Spice Up Your Life...

Growing up, I wasn't allowed to listen to "secular" music.  If it had drums or any sort of beat, I wasn't allowed to listen to it.  However, my sister didn't really care about the rules, and broke nearly every one of them.  One of them, of course, was the music rule.  Looking back on it, I can understand why my mom was so strict, but I still have a place in my heart for one of my first "bad" songs I learned - Wannabe by Spice Girls.  I also remember when my sister and I conned my mom into letting us rent Spice World at EZ Stop in Larimore.  I'm pretty sure mom had no idea what it was about (and we probably watched it after she fell asleep).  Anyway, tonight was the closing ceremony for the 30th Olympiad in London, and The Spice Girls performed.  It brought me back to my middle school days...and my love for Baby Spice.  Also, Posh looked awful.  I think she forgot some of the words and she looked completely uncomfortable dancing around on the top of her car.

However, after watching the original Wannabe music video, I'm realizing Posh didn't really contribute much to the music. How on earth did David Beckham notice her? She wore all black and barely sang...

Bringing Home The Gold

The USA women's gymnastics team won the gold! And, apparently, I ruined a lot of people's days by posting about it to Facebook.  Seriously, if you don't want to know about what's going on in the world, it's probably a good idea to NOT read Facebook updates...

Here's my favorite picture from the day.  Gabby looks like she's on cloud nine!

Thanks, Huffington Post!

And then here is Jordyn Wieber with her medal.  If I had a gold medal, I would wear it every day.

Congrats, Jordyn!

And then, Michael Phelps made history today by becoming the most decorated Olympic athlete.  He won  gold and silver medals today, for a grand total of 19.  That's insane.  How wonderful for him!

Congrats on the win, Michael!

I didn't work out today because the Olympians worked so hard.  Maybe tomorrow I'll hit up the gym...

Persistence Pays Off

I've always believed that persistence pays off, but when I read this article, I couldn't help but think about it again.  This guy is 71, and still competing in the Olympics (This summer will be his third time competing in the Games, with his Olympics debut way back at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.).  That's kind of a big deal.

Hiroshi Hoketsu from Japan

Gymnast Eye Makeup

I've already mentioned my love of the Olympics.  But last night, I couldn't help but notice the amazing eye makeup on the gymnasts.  The Russians could get rid of their copious amounts of glitter sprayed in their hair, but I'm really appreciating these young girls' eye makeup skills.

Daniele Hypolito from Brazil sported a colorful look.

Jordyn Wieber from USA had a dramatic, smoky look.

Jordyn's eye makeup even withstood her heartbreaking news.

Gabby Douglas from USA had another smoky look.

Yamilet Pena Abreu of Dominican Republic sported light blue eyeshadow.

Overall, I'm a little jealous of their ability to use eyeliner and eye shadow.  It's an art I'm working on, but maybe I should have been a gymnast so I'd have that skill.  Or, maybe I'll be one of those crazy dance moms who lives vicariously through their children...and then I can learn how to do my eye makeup.  Or, maybe, I'll just visit Patrick a few more times to get a better grip on my makeup application skills.

Oh, and here's a look at the top view of the glittery hair from the Russian gymnasts.  It's a bit much, in my opinion.  It reminds me a little bit of my sophomore year formal.  It was a bit much then, too.

Glittery hair from the Russian gymnasts.

And then, for your viewing pleasure (and also mine), here's a clip of Aly Raisman's parents during her uneven bar routine from yesterday's event.  It's hilarious.  It's exactly what we all looked like (and I was running on an elliptical machine).

Olympic Obsession

I love the Olympics.  Gymnastics is my favorite event.  I love the opening ceremonies.  I love the news coverage.  And...I love Princess Kate...and she's bound to be at this year's Olympics in London (here she is prepping for the games).  How convenient for her, right?  She even has cute blue pants for the event!

Princess Kate and the princes greet the Olympic torch at Buckhingham Palace.

Anyway, tomorrow is the kickoff for the events, and I'm proud to watch fellow Iowans compete.  Gabby Douglas is competing in gymnastics and Lolo Jones is competing in track.  I hope the best for these two girls - bring home the gold!

Then, there are the Kappas who will be competing:  Jen Kessy and Evie Stevens.  Go Kappa!

And, of course, there's always Michael Phelps.  I don't even know how to swim, but I love watching him.  He's like a fish!  Hoping the best for him, as well!  Maybe one year, they'll need me to be an Olympic Flag Bearer...a girl can wish?

I'll be parked on my sofa tomorrow at 6:30 PM with my channel set to 813 (the high-def version of NBC) watching the opening ceremony (seriously, why is Ryan Seacrest hosting this?).  If you call, I won't answer - I have very important things to watch.  If you can't tell, this girl is pumped!  GO TEAM USA!