Call Me Negative

O.K. so it's now obvious that I don't prefer Ian Thorpe. The definitive reason I don't is that he is pompous. He lacks humility in sport. You can be the best; you can be competitive; you can produce results. I am not talking confidence. I am talking being able to shake your competitor's hand. I am talking about sportsmanship. I was very proud of Michael Phelps winning the Bronze. Of course, I would have preferred he win the Gold (but my motives were less than honorable; for I desperately wanted to see Ian knocked from his high horse). Michael Phelps has exhibited congeniality, determination, and he swam his personal best in the Men's 200 Freestyle competition. He swam across the lanes to shake the hand of Ian, whom he admired and respected as the fastest swimmer (who wouldn't want to race the fastest swimmer? A high bar produces the best results). Ian barely gave him the time of day, and after the ceremony, Michael reached over to offer his congratulations, and Ian shook his hand limp wristed and with wry grin.

There. That's why I dislike Ian Thorpe. Confidence is attractive!

Pass the Pride, Please

The Olympics is doing nothing for me getting my house cleaned.

I love watching even the mundane sports like Shuffleboard and Archery. I do draw the line at Bowling, though. Well, wait. Now that I think about it.....

Competitive to a fault, I love watching the best of the best. All of my girls have R's determination and my competitiveness and I do believe that one day we will be sitting in the stands watching one (or more) compete for the glory of her country and sport for the gold.

I love how the Olympics bring back memories of the dreams we had as . I love seeing the glittering little eyes as we watch. I love the pride in country it inspires. I love the respect it demands. I love that every four years (actually two, now) my can find a hero worthy of emulating. I love the Olympics. Can you tell?