So if there were to be an award for Olympic Face-Glued-to-the-TV supporter. I might be in contention for a medal.
Yes, you heard right. I broke the No Electronic Entertainment Month Rules – Big Time. Starting with Opening Ceremonies leading up to today. And as I type up this blog the commentary is going full force in the other room. Turned up loud so that I know when to run in and catch the real action.
Olympic fever has been in my blood since I was a teenager and watched the Battle of the Brian’s in the 88 games. Way back when I only had 1/3rd of my half dozen kiddo’s I remember taking Abner and wee little T-rev to Salt Lake City to this big gathering seeing if Salt Lake was going to be awarded the 2002 Winter Games. I was in that crowd and remember screaming and crying, cheering and tossing my little boys up in the air as they nervously cheered with me when it was announced that we were picked. I even saved one of the streamers that they were shooting out of little cannons.
By the time the 2002 games rolled around we no longer lived anywhere near Utah and were going through $ woe's so I didn’t go.
This year the Olympics have never been closer. Less than 3 hours away, but again funds are prohibiting me from attending in person – So I’ll live vicariously through the T.V. Some day, it would be nice to go in person. I think I’d have to win the lottery though.
Yep, the fever includes long bouts of couch sitting, snacking and replaying those awesome moments for my kids when they actually wander into the room.
Last week I literally jumped out of the chair screaming when Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski won medals in the final turn of short track. Evo-man thought I’d blown a fuse or something. Surely the normal mom wouldn’t go nuts over roller-derby on ice. But Ohno and Celski are nearly my neighbors (okay a few cities away, neighbors). I also cheered loudly for Kristi Yamaguchi when she won the gold in 92, because at that time she was from the CA town we lived in then.
Then I cried right along with Lindsey Vonn when she won the downhill. My emotions are wretched when I watch the games.
I don’t think I’ve passed the Olympic spirit onto my kids. Maybe a little of it though. I can get them to watch the Ice Skating, not so much the ski jumping though.
One of these days I’ll get off the couch and make my own dreams happen. I’ll start the day after the Olympics are over. We’ve decided that March will be our new Non-Electronic Entertainment month during Olympic Years.
Until then I get points for hours watched, voice hoarse from cheering and bonus points for pathetic tears shed. Yes, I think I’ve won the Nerdy Olympic Couch Gold.
7 comments:
We don't have tv channels in our house so every other day or so I go "Oh yeah! The Olympics!!! I should be watching!" At my in-laws house that is. They informed me today their dvr space is almost full on their tv so if i want to watch any of it before they delete the ones they've recorded i better get on it ;)
They are such a grand spectacle. I'd break my tech-fast for them, too. They only come around every 4 years!
Maybe you're distinguishing between winter and summer games, but I distinctly remember a pre-'88 Olympic fever. The '84 Olympics in L.A? The running, jumping, swimming, diving, and three little words: Mary Lou Retton. Remember? The vault? The "10"? Didn't we run out and start practicing our flips on the trampoline? :)
Trena Doll You are Absolutly Right. I love both the summer and winter games.
I think having a non-electronic entertainment month is a wonderful idea. However, I also agree the Olympics warrant an exception. What is life without a little flexibility? Go for the Gold, dear!
I didn't have time to watch the Olympics this year, but I'm glad you enjoyed them!
The '88 Games are the first ones that I distinctly remember. I also had the television running all evening--every evening during the Olympics. Since we didn't have cable, we had to settle for NBC's primetime four hour "recap". Our family's enthusiasm for the games definitely rubbed off on me.
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