Olympic HodgePodge

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

YES! YES! YES!  I keep staying up too late because I want to see a little more.  Last night was amazing watching the girls on the beam!  They are so awesome.  I’ve also really enjoyed watching Michael Phelps.  My kids both swam on the swim team so I can just imagine how many swim meets those moms and dads have watched!!  I remember watching Dorothy Hamill skate . . .and having a haircut like hers (1976)!  I also remember Nadia Comaneci receiving the perfect score!  I also remember watching Florence Griffith Joiner in the 1988 Olympics. 

2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person?

I’ve never been to Rio nor Greece but would love to go to both places.  I’ve never been to the Olympic Games.  In 1984, I worked for AT&T and the company was a sponsor.  My boss and several other uppity ups (that is what Mark calls them!) were able to attend the Olympics and they brought us back some Olympic pins.  I think I still have one!  I would love to attend at some point in my life.

I have two “ties” to Olympians.  Our Pastor of Youth and Families is in Rio right now.  I actually saw him on tv last night at the women’s gymnastics event.  He is there as an advisor for the Olympians in the Village.  Last Sunday morning, he did the greeting for our traditional worship service via video from Rio!!  Why, of course, we are having sermons based on the Olympics (starting line!).  David was on the USA Team Handball team -- David Thompson has been a member of the USA Team handball team since 2001 and has represented the U.S. in two Pan American Games, a World Championships, and various other international competitions. He sits on the Athlete Advisory Council for the United States Olympic Committee.

My other connection is also through our church.  Jeff Underwood is a friend and he is in charge of the Lakeshore Foundation which is an Olympic training facility.  He and his wife will be in Rio for the Paralympics in September.

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

Maybe “out of one’s depth” . . .heck, I don’t know.  That is a really hard question.  Surely I’m “on target” in some area of my life!!  I guess we are “on a roll” with our Tuesday night group.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

Can I win a gold medal in talking?  I love to talk!!  How about a gold medal in paper banner making?  I’ve made several of those lately.  How about a gold medal in cooking????  I made a great dessert a couple of weeks ago and some killer shrimp and grits last weekend.

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?  

So far, no one or nothing.  I’m a round fat short thing!  I will say that our new little granddaughter is making me realize that I would like to be around for a while!

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.

I’m young at heart!  I think hanging out with all of those young adults on Tuesday night keeps us younger!  I also work with a lot of younger folks and I sometimes forget that I’m not their age!

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?

S’mores are yummy but I won’t be eating any today.  Once again, who knew that there is National S’mores Day.  I’m so glad that Joyce tells us these things!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m looking forward to fall . . .to temps that are a tad cooler.  In the deep south, I might wear shorts on Thanksgiving . . .but it will be cooler than last week.  We had heat indices of 104 and 106.  Whew!  I also love pumpkins on the porch and Halloween decorations.   I don’t want to “wish away my life” by hurrying up time – I’m just looking forward to it!