See, I was going to bring up the fact that Smith and Malabuyo were amazing as juniors and had the world at their feet but... you’re right. Hopefully it’s just bad luck and not a training style ‘glitch’.

I couldn’t agree more. Sometimes I watch some of the previous generations of gymnasts (particularly the ones who have cycled through the Texas training facilities) and wonder if, in spite of it all, they’re right wing-leaning... or maybe growing up in a culture of putting up with anything to belong and be the best…

I yelped and then started crying in front of the Spawn this morning while watching it over breakfast. I’m a former (shite) gymnast and it means a disproportionate amount that Biles is able to do all this and I’m here to watch it as it happens.

Such a beautifully phrased comment. We are indeed extremely privileged to exist at the same time as Biles. 

THIS. When I saw her break down while speaking about USAG, it nearly broke me. So few gymnasts, let alone current competing ones, have the freedom to be able to speak meaningfully on anything other than being a perky little Punky Brewster / Pollyanna child gymnast.

When she missed it on the first day, I remember being devastated for her but also... kinda disappointed. As in, “This is what you do. You dominate. What happened??” which is, of course, ludicrous. She is a gift.

Me reading:

It’s the end of the school year and that last line *cannot be* more applicable for my life.

Merkel: ... er ekelt mich an.

Sell tickets.

THANK YOU. 

Same. Warnings everywhere and tourists going, “It can’t be *that* bad!”

HA! By those criteria, YES!! (... also... see our planetary track record.)

Hot Take: Monkeys (and related, devious species such as Macaques) are evil creatures and not cute, aesthetically pleasing or sane. They are terrifyingly self-serving (which makes sense) and the devil incarnate. 

Way harsh, Tai.

I’m infinitely grey, but I see you and see you as an indispensable part of the adoption triad. I completely agree with you. People can be the victim of their circumstances, but it is up to those who care for and value them to give everyone involved the best shot in life as possible.

Well, I do give her credit that she articulated the sort of child she could be a mother to. It horrendous but we owe it to ourselves and our children and our children’s families to be honest about it.

I am an adoptive parent and it is *so hard* not to be imperiously judgmental towards your mother.

Actual lolz :D

I... don’t know if you know this... but... he’s kind of a big deal.