by Louisa Cohen

On route to the Opening Ceremonies my sister and I were on such a high – not because of where we were going, but because we were so entertained at seeing how excited our mother was. Since we are our mother’s most dynamic accessories, I was forced to abandon my black beret and gloves for red mittens and a Hudson’s Bay toque (soon to be a doggy plush toy) I looked like a Canadian Smurf…not the hot girl smurf we all wanted to be.

Normally decked in couture, our glamorous mama transformed. Sure she was wearing her beautiful brogues and Rich&Skinny’s, but was covered up in so much Olympic paraphernalia we became certain that she was the reason VANOC broke even.

We walked around BC place hooting and cajoling with other people. A bunch of giggling Asian teens asked to pose with my mom for a picture. They were stomping their feet and snikkering as if they had found the ultimate Canadian Sideshow to email to their homies in the Far East. Our Mom was having an Olympic-gasm.

So yes, this was a memorable day for Canada, for sport, and for Olympic enthusiasts everywhere.

The flame was lit – the Olympic-gasm was born.