Random Dozen - Olympic Edition

Today Linda is giving a nod to the Olympics going on right now in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Go Canada! Sorry just had to throw that in there. Here's her explanation of today's Random Dozen:

"Although this begins with a salute to the Olympics, you'll notice about half-way through these questions that I turn the corner and go off on another path as fast as a luge rounding a bend. Hence the name: Random. "

Head over to 2nd Cup of Coffee to join in.

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be? It's funny you should ask, Lidna. We were just talking about this at home. My choice would be the Ski Jump. There is just something about pointing the ski's downhill and building up speed and then straightening up and soaring through the air. There is that moment where they just hang there, suspended it seems, defying gravity, that I think must be an incredibly fantastic feeling. It just looks so peaceful and lovley with the snow falling and the trees rushing by looking out over the scenery in front of you with nothing under your feet. That is until gravity takes over and you come thudding back to earth. But for that suspended moment it must be worth the insanity of throwing yourself off that jump.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past? There are lots and lots but one of my favorites are not necessarily for the medal that was one but for the sportsmanship displayed in the hotbed of competition. I remember in the Turin Olympics one of Canadian cross country skiers, Sarah Renner, near the end of race breaking a pole and a Norweigan coach that was on the sidelines waiting for his own skier running up and handing her his own pole. She went on to win a silver medal. That was an awesome moment of sportsmanship I'll never forget. Canadians sent the man 5 tonnes of Canadian Maple Syrup as a thank you. I'm not kidding. Five tonnes. :v)

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics? One of my kid's junior high teachers competed in one of the summer Olympics. There have been other's from around here but none I've known personally.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in? I make a mean cup of coffee in record time, I can eat the best under the table, and I whine with the best of them. But I like to think I could read my way to a gold.

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage? My relatives are from Hungary. We love sour cream, garlic and paprika. They are a hard working people. My parents came to Canada in the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Violins play a big part in their traditional music.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late? If by late you mean later than my usual 6:30 a.m. then yes, if you mean until noon, then no.

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.) No I haven't but I do know how. I have almost had to do the Heimlech manouver in a restaurant once. I know they're not the same thing but they both have to do with life saving.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why. I would love to go to Europe in general. So much history there and beautiful architecture. And especially Ireland. Hubby and I would love to do the castle tours. It just looks so green and lush.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically? Indirectly. They are now divorced so I won't take any credit for that one.

10. What is the last book you read? "In Search of Eden" by Linda Nichols. You can see my review here. It's #6. I can't believe I've read 6 books already this year.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random?? I've been dying for this question to come up 'cause it's earth shattering in it's answers. Which direction do you hang your toilet paper: paper coming over the top or coming from underneath? Enquiring minds want to know.

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant? If it's a restaurant where I know they do it well, I go for the liver and onions. I know, I know, but I can't help it. Remember I'm Hungarian and I grew up with it. And yes, I liked it when I was a kid too. My mom just knew how to cook it right. Now, I don't make it myself so when I see it on a menu and I know they cook it well, that's what I order. That or veal cutlets.