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Monday, December 20, 2004

Best of the Blog 2004

John Lohn is writing a story about Brendan for an upcoming article and asked me to get your feedback on some of your best blog moments. Lala's "toight as a toiger" longhorn tattoo post and Mrs. H's follow up to that are certainly some of MY most memorable blog moments. What are yours? Any particular member posts that really stand out for you?

posted by Michelle at 12/20/2004 01:46:00 PM

43 Comments:

  • Well, I have to say Lena's posts are always wonderful. But the most memorable one was when she found out that Mrs H used to call Brendan her "little pumpkin man" and when grandpop posted that Brendan sometimes uses a bow and arrow. Both happy little moments in Lena's world, I'm sure. =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/20/2004 2:03 PM  

  • Those can be my two favs...

    along with Aunt C first post telling me to get out of bed b/c Brendan was not dating Kaitlin.

    Lala's tattoos comments are also a must

    and Steph's devotion to Sean.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/20/2004 2:37 PM  

  • Brendan's Marry, Shag or Cliff answer in the Q&A is also a highlight for me. Never thought he'd actually answer than one. :)

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/20/2004 4:20 PM  

  • Yeah! The whole "Cliff, because if I'm going down that punk is going with me" was really great.

    All his answers to the Q&A were great.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/20/2004 4:32 PM  

  • The Best of the Blog? There are just too many options!

    I think I'm going to have to go with the one that kicked it off... The Brendan Q&A. With that we got a ton of information out of Brendan, as well as some excellent blog posts (ie. Lala and Mrs. H.).

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 12/20/2004 4:43 PM  

  • I think his mother's offer to post her gingerbread cookie recipe qualifies as priceless ... it's almost like she and the aunts are board mothers. I could also see the girls on this board making Sean and Brendan gingerbread men, with icing tuxedos and speedos (respectively) (say it out loud, it's fun) and posting pictures of their results. It's a warm, friendly board with a dazzling bunch of girls, and I'm one of the least participatory among them, so I feel objective. :)

    Two words that together best characterize this board: nurturing and sexualized, and that's not a combination you find often. :) I'll be interested in seeing how John balances his description. The Delco Times is not Maxim, all fantasies of longhorn tattoos aside. :)

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 12/20/2004 5:20 PM  

  • Oh, and even though this was recent, we can not forget the post where Brendan refered to himself as both "pumkin" and "Bren-Bear". I think we all pretty much hit the floor on that one! =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/20/2004 5:42 PM  

  • Two words that together best characterize this board: nurturing and sexualized........................
    LOL. Yeah, that's pretty accurate. You've just described womankind. :D

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/20/2004 5:52 PM  

  • Michelle, whatever you may tell John L. about this site, just dont mention the whole cookie/voting thing. My poor sister has all of us raising her bail money because she actually thinks swiminfo may come knocking on her door in the very near future.

    Words cannot describe my experiences on this site in the last several months. As a relative of Brendan, I have watched his career since he was an 8 & under. I have seen the work, dedication, and sacrifice that he has dealt with in his career. I admire his integrity, his sense of sportsmanship and how he has represented this country in a manner that makes me so proud not just of his athletic accomplishments but of the man he has become. It was incredible to find, on this site, swimming fans that were able to recognize these traits but more importantly, who were able to see the man not just the athlete. His sense of humor, his drive, and how with all he has achieved, how grounded he remained.

    There are way too many moments that I have spent laughing (until I am in tears) reading the comments on this site. The nicknames so many have given to Brendan and the loyalty you have shown. All of you have given us, his family members, so many hours laughing at the comments posted here that it has prompted phones calls among us. You allowed us to share experiences we had while watching Bren compete. Stories we thought only we would enjoy. We talk about it so often, that our other siblings know your names. While we have shared some stories with you, know that you are now part of the stories we tell each other. Basically, John should know that....that we truly appreciate what wonderful fans Brendan has and how much we enjoy getting to know everyone. Hopefully at WC we will get to meet everyone but until then...the bho bloggers are like a part of the family.

    By Blogger Aunt K, at 12/20/2004 5:58 PM  

  • :sniff: :sniff:

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/20/2004 6:04 PM  

  • ::tear::

    That was such a lovely post, Aunt K.

    ::tear::

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 12/20/2004 6:13 PM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 12/20/2004 6:14 PM  

  • Michelle, Aunt K ... on behalf of nurturing and sexualized womenkind, I can agree ... that post was just sooo sweet.
    P.S. The Haverford Police Department would surely love all of the twentysomething women, calling up to volunteer to post Mrs. H's bail, in US Dollars or also Argentinian Pesos ... whatever their preference. ;)

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 12/20/2004 6:15 PM  

  • =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/20/2004 6:18 PM  

  • Aunt K,
    Thank you for that lovely post. *sniffle* It's means a lot to me to hear that. I know I don't post here all that much, but even being a little part of BHO makes me all warm and squishy inside.

    Here's to hoping that we'll all be at WC!

    As for particular moment of BHO that stand out, i agree that the FAQ really set things off nicely. It was great seeing Hansen family members de-lurk one by one. Oh and of course all of the innocent victims...

    By Blogger afadingvoice, at 12/20/2004 6:25 PM  

  • aww, its great to know we mean a lot to you guys just like you do to us. Ever since i joined the blog, i have had so much fun just reading other people's comments. as far as favorite moments go, i agree with you Michelle that the cliff,shag,marry was my favorite. it was hilarious reading the comments that went along with it. oh, and any time Bren posted. its just great to hear from him.
    Oh and MICHELLE, i mailed my pictures today so you should be recieving them soon. yay!

    Oh and Aunt K, thanks so much for the kind words. Peace

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/20/2004 6:27 PM  

  • *dries tear*

    Aunt K, your words are so kind. One of the things I admire the most about Brendan besides his incredible swimming skills is the fact that he'd shown such a great sportmanship towards others. To me, an athlete is more than the triumphs they might get.
    And his family has been so nice, sweet and funny towards us.

    It's no news that these past weeks had been hard for me, but this place had made it all better. So, thank all of you for letting us share the joy.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/20/2004 6:34 PM  

  • Best blog moments, huh? Hard to define, since they are all great. What is so fabulous about this site is that it clearly has the support of the fans, but more importantly, it has the support of the Hansen Family. It amazed me to see Aunt K's first post. Then another post from her. Then some more. Then Aunt C posts. And Mrs. H posts. Just when you think it can't get any better, Brendan himself posts. Then Grandpop, Uncle B, and Megan all show up. Simply the existence of the blog and the great posts from the Hansen's are the best blog moments.

    By Blogger No Good User Names Left, at 12/20/2004 6:35 PM  

  • Oooh, let me know when he's publishing the article because I want to try to grab a hard copy. My local B&N probably won't have it but maybe someplace like Borders will.

    By Blogger Verbal, at 12/20/2004 6:41 PM  

  • Okay Aunt K..you even had me reaching for the tissues.
    My most memorable Blog moment had to be the
    shag/marry/cliff game. All of your personalities really came out..had me laughing...had Uncle B wondering why his wife was now spending lots of time down in the basement (computer room).
    Aunt K and I always had a bond in that we were groupies, taking road trips to go see Brendan's meets (along with Aunt B, we are trying to get her to post). Now Aunt K and I find ourselves calling each other, cracking up over Lena's bow, Michelle's incredible computer graphics (loved the T-giving turkey), and the various witticisms from la la, Steph, Blairbecky, AimRos, Longhornlove, jenny, etc.
    (I feel like I'm on a podium and may have missed someone...sorry!)
    Anyway, you are all a lot of fun and have been fun getting to know. Each of you have a guaranteed job holding any of the homemade signs we schlepp to any of Brendan's future meets (if and when you would like to...although he may be asking us to bag them, like we had to bag the tie-dyed shirts..but that is another story....)

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 12/20/2004 6:43 PM  

  • The M/S/C was another great moment. The wedding proposals to Brendan in there (starting with mine). And you all cliffing Jose Meolans (Steph actually took it back after seeing a pic).
    And of course, the lovely answers of the friends of Michelle's grandmother.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/20/2004 6:48 PM  

  • Oh man, 2 super wonderful aunt posts in less than an hour. That did it! *sniff*

    Aunt C - I would hold a sign with you guys even now as it is 10 degrees outside here in Boston. It's not because of how gorgeous Brendan is. It's not because of his talents or achievements. It is because of the person he is and the people you are. It would be an honor to someday meet you all..if not at WC, then somewhere else down the road. I don't consider myself just a fan of Brendan's anymore, I am a fan of the entire family. Everyone should be so lucky as to have such a caring, supportive group of people in their lives. We're lucky to have you here with us blogging and having fun. =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/20/2004 6:57 PM  

  • Oh my gosh....need to grab the tissues!! Aunt K and Aunt C, you both have just put a great ending on my almost perfect day! Who knew Mondays could be so great? Bren is such an amazing person and its now so clear why, he has such an amazing support system and such a great family!
    I don't think I could pick a most memorable moment, ever moment has been memorable, and just knowing that everytime I come here I leave with a smile on my face:) Its also great to know that Bren has some of the greatest fans supporting him, and that we can all make each other laugh!

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 12/20/2004 6:59 PM  

  • This blog is just memorable in itself! :) With Bren's family posting, finding out little tid bits about him, and just in general having a great time. It's good to know that when any of us need a good laugh we can come here and look forward to reading Aunt C, Aunt K, Uncle B, and Mrs. H comments and sometimes having Bren Bear come and post himself! These are just good memories! :)

    By Blogger Christi, at 12/20/2004 7:03 PM  

  • ah! the aunts are going to make me cry! *runs to get tissues*

    I say those two posts right there should go down a big moments..b/c they definitely sum up the feeling around here. make sure you tell John how amazing B-Han and his family have been to us, b/c the Hansens just rock.

    I's have to say though, I agree with a few of the suggestions: The M/S/C game in whihc everyone proposed to B-han and the post where Bren called himself Pumpkin and Bren Bear

    By Blogger Sarah, at 12/20/2004 7:34 PM  

  • I agree - Aunt C and Aunt K's posts have to be added to the Best of the Blog list. I'd also like to mention that Brendan fans have donated $500 to the Leukemia Research Foundation over the last 4 days and that's pretty memorable and outstanding.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/20/2004 8:48 PM  

  • We should not forget the essays and the contribution you made in our name to other charities, Michelle.

    It's so hard to pic just a few.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/20/2004 8:58 PM  

  • Hello all! I'm here to post my favorite moments on the BHO blog. Are you ready? To bad here goes!

    *Brendan referring to himself as "Bren_Bear" and "Pumpkin."

    *username=pumpkin

    *The whole Hansen clan posting anything and everything on not just Bren-Bear, but the WHOLE FAMILY! No Hansen is safe from Aunt K and Aunt C!

    While all of the above moments have been memorable and pretty hysterical, I have to say the best part of the blog is the friendly atmosphere. With all of the trauma school can cause, and the general madness that this world can sometimes be...it is nice to see all of the people here who care so much for one person. I always thought it would be amazing to have a gold medal, and I'm sure it does! I cannot fathom what it must be like to see so many people; family, friends, and strangers supporting you every step of the way. One would think that will all of his amazing accomplishments, all the love he has, that Brendan would be conceded. Instead, in his spare time, he comes here and laughs along with us and appreciates it all. I am truly amazed. (Remember, I am from Indiana...we have athletes who hit fans, not chat with them!)So there you go Michelle..my favorites in a not so little nutshell.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/20/2004 9:24 PM  

  • Michelle, that is unbelievable about what has been raised in just 4 days !!! Kind of says it all doesnt it....need to give Brendan this info.

    Steph...hon... you really dont want to hold the signs we bring...remember LB and the stands....well one fell ALL THE WAY DOWN.... right before the 200 final...poor Megan ran down 10 stories to get it before the race went off...AND...if you hold a sign....you cant hold on to the person next to you....sort of like walking a tightrope, and cheering while a wr swim is taking place.....need I say more??? Except for .... where are those meds....did anyone call in the refill yet?

    Many thanks to all !!

    By Blogger Aunt K, at 12/20/2004 9:33 PM  

  • Aunt K- that is just another great moment to add to the long list! You crack me up...hey I used to work in a pharmacy as a pharmacy tech...maybe I can talk to my old boss about helping with the med refills..haha

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 12/20/2004 9:53 PM  

  • hey guys, i know i already posted on this thread but i must say that i am beginning to feel like i have a second family here at the blog. Coming to this site is a highlight of my day and puts me in a good mood. it would be awesome if we could meet one day and have a massive Bren Bear convention!..haha ok im just overly emotional it being the holidays and all. anyway, catch you guys later

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/20/2004 9:59 PM  

  • Wow, Aunt K and Aunt C, what you say genuinely amazes me. I read this site daily (understatement) and always think of how lucky we are that you all contribute so regularly, helping us get to know not only Brendan, but all of you who shaped the person he's become! So to read that we influence you, it genuinely blows me away. We owe a huge thanks to you for all your enthusiasm -- like someone above said, I too was a fan of Brendan the swimmer before this site, but now I'm a fan of Brendan the guy and his entire family.

    Ok, putting the tissues away, back on topic. Favorite blog moments. The Q&A definitely set the stage - pumkin's candid responses to all of our crazy questions had me in stitches. But I think it's not one post, but rather the ongoing family involvement that has me so hooked. The pics, the funny stories, the tattoo reassurance, Brendan referring to himself by our nicknames, all of it. This isn't simply a fan site anymore, it's become a community, and that's what I personally love about it.

    By Blogger crackinup, at 12/20/2004 10:05 PM  

  • Jenny..I feel the same! I was just rereading my post and realized that not only do I need a BHO 12-step program, but now I also need hormone therapy. I am getting a little sappy!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/20/2004 10:08 PM  

  • Thank heavens the tissues are sitting right next to the computer because Aunt C and Aunt K just did me in there...

    I think everything everyone has mentioned so far can fall into my list of favorites somewhere. I think the Q & A - the start of it all - is pretty far up there. But so is all the posts from the family, from Brendan himself, the pictures... I look forward to coming here to see what's happening, to laugh and smile. And that always happens, even if it's been a bad day. That's what I love.

    ~Liz

    By Blogger lizook12, at 12/20/2004 11:29 PM  

  • The best blog moment to me is any time you see a new post.... from anyone! The few moments that really stand out are when the Toiger called himself "pumkin" and "Bren-Bear" was it? I also loved that Brendan was honest and silly and funny with his answers for the Q and A. I believe that set the tone of the blog. Michelle sent this Questions to him on a Tuesday it seems and he responded so quickly and she had them posted by Thurday night. That is dedication. So how could we be anything but dedicated in return. Yes we all wait with baited breath to see a post from B-man and his family, but we are also excited to see what each other have to say. We can be snarky. silly, obnoxious, (Well I can) and I feel that is what makes us keep comming back. We are serious fans not taking ourselves too seriously. And I think the B-Family's way of making us all feel special is also something that is unique about this blog. I also love the way Michelle runs the place. She cares about this site and yet is very humble about what she does here. M/S/C goes down as a favorite blog moment too. I really think the Aunts should play.. Megan too. Yet understand why B-Mom won't. Umm. I don't think I understood the question... Can you please repeat the question?

    By Blogger lala, at 12/21/2004 3:50 AM  

  • Awwww...(virtual hug out to everybody because I'm big on hugging)...I got all sappy. We love you Aunt C and Aunt K. I would be proud to hold hand made signs with you. Now I know you said he banned the tie-dye shirts but maybe we can make some shirts of our own. That way when we all go to the WC we will recognize each other. After your post,I'm determined to find a way there. I've got to meet you incredible women and let you know in person how much we appreciate all you do for us here. As usual I'm late to the thread but I think everyone before me has said exactly what I would say.

    My fav moment was of course the first time Bren posted but also Stephie passing out at the pic of Sean...lol. I also loved the m/s/c thread because it's one of the times I laughed the most.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/21/2004 7:19 AM  

  • Aunt K - Of course I would hold one of the signs, I'd even chase it if I had to, but if you'd rather me hold on to the person next to me (Who oh who could I possibly sit next to?? hee hee) I am willing to do that while cheering my heart out, of course. I trust you guys in determining where my talents would best be put to use. =)

    We'll work on getting the meds refilled, and I think lala would buy us a drink if all else fails.

    Now what's this about tie-dyed shirts? haha

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/21/2004 7:22 AM  

  • aunt k--if you need med refils...i work at a hospital..and have a connection at the phamacy (they always have my patients meds ready..while evryone else has to wait :P)

    haha.

    By Blogger Sarah, at 12/21/2004 12:34 PM  

  • There's not much I can add that really hasn't already been said. But I'll add my $.02 anyway. =)

    I'll admit Brendan wasn't my favorite swimmer....before I found the blog. If the Q&A didn't endear him to me, then the comments from Bren and his family certainly sealed the deal. (But keep this quiet, please don't tell Aaron...)

    Plus with all of the other posters on here, some of whom I knew before from other places, and others I met here, this place has become a great place to hang out. Considering I spend all day on the computer as part of my job, I need lots of things on the Internet to entertain me. And this place is definitely entertaining, it's one of about 5 places I switch back and forth on during the day, all day every day. (3 guesses as to one of the other sites, and the first 2 don't count.)

    Basically it comes down to the fact there is no one best moment on the blog, because the whole thing is the best!

    By Blogger JHD, at 12/21/2004 2:15 PM  

  • I love coming over to this blog and checking out all the posts from some of my OG girls! Brendan is one of my favorite swimmers after I saw how he conducted himself with class in Athens. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he and his family have interacted with us here at BHO! The baby pics have been really cute too. It's just a lot of fun over here. :)

    By Blogger BeachGirl, at 12/22/2004 7:28 PM  

  • I think I speak for the better part of the BHO community when I say the following:

    The shower post? Just became a BHO Blog favorite.

    By Blogger crackinup, at 12/23/2004 2:12 AM  

  • Yep... The boy is such a tease!! A great moment! And then he "seriously" invites y'all to join him. Priceless!

    By Blogger lala, at 12/23/2004 2:38 AM  

  • very good and funny pictures know wonder you got a lot of coments im new and need coments too if yes just go to my blog:cosmicmysteries.blogspot.com

    By Blogger Jeff Arrington, at 12/27/2004 4:05 PM  

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