It is essential to any law practice, particularly one that is adversarial, that there be an adequate work/life balance so that the law practice can be optimized.  I enjoy the outdoor activities, including walking, nature hiking, and cycling.  I enjoy visiting the mall and watching movies, just like everybody else.  I am also a professional trumpet player.  Prior to law school, my only profession was as a trumpet player, and I also taught private trumpet lessons.  As a musician I continue to contribute to various church ministries and volunteer organizations, and I continue to play professionally on occasion.  I play piano as an amateur for enjoyment.  I was raised in a musical family.  As a child, I was well traveled, having lived in Austria, Germany, and France.  I also traveled to Spain, Switzerland, and Italy.  I studied two years in France at the Conservatoire de Montreuil, which is located in the Paris metropolitan area. During my travels and education, I have learned to speak, read, and write French and German at a proficient level, and learned an appreciation for arts and music.  I have developed many friendships over the years, both abroad from the past, and locally.  I greatly value all of my friendships and family.  Foreign language studies and conversation continues to be a hobby of mine.  My faith in God is a very important aspect of my perseverance, hope, and happiness, and is the basis for all of my achievements.