I can honestly say that I am weird and I love presidential elections years. Sick I know, but there is something that I love even more than presidential election years... Summer Olympics years! They are my favorite years of all! Since I was a kid I was just mesmerized by the athletes and their skills. I was in ahhhh of what they could do and what amazing Americans there were. This year is no different for me. I revel in the things that allow me to do nothing, but watch TV and feel no guilt about it. I am supporting my country after all.
While I was watching the opening ceremonies I was reminded of an Olympic moment that has stuck out in my mind since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Eric Moussambani, from Equatorial Ginea, who swam in the 100m freestyle. Eric Moussambani, nicknamed "Eric The Eel" by the media won his heat in the 100m freestyle in 1:52.72 because the two other competitors were disqualified for taking a false start. His time was more that twice that of his competitors, and even outside of the 200m record. Yes, while he was considerable slower than the others he set a personal best, and national record. Eric gained entry into the Olympic Games in an unconventional way, without meeting the minimum qualification requirements, via a wild card draw designed to encourage developing countries without expensive training facilities to participate. While over a minute slower than the world record time of 47.84 seconds he finished alone to cheers of the crowd. He said, "The last 15 meters were difficult". Before coming to the Olympics that year he had never seen a 50m (160ft) long Olympic-sized swimming pool. He took up swimming only 8 months before the games and had practiced in a 20m (66ft) pool at a hotel in a nearby city.
I can remember watching him in my Freshman dorm room inside of Ford Hall at K-State. I was full of tears watching him struggle each lap and never stopping. Eric had no chance of ever winning a metal in swimming, but he knew that he had accomplished something for himself and his country. That is the Olympic Games! I told you that I love the Olympics! Here is the video of Eric's swim in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
David and I just cheered our ways all the way through the weekend... the Olympics and the Royals! We just had a blast at the game. My Mom had received some tickets (and a parking pass) from her friend and colleague Dr. Fry and they were awesome! Right behind home plate. David had a great day soaking up the sun, atmosphere and game. He is even a little tanner... no joking. To the left you can see where our seats were, Section 104. You can also see what Kaufman Stadium will look like when it reopens for next season. Already begun is the "new" K. Brand new concourse and more seating will be added thank you to the Kansas City, Missouri tax hike. I also attached a photo of that for you all to see.
Below is some of the hard work I did during the Olympics:
You might note a theme in the pages. Yes, puppies. I had so many cute pictures that it was hard to choose. These are my favorites thus far. I am still working on getting a picture of Baron watching TV. I am not kidding. The dog will walk up to the mantel, back up, sit and look up at the TV over the mantel. It is SO funny.
Puppy Update: Training is going well. The dogs are listening more and eating a TON. The potty training is going swimmingly. David and I have also taught the dogs how to sit already. Now, we are working on lay down and stay. These are some smart puppies when they want to be. The only thing that is sad is that when we say treats for the puppies Binx gets all mad. She starts doing all of the commands that we are trying to teach the puppies, only faster and quieter with no pawing. Then, when she realizes that their "treats" are just their food... one piece at a time. I think that she is feeling gypped. She seems to look at them in such disgust.
Hard to believe that another Monday is here. Try to enjoy it!
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