New Year's Resolutions Absolutions

In the spirit of RJ from the comic strip Over the Hedge, I have decided to offer my own absolutions for resolutions that have not been kept over the last year.



First, to President Obama, for failing to get bipartisan legislation passed during the first eleven and a half months of the year: you're absolved.  Frankly, I don't think there was much to be done to get Nancy Pelosi to go along with that.

To Congress, for not working together to get things done: sorry, but you're not absolved.  I know I'm not the only one who is tired of the blatant hypocrisy and partisan bickering.  Even if the Republicans are willing to sell themselves out to big business rather than actually lower the deficit, I am hoping that at least having the Executive and Legislative branches controlled by different parties will help.

To the Dallas Cowboys for not making it to the Super Bowl (or even the playoffs for that matter), and to the San Francisco 49ers for not winning your division: you're absolved.  I guess we should have all gotten used to big-mouthed team owners making impossible promises by now.  Now take your foot out of your mouth and get back to playing football.

To the University of Utah football team for losing the conference championship to TCU: you're absolved.  Despite the embarrassing play against the Horned Frogs, the Fighting Irish, and the Broncos, I will always be found rooting for the Utes.

To Lisa, my dearest wife and the creative genius behind this blog: no absolution necessary.  You've accomplished so much this year and are in a position to have another very productive year.  Here's to your success.

To me, for not writing more on the blog: you're absolved.  Another year means a fresh start and another chance to develop my literary skills.

End of an Era

After a long line of late November games, last Saturday was the last football game that Utah and BYU will play as members of the same conference for several years to come. It was also the last football game that Lisa and I will attend as University of Utah students, and probably the last game we will attend at Rice-Eccles stadium for quite some time. It's been a long and successful run for the Utes, and while the rivalry will continue, I have a hard time believing that a September game will have quite the same intensity and significance as the traditional end-of-season clash between the two schools. And, while I know I enjoy football more than Lisa does, I am hoping that we will both go away from our seasons in the MUSS with some good memories.

As for the game itself, you couldn't ask for a more exciting end to our time in the MUSS. On an admittedly cold day, the Utes came from behind in the fourth quarter to block a potentially game-winning field goal and win the game 17-16. It was a great ending to a great time with the U of U football team. Maybe next year we'll go see our Utes down in Tucson when they play Arizona.

Sweet Lexi

This semester I pretty much thought I was on my own. Most of my friends have graduated now or have just moved on. I took so much time off for my mission and being sick, I was pretty sure that this year I probably wouldn't know anyone on campus or even really take the time to make new friends. It's turned out to be just the opposite.

My sweet new friend Lexi is amazing. I love that girl and she impresses me with how much she does. This last week she was chosen as a nominee for homecoming queen. Today she had to give a presentation on what she stands for.

They have changed the way homecoming queen works. It's not a popularity contest, you actually have to apply for it and if chosen, give a presentation. They want the homecoming queen to really stand up for something and be a good person. I can't think of anyone better. She's already made it as one of the six finalists. Everyone should cheer for her.

In fact, if she's still single when Mark comes home from his mission, I'm hooking them up. They're the same age.

Last Saturday, Lexi and I went up to campus to take some pictures that represent her for the presentation. Some of these are fun with flare and others are all about the U. Here are a few of my favorites.

As a side note, where Lexi is standing there was once a statue of Brigham Young there. He actually founded the school. Rumor has it that our friends down south, from Brigham Young University came and stole it. Thus, creating the rivalry. The building was actually renovated this past year but they still haven't put another statue there. It's just part of U now.

Good luck Lexi! Either way, you're beautiful and always a queen.

Game day!

I'm posting for Kevin about the UNLV game. He has been really busy with our move, school and work; I think I'll give him a break.

There was a great play done by the Utes where they ran over half the field and scored a touchdown. For this game, the end was pretty obvious. We even left early so we wouldn't be late for a Jones family dinner.

The most exciting part was when they announced the score of the BYU game. Everyone started cheering loudly and the stadium lit up. Well, we're also in the MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section) and everything is just a little bit louder there. We're the ones singing the entire "Utah Man" and yelling at the ref for the all the bad calls. "No other gang of college men dare meet us in the MUSS!"

Football means fall. The sounds of the fans cheering mean fall. I love fall and Ute football!

Upset

They say a picture's worth a thousand words. Need I say more?

Envy the PAST, Fear the FUTURE

Football season is just around the corner. With Utah's first game against Pittsburgh this week, MUSS tickets are being distributed. Lisa and I picked up our tickets today for the Ute's last season with the MWC. With school starting and the weather cooling down, the bright side to fall is the beginning of the football season. Looking forward to an exciting season, here's to the future and bright hopes for toppling TCU on our way to another BCS season.