it's dirty

Canadian Alexander Bilodeau just won gold. !!! And Whistler is going crazy! It took me an hour to get back to my little room after work today. And it should only take me 5 minutes. A new event is always going on, there are people everywhere, athletes trolling around, and lots and lots of partying. The celebrations never end - not even for this Norwegian fan who stumbled down the hill from cross country ski today. Like literally fell into the forest and had to be escorted by the RMCP. Pride it's all pride. I seriously was overwhelmed with it today, I nearly cried on several occasions (duh). I don't think I've ever felt such delight to be Canadian - I've actually even traded my black leggings for black leggings with CANADA down the left leg. I haven't taken them off, nor have I parted from my Blue Uniform. I wish I could capture the vibe for everyone back home. IT'S incredible, it's exciting, it's pensive, but mostly just happy. Everyone is smiling, everyone.

Oh Vanoc. I'd have to say my shifts started off quite terribly actually. My first shift was spent in security, where I had to scan and do security checks of all the spectators and media. On nearly four occasions I was told to look "more tough" because I wasn't "scary" enough. Not to mention that I'm not exactly qualified to do security checks? right? Not with VANOC the list of tasks and jobs are endless here. Luckily when I got home I saw Lauren from Peak Season at the tanning salon discussing her bar outfit for the night. God sent. Today I was resident cheerleader, meeting all the spectators at the nordic combined and cross-country events. I also got to see the ski jumping from the best spot in the house, very top of the stadium. It was truly one of the those crazy life moments where you have no idea why you were so lucky. Yesterday I stood in the rain for 7 hours, in the same position, at the hands of my moron supervisor and thought I was going to quit volunteering and come home (a lot of people quit after yesterday). I'm glad I didn't because the it's the little moments that make it all come together. Not to mention chatting with the Canadian biathlon coach and directing the Canadian female biathlon competitor across the competition venue. SOO coool!!!

It's so weird to be in a sea of athletes in uniforms running around from spot to spot getting ready for their competition. Some of them are really chatty and joke with you - especially the Italians. They're always calling you bellissima and saying ciao with big smiles. But mostly they're really freaking serious about getting to their sport people are always running hectically, and shouting things around and trying to avoid the media. WHO ARE EVERYWHERE. media will do anything for the perfect shot, they get pretty violent at times. Good thing VANOC spent almost 900 million on security.

I've made really good friends with many of the RCMP dudes - they're super nice and hilarious. For some reason I thought in cop land you always had to have an attitude but turns out these guys are just there for the party too. It's awesome. I've almost met all the Whistler Blackcomb ski and snowboard instructors. they're all skibums, who are living the life everyday. They're all sort of bummed they have to work for VANOC right now (they were kicked out of their jobs) but they get paid well for hanging out at the Olympics - so it's not sooo bad and they still have their free ski passes. Which i've learned is crucial to a good season at Whistler. I've fallen in love with this place enough to want to do a season of my own. It's not just the Olympics or the fact that the world is centralized on Whistler and Vancouver right now, it's how diverse and laid back this place is. I will miss it!

4 ams really aren't that bad either, I've found that going out actually makes it better! So we're out tonight, and maybe I'll take it easy tomorrow but you never know in Whistler...