Question 8: Free For All

[Lauren]

This is the place for any observations, memorable lines from the book, you name it.

A line I plan to remember (from pg. 73):

"The District of Columbia has no climate, but only weather."

I had heard versions of this statement but never put so succinctly. Resident D.C. expert: Had you heard this witticism before?

[Bonus points for anyone who wants to discuss the Olympics ... me? I'm in my quadrennial "Olympic Swimming is Over" funk, which is compounded this year by Phelps's retirement ... No, Michael! Don't go!)]

[Carol]

Bonus Points: Just finished watching interview with Phelps and Costas and he swore that he is finished finished finished, and wants to see the world, got tired of only seeing a hotel and the pool. I've been a groupie for 16 years with that kid. WAAAHHHH

Did any of you catch men's tennis this morning. I was bouncing off the walls when Murray beat Federer in 3 straight sets. Awesome. How thrilling. More volleyball, gymnastics, track and field tonight. What about the guy with prosthetics for feet and shoes. How impressive some of these folks are. Many are showing us some GOOD STUFF. They can tell us some pretty awesome stories.

[Julie]

I have successfully gotten my stepdaughter enthralled with the Olympics, which she had never watched before. I on the other hand have always loved them. My 9 y/o self's vacation journals always included info on who won various events and how it was super important (Dan Jansen especially. And Bonnie Blair).

I love seeing her get excited about people like missy Franklin and misty may treanor and gabby Douglas. Takes the focus away from the high-profile ladies that I don't want her looking up to!

As for phelps- I just recently learned that he won gold in Beijing with his goggles filled w water. Amazing! I saw an interview w his coach where he said he would often break Michael's goggles, or have a driver be late to a meet, just so he would be able to adapt. Awesome.

[Ashley]

Lauren, I feel like I've heard that line . . . but I probably actually haven't. It's pretty accurate--nothing is normal here. It's super hot, super humid, super windy, super freezing, etc. When it's a simple, lovely day, THAT's the main talk. Me, I detest summers around here, but I've learned to accept humidity and heat.