That’s right – it’s the big night. The night of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. I actually rushed home to watch it. Yeah, I did. You might think it’s boring, but it’s actually quite exciting. I mean, there’s a struggle between right and wrong, there’s suspense and tension, and we’ve even seen laughter and cheering. (I’m sure the tears will come later.) And get this – the Barbie doll host just said that one contestant’s brother promised to douse her with water if she wins. Yes, folks, douse her with….water.

You know, the kids in big spelling bees often get made fun of, but I think the adults involved are the odd ones. The moderator is so serious, so stern. He acts as if the contestants are putting him out by asking for a definition. And heaven forbid they ask a question twice in an effort to stall for time! (Although, he did have to chuckle when a contest asked for the origin of “oxylophytic,” and he had to say, “A Greek part connected to something that’s probably another Greek part.” Very helpful.)

I already mentioned Barbie doll host – she’s interviewing the contestants between rounds, similar to Dancing with the Stars’ format. This isn’t surprising, considering this year’s bee is on ABC (I think it’s normally only on ESPN), and the main host is none other than Tom Bergeron. Oh no, he actually just said that the tension is mounting. He’s a funny man. It must be interesting to go from home videos and dancing “stars” to providing color commentary for these crazy smart kids. But, thanks to his presence, these kids know they’re just as important and cool as Kristi Yamaguchi and Joey Lawrence. (Whoa!)

I do like the way they’ve produced this contest. The rock music playing in the background as we head to commercial, the play by play from our friend, Tom, the highlights replayed as we come back from commercial. They’ve made it pretty slick and professional, like they’re really taking this spelling bee – and the kids in it – seriously. I think that’s nice.

But I won’t lie. I prefer watching my national spelling bee with the Sklar brothers on Cheap Seats. For those of you who missed this late, great show, here’s a taste.

Seriously, though, I wish I could have done more spelling bees as a kid. Our county didn’t hold the county spelling bee early enough for winners to qualify for the state bee. And I didn’t even know how kids got to the national spelling bee when I was younger. Honestly, I didn’t know until tonight when I looked it up. (If only I’d known about the $30,000 prize back then! Now that’s an incentive to learn those qualifying rules and study etymology!)

All this spelling talk has me in the mood for a little competition. I’m off to the national site to take the test that will tell me if I could have qualified for the quarterfinals. Here I go…wish me luck…here’s hoping they don’t give me “numnah” (a word from tonight that sounded like, umm, something else…imagine if that ended with a “t”)!

Bonus List of the Week: Words I Missed at Bees:

• percale (As my mom said afterward, “You know, as in ‘percale sheets?!’ Riiiiight. Because I knew what percale sheets were in the fourth grade.)
• zucchini (I actually had to double-check it tonight before posting!)
• ulterior (I thought the moderator said “alterior,” which is not a word, but in the sixth grade, I just assumed it was a word I’d never heard of. If only I’d known to ask, “Am I pronouncing this right?” like the kids are doing tonight.)
• incompetent (Funny, right? Uh-huh, hi-larious.)

(If you’re lucky, I’ll scan and post a picture of me with my spelling bee trophies for your viewing pleasure.)