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Friday, December 31, 2004

The good, the bad and the sexy

We're wrapping up 2004 with tons of things. We got the 20 questions, another article from John, new pics, the boys in Santa hats..
Let's add one more.

Let's share the best and worst of 2004 both personal and swimmer related.
Which are your resolutions for 2005?

posted by Lena at 12/31/2004 08:22:00 AM

58 Comments:

  • Well, let me start.

    Personal: my best was new friends and almost finishing my masters. My worst might the whole mono fiasco but is not a big deal

    Swimmer related: Olympic Games and Indy. The 200m freestyle and the relay. Brendan on the top of the list: for being so great in a style not too many people can master. Worst: dolphin kick.

    Personal note: I'm sorry if I'm not yout usual Tinkerbelle today. There's been a huge fire in a club in my city and so far we've got 175 casualties and 700 injured. People is desperate and there's a 3 day mourning decreet. Is not a pretty way to end this year.
    I'm leaving now to continue with my prayers.

    Happy New Year to you all and thanks for being part of my life in 2004

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/31/2004 8:58 AM  

  • Firstly, Lena I'm so sorry about what's going on in BA. I'll say a prayer tonight. I'm going to church to ring in the new year people! Hope that it's still standing once I leave.

    Personal:
    Best: Graduating from university and meeting new people (Thanks for making my year more fun you guys!)
    Worst: The further deterioration of my relationship with my father

    Swimmer related:
    Best: George Bovell winning the first swimming medal evah for my country
    Worst: He cheated! He cheated! (self explanatory)

    Resolution:
    To try to avoid stress and people who help stress me out. Then there's the ususal, more gym, less chocolate (hah!).

    By Blogger Dana, at 12/31/2004 9:10 AM  

  • Thanks Dana for the thoughts and the prays.

    I forgot my resolution! To write my masters thesis in Amsterdam. Ambitious, I know, but I've been saving for 3 years and I've been putting all my energy on it for a while. It's just the final step.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/31/2004 9:15 AM  

  • Lena - that's horrible. Sometimes the world makes me want to go hide in my bed for a long, long time. Best wishes to you and your city.

    Personal best - the Farscape convention in Burbank. I met a lot of internet friends for the first time, and the Farscape cast was just wonderful.

    Swimming related - Actually getting a response to my mix CDs. (Thanks so much, Brendan!)

    I really can't think of worsts, except for the general "where is my life GOING?!" angst. :) (And maybe falling down the stairs yesterday, but only because that was recent and it still hurts. *g*)

    Resolution - exercise regularly for the entire year. Figure out that whole "where is my life GOING?!" thing.

    By Blogger Angie, at 12/31/2004 9:17 AM  

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    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/31/2004 9:34 AM  

  • Lena - I'll say a prayer as well.

    Swimming bests - The Olympics were definitely the highlight of my year. I got to familiarize myself with so many new swimmers, including and most importantly Brendan and the trio. They are all wonderful and do such a great job representing the US. They make me proud to be an American.

    Worst swimming moment - The Dolphin Kick heard round the world and the whole disqualification fiasco.

    Resolutions:

    Be fitter - I will not get fixated on being a certain size or weight but will instead focus on being healthy, exercising regularly, and eating helthy

    Finish my script, write script 2, and get an agent. This is the really important one to me, besides the being fitter. I absolutely must do this this year!

    Start my MBA - Hopefully in September

    Read more

    Travel more

    Play in at least one tennis tournament this year

    Take a swimming class (There is one I am determined to take and I am planning to do it as soon as I can get in)

    Thanks to everyone I met here. You are all amazing and gave me many laughs in the last few months. I hope we continue to build on our friendships.

    Happy New Year everyone..stay safe!

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 12/31/2004 9:47 AM  

  • personal:
    best-graduating High School (finally!) and starting college. So much fun
    worst-A lot of people I knew died this year, so it's been one filled with wakes and funerals

    swimming:
    best-The trio+lezak at Indy. Those boys were amazing
    worst-I'm going to have to go with dolphin boy as well. Or the fact that the media refuses to acknowledge Crocker for his accomplishments in Athens, instead of the fact that Phelps gave up his relay spot for him.

    Resolution:
    -I usually don't make these, so taht I don't have to worry about breaking them, but this year I have decided to try and keep myself healthier, and not constantly get as sick as I often am.

    By Blogger Sarah, at 12/31/2004 10:01 AM  

  • Personal: Best--Finally taking a kickboxing class and loving it! Who knew I'd be good at it? Worst--My house constantly stayed messy, no matter how hard I tried.
    Swimmer related: Best--Being introduced to the swimming world via the Olympics, meeting all the fun new people through BHO and OG. Worst--The Cheater Whose Name Shall Not Be Spoken, spending WAY too much time on BHO and OG (it's an obsession!)
    Resolutions: I will continue to find fun ways to exercise, get a real job, encourage my sons to learn how to swim and spend less time online. :)

    By Blogger BeachGirl, at 12/31/2004 10:22 AM  

  • Hi Everyone-
    Overall, this was a good year for No Name. Personal best...this year I put my spare time and lots of energy in to a local fundraising effort. Its been great, I've met lots of neat people, and we are doing some good stuff. Personal worst.... I didn't accomplish one resolution I really wanted to keep which was to become proficient at Photoshop Elements! I never had the time to devote to it, but I still want to be able to produce some cool stuff. I'm adding it to my resolutions for 2005! Another bad thing was that my brother is leaving LA for Chicago, and basically all of our family is out here, so that kind of sucks.

    Swimming related... I think there were 2 bests, in no particular order. First is the amazing dominance that the USA Swimming Team showed throughout the year. Second was Phelps decision to let Crocker swim the final 4 X 100 at Athens. It was a very classy, smart, and mature decision. Worst, also 2. The kick, of course, and to do it at such a high profile event is a new low. But now he gets to go through life knowing that he cheated his way to the podium... Second, was Phelps decision to drive under the influence. I know that people make mistakes and that Phelps didn't set out to be a role model, but he is. Since he is so young, there are a lot of young athletes (even non-swimmers) who look up to him, and his DUI certainly wasn't a classy, smart, or mature decision. Fortunately, he seems to recognize the seriousness of his mistake and is willing to make amends.

    Happy New Year to all at BHO! I hope you have a safe and happy celebration, and I wish you all only good things throughout 2005.

    *Hugs to everyone*

    By Blogger No Good User Names Left, at 12/31/2004 10:31 AM  

  • Personal: Best - nailing the long awaited work promotion by getting the second highest score on the exam ever!
    Worst - being unceremoniously dumped by the boyfriend.

    Swimming: Best - Indy. Ian Crocker's WR, Brendan's medals, Kaitlin's medals, Jenny Thompson's last swim *cries*, Brooke Hanson, it was all pretty amazing. Then to a lesser extent me being able to see it live on Friday night with AimsRos, almost meeting the Trio, actually meeting Ryan Lochte, watching it every night on ESPN with my OG girls!
    Worst - One word. Cheatijima. OK, 3 words, Cheatijima REALLY sucks! =) Go get 'im, Bren!

    By Blogger JHD, at 12/31/2004 11:37 AM  

  • Oh, I almost forgot! Happy New year to everyone, and here's to an amazing 2005, both personally and swimmingly!

    By Blogger JHD, at 12/31/2004 11:38 AM  

  • Hey guys!
    ok Best Personal: finishing another year in college. I know that sounds routine but as everyone knows school can be tough and its an accomplishment to make it through another semester. That and discovering this site and meeting all of you guys. I am sooo looking foreward to continuing our friendship in 2005.

    Worst Personal: no one thing that sticks out but maybe a lot of little things that i wish didnt happen. That and I was single for yet another year. haha. The new year is a time to start fresh right?

    Best Swimming: Definately the olympics and Indy. But i would say more so Indy. I really discovered swimming this summer and all of the athletes and got really excited about it. By the time october rolled around and it was time for Indy i was a full fledged fanatic about the swimmers and Bren Bear. This time i knew who everyone was and it was just sooo exciting. I had never had so much fun watching a sporting event.

    Worst Swimming:the infamous dolphin kick and the trio+Lezak getting robbed at the golden goggles.

    Resolution: Diet/eat healthy, dont procrastinate so much with school work, and spend as much time on BHO as possible hehe

    take it easy guys and ill see ya in the knew year. Bren have a great New Year and stay in touch with us. I love ya lots!!

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/31/2004 12:41 PM  

  • Best: Graduating college AND getting a job! Woo! Also, after months of having certain crappy friends, I just broke away from them. I'm over shitty friends, yo. Also: Visiting Nashville, TN; having my best friend come visit me; starting to swim again!

    Worst: The feeling of having to start fresh in a "new" city. The Asia crisis. The stupid Iraq war (technically, 2003, but it's still going.)

    Swim: The Olympics. I still watch the 4x100 medley before I go work out (it pumps me up). Discovering OG! I love you all!

    By Blogger a, at 12/31/2004 1:04 PM  

  • Oh,Lena,I'm sorry to hear about the fire. It breaks my heart to hear about more deaths. I will send some prayers that way too.

    My personal and swimming best moments are the same thing. I started to swim about 2 weeks after watching the olympics. Then I started adding weights and such. Now I workout everyday and I feel better than I have felt in years. Now I wonder what took me so long to get in the water. Going to Indy was also pretty incredible. It introduced me to alot of swimmers and made me even more proud of being from the USA.

    This year I didn't really have any bad personal moments. It was a pretty uneventful year in that respect. I still have a roof over my head and a job to pay for it so I guess I'm doing pretty good. I don't get to see my family as much as I used to but we all go through times like that. Worst swimming moment was....ummmm...I can't think of any there either. Cheatajima is freakin cheater but that's on him. I guess my worst is not discovering Bren till Indy. I should have been paying more attention...lol.

    My resolution is to take better care of myself. To not only keep up the working out but take more time to focus on the little stuff. To take time out to just relax and not stress. Also,take better care of my finances and start saving money outside of my 401k.

    Happy New Year everyone!!! I came into this site kind of late this year but I'm so glad I discovered it. I can be stressed out about something and then come on her where y'all just make giggle. Hope the BHO bloggers and the Hansens have a year even better than the one we are leaving behind.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/31/2004 1:08 PM  

  • ok, lemme think...(such a rare moment y'all, take note ;)

    Personal Best: BHO! I'm so glad I jumped in and decided to make this website. It's been a blast and has given me the opportunity to meet and get to know all of you and also to meet the most amazing family ever - The Hansens. You've all been a real blessing to me this year.
    Personal Worst: Losing my last two grandparents to cancer. I'm kinda an orphan now which has really left me feeling like I've lost my anchor. :(

    Swimming Best: I have to say Athens on this one with Indy a close second. I'm a sucker for anything Olympic and our swim team kicked ASS! Brendan being a total rockstar in and out of the pool, being a class act to the press and being so generous to us fans.
    Swimming Worst: Do I really have to say it? Ok, Cheatajima. That wasn't just a low swimming moment but one of the worst Olympic moments ever (that didn't involve death or injury anyway). As someone who has really been a believer in the Olympic movement and is transfixed by the world's athletes for 2 weeks every other year, it kills me to see one display such poor sportsmanship. It's bad to cheat anytime, but to cheat at the Olympics is just the worst. Also, Aaron's goofy disqualification.

    Resolutions: The only resolution I've ever kept was the one to quit smoking about 5 years ago. I'm going to make the same resolution this year that I made last..get in shape! I spend way too much time in front of the computer but I've made some real strides this year in my battle against computer butt. I got myself a pukka treadmill and some of those stretchy resistance cord things. I'm going to use them EVERY day. I am. Really! And actually use my pilates DVD's on occasion.
    I'm also taking up archery this year. Wheeeeee! I can't wait. And I'm going to go back to school for my masters. I just have to decide which school now and where. Too many choices.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/31/2004 1:15 PM  

  • I meant to add - Happy New Year everyone! I hope to see a lot of you in 2006!

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/31/2004 1:20 PM  

  • Michelle,I got teary reading yours. I'm so emotional today,I don't understand it...lol. I'm glad you decided to make this site too. Plus,you're not alone,you have us now and I'm sure the Hansens consider you family now too.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/31/2004 1:37 PM  

  • 2006? Are we skipping years now, or do you have a time machine?

    And hey Lena (and Swimphilly), thought I'd tell you that here in the States, they are showing the Boca Juniors game right now on Fox Sports!

    By Blogger JHD, at 12/31/2004 1:39 PM  

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    By Blogger a, at 12/31/2004 1:47 PM  

  • Thanks Blairbecky - xoxox

    JHD - All that thinking must have given me a brain cramp! I may have meant to say 2005, but 2006 works too!

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/31/2004 1:54 PM  

  • Everyone else is doing it so I guess I'll join the bandwagon.

    Personally:
    The Best ~ Becoming closer with my family and that we all had a good year in general. Realizing that my goals are still attainable. Also re-discovering my love for competition, racing, and the sport of swimming in general.
    Worst ~ the first part of this year until about June. When I realized that my heart wasn't into performing .. my head was but my heart wasn't. My heart was always still with swimming.
    As well as college applications ... argh!

    Swimming:
    Best ~ Getting back into the sport itself and being able to meet Brendan, Aaron, Ian, Jason and the whole crew at Indy World Champs :) (you guys are TRULY inspirationalists :) .. is that even a word? haha) Christmas Champ meet, placing first in all of my events except 100 Fly which I got second. Having both of my older brothers in one place for more than a week and watching the Olympics together as a family, like we always did in past years! :) Also, the whole recruiting process of swimming.
    Worst ~ dealing with my shoulder injury and the whole process of recruiting for swimming and the college applications. It's bitter-sweet... those college apps!

    New Years resolution: to eat healthier, keep my training up and work harder in swimming, and then when I'm at camp for 3 weeks in Texas and 1 week in Michigan to work harder than I ever had before. This summer to make County All-Stars in 3 of 5 events and the BIGGIE.. GET INTO COLLEGE! haha

    Have a great new year everybody! Stay safe! :) See y'all next year!

    By Blogger Christi, at 12/31/2004 2:02 PM  

  • "I'm also taking up archery this year."

    That's a great resolution I took two years ago and it has made me really happy.

    Thanks to all of oyu for the lovely thoughts and I count all of you as my blessings for this 2004.

    And Brendan, since you're not feeling so well and I'm still a little contagious, I'm gonna do the same as Christmas and hold back my Midnight New Year's kiss from you. But don't worry, I promise to make it up to you on Valentine's Day.

    Peace, love, family and friendship for all.

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/31/2004 4:54 PM  

  • This was a good idea Michelle, kind of makes a one think a little more about the events of the past year.

    Personal best: Opening a business (with two partners)it is something I really wanted to do and hopefully the coming year we will see it grow.

    Personal worst: Losing my aunt this spring, she was a wonderful woman. The other worst thing is not being able to see my son this year with the exception of the last 10 days. The Navy has him back now and I truly miss him already.

    Swimming best: After being at the 2000 trials and watching Bren place third twice, by hundreths of seconds....NOTHING could have been better than the 2004 trials, being lucky enough to be present at that meet with my family and watch two world record swims....and watching Brendan's dreams become a reality.

    Swimming worst: Dolphin boy and having to sit behind the computer hitting refresh waiting for the results.

    Resolution: With so much heartache going on in the world today the war, Asia, Lena's town etc., to be thankful for all that I have in my life and (this may sound corny to some)to believe that pray works and to do it more often.

    I hope the New Year brings all of you health, happiness and success. And a special wish that if Montreal holds the WC, that we are all able to meet and hold signs together.

    By Blogger Aunt K, at 12/31/2004 5:05 PM  

  • I echo Aunt K, this was a great idea, Michelle.

    Personal best: Paying off my mother's mortgage and watching the look on her face when the closing paperwork surprised her in the mail. Remaining close with my long-term friends, meeting unbelievable men, successfully freelancing, living/loving NYC, traveling to unconventional spots for work - two months in Paris, two weeks in Beirut (Mom flipped out, ha) enjoying my job, financial security. I lost 20 lbs - I feel amazing - it's been a banner year, completely. Be it love or luck or skill or faith, who knows, but I thank a graceful higher power for all of it.

    Personal worst: Losing my grandfather to cancer, though his death was comfortable and peaceful.

    Swimming best: Too many to name.

    Swimming worst: Dolphin Boy, why on earth haven't they gone to videotape? It'd be so easy to do. If you're going to set fierce, detailed rules, then you owe your swimmers fierce, detailed enforcement.

    Resolution: Maybe drop another 10 pounds. Decide once and for all if I'm willing to sacrifice finance money to go the sportswriting route. Maybe buy a house. See what I can do about making it to Worlds. A year of perfect church attendance - makes me feel good. To live life with as much intensity and passion as I can.

    All the best to you and yours in 2005 --

    D

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 12/31/2004 5:40 PM  

  • First off, Lena, my prayers are with you amiga. I was watching Univision with my mom when the news broke in.

    Best-personal: Being granted another year with my family, :). Construction on our new church is finally underway. Finding this site a few months ago, :). Michelle, you rock girl!!

    Worst-personal: When a boy hit my son at school and absolutely nothing was done about it. Turns out the boy is a teacher's son and the school principal's next door neighbor. Go figure. The superintendant told me that he would get to the bottom of this mess and turns out that the boy was only put on probation. Big stinking deal.

    Best-swimming: The Olympics, :). Witnessing just how huge this sport has become (media...internet) and, of course, Brendan. The Texas-Trio with honorary member Jason Lezak (sp?) winning the Olympic 'Oro', awesome.

    Worst-swimming: Kati-cheetah....enough said.

    Resolutions for 2005: Get over my fear of the water and learn how to swim. Get everything ready for my daughter's quinceanera in November, ya'll are all invited, :).

    My most important resolution for 2005: Make sure that my Christmas decorations are taken down before March, heheh.

    Feliz Ano Nuevo 2005!! Happy New Year 2005!!

    -Maria

    By Blogger Maria, at 12/31/2004 5:40 PM  

  • Aunt K, I have added your son to my prayers. I have three cousins over sea's right now. Every Tuesday at 8:00 pm my family collectively (although we aren't actually together as there are over 100 of us) pray the rosary for the end of the war, and say a prayer to St. George (patron saint of soldiers) for each of my cousins. If you would like that prayer, I will post it for you.

    My personal best moment of the year was working on an election campaign. I educated myself on the issues and decided what I believed, and refused to listen to who celebrities told me who to vote for. It was great working on the Govenor-Elect's campaign. I learned a great deal about politics, but even more about myself.

    My personal worst moment: to bad to mention! Ha Ha Ha. This wasn't a great year for me, I will not be sad to see it go!

    My favorite swimming moment: Michael Phelps giving his spot to Crocker. I am not accustomed to seeing young men be selfless, and that just blew my mind. Also, Brendan just kickin butt in Indy. That was crazy. It was great that he got to show everyone what he was made of after dolphin boy.

    The worst swimming moment: CHEATAJIMA.........AHHHHHH.

    The best Olympic moment: The Iraqi soccer team. It was heart warming to see a team who had once been terrorized by the government, went on to the games and got farther then anyone expected.

    Resolution: To finally go to confession and start going to church again. This is a big one for me. I have always been strong in my faith, but have also had to work at it. When times get rough I tend to give up hope and my relationship with God gets shaky. I know it really hurts my Mom that I haven't been to church in a year, and you know..it hurts me too. I know that I am a better person when I pray and go to church instead of just sitting around and complaining about things I have no control over. I pray for other people all the time and this year, I need to start praying for God to give me strength.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/31/2004 6:36 PM  

  • This is nice to do. I want to start by saying "Thank You" to Michelle especially but to everyone who posts here as well. I have totally enjoyed every single time that I have logged on to this site. I don't know how many times I have talked about it to my clients, About how unique Brendan and his family and all of you are are to share yourselves with us, with me.

    Personal best for this year would have to be co-writing a musical and seeing it produced and well received. The personal low has got to be just the general sadness of the world situation. Too many deaths either by nature or by politics. Sad. And missing my friends baby's christening. That was a low.

    Swimming high was the Olympics. Definately. I waited 4 years and I took the first week off so that I would not miss a thing. The regret there was that I didn't actually go to Greece as my friends who worked the games told me on their return that they had "All these tickets for you , all you had to do was come!" ::facepalms:: The swimming low for me was knowing the USA Women's Water Polo team was systematically removed from the gold medal round by shoddy calls and deliberate acts by referees. I was very proud of the bronze.. but as we know all it is better to be beaten fairly. Cheaters whether accidental or malicious suck.

    My resolves.. I have resolved to not miss another event that is important to me. So I have my tickets for Montreal even if it doesn't want me and Aunt K holding up banners and I am toying with the idea of saving for Torino. I would also really like to be more fit. Right now I am healthy but physically pffft.

    My wish for 2005 is that the tragedies of 2004 fade into a more peaceful plant.
    Happy New Year my Sisters and Brothers! May we all be better humans for it.

    I refuse to resolve to see the longhorns. That would just be wrong!

    By Blogger lala, at 12/31/2004 6:40 PM  

  • Kimberly, going to church is definately something i need to do too. I too have always been strong in my faith but getting my butt in gear to make it to church is always a challenge. Definately a new year's resolution i need as well.

    Oh and in my fav. olympic moments i forgot the freestyle relay where the US beat Australia finally. forgot which one it actually was. that was awesome. i was screaming so loud just like phelps. A shoutout needs to be made to Klete Keller for holding off the Thorpedo.

    take it easy guys.

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/31/2004 6:48 PM  

  • just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. I just want to thank you all for your support. I look forward to 2005 and I promise not to dissappoint. XOXO B

    By Blogger pumkin, at 12/31/2004 6:51 PM  

  • Thanks Brendan! I hope you have a great year and keep us all busy reporting great news.

    Aunt K - I can't take credit for this thread. You should be thanking Lena.

    I'd like to ask if anyone has any special New Years traditions. I don't know if it's a southern thing but we always have black eyed peas on New Years Day for good luck, so I just put the peas on to soak before heading over to my neighbors for dinner and tomorrow will make Hoppin' John which is black eyed peas, rice and smoked sausage. My neighbors and I have started a tradition of having brunch together on New Years Day with Mimosa's to use up all the champagne we didn't finish the night before.

    I hope everyone is safe tonight. Be careful of the drunk drivers yo. (I will be kind and not insert Phelps joke here).

    By Blogger Michelle, at 12/31/2004 6:59 PM  

  • The Iraqi soccer team... I had forgot anout them. They did great, and they only lost facing some of the best (Paraguay) in the world.

    Anyway, Brendan, this means we'd get to see the tattoo on 2005?

    Just kidding, you know I has to ask. For me and for lala.

    Happy New Year to you too...

    By Blogger Lena, at 12/31/2004 6:59 PM  

  • thanks Bren Happy New Year to you too. Oh and for the record you could never dissapoint us no matter what the outcome.

    By Blogger jenny, at 12/31/2004 7:33 PM  

  • Hey, Kimberly, that was an awesome post. Do it first for you and you'll find that going back to the sacraments helps you do it for others. I'll send a decade up for you.

    Best moments: our family got to live in Australia this March through May. My husband was working with the Australian Institute of Sport and their swimmers (Petria, Justin, etc.), and we got to go see their Oly Trials. What a great culture. Sports parents there keep life in perspective. Very inspiring. And of course the US performance in the Olympics and the WCs: a lot of great role modeling, not the least of which from this blog's honoree. May it continue.

    Worst moments: Well it kind of sucks that my swim coach husband and my 11-year-old daughter are down in Ft. Lauderdale tonight at the Hall of Fame winter break clinic. They're getting a tan and I'm getting an upper body workout, digging out from the snow. Of course I do have the company of my 6-year-old son, the world's youngest curmudgeon. And that sure keeps life interesting.!

    Resolution: I started doing this in 04, and I'm going to do it better in 05: I call it my Random Compliment a Day program. You have to give somebody, ideally a stranger, a totally random but genuine compliment. You know how it makes you feel like a million bucks when someone gives you an unexpected compliment? Well, it makes you, as the compliment-giver, also feel great.

    Cheers all in 05!

    By Blogger Jane, at 12/31/2004 7:56 PM  

  • Thanks for the prayers Jane, it means a great deal.

    That is awesome that you got to live in Australia for a couple of months! So did you get to see Thorpe's DQ heard round the world? I would not have handled it well if I had been there. That whole thing was a MESS. It all worked out in the end though.

    Happy New Year to everyone!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 12/31/2004 8:18 PM  

  • Awe, yay pumpkin posted! thanks for the new years wishes b-han! I'm sure you'll give us even more to talk about in 2005 (and I'm not just talking about your swimming acomplishments)

    Happy New Year to all! And I will see y'all when I get back from Florida in two weeks!! <3

    By Blogger Sarah, at 12/31/2004 8:43 PM  

  • Goodness,hugs and kisses from Michelle and Bren. ;) Now my day is complete.

    No New Year's traditions that I can think of. I'm not even going out tonight. I have to get up early so my mom,sister and I can drive down to visit my nephew. I don't get to see him very often so can't pass up the chance to go. Aunt K,I understand about your son. It's hard when you only have a little time with them. My dad was in the Navy for 23 years and was gone alot of the time when I was young. Also,my nephew's mother is in Iraq right now. She got called up from the reserves 3 months ago. So I say a collective prayer for everyone. :)

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 12/31/2004 10:04 PM  

  • Hey everyone, I'm back from Vegas and finally have internet access! Woohoo. I didn't win any money, but I had lots of fun. I missed this place a lot and reading everyone's posts. Took me a while to read everything, but I'm finally caught up now.

    My personal bests of 2004 are graduating college, improving my public speaking skills (I taught science to a first grade class), and that my family is in good health. My worsts are that I'm still pretty unsure of my future, and that I didn't win the lottery. ;)

    As for swimming, the Olympics were definitely the highlight of my summer. I've never been so excited for them until this year. I was introduced to a lot of great swimmers, especially our Bren Bear. I'm thankful that I got to meet a lot of fellow swim lovers here and on OG. You guys have provided me with endless entertainment, and now I always have something fun to do online. The worsts were Lenny retiring =( , and screaming Cheatajima. It would've been awesome to see Brendan get the breaststroke golds, but now we have Beijing to look forward to for those! We know you're working your butt off Brendan. Keep up the good work!

    Hm, my 2005 resolutions are finding a job and some direction in my life, exercising more and eating healthy, spending more time with family and friends, reading more, and winning the lottery. Hee.

    I was thinking of going to the Rose Parade tomorrow, but it looks like it's gonna rain. (And I really don't want to wake up at 5am). Anyway, it's a little more than 2 hours left til midnight here on the West coast, but I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! Be safe everyone!

    By Blogger Janine, at 12/31/2004 11:51 PM  

  • Heee Heeee...I have a party going on downstairs at my house. I wanted to get away for a quick moment, and what do I do? Check in with you all! I am so glad I did...got hugs and kisses from the man himself!!! We still have another 2 hours to go on the west coast, but to all who are already into 2005, and those who aren't yet, a Happy New Year! Gotta go back to the guests.... No Name

    By Blogger No Good User Names Left, at 12/31/2004 11:52 PM  

  • Shhhhh... Dotn tell teh tohers.... I am posting and they toldm enot to.

    By Blogger lala, at 1/01/2005 12:34 AM  

  • New Years Traditions...for some reason we always have pork with saurkraut and peas. Don't ask me why, all I know is that peas are supposed to bring financial security.

    Best moments: Finishing my last semester of actual classes in college, making new friends :)

    Worst moments: Underachieving on papers and/or tests I could have done better on, loosing my grandfather right before Thanksgiving

    Resolutions: To make this year happier and better than last year.

    Happy 2005 everyone!

    By Blogger lizook12, at 1/01/2005 12:42 AM  

  • Damnit, lala! How did you get out?

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/01/2005 1:07 AM  

  • You all were talking about How huge Brendan's hands are and how about how they like cats. OOps I am not supposed to talk abou thtat , huh?

    By Blogger lala, at 1/01/2005 1:23 AM  

  • I missed a talking about Brendan's hands party? Ufa...

    Traditions: Eat 12 grapes. Well the warm in here in unbearable. 10AM and we're already on 30ºC.

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/01/2005 7:27 AM  

  • First, XOXO right back at ya Handsome! ;) (And Sean too! haha)

    I forgot to post my personal best/worsts yesterday. For best, I guess it would just have to be getting through another year. I have a roof over my head and a decent job (even if its not something I want to do for the rest of my life). I am happy and healthy. I have a good family and good friends. That's more than a lot of people in this world.

    I can't think of a personal worst. I am fortunate that nothing too terrible happened to me this year.

    As for traditions, I don't have anything special I do for New Year's.

    Hope everyone had fun last night and is safe.

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/01/2005 10:27 AM  

  • Lena - I somehow missed that part of the party myself. And it's 62 degrees here today. It's like Spring!

    (Peas cooking, champagne GONE (burp), crab cakes were yummy and now I think I need one of those power naps.)

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/01/2005 2:40 PM  

  • Happy New Year everyone! I will echo the congrats to Michelle, this site never ceases to impress and engage. And thanks for the check-in pumpkin. ;-) Here's my 2004 list of bests and worsts...this has definitely been quite a turnaround year.

    Personal best: I finally landed at a job where I love what I do, get along with and respect all (yes, ALL) of my coworkers, am challenged on a daily basis, and see a concrete future path. Having a career path that I love has completely restored my positive outlook on life.

    Personal worst: The first two months of the year were quite emotionally draining -- job hunting for a middle management position during a recession is about as pleasant as a root canal. Particularly since job hunting does not pay the rent.

    Swimming best: Oh, there were so many! It started with opening the program at Trials in Long Beach, and seeing Ryan Lochte's name. His dad was the head coach of my club team when I was a kid, and the last time I saw Ryan, he was probably...7 years old. It opened this floodgate of memories and really made the Olympics more personal to me. And then of course I discovered the Trio one by one...first Aaron, then Bren, then Ian. And finally there was that 400 medley relay -- Aaron's world record followed by three powerhouse swims...Ian proving that he IS the best butterflyer in the world with that "sick" split, and Brendan ever-so-subtly reminding the media that it wasn't Phelps who swam the fastest 100 fly split ever...(*virtual high five to BrenBear* for saying what Ian couldn't say without looking like a jerk)..it all simultaneously brought tears to my eyes and had me jumping up and down cheering at the tape of a tape delay. Which led me to join a master's team, nevermind discover OG and thus BHO. After a 12 year break, I literally became a swim fan and participant again all because of this year's Olympic team.

    Swimming worst: The Olympics this year certainly made me question the quality and politics of officiating. And the media never fails to miss the big picture - Michael Phelps himself had to remind the media that this team was much bigger than just Phelps. And even then, they made that damn relay about Phelps, instead of about the 4 people who literally blew their competition out of the water and shattered 2 world records in doing so. I admire Phelps' accomplishments, I just wish the media would take interest in the sport as a whole and not overlook the US team's collective achievements.

    Resolutions: I don't make resolutions. If I want to do something, I do it. If I don't, it's because I don't really want to.

    By Blogger crackinup, at 1/01/2005 3:32 PM  

  • Crackinup,I'm with you on the relay. They did make it about Phelps didn't they. It was a great thing for him to do but he isn't the one that broke the world record. A group of guys that can't even be touched did it. The chemistry between the trio+lezak is amazing to watch and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/01/2005 9:51 PM  

  • OK wow... Don't hate me!I started a response before I even finished reading crackinup's post. While I do agree with you that The olympics should not have been billed the Michael Phelps show, I think that to say the worst swimming moment of 2004 was the big deal that was made about the relay is sad. I would never try and down play the race itself, because it was amazing! Incredible. However, I have never been more proud of my generation then when Phelps had Crocker take his place in the relay. My parents generation is so used to seeing my generation as the MTV Spring break hethanistic low-lifes who have no goals and no respect for anyone. Never mind the fact that professional athletes NEVER (sorry again I am a disgraced Pacers fan)act so unselfishly, very few young people are ever viewed as unselfish. It really showed adults the better side of the youth culture. It was an incredible gesture, and I am sure that Crocker is sick of hearing about it, as well as Phelps, but the fact is it was an amazing moment. I will just never understand why the media and American public feels the need to tear people who are on top down. So many of the message boards I belong bash Phelps for everything he did in Athens and I just really hope that doesn't happen here. I hope my little rant did not offend anyone. It wasn't meant towards anyone in particular. I am a libra, so naturally I look to find peace, and harmony. Hugs to everyone because I know we all love our swim-boys!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/01/2005 10:00 PM  

  • I don't hate Phelps by any means Kimberly. I just think that the relay got overshadowed a little by him giving up his spot and it's the medias fault. You can look at it two ways. He was a great person who thought to give a teammate a chance at gold but you also have to see that he would have gotten a medal anyway. So I say we just let all that stuff go and focus on the fact that they kicked butt. I'm still so proud of Bren and Co. when I watch it.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/01/2005 10:07 PM  

  • P.S. It's great when people have different opinions. I'm glad that on here we always talk about them in a positive way. If we all felt the same about everything that would be awfully boring. *Hugs back*

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/01/2005 10:10 PM  

  • It's not news that I don't like Phelps that much. There are many reasons and this is not the place for doing that mainly b/c I respect the right that other people have to like him. He sure is an amazing swimmer.

    That being said, I just love the trio+lezak. There's something about that relay that just tells you those guys are meant to swim together.

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/01/2005 10:28 PM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/01/2005 11:04 PM  

  • I like Phelps. I cheered for him in Athens and I think he's at least partially responsible we got so much media coverage of the swimming from Trials on through the Olympics. It's annoying to see the other guys accomplishments being overlooked for yet ANOTHER story about Phelps that is just a rehash of the millions we've already read or seen. It's frustrating as a fan to hear him answer the same questions over and over and not get to see the other guys as well. I won't hate Phelps for that though. That's the media's fault not his. That's why it's important as fans to let them know who you want to hear more about. Y'all don' be shy to write your local papers and tv stations when a competition is coming up and let them know you want to see lots of Brendan coverage! When someone runs an article about Brendan be sure to write them and thank them for it. They pay attention!

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/02/2005 12:42 AM  

  • Dear Diario Clarin,

    I'm here to request more coverage on Brendan Hansen's swimming career.

    Thanks
    Lena

    *reply*

    Dear Lena,

    Swimming? What is that?

    Editor in chief of Clarin Sports...

    *sighs* If it's not soccer related, my country would not see it through...

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/02/2005 1:20 AM  

  • "While I do agree with you that The olympics should not have been billed the Michael Phelps show, I think that to say the worst swimming moment of 2004 was the big deal that was made about the relay is sad." Clarification time! Kimberly, I think we're actually in agreement for the most part. I wasn't trying to say that the big deal made about the relay was a "worst." On the contrary, my point was that the media didn't make a big *enough* deal out of the relay itself!

    I would never suggest that Phelps doesn't deserve the recognition he received, nor do I think his willingness to give up the relay spot was anything short of magnanimous. (I personally believe that it was, however, the right thing to do for a variety of reasons.) He's a phenomenal swimmer with a great character and work ethic, and there's no doubt that he's helped increase the profile of swimming. What I was suggesting is that the media is often disappointingly myopic in its coverage. This was probably the best TEAM the U.S. has fielded, in my memory at least. And that final relay exemplified this wholeheartedly. I certainly wasn't implying that the relay event was a "worst" for me -- after all, it inspired me to change my own workout behavior! But I couldn't help but feel that the reporters came across a touch disrespectful (nevermind ignorant) of Ian's accomplishments. And I genuinely felt it was a lost opportunity to highlight the U.S.'s team unity and achievement. Similarly, I fear that casual fans will remember Aaron more for his near DQ than for winning 3 gold medals and setting 2 world records, again a function of media coverage. I suppose I feel that journalists and reporters, as our information delegates, have a responsibility to report the whole story. (see: John Lohn. It can be done.) Reporters did a great job relaying the story behind Phelps, but in doing so, they largely overlooked the rest of a stellar team.

    Now, I'm not sayin' the dolphin kick didn't make me cringe. But the media's rampant oversight of this unbelievably awesome team made me cringe more, hence why it made my list. In the words of our dear webmaster, Brendan WUZROBBED, but thankfully we have sites like this to give him and the others the attention they rightfully deserve!

    By Blogger crackinup, at 1/02/2005 4:11 AM  

  • In answer to Kimberly's question back there, and to weigh in with info on another media swimmer fave, I didn't get to see Thorpe's infamous false-start (husband did, though, and has it captured on 3-D video!), but I have to say that I was very impressed with how he handled it. Unlike, say, US track sprinter Jon Drummond who disrupted the 2003 World Championships for 45 minutes when he false-started himself out of the 100 meters, then refused to leave the track, Thorpe merely registered an immediate appeal with the deck official. The official turned it down and Thorpe calmly left the deck. Then he came back that night to watch the finals and cheer for his competitors. I know the guy lives a pretty rarified life and isn't really regarded as a true "mate" the way other Aussie swimmers are, but he behaved in a way that I found very mature and admirable. The ensuing media frenzy there was beyond unprofessional, but the athletes themselves behaved with class. I think this was the first Olympics where I followed the swimming with more enthusiasm than I did track (the sport that paid for my schooling), and it was unquestionably because swimmers still seem, with few exceptions (cough-Gary-cough) to believe in the ideals of good sportsmanship.

    By Blogger Jane, at 1/02/2005 10:22 AM  

  • Speaking of what I little know, some of the greatest rivalities on the pool in South America were also great friendships outside the pool. Just beceasue someone is in the next lane competing against you, does not mean you have to chopp his head off.

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/02/2005 10:30 AM  

  • Thanks for sharing Jane!!!! I love Ian Thorpe. I think the media in the US is very hard on him. They are always taking what he says out of context. It bothers me...

    *makes a note to shut up about other swimmers besides the WONDERFUL Brendan Hansen.

    PS. I watched my tape of the trio+ Lezak and Phelps on the Today show in Athens. I love when Brendan does the USA chant! I swear, Craig the spartan cheerleader!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/02/2005 11:06 AM  

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