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Yes, I am an Olympic junkie. I think it may be in my DNA. I remember watching with my grandparents, and with my parents. And then there were special events that I watched with my Mom, such as Ladies Figure Skating. That event was so significant, it rated popcorn. Mom made perfect popcorn. She used a copper bottomed kettle over a gas stove. There was never a burnt or unpopped kernel. I guess it sort of was Olympic Popcorn. It was appropriate for its technical difficulty and level of artistry. I have learned to appreciate these elements, whether in popcorn or Olympic sports. Yes, I miss watching the Games with her. In her memory, I put her picture facing towards the TV when the games are on.
Fast forward to the year the Jamaicans first entered the Winter Olympics. I cannot imagine what level of faith it would take to even aspire to such an ‘impossible dream’. Or what level of determination it would take to remain on task. I could not fathom what strength of spirit would feed the optimism. But then, I had never been to Jamaica.
Other than soaking in the Caribbean sun, my only ‘goal’ on that 1st trip was to find an Olympic Bobsled Team t-shirt. I came away from that island with all the usual tropical tourist memories and mementos. I found the t-shirt, and learned that the sport is driving a bobsleigh, not sled. And I learned where the team found their spirit, determination and resilience. It is, to me, what defines the people of Jamaica. I have come to know some of those special folks, solidifying my opinion. My husband met them on our honeymoon, and came away with the same thoughts. We’ve been back 5 times, and hope to again. Not just for sun, sand, jerk chicken and Red Stripe beer. It’s the people. There are few words to describe them. Warm, yes, but not just from the sun, it’s from the heart.
So the Bobsleigh team did not make it this year, and I am disappointed. But there was a representative in the Parade of Nations. His name is Errol Kerr, and his sport is Ski Cross. Yes, we’ll root for Team USA; we are after all, Americans. But we will be rooting for Team Jamaica as well, because we are, after all, Jamericans. Respect concrete Errol!
The week has gone by so fast! But not as fast as world record setting pace of Usain Bolt of Jamaica! I was rooting for him when he competed in the Beijing Olympics last year too. Just as I have also rooted for the Jamaican Bobsled team. This will come as no surprise to the people who know me as a ‘Jamerican’.
Yes, I do love Wisconsin and the United States of America. These represent my home; they are my roots. Jamaica, W.I. (West Indies) is representative of my wings. Not only have I had wonderful vacations there, I discovered part of my soul there. Maybe it was the Caribbean ocean waves in that beautiful aqua blue. Maybe it was the warmth of the sun, or the cool of the tradewinds. Maybe it was the exotic wonder of a tropical place with waterfalls and vividly colored birds. Maybe it was the rum. Or maybe it was the people. There in this third world country, many true hardships do prevail. But the people remain hard working and hopeful for a better day. I do admire these island folk. They are always ready to laugh, to sing and to dance. There is sweetness to them, even the grumpiest of taxi drivers. Their Faith, whether Christian or Rastafarian is their compass. When expressed in their music it is as uplifting as it is infectious.
There will be threads of these reflections in future posts. I wasn’t really sure when I was going to start working it in, but celebrating Jamaica’s accomplishments in the World championships seemed as good a time as any.
The week has been busy in other ways. My biggest accomplishment was installing WI-FI all by myself. Who knew I would ever be able to celebrate my own geekiness? I did not know I even possessed an inner geek! It makes for endless possibilities. (Well maybe not in Track and field; I walk faster than I can run) The other big excitement is discovering that Hallmark has an ongoing competition for greeting cards. Apparently this has been going on for at least a year already; I can’t imagine how I could not know. And I cannot wait till they announce the next version. I have been in training for this all my life. I will keep posting about this adventure as it evolves. Stay tuned...
Yes, I am an Olympic junkie. I think it may be in my DNA. I remember watching with my grandparents, and with my parents. And then there were special events that I watched with my Mom, such as Ladies Figure Skating. That event was so significant, it rated popcorn. Mom made perfect popcorn. She used a copper bottomed kettle over a gas stove. There was never a burnt or unpopped kernel. I guess it sort of was Olympic Popcorn. It was appropriate for its technical difficulty and level of artistry. I have learned to appreciate these elements, whether in popcorn or Olympic sports. Yes, I miss watching the Games with her. In her memory, I put her picture facing towards the TV when the games are on.
