CANADA WINS GOLD!!!!!!!!

Olympics! I felt slightly smug after we crushed the Russians last night. But my smugness only came after the 7th goal; I couldn't watch the first period because my smugness was pre-empted by terror. So, yes, I was jumping upa nd down in my livingroom at the end of the game, looking around for someone to hug or at least to high-five, but the only other spectator was Henry and he was busy investigating his fluffy paws before he dozed off. Obviously not a hockey fan or even all that patriotic.

I felt my Canadian pride surge to the surface (though it may have been a menopause-moment) all evening when the bobsledders got gold and silver and we owned the podium left right and centre. But it was Clara Hughes who put a lump in my throat accompanied by a helping of tears in my eyes. A remarkable woman, without a doubt. I wish all young children from the age of 3 to 98 could have heard her say that she wants to be remembered not for her medals but for her "doing my very best and never giving up".

We grow up thinking we have to be the best at something to even bother showing up. The Olympics even supports that notion to some degree. We give up on many levels not because others judge us, but because we judge ourselves.

I saw the look on Clara Hughes' face when she crossed the finish line on the speed-skating track. She had sawn off a bunch of seconds off the record but the glory on her face said, "I gave it my all!"

I was moved. I brushed the crumbs off my chest and jumped into my desk chair and began scribbling notes of what I want to accomplish.

Drinking more water every day.

That was the top of my list. It may seem hardly medal-worthy but .... I can start small. Besides. I've already had one and a half cups of water and it's only 7 a.m. The day's looking good. Now back to my list.

ending world poverty (too big)
abolition of donuts (unreasonable)

Well, I'll have some more water and see what I can come up with.

written by W A Stewart, February 25, 2010