Diary of a Jazz Fan

It's been an interesting year to be a basketball fan in Salt Lake. Both the Utes and Jazz have shown us moments of brillance - the problem is that a moment in just that, temporary. As it stands right now both teams are barely over .500 with losses to teams that are clearly inferior. It's enough to make you pull out your hair and scream at the tv. Still, there are other times when the team gets it together, everything seems to click and they knock off a superior team. Take this week for instance.

The Jazz seem to be turning the corner. A few wins in a row that led to a national cable game against the Cavs. Cleveland is good, or should I say LeBron is good. He's a guy who can do whatever he wants to on a basketball court. Against the Jazz he looked fairly average - for the first three quarters. The 4th period was a totally different story. The Jazz were ahead by ten points with a few minutes left in the game when LeBron took over. He did everything and the Jazz lead disappeared and the Cavs were up by 6 with less than a minute left in the game.

Everything was looking bleak. Deron Williams was hurt, Boozer fouled out. Our team consisted of bench players. Still, the Jazz chipped away. The Cavs missed some free throws. Suddenly it was a 2 point game with 5 seconds left. With such a rag tag bunch of players out there for the Jazz who would shoot? CJ - please no, Korver - nope, Memo - not this time. The last shot of the game was off the hand of Sundiata Gaines - the guy just signed to a 10 day contract. As the game clock went off, the ball flew through the air and SWISH! Jazz win - back from a 6 point deficit in the last 30 seconds. It was the shot of the year. Now let's just see what happens tonight. Like Springsteen sang years ago, "One step forward, two steps back..." Time will tell, but my prediction with this team is a 46-36 record and a 7th place finish in the West.

Movie Review: The Blind Side

Sandra Bullock is on my list. I have a list of actors and actresses I don't really care for and I generally avoid their movies. The list is long and getting longer. Sandra Bullock is on there. Still, Tara really wanted to go and see the movie, The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock. I decided to give in, especially since the movie was about football, I figured I could overlook Ms. Bullock's part in the film.

This one really took me by surprise. It was a great movie. It may just join the Hall of Fame of sports movies for me. There are a few select sports movies I never tire of watching on TV. They include: Hoosiers, Remember the Titans, The Natural, The Rookie and Rocky I, II, or III. There is something so inspiring about an underdog story, especially when it deals with sports.

Micheal Oher's story is one that will bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. I've watched the Ravens play a few times this year and didn't know the true story of the offensive tackle. Having learned of his life and achievements I can honestly say I'm rooting for him and the Ravens. This was an incredible movie and I'm glad Tara made me look beyond Sandra Bullock and my list.

A Real Ute

With the holidays over, I'm back at work again. I really enjoyed the time home with my family, but all good things must come to an end and I need to get back to a routine. The first week of January is an interesting time on campus. Students don't come back til next week and everyone is coming down from the holiday high. Everything is pretty dead, so it gives me a good chance to get caught up on things.

While I was in the men's room earlier I came across a pretty funny little graphic. Normally, I'm glad to say I'm a real Ute, but not on this one...

Sunbeam

The beginning of a new year always symbolizes change. This new year brought a new three year old to the Primary. Alex started as a Sunbeam this morning. We've been talking about the change for the past couple of weeks and our little guy has been super excited. It's a big change to move from the freedom of the Nursery into the structure of the Primary, but Alex did great. In fact I think his new teacher is pretty excited to have him in class. At least Tara said she was excited to have him in her class. A new year brings changes to everyone, even Tara.

We've so proud of you Alex! We all know that Jesus wants you for a Sunbeam....

Happy New Year

Another day, another year, another decade. Last night we sent out 2009 and brought in 2010. It was an evening full of games, food, and fun. Instead of going over to Alicia's house this year the party was at home. We celebrated the festivities with friends and family, as we counted down to the new year. Kennedy couldn't get enough of the fun. She was so wired at midnight I wondered if we could ever get her to bed. The boys were the exact opposite. Dylan went to bed around 9 pm and Alex declared at 11 pm that he was ready for bed. I guess sleep is more important that Wii sometimes.

At midnight we took to the streets to sound in the new year with poppers, shooters, and anything else that would make noise. Once the loud noises started Kennedy got a little bit spooked, but she pulled through like a true partier should. We weren't the only ones out on the cold night. Fireworks came from down the street and a marching band rounded the corner just after midnight. Since we're usually gone on New Years I didn't realize how fun our little neighborhood can be.

We wrapped up the evening just after 1 am and thus began 2010. Happy New Year everyone!