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.' ☺

Angry Eyes

Well, Sunny Side Up is putting on her 'Angry Eyes' today!

I just can't even believe the Elimination on American Idol last night!?!

Okay, I know that the competition is tough this year. I knew that it was going to get sticky soon. I knew that I would start getting sad since I have a few favorites. We can't all be winners-- I Get It. But,

Come, on... Michael Johns?!? Are you kidding me? This is some kind of joke, right? First time in the bottom three and out? He was absolutely stunned.

He has such a Huge Voice. He definitely seems like he could be a front man for a band and sell records now. He took on songs by The Doors, Simple Minds, Queen... and he nailed them. He has Star Quality. And an amazing amount of Charisma. The good looks and the Aussie accent do everything to recommend him as a celebrity. I most definitely disagree.

Michael Johns,

American Idol just won't be the same without you. I hope that you are signing a record deal right now. We'll buy them. We'll love them.

G'day, Mate.

It's All Wrong, But It's All Right

Who Stole Thanksgiving??

For many years I have seen Christmas decorations popping up in stores in August. There they would be, decking it out at the back of the store, and if you had a hankering for holly you could wander back there and get a jump on your holiday decor list.

Has anyone noticed that things have changed in the past couple of years?

I drove out of my neighborhood the morning after Hallowe'en and there were wreaths and garlands on the main entryways to the entire neighborhood! November 1st! That's 55 days before Christmas! Last year I remember that the garland looked haggard and the lights were hanging off of the trees by Christmastime. Not exactly a pretty picture.

Now, you may think that I am being Bah-Humbug!, but you would be wrong. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! It is my favorite holiday. I look forward to it each and every year. I just feel that if we rush into it and Christmas ourselves to death for 2 months, that it cheapens it.

The other thing that bothers me is that Thanksgiving has been hijacked!

In Canada, Thanksgiving is in October. It is in no way related to Christmas. But, when I was in college in Idaho (Go Ricks!) I went home for Thanksgiving with my friends. I had a totally amazing experience. We turkeyed ourselves into oblivion (I discovered sweet potatoes with marshmallows-- YUM!! --but I digress). We had that old-fashioned Thanksgiving that I always used to see on the coffee commercials. Then, the most marvellous thing happened...

The next morning, the Chrismas Season was officially opened with Christmas Decorating, Christmas Shopping, and Christmas Music. It was Glorious. I fell in love. Ever since then, I have loved having the Opening of the Christmas Season linked to the Thankfulness of Thanksgiving.

Here's to Thanksgiving!