Has anyone else been glued to the TV lately? It all started with the Super Bowl last weekend. And now it’s the Winter Olympics. It’s been exciting seeing so many new world records set. These athletes have incredible determination and drive. I can only imagine the grueling training and other sacrifices made in order to qualify and participate in this event.

Yes, there’s been the usual complaints about judges and accusations about cheating. Athletes have been disqualified over petty little things. Politics has reared it’s ugly head. But there’s been a lot more positive things going on.

It was interesting to see that Mexico sent a delegation this year. Both men and women had a presence in Alpine skiing as well as in cross-country skiing. Donovan Carrillo skated his heart out in the men’s single event. Sarah Schleper set a record as not only the oldest Alpine skier but she is also skiing alongside her son.

Years ago I never enjoyed watching the figure skaters. I always worried that they’d fall and screw up their routines. But now I find it quite relaxing compared with watching some of the other sports. Serious injuries involving broken bones have occurred in skiing and in the halfpipe. There have been many crashes in the speedskating races. But I still marvel at those competing in these events, especially the halfpipe and the big air. And I have always enjoyed watching the luge and bobsleds.

Aside from sports and my usual English teaching this week, seeing as the mindfulness series has ended I’m starting a new program with a church in Canada tonight. This one deals with bridging broken bonds. It deals with avoiding and healing estrangement with adult children. This is always a hot topic of conversation with friends and I’m curious to see how Rick Warren approaches this.

And now I’m going to be mindful. I’m putting away my computer and I’m going to turn on my TV to watch the Winter Olympics. By the way, I’m watching it in Spanish on a channel our of Guatemala.