Was I ever a gymnast? No. I'd like to attribute that to growing up in smalltown Illinois. There's not a whole lot of opportunity for such activities. I could have been great. Sigh.
Anyway, growing up, I loved gymnastics. My absolute favorite movie was Nadia, the biographical movie of Nadia Comaneci. I watched it at least once a day. You know how every parent has to hide a movie/toy/snack because their kid can't get enough of it? Yeah, that was mine. My mom bought me a leotard. My dad built me a balance beam. I was in heaven.
I still love the Summer Olympics for this reason. Gymnastic world championships and exhibition meets, while entertaining, just do not compare.
So you can imagine how excited I was to start attending a university that had a successful gymnastics team. Last fall, I only made it to one meet. It was heaven.
But who went with me? My husband. Bad idea. But he owed me. I can't remember why, but he definitely owed me. It was so exhilirating to watch. It was also entertaining to hear J's commentary:
Me: Ooooh! Will you get me a snocone?
J: No. We're in a recession.
J: I feel like I'm in Limited Too. (in regards to all the girls cheering and chanting)
J: I've seen at least 6 or 7 guys that would qualify for pedophile status.
J: Look at how ugly that girl is. Her nose is gigantic...Man, I should be a commentator.
J: I'd like gymnastics a whole lot more if they didn't work with mats. Be confident. Only have concrete underneath you. I think I'll suggest that for the Xgames next year.
J: The floor routine would be ten times better if they required them to do the worm across the mat.
J: Why was her score so low?
Me: Her legs came apart at least 3 times.
J: Well, that's not very ladylike, is it?
(After a girl NAILED this floor routine and everyone started cheering)
J: Shit's weak.
I was amused. Needless to say, I'm excited for the season to start this fall. If you live in Lexington, I will be hounding you to go with me. Be prepared.
What's your childhood-but-never-developed passion?
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