Let the Games Begin!

It us upon us; one of my favorite ever events. 

The Olympics. 

What greek doesn't get excited about the Olympics??

And this year it is in Vancouver, Canada.  

So, my Grecian roots and my Canadian roots are screaming from within.  I am so excited.   

So, let's go back to Olympia, and see how it all began...

The drama, amid the ruins of the site of the ancient Olympic Games, was lit in the Temple of Hera by an actress playing a high priestess.

She said a prayer to Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, asking him to "send your rays and light the sacred torch for the hospitable City of Vancouver."

With the presentation of an olive branch and the release of a white dove, the torch departed with a Greek runner, the start of a seven-day historic relay though Greece. 

The torch was then handed over to Vancouver 2010 officials and flown to Canada for a 45,000 kilometer, 106-day trek criss-crossing the country. 

Let the Games Begin!!!

Olympic Mascots

I love all things Olympic, and so here is a little offering of some of the mascots through the years.

2008 Beijing, China

2006 Turino, Italy
2004 Athens, Greece

2002 Salt Lake City, Utah
2000 Sydney, Australia

Olympic Observations

Okay, so I am not usually a cynic; at least I don't think that I am, but sometimes things just make me wonder.
So, I am watching the amazing event of Triathlon yesterday; how grueling! These people run their bodies to the ultimate limit. First they swim 1500 m (in the questionable China water...,) then they bike 40k, followed by a 10k run. Unbelievable.

After the commercial break, they start showing PING PONG.

Now, I understand that this is not an easy game. I can very rarely hit paddle to ball. But Olympic? Not so much.

Having a tennis player in the family definitely spiced up our conversation. Have you seen these guys get ready to serve? Stephie, Maddy and I were practically rolling on the floor with laughter.

The clincher? One of the guys was wearing a knee brace.

Okay, ranting is over. I think I'm going to go play a little 'table tennis.' ☺

Phelps Phever!

So, has Phelps Phever hit your house? It certainly has had an effect in our household. Evidently, Michael Phelps is GORGEOUS! Who knew? I guess that I am so much a mom that he just looks like a cute, gawky kid.

Has anyone else been kind of embarrassed at how much they talk about him like he is a racehorse? They are always talking about his 'Size 14 feet that could be flippers' or his his 'dinner plate hands.' How about the words 'dolphin' and 'fish'?

But truly he is the most amazing swimmer of all time. He is a joy to watch and it is an understatement to call him 'America's Golden Boy.'

For those of us who can't get enough, here is a fun little video about his eating habits. 10 000 calories / day!!!