Olympic Fever

It's less than five months until the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and if I didn't have it already, spending two days a the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with all its energy and excitement has firmly secured the fever in my soul...Olympic Fever.

Careful you just might catch it.  


I have had the fever since 1984, when my dad packed up our Mazda 626 and drove us down to southern California for the LA Games.  That was the moment I fell in love with everything Olympic, swelled with pride for the USA, and forever made my colors RED, WHITE and BLUE. 


Yes, the fever ebbs sometimes during the Olympic cycle, but the flame never really dies. All it takes is one spark, one mention of the Games, one story of a Hopeful, and the fever ignites all over again. Then I, like many others, just want to spread it.


What I love most about the fever is that it blocks out any bad feelings about our wonderful country, and for 17 magical days, it brings our entire nation together.  I can feel the love and pride as a spectator, and I when I was on the blocks on day eight of the '92 games almost 20 years ago, I could most surly feel it as an athlete.  The fever is powerful, inspiring and packs a punch! 


So this is just a warning, you better get ready...Because before you know it, you will be waving the American flag (you didn't even know you had) while chanting "GO U-S-A!"

Figure It Out returns to TV!

Nickelodeon is bringing back Figure It Out! Here's my take and a few photos from my time hosting.

"I’m thrill that Nickelodeon is bringing back 'Figure It Out'. I loved my time hosting the show, and I'm excited that they're putting the slime back in our lives! Now my kids’ generation is going to get the opportunity to experience the game show that was such a great part of my life. I am unsure at this time if I’ll be involved, but loved being part of the Nick family and would relish the opportunity to be part of the show's return."

Introducing my kids to "Figure It Out"

Recently, my kids have started to hear from their friends that I was on TV.  Apparently lots of elementary schoolers and their parents watch the Food Network.  Kids would come up to my daughter and say, "We saw your mommy cooking?"  Skye didn't know what to make of it except to say, "Can I go on TV next time you are on?"  

Hosting Figure It Out

I figured it might be time to show her my most prized work, my time hosting "Figure It Out."  Problem was, I didn't have any episodes.  Coincidentally, I was in NY a few days later and met with some of my pals at Nickelodeon so I asked the producer of the show for a few copies. They were delivered to my doorstep a few weeks later, and I am not going to lie, I was pretty stoked! I couldn't wait to show my kids the greatest slime show EVER. (sorry Double Dare) 

So I sat them down in front of the TV with a huge smile and just waited, watching their  as Jay said... "SUMMER SAN-DERS!!!" Nothing.  I watched them as the kids got slimed. A few giggles. After 15 minutes, Skye turned to me and very gently said, "Mommy, can we please watch Sponge Bob?" My husband started rolling and I was doubled over.  The greatest lesson I learned when hosting a kids show…you never know what kids are going to say and you better be ready for anything.  

The same holds true for parenting!

Bumpers bring us together

Think of a sport that everyone in the family can not only enjoy, but fully participate in.  Sure, golf is great…and I am hoping I will get better with age, but my 4-year-old can't play on the course yet, so that is not it. Swimming might work, but it's pretty tough to compete against the little ones.  My suggestion: Try bowling! 

Bowling is such a fun game and provides great friendly competition that puts a smile on everyone's face. The whole family can play the same game, at the same time…from 4 to 64!  And really, there really isn't anything more hilarious or precious than watching your 64-year-old mother get as competitive as your 4-year-old! 

Bumpers bring us together!