Coulda Woulda Shoulda

In less than two weeks, I will be on UK soil. It will be a flashback and a new adventure all at the same time. Flashback because we have not been there in 4.5 years (!!) and it feels like yesterday we set off on our Asia excursion. It felt like home for so long; it's strange to think that I've been away that long. New adventure because for the first time, we'll be on vacation with D's family, abroad together in his parents' homeland, enjoying each others company while also doing it in such a picturesque place like the countryside of England. To top it off, we arrive on the day before the London  2012 Olympics close. Still reeling with pride from experiencing it live during Vancouver 2010, I can't wait to soak up a bit of that hometown pride that I'm sure is spilling out all over the country. I'm a lucky girl ... looking forward to feeling revived and re-energized by a trip down memory lane, filled with new memories.

I have been in many countries around the world and in every one of them, I wore a bag that had a Canadian flag on my backpack. Each new place I would visit would make me more proud than the last to be a Canadian. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the places or the people I was visiting, just that you realise you are who you are because of where you're from and it makes you feel even stronger about where you're from. I don't know if it's because I'm here in the city of the Olympics or because age and travel have made me realise even more how great this country is or even if it is the nostalgia that comes with remembering the young girl who used to pump her fists at the end of a lap 'pracitcing' winning a gold medal or if in fact, it is all these reasons, but I have never felt prouder to be Canadian. There is a sea of red everywhere you turn. Gloves. Hats. T-shirts. Sweatshirts. Painted chests. You name it. All red. There are outburst of...

I'm certain many of you have read stories about the beautiful weather we're having out here! Um, ya, I would say this is probably the warmest destination for a winter Olympics, though part of me is wondering why people are so puzzled. I've always known Vancouver as the 'warm part' of Canada, a place where rain pelts down but snow rarely does. And so while I get the agast-ness of Whistler not being cold and frigid and filled with snow, I'm wondering why there wasn't some hesitation with Cypress Mountain, which is not far from Vancouver and whether or not it was the best selection for events that need snow. Let's face it - I'm learning the Olympics live are about many amazing things and those things also include walking long distances and waiting in line. I would say both of these activities are exciting in their own way, mostly because they help you soak up the anticipation of the events and the atmosphere. However, they would NOT be enjoyable...

It is day 4 of the Olympics and already I feel like I'm in this spectacular global village bubble of red and white. Leading up to Friday for the opening ceremonies, I was a giddy as a little on Christmas Eve. The idea that in my lifetime, I would get to live in a city that was hosting the Olympics. It just didn't seem real. And yet, 1000s of people who already live here have had that opportunity since the announcement began, anticipating the world arriving. It wasn't just the world arriving I was excited about - E and the Tyeger were arriving the day of the opening ceremonies and I was so excited to share it with them. Plus, sharing anything with a 5 year old always makes it more fun :) We've had the TV on solidly for 3 days straight. And, we already taken in a few of the highlights of an Olympic live experience: heading out to the venues, going to see the beautiful torch and of course waiting in line for tickets. It's a bit of two worlds in a way: our m...

My interest in education and nurturing the next generation probably started years ago when I was a Girl Guide leader. Part of me thought back then that I just liked to be bossy. There was one moment, during a weekend camping trip, where I saw the light in a girl's eyes and I knew that this was a feeling that I wanted to witness again. She was a small little blond girl, 9 years old and while very out going and precarious, she was terrified of fire. All the girls had to try and light the stoves by lighting matches at least once as part of the tasks to compelete their 'Overnight Camp Trip'. And this girl was petrified. So, I helped a little. I showed her how to do it. We practiced with wood and then got ready for the real thing. I could see the fear in her eyes and yet there was a determination. She was GOING to do it, even if she was completely convinced that she wouldn't. And then she did. On the first match try. And the look on her face was one of beaming accomplishment...

The Olympics has of course sparked many controversial stories as it seems to every time it rolls around. I always chuckle a little bit at the intense conviction of which many of the reporters cover stories of 'atrocities' and 'wrong doings' as if the end of the world was nigh, the large asteroid was seconds away from hitting and the world itself will NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN because of *insert daily controversy here*. But this, people THIS takes the cake. I raise my hands up and say, yes, sometimes it REALLY IS THAT BAD. What were they thinking? Give it up for tolerance, peace, posterity and all that.