Spontaneity pays off!

Well, being a huge Cougar fan, I was disappointed at the thought of missing the HUGE UCLA game on Saturday. In addition, my friend, Kirk, was having his paintings displayed at the Springville Art Museum and his opening reception was that day. Homesickness pangs overcame me (as they always do during football season), and I was quite melancholy. However, a crazy thought occurred to me -- why don't I go to Provo this weekend? I called my kind husband at work who was fine at the prospect of staying home with the kids. Seriously, he's the coolest. When I tried to secure tickets, I checked Craig's List and was willing to pay a bundle. Fortunately, I called my brother, Scott, who said he had a ticket for me for free (can it get any better?). So, off I went to embark on a Provo trip, in a quest of viewing an amazing game, seeing some great art, and visiting my family. Fortunately, the trip fulfilled my wishes and more.


How could you not love this scene? A beautiful fall day at LES. Nothing is more poetic!


When you get a picture with Cosmo, you know things are going your way. We look awfully cozy -- I felt like I had known him for years. He patted me on the back so tenderly. Scott used his amazing long arms to get us all into the shot.


This is Scott right after our first touchdown. The scoreboard reads 6 - 0, the closest point in the game. You can see my reflection in his sunglasses.


This was taken after one of our many, many touchdowns. We had great seats! My voice is still hoarse after singing the fight song over and over and over again.

BYU shut out UCLA 59-0. My mom figured we had a boring time, but seriously, it was great fun. We were relaxed and relished in BYU's fantastic play. Plus, when the game outcome was sure, we were rooting for a shutout -- we had to stay until the end. Mission accomplished! The Bruins ended up with nothing, and I was witness to the second biggest blowout in BYU history. By the way, how lame is my "Number 1" finger? I look like I'm pointing to the sky. I need to be more decisive in my hand gestures (only the nice ones, of course).

I ran into my friends, Tim and Kari, at the art reception. They were heading to the game as well, which is a big accomplishment for Tim since he's never been a huge Cougar fan. I'm still working on him, though, and I'm hoping the game convinced him to hop on board the Lovin' BYU Train. Holli is in the background between Tim and Kari (with the long ponytail). Why didn't I get a better picture of her?

Here is the star of the day, Kirk Richards. I enjoyed seeing his paintings up close and was so impressed with the presentation. How do I have such amazing friends?

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Besides the game and the show, I had a great visit with my family, I got to meet my new niece, I ate at Magleby's Fresh AND Brick Oven, and I got to see the scenic Wasatch Front. Another plus? I was cold!! Being from Vegas, cold hasn't been in my vocabulary for ages, but I shivered throughout the night despite a down comforter blanketing me. How great is that?

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(This paragraph is about to sound like an Oscar acceptance speech). . . Thanks, Scott, for letting me hang with you (despite the embarrassing questions about me being your new wife -- ouch!). :) And thanks to Sarah for letting me borrow her husband for the entire afternoon. Thank you, Jer, for so willingly taking the kids and having a great time with them. You're appreciated beyond words! And thanks, BYU, for filling my weekend with no regrets. Nice game!