Divested

Can you hear that? It's the sound of me kicking and screaming.

Vests. They're back for fall. And, I wish this trend would die. Like knickers.

(I don't know who made knickers mainstream in the 80s but they need a good thump in the head. Can you hear that brainstorm? "I have an idea. Let's provide women with corduroy bottoms that make their hips look bigger. Brilliant!")

But I digress.

I wore vests in the 80s. I even made one in my 7th grade sewing class. My mom saved it but I won't be busting it out for fall.

I don't like wearing menswear. Ever. My aversion stems from being forced to wear it when I was younger because there were no other options for tall chicks. And, I know vests have been updated to fit women but they were still designed for men.

This is me crossing my arms. No vests for me.

I Disagree.

Jimmy Carter should be ashamed of himself.

In an interview with USA Today, the former president said that John McCain is "milking every possible drop of advantage" from his time in a Vietnamese prison.

Seriously?

John McCain spent 5.5 years as a POW. It's my understanding that he can no longer lift his arms above his head because of the torture methods he was subjected to while in captivity.

Regardless of your party affiliation, don't you think someone who spent more than 5 years in captivity for his country has earned the right to talk about the experience whenever he pleases?

You're better than that, Jimmy Carter.

Finally!

The other night while watching the Olympics, rowing came on. I started to change the channel before deciding I should support a lesser-viewed sport.

I'm so glad I didn't turn the channel. I finally saw what I've been waiting for the entire Olympics.

After winning gold (yah-hoo!), the American rowers were presented with their medals. When the national anthem played, they started to sing along.

Finally.

I didn't see Michael Phelps, in all his awesome-ness, utter one line of the national anthem in seven or eight chances. These chicks got one moment of glory and they were totally rockin' it out.

Go rowers. You have a new fan.

Yowser!

Can we talk about Michael Phelps' swim trunks?

I'm not talking about the full-body Speedo that's supposed to make him faster. I'm talking about when he just wears the bottoms.

Those bottoms are looooowwww. As in, one wrong move and he'll be swimming with an extra fin, kind of low....

Go USA!

I love the Olympics. I mean I looooovvveee the Olympics. I once reviewed the list of Olympic sports just to see if I could compete in something. Anything. Sadly, my fencing skills aren't what they used to be. And, being 6'2, the gymnastics leotard was a little short in the crotch.

Every time I hear the Olympic theme song I get tears in my eyes. I've actually considered putting it on my iPod. The games represent such grit, determination and sacrifice. Can you imagine training every day of your life for four years just for one chance to compete?

I'm a sucker for those Bob Costas feature stories where they show the obstacles the athlete has overcome for just one chance to win. I have to fan myself to tone down the tears.

I attended the Olympics in Atlanta and remember it as an incredibly fun time. People from every corner of the world were milling about in Centennial Park. We were all friends and neighbors at that point. It was a refreshing change from today's seemingly hostile international scene.

My hubby doesn't care for the Olympics. Sigh. He has to be a Communist. How can you not want to watch Carl Lewis or Flo Jo? How can you not well up when Kerri Strug lands on one foot to seal the gold? If anything, how can you not want to watch those sand volleyball players in their tiny uniforms?

To all the Olympic athletes: You make America proud. God bless you.