Prior to July 27, 2012, I had a decent workout regimin in place. I was able to squeeze in about 800 yards in the pool in roughly 30 minutes. My goal was to get back to the 4000 yards I could do a couple of years ago when I was swimming an hour every day. I was well on my way to reaching that goal when the Olympics happened.

I spent most of Saturday planted on my couch watching sports I didn’t even know were Olympic sports. I got up occasionally to sweep the floor (counts as aerobic exercise) or lug the laundry up and down the stairs (weight training), so I didn’t feel too bad about missing my morning swim (thank you late night Opening Ceremonies).

Sunday was a complete loss in the physical fitness arena. I wore my pajamas all day and become one with the couch. My only exercise was to go to the kitchen during commercials or “news breaks” (boring!) to get food. And I made some pretty unfortunate food choices. Klondike bars, Doritos, brownies, Butterfingers… You get the idea.

I did get my blood pumping watching the Men’s 100 meter relay. Not because of their swimsuits (sicko!), but because I was coaching them from my couch: KICK! KICK! KICK! Okay, good turn, come on! GO! GO! GO! Alas, Ryan Lochte couldn’t hear me clearly telling him to kick harder and the guys took second. But Silver aint too shabby and at least none of our men were sporting tramp stamp tattoos. (Please note, French men’s team: lower back tattoos are NOT en vogue)

All that excitement late in the evening wore me out. I slept late on Monday and did not get to the pool. So, while I am, on one hand, inspired by the athletes physical abilities and healthy bodies, I am too caught up in the games to eat right and exercise. Irony? Or maybe I’m just pathetic.

Water Polo is NOT for Sissies

As I was watching today’s Olympic game coverage, the USA Men’s Water Polo team played the Serbian team. I have to admit, the headgear worn by both teams (and I’m going to assume all water polo teams involved in these Olympic games) was a bit distracting.

Seriously, it’s hard to focus on the game action when all the men are wearing what appear to be Hannah Andersson pilot caps my kids wore as babies. I think it was the perfectly tied bows under their chins.

Yes, that was definitely it. The bows.

Finally, around the end of the third quarter, all the comments had been exhausted and I was able to watch the game without begging them to please take them off if they weren’t actually in the water (that plea fell on deaf ears) or wondering why-oh-why they have to tie them in bows. The synchronized swimmers have caps with loops or Velcro that keep them firmly on their heads. Perhaps I should send the water polo team a picture. I even found water polo caps with loop closures online. So what gives?

So, after I blurred out the players’ heads, I realized that water polo is a physically grueling sport. Did you know they have to tread water the whole time? And they only have 30 seconds to make a goal before having to high-tail it to the other end of the pool? That’s hardcore. Oh, in case you’re wondering, of course the US won!

Yep, water polo is not for sissies. And, hey, at least the US team didn’t have a total “uniform” fail.

One of the coolest things about my job in radio is getting to go backstage at concerts to meet artists.

Such was the case Saturday night when Luke Bryan played the Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Waiting in the meet and greet line with my daughter, Maddie, was like waiting to go on the best ride at the fair. The squeals of delight emanating from the room ahead of us were almost palpable. The continued giggles and glow on the faces of the girls as they exited the “ride” were even better: “O my GOD, he is SO cute!” “AAAAAHHHHHHH! That was SO AWESOME!” and so on.

When it was our turn, it was immediately obvious what all the fuss was about. Cute, yes, but Luke Bryan made that experience. I didn’t tell him I was from a radio station at first, just introduced myself and Maddie. He welcomed Maddie to her first concert, telling her he was honored she chose to come to see him. He asked us a couple of questions while he signed our cards and posed for pictures. He made us feel special.

As we were shaking hands and leaving, I told him where I worked and he stopped short. He grabbed both of my hands, shaking them vigorously, and thanked me profusely for playing his songs and supporting him.

I was taken aback, rendered speechless. I think I uttered some lame, “You’re welcome… uh, have a great show…” and we parted ways.

I walked out of there still processing; he was thanking me? You’ve got it backwards, dude. I should be thanking you. Thanking you for providing exceptional music. Thanking you for writing songs everyone can relate to. Thanking you for sharing your talent.

Then it hit me: this wasn’t the first time I heard a country artist say “Thank you.” They do it all the time. Blake Shelton just hit #1 (again) and his first Tweet (because you know he HAD to) was to thank his fans and radio for all their support.

(From Twitter)

Blake Shelton ‏ @blakeshelton
Guess what… “Drink On It” has become my 11th #1 single!!!! Thank y’all for requesting it and radio for playing it!!!!
Country artists “walk the talk” of the songs they sing: lovin’ God, mama, and country and being hospitable and humble. When Luke and others thank radio for playing their songs,or to fans for buying their album or concert tickets, they honestly mean it. They’re doing what their mama’s taught ‘em: be grateful and humble and say, “Thank you.”