Somehow, when I was playing quarters at the Tick Tock at St. Lawrence or playing beer pong at Sigma Chi, I never really visualized myself caught up in a drinking game when I was in my 40s. The other night proved me wrong.

As we gathered around the bar at the Cantina (for new readers, the Cantina is a bar in my friend Kim's garage) watching the Olympic opening ceremonies, a drinking game (an event WE could actually participate in) seemed appropriate.

As the parade of nations passed by, someone (I think it was Marcy) came up with the idea of everyone trying to pronounce each flag-holder's name. If you couldn't pronounce it, you had to drink. Since I am, by necessity, a moderate drinker (with my depression and associated meds, drinking to excess is not a good idea) and the resident language expert, I was the designated judge.

The African nations helped Sharis make a huge dent in the wine bottle. Monte is Fuquay-Varina born and bred and those Slovakian countries just about did him in.

Stef and Marcy, the Irish girls, think they are SO cool with getting all those Irish names! And Kim assures us that when her daughter makes the Olympic Gymnastic Team, no one will have a problem pronouncing her name...Montana Wrigley...so simple...a state and a gum!

Behind the drinking and hilarity was tremendous respect for the beautiful ceremonies, pride in our athletes and a little disdain for President Bush's apparent boredom or disdain for the festivities. He was like a 5th grader who can't sit still at the school assembly. Laura looked lovely and respectful throughout.

Did anyone notice that two of the three events he attended the following day were events where the least clothing was worn? Beach volleyball and swimming.

Di appears every Saturday at TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Di at her blog Live and Let Di.