Olympics

For the most part, I hate the concept of the organized sports machine. It amazes me that so much money is spent on arena's and stadiums when there are so many other uses for that money that would actually help people. Yes, they do create jobs - I give you that, and this is a heated discussion that my husband and I get into every now and then. But it makes me crazy that people care more about who wins and what is going on with their team than they do about the world, or their country, or even humanity. It really, really, really makes me crazy. Yes, it is an elitist attitude, and I fully admit to it.

I grew up in a political household and I had no concept that there were so many sporting games on the television. I didn't realize people spent Sunday's sitting on their couches watching football. I didn't even realize that sports were on all Sunday day. In my house Sunday's meant Meet the Press and Masterpiece Theater. The only game I can recall watching in our house was a Super Bowl that the Dolphins were in. That's not to say that my father never watched sports, but not that I can remember. I remember him on Sunday mornings sitting in the kitchen drinking orange juice out of a wine glass (that drove my mother crazy because then she had to hand wash it because it couldn't go in the dishwasher) watching Meet the Press.

My father was always being invited to go to this game or that game, and did go. That seemed perfectly acceptable, but to sit and watch a game on t.v. seemed ridiculous. I frequently went to hockey games and loved them. To this day hockey is the only game I follow, and yes, I am a hypocrite to some degree about it. Not only do I want a good game, but I've come to expect blood. It's not a good game if there isn't a good fight in my opinion. I can't tell you players names so much any more, or what their numbers and positions are as I once could, but I passionately love the Flyers and loathe the New Jersey Devils with my entire being.

The Winter Olympics however bring out another side of me. I admit to enjoying them, and recommend watching them to everyone. I get caught up in the winter biathalon, and shake my head in dismay when someone misses a shot. I become an expert in skating and point out little wobbles. I have become an avid short track speed skating fan. I will watch curling and gasp at the perfect slide of a stone, and exclaim "DOH" when someone falls while skiing. I shed tears of joy and sorrow for athletes from all over the world when I hear of their inspiring stories, and of course I love the hockey. I feel that the Olympics bring out the best in everyone, or at least I like to think so. How can you not get caught up in the excitement?

So for two weeks every 4 years I become a sport addict, I admit it, and I love it. It gets me excited and I'm full of energy and tension. It doesn't really matter what sport is being aired, I will watch it. So I say to you two things tonight:

1) To the U.S. hockey team - WOOT - GO U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!

2) And during these two weeks of my sports addiction, I admit to being a hypocrite - but that's Ms. Hypocrite to you..........................