Let the Games Begin!

by G.Parker

Today marks the start of something that draws my attention every time. I participated in 2002 when it was here in Utah. That's right, hopefully everyone knows today is the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics.

There is a lot to be said about the Olympics. There will be thousands of reporters, both with cameras and paper and pen (okay, probably blackberries,) taking note as history happens. Some of what will be reported will be negative -- there's always some kind of scandal, or someone who has bent the rules -- and yet most of it is positive. Because The Olympics are something that catch the imagination, no matter how much you don't like them. I say that because I have several family members that are tired of the politics involved. My husband says the games should be held in Greece, period. I think the winter olympics would never happen then....

What grabs me is the spirit of the games. When we went to the closing ceremonies in 2002, the rest of the volunteers and I cried as they turned off the torch -- It was so hard to see it go out -- because when it's burning, there is truly a different feeling about the world, at least to me. It's similar to Christmas, but better. People are more aware that there is a big world out there, and friendlier in their interactions.

I'm very jealous of anyone who is able to be in Vancouver to see the games in person. I'm thrilled we're gonna be able to see most of it in real time. I had every intention of a big family party tonight. We were going to have perogies and cabbage rolls, watch the opening ceremonies and party away. Then we found out my son has to participate in the half time activities at the high school basketball game. Sigh.

Okay, I know my son is more important, and we hardly ever have to go anywhere for an activity for him, but couldn't they have postponed the basketball game to Saturday? I mean really -- it's the opening ceremonies for the Olympics for crying out loud! Watching it on tape is just not the same.

Oh well. This way we can skip through the commercials and still get the whole thing. We might as well stay for the whole game -- I'm not gonna want to watch the opening ceremonies from the middle.

My husband tells everyone that he has resigned himself to not seeing me for the weeks of the Olympics because I'm glued to the TV. At least he is willing to put up with it...I'm afraid it happens every time.

The Olympic spirit calls to me and I have to participate as history is made.

Kind of reminds me of when an author gets a book published and has that big signing party. The one where they sell loads of books and have that feeling in their chest that they've finally made it? That's what the Olympics feels like to me. It's in the heart.

I hope you catch some of it. Just remember to say 'eh' after everything for the next couple of weeks and you'll feel right at home.