I case you live in a cave and haven't heard

 In case you live in a soundproof cave and haven't heard me screaming for joy, here is picture proof that I did in fact win the facebook contest for BYU-Utah football tickets.  It is also proof that sometimes good guys finish first.  And that you should never give up, no matter how far behind you think you are in a race.  You never know what the end result will be until you cross the finish line.

I posted about how excited I was about the contest, and honestly I had a hard time sleeping the first night of the contest, as I was in first place when I went to bed.  I woke up the next morning only find that I had moved down to 3rd, then 4rth, and finally 5th place.  I couldn't figure out how these people ahead of me were getting hundreds of votes.  I told myself, "Oh well, it really doesn't matter."  But deep down I was very sad to think that I was so close but still so far away from my dream.  I still kept voting every day and made my husband and kids votes as well, just so I could stay in 5th place. 

Finally it was the last day.  The contest was suppose to end at noon.  I checked about 1:00 and it said that the contest had been extended until midnight.  Then when I looked the top place people had been removed from the contest.  I wasn't sure why, but suddenly I was in second place.  My spirits soared like a caged bird just set free.  I had a chance.  The next several hours were spent visiting the homes of several friends, so I could talk them through the somewhat complicated process of voting.  Because there is nothing obnoxious about showing up on someone's doorstep, say "Hi, please go to your computer RIGHT NOW and vote for me!!!"  I went to people who had multiple facebook users at their house.  Also I called and texted family and had them vote as well.  I spent pretty much the next 6 hours begging for votes.  One of the best things I did was text my good friend The Crash Test Dummy.  She posted a link on her facebook wall, and she has 900 friends for goodness sake.  It is good to have friends with such connections.  Many of her people were kind enough to vote for me as well.  In the end I got 300 points that afternoon.  Which at 5 points a vote, is a lot of votes.

It turns out that the top people were cheating by using fake accounts and voting services.  So they were disqualified once their votes were verified.  Because I got so many votes so fast, I was accused of cheating.  The people disqualified even used their fake accounts to vote for me to try and disqualify me as well.  The morning after the contest I got a call from the verification service to ask me how exactly did I get so many votes in one day.  I explained to him about my driving from house to house.  This seemed to satisfy him.  An hour later I got the call from the bank that I had won the tickets.  I am still in shock and disbelief.  But there was much happy dancing involved that day.

Hip hip hooray for winning!!! Here is pictorial proof that I did win something, and in fact it is something I am thrilled to death to have won.  I have actually never attended a BYU/Utah football game in person.  The fact that I finally get to be there in the flesh, well I am excited beyond word.  I am covered in bruises from pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Here is a up close look at just how up close I will be watching this game.  Hee hee hee, I am giddy with anticipation!  These seats are on the 35 yard line, so hopefully I will get to see some touchdowns. 

And here is the pair of them.  My husband has a scouting commitment so he can't go.  I mean priorities, get some.  But instead my sister will be attending with me.  It is going to be the best day ever!!!  And should be good for a few more photo opportunities/stalking situations.

Here I am in my RISE UP game day t-shirt.  I wore this last Saturday to wish my Cougars good luck against Ole Miss.  And despite the fact that I almost had a heart attach watching that game, my team did prevail in the end.  So woohoo! for starting the season off with a win.  Good luck in Texas tomorrow.

And one week from tomorrow, you and me baby!!!