I am Canadian

I let a few days pass before I make these comments about the Vancover Olympics. We tend to get caught up in the moment and our view becomes slanted when we are in that moment. Especially a moment so big, so rosy, so compelling, that to feel anything but euphoria might mean you are dead. 14 Gold. A men's hockey gold during the final event. All on home ice. I was emotionally drained after Sid scored the OT winner. I watched as thousands of us took to the streets. The closing ceremonies were intimate, funny and so very Canadian. I was proud. I think most of us were. So now, a few days later with the Olympic flame extinquished, it is easier to retrospect, get past the jingoism and peel back the games. When I do so, all I see is Pride. There is no way around it. I'm proud of our athletes, proud of our golds, proud of Vancover and proud of Canada. The biggest stage was in our backyard and did we put on a show. I think the world stood up and took notice. We've always been this huge mass of four season land. A few big cities and lots of landscape between. Canada is a country you can drive 3 or 4 hours to your kids minor hockey game. A big country with a big heart. Population wise we are dwarfed by many other countries. But during these Olympics we looked like a hundred million strong. So vocal. So happy. Such gracious hosts. I don't think we will ever forget these Olympics. It was a coming out party. This is the start of something big. I would not be suprised if these Olympics did lead to owning the podium in Sochi. They will also lead to a better understanding about us and where we fit on this planet. The closing ceremonies were tounge-in-cheek Canadiana, but when you think about it, isn't that us in a nutshell. We have fun and make fun. So here's to you Canada. A big swig of maple syrup, one for me and one for my homies.