying laughing. Why do we always adopt wild pets? Typical. Why do they always poop all over everything? Typical. Why do they always run away? So typical. Haha I'm glad yall thought it was cute. One of the members of our Branch Presidency reminds me of Franklin the Turtle... in case you wanted to know.

Thanks again for the journals! And everything else! Life is good! We have the gospel!

Love,

Elder Romney

What Matters Most - Reminders

2013-02-18T23:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I performed in my last BYU Men's Chorus concert. It was a sad day. I found out I wouldn't be doing Men's Chorus anymore earlier this semester, so I was grateful that I was given the chance to perform one final time.

We were in Salt Lake City, in the Conference Center Theater. I sat back stage for most of the first show, and then I went on for the medley in which I was asked to perform. The songs that the Men's Chorus sang were gorgeous. It was the best that I had ever heard them sing, and I felt so proud and blessed to have formed a part of that group.

Instead of going to the planetarium between shows, I decided to stay and study for a midterm which I had forgotten about (the grade I eventually got certainly reflects my lack of preparation). I studied, but couldn't get my mind off of the fact that I was in the conference center alone! I couldn't pass up the opportunity and decided to explore.

I had free access to everything. I went to the podium and stood there, trying desperately to soak in the power and holiness of the many prophets, seers, and revelators that had spoken from that spot. I went and examined the iconic faux pipes of the organ. I sat in the choir seats and imagined the entire center full, just like it had been when I had the chance to sing there three years ago.

I later went backstage, squeezed under the organ, and climbed some of the interchangeable sets. I was having the best time, all by myself. Then I remembered how close I was to the temple. So, I left and walked around Temple Square, admiring everything and taking the magnificence in at my own pace.

It was miraculous.

I preferred to be alone. There was peace. There was comfort. There was a majesty that gave me the chills when I let myself think about it. Above all, there was a reverence.

I think that Heavenly Father wanted me to have that experience, not so that I could blow up my Instagram feed with cool angles and filters, but, because I needed that time alone. In fact, that's one of the things that He was reminding me isn't important. I needed to be reminded of who I am and who He is.

I realized how ironic it is that I get so caught up in life and making sure that I'm not forgetting anything (like a midterm) that I forget the most important thing: my commitment to my Heavenly Father.

It's something that I've always struggled with and the reason for this project that I'm doing. My hope with continuing the project is to remember what is most important. That's why I consider those moments of reflection so vital. They remind me that I need to be doing better, or that I need to be doing something else.

I'm an airhead. I'm embarrassed by how many names, details, birthdays, events, etc. I forget. Ever more important, however, are those things of eternal consequence that I forget to do. If it weren't for constant reminders and divine help, I would have lost my way a long time ago.

Reminders come in many different ways. Sometimes I forget that God knows me. He reminds me that he does. Many times I forget that I'm not the center of the universe. I'm reminded of that, too. I am always reminded of which things will bring me happiness and which things are false fleeting pleasures. Some reminders are verbal, others are physical, some are mental, most are spiritual, but all show my absolute dependence on the Lord.

I need those reminders. They have saved me. I find that those reminders only come when I've got quiet time to dedicate to meditation. It works wonders!

Now... how do I remember to set aside quiet time for remembering? :)

What Matters Most - Love

2013-02-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today I was able to have a very special experience at the Primary Children's Medical Center. Vocal Point was able to go and perform for the patients of the medical center in a short LDS worship service. Afterwards, we received special permission to visit the rooms of the children to sing them Primary songs and speak briefly with them.

I haven't been so emotional in a long time.

It's truly heart-wrenching to see such innocent souls praying for a fighting chance to survive or be healed. It's not until you're in the presence of the toddler attached to breathing tubes, the baby with severe handicaps, or the bed-restricted child with multiple IVs that you begin to truly understand the situation.

Singing for those children and their families was an honor for me. I know music heals the soul. It has helped mine countless times. Some of the experiences we had were very special, and while I would love to share them, I would only feel comfortable doing so in the right setting. The children expressed their appreciation as best they could, and yet, as we sang, I began to realize that maybe we were helping the parents more than we were helping the kids.

A woman gave a brief but inspirational message during the service. To summarize, she told of how her son had suddenly stopped breathing one night while getting ready for bed. She described the complete terror and hopelessness she felt in those several minutes before the baby began to breathe again. She had faith that her baby would be healed, but in that moment, she questioned if she had sufficient faith for if he weren't healed. Could she carry on if she lost her son?

The young mother went on to speak of grace. Her message was powerful, beautiful, and moving. It caused me to shift my thoughts from the trials of the children to the trials of the parents.

What a difficult situation! To have a terminally ill child, to feel nearly helpless as your baby battles for life, to sacrifice resources and time, to struggle financially and emotionally, etc. How would I react to that? As I listened, I was given a glimpse, if even just for a second, of what I would feel if I were to have a child in a similar situation. It was truly revelatory: I know that I would willingly sacrifice everything I ever could if it might possibly help, even in the smallest way, because I would love that child more than I love myself.

That feeling was so real. So real. It opened my eyes to how parents feel toward their children. That same love exists from any caring parent toward their child. My parents feel that same way toward me. I may never know the extent of how much they sacrificed to raise me, but I know that it was all done because they love me so deeply. They freely give because they love me, and they painfully take away to teach a lesson, an even higher form of love.

A picture I took of a statue outside of the PCMC

Our Heavenly Father loves us. The trials we each have are evidence of his absolute confidence in our abilities to overcome them, as well as opportunities so that we can grow to become more like Him. The fact that we have trials shows that He is aware of us and our abilities. He considers us worthwhile to invest in. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, made an infinite sacrifice as he paid for our sins so that we might be partakers of His grace. Will we ever understand the extent of their love for us? No, but we can at least scratch the surface as we sacrifice to provide for our own children.

Unlike the children of the medical center, we are capable of refusing much of the help that is offered to us through the sacrifices of loved ones. Sadly, many of us do. I hope that we never take for granted what our parents do for us. How sad it is when loving sacrifice is rejected.

As we sang those final songs, I know that the children felt the love of God. I understood, however, that our message of comfort was meant more for the parents than the children. The parents know that they must trust in the Lord. They know that God is aware of their situation. They also know they are limited in the amount of help they can give to their children.

The most beautiful thing is that those limits don't and won't ever stop them from doing absolutely everything they can to provide as much help as they can for their children.

What Matters Most - This post is part of a self-development school project in which I explain what things are most important to me and why.

Week 3 - The Weeks are Days... and the Days are Weeks!

2013-02-04T21:43:00.001-08:00

June 1, 2010

Hello Family and Friends!

It is true though. It's amazing how long some things can take, but when I look back on my MTC experience, it seems like I got here just 2 days ago.

Ugly Tie Day

Life is great.... as always. I know now that there should never be a time when life isn't great. It's up to us! Bad things happen, but we have a Plan of Salvation! We have the Atonement! We have personal revelation! There's so much that we know and can control that can make us happy.

Interesting things of the week:

I saw Aunt Pam on Wednesday! She called Mr. Mac, and I now have pants! She also gave me a bag of Dove chocolates... the whole thing is already gone, of course. I couldn't hug her because it's against MTC rules to hug even a relative. But she gave me an imaginary one from you all.

I got 3 immunizations on Wednesday, mainly because I couldn't find any more immunizations records. I'm almost positive I had them already... but I get to go in for 3 more. Which, by the way, hardly ever happens. Apparently that never ever happens... says the nurse there. So I'm the most unprepared missionary in the MTC, but what else is new!? Haha.

I auditioned to sing a song on Thursday, and I was selected to sing! Lo and behold, it was three days later! I sang "This is the Christ" for the Departure Devotional last Sunday. AND they're putting together a small choir (36 people) for the Mission Presidents Training! I've been getting on the inside to make sure I get chosen to be in it. Wouldn't that be amazing though!? Getting to sing for so many general authorities?! I'll let you know what happens with that. Just know that I almost peed my pants before I sang. Hopefully I get more confident the more I sing. Musical.... nothing... but church stuff! Totally different story. It's so nerve-wracking and I don't know WHY!

I got fingerprinted for my visa, which should come in no problem. Speaking of Visas, I met the three missionaries that are still here waiting to go to Mom and Dad's mission! They've been here for 14 weeks.... 5 more than regular. They call me President Romney when I see them now... it's funny and embarassing. One of them is a HUGE pacific-islander. Dad, you're going to have a handful. He just wants to make sure the Monterrey University gym is open every morning so he can work out there. Ha! They're all super nice, and all they do is personal study... ALL DAY! That would drive me nuts. But they're making the best of it, and they really really want you to know that they are so excited and ready to come.

One of our teachers, Hermano De Leon, left this past week. He's one of the greatest teachers I've ever had. He's from Guatemala, served in Mexico, and is doing an internship on Wall Street this summer. That's why he left. We don't have a new teacher yet, so we get 2 blocks of personal study until then.

You know what is frustrating!? I can NOT gain any weight! All I do is eat and eat. I mean, I run for like 20 minutes, stretch, play volleyball and what not every day, but really, I just stuff my face as much as I can every meal. And you want to know the results? NOTHING! I've gained back what I lost at BYU... 3 pounds. Where it goes, I don't know. Some might call it a blessing.... and it certainly is.... but it's really not helping my goal of 20 pounds while being here! Ha!

Spanish is coming more easily. We bear testimony to other elders frequently and teach short principles of the gospel. That's one of the coolest things about the MTC. Any given day, you'll hear testimonies in 6 different languages... Bulgarian, Mandarin, English, Spanish, Portugese, and French. I love it!

Other than that, life is great! I my knowledge of the gospel is growing like crazy. I'm getting so much sleep! 8 hours.... that hasn't happened since elementary school! The spirit never ever gets old, and I don't think it ever will! It's amazing to feel so loved and lifted and blessed and diligent. Do you know why they give us so many commandments? So we can be blessed for keeping them! The more we do for the Lord, the more He does for us. There's nothing that makes us more free than keeping his commandments... ironic, but so true!

I love you all!

Elder Romney

A Shift of Vocus

2013-02-03T08:47:00.001-08:00

I just want you to know that I am a firm believer that dreams come true.

In the past couple of months, many of my dreams have come true. I have been beyond blessed.

I was accepted in to the BYU Jerusalem study abroad program for the entire summer. I would be singing, yet again, in the BYU Men's Chorus AND in General Conference. A surprise late grade change gave me my desired GPA for last semester. Seriously, all of the things I have: my world-class family, an awesome scholarship, great roommates, wonderful major, phenomenal professors, a rocking band, an incredible ward... I could seriously go on and on.

Basically, I've been living the dream. There's no denying that.

Regardless, a month ago I started to feel unsettled. I mean, I was immensely happy and grateful at the same time. It was an odd feeling, one that comes somewhat frequently as I consider what the heck I'm supposed to do with all of the blessings I receive daily. The feeling was particularly strong at the start of this semester. I just don't want to be ungrateful, you know?

I struggled to find where I was supposed to go with all of the opportunities surrounding me. I felt that I was being acted upon more than choosing to act. I was letting life rush me by. I eventually came to the conclusion that I was supposed to do something with music. I felt that I should be creating or writing music. Unfortunately, that's something I've never done. I began to try and, being the rookie that I am, could only get as far as a poem. But poems? Last I checked poems don't equal music, and music was certainly where I felt that I needed to go. I continued to struggle.

I know, I know... don't I have the hardest problems ever? #firstworldprobs

Then, with little preparation and a lot of surprise, Heavenly Father pushed me right to where I needed to be. Three weeks ago, I was given a chance to audition with a group called Vocal Point and was offered a position in the group.

Vocal Point is a collegiate a Capella group made up of nine guys (yes, like Pitch Perfect... In fact, Vocal Point makes a cameo in that movie!). They are the most popular performing group on campus. In 2011, they made it into the top 5 on NBC's The Sing Off. I knew about them because my parents gave me one of their CD's for Christmas. I love that they sing popular music yet at the same time pause to sing uplifting and spiritual songs. Vocal Point is a group based around a firm faith in God. Y'all, seriously, they are AWESOME.

Yeah, THEM.

Now, what do you do when your dreams come true at the same time and conflict?

Pray. Decide. Trust.

I had to give up my Jerusalem study abroad. I had to give up Men's Chorus and singing at General Conference. I had to sacrifice a bit of time with the band. I had to drop the classes that I was most excited about. There are more sacrifices, and I'm sure more will come, but how could I ever get down about that? The blessings and opportunities outweigh those sacrifices 100 fold. Heavenly Father just needed to shift my point of focus. Or should I say, vocus. LAWLZ

I couldn't be happier. Life is amazing. That unsettled feeling is gone! I know I'm on the right path. I know that I'm being guided. I know that there is a plan for me, and that I'm making progress.

And seriously, how friggin sweet that that plan includes Vocal Point!?!

Vocal Point, along with McKay, the director, and John, the sound guy.

Blessed.

My New Toy

2013-01-11T11:34:00.002-08:00

I just found a new toy, and I love it. It's called Cinemagram, and you make these with it. They're called cines, or animated photos.

Follow me!

If You're Going to San Francisco

2012-12-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

This year we established a new tradition that my dad take all of us guys in the family to an away BYU football game. That tradition took us to San Jose, California. This was the first time for me to ever even visit California (which is a lie, I went when I was a lot younger... but if you don't remember it, did it even happen?) and it was so great. This trip was an adventure because of three main elements.

It was TBB; Tours by Brad (Powered by Yelp).

I also tried to do a bit of my own FBB; FunFacts by Bryce (Powered by Google).

And then my Dad tried to do a little PBB. Photography by Brent (Powered by... his amateur tastes I guess...).

The cheapness factor is also very important here. All activities had to be free. After the frequent flier miles that my brother Brad earns by beating the system, plus coupons and other things, literally everything was free. The ONLY thing that we paid for was food and the Groupon for four tickets to the game.

Let me restate that. We only paid for food and some of the tickets. Free airfare, rental car, hotel, activities, and tickets.

Wow. My family.

Anyways, we got there Friday morning and the first thing we did was go to a historical park, filled with... well... history. Much of it was lost on me, though, because I happened to be claiming portals for the Resistance, my team on Google's new augmented reality game Ingress. We got a milkshake with enough peanut butter chunks to seriously clog a toilet... actually, let's say gutter.

Then we went and saw an absolutely beautiful Catholic church which did an amazing job at making me feel quite small compared to the grandeur of God. Then we ate Vietnamese food, and I had pho for the first time, which is pronounced like "fun" without the "n". Yeah, you've got to be very deliberate about the word ending, if you know what I mean.

After that, we went and saw beautiful Stanford University, just one of my potential Grad schools, NBD, where the raccoons have no fear and the mascot is a tree. Yeah, that place. After claiming my many portals for the Resistance and taking a stroll around, we decided to grab some dinner and go see the famous Mystery House.

The Mystery House was built by a rich widow who believed that if she stopped adding rooms to her house, the spirits would run out of room to live, get angry, and she would therefore die. Something along those lines. It's legitimately haunted. Like, for real. And that's why they can charge $40 for a tour! Yeah, that wasn't happening... ever. So we resorted to peeking in the windows and asking a cashier to explain to us the photos in a photo tour book that was for sale. Next best thing!

The next day we headed to San Francisco. We did not have flowers in our hair, though. Just product. But probably not enough, judging from the pictures. I had my tour guide Field Trip app up and running, providing interesting facts about the history of many parts of the city. For example, this Pet Cemetery is the home to the bodies of the pets of the children of those stationed at the military base that used to be located in the bay during WWII. Some of the epitaphs were too much for me, which I probably only say because I've never had a pet that I was emotionally attached to.

Our first real stop was, of course, the GGB (Golden Gate Bridge, for you noobs). My app told me to go check out the Civil War era Fort Point located right below the GGB. Here are some of the best photos. Ladies and gentlemen, my dad's photography skills at their best.

People thought we were odd. Beside the fact that we are, we were simply being directed by a visionary, and sadly nobody recognized it. Take, for example, my dad's instruction for us to walk as slowly as possible, in a V-formation, out of the door of the Fort. Can you say boy band? To exacerbate things, we went EXTRA slow. I would love to know what those people staring at us were thinking. Oh well. #WORTHIT.

Between the Asian women forcing menus into my hands and the crazy parking, Chinatown was definitely an experience, including lunch. Warning: Eating legit authentic Chinese food is not for the queasy. Take, for example, when you order half of a chicken. You will seriously get half of the chicken. Including the head.

Next was the driving tour. What an AMAZING city! The hills are inspirationally steep and the trolleys legendary. We drove down Lombard street, the crookedest street in the world. Then an effeminate man spit on our car because we were stopped over the crosswalk... ehem... *forced* to stop on the crosswalk. The exchange that he and Brad had was one for the books, although it's probably for the best that it wasn't written down since it wouldn't have made either look to great. That exchange ended with both filming the other (which still makes me chuckle) to be able to put on YouTube any additional ridiculous comments.

Dad was very excited to show us the Haight-Ashbury District, AKA the epicenter of the '67 Hippie Summer of Love. This street sign is very significant, and dad showed his visionary photography was also high-risk as he stood in the middle of an extremely busy intersection to take it.

After a quick rest, we went back to San Jose for the game. Because we didn't have tickets to the BYU tailgate, we couldn't get any food despite crashing it. Apparently, when you get tickets through Groupon they don't care which team you root for. The only place within walking distance from the stadium was a Mexican seafood place. We were definitely the only ones speaking English in the whole place, but hey, that's how you know that it's authentic. They served only seafood, no chicken or beef. We went with the cheapest thing they had, which is always a risk when it's authentic. Those shrimp tacos weren't too bad, although they certainly weren't too good either! They helped hold us over until after the game when dad would treat us with his free Frosty coupons. Again, the thriftiness here astounds me.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Groupon only sold tickets in increments of four, meaning, surprise, surprise, two of us didn't have tickets. And, AS ALWAYS, guess who gets the short end of the deal. The youngest. Yep, I was stuck outside with dad until he located two free tickets (with his super powers... seriously, how does he do it?). Success came early for him, and we were in, once again, for free.

I would have written about the awesome game here... had we won. Let's just say, once we finally showed up to play, it was too late. We were honestly so close. Not even the kid asking for our autograph the next day at church because of our last name made up for it...

Besides the fact that we lost the game, it was still a great trip! Sometimes I wonder how our family got to be the way it did. And each time I do, I'm filled with an immense gratitude. Money can't buy what made that trip so special. Besides, my family wouldn't have spent the money anyways.

LOST... No More

2012-12-01T17:49:00.002-08:00

I am a big TV fan. I love TV. I actually like TV more than movies. I feel like you can get to know a character so much better with TV than movies, which is the most important aspect of any story telling.

Therefore, I am a BIG fan of LOST. Naturally. It's the perfect blend of comedy, romance, suspense, science fiction, action, thrill, and really everything else. I literally watched every single episode the day it came out (and I literally mean literally... as opposed to somewhat meaning literally). I was faithful through the whole thing, even the writers' strike. I was emotionally attached to it. I grew to love all of the characters. I would dream about it. It was borderline obsession.

Now, imagine my frustration when I found out that I was to enter the MTC two weeks before the SERIES finale. Yep. After watching 119 episodes I would have to wait TWO YEARS to see the last two. I was devastated. So much so that there was actually a kind of emotional scar when I came back.

I had always thought that watching those last two episodes would be the FIRST thing that I would do when home. Surprise surprise, I couldn't bring myself to it. I think it's because I didn't want to accept the fact that it was really over. Basically, I would never have to accept closure if I never finished it! That, and I didn't remember a lot of things and didn't want to be like "Wait, why is this happening again?". I wanted to do those last episodes justice. So, I put off finishing it until... sometime later.

Until this week.

I finished it. I read some summaries, watched the two episodes before the final two, and felt that I was finally ready. Also, the fact that I was sick and didn't go to class meant that I would have plenty of time.

I might possibly have shed a tear. Maybe even thirty. More than a few things were yelled at the screen. But I am glad I sucked it up and did it. Closure was #worthit.

I absolutely loved the finale. It was everything I wanted. Since I was way more interested in the people and the relationships than the mysteries, I walked away completely satisfied. Admittedly, it helped that I really had forgotten about most of the mysteries anyways, so maybe this was all for the best!

On top of that, I also was constantly drawing parallels to the gospel, to heaven, to the spirit world, to revelation, even to salvation. Maybe that's why the final twist resonated so well with me. Overall, it was just beautiful. I don't think the writers could have ended it any better, especially considering all that people were demanding.

I now feel like I've gained closure. I'm satisfied. I'm SO satisfied and happy about it, in fact, that I took the time to write a whole blog post about it. My children will be watching the series with me. I just found my new family night activity for 121 Mondays in a row! Sweet!

Now, to do the same thing with the last Harry Potter movie...

EFWhy Does It End!?

2012-10-28T13:05:00.003-07:00

efWhy?

Why am I so blessed? Is this real life!?

I've already spoken a bit about what it was like to come home from Argentina, where I had been so happy and productive. I was struggling to find footing in Mexico, where I was privileged to be for a month. Toward the end of my stay, I found a job as an EFY counselor.

After 5 weeks of EFY, I can say that it was a blessing beyond what I had hoped. Honestly.

EFY is a church program that helps kids come unto Christ in a safe and fun environment. It stands for "Especially For Youth" and is built around spiritual experiences and the miracle of forgiveness through Christ. Talent shows, game nights, free time, classes, dances, sports, service, and a bunch of other things help make EFY so powerful. Each counselor is given about 10 kids to lead and paired with another group. I had the privilege of being a counselor, after having participated four times before.

Not Soon Shaken, San Antonio 1

Fountains of Water, San Antonio 2

E.T. - Eternal Truth, Provo 10D

The Unshakeables, Provo 11D

Firm in the Faith, Rexburg 3

5 weeks of kids that taught me so much about the gospel and about what it means to be a standard bearer.
5 weeks of spiritual experiences that led me to make decisions about the next big stages in life.
5 weeks of counselors and friends that became so dear to me in so little time.
5 weeks of learning to love in a way that I had never felt before.
5 weeks of 18 hour work days, 5 hours of sleep, and cafeteria food.

It was great. I loved it beyond what I thought I could. So much, even, that I made stretches just to fit in a couple of extra weeks. Even though the summer wasn't super... ermm... financially beneficial for me, I would have done it all losing money, because it wasn't about that at all.

I know that the Lord knew exactly what I needed. And through nudges here and there, he got me to the right place. It's funny what small interactions can do to a future.

Although the mission and EFY were two very different experiences, in a lot of ways it was the same. I was still able to testify, teach, commit, and see people change their lives for the better. I love EFY, because it provides strength that so many of the youth today need. It provides me strength too, as I was earnestly seeking something to take me back to the mission.

My first week, we were sitting in a devotional, and we started to discuss being missionaries. Before I knew what was happening, I was crying. There was a beautiful slide show playing with a bunch of pictures of different missionaries teaching, or contacting, or knocking doors, or baptizing, and I just lost it. I realized that I was no longer there and wouldn't be going back to do it again. I realized that I would never again have the opportunity to be a full-time missionary. I realized that I wouldn't ever get to dedicate ALL of my time to those that I meet, just as Christ did. I finally realized that it really really was over.

I guess they were feelings that I had tried to deny because of the pain that I knew would come with them. One of my kids asked if I was ok. I wasn't. I hadn't cried that hard for literally years. It was just a thing where I hoped I could just be left alone, which was a little difficult to do as a youth camp counselor.

I was knocked up over the head by emotion. I finally felt what I needed to feel to exit denial and leave the mission behind. I felt what's its like to say "I did that. I've been there. It's over for me now" instead of saying "I am a missionary. I am here. This is happening." I could no longer call myself Elder Romney. It was now just Bryce. And I did NOT like it.

It was a sad feeling. But it was necessary. I had to let go. I never knew that I would miss it so much. Yet, I did. I had been waiting for that moment, because up until that point I felt that life was pushing me around and I wasn't ever able to get a good footing. Even though it was sad and heart-breaking, I think I really needed that wake-up call. It helped me buckle down and begin to take charge again.

That same meltdown day we had the famous EFY testimony meeting. What a way to receive a peaceful reassurance of the eternal truths of the gospel. It's funny how that happens: the spirit leaves you emotionally drained, then fills you right back up with peace, love, and guidance.

There was, literally, no other place that would have been more perfect to have this experience than EFY. I know without a doubt that nothing this summer was a simple coincidence.

The Lord knows what we need and is eager to give it to us when we need it. All we have to do is faithfully look. And when things end, as they always have to in this life, we can rest assured that they don't in the eternities. The most important things, like friends, family, and love, are eternal.

If I tried to describe all of the lessons I learned, miracles I saw, and things I felt while at EFY, we'd be here for a week. Really, it was THAT great. I'll just leave it by saying that it was a blessing beyond what I could have hoped. And I am so excited for the next generation of missionaries, parents, and leaders!

The BFF - Brandon Flowers Fireside

2012-10-20T11:39:00.002-07:00

It was a pretty great Sunday.

I got to see my favorite artist, Brandon Flowers, give a fireside, bear his testimony about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and explain some of his songs. That's right, a LEGIT international 17-million-album-selling rock star talking about why he lives the standards of the Church. Yeah, that's pretty great, I'd say.

First off, let me say that I was a Killers fan even before I knew that BF was Mormon. Just call me a hipster. I wasn't pulled in by "Mr. Brightside" or "All These Things That I've Done", although I really love those songs. What really made me a fan was Sam's Town, the Killers' second album. In my house, pop, rap, country, and show tunes were most common. I heard very little other music unless it was on the radio, we were on a road trip, or I was singing and dancing to it in Sunshine Generation. Even then, it never really impacted me. Sam's Town was the first music that really made me realize and see the wonder of other kinds of music. I connected with it like I never had connected with any other album or message.

It's not the most popular Killers album, yet those who love it, LOVE IT. I'll tell you why I do. It's because of the deeper meaning. There are so many things said that I felt had a spiritual meaning. Then I heard that BF was Mormon, and that made me believe even more that Sam's Town was spiritually driven. I tried to tell people that I felt that BF was expressing his beliefs and struggles on Sam's Town, but nobody really believed me (Then again... not many people knew the album as well as I did).

Then, I saw an interview where BF spoke about writing Sam's Town, and how it was very much a representation of his journey through Mormonism. And I screamed I KNEW IT! And I became an even BIGGER fan. What's ironic is that he was inactive, not living the standards, at the time... I think he was smoking a cigarette during the interview. But I knew he'd come around!

Those spiritual references, undertones, illusions, whatever you want to call them, were so powerful. I could feel spiritual strength coming from those songs. I would always listen to it when asking myself the questions of life. That same spiritual drive is very evident in his solo album and a few songs from Battle Born. I think that's because he's decided to return to church.

Anyways, that's a brief history of me and BF, and a little background as to why I was so excited to meet him finally!

Imagine my excitement when my dad said that we would be traveling to Las Vegas to see him give a fireside, and on top of it, my uncle would be directing the meeting, meaning BACK STAGE ACCESS!

First his wife, Tanna, spoke about her conversion story. She first became interested in the church through the wonderful example of BF's mom. She received an impression to read the Book of Momon, so she read it, and the rest was history. She went to church, spoke to the missionaries, and got baptized. Her conversion fanned the embers that BF says were still glowing inside of him, who went inactive when 16. They got married, he started going back to church with his wife, and the flames ignited once more. She couldn't stop beaming as she described the happiness that the gospel brings into her life.

Brandon spoke more about his story, his family history and how he grew up in Vegas. His family then moved to some small towns in Utah. He realized he wanted to pursue golf, so moved in with some relatives back to Vegas when he was 16. That's when he went inactive. He had his golf clubs stolen, which led him to make friends with some people intent on sustaining themselves with music. He later responded to an ad in the paper looking for a singer, and soon after that, the Killers formed. He met a girl named Tanna in Buffalo Exchange looking for clothes for his first ever gig. Luckily, BF took Tanna on a date and the Killers quickly signed and rose to stardom with Hot Fuss.

Brandon now has three children and was sealed to his wife just in March!

Ok, so I feel like a reporter after writing that (by the way, there might be an error in this... it isn't anything official), but I think it's interesting to see how things happen. It's so cool to see famous people as normal people too. I'm not sure I've ever payed more attention to a church meeting than I did in this one.

Later, he explained and we listened to two of his songs. A Dustland Fairytale, from Day & Age, is the story of his mom and dad, his conversion and her battle with a brain tumor. Be Still is written to his sons and is very understandable when listened to in a gospel context.

Anyways, he had a POWERFUL testimony at the end of it, he shed a lot of tears speaking about his music and past, and urged us never to let go of any ember inside, fanning it so that it becomes a spiritual fire.

After the meeting, I was taken back stage by my Uncle to see BF. I couldn't have been more nervous. There were maybe 40 people back stage. We waited, and then he appeared. He made his way around the group then got to me and shook my hand, I just said...

"hey..."

He politely smiled and then moved on to shake the hand of the next person.

I was so upset with myself! Really, that's all you can say, Bryce?! Not even a picture!?

So then I ran to the other side of the line, worked up the courage to ask for a photo, and prepared a little piece of paper so that he could sign it. Our second interaction was a bit more successful.

Me: .... (paper in my hand and frozen in place)

....

BF: Um... Do you want me to sign that?

Me: Oh yes please! This is proof of presence. You can sign outside the box I drew if you want. That's cool. Can we get a picture?

(awkward laugh, although I'm not sure if it came from me, him, or both)

BF: .... ok...

Brooke: My brother's a really really big fan.

Brielle: And he's very antsy right now.

Me: Well, we drove here all the way from Provo.

BF: Really? Just for this?

Me: (Bryce, you'll look obsessive, and therefore, uncool, if you answer yes, so just don't say anthing.)

(awkward silence)

Brooke: Yep! Basically.

BF: Wow....

Me: Well, thanks so much for everything! You're amazing! Bye!

(OH MY GOOOOOOSSSHHHHH!!!!! THAT JUST HAPPENED. OK, IT HAPPENED. IT'S DONE. CALM DOWN.)

There were other things, like sneaking in a camera, trying to email myself on a random girl's phone, and preferred seating, but these things were small details. We didn't have a nice camera, but we got at least a little something.

If I wasn't a huge fan already, I AM NOW! Now we're headed back to Utah. I wanted to hurry and write this down so that I wouldn't forget ANY details. I have class tomorrow at 10am, but so #worthit!!!!

Mexico: Paradise or Prison? Both, actually.

2012-08-15T23:17:00.004-07:00

You'd think that life would get more enjoyable when it slows down. And generally it is. The slow lane is nice, and there are great things to see and soak in. Life is all about savoring the simple moments. We're almost always busier than we should be, and all that rushing is unnecessary. Going slower is better.

But when life goes from 90 mph to about 5 in less than 3 seconds, all of your things smash into your windshield, your drink spills, and you hit your head on the dashboard.

Slowing down too quickly is dangerous. Especially for good habits, relationships, and brake pads.

I had so many plans right after I got home from Mexico. Most of them I got done. But many of them I decided weren't that important. I mean, there were other, more important things to catch up on. You know, #thingsthatreallymatter.

Like hashtags, YOLO, and memes.

Like Pintrest, Instagram, and Groupon.

Consider Harry Potter 7, Twilight 3, and the Avengers.

Don't forget Antoine Dodson, Rebecca Black, and Marcel the Shell.

Fashion included a huge white watch, colored pants, Vans with tube socks, and shirts with the top button buttoned.

That's the important stuff. Right?

...

Right?

OOOOHHHH! Can I get something off my chest?

Why does everyone whistle in their songs!? And all the new stuff is dance music! Hmm... PLUS,

I listened to a Dubstep song for the first time and honestly thought that it was off the new Transformers Soundtrack. That's still what it all sounds like to me, although I really like it.

What was really weird was that I left an Adele fan, and when I came back, the whole world was Adele's fan. I had read the Hunger Games when I had my wisdom teeth pulled at the start of 2010, and when I came back, everyone had read it, and there was a movie about it.

But I progress...

Going out with the missionaries was fun. Being productive was also really appealing and felt really nice. I liked to speak in conferences and give church talks, because they would remind me of the great things that I did or thought to do. Plus, I felt that I was contributing. However, was I expecting too much out of those things? I really regret not having taken advantage of more things while in Mexico, but I just kinda plopped into a personal pity party. Pity me. Now. Please?

Which is odd. There really were so many incredible things surrounding me. We had so many great adventures, and the bonding experiences were unmatched. I had delicious food, which was much higher quality than I had ever had in my life. The commodities were unreal, and living in the richest neighborhood in Mexico certainly has its perks. I had friends, and this time I could speak the language! All of this without a care in the world about money, dating, or school.

It should have been paradise, but it wasn't. It felt like a prison, but it wasn't.

I wasn't home, but I wasn't in Argentina either. I wasn't a missionary, but I still was doing many missionary things. I spoke Spanish, but I spoke English just as much.

It was LIMBO. Purgatory. An infinite loop. It was waiting for something to happen, while stuck in the middle and with no apparent power over it.

New habits died easily. Old habits returned hard. They say that having no structure is the real way to live life. Well, for me, life just stopped without structure. An idol mind is the devil's playground, and while I didn't let him run around too much, I certainly let him distract me enough to where I didn't do anything, which was almost just as great a victory for him.

My mother, Costco's customer of the year three years running (whether Costco knows it or not), began this random-crying thing, where she would just start crying at the smallest goodbyes. Houses, playgrounds, stores, dry cleaners, people, meals, if it was the last time, my mom cried over it. And I, in a probably jealous annoyance, would laugh and find her behavior ridiculous. It might be because I was the same way just a few weeks earlier.

So as I lived in what should have been paradise, with "free" food, incredible commodities and plenty of free time to do whatever I wanted, I slowly faded into an odd feeling of not being productive and being worried because I didn't care about it. Something needed to change, and sadly, I recognized that the change would NOT come from within this time. I needed to change my surroundings, and THAT would change me.

AND THEN, I heard that there were openings to be a counselor for a church youth camp named Especially for Youth, known as efy. In a series of miraculous events, after being told no on multiple accounts, connections got me hired. Even when my Mexican phone wouldn't work, I was inspired to try from my end, and it turned out to be perfect timing to save an almost-canceled interview. Needless to say, my prayers were answered. I got offered a contract for a few days later, and flew to the USA for the first time in two years.

As quick as I arrived, my Mexico experience was over. No more goodbyes or free time, and certainly no more full-to-the-brim-with-produce refrigerator to come home to.

But boy, was it a blessing.

The Lord takes care of His servants.

Is this what being home feels like?

2012-07-22T22:12:00.001-07:00

Am I home yet? I'm not sure. It hasn't really felt like it.

But I am. So I better get used to this feeling. Whatever it is.

As I saw my family for the first time, all I could do was shake and smile. And be happy? A little, but that's not what I felt. Be scared? Well, it wasn't necessarily that either. Maybe it was just anxiousness coupled with denial. All I really knew was that this wasn't the way I expected to feel.

Every missionary dreams of that moment; two years completed, coming home honorably to a crying mother and proud father. It's just one of those hallmark moments that is forever played in the mind, either as a hope or as a memory.

So I stood there and hugged my family, and then tried to just carry on a conversation as if there wasn't anything special about the occasion. Because choosing to make the occasion special would call for special feelings, and I was all specialed-out. I chose to eat lunch at a waffle place, and as we sat there, my mom kept grabbing my arm, face, and leg, saying "I just can't believe you're here!" I brushed it off and kept going like I had never been gone. We spoke about the differences between Mexican Spanish and Argentine Castellano. It was a lot more comfortable that way. You know, just like a Mother's Day call.

And after eating waffles, and getting my 23-kilo luggage out of the mini-van trunk and up to my tiny Harry Potter closet, I sat on my bed and thought... now what? Oh yeah, unpacking. Duh.

So I unpacked, looked around, sat on my bed again and thought...

now what?

Now... what?

What now?

I had my life planned, in detail and with complete confidence, until that precise point. The point that I get back, sit on my bed, and think... wait, I didn't plan for anything after this. Dang.

School? Of course. Work? Well, it's gonna happen one way or another. Love? That seems so complicated right now that it scares me. Legitimately. I don't even want to think about it.

So there I sat, and decided that I would just let my family decide what I would do for the next couple of days. That would be the easiest thing. And it was. But the feeling stayed.

Why is transition so hard?