Three Rambling Thoughts

-The TV is on in the background, and I'm half-listening to the Olympic Curling match for gold. I watch very little Olympics in winter and none at all during the summer games. With the event in Vancouver this year, and Canada's excellent showing, it's been hard to avoid or ignore. I'm quite jaded about the Olympics, generally, but the postive effects on children is good and the pride this country has shown for these particular games has broken our national focuses on the end of winter blues and the Ottawa shenanigans.

-This final has Team Canada, led by Kevin Martin playing against Team Norway, led by Thomas Ulsrud. I'm rooting for Norway. Since my wonderful trip of a lifetime there a few years ago, I feel my Norwegian heritage much stronger than the German and Scottish roots. I loved Norway and I loved the people. In my family history quest, as I'm researching a bit of Norway and a bit of the early life of Norwegians in Minnesota and North Dakota, I have a connection with my Mom. I believe I have a better understanding of what shaped her family, thus what shaped her, and thus what shaped me. A long spiralling connection that binds me to my heritage and will affect my daughter and any descendants I may have in the future.

-The Kid faced some challenges this week and she has more coming up. There were times of tension between us the past couple weeks, as I tried to keep my tendency to instruct her and nag her and convince her that my way is best in check. I'm the Mom - I'm always right, aren't I? She listened and took some advice, but held her ground where she needed to. The world didn't fall apart. Although I might have done some things differently, she did well getting through this tough, tough week. I'm proud of her. I need to tell her that. It's so easy to adopt the Mom role and treat her as though she is a young child that needs constant guidance. I also have to tell her, in spite of my desire to exert control, I know she is an adult. She is a remarkable young woman.