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Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Favorite stories from Trials...

Ok, we had this discussion last week in chat and I was going to do a recap of everything over the weekend and it just never happened. Then it occurred to me - duh - I could just ask you all to tell your stories again here on the blog and save myself a lot of hassle. :p I will go ahead and post a favorite of mine to get the thread rolling...

From alxcar6:
I was watching Brendan swim in the warm down pool and some little kid with his dad ask him for an autograph so Brendan told him that when he was done he would go and give him his autograph so when Brendan finished warmin down he went up to the little kid and sign him an autograph and then the little kid gave him a blue swim cap and brendan put it on and swam with it.

Now, someone tell the Kletus story!

posted by Michelle at 4/13/2005 12:33:00 AM

116 Comments:

  • My favourite story from Trials is when ESPN aired it and then decided to release a special double disc DVD of Trials and the Worlds. Seeing Aaron break the WR and Brendan swim so well really just made my week last week. I'm so glad ESPN decided to air it - oh. That's right, they didn't air it.

    By Blogger a, at 4/13/2005 1:15 AM  

  • Kletus......I'll save it for someone else to tell, but it's a good one!

    My favorite memory from trials was meeting everyone, especially Mr. and Mrs. H. Friday during prelims I talked to them for a while (then watched Brendan rock a certain "colored" speedo *wink wink*)Mr H is a rock star, and Mrs. H is the sweetest person I've ever met. Friday night Mrs. H invited me to sit with her (squee!)and when Brendan won his final he gave Mrs. H his flowers and she gave them to me! Awe!!! I also got to meet all the BHO girls that night too. Dana, Shannen, Blair, Kate, and Alison were so much fun.

    Saturday hanging at the mall and who do I see walking over to our table?!?!? Brendan Hansen and his parental units..aka: my new best friends. I didn't fan girl squee, I hung in there like a champ! Ha! He's so cute ya'll! That was the highlight of trials for me! (followed closely by the phone call from Aunt K! So cute!)

    There are tons more stories..that was just a compact version, but all in all I had a blast. Thanks to Michelle, all my girls on the BHO, Aunt K, Mr. and Mrs. H and of course Pumkin for a pretty awesome weekend. (my phone bill is going to be crazy though!!)

    ps. the test I skipped to go to Tuesday nights finals...got an A! I should skip tests all the time.

    ps 2: I answered the age old BHO question is Brendan a good dancer. YES! (haha Baby Got Back!)

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 1:33 AM  

  • " I could just ask you all to tell your stories again here on the blog and save myself a lot of hassle."

    Nope, I am still going to hassle ya.

    Hey there... You.... yeah that's right I am talking to you over there. You, who won't post because you are afraid of breaking into a closed circle, or clique. I want to see some new people. I am feeling the need for fresh blood. I see you at chat. I know you.
    Look, see my teeth? I am smiling. Come out and play. I want to hear from you.

    By Blogger Eville Admin, at 4/13/2005 2:47 AM  

  • Ahhh, Kletus. I miss my stalker.

    I suppose I should tell the story, before Eville Admin bites me (and you're not allowed to do that! Mrs. H said so, according to Dana! LOL!)

    Anyhoo, the first night Dana and I were there, we were walking through the hotel lobby, and saw Klete Keller standing there with some other guys. His hair was *seriously* big. I mean finger/light socket action happening, ya'll. We kind of giggled, and moved on to Subway inside the hotel to gain some much needed sustenance.

    So, we're standing in Subway, getting our food made, and I notice Dana is looking behind me. I didn't think anything of it, until I glance behind me and see Klete standing in line behind me. I bumped Dana, but she already knew (duh, that's why she was looking behind me.)

    So I'm standing there watching Klete order his sub (a foot long roast beef) and thinking, "Wow, he's really tall and lanky. This must be what it's like to stand next to someone tall like Phelps" when he got all up in my personal space (of course, that's because the line was moving, except for me) and our hands brushed. I jumped like 15 feet in the air and about knocked into Dana, then got all up in her personal space as I was trying to get away from Klete, and all the while I'm thinking, "Get a grip! It's Klete Keller! Out of the people you came here to see, he's like 1,937th on the list!" But hey, it was my first encounter with a swimmer--I was nervous.

    Of course, by the end of the week, I was sick of Klete, because everywhere I went, he was there. Lobby of the hotel? Klete. Getting off the elevator? Klete. Going down to get coffee? Klete. Our group started joking that Klete was stalking me.

    Then, one night (can't remember which--I wanna say Saturday maybe?) we were sitting in this sports bar/restaurant, and the hostess decided when we asked for a table for 8, we meant we wanted two tables for 4 on completely opposite sides of the place. So I'm sitting with Blair, and alicat and her friend, and I'm facing the front door (which I didn't know there was a front door, as we came in the side door.) We're eating and watching the basketball game, when suddenly, I look at the door and going, "Oh no, oh no, oh no." Blair was worried for a minute, because she thought it meant Ian was coming in and I was gonna freak out and run away, but since I was laughing, it was probably OK. She turns around, and there's Klete and his girlfriend (who was sitting next to us in the stands that night, not that we knew that at the time) coming in. I call Dana on my cell (since she's on the other side of the place) and she busts out laughing when she sees him. Kimberly's texting me about my stalker, and I just have to thank Cingular for allowing me to share the moment with the members of my party who were ripped from my side by the hostess who can't seat 8 people at side by side tables (despite the fact that two tables next to us were open.)

    Klete and his girlfriend moved over to the bar area to wait for a table, and we all had a good laugh at how I obviously needed a restraining order.

    Then they called his name for a table. Except instead of calling "Keller, party of two" as one would expect, they called "Kletus, party of two." Well, that was just the whipped cream on the sundae for us--we were laughing and making comments about Kletus the Slack Jawed Yokel from the Simpsons, and we just had to leave before we caused a scene with our hooting.

    So, maybe it wasn't *that* funny--more of a "ya had to be there" moment, but it was pretty funny for us. But I think Klete left the next day, so I didn't bump into him anymore.

    So, that's the Kletus story. Probably my other big story of the Trials was the "Ian-cident". It was traumatic, for Ian mostly.

    By Blogger Shannen, at 4/13/2005 6:00 AM  

  • You guys have such great stories! Now I'm curious, what is the Ian-cident Shannen? :-)

    By Blogger Alexandra, at 4/13/2005 7:12 AM  

  • Shannen,do you want me to describe the Ian-cident or just my part in it?

    I can tell the Ryan story though.

    It all started out with Shannen and I being a little giggly. I believe this is when Mrs.H asked about the 4 o'clock happy hour. Really,we were sober and just naturally giddy. Swimmer heaven will do that to a girl sometimes. :)

    So Shannen and I are just sitting there when we see Ryan walk by real slow. He looks around and then very sneaky like grabs Junior Mints out of the candy jar on the announcer's table. This isn't all that funny but it is when he walks by again really casually and steals some more. He looked like a kid stealing cookies out of the cookie jar. It's the third time that he does it that cracks us up. Shannen and I are watching him walk up again that night saying "Take the junior mints" very softly. When he finally does we break down laughing. Of course he hears us and looks at us with a very confused look. Sorry Ryan,it was cute.

    Later on the Florida team is doing a chant which we in no way can understand. So we decided they were chanting "Get some Junior Mints" over and over. Dorky story so far but then again I am easily amused. :)

    So later on there is only one box of Junior Mints left. Out of the corner of my eye I see Ryan walking that way. The competition is over and I get up to leave. For some reason I'm the only one standing. Ryan walks up to the table and acts like he is really interested in the other candy. Good cover Ryan but we knew he was after that last box. So when he finally reaches in to take them,the whole group just breaks down laughing. The thing is I'm the only one standing up so guess who draws his eye first. So I stare back because I don't want to look guilty. Now Ryan don't you know you are supposed to look away when you catch someone staring at you? ;) So there we are having a staring contest because he is wondering why us silly girls are laughing at him. Don't quite remember who won the contest but at least I got to stare at a cutie. Ryan,keep your hair like that. It looks great. Again I think this is one of those stories where you had to be there.

    By the way,Ryan is very nice and shared his Junior Mints with his team.

    Randall and I also shared a moment across the announcers table. He unfortuneatly looked away when he caught me staring. Darn the luck!

    Psssttt...Randall,call me....

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 4/13/2005 7:35 AM  

  • Now I'm curious, what is the Ian-cident Shannen? :-)

    OK, here is the "Ian-cident". I choked--there's just no other way to put it.

    OK, so this was the second night. Kimberly, JHD, Blair, and I were hanging around the middle section of the stands (our seats were down farther, by the starting blocks, but this section was above the Texas bench) chatting with some other fans. We noticed Aaron standing around, getting ready to warm up. Kimberly gave me her camera, and asked me to take a pic of Aaron for her. So I went down to the railing, and leaned over a bit to take a picture. I happened to glance down (to make sure the girls weren't falling out of my V-neck stretch tee) and saw the top of Ian's head. He was sitting on the Texas bench, right under where I was standing, shaggy hair, scruff and all. You couldn't see him unless you were leaning over.

    My hands went numb, and I actually almost dropped the camera on top of his head. I jumped back and stood up (I can't remember if I snapped a pic of Aaron or not but I did snap a pic of Ian's head, although I think that was just me trying to grip the camera as so not to drop it and it took a picture.) My face went all white, then red, and I was just gripping the rail, trying to keep from hyperventilating and/or shaking so hard I dropped the camera on him and gave him a concussion. Honestly--I didn't freak out this bad when we saw Michael in the hotel lobby!

    Blair asked me if I was all right, and I kind of pointed down and squeaked, "Ian." She looked over the rail and saw him sitting there, so she decided to take the initiative. She leaned over and yelled "IAN!" real loudly...which, you'd usually have to, because it was quite loud in the pool area. But for some reason, it got quiet right when she yelled, and Ian about jumped out of his skin when he heard his name being screamed literally two feet from his head.

    He looked up and saw us, and I just got super interested in Kimberly's camera. Blair told him good luck on his races, and he just nodded (I think--I wasn't looking at him) and mouthed "Thanks." Then, Blair decided to disappear, and I was still standing there. I was still fiddling around with Kimberly's camera (doing nothing really--it was just a nervous reaction.) I finally looked up (well, up from the camera, down toward the pool deck) and Ian was sitting on the benches just staring up at me, kind of expectantly. We stared at each other for what seemed like 10 years but was probably 5 seconds. My mind went blank, and I didn't know what to do, so I just gave him this tight, weird little smile. Ever see Legally Blonde? Remember the parts where the manicurist would try to smile at the UPS guy? It was like that. Ian just looked at me for a couple seconds more, now not so much expectantly as umm...concerned for his personal safety, I'd say. He got up and walked down to the next section, where there was a thing of Gatorade (I think) and got a drink and started to walk back to the bench. I snapped a picture when he was getting the drink, and when I put the camera down, he was walking back and still looking at me, kind of confused I guess? We stared for a couple of seconds, then I just took off, going up a couple of stairs where he couldn't see me and telling Blair that I was the biggest spaz ever.

    Then, he kept busting me videotaping him through the weekend. I feel bad about that, because I'm shy and I hate being watched, and I can't imagine that, if he is shy, he was really enjoying me going all A Current Affair with my video camera, taping him standing around talking to people and all that. And because we had good seats, it was pretty hard to miss us.

    By Blogger Shannen, at 4/13/2005 7:52 AM  

  • So. Very. Jealous. *quietly busts out voodoo doll of friend who cancelled on me, thus preventing me from having my own charming Indy stories*

    By Blogger Melissa, at 4/13/2005 8:30 AM  

  • "Ever see Legally Blonde? Remember the parts where the manicurist would try to smile at the UPS guy? It was like that."

    Shannen, I miss you Kletus! That was the perfect description of your face. Classic.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 8:42 AM  

  • I'm here laughing so much at this stories.

    Teh staring contest and the Ian-cident... Shannen, Blair, like I told you before... I would have been so much worse.

    By Blogger Lena, at 4/13/2005 8:45 AM  

  • Ummmm....thought I would add the rings are even better in person. Maybe if we had offered to take the rings out to dinner....

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 4/13/2005 9:10 AM  

  • Hey Shannen, it wounds like you basically tried the bend-and-snap! Like the queen hairdresser in Legally Blonde said, "works every tiiiime" but maybe not when you're standing two feet above the bend-and-snap target. And it sounds like the stretch V-neck was a perfectly perfect bend-and-snap getup. :)

    D

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 4/13/2005 9:21 AM  

  • Haha--no, it wasn't a bend and snap. He didn't see me leaning over the rail or anything. I was totally focused on Aaron, and just happened to glance down and saw the top of Ian's head, and even though all I could see was the part in his hair, I knew it was him. So I just jumped back like I'd gotten an electric shock--it wasn't very graceful. Luckily, I don't think he saw me since he was facing out toward the pool.

    By Blogger Shannen, at 4/13/2005 9:37 AM  

  • and saw the top of Ian's head, and even though all I could see was the part in his hair, I knew it was him

    Shannen is a true fan... she recognizes Ian by his hair. Ian, Ian, Ian... (and I don't blame her, kid is looking fiiiine these days).

    OK, back to reading. I have to finish this book and go training in the afternoon.

    By Blogger Lena, at 4/13/2005 10:01 AM  

  • The Ian-cident never ceases to make me laugh. HAH. I love that story.

    More, more!

    By Blogger a, at 4/13/2005 10:21 AM  

  • You guys are so lucky!

    By Blogger Poppy, at 4/13/2005 10:31 AM  

  • Eville, get out your whip and aim it at Kate. She is to scared to tell her asking Brendan out for the BHO girls story. Let me tell you that girl was not scared that night! She needs a little encouragement...it is her story after all!! Maybe she can start it and Blair, JHD, Shannen and I can pick up at the text message party with Michelle reguarding Ben Michaelson!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 11:15 AM  

  • Kate, hun, sweetie, darling, bonita, preciosa, cara, lieveling, ma cherie, could you please share the story?

    By Blogger Lena, at 4/13/2005 11:22 AM  

  • Kate you must share that story! Pretty please?

    By Blogger pixley, at 4/13/2005 11:37 AM  

  • I thought these stories were hilarious the first time I heard them, but they are just as funny reading them here on the blog. Glad you girls had a fun time, great recaps!

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 4/13/2005 11:38 AM  

  • heyhey Kim...Im not scared, Im just not sure I could tell it as good as you would. Here goes though.

    Kim, Elysha, and I were talking about going out to dinner and drinks after the meet. And I told Kim that we should invite the other girls, Mrs. H, and Brendan. Kim began trying to contact Mrs. H via Aunt K and Michelle....no dice.
    The other girls were game though. So now we just had to rope Brendan in to going.

    I got up to go ask him and Kim yanked me back down into my seat... i guess she was ready for me to make a fool of myself. So I waited until near the end of the meet and saw him walking along the side of the pool. I went over to the edge of the bleachers and said "brendan" and he looked and me and I just said "some of us BHO girls are going out to dinner and wanted to know if you would like to come" he said he would have to check with the team and he would let me know. (Im still waiting for a response Brendan)

    But we all went to Alcatraz and ate together....well within viewing distance of each other. I apoligize to the other girls, it was my fault we were at two tables. They said two tables of four would be a 45 minute wait and a table of 8 would be 2 hours. I was too hungry to wait....by the way NEVER EVER go to BENNIGANS. Elysha and I ate lunch there on Friday of the meet...I didn't feel right until we left INDY.

    And to add to the KLETUS story. When they called KLETUS, Elysha began to clap...yes I said clap. Like they were announcing that he just won the 400 Free. :) After you girls left we moved to a table with some guys to watch the end of the ballgame and Elysha had Klete in her direct line of vision. And she did NOT look away the rest of the night.
    Klete's date got up to go to the bathroom and she must have sensed Elysha spying her seat bc she walked about two feet and then came back. If she had gone, I have no doubt that she would have been at Klete's table :)

    I am so sorry this post is so long...BUT you asked for it LENA.

    Oh and there was the issue of Elysha and I almost losing our volunteer position for asking brendan for a picture on the deck. But it was worth it..a picture with Brendan in his uniform aka jammers is worth breaking a few rules.

    Im not a rules girl anyways.
    I hope I didn't forget anything...I know that the girls that were there could probably fill any of the details. But the highlight still for me anyways was getting RYAN and Larsen to pose together.

    By Blogger Kate, at 4/13/2005 11:50 AM  

  • Hah! You girls are freakin hysterical. Those stories are just as funny as the first time I heard them. Seriously, Shannens Ian-cedent had me hysterical when she told it to me on the phone that night, but reading it again might have actually made it funnier!

    Kimberly, you should tell your Kaitlin story!

    Oh, and I know some of y'all have some good Bren stories, so spill!!

    p.s. i <3 Kletus!!!!

    By Blogger Sarah, at 4/13/2005 11:57 AM  

  • Thank you Sarah for reminding me, I forgot to add one thing in my previous post:

    I heart Kletus, he's so awesome. He rocks my socks! He's def on my fave swimmers list, he's the God of Comedy.

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 4/13/2005 12:04 PM  

  • *snort* These stories are great girls. I'd heard some of them before, but it's great to read them all in full detail and laugh myself silly. Wish I could have been there!

    By Blogger afadingvoice, at 4/13/2005 12:05 PM  

  • I have to say that I would have loved to see Klete. I know it was a relay.... Team USA was a full second ahead of the Aussies when Thorpe went into the water. Keller was caught by Thorpe and yet somehow held held him off. Statistics show that it shouldn;t have gone that way. It was a great show of heart and a gold medal secured. And a riveting race. Goooooo Kletus!

    By Blogger lala, at 4/13/2005 12:10 PM  

  • atrophy ... why did you have to tease like that? now i'm getting all depressed thinking about NOT having that special double disc DVD set. *sigh* at least i've got my own video footage of aaron's WR back. if anyone wants to donate to the cause of my buying a firewire cable so i can upload it to my computer, let me know.

    kimberly ... your story definitely tops them all, girl! and NO i'm not in the least bit jealous that we were in parisian at the time trying on prom dresses while this was going on. :) at least i got a firsthand account just minutes after ... sweet story.

    shannen ... teh kletus. i love it! and as far as the whole being busted videotaping, i totally feel you. i felt so conspicuous in the small confines of the Nat snapping pic after pic and taping the guys. i KNOW they noticed numerous times ... but i guess it's just another way of showing them how much we love them, right? i'm sure that's what they're thinking! :)

    alright, as far as my favorite story goes ... i'm first going to state for the record that i HATE reading stories where girls try to make out like their stalkees are into them, as if they really would be THAT interested in hooking up with some random fangirl, you know? so this is definitely NOT one of those stories. it was just something that happened that i found humorous, as i'm sure was the intent!

    well, on sunday aaron was of course hanging around the UT bench with brendan, and my friends and i wanted to get him to sign some stuff with his WR time on it. we went over and i asked him to put the time on my ticket stub from sat. night, the night of the swim. he just kind of hesitated, looked up and asked me, "what? do you want my phone number?" i found it funny and laughed but didn't really respond. probably because at that point my brain had turned to mush. brendan was standing beside him and laughed too, kind of shaking his head. well, aaron took my response as a "no" i guess and started to sign the ticket. then he proceeded to have to ask brendan what the time was, because he didn't even know for sure. brendan said he thought it was 53:14, and aaron looked at me and i told him i thought it was 53:17. (which ended up being right) now, why in the HECK could i remember a random number like that and could not manage an intelligent response just seconds before? still cursing myself for that one ...

    oh, afterward i asked my friends what i should've said. their responses, after much ridicule and chastisement, ranged from "no, but i'll take brendan's" (which i found funny b/c i realized when my head had cleared that their phone numbers would have been one and the same) to "heck yes! can i get your email, too?"

    gah. tell me, what would YOU have said?

    By Blogger Manda, at 4/13/2005 12:11 PM  

  • p.s. kimberly, did you see kaitlin showing bren some of her moves on the deck before practice? i got some pics, but it was too funny.

    By Blogger Manda, at 4/13/2005 12:14 PM  

  • Heh. I just realized my stories (the ones not already mentioned) are SwimParent stories, not ActualSwimmer stories.

    By Blogger JHD, at 4/13/2005 12:16 PM  

  • Man, I love reading these stories over and over again. I think y'all mentioned all of my highlights. My only other random experience was Aaron scaring me from behind a curtain....damn that glass wall!

    By Blogger Alison, at 4/13/2005 12:34 PM  

  • Yeah I caught Kaitlin getting her groove on. It was dance party with Kaitlin and Bren-Bear!


    Kaitlin story goes a little something like this. Before I went left for Indy, I printed off a few pictures for people to sign. For Brendan's picture I debated for hours (a lot longer then I spend on homework!) on which picture I thought would be best for him to sign. In a moment of spiritual enlightenment..the photo came to me. To be continued further down the page.

    So I get to Indy and show Mr. and Mrs. H the picture (actually Mr. H was looking at the pictures and I forgot it was in there..BUSTED!)they laugh and look at me like I am insane, or rather they fully understood that I am. No, Brendan autograph action...so I saved it for another day.

    Cut to Tuesday night. I see my pal Kaitlin chilling with her team..she looked like she needed a laugh so I called the boss, that's Michelle to the little people, and asked her if I should share my Brendan love with Kaitlin. I received a resounding yes! So JHD and I walk over to Kaitlin. She was petting a dog, who brought a dog to a swim meet? Maybe it was entering the 1400m doggy paddle with Phelps right Shannen? LOL! Any who..JHD says "Hey Kaitlin we are some of the girls from the BHO" and she says in her cute little Kaitlin way "awe hey guys whats up?" So I am blinded by her beauty and the only think I can say is."Kaitlin, you want a good laugh?" and she says "always" So I show her my picture and she preceded to laugh for a few minutes.

    This is the point where you guys maybe wondering what would cause all these people to laugh? How could Brendan, the hottest of swim hotties take a picture that incites laughter? The answer my friends is: Purple speedo, and the Nemo shirt. The photo manip courtesy of Atrophy.

    Sorry Brendan, but when I have a bad day I look at that picture and laugh till it hurts. It reminds me of all the fun I have here at BHO. So blame Michelle for showing Kaitlin! I just do what I am told. :hugs Brendan:

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 12:35 PM  

  • UMM, Manda, I would have been like "SURE!! And your email too. And your fax number. And your beeper number. And, oh, I think you'll fit in my suitcase, wanna come home with me?"

    ;)

    By Blogger a, at 4/13/2005 12:36 PM  

  • Excellent stories ladies.


    Now. I know there are some of you out there who went to the trials and havent shared a story. Mrs H, I am sure you might have a few stories about your own "stalkers" and the things you might have heard or seen.

    But mostly I want to hear from some new folks. A perfect way to make yourself known. By making other people jealous. Muhuhahahahahaha. Join my minions. Make them squeeeeel.

    By Blogger Eville Admin, at 4/13/2005 12:38 PM  

  • One of my fave stories involves Ian and Dana.

    We were sitting in the stands before the evening session one night (I think it was the night of the 100 free finals.)Warm ups were going on, and Blair and Dana were talking amongst themselves, and I was sitting there happily watching a Speedo clad Ian, who was sitting in a folding chair next to the blocks talking to a coach or something. I wasn't videotaping though, because Ian and the guy kept looking over at us, so I thought that would be *way* obvious.

    I must have made some kind of giddy noise(probably "*sigh*..Ian..." or "Awww. Ian" or "squee...Ian!" which seemed to be all I was saying all weekend) and Dana asked me what was up. I nodded over to where Ian was now standing, and she was all, "When did he come out?" or something. I said he'd been out there the whole time, sitting in the chair (that he was now standing next to.)

    Dana just shook her head and said, "No he wasn't. There was a little boy sitting in that chair." I told her he'd been sitting there in that chair since we walked in--hence my gasping when we walked in (my Ian radar was *on* all week. I'd see him coming from 20 miles away, except during the Ian-cident.) She kept insisting that a little boy had been sitting there, but it was Ian.

    So we had a good laugh over that--apparently Ian has such a baby face that he gets mistaken for a little boy when he's wearing his swim cap! LOL!

    By Blogger Shannen, at 4/13/2005 12:38 PM  

  • PML. I can't believe my manip was shown to the entire arena.

    By Blogger a, at 4/13/2005 12:39 PM  

  • Just to clarify a few things:

    A. I never tried to call Aunt K as I don't have her number. But she is a blast and I owe her! I just don't need the Hansen family thinking I have them on speed dial!

    B. I didn't show the manip to anyone but the bho girls who had already seen it, Mr. and Mr. H, and Kaitlin. Kaitlin had heard about it so I figured it would be ok. I wouldn't want to upset pumkin!

    C. I don't think you can stalk people who give you their seating info. LOL! I say this in all seriousness because I hope I didn't annoy Mr. and Mrs. H. They were so fun am I think it's great that Brendan has such an amazing family and support system.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 12:58 PM  

  • Oh kim...no I meant and maybe I typed it wrong that we were trying to invite Mrs. H through Michelle and Aunt K.
    You know a crazy BHO phone tree scheme.

    ONLY calling Michelle though. :o)

    By Blogger Kate, at 4/13/2005 1:20 PM  

  • Ok, I have to tell a story from my
    point of view, before someone leaks out swimmers of parents stories.
    It is the finals of the 200 breast. I am sitting next to Shannen, who is next to Dana, who is next to Blair, who is next to Kimberly. Now, going into the night's final I knew that Brendan wanted to go after his record big time. He had waited for 3 days doing nothing and was like a caged animal. I was nervous for him because I am your typical swimming mom hoping he is happy with his swims. But I feel so confident in the fact that I am sitting next to a group of girls that were fun, stress free, and relaxed (after their hours of "Happy hour"). I know my husband is know help in keeping my nerves in check so I am really depending on this group of level headed girls. Not!
    The race began and at the 50 Brendan was on World record pace. I thought, God he took that out too fast. I hear screaming everywhere. I am starting to feel my heart beating faster in my chest. I look at my husband and he is yelling with every rythmn of Bren's stroke. He is at the 100 and still under WR time. Oh God, I need help, now. I turn to Shannen for support and she is shaking all over, close to a nervous breakdown and wondering why her camera is not steady. I then see all the others screaming, shaking and close to hestrics. How in the hell can they help me????? I am now asking them if they are OK. At the end of Brendan's race they all settled down to 100 words a minute and were close to tears. I then thanked them for their relaxing support during the race. I don't think I could have gotten throught it without them. The were laughing, shaking and back to 100 words a minute telling me they could not help it. They really got caught up in the moment and were, I witnessed, completely out of control. I was laughing at them in the end because they were far worse than I was.
    Moral of this story is: I will take my ativan and bring it with me for others.

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 4/13/2005 1:27 PM  

  • Ha Ha! Glad we could help Mrs. H!

    And no ativan..I here from a super secret source (haha!) that it has the potential to make people a little loopy. You wouldn't know anything about that though right? *wink*

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 1:39 PM  

  • Ha!! Excellent Mrs H! Exactly how I imagined it going down. I knew they would be no help. haha. I want more! I also want some of those dark chocolate M&M's

    By Blogger Eville Admin, at 4/13/2005 1:54 PM  

  • Wow these recaps are cracking me up, what a perfect way to spend a rainy day. Mrs H, yes please make sure to bring the ativan to Montreal, I have a feeling it will be much needed!

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 4/13/2005 1:58 PM  

  • HaHa Kimberly, I forgot I told you my reaction on taking them at Olympic Trials. Not sure what is worse, feeling numb and oblivious...or feeling like your heart is in your mouth??

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 4/13/2005 2:05 PM  

  • Don't you just love Trials stories? Especially when you're stuck here in sucky Trinidad. Keep in mind that Trinidad was not sucky until last week when trials started. I'm never going to get to see some real good live swimming am I? Never! Never! *bangs frustrated head on piano* (bragging rights to the first person who gets the reference)

    By Blogger Dana, at 4/13/2005 2:45 PM  

  • i've never posted before.. this si my first time posting.. YAY!!! i figured it out.. alright you guys sounded liek you all had a blast.. i love your stories..soo funny...

    By Blogger caity, at 4/13/2005 3:10 PM  

  • Im still so jealous of y'all. Everytime I read one of your stories I feel like im there in Indy. But alas, Im still in PA.

    By Blogger dearmanda, at 4/13/2005 3:13 PM  

  • "Hi, my name is Ryan Lochte and I like falling up award podiums, running along the pool deck sliding on puddles of water, long walks to the warm-up/down pool, and smacking my head on the starting blocks at the end of a race. I also enjoy bustin' a move with Kaitlin and pretending we are a rap group. Also, if you meet me, don't yell my name because I won't recognize it. Instead yell for whoever is around me and I'll come on over."

    That kid was the funniest thing I have ever seen, and the best memories for me from Trials involve Ryan and his obvious ditsy-ness. lol.

    Suz I know you are hanging around here and we have some funny stories about the swimmers, but I am going to make you post them because you (like I) are a lurker. haha.

    By Blogger crockersmyhero, at 4/13/2005 3:36 PM  

  • crockersmyhero - there will be no making fun of my boyfriend ryan please. ;) kidding i love goofy guys. i guess most swimmers are, being that they usually have skinny legs, gigantor feet and are 8feet tall.

    oh suzanne i KNOW you have some stories g-friend! cant wait to hear mrs. h's. i like this thread. good call michelle.

    and if this is the way you ladies handled trials, we are up poops creek w/out a paddle for Montreal. not one of us will be of sound mind. not good! :)

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 4/13/2005 3:50 PM  

  • Note to Kimberly: Do not read the blog durning class...more specifically Mrs. H's posts. You will get kicked out of class.

    It was worth it!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 4:17 PM  

  • OMG, Kimberly did you get kicked out of class for real?
    I want to thank Heather and Alison for your tickets for the 200 race. We really enjoyed sitting with everyone. I asked Brendan and Aaron to sign tickets and caps for you. Dana will be mailing them to you both.

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 4/13/2005 4:26 PM  

  • I guess I will share my trials story, although it is not as funny as most of the ones on here. After making our infamous “Trio: Show us your boobs” sign Friday night, my friends and I could barely get our act together to make it to prelims Saturday morning. However, we got there just in time and it was well worth it. My friends and I saw Aaron take out this chick in the warm up pool! HA He crashed right into her. He kept apologizing to her afterwards, it was funny. My friends and I were going to wait and try to meet some body (anybody really) after the prelims, but we are pigs and decided to hit up Le Peep instead. Unfortunately, we did not see any swimmers there! For the finals that night, we decided it was time to break out the poster. We were sitting right by Michael Phelps’ Mom and sister. They seemed very nice, talking to all the kids who came over to them to say hi. My one friend was completely out of control. She was screaming for everyone and dancing to the PA music. Lochte was walking over to the warm up pool, and he was unzipping his suit. She started screaming “Take It Off!” I love harassing people. Anyway, Aaron swam, broke the record etc. We kept holding up the sign hoping he would see it after the race and during the awards ceremony, but I doubt he saw it since he is supposedly blind and all. That was when we totally offended the mom with our poster. I hope it wasn’t Mrs. H or any other relatives of the Trio! My friends decided it was time to give the boys our poster, so we headed over to where the Texas congregation was. Aaron was down there, but when we went to give him the sign, everyone disappeared. On the back of the sign we wrote down my friends address inviting the entire Texas team to her house for our Illini Party and gave it to some dude, I think his name is Sacco? I was mad none of us put our phone numbers on the sign. Maybe Eddie Reese would have called us up and yelled at us? HAHA Hopefully I can find out where our precious sign is now. I am thinking for Montreal we should have our poster say the same thing, except in French! If anyone wants a picture of our sign, let me know. I can email one to Michelle!

    By Blogger growamustache, at 4/13/2005 4:31 PM  

  • kimberly -- tell me you truly didn't get kicked out of class!! :) you are hardcore, that's for sure.

    mrs. h -- i'm totally regretting that i didn't say hello at least. but when i got there friday night, i was with 6 other girls, and i didn't want to bombard you! i was the heart in the "we <3 phelps" line of hot pink tees ... kimberly and i properly amended our shirts to show some trio love on the back, however. so we were sitting right behind you! my friends are still trying to convince me that montreal isn't all that far, so who knows? maybe i'll chat with you there. :)

    By Blogger Manda, at 4/13/2005 4:32 PM  

  • Thank you so very much Ms. H. for the autographed memorabilia. I received it yesterday and was so surprised (Dana did a great job keeping it a secret) I freaked out in the elevator when I opened the package. From Heather and myself, thank you so much again for the gift and it was wonderful to meet you. If all goes well, I will be seeing you in Montreal.

    By Blogger Alison, at 4/13/2005 4:37 PM  

  • p.s. mrs. h, i'm the one holding the BHO sign w/kimberly in the pic from the first night at indy.

    By Blogger Manda, at 4/13/2005 4:40 PM  

  • Well..I would love to say I didn't get kicked out, but I did! Actually it wasn't my class it was a computer lab that was having class. I snuck in to check my email, and of course the goodies on the BHO! Ha! Angie was my inspiration to rebel.

    PS. I was asked to leave! That is the PC term. Just so people don't think the Profs at my school are abusive. (gasp some are!)

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 4:48 PM  

  • I am sorry manda I did not see you. I know Brendan did. He asked me if I saw all the girls in the pink shirts. They really stood out. I hope Micheal saw them as well. You guys went to a lot of trouble.

    Kimberly, I feel better knowing I did not cause you to get kicked out of a real class of yours. I am very surprised you were able to do that. I did not think you had it in you.

    As for the sign for the Texas trio, I did not see it. So it was not me that was offended. All I can say is if Eddie saw it, he had one hell of a week! He is the type that would laugh at it anyway. Good Times!

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 4/13/2005 5:09 PM  

  • Mrs. H you are suprised I got kicked out of a class that was not mine? Surely you kid. When it comes to school, nothing is impossible (excpet perhaps passing French) I can do the impossible. I got stood up by an Olympic gold medalist. At least I am moving up from the losers who usually stand me up! Upgrade!!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 5:21 PM  

  • OMG this is the funniest thread ever! I knew Klete was stalking y'all, but I didn't know why you guys kept calling him Kletus until now! LOL!!!

    Mrs H - You are too funny. May I also suggest some Xanex for Montreal? =)

    And even though I wasn't there watching Brendan, I was online IMing with Pooh and swimphilly during Brendan's 200 and we were screaming through the computer! I'm sure we were shaking and just as nervous as you all!

    swimphilly - When is SHO gonna start? I wanna start my admin work!! =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 4/13/2005 5:22 PM  

  • Dude, I want suzanne's job.

    By Blogger a, at 4/13/2005 5:26 PM  

  • Wow... I leave for a couple of hours to go training... mind you, it rained, so I settled with hot cocoa and the lovely company of my coach... and I come back to ALL of this.

    Mrs H, I would love to say I would have been there to support you, but I'm sure I would have been the exact way the girls were. Aunt K can tell you how we were freaking out hitting refresh.

    By Blogger Lena, at 4/13/2005 5:32 PM  

  • i would like to add the following to my post so i do not start any rumors:

    no pants were ripped off anyone. i did not lose my pants, just gave my skirt to a friend. there wasn't THAT much beer involved.

    thank you.

    By Blogger suzanne, at 4/13/2005 5:40 PM  

  • Kletus!

    It sounds like you guys had such a great time at Trials. I'm getting so excited about Worlds after reading these stories.

    By Blogger Ms of Arc, at 4/13/2005 5:43 PM  

  • By SHO I'm sure Stephie means

    "Sainted Hansens Online"

    Because it sounds like the entire family was nothing short of spectacularly welcoming to BHOers in Indiana. Maybe Michelle can rechristen the site and we can get some baby pix of Mr. and Mrs. H in here! ;) (and Grandma and Grandpa, absolutely!)

    Heather and I have saints on the brain because we're eager to watch the conclave, starting in Rome on the 18th ... this is the first new pope of our lives (Brendan's, too).

    Suz - lunch! We're doing lunch. I've decided, it's official. Wish I could make Keith Urban.

    All of you who describe having "uuh" experiences with swimmers whose faces you know like the backs of your hands: that sounds so much like the experiences we used to have in the press boxes. I remember 2002 NCAAs, turning around and seeing Dan Westcott - this really lovely Stanford swimmer - and pulling a total uh, uh while tearing psych sheets out of my packet, with a pen stuck in my hair. Don't know where my tongue went on that one. Sometimes if your brain is all over the place, it can short-circuit when you try to focus on a particular person. :)

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 4/13/2005 5:58 PM  

  • and suzanne: i'll bring a napkin to lunch, in my purse. Just in case. Think we should invite the P'ton fellas in your pic too? ;)

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 4/13/2005 5:59 PM  

  • suzanne you're my hero, and you seriously do have the coolest job ever and got hit on by brendan...

    By Blogger Anna, at 4/13/2005 6:44 PM  

  • suzanne..im so jealous of you!!...you get to see famous people all the time and "talk for most of the night" with handsome olympic breaststrokers..ahh

    By Blogger jenny, at 4/13/2005 7:15 PM  

  • Thanks for sharing all the great stories! I was hoping to hear them all. Sounds like you guys had a blast!

    P.S. I want your job too Suzanne!

    By Blogger Janine, at 4/13/2005 7:25 PM  

  • wow - i havent posted in a long time!

    these stories are HIL-AR-I-OUS!! no joke.. i think i almost peed in my pants about 12 times and hung up on brother about 3 until he stopped calling cause i was laughing so hard. sorry b!

    im glad everyone had an awesome time and its soo fun to read everyones stories!

    everyone who went definitly represented 'BHO' at its best! :)

    wayy to go yall!

    By Blogger Christi, at 4/13/2005 7:36 PM  

  • Hmmm....Ben Michaelson

    That's the only autograph I actually got while at Trials. So that's why he got taken out to dinner instead of Bren...

    But then again if Bren had went out to dinner with us we wouldn't have the Kletus story. ;)

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 4/13/2005 8:40 PM  

  • It has been an eternity since I have posted..(kid's spring break, family vacation, oldest's confirmation, potty training a 2 yr. old)
    You girls sound like you had a blast! Now you know why Brendan's aunts have all enjoyed taking road trips to his meets over the years. I am making plans for Montreal...looking forward to seeing a lot of you there. I'll be the female relative who is NOT on Ativan...mixing all the cocktails...

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 4/13/2005 9:59 PM  

  • Hi Aunt C! Good to see you again.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/13/2005 11:26 PM  

  • I really wanted to thank Brendan for stopping by chat tonight. He did finally show up ladies and he only stayed a moment, but he is so good to us to stop by. I had a great time at chat . You all are so funny and we all get along so well. I wish we all could be in Montreal. It is great to see you aunt C. It really has been too long.

    By Blogger lala, at 4/14/2005 2:02 AM  

  • I'm J.Ellis of all these stories. I really need to start getting more involved in these things. Everyone sounds like they had an absolute blast.

    By Blogger Dana, at 4/14/2005 6:04 AM  

  • I have to add that it was pretty exciting watching Bren's 200. Getting to be that close and screaming with everyone else was great. Seeing how excited Mr.H got made me yell even more. Mrs.H,thanks for having such a great sense of humor about all our craziness.

    I am also posting again to say thanks to all the girls I met in Indy. Without y'all I would have never had so much fun. It's so great that we all meet because of Bren but end up making some pretty cool friendships. Y'all kept me laughing and even embraced all my quirkiness.

    *Group Hug* for all my Indy girls.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 4/14/2005 7:23 AM  

  • *hugs Blair back*

    Ditto! I don't think I have laughed so much in my life. Kletus! Ha. Anyway, it was a blast hanging out with everyone. Watching Bredan smooooohoooke his competition was the highlight. Good job Brendan!

    Ps. Thanks again for showing up last night.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 4/14/2005 7:55 AM  

  • Well, it seems my codl made me missed Brendan last night. Well, tough luck...

    The stories are hilarious and I'm glad everyone had a great time.

    Welcome back Aunt C, nice to see you posting again. And Mrs H, we're happy that you're joining us too.

    That being said, I have two reports to write and lunch with my dad... so I'll see you all later.

    By Blogger Lena, at 4/14/2005 8:03 AM  

  • I am also posting again to say thanks to all the girls I met in Indy. Without y'all I would have never had so much fun. It's so great that we all meet because of Bren but end up making some pretty cool friendships. Y'all kept me laughing and even embraced all my quirkiness.

    Awww, word to that. Being in Indy and watching Brendan and everyone swim was exciting, but getting to meet all of you and having a blast was just icing on the cake.

    I'm sorry I missed the chat last night...stupid homework.

    By Blogger Alison, at 4/14/2005 9:17 AM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger blue mirage, at 4/14/2005 10:10 AM  

  • I just wanted to be the 100th post. So if someone posts before me and I'm not 100,it's the thought that counts. :)

    *Hugs Meesh way too tightly*

    Missed ya at the chat. Glad to see back with us.

    Yay for new posters!

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 4/14/2005 10:17 AM  

  • JHD - isn't there one you'd like to add ;).

    I didn't know if you'd want me to tell it here, since it's not quite appropriate. Plus I'll be just as embarrassed as I was when it happened and I doubt Mrs H is going to want to see mention of it again.

    Unless that's not the story you're talking about.....

    By Blogger JHD, at 4/14/2005 10:24 AM  

  • No, we are thinking of the same story JHD - but if you'd rather not I understand. So someone tell the one about the kid running up and hugging Brendan! I LOVE that one.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 4/14/2005 10:37 AM  

  • Oh, and I'm so glad to see you checking in crackinup! How is Tokyo?

    By Blogger Michelle, at 4/14/2005 10:38 AM  

  • Lol! You guys are really funny. And lucky, too, for meeting/seeing the swimmers. Thanks for shareing your stories with all of us.

    By Blogger anya8, at 4/14/2005 10:39 AM  

  • crockersmyhero..ill be emailing you soon

    By Blogger jenny, at 4/14/2005 11:10 AM  

  • JHD,that story is priceless. I'm just glad I didn't say it...lol. I kid because I love.

    Poor Aaron......

    Jenny,thanks for saying that. It reminded me about the roomie offer. Sorry,girls,the ol' memory doesn't work the way it used to. I will be sending out an email. :)

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 4/14/2005 11:22 AM  

  • Thanks, Blair. That makes me feel so much better. Not really. I still can't believe after all this time, I haven't learned when not to say something. Or at least not say it out loud where people can hear. =)

    By Blogger JHD, at 4/14/2005 11:28 AM  

  • I am so single minded. After reading Dana Cara's post all I could think was "Aaron's 23? I thought he was younger than that."

    By Blogger blairbecky, at