Being Grandma to the Ehm Clan is my primary position but I do have other responsibilities. Isn't that what being yummy is all about?
One of those jobs is as a travel journalist and I just got back from a three-day stay in British Columbia where Richmond (a bridge away from Vancouver) is blitzing to publicize its city's participation in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. My personal highlight was a motivational talk by Ben Rutledge, the 28 year old team rower that won a Gold medal for Canada in Beijing 2008.
Ben Rutledge is a gorgeous six foot four hottie. As soon as I laid eyes on him I knew that I wanted to get just a bit closer. It was time for this grandma to be outrageous and with my Journeywoman journalist credentials it was easy. I spoke to 'one of his people' and explained why Ben and I needed to talk. Their first impulse was to laugh out loud but they knew a good idea when they heard it. I was led into the inner circle. Success!.
The official photographer was brought in. We brainstormed about where to do 'it' and what 'it' should be. A kiss? A snuggle? Gorgeous Rocky Mountains in the background? Then Ben came up with the idea.
Ben: 'I want to hold you in my arms.' (actually he said, 'I'll pick you up' but my version sounds so much better)
Damn, I thought to myself. Why didn't I lose the ten pounds I said I would?
Me: 'Oh, no, not that. I'm much too ....'
Ben: 'Trust me, I can do it easily.'
Me: 'What if you pull a muscle and you won't be able to row again? I could ruin your career.'
Ben: (Gently) 'Just trust me'
Me: (batting my eyelashes) 'OK, Ben, let's do it.'
We did do it, Ben and I. The photographer captured the moment and that photo will allow me to write my Richmond Olympic story later this year. What will the article be about? I can't tell but I will only say that it involves hanging out with an Olympic hottie and Ben loved the idea.
P.S. Even when I'm working I never stop being a grandmother. I told Ben about my grandson, Josh and asked him for an appropriate autograph. He wrote: 'To Joshua, Your grandmother told me you are a Champion!'
Now I'm torn. Do I give the autograph to Josh or do I pin it to my bulletin board to remind me of the time an Olympic champion held me in his arms? What do you think?
Printer-friendly version