2012
School is back in Session!
VACATION in South Florida See inside photo
2012 Summer Olympics in London -Some of my Favorites-
Jasmine & Will’s Summer Wedding VA Fall Festivals
Presidential Election Time What’s Cooking in the Kitchen ?
Volume 12 June - August 2012 Issue No.5
Check us out Parasailing: www.brofordmoore.blogspot.com
Summer, fun,
swim, ocean, laughter, bait, vacation, swimsuits, sight-seeing, meet
people
sunshine, sandy white beaches, rolling waves, cousins, activities, relax, good food, parasailing, sunbathing, instagram T X T N G & D R V I N G ‌ I T C A N WA I T
Join the Movement .
http://www.itcanwait.org/ No text message, email, website or video is worth the risk of endangering the lives of others on the road. Pledge to never text and drive and take action to educate others about the dangers of texting and driving. #ITCANWAIT
NO TEXT IS WORTH THE RISK. IT CAN WAIT.
In this Issue: Family Summer Cookout ---------------------------------
Spotlight Jasmine’s Wedding -----------------------------------
Back 2 School in 2012 by Angie Ford What Grade are you In? Making those Grades Report Card Incentive ---------------------------------
Mo’s Small Talk South Florida Vacation w/ cousin, Tatyana Health and Skin Tips -----------------------------------
In the Kitchen My New Favorite Pasta – Bow Tie with Asparagus ------------------------------------
What’s Happening in the News Family Updates and Upcoming Events Boys Football Schedule (Devin, Mani, and Darius) ---------------------------------------
My Favorite 2012 Olympic winners CORRECTION TO LAST ISSUE (Spring 2012): College Graduate page; Tye’s last name was incorrectly spelled. It should have been Beal and his mother’s name is Tameka
A
cknowledgements of My Support Team
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue and special thanks as always to my mother, Angie Ford and to my Aunt, Cathy Brown for their help and support. Cathy gets me the list of birthdays and I truly appreciate her effort and support on that. To my readers, I thank you as well for taking the time to read my newsletters and giving me your feedback. CHANGES AHEAD: I have to take a break from my newsletter and focus more on school and sports. So the next newsletter you see will be done by other family members until I can get back into it. I will still do my Mo‟s Corner.
Family “INDOOR” Cookout By: Angie Ford
[Bobby with his girls: Robin, Sam, and Amber]
On of the HOTTEST days of the year, July 7, 2012 and I decide to throw a family cookout. First, we got hit by this unexpected nasty storm a few days before the cookout where we were out of power for days. I got to the point where I was frustrated for not having no power to PUMP THAT A/C because it was Africa hot outside all damn day and night which means inside the house it was pure hell. The generator we used could only do oh so much. So needless to say, I decided to cancel the cookout and then hours later the power comes back on. Hallelujah is all I could say as I stomped on the devils feet and told him to get the stepping and take his hot azz on up out the house. Didn‟t want to play none of his games anyway cause he sure does try hard to entertain you with some evil stuff, but my GOD (our GOD) has the power and he restored it that day. So I then I figured that it was okay to push forward with the cookout. But had I known it was going to be the hottest damn day of the year I would have kept the cookout ”cancelled”. OMG it was HOT! However, I certainly didn‟t want
to turn back around and cancel again, so I went ahead and had it, but pulled everything inside as well as starting it later during the day rather than have folks sit out in that hot heat baking themselves. We all managed and had a good time. It is always good to see family during the holidays as we barely get together as it is since the Dransville days with Nanny and Pap and since the lost of Barbara Ford (Eric‟s mom). Such good memories and good times at Dranesville; that was the “root” of the tree for a lot of us and for me personally. I want my girls to experience that and feel the connection that their parents have with their relatives and know that it was all uprooted from Dranseville (for me) and from Railroad Ave (for their dad). I think it‟s important for them to connect and bond with their cousins and really know what family is all about. Catch up on what everyone has been doing, eat, laugh, and enjoy one another's company. I was able to get just a few photos as I was running around. I missed my photographer, Aretha who couldn‟t make it out. Thank you all who came out regardless of the hot, sticky heat and made it a really nice event. Enjoyed all of the company and look forward to doing it again next year, but in the Fall for our next 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off. (ajf)
Monique‟s Summer Newsletter - Issue 7 – August 2012
Family “INDOOR” Cookout Photos B&B enjoying a cupcake
Friend of Renee’s, Z
Kevin with his 2 favorite ladies
Guest, Dad, Debbie
FA M I L Y ………“I Do” August 18, 2012 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church,
Jasmine and husband, Will exchanged wedding vows uniting them as Husband and Wife, Mr. and Mrs, A Married couple, Hitched, Til Death Do Us Part, all the other wedding phrases of a newlywed couple. It was a such a beautiful wedding. I loved the colors, the dresses just basically everything. It was for one a beautiful ceremony and a good way to hang out with family and reconnect with everyone. When I first saw Jasmine‟s dress, I honestly was so amazed. It was so pretty. It the type of dress I would want when I would want to get married. During the ceremony, there was alot of babies and toddlers making noises and what not. Mya even tried to run down the aisle and I had to be the one to run to go get her with my heels on. Not fun. During the reception I sat next to Khalyn, and we talked and caught each other up on things. Also we were in many picture from Aretha who was flashing and flashing away with her camera. I was getting a headache from the flash. Thanks Auntie. Also during the reception there was this part where a family member of Will‟s did a solo. My, my, my, can she sing. DaMani thought he could hit the high notes like she did, but sorry cuzzo, stick to Football. Now the food….Lordy Lordy…. the food was really good and so was the dessert.
Bride and Groom with Best Man and Groomsmen
SPOTLIGHT Your Grandfather would have been really proud of you Jasmine. I am thankful that his siblings were able to share in your happiness and beautiful wedding. You were absolutely gorgeous like your Mom was in her wedding. Took me back for a minute. Be and Stay Happy!!! - Aunt Betty Brown I loved the cake and all the other finger licking deserts. Now rolls around first dance after the bride and groom finished eating. Will and Jasmine had their moment on a beautiful song they picked. Todd came on the floor and interrupted so he could dance with his daughter, but what was so funny was when Will wouldn‟t let go for a while. Everyone one was laughing. Will ended up with another partner to dance with, his mom and that was touching as well. They danced to one of my favorite Boys 2 Men song, Momma. They didn‟t play the whole thing because it‟s a long song. After the first dance, the reception started jumping when the DJ played “The Wobble”. The ladies started to hit the floor and when Renee went to the dance floor Mya immediately went along and was dancing too. Everyone was surprised on how much she danced and stayed on that floor just about all night. The Bride changed from her wedding dress to a nice black cocktail dress to enjoy the rest of her wedding reception. Then the single men and ladies did the tradition, bouquet toss and the garter belt. Nikki got the bouquet and I heard that she normally always get those bouquets. Soon the reception was coming to an end and everyone was starting to pack up and hit the road. The DJ was still playing music and some of the groomsmen were still dancing and Mya was still on the dance floor (lol). It was soon time to help clean up and I would like to say to Aunt Dottie and cousin Donna along with everyone else who helped out in the wedding, you guys did a fabulous job and the deco‟s were oh so pretty. Now my message to Jasmine and Will: “I wish you two the best with a LONGGGG wonderful lasting marriage. Love you both!
Monique
“Such a Beautiful Wedding Party. Loved how the color scheme flowed from the wedding to the reception. Family did a great job .
Bride and Groom w/Maid of Honors, Bridesmaids, and Flower girls
Aunt Dottie and Lawrence - Angie Ford
WAHOO….School is BACK in Session!
by: Angie Ford
I don‟t think you kids realize how EXCITED parents get when its time to go can‟t eat up everything in sight now just because it‟s there and you have nothing with less cleaning and fussing to tell you to pick up your stuff because YOU‟RE IN SCHOOL. Some of us can stop drinking those extra wine coolers, beer, mixed drinks due to our heads spinning with all the sibling fights and arguments because…YOU‟RE IN SCHOOL. No more “can I go here and there” like we‟re not tired after getting home from work and need to cook dinner because, YOU‟RE BACK IN SCHOOL now. AHHH,…and no more late nights with the TV blasted; now you MUST take your butt to bed at a certain time so that brain can function properly while YOU’RE IN SCHOOL . To all of you…..while its great and fun to make friends and see your current friends in school or class; remember…. “It’s ALL About MAKING THE GRADES, FIRST…....friends later” Speaking of grades, talk to Mani when you get a chance about how kept straight A‟s all year long last year. NOTHING but A‟s after A‟s after A‟s and he‟s doing some AP classes plus playing sports. I don‟t know what Yolonda and Bip are doing as parents to keep him engaged into his academics like that, but they‟re doing a GREAT JOB. For Mani‟s FINAL and LAST Quarter I thought Mom and Dad should enjoy this with him. So they received a gift card at one of Bip‟s favorite places to dine out……. Olive Garden. Enjoy guys!!
Let’s Talk about how you can Make those Grades You need to get an idea and a good look at the BIG PICTURE that‟s at the end of the rainbow. The big picture meaning ; your FUTURE beyond school. Yeah, that pot of Gold could be yours, but you need to know and “DO” what it takes to get you there. That is Focus, Determination, Hard Work, and EXCELLENT Grades throughout your entire school year….especially when it really counts in high school. I can NOT emphasis on this topic enough and will continue to reiterate it to you kids every chance I get cause that‟s all Eric and I do with Monique. We got to or she‟ll fall by the waste side and do nothing with her life to later find herself wishing she would have done this or that in school so she could have a better financial life. So if you get your mind set during 5th/6th grade of elementary and all through middle school, then you should be on point in high school with a few adjustments here and there. You too could become the next national athlete, entertainer, actor, writer, lawyer, doctor, supreme court judge, governor, hell….even PRESIDENT. But you MUST put the time in and do the “hard work” that will pay off in the end. LISTEN to your parents advise….nobody and I do mean NOBODY wants nothing but the BEST for you more than YOUR PARENTS. So MAKE THOSE GRADES.
A few photos that the parents shared of their kids
Monique‟s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011
A Little Incentive to Motivate you in School to Achieve All A’s or O’s What Grade are You In this year? ELEMENTARY Rachel Moore Londyn Gillroy Kay Frisk JD Frisk Natalie Moore Jacqueline Carter Jada Brown Jordan Brown Darius Brown Marcus Ford Jordan Spriggs Cameron Scott Trey Ellis
GRADE 1st Grader Kindergarten 2nd Grader 3rd Grader 3rd Grader 4th Grader 4th Grader 5th Grader 5th Grader 5th Grader 5th Grader 5th Grader 5th Grader
Parent/s Aretha/Woody Nicole Gibson Tasha/Danny Tasha/Danny Aretha/Woody Carolyn/Jackie Kelly/Stevie Kelly/Stevie Deirdre/Kevin LaMar Tara Tonya/Walter Junior Ellis
MIDDLE Lauren Ford Mani Neal Tatiyana Henry Devin Brown
GRADE 7th Grade 8th Grade 8th Grade 8th Grade
Trina Yolonda/Bip Donna/Todd Deirdre/Kevin
HS Monique Ford Anthony Brown Breja Scott Khalyn Brown Robbie Johnson Joseph Ellis
GRADE 9th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade
Angie/Eric Sandy/Tony Tonya/Walter Deirdre/Kevin Alice DeJon/Corey
What???, no seniors this year?
CHECK THIS OUT KIDS! 2012-2013 School Year Award Incentive for an All A’s or O’s Report Card (every quarter) Who’s going to bring home all A’s this year like Mani Neal did last year? Look at what you’ll get below in the mail. Mani can vouch that he received his random gift for every quarter, except for the last one that’s in process to be sent out. Keep in mind, if you feel you deserved a better grade than what the teacher gave you, voice your opinion and find out why you got the grade you did and tell your teacher why you felt you should have gotten better. Sometimes they “are” wrong and I’ve taught both my girls to stand up and fight for their grade. You may or may not get it changed, but it’s worth trying “IF” you know you have a good justification (reason). Also…ask about EXTRA CREDIT to bring your grade up.
1st quarter - $5 Sweet Frog GC 2nd quarter - $10 iTune GC 3rd quarter - $15 Target or Walmart GC 4th quarter - $20 Visa GC
First day Back to school.
Good Luck in school kids and DO your ABSOLUTE BEST all year around. I want to see more A’s this year on the report cards and NO C’s, D’s, and certainly no F’s. Thank you to all the parents that shared.
S T E P
I N T O
Mo’s
Corner of complete R A N D O M N E S S S m a l l Ta l k … . .
Yo…I personally LOVE this picture, my hair is a little rough, but I did just get out of the water. I like the way my tan looks and I didn‟t get a temporary sunglass tan face. AMEN, not that I have before, but I‟ve seen some folks with one and it looks silly. This summer has been really interesting and I‟ll tell you why in my small talk. I hope you‟re enjoying this issue so far.
My new Summer drink @
Hey there readers, I have a lot of small talk to get out so I‟m going to jump right into it and start off with my new reward. Team iPhone. Congratulations to me! Over the summer right before vacation I joined the bandwagon and I am now an official owner of an iPhone. YAY. Thanks mommy and daddy. Smooches! Let me tell you what I love the most about this smartphone; the APP‟s. They are amazing. Plus an iPhone gets you organized. I use my calendar, and reminders all the time. Keeps me on track with my social life and school life. My iPhone is the best phone ever. I recommend it! Now onto what I did over the summer. Nothing much but camp after camp of basketball and then a yearbook/journalism camp. I had only 2 weeks free of doing absolutely nothing before my vacation. The 3 basketball camps I did were 1) McLean Girls HS camp 2) McLean Boys HS camp and then another 3) Wooten Boys/Girls Camp.
McLean Camp • • • •
vs.
Good coaching and placement of teams Better skill learning opportunities Takes time to actually work with each individual The games last longer, and more playing time
Wooten Camp • • • • •
Coaches don’t really work with you Games are short Teams have unfair avenge Gives awards to people who really don’t deserve it. NO MORE Wooten for me.
The Yearbook Summer Camp This drink is pretty good. At first when I saw it I was like, Eww! Since I don‟t get a lot of greens into my system I thought I‟d at least try it to see if it‟ll be worth drinking several times a week. My first taste was like „Woah.. This is amazing.” Now every time I go to Robeks I get that drink because it‟s GOOD and it has greens (Kale) in it to give me some sort of veggie intake
Air Jordan’s and Lebron’s I would LOVE to have
This camp was actually really fun and a great learning experience. I got to learn more about the production of yearbooks like the way its put together and what it takes to be in yearbook class or committee. There were a lot of students there from all over the area. I am looking forward to being apart of the yearbook committee. If all goes well with this and I get more interested in this yearbook and journalism thing; I hope I can attend the other camp next summer at Virginia Tech so I can work on my journalism skills more . One other thing I‟m thinking about in relation to communication is becoming a broadcaster for the McLean High School Morning show next school year. We‟ll see how it goes and if things change because I will have to take communication electives to improve my speech and vocal skills as well as learn how to capture attention when I‟m on the air. Speaking of school….my High School year has started, how fun. I have to get used to getting up at like 5:30-ish now, GREAT . The first day wasn‟t as bad as I thought it would be. I was very excited to see all my friends. It‟s going to be an interesting year getting used to how long the classes are and how long I would be friends with the same people. I got homework the first day from my honors world geography class so that tells me what? Get ready for a lot of homework. I FINALLY got the right facial cleanser for my skin, it‟s amazing. Since I‟ve been using it my skin has become much clearer and acne free! Plus using the avocado oil makes my face smooth and very soft. I love it. So between using these products and eating more vegetables now, my skin has been looking much better.
My 2012 Vacation in South Florida with Tatyana We take our vacation the end of August just before school starts because it seems to be less crowded on the beach and at the resorts since other schools have started a few weeks before hand. I personally love going the week before school. This year they were hoping that I could at least take someone with me on vacation. I asked Khalyn and Lauren, but they were starting school the week we were traveling. I wasn‟t sure Tatyana would want to go and hesitated asking, but finally asked her anyway. I‟m glad I did because she surprised me and wanted to go. I was so GLAD that she was able to come and hand with me this summer. We haven‟t spent time together at all as cousins like I have with Lauren and Khalyn over the years. I was counting down the days until we would FINALLY get some time to get to know each other more. We had so much fun in Miami despite the first couple of days of Hurricane Isaac. I feel that we got to see a different side of each other and talked about some of our social drama around school and friends. It was really good to listen and talk with someone else that relates to what I was talking about and what she was talking about. I‟m hoping the time will bring us closer together as cousins like our moms are with each other.
You know what would be really nice and FUN? If Taty, Lauren, Khalyn, Hope and I could all go on a vacation together one year with one of our parents. I don‟t care where, well….yes I do because we would want it to be somewhere FUN!!! So hey Mom/Dad, Kevin/Deirdre, Donna or Trina, can we all tag along with one of you during your summer vacation???
We would have a BLAST; an unforgettable moment to remember!
Things We Did & Saw
Hurricane Isaac – The hurricane ruined our first couple of days. Taty and I tried going to the pool on day 2 (Monday) despite the rain and that didn‟t last long. The wind started to pick up and was blowing so hard with Palm tree branches flying around and getting in the pool and our hair. And then the rain started coming down hard with that wind; we hopped out of that pool FAST and went back to the room. South Beach, Miami – My favorite beach in Florida. The water is so clear and the sand is so fine and white. I took a leap of faith or challenge you could say and went parasailing with Taty sitting along side of me. The both of us were cared, but once we got up in the air everything was smooth and so much fun! Would I do it again? Heck yes. Best time ever! Ft. Lauderdale – The Ft . Lauderdale area was pretty fun. We didn‟t do too much there on this trip. The Resort – The resort is amenities were fun! The people are really nice and there were plenty of things to do at the resort. Everyday of the week around 6:30, 7 the resort would have like a live band or some kind of entertaining for their guests. We got to join in or watch a couple of them as we came back in from a day at the beach. Taty and I would sit out at the balcony and watch while we ate diner and then we changed and went to the pool.
See more photos at: brofordmoore.blogspot.com
Eats – The food. Mom made dinner most nights, but when we would go out we went to this Greek place that made the BEST Gyros and Chicken Soulvaki sandwich . They were SO GOOD. We ended up going there twice while we in Pompano Beach. Another place I really liked was Cheeseburger Baby. All I have to say about that, is that they make the BEST burgers, but share fries! haha
Stepping In the KITCHEN to Cook Bow Tie Pasta with Asparagus – My new favorite pasta When my mother made this pasta for me we only had a few items in the fridge for her to work with. I was in the mood for some pasta and asked if she could make me some before my basketball game. She was sure, but I‟m going to put some type of vegetable in it so you can get your veggies in. She thinks I still have some more growing to do, so she‟s been pumping A lot of veggies and fruit into me because she thinks that‟s going to help. I hope so because I‟d like to get a few more inches taller. Anyway, here‟s the delious recipe and I hope you all try it and like it like me and my Dad do. It‟s his favorite one now too.
The Ingredients: • • • •
Bow Tie Pasta Noodles Bundle of Asparagus Olive Oil Vingerette Olive Oil
Cherry Tomatoes Crumbled Feta Cheese Garlic Salt Black Pepper
Step 1: COOKING THE PASTA NOODLES Boil water with a tablespoon of olive oil and add the Bow Tie Pasta. DO NOT OVER COOK THE PASTA. Drain the water from the pasta and put in to a bowl.
Step 2: THE ASPARAGUS Chop the asparagus up into pieces. First cut off the ends of the asparagus and discard it. Then cut the rest of the asparagus into 3 cuts. Cook the asparagus in a pot of boiling water for 4 mins and then remove and drain. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil , dash in some garlic salt, then add the asparagus. Sauté the asparagus for 3-4 minutes and then remove from stove and add to pasta noodles. Toss and mix with pasta.
Step 3: THE TOMOATOES Rinse and cut the cherry tomatoes in half and then toss into the pasta noodles. Step 4: THE FINAL PART Add the crumbled feta cheese (all of it), some crushed black pepper, and then add the Olive Oil dressing (a little at a time until its to your liking). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and then EAT!
Latest “Archive” News Economy still in bad shape with low unemployment. (June, July, August) Miami Heat beat Oklahoma City in the NBA Championship game. (June) Sandusky, Penn State sex abuse scandal has been convicted of the sex abuse crimes with young boys. (June) Chick-fil-A CEO stirred up controversy over an interview about his religious beliefs and he spoke his mind out loud in regards to gays and lesbians. (July) The Williams sisters wins the women‟s doubles championship for the 5th time. You go Venus and Serena. (July) Serena Williams wins the Wimbledon women‟s single title. (July) Roger Federer wins the men‟s single championship in Tennis. (July) 2012 Olympic Summer Games Begin (July 27) Neil Armstong (1st astronaut on the moon) died at age 82. (July) Colorado Shooting at the movie theater for the opening of Batman (July 20) Train derailment in MD. killing 2 young ladies in their early 20‟s (August) Railroad engineer from Michigan won the $337 million Powerball jackpot. Diana Nyad, american swimmer ended her swim from Cuba to Florida. Those jellyfishes were tearing her up in the water. George Hickman (original Tuskegee airman) died at age 88 (August) First hurricane watch of the season that was being tracked: Hurricane Isaac (August) (Coming in Sept) Obama‟s latest speech, DNC got people crying and switching over to be a democrat.
ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION
Looking For A Committee Team To Help Plan our:
2014 Family Reunion We have the location, just need to start planning it. EMAIL: 4MONIQUE4D @GMAIL.COM
Fall Festivities / OctoberFest Huge Family Fun outing on a nice sunny Fall day in October. We normally try to do this every year. Hayrides, jump on the wall-less moon bounce, pick pumpkins, feed the farm animals, ride the slides, eat freshly made popcorn, watch the pig race, take loads of pictures, and pack a picnic basket to enjoy lunch by the lake under a picnic shelter. Virginia locations: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/
Summer Birthdays June 5 – Aunt Annie Simms (RIP) 6 – Khalyn Brown 6 – Jacqeline Carter 11 – Tida Brown 12 – Otha Neal 14 – Sherry Wilson 27 - Mya San-Omalari 27 – Jeremiah Smith (Neal)
July 3 – Ashley Springs 6 – Corey Ellis 7 – Keith Ellis 9 – Doris Stuck 10 - Jada Brown 12 – Steve Brown, Sr 14 – Robbie Neal 17 – Yolanda Neal 21- Natalie Moore 22 – Jr. Ellis 23 – Leon Johnson 24 - Rachel Moore 24 – Cam’ron Scott 25 – Sharon Johnson 25 – Shirley Johnson (RIP) August 08 – Johnny Brown 11 – Betty Brown 11 – Kevin Brown 11 – Alice Johnson 18 – Stevie Brown 22 – Nicky Brown 31 – Tonya Scott
Don’t miss the last few games of football DaMani, Devin, Trey and Darius are back on the football field this fall. If you get a chance, go out and support them and their team. Here‟s Mani, Devin and Darius‟s schedule. Contact Junior for Trey’s schedule and BEFORE you go out to one of the games, DOUBLE CHECK with the parents to make sure it wasn’t changed. Good Luck to you all on the field. Date
Time
Location
Who’s Game?
29-Sept
8:30am
Landsdowne Fld #2
DaMani Neal
12:00pm
Lake Fairfax Pk #1
Darius Brown
4:30pm
Freedom Park
DaMani Neal
4:30pm
Bill Allen Field - Sterling
Devin Brown
12:00pm
Lake Fairfax Pk #1
Darius Brown
8:30am
Landsdowne Fld#2
DaMani Neal
4:45pm
Bill Allen Field - Sterling
Devin Brown
10:30am
Saunders MS 13557 Spriggs Rd Manassas
Darius Brown
1:00pm
Freedom Park
DaMani Neal
6:30pm
Bill Allen – Sterling
Devin Brown
21-Oct (Sun)
10:30am
Grizzlies Sports Comples #1 Gainesville, VA
Darius Brown
23-Oct (Tue)
7:30pm
Bill Allen – Sterling
Devin Brown
27-Oct
12:00pm
Lee High School 6540 Franconia Rd. Springfield, VA
Darius Brown
12:00pm
Landsdowne Field #2
DaMani Neal
6-Oct
13-Oct
20-Oct
Dropping in to remind you about
Ford’s
Halloween Costume Party! “ A l i c e
i n
W o n d e r l a n d ”
T h e m e
After 5 pm
Join us….if you dare !
Costume Required! We have special treats for the little pretties Heavy appetizers with lots to drink yummy Sweets, and some trick or treats the kids can keep
2012 Summer On July 27th, billions and billions across the world tuned in to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The opening ceremony is using the building of the arena/stadium, introduction of teams and the countries. I love watching that because I love seeing all the people and countries participating together as one huge family united together. This was “the” first Olympic where I really got into watching it and began to understand how the best of the best train hard to be that chosen one to represent their country for a chance to bring home a GOLD, Silver or Bronze medal. I never really knew what the rings meant until I googled it. The five interlocking rings represent the five continents brought together by the Olympic Movement, or the five main regions: Africa, the Americans (North and South America are combined), Asia, Europe and Oceania.
SWIMMING
GYMNASTICS
The day after the ceremony, the games begin. The two sports I watched were, swimming and gymnastics. Both VERY fantastic to watch. I enjoyed the swimming because HELLO the male swimmers have amazing bodies I would say it‟s a tie between USA‟s Lochte and Phelps on having the best male swimmer bod. They would both have the gold medal. JUST SAYIN. (sorry male readers) But back to the sport, I like how the swimmers look like dolphins when they first start of swimming. It looks so cool. The USA did really good with swimming.
With Gymnastics, that‟s a different story, the male team did bad. I wasn‟t happy with them at all. With the female team. 1 word, astonishing! I didn‟t like gymnastics so much until watching them! They made everything look so effortless. Now, everyone has been talking about Gabby so now here‟s my turn to say something about her.
And then there‟s the women…..Miss Katie Ledecky from Bethesda, MD and Missy Franklin from Aurora, CO. Katie did very well in swimming as the youngest member of the U.S. Team. She won Gold medal in the 800m free-style. Missy is 6‟1 (I didn‟t realize that) and she won 4 Golds and 1 Bronze. Great Job to the both of them.
Katie
Missy
She was so phenomenal on that beam and deserved getting that all around GOLD medal. She made history, being the first African American to win the gold in gymnastics. That even made me emotional. You go Gabby and to the people cracking jokes on her hair, stop hating and look at how flawless that flip was on the beam….O M G!!!
Olympics in London BEACH VOLLEYBALL
TRACK AND FIELD (cont.)
Ah. again, same just like gymnastics I didn‟t think the men did so hot, but for BOTH USA female teams playing against either, now that‟s something else. I loved Misty and Kerri. Two great people who work SO well with each other, basically like PP&J. For only losing one match to Czech Republic was pretty impressive. Now, in the match for the gold medal, it was both US teams. Talk about impressive right? Misty and Keri ended up getting the gold with Jennifer and April receiving the silver medal. Good job ladies!
The USA women did better than the men as far as winning the GOLD and Silver. They had good competition too and pulled it out. Now my girl Carmelita Jeter…one word for her, MAGNIFICENT.
TRACK AND FIELD
Another track star that I really liked was Oscar Pistorius. He was the first Paralympics to participate in the regular men‟s race for the Olympics. I thought it was so amazing. He had so much courage. During the races he did really good. He participated in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dash as well as the men‟s relay. It was amazing and motivated people over the nation.
My favorite event is track and field. I don‟t know why though but anyways Usain Bolt kept his title on being the world‟s fastest man. He dominated the men‟s 100 and 200 meter race. That was pretty darn impressive. I am a fan of Bolt anyways.
When they did her special I was in nothing but aw. I cheered for her in every race she did. She ran the 4 x 100 rely race, 100 Meter and the 200 meter. Came in 1st for the 4 x 100, Silver for the 100, and gold for the 200.
The next Olympics location will be in Beautiful Brazil (Rio).