Awed And Inspired

I was watching The Amazing Race (Season 9 Episode 8: Here Comes The Bedouin!) just now, and my admiration for BJ and Tyler was just so huge that it consumed me. (NOTE TO SAM: Don't read this post until you've watched Episode 8 if you don't want me to spoil the surprise for you.)

For those who don't follow this series, I shall first explain what the show is about. For those who have been following or have watched or heard of The Amazing Race before, you may skip this paragraph. Anyway, like I was saying, I will try to explain what The Amazing Race is about. The Amazing Race is a reality show that showcases 11 teams of 2 people to run a race around the world, and in the race they have to sought out clues and work on different sorts of activities to get to the next clue and to the next pit stop. Teams who arrive last at pit stops may get eliminated or be punished by having their possessions taken away. That basically wraps the show up.

BJ and Tyler are these two best friends in this season of the show. They are two of the most whacky hippies ever. They have a goofy attitude and have the word TTOW and a froggy hat as their good luck charms. They are two hilarious dudes who enjoy travelling.

But the thing that awes and inspires me about them is their positive outlook on life, their perseverance till the very end and the strong bond of friendship that they share.

Those who know me well enough would know that I too have a pretty positive outlook on life. I take things slow and easy and never stress myself out over petty things. Most of the time, that is. This is because I believe that positivity and optimism is the way to go and the way to be. I mean, a day is a day, and you are the one to choose whether to enjoy that day happily or to live that day in a down mood. But one should remember that one the day has passed, it is gone and never to come back.

At this one point in the show, BJ was supposed to search among 117 mounds of sand in search of one of 6 hidden shuwas (a spicy dish that the team is going to have for dinner). He was one of the first people to be there to start digging and spent more than an hour digging in the heat. The rest of the teams came and went and he was still searching hard for it. I was on the verge of tears when he still failed to find any and the rest have proceeded to the finish line. (Yes, I am a bit emotional when watching touching scenes.) I was crossing my fingers and praying that he'd find it (though, in reality, the event happened way before I watched it). And all these time, Tyler was being very supportive and saying encouraging words. When he finally found it, I was so happy! A few drops of tears streamed down my face. I was so touched. And Tyler was so appreciative of BJ's efforts and hugged him and all. I just went like "Awwww...".

And when they reached the finish line, they were last, naturally. But then Phil (the host) was like, "...this is not an elimination round..." I was screaming for joy! Well, possibly the producers had to get together quickly to decide to not eliminate them to increase ratings and all, but hey I'm good with that decision, I'm not complaining.

SOOOOOO, my point is just that I look up to them very much. (Hope they don't disappoint me in future episodes.) And I wish to be just as carefree and optimistic as they are.

Also, since I'm on the point of The Amazing Race, I just wanted to salute all those old couples who have the guts and stamina to take part and compete, like Fran and Barry in this season. I mean, they were even first at the pit stop! Woohoo! Go, Fran and Barry!

SALUT, BJ AND TYLER!