Team USA

In 1976, when Dorothy Hamill won a gold medal in figure skating, every girl in my neighborhood wanted her haircut in the same short bob! This year, they must be dreaming of the Vonn-do. In a time when Heidi Montag’s plastic surgery and Tiger Wood’s infidelity dominates the news, it is refreshing to see that hard-work, dedication, honesty and perseverance pays off! I am so proud of Team USA’s athletes competing in Vancouver. It’s amazing how much inspiration they give to us all.

I’ll never forget when I won my first ski race on the bunny hill in Connecticut. I imagined myself as a future Olympian, sadly it wasn’t meant to be. Nonetheless, I got a medal that I proudly hung in my room. My parents were thrilled so I can’t imagine how proud the parents of our Olympians must be. Americans are in second place for all-time medals won during the winter Olympics although we send the largest contingent of athletes to compete. I have a feeling this statistic is going by the wayside after gold-medal performances by Bode Miller and Lindsey Vonn in Alpine Skiing, Hannah Kearney in Freestyle Skiing, Shani Davis in Speed Skating, Shaun White and Seth Wescott in Snowboarding and Even Lysacek in Figure Skating…and it’s only day 11 of the games!

Having grown up with four brothers who were all athletes, I think I’ve played every sport possible and I respect the training and sacrifice it takes to represent our country. It takes an extremely committed family to raise an Olympian. I’m in awe of the countless miles they’ve traveled to meets and events, the money they’ve spent on equipment, lessons, hotel rooms, all because they believed that their son or daughter could be a world champion.

I want to thank all the Team USA athletes and their families for representing our country so beautifully. Keep up the great work. Go USA!

Valentine's Tips

I always loved Valentine’s Day and you can too! Whether you are single, in a new relationship or have been with the same person for years, you can make Valentine’s Day fun and exciting. Being newly single, I’ve decided to try my luck in Paris. So resign your membership for good in the lonely-hearts club and if you can’t travel follow these tips:

If you are foot-loose and fancy-free this Valentines Day:

• Gather your single girl and guy friends and have a night out on the town. Going out with guys always attracts more guys.

If you are in a new relationship remember to:

• Pick the card that says how happy you are to have met this person rather than the card that says I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with you!

If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with your long-time love, take the opportunity this year to:

• Plan a surprise romantic interlude, be unpredictable, and keep it fresh and exciting. Do something completely new together, have an adventure!

Happy Valentines Day!

With love,

Countess Luann