salchow

my big sister and i got hooked on the olympics in 1988 when it was held in calgary. in 1992, i was horribly disillusioned and disappointed when ben johnson got busted for doping. since then i've continued to love the olympics, but am not blind to it's glaring flaws. i realize it's terribly exploitive, i know it's excessive and an awful expense, i'm completely aware that the IOC is disgustingly powerful. i've heard my uncle rant how the olympics are totally political, and the munich games should have been canceled after the shootings. i've been following the free-tibet protests, and china's poor human-rights records. however, when i watch those opening ceremonies my heart is warmed, and i feel a sense of hope for this world unfelt at any other time of year. i watched, a record breaking, 204 countries march into the bird's nest, and reflected on the fact that in spite of all it's faults, nothing brings the world together like it. that's my favourite part of the summer olympics, that it's so inclusive, that and there's more scantily clad male athletes :p aside from that i'm more partial to the winter games.

i'm not a sports enthusiast. i've been rubbed the wrong way by people who are die-hard sports fans. i'm not competitive, and am creeped out by people who take athletics too seriously. but, when it comes to the olympics, i'm able to ignore the bad taste in my mouth. i love how i learn things about different countries and world history thru this event. it reminds me of art history, but it's sport history instead.

my favourite part of the opening ceremony is the parade of nations. i kind of wished i had someone there with me as i watched to make amusing comments to or share tidbits of information with. instead i just talked outloud to my reflection in the window next to the tv. i do that a lot, it's weird. it makes me feel like anne of frickin green gables.

i remember in 2001 when toronto was bidding on the 2008 olympics. i had just graduated college, and i was super thrilled about TO hosting. i thought i'd be living in toronto, and imagined attending different sporting events in the evenings after work. funny how things turn out different than we expect.

you’re on my mind.