Whether your heart is glowing proudly or your stomach is churning bitterly, the Olympics are finally here. It's time to lighten up.
As I write this Reporter's Notebook column, the 45,000-kilometre Torch Relay is making its way from Powell River and will be arriving in Furry Creek, Britannia Beach and Squamish in a matter of hours.
As you read this, it's probably Day 99 of the 106-day cross-country relay and the flame is already touring around town after an evening of celebration (with, perhaps, a mix of protest).
Quatchi knows we've had our issues with VANOC. And yes, questions and concerns continue, most notably those involving transportation to Whistler Olympic Park. But we've already draped our "Thanks For Nothing VANOC" banner above the highway and tossed yellow snowballs at Sumi and Miga (or was that just a strange dream?).
In any case, it's time to let go of our animosity and welcome the world to Squamish - if for no one else but ourselves.
I've been writing stories about our local torch bearers over the last few weeks. They welcomed me into their homes and expressed their excitement for being named one of the chosen, which was usually based on their special interests and community work.
They were passionate and honoured, and made me truly excited for them.
Of course, the money spent on the entire Olympics, not to mention the $24.5 million in federal funds going toward the Torch Relay, could have been spent differently, perhaps even more shrewdly. But that Mona Lisa has already sailed, and it's docked at Squamish Terminals.
Let's support our athletes. That may bring some of us to the old debate of whether you can support the troops and not the mission, but let's do it anyway.
Per capita, Squamish must have one of the largest concentrations of Olympians and Olympic hopefuls in the world. Snowboarders Maëlle Ricker, Rob Fagan and Justin Lamoureux are serious medal contenders while young Prince George transplant Megan Tandy is vying for a top-30 in the European dominated sport of biathlon.
Others like skiers Aleischa Cline and Davey Barr, along with snowboarder Tom Velisek, competed hard right down to final World Cup qualifying races, but now have to settle for simply watching alongside us.
Let's enjoy what we are getting. For instance, we have free tickets to watch Russia and Switzerland play a women's hockey game at Brennan Park Arena this week before the Games even begin. Let's cheer them on without complaining we didn't get Team Canada versus the United States.
The Olympics are here and no one knows exactly how the story will end. In a few weeks we'll likely breathe a collective sigh of relief as the spotlight swings to London, England for 2012 and Sochi, Russia for 2014. After all, it's been a long, long journey. But, much like leaving summer camp after two weeks of mosquito bites and homesickness, we'll also likely look back and smile, even if there's a hint of a smirk.
