I've got a fever... and the only prescription is more Olympics!

The 2010 Winter Olympics have been playing around the clock here at the Teal household over the last week. Evan and Aaron have even caught the spirit of the games and race around the house competing in speed skating and cross country skiing (as Thomas Jansen and T. Breaker, respectively.) I have really enjoyed the winter games this year, but I enjoy them much more as a Canadian than as an American.

I grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan cheering on our athletes against the US and the rest of the world every four years. I remember jumping up and down with joy when Ben Johnson won the 100m in the '88 summer games [that gold didn't last long]. But watching the Olympics these days I can't help but feel a bit torn because of my close ties to both countries.

I have dual citizenship, but I live as an American. I have a US drivers license, birth certificate, and passport. And I am nearing the point when I will have lived in America longer than I lived in Canada (June 2012!). I have a great life here in the states and I think this is a great country. But watching the Olympics stirs up my Canadian blood.

So as I continue to watch the competitions (sans figure skating or ice dancing *bleh*) I'll be cheering Canada first and the US second.

For what countries do you cheer?

oh canada

My family (Becky, Kids, Me, My Parents) is preparing for the long journey to Niagara Falls, Ontario to visit my grandparents. We weren't able to visit my grandpa after his stroke in June because Ashlyn was about to be born, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to see him again. I don't want to take this opportunity for granted. In just the last couple of weeks a couple different kids in the youth group have lost their grandparents and it's reminded me of what a joy it is to be able to have them in our lives still.

The drive, on the other hand, will be a challenge. It'll be our first significant trip with 3 kids. Both the boys traveled really well as infants (they still do), let's hope Ashlyn got some of those genes too.

Canada, here we come!

flyin jazz

An Air Canada regional carrier has dumped their life vests in favour of fuel savings. [read about it]. Apparently 'Jazz' has decided that the 25 pounds of life preservers are not work their weight in gas.

They still have the flotation seat cushions and the only significant bodies of water they fly over are the great lakes. but is that enough to keep you feeling safe?

to me, it's not a big deal. I'm not afraid of flying and with the way they track flights these days i'm sure a rescue team would be deployed even before you hit the water.

What do you think? would this give you second thoughts before flying 'Jazz'?

Happy Canada Day!

O Canada!

Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

the habs are back

I've not followed hockey for several years. Ever since the 04-05 lockout i've not really cared about the nhl. It doesn't help that my favourite team (montreal) has stunk lately. but that's all over now. The canadiens have had a great season, but they nearly blew it in the first round of the playoffs. They were up 3-1 in the series and then lost the next 2 games, bringing the exciting/terrifying game 7. as sean baligian mentioned this morning on his radio show (am1130 wdfn) a game 7 is incredibly exciting as a fan of the sport, but it's dreadful if your team is playing in it. i was really worried that they were going to lose (especially after watching the pistons lose the other night), but they decimated the bruins and can move forward. stanley cup here we come!