Underwhelmed by Closing Ceremonies

I watched the Closing Ceremonies last night of the Beijing Olympics. I was pretty bored during it. I really wasn't impressed with the London part of it, and hope they are able to dazzle us in the Opening Ceremonies in 2012. That whole people on the memory tower. It was great to watch the US Men defeat Brazil in Volleyball. Coach McCutcheon (spelling), Ryan Millar, and the libero player all went to BYU, as did one of their assistant coaches. It was especially powerful due to the huge tragedy to McCutcheon's family earlier in the games (father in law stabbed to death, mother in law also stabbed but recovering).

Funny how some things get to you

It really is funny how some things get to you. I heard about the Olympic weightlifter who had a horrific looking injury - he dislocated his elbow, which means that his elbow went the wrong way when he was trying to lift a weight. It looks horrible (I cut that part out of the picture) and I imagine it doesn't feel particularly great either (from the look of pain on the pictures I saw, it looked like it was excruciating). Still, it's just a dislocation, and they were able to put it back in its proper location. He's probably done with weightlifting for the year, but he'll be OK. But when I looked at this picture, I got really sad. In this picture the wrestler looks kind of like my brother. He doesn't in other photos, but he does in this one, and it got to me seeing this man in pain. Maybe it just helps personalize it when I see it, imagining if it was my brother in such pain. I'm glad (and hopeful) he doesn't have to endure any pain like this. I'm really glad to know this man will be alright. If I remember, I'll post a photo of my brother so you can see how similar they look in this photo. (Edit: You can see the photo below. My cute little brother. Oh well, it's a good thing he doesn't do anything dangerous for a living like weightlifting. I mean, he's only in law enforcement. Yikes!)

I'm also amazed at our amazing bodies. Even something as horrific as this looks like can be easily recovered from in just a short amount of time. It looked like his arm was broken, but it's just dislocated. I'm so greatful for the amazing healing abilities the Lord has given us.

I love the swimming!

I've been really enjoying watching the swimming this week at the Olympics. Hmmm, I wonder why? Although, come on, Michael, pull the pants up a little bit. I want to leave something up to the imagination before we get married (just kidding, you're a little young for me - I'm a Cougar, not a cougar). Seriously, though, it's so fun to see the Americans dominating, and unbelievable what Michael Phelps could possibly do. And man, the boy can eat! That 4x100 relay was just one of the most amazing sports events ever! I think my other favorite swimmer is Matt Grevers.

The Olympics!

OK, you have to press play before you can really begin reading this - some mood music, if you will. And this video will remind you of Beijing, as it was from the LA games with all of their smog.

I really enjoy the Olympics. Every time it comes up, even if I don't think I'm going to be engrossed in watching it, I wind up becoming so. This year it's in China, which I'm not particularly fond of with their Communism and repression of people's rights, but I do think it will be great to view more about the country and to watch all the different sports that I normally don't get to see. Like archery, equestrian, and where they kayak down the river.

I always get a little bummed when swimming ends and they move onto diving and track & field. I enjoy swimming a lot, and there's something graceful about people moving through the water.

And I love to hear the national anthemn when we win all of our gold medals!

USA! USA! USA!