Trying again on the photo.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I Blame Oprah
I found myself this morning, on my day off, standing in line at 8:20 am for the Olympic Store to open. Never in my life have I done that. And the kicker is it was for mittens.
If you've been watching the coverage you will know them. They are red, with the Canadian flag's maple leaf on the palm and the Olympic rings on the back. Oprah opened a show wearing them last week. It would have been easier for me to be audience member to get them.
I didnt want to risk loaing my spot to go get coffee for the 45 minute wait. The line was a block long by the time the store opened at 9 am. The mittens were in a bin (given how quickly they sell out one might think that they would at least put them out on a table, but no) and EVERYONE was there at 9 for them. The limit on the number to buy has been reduced from no limit prior to the opening ceremonies (where was my head then?), to 4 last week, to 2 today. Eleni was not pleased with this news. People were pushing back and forth and crowding. We were all here for the same thing. I don't understand what happens to people on these situations. I have never been to Filene's Basement. I have not trained for this. I find myself unprepared. I was trying to be nice and disapproved of those who weren't. I actually had to tell a lady much older than me to "take it easy." Finally some nice man just started throwing out pairs to those of us in the back who couldn't reach. The hoarding still happened though, as people held onto what they grabbed. People clutched onto their booty, while eyeing others'. Negotiations began. "Anyone have a small for this large?" I slowly made my way to the second queue, this time for the cashier, to make my way out. I was out by 9:15. I rewarded my heroism with a banana-nutella crepe.
In the creperie, an older couple came in. The man was in shorts--chilly for that, I thought--and he was walking with the aid of hand crutches. I was sitting in the rear and gazed at the couple through the window. Once he made his way into the cafe, I noticed he had 2 prosthetic legs. With Paralympics on the collective Olympic brain, I did not think twice about it. What I did contemplate, however, was: Why bother with socks?
If you've been watching the coverage you will know them. They are red, with the Canadian flag's maple leaf on the palm and the Olympic rings on the back. Oprah opened a show wearing them last week. It would have been easier for me to be audience member to get them.
I didnt want to risk loaing my spot to go get coffee for the 45 minute wait. The line was a block long by the time the store opened at 9 am. The mittens were in a bin (given how quickly they sell out one might think that they would at least put them out on a table, but no) and EVERYONE was there at 9 for them. The limit on the number to buy has been reduced from no limit prior to the opening ceremonies (where was my head then?), to 4 last week, to 2 today. Eleni was not pleased with this news. People were pushing back and forth and crowding. We were all here for the same thing. I don't understand what happens to people on these situations. I have never been to Filene's Basement. I have not trained for this. I find myself unprepared. I was trying to be nice and disapproved of those who weren't. I actually had to tell a lady much older than me to "take it easy." Finally some nice man just started throwing out pairs to those of us in the back who couldn't reach. The hoarding still happened though, as people held onto what they grabbed. People clutched onto their booty, while eyeing others'. Negotiations began. "Anyone have a small for this large?" I slowly made my way to the second queue, this time for the cashier, to make my way out. I was out by 9:15. I rewarded my heroism with a banana-nutella crepe.
In the creperie, an older couple came in. The man was in shorts--chilly for that, I thought--and he was walking with the aid of hand crutches. I was sitting in the rear and gazed at the couple through the window. Once he made his way into the cafe, I noticed he had 2 prosthetic legs. With Paralympics on the collective Olympic brain, I did not think twice about it. What I did contemplate, however, was: Why bother with socks?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Fun with Apps
Normally that would mean appetizers, but not this time. Here's a little photo I took this morning at the north part of the village. As you can see we have a small flame up here too. I used colorsmash to adjust the color you see in the photo. Hope you enjoy.
White Ski Pants Should be Reserved for Linsday Vonn, Exclusively.
I have delighted in a multidide of experiences while I have been here, so many that I have not been able to keep up with writing.
I was made speechless by a bus driver who, when I went to thank him as I was stepping out, made a motion to stop me to tell me that "No, there is no pole dancing on the bus." And then he let out a wail of laughter. My first thought was wow, that is not at all what I was expecting, followed by did he really think that's what's on *my* mind? What makes this all the sweeter is that it was 6 in the morning as I was on my way to my shift, which also puts me in my uniform. Really, Mr. Canuck Bus Driver? Really?
Currently I am writing from a square in the village, where a band is warming up. The sun is out, all the beautiful people are out (and their botoxified lips), and they are piping in Ski Jumping live on the big screen. This place is still hopping from the Canada Gold in Men's Skeleton last night. This was the first gold won in Whistler. The place went NUTS. I didn't have to work yesterday, so I came on to the village for a bite to eat and to watch the skeleton finals. Skeleton is the one where the athlete is face down on a sled and going about 80 mph. I watched the woman from GBR win on tv. She set a course record in the first heat the day before--and then broke it on the third heat the next day. I decided to head up to the venue to catch the men live. And wow am I glad I did. Though the days have been clear and the nights very chilly, the "bowl" was hot with anticipation. The bowl is the spectator area at the last corner of the track. When Canadian Jon Montgomery came around and placed first with just the Latvian favorite remaining, the crowd knew he had secured Silver. When the Latvian came in and was seven one-hundredths short, the crowd and the athlete went Ballistic. I took it in where I was, and I even got a little emotional. I got swept up in the moment too I guess. I hustled up to the finish dock. All the medical volunteers raced up the track and flooded the area with everyone else. It was a zoo. Montgomery is from Manitoba eh and is a car salesman and auctioneer by trade. He came down to the village via Gondola, the police making a path for him to get to the Canadian tv outdoor studio. Someone at the base of the mountain handed him a pitcher of beer, which he later "auctioned" off on camera to show his skills. He mentioned that he wanted to compete in a sport where he "could give Canada a chance." He has a tattoo (which he got with his mom his senior year of high school) of the Canadian flag over his heart. His whole family was on camera with him. It was great to witness.
You know, there is something about winning a gold medal at the Olympics no matter the season, no matter the sport. What I learned yesterday is that it's a different matter entirely when you win a medal--especially a gold medal--at the Olympics and at home.
I was made speechless by a bus driver who, when I went to thank him as I was stepping out, made a motion to stop me to tell me that "No, there is no pole dancing on the bus." And then he let out a wail of laughter. My first thought was wow, that is not at all what I was expecting, followed by did he really think that's what's on *my* mind? What makes this all the sweeter is that it was 6 in the morning as I was on my way to my shift, which also puts me in my uniform. Really, Mr. Canuck Bus Driver? Really?
Currently I am writing from a square in the village, where a band is warming up. The sun is out, all the beautiful people are out (and their botoxified lips), and they are piping in Ski Jumping live on the big screen. This place is still hopping from the Canada Gold in Men's Skeleton last night. This was the first gold won in Whistler. The place went NUTS. I didn't have to work yesterday, so I came on to the village for a bite to eat and to watch the skeleton finals. Skeleton is the one where the athlete is face down on a sled and going about 80 mph. I watched the woman from GBR win on tv. She set a course record in the first heat the day before--and then broke it on the third heat the next day. I decided to head up to the venue to catch the men live. And wow am I glad I did. Though the days have been clear and the nights very chilly, the "bowl" was hot with anticipation. The bowl is the spectator area at the last corner of the track. When Canadian Jon Montgomery came around and placed first with just the Latvian favorite remaining, the crowd knew he had secured Silver. When the Latvian came in and was seven one-hundredths short, the crowd and the athlete went Ballistic. I took it in where I was, and I even got a little emotional. I got swept up in the moment too I guess. I hustled up to the finish dock. All the medical volunteers raced up the track and flooded the area with everyone else. It was a zoo. Montgomery is from Manitoba eh and is a car salesman and auctioneer by trade. He came down to the village via Gondola, the police making a path for him to get to the Canadian tv outdoor studio. Someone at the base of the mountain handed him a pitcher of beer, which he later "auctioned" off on camera to show his skills. He mentioned that he wanted to compete in a sport where he "could give Canada a chance." He has a tattoo (which he got with his mom his senior year of high school) of the Canadian flag over his heart. His whole family was on camera with him. It was great to witness.
You know, there is something about winning a gold medal at the Olympics no matter the season, no matter the sport. What I learned yesterday is that it's a different matter entirely when you win a medal--especially a gold medal--at the Olympics and at home.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
View from the VCC
This was earlier tonight from just outside the VCC trailer. you can see twilight and some of the ops trailers for the venue. I caught this on the way back from the Honey Bucket, which is the m.o. here. (Brings whole new meaning to Olympic Movement.)
Just Another Day at the Office
Can I even tell you... I mean do you know how awesome it is to take a Gondola to work? it is pretty great!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Scenery is Here. Wish You Were Beautiful.
Stunning. Simply stunning. I stared out the window the entire time. More to come-including photos-soon!!
I should probably elaborate. The Sea to Sky highway is a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler. It hugs the water and provides absolutely breathtaking vistas of white-capped mountain scenery. Though I certaiy would have enjoyed driving it myself, the bus ride was easy and comfortable too. I am not sure what elevation we are, I can say that the climb to get out of Vancouver proper was steep (where we pass the gondola that heads up Grouse Mtn). During the ride, we were up high above the water and then would slowly wind our way down again. Pictures are on my real camera so you'll have to wait for those. We made our way into Whistler Village, I passed the time on a coffee shop before I went to receivey accreditation and uniform - everyone gets ski pants and jackets! Which means Eleni does NOT need 70% of what she brought!! once I was through that process, Lauren and I connected.
When I got Lauren's call, she said she was "in a Traverse." k. I don't know what that is but I'll find you. I found her in the larltest Chevy crossover on the radio. Lauren has been in Canada since summer 2008 and in Whistler since Oct 2009. She manages all the transportation for one venue, the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC). She developed the plan for all the transport needs of the venue and now "the numbers on the spreadsheet" she created so long ago are now coming alive as real people! What an accomplishment! And there will be 130 just under her, meaning just transport and just WSC.
The WSC is home to the craziest of athletes, the Bobsleigh, the Luge and the Skeleton. The Skeleton is a heads-first luge In casesyou were wondering. Speeds SR as high as 80 mph and the drop in elevation is almost 500 feet. I can't wait to see if I can get a glimpse, and I mean glimpse at that speed!
First day of work Is tomorrow. I wanted to work with Lauren, but LB heard they needed competent people in the Venue Communications Centre (VCC), so she fooled'em and got me in there! :) I will be an operator in the VCC, so I will finally be putting this radio voice to good use.
"Breaker breaker one-ninre*... come on..."
*Canadian spelling
I should probably elaborate. The Sea to Sky highway is a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler. It hugs the water and provides absolutely breathtaking vistas of white-capped mountain scenery. Though I certaiy would have enjoyed driving it myself, the bus ride was easy and comfortable too. I am not sure what elevation we are, I can say that the climb to get out of Vancouver proper was steep (where we pass the gondola that heads up Grouse Mtn). During the ride, we were up high above the water and then would slowly wind our way down again. Pictures are on my real camera so you'll have to wait for those. We made our way into Whistler Village, I passed the time on a coffee shop before I went to receivey accreditation and uniform - everyone gets ski pants and jackets! Which means Eleni does NOT need 70% of what she brought!! once I was through that process, Lauren and I connected.
When I got Lauren's call, she said she was "in a Traverse." k. I don't know what that is but I'll find you. I found her in the larltest Chevy crossover on the radio. Lauren has been in Canada since summer 2008 and in Whistler since Oct 2009. She manages all the transportation for one venue, the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC). She developed the plan for all the transport needs of the venue and now "the numbers on the spreadsheet" she created so long ago are now coming alive as real people! What an accomplishment! And there will be 130 just under her, meaning just transport and just WSC.
The WSC is home to the craziest of athletes, the Bobsleigh, the Luge and the Skeleton. The Skeleton is a heads-first luge In casesyou were wondering. Speeds SR as high as 80 mph and the drop in elevation is almost 500 feet. I can't wait to see if I can get a glimpse, and I mean glimpse at that speed!
First day of work Is tomorrow. I wanted to work with Lauren, but LB heard they needed competent people in the Venue Communications Centre (VCC), so she fooled'em and got me in there! :) I will be an operator in the VCC, so I will finally be putting this radio voice to good use.
"Breaker breaker one-ninre*... come on..."
*Canadian spelling
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Vancouver 2010
I am so excited to be part of the Games once again! Thank you to Lauren Briel, my friend who has been working up these since summer and who helped me find a volunteer opportunity at Whistler, indoors. I leave Tuesday and will be there for a nice long stretch. I am excited to be part of the "back office" as the pressure for performance is quite different than those we might tune in to watch in the evenings. I learned in Greece in 2004, and I am reminded again now, the commitment one must have to be a participant at the Games. Of course, the metaphor isn't lost on me. In Athens, I was watching an event with another NBC employee. He said this about the athletes we just witnessed receive medals. "You don't *win* silver or bronze. You *lose* gold." This struck me and stayed with me for a long time. Chase the "gold." Don't lose out. Make the most and be the best. This is how I had interpreted it. What I have learned since then is that this might be an American ideal, one grounded in competition, supporting the old adage that people stop counting after number one, or losers don't keep score (kind of makes me think of that premature "Mission Accomplished" banner). But as I embark on my next step, I know it's the journey that's important. And if I knew then what I know now, I might have reminded him of the oath pledged by all Olympic Athletes: "In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams." The how is as important as the how much.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Bittersweet
To write a new chapter, one must close one, too. Though my future is uncertain and my present/recent past has been very good, I will tell you that I feel good in the choice I am making. It's times like these that I revisit my favorite poem:
to be nobody but yourself
in a world which is doing its best night and day
to make you everybody else
means to fight the hardest battle
which any human being can fight
and never stop fighting
e.e. cummings
Discovery. Adventure. Joy. Sadness. Fear. More Discovery. These are the things that I look forward to experiencing.
I am excited to share with you what I learn along the way!
to be nobody but yourself
in a world which is doing its best night and day
to make you everybody else
means to fight the hardest battle
which any human being can fight
and never stop fighting
e.e. cummings
Discovery. Adventure. Joy. Sadness. Fear. More Discovery. These are the things that I look forward to experiencing.
I am excited to share with you what I learn along the way!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Will the funny client please stand up?
There have been a wide variety of reactions that I have gotten since my announcement. "Take me with you!." "Wow, I couldn't do that." "Wow, I wish I could that." "I will have to live vicariously!" And someone massaged that last one to living "vicarrasly." (But I can't remember who you are, so please identify yourself!). So there you are people. I invite you to live vicarrasly.
I have several things in motion right now. Once I begin to bring shape to my plans, there will be more to come!
I have several things in motion right now. Once I begin to bring shape to my plans, there will be more to come!
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