Poor, Rayray! It is that time that comes along every two years where I put my foot down and say that sports will be seen on our television. That's right ... It's time for the Olympics.

Before I get too far into this, I should say that I love to watch sports, but I am not really addicted to any particular ones. Except for basketball, I can say that I am more than happy to have it going on the television screen and read a book, play a computer game, or do something else while it is playing. I do have to admit to a particular weakness for baseball and tennis. Alas, Ray is not a jock. Of the two of us, most people would probably think it the opposite. I mean, he is the big, burly one. I am the smaller, more brainy *cough*nerdy*cough one. Maybe it is because my mom was such a huge sports fan. I guess that means I own my addiction to soaps and sports to her. What a combo!

So, Ray was warned. Starting at 7:30pm on Friday night, the television is mine for the next three weeks. When I was home, the Olympics would be on. I don't want to hear about it.

The Olympics are something special. Yeah, it is just folks playing at games, but it is something more. When it comes to the athletes, it is about their hopes and dreams. We watch on hoping they will do well. For me, it isn't about just the Americans, though, there is a huge amount of pride in them when the national anthem plays. It is about the fact that all of these athletes had dediccated their lives and overcome so much to be here, to represent their countries, and to capture the dreams.

Besides that, though, is the whole idea of the Olympics. It is about setting aside our differences and our international challenges to lete our kids (and adults) compete in the spirit of peace. In the process we get to see people rise and be the best that they can be physically. We also get to see them be the best they can be as human beings as they support lesser abled athletes or cheer each other on. Yesterday a Russian and a Georgian hugged to congratulate each other on winning medals as their two countries were fighting what might turn into a war.

I guess it is because of those ideals, that I get that same feeling I have when I go to a live school or college game. You just get caught up in the moment and the excitement flares. The adrenaline gets going. The tears well up at times.

It is just such a wonderful experience.