On January 13th, Condoleezza Rice came to campus and gave a forum address. It was probably one of the best forums/speeches ever given at BYU. My friend randomly had an extra reserved ticket which got me on the third row so I had a really good view. The speech was really good. She talked about how important education was and also the importance of mixing faith with our intellectual studies. “Whenever you’re lacking in optimism, remember your special responsibility because of where you are and what you’ve been granted, to hold up those who don’t fall to cynicism, and to hold up those who can see a world not as it is but a world as it should be.” It was really inspiring. The most amazing part was the fact that she did it all without a teleprompter. I think our current president could learn something from her. It was amazing. She was well received with multiple standing ovations. Once in a lifetime experience.
The day after that, my Cousin Abraham came out for a visit from Maryland. I was so excited that he was able to come. Due to a flat tire on the way from the airport he didn't get here until late. As soon as he got here Bethany took us to Walmart so we could get him some food. Nothing like a late night run to Walmart! Then on Saturday we went to Salt Lake City and did the Church stuff. Fun times. I also ran into an old friend David Cooper who is now studying at LDSBC. Then on Sunday we went to Church and Second Sunday Supper. Good times. Monday I did a lot of work while Abe was at a friends house. Tuesday we took a tour of Campus, had J-Dawgs and went to the Basketball game, which was a lot of fun. I think he had a really good time and hopefully he will come here in a couple of years. BYU really is the greatest place on earth.
Then this week I got to witness history! It was dubbed the "biggest game in Mountain West Conference History." San Diego State (#4 in the nation in College Basketball) came to the Marriott Center on Wednesday. It was a process just to get inside though. We first had to wait on Tuesday morning to get a wristband. Oh, by the way it was snowing like crazy. Luckily, my friend Sam that I was waiting with brought an Umbrella, so it wasn't that bad. We finally got one and even though we got our wristbands from the same lady, the numbers were still 90 apart. Ridiculous. Then we had to get there by six on Wednesday. I made record time getting home from skiing and then running up to the Marriott to wait in line. Then there was a stampede when the doors opened. We got decent seats though so I was happy. Then we had to wait two hours for the game to begin. Luckily, TJ Fredette performed for us and Sam and I played Fruit Ninja on my I-Phone. Good Times! The game was excellent. I was really happy with the Cougars. Jimmer had 42 and more importantly our defense did really well. James Anderson, a player I normally have nothing nice to say about, really stepped up and did a good job. After the win, the Cougar Faithful stormed the court. I am faithful, but value my safety so I did not storm the court. It was a pretty awesome sight though!
So, Jimmer is on fire and I really hope he gets POY. I think he is the most deserving candidate. Such an amazing player. I mean you show me someone whose name is also a verb!
