Wednesday, August 10, 2016

It's All About the Gold

One of the things I always look forward to on Tuesday is reading and responding to Joyce's
probing and thought provoking questions for the

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

Yes, I have watched a good bit of the Olympics this week.  My favorites are of course swimming and gymnastics, but I have also enjoyed watching Rugby this year.  It is a newly added sport and it is so exciting.  Since our grandson played Rugby in HS, we have an elementary understanding and a deep appreciation for the game. Direct TV has given us access to several options of sports and events taking place all during the day and I have enjoyed watching these.

There are actually three events that stand out in my mind as iconic moments.
First would be USA's Rulon Gardner's 1984 wrestling match against the Russian wrestler who hadn't lost a match in 13 years and had a brutal reputation.  Rulon was just a country boy who worked hard on his little farm.  In overtime, he dominated and had a major upset for the Gold metal.
Second, is Mary Lou Retton's spectacular Gold Metal All Around performance in gymnastics, also in 1984.  She was the first American to receive this Gold Metal honor.  Mary Lou had injured her knee and had surgery only a short time earlier and no one was sure she would be able to compete much less dominate.

Third, and perhaps most memorable was in 1992 in Barcelona, when British runner, Derek Redmond tore his hamstring during a semi-final race and his father ran onto the track and helped his son complete the race.  Amazing!
2. Have you ever been to Rio?  No
How about the place that started it all-GreeceYes!!!
Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person?  No
Is that something you'd like to do?  Yes, perhaps if it was held in the USA.
Have you ever met an Olympian in person?  No

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

make a splash (diving) - I was able to get back to the gym this morning after letting my abused hip heal for a couple weeks and spent my time in the pool.  That will be the extent of my workouts until after my neck checkup in Sept. and eventual hip surgery.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

Enjoying my granddaughter's visit last week.  We did so many fun things and we both earned a gold medal.

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?

My motivation comes from knowing I don't have a choice if I want to be mobile as I get older.

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.

I think I'm probably both.  My grandchildren tell me I'm the youngest of the grandmothers of their friends regardless of my age and that makes me feel good.  But I also know that I am an old soul when it comes to morals and expectations.

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?

Nope and nope!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

This is as close to making a political statement as I will go.
Elizabeth "Libby" Day
Elizabeth "Libby" Day

Hello, My name is Libby. I enjoy reading good books, painting, blogging, spending time with friends and whatever my "Heart" leads me to do. Welcome to Beauty Without Within.

10 comments:

  1. So glad you were able to get back in the pool and also have time with your granddaughter. I'm sure she feels well loved. Nothing like special time with a grandmother. Take care and continue healing every day.

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  2. That's one unattractive first lady {{{giggling}}}. Enjoyed your answers and thanks for the giggles over that photo and lets hope/pray that doesn't happen. smiles.

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  3. Oh my goodness. That last pic of First Lady is too much. May it never be. I really like your answer on number 6 because that is true about myself. Your memories of the olympics are really great ones. I have never heard of the wrestler and I had forgotten about the last one you pictured. That is so moving.

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  4. I just found your blog through Lea's.
    I enjoyed your HodgePodge answers, and I am a new follower.
    I love all things Louisiana (I live in South Texas).

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  5. That's quite the photo at the end of your post! But I think Bill is far more to the center than is his wife. Time will tell what is going to happen in this most unusual Presidential election year. May God raise up a third choice. Please. BTW, if you have hip replacement surgery, do NOT exercise for at least 6 weeks afterwards. Just a word of caution. My original surgeon had me exercising at 2.5 weeks and I ended up with a displaced implant and had to have another surgery 2 1/2 years later (just) because no bone had grown in around the first one. The surgeon from Mayo (2nd replacement) required no weight bearing for 8 weeks. I'm warning everyone I know who's contemplating hip replacement.

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  6. Goodness, I'm so sorry that you are now contemplating another surgery, but hopefully you will be good as new after a new hip. So enjoyed your answers!

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  7. Oh, my goodness, Libby...that photo cracks me up! I'm afraid there's more truth to that than any of us cares to admit. UGH. You do look amazing to be a grandmother...whatever you're doing, it works!

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  8. I like your favorite moments in Olympics past. I'm contemplating pool exercise since my left hip is acting up. OYE. Glad you could get back to the pool. How fun to spend time with your granddaughter. Hope the rest of the week goes well for you!

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  9. I'd forgotten about the Rulon win, what a great moment in time! Thanks for reminding me. I too have hip issues and find the pool a good solution for exercise. Hope you continue to heal and fell better.
    Cheers!
    Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

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  10. Such a fun post. I am watching then olympics. Love watching the gymnasts, swimming and more. I swim quite a bit during the summer. I have a son named John and a daughter named Christy. I am now a great-grandmother. You look fabulous. I also had a. Nice visit with my granddaughter last week.

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