Happy Hallmark Day, and an ode to the Olympics

Thankfully, the gf hates Valentine's Day with a passion, so I don't have to scrounge around and find out which insanely over-priced for one day piece of chocolate or flower will keep me out of trouble today. What a stupid "holiday."

Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind buying flowers for my lady friend. In fact, I'm a big believer of giving flowers for no reason other than I wanted to. As for chocolate, I try to bring candy bars with me every time I leave the house with the gf. This way, when she gets tired and cranky I can bribe her into sugar-induced happiness for at least as long as it takes to get home. (When I get tired and cranky like that, the gf starts looking for hot dog stands or bars, whichever comes first and preferably all at once.)

Plus, $50 bucks for 12 measly little flowers that usually cost $15 is simply a fucking rip-off.

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I love the Olympics. I know that they're overblown and jingoistic, and I just don't care.

I like that sports that aren't even close to being on my radar all of a sudden became Must See TV. I like trying to figure out if someone is a great cross-country skier or merely a good one. I love when someone absolutely nails their event for a gold, like when the French guy one the downhill with an absolutely perfect run one year after blowing out his knee. I like it even more when someone busts their ass in front of the home crowd, gets a bronze medal, and a standing ovation, like the Italian guy in the long speed skating event.

I like the luge. I'm not so hot on ice dancing or figure skating, but curling? Not sure why, but I like it. I love the fact that random countries completely dominate sports, and I love the fact that very often the person/team that wins was not the favotite to win.

I like how Bob Costas makes everything that happens seem like the most important thing that's ever happened, and I love the fact that unlike professional athletes, I know all of the Olympic athletes are actually trying.