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Monday, April 13, 2009

Egg Hunt Madness!


The day before Easter I had the opportunity to drive up to This is the Place Heritage Park to set up and work the FM100.3 Easter Egg Hunt. As the staff and I were dispersing the eggs around the old homes, the wind began to blow and rain drops were falling from the sky. I thought no sane person would want to drive up to this park to pick up a few Easter Eggs full of Tropical Lifesavers and a Tootsie Roll. For me, at least, it wouldn't be worth it. I'd rather spend $4 on a bag of assorted candy than to go "hunting" for eggs.
The rain eventually stopped and it turned out to be a pretty decent day. Hundreds of people filled Main Street, all anxious to hear the gunshot that signified the beginning of the search for the eggs. A never-ending line formed for the popcorn and hot chocolate, which I somehow was given charge to look after. After an hour of scooping hot chocolate into Styrofoam cups, I managed to relieve myself of that duty and go make sure no one was entering the egg-hunting grounds before the hunt began. I stood at the gate for the 12+ year olds.
I am amazed at how aggressive parents are in such situations. I've never had so many complaints or negative comments said to me as I did at this "family-friendly" Easter egg hunt. The children do not seem to care how many eggs they get. Normally a child would grab one and be happy for the rest of the day. When the gun sounded, however, parents stormed the fields, gathering as many of the plastic eggs as possible. It was ridiculous.
After witnessing such things, I have vowed to never participate in an Easter Egg Hunt with my future children.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Sugar Bowl 2008...off to New Orleans!

The University of Utah has a rich history of college sports. In my first year attending the U, the Utes had prominent seasons both in football and in basketball. Alex Smith led the team to an undefeated season, busting the BCS with a great victory over Pitt in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. He was drafted into the NFL as the number one overall draft pick.
While Smith was throwing the pigskin on the field, Andrew Bogut was piloting his crew to a winning season on the court. He also was drafted number one overall into the NBA.
I remember feeling proud to be a Ute as I walked around the campus that year. Although it was the hardest year of my life, feeling lost because of what was behind me (high school) and what lied ahead of me (mission), I found joy knowing that my school was great and recognized.
Fast forward to 2008. College football wasn't my main interest. I enjoy football; I like watching it; but I didn't follow. Needless to say, the Utes had an incredible year. It was win upon win upon win. There were a few close games (vs. TCU), and people can make all the claims they want about an easy schedule or terrible reffing, but when all is said and done, winning all 12 games in a season is impressive. The Utes, again, busted the BCS and were fortunate to receive a well-deserved invitation to the Sugar Bowl. It was to be played in New Orleans. In an attempt to spend time with his growing boys, my dad planned a trip and basically told us we were going. It was an awesome trip. The game was played January 2. New Orleans is a great place - fun to visit. We went throught the WWII Museum dedicated to D-Day. It was fun being with my bros and old man.
The game was amazing - the Utes jumped to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and the game was history. It really silenced all the Alabama fans who before had been relentlessly taunting any Ute in sight.
What a trip...
Well, here I am creating a blog. I'm not exactly sure what to do with it, or what to say. I'm doing this more for the experience than everyone else's personal enjoyment. I'm sure that as I continue on my road to blog-dom, my posts will improve in quality and content.