March Madness Round 1

Thursday evening I attended my first ever March Madness basketball games. The Duke Blue Devils took on the Belmont Bruins, and what a game it was! Does anyone know where Belmont University is? I sure didn't. Belmont is a small liberal arts college in Nashville, TN. They were amazing! Almost amazing enough to beat the overrated blue devils. This was Belmont's third EVER invitation to the big dance. In the final minutes of the game, it was evident that they lacked experience. There were a couple of turnovers that resulted in a Duke win. I do think this game was a good wake up call for Duke. Although they are a school with strong basketball tradition, and come to the dance year after year, they really must play a lot better to live up to their number two seed. I am pretty sure the entire country was rooting for the Bruins, as history was almost made. Definitely a good game to be at!

Next, came the West Virginia Mountaineers vs the Arizona Wild Cats. My friend Kevin and I were the minority Wild Cat fans. This game didn't compare to the fast paced game of Duke and Belmont. Arizona could never pull ahead. It remained a six point game almost the entire game. It was DEFINITELY worth spending a little money to experience March Madness basketball. I was disappointed in my cougars performance against Texas A&M. Unfortunately, I wasn't too surprised. I think we have a decent team, if we could just gain some confidence and figure out how to FINISH a game. I really think we are a first half team.

LET ROUND TWO BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Michelle"

Enough of the American Idol posts already! I had to include the song my parents sang to me growing up. Although I like Jason better when he is singing and playing his guitar, I still find him quite charming as he sings this amazing Beatles song, "Michelle".

2008 March Madness Bracketology Tournament (Rules & Regulations)

Enjoy the nerdiness of my family. This an email I received from my 14-year-old sister today:

Dearest Siblings and fellow opponents of the 2008 MARCH MADNESS BRACKETOLOGY TOURNAMENT:

As elected co-presidents of the MARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE we are pleased to announce your invitation to the tournament. This year we are fortunate to have President Brent R. Mickelsen sponsoring the 1st and 2nd place winners with $100; $50 prizes. The following is a list of rules formed by the MMBT Committee that you must abide by if you wish to accept your invitation.

1. You must fill out 2 brackets and fax them to Julie Mickelsen's Office by noon on Wednesday, March 19th.
The following is her fax number: (509) XXX-XXXX

2. Please fill out the winner of Mount St. Mary's and Coppin St. That game is included.

3. Please print your name at the top right hand corner of your bracket. (Your first will be called your name #1, your
second: your name #2) Please make your names legible for the scoring committee to read. If not it will be
shredded.

4. Above is an attachment of the scoring rubric. Take a gander.

5. Please do not notify Elder Stephen Mickelsen of the Tournament.

6. These rules are already voted on and our official. If you have any questions please contact
Lauren: (509) 586-XXXX or Jeff Mickeslen: (509) 591-XXXX.


VIOLATIONS

**Please note that no exceptions to these rules listed above are tolerated. If you disagree then it looks like your out of the running for the $100. Also, no cheating is permitted. No profanity is allowed. Lets keep it clean.



Good luck to all participants. Let the Madness begin!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITS AWESOME BABY, ITS AWESOME!!!


Sincerely,

Lauren Mickelsen (Secretary of the MMBT)
Jeff Mickelsen (Co- President of the MMBT)

Selection Sunday

March Madness is fast approaching, and I am ready to cheer on my teams in the tournament. Every year my family members fill out a bracket. My mom's bracket typically wins, and it drives my brothers crazy. Moms know best. If you didn't get a chance to catch the cougars victory over San Diego State, read about it here. Year after year, my cougars lead the MWC. Let's just hope they make it through a couple rounds in the tournament this year! I love college basketball!!!

Who is YOUR Favorite Bachelor?

WORST BACHELOR EVER

Cheesiest Bachelor EVER

HOTTEST Bachelor EVER

BEST Bachelor EVER

So I am kind of excited for our next bachelor, Matt Grant, a global financier from London. Let the season begin!

I'm Back

I have not had the energy or desire to blog lately. However, I think it is time for an update. This past weekend we celebrated my dear friend Amber's birthday...the big 25! Amber is known for her extravagant themed parties. We couldn't disappoint, thus we took the party to the "Boddy Mansion." We celebrated with Col. Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. White, Ms. Peacock, Mr. Green, and Professor Plum. The singing telegram didn't make it time, perhaps she was killed in route to the party. The night was filled with dancing, mystery, and scandal. Happy Birthday Amber!

Guests at the Boddy Mansion
Joe, David and I reminisce the Barlow days

Miss Scarlet, and Ms. White
"I will kill you with the wrench!" (side note: Mel, I just heard you saying this in your Russian accent!)

Apparently we are all about the themed parties in DC. The week previous, my friends and I busted out leggings, ratted hair, florescent colors, banana clips, crimped hair, and blue eye shadow. Ahhh, the trends of the 80's, got to love! We danced the night away to Debbie Gibson, Journey, Tiffany, Def Leppard, Pat Benatar, etc. I think my favorite was my friend aaron's GINORMOUS cell phone. He came to the party dressed up a Zack Morris.


My Favorite Girls!

Over the Rainbow

Right now I am kind of obsessed with American Idol. I spent some time on youtube the other night, and came across this video. I know many of you have already seen this video, but every time I watch it, I tear up. As cheesy as that sounds, this little girl is adorable and AMAZING! This is her audition video. I love that the musicians on Britain's Got Talent are your next door neighbor type, and don't necessarily look the part. Did you get a chance to watch last season's winner, Paul Potts? If not, you should check him out on Youtube. Amazing!