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!

Butterflies

Brian and I have been dating now for 2 1/2 years. With that comes being extremely comfortable with each other, and extremely comfortable with routine. We have got use to doing the same thing night after night, weekend after weekend. Lately I got to thinking that everything seemed very routine, including my feelings for him. I found myself having to rack my brain to remember the last time I felt the so called "butterflies" when I was with him. It was nothing I was worried about, but something I figured comes with being together for so long. But that raised another question in my mind...Why do the butterflies have to go away?

Nothing is better than your first few dates with a new person. You are ner-vited (nervous and excited) waiting for him to pick you up for the first date. You wonder "when will he hold my hand"? Your belly flips during your first kiss and you can't wait to call your best friend to tell her the good news. All of these different feelings make us crave the butterflies when they are not there. But why when we have the opportunity to have them everyday do they seem to fade away? It is not that you don't have feelings for the person, but I think its more of a routine each and every day. You see each other and hug or kiss hello. You hold hands in the car, in the store, or watching a movie. You cuddle and talk about everything. And then you hug and kiss goodnight. Your emotions stay even, neutral, and routine...just like your every day life. 

As I thought about this the past week, I was reminded of something President Hinckley once said. When asked why his marriage survived for all those years, the advice he gave was to continually court your mate like you did before you were married. Go out on dates, surprise her with gifts, flowers, or her favorite meal. We are given this advice, but with the comfort of relationships, we seem to let those courting rituals fade away, along with the butterflies. Well after tonight, I am a believer of President Hinckley's advice. Brian and I decided after 4 months of staying home on the weekends, ordering pizza, Cafe Rio, or Chinese, and watching football...it was time to get out. Yes you guessed it, we went out on a date! 

We spent the first part of the night at Zoo-lights. Walking around, I seemed to notice we were not the only ones there on a date. Couple after couple passed by, some holding hands, some grinning from ear to ear, some obviously ner-vited to be with a possible future mate. I laughed inside wondering if Brian and I ever looked like that. After, we went to Market Street Grill for a nice, sit down dinner. We literally could not remember the last time we went out to a sit down dinner alone. We enjoyed an AMAZING steak dinner and an even more amazing conversation. I again looked around and saw dozens of couples out doing the same thing. Some out for the first time, and some obviously out for the 1000 time. But for the first time in a long time, it felt like WE were dating. Driving home, I couldn't help but smile because something had come back, almost like brand new. Yep, the butterflies. Just like the first date, roughly 880 days later, I was twitterpated with the man that sat next to me in the car. We ended the night watching "The Holiday Inn" (one of Brian's favorite Christmas movies) and munching on the perfect piece of our to-go chocolate cake. A quick little dance in the street (yes Brian can dance), and a kiss goodnight, and our date night was over.

So now I sit here, hours after saying goodnight, and I am still smiling. I guess, once again, Pres. Hinckley is right. I am a true believer that marriage or relationships in general, should never become routine. They are the most rewarding part of our lives here on earth, and we should treat them just like that. Here I am, about to celebrate my 3rd Christmas with Brian, and I am rejuvenated with excitement. I can't wait to see him again tomorrow, can't wait to kiss him hello, give him a hug, and hold his hand as we walk down the street. The butterflies are back, and I hope this time, we find a way to let them stick around for a long time to come. Love you babe!!!

I told you so...believe me

So just a short 3 months ago, I posted my feelings about summer being over, and how excited I was for Fall because of Football. I can not believe how fast the time went!!! Just about 13 weeks later, here I sit writing a new post about the INCREDIBLE season the Utes had. I will admit, I believed it could happen. My cousin Andrew and I spent weeks leading up to the season talking about how it would be to go into the BYU game undefeated. We both felt if we went into the Big House and beat Michigan that this season could be special. Well, we did that and the magic began. Everyone will remember this season as one with one too many heart-stopping games, amazing comebacks, or blowing out BYU to go undefeated. But in all honestly, I will remember the season with the simple saying "I told you so".

It all started with how perfect our schedule was. Opening the season at one of the most storied stadiums, against one of the most successful college football programs in history. Continuing on to home games against Oregon State, TCU, and BYU. And simply having to survive those "should win but could lose" road games at Wyoming, New Mexico and Air Force.

Next, we FINALLY had a healthy team. Getting starters like Brian Johnson, Brent Casteel, and Matt Asiata back were huge! Adding to that, Bradon Godfrey, Freddie Brown and Darrell Mack as solid contributors. Add in David Reed, John Peel, Eddie Wide, and Corbin Louks and we have an offense that will be hard to stop. With defenders like Sean Smith, Paul Kruger, Brice McCain, Robert Johnson, Joe Dale, Koa Misi (the list goes on and on) we were set to have another dominating year. If you look at it that way, who would bet against us? Well, the nation did.

ESPN gave us no respect. All we heard about early on was BYU and their Quest, Fresno State, East Carolina, and Boise State. Utah was mentioned as a side note only because of the win at Michigan. Throughout the season, we were still overshadowed. One by one, the so called "busters" fell. Starting with Fresno St., East Carolina, and BYU. Even after all of that, with Utah the highest ranked Non-BCS team in the first BCS standings, Boise State was the one to beat. Even teams like TCU, Tulsa and Ball State received more attention nation wide. But quietly Utah kept winning, and quietly they kept climbing. We shut those so called "experts" up by beating Oregon State and TCU when everyone bet against us. We quietly beat up on Wyoming, Colorado State, San Diego State, and the surprise of the year Weber State. It all built up to THE game. BYU...

Throughout the week, we had those who believed, and those who didn't. Still the experts like Lee Corso picked BYU. "No one can stop their offensive machine". "The underrated defense will step up and create turnovers" That's all we heard. Max Hall for Heisman!!! He will be the game changer. BYU will bust Utah's BCS bubble. All of those critics were proven wrong in so many ways! Well, Utah stopped their offensive machine. The underrated defense did not step up and create turnovers, yet kept the middle of the field open all day for Johnson-Brown. Max Hall turned out to be the MVP, too bad for the wrong team. 6 turnovers....looks like Utah's defense stepped it up. Kruger's STILL open!!! In the end, Utah busted the nation's bubble and busted the BCS AGAIN! Who has done it twice, oh yeah that's right...UTAH! Not the little Bronco's, or the Coogs, or the Cinderella Cardinals. It's the Utes!

So here we sit, 5 days away from learning where we will spend the holidays. New Orleans, Tempe, Florida? Who cares!!! I told you so! Ask my cousin (who I will vouch for if he vouches for me), my family, even Heidi who sat by me through all those nail biters and could not believe how calm I was. I knew it would happen. Call it intuition, luck, ESP...(N), or simply faith in my team, but I called it. I really can't tell you what will happen next, where we will go, who we will play, or if we will win. But it doesn't matter, because I love my Utes and always will. Season ticket holder from birth, season ticket holder to death. I am a Utah girl sir and I will be 'til I die....GO UTES!!!

I've been tagged

I've Been Tagged

8 Shows I Watch:

1. Sporting events
2. Sportscenter

3. The Hills

4. Sex and the City

5. Bones

6. House

7. What Not to Wear

8. Friends

8 Restaurants That I Like To Eat At:
1. Café Rio
2. Texas Roadhouse
3. The Yardhouse (not in Utah)
4. In and Out (again, not in Northern Utah)
5. Zupas
6. Rumbi Grill
7. Jambo Express
8. Paradise Bakery

8 Things I Did Today:
1. Taught school
2. Had a team meeting
3. Did an IEP meeting with a parent
4. Raced home
5. Did an ENTIRE assignment that should have taken 3 weeks in 2 hours!!! BOO YAH!!!
6. Ate squash and crackers
7. Updated my blog (sort of)
8. took a shower

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. School to be over next week!
2. Christmas break at my elementary school
3. Finding out who Utah will play in their BCS bowl game
4. Christmas
5. Utah basketball starting up again
6. A vacation perhaps in a few weeks to Arizona??? Crossing my fingers
7. A wedding???
8. Heather getting home

8 Things On My Wish List:
1. Good grades in school
2. Utah going to the Fiesta Bowl
3. Utah winning their bowl game
4. A ring...
5. The weekend
6. The Utes to be successful in basketball
7. People to actually come out and support the basketball team
8. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

8 People I Tag:
1. Stevie
2. Kate
3. Tracy
4. Lori
5. Cami
6. Nicole
7. and...
8. anyone else who feels they need to do this

Husband...err Boyfriend Quiz

This is suppose to be for your husband, but he is not that yet so we will make it my Boyfriend quiz

Boyfriend Quiz: How well do you know your boyfriend? Answer these questions about him and find out:

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Anything. Usually sports, Seinfeld, Friends, Family Guy, or the History Channel

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? No dressing. He does not eat any dressing and/or sauce.

3. What's one food he doesn't like? I mentioned it above, sauce and dressings

4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? He does not go to bars. He gets water or sprite though at restaurants

5. Where did he go to high school? Alta High

6. What size shoe does he wear? 10

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Movies, he already has over 300. And we will throw guns into this picture.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Turkey

9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? A good steak, stuffing, and chocolate

10. What is his favorite cereal? I am pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but he does not eat it very often

11. What would he never wear? Hahaha a Utah Sweatshirt

12. What is his favorite sports team? BYU, the Jazz, the Chargers, the Red Sox, and Real Salt Lake. I think I hit every major sport

13. Who will he vote for? He DID vote for McCain. There is no way on earth he would ever vote for Obama, we would have broken up

14. Who is his best friend? Well besides me...his brother Jason, Heather Nibley and Andrew

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Cheer for the Utes...


16. How many states has he lived in? Utah and Colorado

17.What is his heritage? I can not think of it for the life of me right now, I know his ancestors changed their name so all of the Dahl's in the world are not related to him in any way.

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Chocolate, but lets be honest, I would not bake it. He would prefer I just go buy him one.

19. Did he play sports in high school? Soccer

20. What could he spend hours doing? Watching movies, playing his computer games, and looking at his guns, the ones that shoot, not his arms.

21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? The "Brian is the bomb" club