It's About Hope

During the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, one of the commentators said that one of the important feelings he got from these events was it was about hope.

And yes, I think he was right (or what it she). I heard the comment while I was watching the amazing show that was presented by the host country, so I heard it, but couldn't remember who said and the exact statement that was made.

I believe that I get hooked by the Olympics, not only for the competition, but because I feel unity while I sit with my buddies cheering for the same person/team. It's the same reason that I love watching football or basketball games with my friends. There is a certain camaraderie that is felt when you watch your team either rise to the occasion, or submit gracefully to defeat.

There is also the re-awakening of certain dreams with the realization that with hard work, determination and a little sweat, these dreams will come true.

Little Boys Are Made of....

My brother's youngest son, only 2 1/2 years old is obsessed with Spiderman. Anything that has webs, is colored red, black and blue, or remotely looks associated to Spiderman entrances him. He can sit still to watch any of the movies--the cartoons don't hold his attention as much. He has a Build-A-Bear stuffed animal (which I got him) that wears a small Spiderman costume. He still prefers the Build-A-Bear bunny that he's had since birth to sleep with or when he's cranky, tired or in a bad mood, but the Spiderman one accompanies him during the rest of his waking moments.

I don't remember having an obsession when I was younger. I do remember loving sharks. As afraid as I was of the ocean because of the thought of being eaten, sharks fascinated me. I would read any book about sharks I could get my hands on. I loved watching those animal shows that featured sharks. And no matter how many times the movie Jaws made me jump out of my seat, I still loved watching it---mainly for the views of the sharks.

I still am fascinated by sharks, but I would never get in one of those cages to get up close and personal with them. The sharks in my imagination can eat through those bars. I'm still a bit intimidated by the ocean because of this movie I saw (the title escapes me at the moment) about a couple of scuba divers who were left out in the ocean accidentally.

I still watch the entire week of Shark Week on the Discovery channel too. Never miss it!

Just Call Out My Name

One of my buddies is going through some relationship problems at the moment. He has been dating this girl for almost three years and recently found out about that she went on a date with another guy. She didn't sleep with the guy, or even kiss the guy, just went out for dinner. She told him that she was having second thoughts about their relationship and was just testing the waters to see if maybe she was right.

He is so overcome with grief he can't see straight. He missed a couple days of work and I've been told doesn't answer his phone all the time, although whenever I have called, he has picked up. He told me that he loves this girl and wants to work things out, even going as far as couple counseling if they need to. She said that she is willing to work on the "wrongs" of their relationship also, because she didn't feel anything on that date, and could only keep thinking about wanting to be with him.

Some of our other friends have told him to dump her. They say she's getting her cake and eating it too. I told him to let it play out, to see what happens, to do what his gut tells him to do. I feel this kind of advice can't go wrong. To me, being a friend is allowing another person to lean on you and that's what I'm doing. My other buddies tell me to "grow some" and to tell him to leave her---not to be so passive. They say he'll only end up getting hurt.

My argument is he wants to work things out with her. If this is what he wants, then all we can do is support him. When he falls, if he falls then we can pick him up. But to try and prevent that fall, may only bring some resentment and thoughts of "what if", if we don't let him try it his way.

He asked me yesterday what would happen if he got hurt. I told him he'd always have friends to help him through it.

Gold

Did anyone see the Olympics yesterday? I was jumping up and down like a bullfrog (although I'm not quite sure if they actually continually jump) when Michael Phelps was racing for the gold. Yes, I know that Ryan Lochte was also swimming for the U.S.A. and he should have commanded equal attention. But something about Phelps' life story strikes a cord with me. I like the way that he searches the crowd for his mother and sisters whenever he finishes a race and that his Mom is his core inspiration.

Congratulations Michael on winning the gold and breaking another record! I hope all the U.S. athletes do well too and wish them all the luck in their competitions.

Tie A Ribbon Around Your Finger

Just read a disturbing news story. Actually it's the second story of its kind. It's the real life version of Home Alone. A family forgot their toddler in the airport while dashing to get their flight. Now tell me, what is more imporant, a few hours wait for the next flight, the inconvenience of searching for luggage that landed ahead of you OR your child?

I have forgotten numerous things in a mad dash. My cell phone, my backpack, a jacket and sometimes a shower have been left behind in an effort to make it some place on time. I have never forgotten a person. I don't have a child to forget, but I know that if I did have one, this child would probably be a priority.

What is the most important thing you've ever forgotten?