Unforgettable Christmas

As many of you know, Brian and I have been together for 3 1/2 years. In that time, every Christmas and Birthday present he has ever given me has been thoughtful. But I think this year took the cake. We always wait to open each others presents until Christmas night. This year his family really wanted to be there to watch us open presents. They said they wanted to see my reaction. I didn't understand why, but I waited until 8:00 for all of them to get there. We opened each others little presents and they were all really fun. He gave me a keg of cream soda (because I LOVE cream soda), a box of Sham-Wow's because I have wanted them forever, a new purse and a really cute wallet. Then came the big presents, which I had two of this year. Let me preface this by reminding everyone that Brian is a HUGE BYU fan! Ok continuing on with the story...I opened up my first one and was shocked with what I saw!

Inside was a Baltimore Ravens jersey #99, which as many of you might know is Paul Kruger's NFL jersey. He was my favorite player while at the U, and I have continued to follow his career this year as a rookie. As I pulled it out of the box, I noticed something on the back. IT WAS AUTOGRAPHED BY PAUL HIMSELF!!! My jaw hit the ground as I looked around at Brian's family. All I could say was "How did you get this?" Brian smiled and didn't say anything, but just handed me a picture. Now I really was in awe! It was a picture of me, my friend Heidi, and Paul Kruger from after the BYU game last year. We rushed the field and happened to run into him so we snapped a picture. THE PICTURE WAS SIGNED ALSO!!! Brian went on to tell me how he pulled off this miracle.

Brian's dad and Mr. Kruger (Paul Sr.) work for the same company. They had a meeting and Bri's dad told him about Brian and I and how we finally took the risk and watched the Utah/BYU game together this year. He loved it! The rest was history!!! Brian bought the jersey, printed off a copy of the picture, and wrote a letter to Paul about me. He told Paul that I am the biggest Utah fan he has ever met and I loved Paul while he was here. (I called him the Greek God, but thankfully he did not add that in) He told him how I continue to follow his career and that it would mean more than anything if he could sign these two things for me. So Paul's awesome girlfriend took the jersey, picture and letter and flew out to Baltimore to see Paul last weekend. He signed the jersey and the picture and she brought it home.

By the time he was done telling the story I was in tears. I could not believe what Brian had done for me! But believe it or not, the story gets better because I still had ANOTHER present to open. I found myself in even more shock. As Utah fans know, Baby Krug (Dave Kruger) plays for the Utes now. He was amazing enough to take a Utah Football up to the team AND THEY AUTOGRAPHED IT FOR ME!!! Brian made sure he gave him a list of the players I would really want. There are no words to explain how ecstatic I was!!! I know I am not like most girls in the fact that other girls would cry over an engagement ring, or a diamond necklace...I cry over a football jersey and a autographed football. I was shown that Brian will go to any lengths to make me happy!

(You can see the picture signed in the top left corner)

Overall, I pretty much was floating on a cloud for the rest of the night. I thanked Brian's family, but I wish I could have thanked the Kruger family also. They truly made this Christmas one of the most unforgettable ones I think I will ever have.

Looking Back...

Thank you Brynn for this idea!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you had never done before?

Got a 4.0!

2. What would you like in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Get a full-time teaching job and Travel!!!

3. My best memory of 2009.

The Sugar Bowl, finally getting my dream dog in Bella, becoming an Aunt to the cutest baby ever, Moab, and the trip to my cabin with my best friends.

4. What was your biggest achievement?

Surviving my first year of teaching WHILE going to school and getting a 4.0

5. What was your biggest failure?

I can truthfully say I did not fail at anything this year (that I can think of)

6. Did you or someone you know suffer any illness?

Yes, unfortunately both passed away: one in September and one just this last Sunday

7. What was your best purchase?

The 4-Runner!!!!

8. What behavior merited celebration this year?

The Utes amazing run at Championships! From the Sugar Bowl to Conference Championships in Mens/Womens Basketball, Volleyball and Baseball to a 2nd place finish in Gymnastics! It truly was the year of the Utes!

9. What behavior appalled or depressed you?

Two words: Max Hall...and most of our governments decisions.

10. Where did all your money go?

Car repairs, car payments and gas.

11. What was your favorite song for 2009?

Probably Taylor Swift "Love Story"

12. Who was your biggest influence of 2009?

Brian.

13. What was your favorite new TV show?

Honestly, didn't get into anything new. I still love Biggest Loser!

14. What was your favorite new book?

Angels and Demons

15. What was your favorite movie?

Ooooo I have a couple! Star Trek, 500 Days of Summer and The Blind Side

16. What is your favorite new fashion?

Headbands! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

17. What has kept you sane?

Brian, Good music and exercise

Do they really matter?

Last week, while waiting for the Cleveland vs. Chicago game, I was talking to my friend Heidi. We were talking about the Jazz/Spurs game that was about to tip off. I was telling her how it could possibly be a big game for the Jazz due to their recent 4th quarter meltdowns. Her response was "It's early in the season, these games don't matter. I get into the NBA closer to the end of the season." I laughed to myself as this was not the first time I have heard someone say this. You hear it amongst family, friends, colleagues, and even the media. Not much hype is put on early season games in the NBA or MLB due to the extensive length of the seasons. A NBA team plays 82 games between late October and mid April, while a MLB teams season lasts a daunting 162 games spanning over 6 months and 3 seasons of the year. So the question came to my mind, are early season games important? My answer is Yes. And here is why.

How many times do you see the Wild Card race in baseball come down to the final day of the regular season, or like this year, a 163rd game? Ask the Detroit Tigers if they wish they would have won their season opening game this year against the Braves? They win that one, the 163rd game against Minnesota never happens and they are the ones partying in the playoffs. Ask the Utah Jazz if that November 9th loss to the New York Knicks last year meant something. They win that game, and they avoid playing the eventual World Champion Lakers in the first round. Now are you thinking differently?

Let's go even deeper. How often do you turn on a game (basketball, baseball, football, etc.) and you see the stands half full, people still filing in, and the front row "money" seats sitting empty? Almost every time right? The people who eventually come in 5 minutes after the game start think they haven't missed much. After all, isn't the end of the game the most exciting? The first few minutes of a 48 minute basketball game are insignificant in the big picture. But just think...if your team would have made one more shot in the early minutes of the game, overtime would have not been necessary. Add in those 3 missed free throws in the second quarter and that 1 point loss turns into a 2 point win.

So when you find yourself saying "Ah, this game doesn't matter because it's only November", jot that statement down somewhere and re-read it to yourself when your team misses out of the playoffs by 1 measly game. Or when you lose home court (or field) advantage throughout the playoffs because that winnable game in December ended in a loss. We expect the players on our team to come out every night and play their best, but yet we are not willing to give them our best effort as fans. If you are a fan, every quarter should matter, every half should matter, every game should matter. So before you go get mad at Boozer, Okur, D-Will, or whoever your favorite player (team) is for not showing up one night, ask yourself if you didn't show up one night also.

Girls will be girls

The past few weekends have been dedicated to my favorite friends in the world! Once you get a boyfriend, you tend to lose touch with your girlfriends. Luckily, my boyfriend was friends with my girlfriends first so I am lucky enough to keep them in my life. Every once and a while though you need a little time to yourselves.

We were suppose to go to the Colorado State game, but last minute decided to save the money. We lucked out since it was 18 degrees and the freeways were shut down. So instead, we went to dinner, got a hotel, and watched TLC shows...oh ya and eavesdropped on the drunk people next door fighting.

Then last weekend was Heidi's birthday. Dinner at CPK, the most wonderful Red Velvet Cake, and presents made for awesome Thursday night.

The very next day we headed to Vegas for the football game. 2 years ago when Heidi and I went down, we witnessed one of the worst games Utah football has ever played. Luckily this trip turned out much better for everyone involved! A little In-and-Out Burger, cheering the Utes on to a win, and girls simply being girls made for a much needed weekend away from reality! Here's to the Single Ladies...One two three...or four? On the floor? Can't wait for the next girls weekend!

Who I am?

I have been thinking the past few days of that very question....Who am I? What makes me the person I am today? What do I need to make me happy? Lately I have been trying to figure that out. How would I describe myself to someone who didn't know me? I had a hard time sleeping last night, and so I really thought of this question. So I figured the best way to figure it out was to write it down...

I am a Child of God...I believe strongly in family...I have come to realize how much I want a temple marriage...I am a Utah man sir and I will be 'til I die...No matter how hard I try, I still strongly dislike BYU... I have a PASSION for teaching...I love to learn...I REALLY need my alone time..Even though I need my alone time, I love when Brian is around...I cry at EVERYTHING...Even though I am not even close right now, I want to be a mother some day...I get a thrill out of finding things on sale...I can be extremely self-conscious...I don't always realize when I am in the wrong, and it gets me in trouble...I have to write things down...I really dislike talking on the phone...I am trustworthy...I am loving and caring...I will be loyal as long as you are loyal to me...I hate hurting people..I am happy...

This could go on for days, but even just sitting here I am getting some realizing more and more of who I am

A constant cycle

Well its here... It inevitably comes no matter the state of the economy or the weather pattern. It's talked about on the news, the radio, blogs, around the water cooler, and yes...even in church on Sunday's. Some people say the only two things that are certain in life are Death and Taxes. In my world, there is one more certainty, and it could quite possibly be the best certainty of all. This certainty is College Football, and it is OH SO GOOD!

The cycle begins with emotions of excitement and uncertainty leading up to the season. Every fan has the highest expectations for their team, no matter the way the previous year ended. Some players have moved on to bigger and better things, and other players are stepping up to take their place. Newcoming players have their eye on the prize and feel like they rule the world. Coaches tell you that they are pleased with the progress their team has made throughout the spring and summer. After Week 1, 59 teams will be 1-0, and 59 will be 0-1 (1 lucky team will still be 0-0, who this is, I have no idea) So in all reality, half of the country will be celebrating and half will be mouring.

Within a few weeks, 30 (or so) groups of players, coaches and fans will still be living life on the high road. Yes there might have been a speed bump or two along the way, but the road is still paved for a successful season. The excitement and uncertainty of the pre-season is gone, and everyone has a pretty good idea of where their team sits. A different feeling of excitement is building as potential is now fairly clear. Some teams still might be on the way towards an Undefeated Season, some moving towards Conference Championships, and a handful are in the hunt for a National Championship. On the other end of the spectrum, 30 (or so) groups of players, coaches and fans are found asking themselves the question "What Happened?" or "What if?" or saying things like "If only..." and "Maybe next year".

Then there comes that fantastic week in November...Rivalry Week! Simply the best games of the year. A good season could become a great season by beating your rival. A bad season could have some of the bitterness put to rest because you won the "only game that really matters". But most of all, all of the questions will be answered. Who is on to the National Championship Game? Who is busting the BCS? And where will you be traveling for your Christmas break?

No matter the outcome, whether good or bad, the season inevitably comes to a close. Depression sets in as you deal with the dreary January and February weather. But there is that day in April when you get a glimpse of heaven, and the excitement again begins to build. Its a constant cycle that is as certain as the sun rising and setting every day.

So here's to the 2009 sunrise beginning tonight!!! I am ok with the uncertainty and excitement because the greatest day of the year has finally come...and you better believe I will be soaking it all up! See you all tonight at the best place on earth...Rice-Eccles Stadium!!!! A U-tah Man Am IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII GO UTES!!!!!

Leap of Faith

Thinking back 3 years ago, I was starting back at the U for my final semester of college. I had just a few classes to take and I was so excited to be done. What was funny is I had no idea what I was going to do once December of 2006 came. I knew I would get a job, but I had no idea where to start. I went through the semester having the time of my life! I had just started dating Brian, I was serving on Lambda Delta Sigma's Interchapter Council, and living it up! Reality hit me that winter when January came and I had no school and no job.

Here I sit 3 years later a completely different person! If you would have told me then that in August 2009, you would be starting your second year as a Special Education teacher, I would have laughed in your face! I can not believe how much I have grown and learned in these past few years. Even looking back last year, I was a brand new teacher having NO IDEA what I was doing. Today as I walked around the halls of Sprucewood Elementary, I found myself excited for the new year. I know what to expect (to a point, being a teacher brings new experiences every day) and I feel like I kind of know what I am talking about. It is a great feeling!

I am so thankful for this windy road I have been down over the past 3 years. I have gone from a naive college graduate, to a fill-in aide, to a Literacy coordinator, to a potential Social Work Graduate Student and now a 2nd year Resource teacher. I have complete faith that you have to pick something and do it, and if it is not what you are suppose to be doing, something (or someone) will come and let you know. I can honestly tell you that all of those decisions were never "confirmed" to me that it was what I should be doing at the time. But I can tell you that every one of the choices I have made have lead me exactly to the point I am at right now.

So to all of those people who are in my shoes right now, hang in there! Everything will work out...don't wait around for someone or something to tell you it's right, just take the leap of faith and do it! You never know where it might take you and who knows, maybe 3 years from now you will be writing this exact same post on your blog. Happy Back-to-School time to everyone!!!

Utah Football...

...Where Amazing Happens...

Let's...Go...Utah!!!!

Yes I know....

He has to be one of the cutest babies on the planet...and he's my nephew!!!

I LOVE July!!!

July could be one of my favorite months of the year! There is so much to do and celebrate and I find myself loving it more and more each year. This year my summer didn't start until July 2 due to teaching in a year-round school, but I was easily able to get right into the summer mood once school let out. Here is a run down of our fun July celebrations...

Late June--I never wrote a post on the trip to my cabin, and since it was the last weekend of June, I consider it July. We spent the weekend relaxing, playing games, eating, and of course Fishing! Andrew, Kerri, Heidi and Heather went with us and it was so much fun! My cabin is one of my most favorite places in the world. Here are some pictures of the trip...

(These pictures were so funny! Andrew brought a blow-up canoe and the first time they took it out it filled up with water...you see the results above)

July 4th- This was my first free Independence Day in about 5 years so I was excited to get to go to the Murray Parade again with the family. I spent the entire parade helping the little kids around me get candy (mainly teaching them how to be aggressive with the other kids around them), but because of it I did not get many pictures. But this was one of the coolest parts of the parade. These jeeps all climbed up on each other! I loved it!!!

We finished the night up with a BBQ with some friends and then fireworks!

Draper Days- Now 3 years ago if you would have told me I would be saying Draper Days is one of my favorite parts of summer, I would think you were crazy. In fact, the first time Brian and I met I told him he was crazy for not going on a road trip to Vegas to see Rascal Flatts because Draper Days was that weekend. But from dating Brian and being around it now 4 times, I absolutely love it! It is so much fun to hang around the park, listen to bands play, shop at the little stands, BBQ, and finish the night with AMAZING fireworks! I love Draper Days and consider it a highlight of the summer!

Bri and I enjoying the fireworks

July 24th-I am so glad that I live in Utah! We have so many reasons to celebrate our great country and to remember those who came before us. The 24th of July started out with the traditional Days of '47 Parade. I love it!!! My favorite part is seeing the member of the First Presidency leading the parade. I get tears in my eyes every time I see it is not President Hinckley, but I am still so happy to see who it will be. This year it was President Eyring! What an amazing man!

Later that night, Brian and I went on a triple date with Heather and McKay and Bri and Mike to the Bees game, or what was suppose to be a Bees game. The other team got sick and couldn't travel, so there was a homerun derby and a exhibition game instead. Luckily there were fireworks at the end

The next night, some of our best friends Andrew and Kerri invited us to another Bees game. It ended up being much more enjoyable! They took us to Andrew's cabin for a BBQ and brownies and then we headed to the Bees game. Andrew had SWEET tickets behind home plate. Unfortunately the Bees lost, but the fireworks made up for it! Thanks Andrew and Kerri for an AWESOME night!!!

Overall, summer has been FANTASTIC! With my obsession over College Football, I usually can not wait until Fall. But this year, I am hoping summer lasts extra long! I can't wait for a few more camping trips, BBQ's, and those fantastic summer nights!

Birthday #25

This past weekend was my birthday weekend and it was absolutely fabulous!!! It started Saturday with a triple date with Brian's brother and wife, and their friend Jeff and his date Shannon. We went to dinner at Gecko's, which is a really yummy Mexican restaurant. Then we headed over to Mulligan's to hit a bucket of balls. I am not really good at it but its something I will definately do more of this summer. We finished the night off with some good ole' Arctic Circle milk shakes and sitting around the fire in Brian's backyard. It was a perfect date night!

Sunday was jam packed! It started with me having to speak in church. I don't really have a fear of public speaking so it was not too bad. We then headed up to my Grandma's for my family birthday dinner! Every year my Grandma makes our choice of dinner. With my love of BBQ's we had hamburgers, hot dogs, salad's, jello, scones and my all time favorite treat, Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies! After hanging out with my family for a few hours, we headed to Brian's family Father's Day BBQ. We had steak kabobs, salad and more jello! It was a fantastic day just to be with family.

Monday was my birthday! I'm 25! I am not very happy about getting older, but 2 positives come from this. 1) My car insurance was cut in HALF and 2) I can now successfully rent a car on my own. Yep thats the only good things that come from being 25. But the day was perfect!

I took work off so I was able to hit the gym early in the morning. Brian came to pick me up and brought me the cutest bouquet of daisies, carnations, and roses. I was already satisfied because I always complain he never buys me flowers and this time he came through.

Next we headed off to get my present. He surprised me by taking me to get a MOUNTAIN BIKE! I have wanted one forever but just have not been able to afford it. I was so excited! After almost 2 hours at the store, I finally decided on one!

After that, we picked up some lunch and went to see The Proposal. If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It is funny, cute, and overall a fun movie. Next we were off to the mall to shop for some new clothes. It wasn't very successful but I did come out with a new pair of jeans. Always a plus!

Then we went to dinner at Cafe Rio with my closest friends. Last Heather had us over for strawberry cake and presents! (More pictures might be coming soon)It really was the best day I could ask for!

I have had some real soul searching the past few days as I approached big 25! I have learned so much in my short life, especially the past 3 years while I have been dating Brian. I look back to my birthday right as we met (we met the day after I turned 22) and I can not believe how far I have come. I have come to realize what really is important in life. I am so grateful for my family and friends and the happiness they bring into my life. And most of all, I am grateful for Brian and for everything he has taught me.

Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes and for making my birthday great!

I'm an AUNT!!!

It finally happened! Something I have been waiting for since I was 8 years old and I realized that some of my friends already were one. I am an aunt!

Anthony Adam Castleton was born Saturday June 6 at 2:52 am.

He weighed 9 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long.

You see all of the tubes because there were some complications during labor and the little guy came out in respiratory failure. He spent the first few hours of his life hooked up to a breathing tube.

He went on to spend the first 3 days in the NICU. But I am happy to say he is out of intensive care and up in the room with my Sister-in-Law. Both Anthony and mom will be going home tomorrow.

It is truly incredible how you can love something the INSTANT you see it. I have never felt anything like it, and it is only my nephew. I can only imagine what it feels like to be a mother. After the experience this weekend, I will admit I am absolutely terrified to have children, but I am sure it will happen one day. It has to be one of the most self-less acts a woman can do.

Congratulations to my brother Adam and his wife Danielle! Thank you for bringing my little Tank (yes I already nicknamed him) into my life. Love you both!!!

Wants vs. Needs

So I got this idea from Kate's blog and I thought it was an interesting idea. What do we NEED and what do we WANT? So here are the things I NEED...

 Family

I don't know how many times my family has bailed me out in my life. I love my family and wouldn't change them for anything

 Brian

He has always told me that I should be able to live my life without him, because you never know what will happen. But I can honestly say that I need him in my life. He keeps me centered on what I should be centered on and continually is patient with my imperfections, which I have come to find that I have a lot of. I am grateful for him every day of my life and I love him more every day. 

Sports

It's simple, I could not live without them. 

Music

I love all of my 5 senses, but I think that I enjoy my ability to hear the most (with seeing a close second) I absolutely love music. There is nothing in the world that can calm me down better than music. It is one of my favorite things in the world

Water with Ice

A couple months ago I gave up Diet Coke. But since then, I have come to LOVE water! I carry my Nalgene with me everywhere I go. There is nothing better than cold water with crushed up ice. Yummy!!!

Being prepared

I HAVE to be prepared for everything. Whether its lesson plans at school, finishing an assignment for school, going to the store with a list, packing to go somewhere, I absolute obsess over having everything I need. I go through a mental check list everytime I leave my house and then once again getting out of the car. It might be border line OCD.

Faith and my knowledge of the Gospel

In times like these, I don't know how people can survive without faith and the knowledge of why we are living here on earth. We are living in scary times, but I am eternally grateful for my knowledge of what is going to come. 

Exercise

This is something that I really don't love doing. It hurts, I sweat, and for the first hour or so after I am done I never feel good. But recently I have come to the knowledge I have no choice but to do it. It is necessary for me to live a healthy life.  

And here is a quick list of my wants...

1. A trip anywhere! Preferably Disneyland, New York, or a tropical location.

2. A bodybugg. Its this way cool armband that tracks your calories in/calories out. 

3. To go to my cabin

4. My nephew!!! Down to a couple of weeks

5. Answers...its a little personal, but the best I can give on my blog. 

6. New running shoes

7. A bike

8. A house of my own

Everyone take some time to do this, it really makes you think. 

Say hello...

....to the Newest Love of my Life!!!
BELLA

Getting excited

So I had to make a new post for the first time in a while because I am finally super excited about something. My tickets for David Archuleta came in the mail today!!!! I am fully aware that I am going to be sharing the arena with thousands of teeny boppers screaming like raging lunatics but I DON'T CARE!!!! I love his music and I think his CD is awesome! I don't think Brian is nearly as excited as I am to be tagging along, but I am sure he will find a way for me to make it up to him.

With that, it is my second favorite time of the year... MARCH MADNESS!!! I am so excited this year for 2 reasons. One, the Utes will be making a trip to the tourny for the first time in 4 years!!! It always makes it more fun when your team is there. Reason number 2, I am only working part time, so that means I will be home during the day to enjoy almost all of the first and second round games (which are the most entertaining anyway)

If anyone wants to join in on the bracket fun, I am going to be making a group on Yahoo to compete against others and their brackets. Just leave your email in the comment box and I will be sure to invite you along.

Random

1.First of all, I have a very specific routine to get ready for bed. I HAVE HAVE HAVE to wash my face and can have no make up on when I go to bed. It drives me crazy and there is no way I can sleep. Plus nothing feels better than to wash everything off to go to sleep. I then floss my teeth (yes every night) and brush my teeth. For all those dentists that say if you brush your teeth you will get no cavities I say "BULL!!!" I brush 3 times a day, floss every night, limit the sugar I eat, and I still get more cavities then anyone I know. In the past year, I have had over 15 cavities! Its ridiculous! But now that I am on Prescription toothpaste, hopefully I am on my way to a cavity free mouth.

2. I am very unorganized and spacey. It shows in almost every aspect of my life. Teaching, school, my room, my car. It's horrible! No matter how much I try, I can never come up with a system that works for me. It might work for a few days, and then before I know it, everything is a mess again. As far as being spacey, I forget everything! It has got so bad that I have multiple resources to try and help me remember things. A planner for school, a little notebook to write down random things (that was a present for Brian as he was annoyed by this trait also) and now a Blackberry. This seems to be doing the trick for the time. I love it!

3. With all of my disorganization, I HAVE to pay my bills on time. I panic if I realize I am getting close to the due date. I almost always pay days, if not weeks in advance just to be sure. It is a trait I picked up from my mother as I don't think she has ever paid a bill late in her life. I feel as though it is a good quality as my credit score is extremely high, enough that I can get approved for almost anything I want.

4. I have a problem keeping my body parts from moving, especially my feet. Most of the time I don't notice I do it, only when I am around Brian because it drives him crazy. I have come to realize it happens when my brain is thinking. The harder I think, the faster my feet move. It is insane. Its almost like my brain waves are directly connected to my feet.

5. I sometimes feel that I have OCD on certain things. 1) I have to know my car is locked. I will push the lock button 3 or 4 times as I walk away from my car just to double check I locked it. Along with that, I check multiple times that I did not lock my keys in the car. Even though I know I push the button to lock it, I freak out that they are inside. Its really weird. 2) When I go anywhere or leave anywhere, I always have to make sure certain things are in my purse. I call them "the necessities" They are my wallet, my phone, my keys, my camera, and chapstick. The first 4 I consider irreplaceable, and the chapstick is just neccessary. There is nothing worse then getting somewhere and needing chapstick and you don't have it. I would almost rather die.

6. I LOVE listening to talk radio, especially sports radio. This is a fairly recent trend, especially the past few months. In the mornings its either Jon and Hans on 1280 The Zone or DJ and PK on 1320 KFAN. I base whether I am late for work or not by where DJ and PK are in their show. It I am not off the freeway by the time they do Birthdays and This Day in Sports History I am going to be late. But I love waking up to the morning sports page. Its like I never have to pick up a newspaper, even though I do later in the day.Then in the afternoons, its Powerhouse on 1320 and Monson and Graham on 1280. Each show has their own style and I love listening to it. At 4 while I am driving to job #2 or school, its David Locke and his obsession with stats. What can I say, I am obsessed!

Ok give it a shot, it kind of reminds you of how weird you can be in your life. I tag Heidi, Tracy Lori and Amy

Continued...

Back to the story....So Brian had mentioned to a few close friends and family that he thought I was pretty cool, but he was going to wait to ask me out until after our trip so just in case something happened, it would not be awkward. It had been a week since the party so he felt he had thought it out enough and it was the right decision. Well the night he decided that, he got a phone call from Heather wanting to know if he wanted to watch a movie with her, Josh (an interest of Heathers) and me. Since he had told Heather his plan about me, he figured she was hooking him up! Why else would she call him to make the numbers even? So he was totally down and met us at Heathers house.

Meanwhile, we had been wake boarding ALL DAY and I had not showered, no make up, and I was wearing sweats. But I figured, I am just going to watch a movie so why worry about getting all done up, especially since it was late at night. Plus, I had absoutely no interest in any boy at the time so why did I need to look good? So we got to Heathers and she wanted to watch "The Work and the Glory 3" (or 2 I have no idea which one it was) Neither Brian or I had seen any of them or read the books so we would be pretty lost. I laid in the Lovesac and Heather and Josh sat together on the couch. Well Brian had no idea what to do. Does he look like a 3rd wheel and sit on the couch with the couple, or take a chance and share the Lovesac with a girl he barely knows? As you can probably guess, he chose number 2. We innocently flirted for about 10 minutes, and before I knew it, he had reached over and was holding my hand!!! I couldn't believe it! I barely knew this kid. But I stuck with my gut feeling and went along with it. I mean why not?

Soon the movie was over and Josh headed home. Heather, Brian and I continued to talk and soon after that, Heather had gone to her room to go to sleep. Without any hesitation, Brian and I talked and cuddled well into the night, 6 am in fact. Everything about the night was so unlike me. 1) I never am able to stay up late 2) Holding hands for me is a big step 3) My parents ALWAYS called by 2 am if I was not home 4) I looked like crap yet this boy was still acting interested. So I was completely taken back how everything was working out. But me being cautious, I tried not to think too much of it. I left at 6 am and went home to sleep for a few hours. Even after all of that, we still had not exchanged numbers so who knew what would come next.

Later that night, I went to a friends wedding with my good friend Stevie. She was the first person I told about my late night escapades. She also could not believe all of this was happening. After the wedding, we hung out with some friends. I got a phone call from Heather and she just happened to be hanging out with Brian again that night and wanted to know what we were doing. So the 2 of them came over and we played games and watched a movie. Going with my gut again, I laid by Brian and we cuddled. We left that night, once again not exchanging numbers or knowing what would come next.

The next day was Sunday and I spent it like I usually did. Going to church, hanging out with family, and then relaxing at home. I went to my room and checked my cell phone and there was a missed call from an unknown number. In my gut, I knew it was Brian. So I bravely called it back, only to hear his voice on the other end. We talked for a few minutes and he invited me over to hang out with his family. Of course I headed over there, with a new outlook on this whole dating drama. Maybe not worrying about anything and just going with the flow of things is the way to go.

We spent the night long boarding, hanging out around a campfire with his family, and just talking. I went home that night feeling pretty good about the whole situation. The next day I never heard from him, but still I was pretty chill. No worries! It was not until the next day, July 4, that I saw him again. A big group of friends were going to watch fireworks at Sugarhouse so I met up with Heather at her house only to find Brian was there too. We went to dinner, hung out in the park and played games, and then enjoyed the fireworks. That night when we got back to Heathers, he walked me to my car and asked me out on our "official" first date. He would pick me up the next night and suprise me with what we were going to do.

The first date story deserves a post all to itself, so that will come later this week!

She's coming home!!!

Heather Nibley, one of my best friends in the entire world is coming home from her mission in the morning!!! I am so excited to see her again. She left in August of 2007 and has been serving in Vancouver, Canada. It has been a crazy year and a half and at times it has flown by, but at times I have really missed her, like when I missed her phone call home both Christmas 2007 and Mothers Day 2008. But talking to her this past Christmas I was instantly reminded of how much I love her and how excited I am to see her. 

For those of you who don't know, Heather is the one who introduced Brian and I, so she is a special person in our lives. Our story is one that when I look back on it, I really believe we were meant to be together. So in honor of Heather, I decided to share the story of Brian and I's beginning.

Heather and I started to be friends in the Spring of 2006 when I was called to serve on IC up in the LDS sororities. She had been serving on it the year before so she was my go-to-girl when I didn't know exactly how to feel about the calling. From our little talks in the Institute we became good friends.

In May, she planned a trip down to Vegas to see Rascal Flatts in concert. Anyone who knows Heather, she is all about mixing and matching social groups so everyone becomes friends. So it ended up being a completely random group of people (mainly just those who loved Rascal) that went. It was her, me, Erin Wiley, Dave Leavitt, Josh Checketts, and you guessed it Brian. I knew everyone but Brian but Heather reassured me that he was really cool, super chill, and we would totally get along great. So I jumped on board and was totally excited. 

About 3 weeks before the trip, Heather and I decided to have a joint birthday party since our birthdays are a week apart and we both were turning 22. The night before our big party she invited me to hang out with some of her friends and go to Desert Star Playhouse. So my good friend Lettie and I tagged along, even though we weren't really friends with her friends. When we got there, we saw the group and I recognized everyone but 1 guy. He was giving a shoulder rub to Heather's friend Brooke. Heather quickly made sure we were introduced and his name was Brian. I instantly knew that he was the Brian that was going on our trip. 

We sat by him during the play and anyone who knows me really well knows I tend to be sarcastic and outgoing. Well nothing changed and Brian had that exact same opinion of me, adding to it blunt and maybe slightly "bit***y" (if you catch my drift). But I stuck in his mind and that is where the party comes in.

The next night, Heather and I were together preparing for the party at her house when Brian  showed up early to help (since him and Heather were best friends). So while we were cutting up fruit, setting the table, and decorating, we bantered back and forth with each other, each  trying to top the other. Brian even made the comment while I was struggling to blow up a blow-up palm tree "I bet you have to come up for air when you make out". I was blown away, but couldn't help but laugh at the witty comment. From first look, you would think we hated each other. 

But as the night went on, those little moments stuck in Brian's head. Later in the night, he was sitting on her porch with Heather's sister Sara and noticing I was out out in the drive way with a group of guys. Sara got up and left and I looked over and noticed he was sitting alone, so me being the nice person I am, I left the guys and went to sit with Brian because I knew he did not know many people at the party. He was absolutely shocked I would leave those guys to come sit with him, so I must be interested in him. He took that thought and kept it in his head for the rest of the week. 

A few days later, I was going about my life as usual, not thinking of anyone in particular. Meanwhile, Brian had mentioned to Heather that he thought I was pretty cool and wanted to hang out more. He also mentioned to his grandparents that there was a certain girl he was thinking of asking out, but he was going on a trip with her and thought that might be awkward if things did not work out. Little did he know, things were going to speed up more than even he expected...

Since this is starting to get pretty long, I will write another post with the next part of the story in a few days. 

Being prepared

oooook...so I am going to vent for just a minute. I am more than slightly annoyed and sick of listening about Barak Obama. I am sick of signing on to MSN and seeing articles like "How is Barak going to move his stuff into the white house" or "Obama's last 5 meals...eat like the President Elect!" Sick Sick Sick!!! He is technically not even President yet and I am already done with him, well actually I was done with him months ago. It is going to be a long 4 years (yes I am hoping beyond everything I can hope on he is only in for 4 years) I won't lie, I am pretty scared of what what this country is going to turn into. I am glad Brian and I have decided to prepare for the worst, because when it comes down to it, you can only look out for you and your family in the end. 

Anyway now to my real reason for writing. The speakers in church today talked about being Spiritually and Temporally prepared for a disaster. How many of those talks have we all heard in the past few years? My testimony is stronger than ever on following the counsel of the prophets and apostles. They have been telling us for years to get your food storage together, prepare 72 hour kits, and my biggest goal, get out of debt. Yes I believe that physical disasters are yet to come in our state and country, but more than that I have been blind sided by the economic disaster that our country is going through. Could you imagine if the country had followed the counsel of the prophets and got out of debt? I believe these problems would not be happening. But our society has become OBSESSED with greed, money and temporal objects. Brian and I have made a sincere effort to have no debt before we get married. I can not tell you how fantastic it feels to have next to ZERO bills!!! My wish for everyone is to strive to do the same thing. It opens up so many possibilities and freedom. It is so worth it to give up those little luxuries we all think we deserve or need. Brian and I have found out that there is so much we can do without spending money. Along with having a bigger number in our savings account, our relationship has become stronger from spending quality time together. It has only been a few weeks, but we have already started to see results that make it easier and easier to keep it up.

So here we are just 2 days away from "Change", but I strongly feel it will not be the change that is being talked about. So as our beloved apostles have told us for years, Get out of debt and Be Prepared! 

So proud

WHAT A STUD!

A little more than a month ago, I posted my "I told you so" post and I mentioned that at the time, I did not know where the Utes were going to play, who they would play, or if they would win. I had my suspicions that we would be playing Alabama in the Sugar Bowl but one can never know what will happen in the world of college football. I also had the slim slice of hope that we would be going to the Fiesta Bowl simply so I would be able to go. But my suspicions were right and we ended up in the Sugar Bowl as everyone who does not live under a rock now knows.

Well I can honestly tell you once again "I told you so". With my love of sports, I spend many an hour on Rivals.com (which I love way more than the incredibly biased ESPN) reading and literally scouting out other teams. I spend every waking moment (no exaggeration) on Saturday's watching, listening or keeping up with what is going on in the world of college football. Saturday night and Sunday morning, I re-watch the Utes game from the night before, obviously this year for enjoyment, but honestly to learn more about the game. Some say its ridiculous, I say its something I love so why not do what I enjoy. While others listen to the radio or their I-pod's, I am listening to talk radio (1280 The Zone and 1320 KFAN) listening to others opinions and obviously forming my own.

With all of this, I said to multiple people that WHEN (not if) Utah goes to the BCS, I would want to face Alabama. Not saying I don't think that the Utes could not hold their own against other teams, I just felt that our best chance to make a statement would be to play the Tide. I would call them a 1 1/2 dimension team. They run the football first and foremost, and if needed, JPW could throw a quick pass to Julio Jones for a first down. JPW was a mediocre quarterback with a big name school on his jersey, so therefore that made him a good quarterback. By the way, does anyone else think he might hair spray his hair before putting on his helmet??? What a priss! But when you have one WR have just over 900 yards of recieving for the year, with your next closest WR with only 324 yards, you don't pass the ball very often. All we had to do was stuff 8-9 guys in the box, put Sean Smith and Brice McCain on the WR's and we would be fine.

I believed from day one that we would win. I know everyone says that, but I honestly would have placed a lot of money on that game if I was a gambler. In fact, about 30 minutes before the game I said that if we really wanted to throw them off, come out with a no huddle offense. I would not be suprised if we put up 21 points in the first quarter. Well as we all know, that is EXACTLY what happened. I don't care what anyone says about Andy Ludwig, he was an absoulte genius Friday night. His game plan, and complete trust in Brian Johnson, single handedly put Alamaba on their back sides. Along with Gary Anderson and Sitake's defensive game plan, they could not do anything. **Another side note, whoever thinks we are screwed next year with Anderson leaving, you are sadly mistaken. Sitake's style was very much apparent in that game and we will be just fine, if not more dominant next year. And good luck Ludwig at Kansas State, you gave us some strokes the past few years, but when it comes down to it we are 13-0! Thank you for getting helping us get there **

But this post was not to boast, but from the title to express how absolutely proud of the Utah football team I am. I have never seen a group of individuals overcome disrespect as humbly as that team did. No one gave them a chance to win, some said it would be close, but I would love to know how many so called "experts" picked Utah on their Bowl Pick'em contests. I know only 8% of fans in this country did. And no matter what some fans say, I know there were Utah fans out there who did not think it could happen. From listening to post-game shows, I found out that many of the players could no longer hold in the emotion, frustration, pain and anger from constant disrespect for a month and broke down in the locker room crying. What an incredible sight that would have been to see a group of men finally know they had reached the absolute highest potential they could and prove to an entire country that they were wrong. I would have paid money to witness that scene. The game was fantastic, but to me, that was the most incredible moment of the night.

So Congratuations Utes! You did it! You made a school, a state, a conference, and thousands of fans proud to be a Utah man. Thank you for so many incredible memories and for competing and reaching your potential. After 24 seasons of being a season ticket holder, I can honestly say, this one will be hard to top. But I will be there next year cheering you on as you embark on another incredible season. GO UTES!