Dara Torres-Amazing

Nice point! Just because someone is 40+ doesn't mean their life has to be all drudgery and sacrifice. Most moms I know seems to obsess about their kids 24/7 and do virtually nothing for themselves, contrary to what Elise has observed. Doesn't seem particularly ideal for them or the kid, to me. Why would someone have judged Dara harshly for not trying out for the Olympic team? I don't get this point ... And it seems to contradict your prior point about Dara being criticized because she doesn't fit "society's" notion of proper behavior for 40 somethings ... Really just trying to get people to think and arguing both sides. Maybe Dara is doing this because she does feel like she has something to prove.

You know for the past few days I've been reading the silly banter of doubting minds and it appears conclusive that many people prefer to be confused rather than living with crystal clarity. For example, I saw Dara swim fastest at 41. I suppose it is easier to doubt, that would make Dara's accomplishements more tolerable, or even easier to relate to, something that might one day be possible for everyone... Never! Even if people drank a gallon of PED's every day, I DOUBT anyone could repeat Dara's accomplishments. Why? Because Dara has a gift, she is the greatest female sprint swimmer of all time. Nice baiting! Er, are you? I'm not sure irony is your thing. I'm not confused, doubt anyone else is either. I'm crystal clear that the situation is somewhat surprising and/or ambiguous. You must have flunked existentialism.

You know for the past few days I've been reading the silly banter of doubting minds and it appears conclusive that many people prefer to be confused rather than living with crystal clarity. For example, I saw Dara swim fastest at 41. I suppose it is easier to doubt, that would make Dara's accomplishements more tolerable, or even easier to relate to, something that might one day be possible for everyone... Never! Even if people drank a gallon of PED's every day, I DOUBT anyone could repeat Dara's accomplishments. Why? Because Dara has a gift, she is the greatest female sprint swimmer of all time. Wow...thanks Jonathan as I never quite looked at it that way! Best overview of the 1600 posts and 100's of articles written yet! I can't believe that I can now see things crystal clear!!! :bow:

Cat fight www.youtube.com/watch

More and more, we are seeing women in high-powered jobs make the decision to give up their career and become stay-at-home moms. It would be interesing to find out why they have done this, but my guess would be for the well-being of their children and family. How about changing that line from 'giving up thier career' to 'changing career tracks'. The only thing someone 'gives up' when deciding to become a full time caregiver, is a paycheck. Plus let's ditch the 'stay at home' portion here, my wife is almost never home between swimming practice, soccer practice, doctor's appointment, music lessons, after school activities, etc.

Cat fight www.youtube.com/watch That video is too funny!! Wonder if any of the women that Dara swam with have gotten in her face about what she is doing.

backwards You said it, not me. :) And yes, I try to run a benevolent dictatorship. Isn't the Clydesdale staying in the primo guest room next?

here here and take away the right to vote while we're at it! Dammit if it wasn't for equality, I'd not have to compete with women for jobs that men's work! Man this is a great post Elise, I know what you're saying but if I said it seriously I'd ge lynched. It's a bit like the woman walking into the locker rooms at my Y "looking" for her son. I understand, but if I did it in the women's room, I'd be on the S.O.R. quicker than Dara Torres can race 50m Free! Thanks, SwimStud. I got verbally lynched by my peers. Watch out! You've now adopted my post and so you have in effect said the same thing. You may get lynched at the next meet!

Nice point! Just because someone is 40+ doesn't mean their life has to be all drudgery and sacrifice. Most moms I know seems to obsess about their kids 24/7 and do virtually nothing for themselves, contrary to what Elise has observed. Doesn't seem particularly ideal for them or the kid, to me. I could further digress (I like swimming too) and say something about which I've recently been thinking. I think we are living in the most "kid-centered" society ever. Never before have we obsessed so much about kids. Not that it's all necessarily a bad thing. I'd much rather not have kids out in the fields working from age 3, but I'm also not sure that our current climate doesn't encourage raising kids who are less fit for "real life." I stay at home because that's what my mom did and I like seeing my kids during the day. Would they be ruined in some way if I worked full-time outside the home? I don't necessarily think so. Sometimes I realize that it's almost as easy to be caught up in my own thing while I'm at home (as I sit here writing with the kids watching SpongeBob)... I'm not sure there is one right way to do much of anything. Dr. Laura seems to think there is one formula that everyone should adhere to. I think that's much too rigid.

Thanks, SwimStud. I got verbally lynched by my peers. Watch out! You've now adopted my post and so you have in effect said the same thing. You may get lynched at the next meet! Another person flunking irony ...