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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

The Olympic Torch...

74 replies

sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 17:51

...is going to go past the end of my road in about half an hour and I really have no interest whatsoever in gazing in awe at it. I semi buy into the Olympics being a 'Good Thing' for the country but then looking at the state of the country, still not sure. AIBU to be missing a 'once in a lifetime event????'

OP posts:
LentillyFart · 07/07/2012 17:53

YANBU. There are many events that could be labelled 'once in a lifetime'. Standing behind an incontinent cow for instance or having your head stoved in by a drug crazed chimpanzee with anger management problems. Miss either of these and your life will certainly not be worse.

grovel · 07/07/2012 17:54

You also get a lovely chance to see all the sponsors' buses (Coke, McD, Lloyds etc).
Surely you don't want to miss those?

Pumpster · 07/07/2012 17:55

Yanbu. It was mentioned in our local paper about it being one of the most exciting experiences in our lives. Really?!

NovackNGood · 07/07/2012 17:56

Or just be a misery guts and stay at home. The people having fun will not miss you and you may get a whole 10 people who are miserable at home on the internet to agree with you.

grovel · 07/07/2012 17:56

I've stood behind an incontinent cow. It was very funny and ultimately life-enhancing (because DH bought me some super duper new wellies which I cherish).

Original poster
sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 17:59

Phew. DH and ds gone and it sounds like it's heaving and very unpleasant.

OP posts:
EverythingsNotRosie · 07/07/2012 18:01

It's going past the end of my road at a similar time... I am amused that we obviously live very close to each other OP!

WhosPickleisThatOnion · 07/07/2012 18:01

Grin at Novak accusing people of being miserable on Internet!

Original poster
sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 18:02

novack I'm not miserable about it at all Grin. Can think of very few things worse than standing in a crowd of people to see someone run past me for three second grinning like an idiot. Just wanted to check I wasn't being unpatriotic or something..

OP posts:
Lilymaid · 07/07/2012 18:02

DH went to see it go past this morning in torrential rain in SW. Now muttering that he wants to see it in town. Have put my little foot down on that idea!

Original poster
sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 18:02

ooh rosie -indeed..will you be there??

OP posts:
EverythingsNotRosie · 07/07/2012 18:04

I will if it's not raining- but I could lean out of my bedroom window and see it, I reckon!

NovackNGood · 07/07/2012 18:05

Nothing to do with patriotism is it. In fact the olympics could be seen to be anti-patriotism in the best of all worlds where everyone should come together to to compete in peace and harmony.

As for patriotism, as Oscar Wilde said, it's the virtue of the vicious.

Original poster
sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 18:09

but how can it be peaceful and harmonious when there are winners and losers???

OP posts:
RaahhtherExcitedaboutTheTennis · 07/07/2012 18:10

I didn't get into the whole 'torch' thing- but Dh's friend was a torchbearer, and we were able to borrow the torch and take it into school. People got really excited about it, and Ds was thrilled(and very popular that weekGrin).

However, when it returned to near our area a couple of weeks back, I didn't go out in the pouring rain to see itGrin

oldraver · 07/07/2012 18:14

DS is being taken to see it by his school on Monday, they did ask for volunteers but unfortunetly I dont have a CRB Its about half an hour away from us but the trip is going to take 6 flaming hours. At least it looks like it wont be raining

AngelsWithSilverWings · 07/07/2012 18:14

Stood in the rain to see it yesterday. It was lovely in that it there was a great feeling of community.

It seemed line the whole town was out and everyone was really excited and happy. It really cheered up a rainy day.

I'm not that interested in The Olympics and I'm not very patriotic but I'm really glad I went to see the torch.

It was also nice to cheer on the torch bearers as they are people who have done good work for their charities and communities and deserve to be supported. ( for me it's was better than celebrating the Jubilee which I wasn't that excited about)

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 07/07/2012 18:15

You must be very close to me too, we've just come back from seeing it. I was reluctant to go but I'm glad I did.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 07/07/2012 18:15

Sorry just spotted a few typos Blush

NovackNGood · 07/07/2012 18:18

but how can it be peaceful and harmonious when there are winners and losers???

Is that a serious question? Do you not understand that you people can compete and be winners and losers and be at peace with one another all that the same time. That it is possible to disagree and not argue?

Original poster
sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 18:24

Yes, i understand the whole respecting those who have been chosen ( although some have been chosen for wholly dubious reasons I feel) but on the whole I just don't get it. Oh well, maybe it's just me..

OP posts:
LottieJenkins · 07/07/2012 18:25

I went with the school i work at to see the torch at Southwold. It was a magical day. I wasn't going to go but at 8pm the evening before i changed my mind! I am so glad i did!!! Smile My friend who has had cancer was running with the torch and it was lovely to see her running and the pride in her face!!

Original poster
sweatyscamp · 07/07/2012 18:28

Novack, yes it was a serious question. Competition is competition. I am not totally happy with the idea of my (somehow very talented sporty kids) being judged on whether or not they come 'first'. As for the world being at peace once every four years because of the olympics...well, um, maybe I'm a bit thick.

OP posts:
CurrySpice · 07/07/2012 18:31

I saw it yesterday too and agree with the MNer that said it was a lovely atmosphere. Excited kids, everyone chatting and cheering, the whole community together. It also made me feel like the olympics really are real!

Go you miserable git! Wink

NovackNGood · 07/07/2012 18:32

Better to be judge on achievement based on their effort and talent rather than whether or not the world finds them pretty of not. Whether you like it or not life is competition right from when that stronger little sperm beat the rest to get to egg and then was lucky to be the one to get in at the right time.