Oh Canada!

That title has more than one meaning. First, the song. I think I can almost sing Canada's national anthem I've heard it so many times over the course of these Olympics. I'm not complaining. I think it's great that Canada won the most gold medals. After their previous home Olympic experiences, they deserve it them (even if I was hoping with everything in me that the USA would win the men's hockey game today!)

Second, Canada the nation. I think that if I had to choose another country of allegiance, Canada would be my choice. That's not to say that I agree with everything Canadian. Heck, I don't agree with everything American, but I think that I could be a happy Canadian. The US and Canada have an interesting interconnectedness that I think a lot of people on both sides of the border overlook or ignore. I'm probably guilty of it sometimes. I love that during these Olympics there were little reminders about that interspersed among the athletic achievements.

Third, Canada the beautiful. It's been fifteen years since my one and only trip to Canada. The family spent about a week exploring Vancouver Island and then the city of Vancouver. I'd like to visit the other provinces. The visuals of polar bears and rocky coastlines has bumped Canada up a few spots on my travel list.

Tempted to Play Hooky

We've had really beautiful weather the last few days. They're the kind of days I don't expect to see some of my students. Surprisingly, they were all present on Friday. Granted they weren't very motivated, and immediately started with "Do we have to be here? It's too nice for school." I did admit it would be a good day to load up quads and go to the sand. The kids were all for that, and for a moment I was so tempted. But responsible me beat out impulsive me.

Olympics Fever

I admit the Olympic Games have a huge effect on me. I remember as a kid keying in on the upcoming games the way many kids anticipate Christmas. Living on the west coast means tape delays and as I kid I hated having to go to be early and miss the medals ceremonies. As an adult, my reaction is much the same.

Last night I yawned my way through a really great - in my opinion - Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Games. I really enjoyed the inclusion of Canada's First Peoples, and while I admit the Beijing OC was beautiful in 2008, Vancouver's spectacular was enchanting. I admit, I want to go back to Canada.

Even with the tragic death of the Georgian luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili - My heart goes out to his family and teammates - I still find the Olympics to be more than just an athletic competition. It's about fellowship and striving for a goal. It's about tradition and innovation. It's remembering the past and hoping for the future.

So, for the next fourteen and a half days, I will be glued to my television as much as possible to catch the Olympic Spirit. And to my friends and family...I'm sorry if I ignore you. I'll get back to you after the Closing Ceremonies. :)

Horoscope 2010

So, a year ago I posted my birthday horoscope and planned to review it this year to see how real life and the stars aligned. I'm sad to say....not so well. The closest I came to validity (for lack of a better word) is that a year ago I knew that my job might be jeopardy. Luckily, I'm still employed.

I've decided to try this again. Here's my 2010 Birthday Horoscope.

"You cut out some of the superfluous junk in your life and get to the heart of what makes you happy. It's the difference between being busy and being productive. A business deal in April has the potential to make you rich. A friendly connection leads to adventure in May. Stay ethical and invest shrewdly. Sagittarius and Scorpio people adore you. Your luck numbers are : 6, 20, 155, 39 and 19." by Holiday Mathis of Creators Syndicate.