Sayonara Protege

In an effort to simplify our lives Tara and I sold our Protege last week. No, we haven't gone off the deep end. I ride the bus to work everyday and it made sense to get rid of the car before we had to renew the registration. I'm sure we'll get another car when the time is right, it just isn't right now.

I had to laugh at the way the sale went down. I put the car up on KSL.com and within a few hours received my first call. Nothing happened with that one, but you've got to love how quickly things happen on KSL's website (I would totally recommend this site to anyone selling their car - a 30 day free listing!). We had a few nibbles over the next week and then I got a call to bring the car to the U. It seems an engineering student had seen the ad and was ready to check it out.

So, last Wednesday I cleared out the trunk (just in case) and drove to work. Things went pretty well and the buyer made an offer. It was a little lower than I was asking, but I knew the car needed a few minor repairs so the deal was done. He went to get the cash and I took everything out of the car. Twelve years and all that was left was a pile of memories.


It's not everyday you drive to work and come home on the bus, but I'm glad it worked out today. So long Protege, Hello Minivan?

Who's Number One?

If you follow the logic, Utah really is the King of the Mountain. It's been interesting to read so many of the national writers comment about the BCS and Utah's right to the national championship. My favorite of the bunch so far has been ESPN's Rick Reilly. Try to defend the BCS championship when you have an undefeated team, with four top 20 wins, a top 6 BCS ranking, a Sugar Bowl victory - for the second time in 4 years!

Zoo Lights

Jared's parents have been wanting to take the kids to see the zoo lights since they came to town, so we finally made it on Tuesday. The kids had a really great time and the zoo did a nice job with the lights.

The kids loved the lights, but I think they were a little disappointed that they didn't see more animals. We did make a quick trek through the indoor snakes and lizards exhibit so that made them somewhat happy.

The night was capped off with a fun ride on the merry-go-round, although Alex wasn't so sure he liked it until it actually started. Then he loved it and when we were done he said, "again"!


So thanks, nana and papa for a fun night at the zoo!

Sugar Sugar

What a season for the Utes! We just finished watching the second undefeated season in four years for our Alma Matter. The final score was 31-17 and the Utes lead from start to finish. Just like the entire season, the game has its ups and downs. Still, in the end, the Utes proved to be the only undefeated team in all of college football.

Ever since the bowl matchups were set a month ago, no one gave the Utes a chance. The country voted 91% for Alabama to win the game. Going into the pregame all the talk was about the Crimson Tide. One announcer actually said, "Unless you live in Utah or are a Utah alumni, you think Alabama is going to win this game." Then the talk was over and the game began.

The Utes jumped out quickly and scored the game's first touchdown. Within seconds of the first score, the D took over and intercepted the ball. Less than two minutes later, a quick run up the middle and it was 14-0. Another defensive stop and the Utes regained the ball and passed their way to their third TD.

Truthfully, the game was over at the end of the first period. If it wasn't for two Utah miscues this game wouldn't have even been close. As the final moments of the Sugar Bowl came to a close it was incredibly satisfying to be one of the Utah alumni. My only regret is that I wasn't there in person to celebrate the win. Curse you oven!

So, there it is 13-0. A second BCS win. A top five ranking to end the year. 2009 just got off to a great start - if you're a Ute!

Happy New Year

Well, the new year is upon us. We had a fun time ringing out the old and bringing in the new with friends and family this year. There was a lot of food, games, and a night fun of Rockband (let's just say that the B52's Roam isn't my song). Even though it looked like Alex wouldn't be able to celebrate (he had a rough day with some puking), he fought through the drowsiness and made it to midnight. Happy New Year everyone!