Jump Jump!

The past two days I have been stationed to work at the Ski Jump for the large jump event. It is incredible. Working up in the stands with spectators or working with the media and broadcasting teams, I've never done something more amazing in my entire life.

Being on field of play - where the event takes place - is like no other experience. Everyone is passionate, proud, and excited to cheer. Not one person can take their eyes off the athletes, or the event. To hear the crowd erupt when the ski jump has made it to the 136m is incredible. As I say I've never been apart of something like this ever. Ski jump in of itself is a novelty to me. They all just look like little shooting starts hurling themselves off a gate into the air. How on earth does someone decide they want to be a ski jumper?

Today I was working in the media zone. Which meant getting tough with those dudes who thought they could enter into the athletes compound, or work their way into the field of play, or just be plain abnoxious. Working here meant working directly with athletes, the medal winners and all the press at the event. Seeing that gold medal winner walk past me - like 2cm away - was insane. AND Apparently I was on TSN. So if you think you saw a blue chickie who looked like me, it was!!! Unfortunately I was suffering from lack of sleep. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night because we were celebrating the success of Canada's gold winner last night, Jon Montgomery the skeleton racer. We were in fine form after getting free cover to a bar called Maxx Fish. It's hard to say no to going out in Whistler people are so excited to celebrate the success of the athletes, or even just the Olympics themselves. I'm getting tired though, I must admit.

I only have 2 more shifts with VANOC and will then be heading to Victoria, BC to visit some old sailing friends. My sailing friends from Class Afloat and to those of you who have not heard our ship - the S.V. Concordia has in fact sunk. Everyone is safe and sound but that ship, that was once my home is gone! Wild. It was the most devastating news and I am passing on my love and support to all Class Afloat staff, students, and families.

I'll be peacing Whistler as of Wednesday. I'm so sad to leave this place I absolutely love it here. I definitely will return soon. But I'm stoookkkkeeeddd to see everyone so the count down is on 7 more days!!! YES.

DAY OFF!

Looking at the clock and seeing 10:42am, while still in bed and slightly hung from last nights parties is making me REALLY really happy. Also it's about 8 degrees here in Whistler, the sun is shining and the sky is so blue it looks like my VANOC smurf suit. Today is my day off.!!

The past two days have been like all the rest: a party, busy, crazy and amazing. I somehow ended up taking an impromptu day off two days ago when I accidentally found myself at a party in Creekside (a neighborhood 15minutes by bus from the village). I say accidentally because I was planning on going to bed early and getting to work on time. Instead I ended up at Moe Joes with a slew of Australian and British ski bums, dancing a lot. BUT as it turns out in volunteer land you can sometimes just not show up. sort of. My supervisor did call to make sure I was still alive, luckily I did have an alibi of going to the clinic because I actually had to

go. That night I was able to attend the medal ceremony in Whistler celebrating the victories of the German biathlon athletes, and the cross country winners. It's not hard to believe that my roomies have been extremely, extremely happy these past couple of days - Germany is kicking some serious butt. Feist was the performer for the celebration. I wa

tched live, front and center.!! She was the free concert for the night, and after dancing crazily with a couple of German dudes I found my bitties at the front of the stage. Feist is a brilliant performer, it was soo soulful it left me all musically inspired.

I did make it to work the next day to be positioned at entry. Entry entails that you welcome in all of the spect

ators with bright smiles and Hellos or Bonjours! It also means that we have all the answers to al

l the questions like: Where's the best spot to watch cross country? I have been on entry for most of my shifts. I was a little bummed I wasn't amidst the action the sports but I love meeting all t

he people. Everyone has a story and everyone wants to chat or take pictures with us. A man from Norway gave me a flag the other day because we were chatting about sailing. It's this crazy flag that I am still googling to find out where it's from. I was also complimented on my entry abilities and was told to I'd make a great Walmart Welcomer. I hope my Queen's degree gets my farther than that... At least I have a skill, right?

After shift yesterday I made it to the Luge double finals. It took place at the Whistler sliding center at the midpoint of the Blackcomb Gondola. It was so cool to see a live event, it's a lot different from how it looks on T.V. mostly because you can only see the athlete for a split second in luge, they go sooo freakin fast! You need the televised version to be able to see anything. The crowds are what make it though, everyone is so proud of there country it's unbelievable. It's endless cheering and excitement from all parts of the track. Luckily I walked the entire track and saw it from all parts - sooo cool. Best seat was at the finish line! It is going to be bizarre to return home and not question when the next event is on. My life is entirely Olympic now, I come home after shift and turn on the T.V. and catch any sport that's on. Not to mention that all of the village has massive screens televising all the sports.

As for last night, we made it to our usual bar Brandy's with a crew of Brits and my usual chickies. Before that, however, we met the German Nordic combined team in the line at Buffalo Bills - locals night was at Bills. Unfortunately it was a $16 cover charge and when you come from Kingston and only pay $5 it's pretty difficult to pay such a steep price. The highlight of the night was meeting the two crazy German twins who are always very very drunk at the events, and are the most nationalistic. However they have a soft spot for Canada and will make sure you know it "We don't like Canada, WE LOVE CANADA"... they're awesome.

As for today, I think I'm just going to enjoy the sun, and doing nothing. I only have a few more days in Whistler left, which is a really wack realization. I'm going to miss this place like crazy.

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...

THE GAMES BEGIN

The Games begin tomorrow.!! I can't believe it has come so soon, I'm one half beyond excited and one half dreading it. Volunteering is coming from the kindness of my tender loving heart as I learn my position could have been a paid position, I'm offering charity to some of the richest people in the world, and my new routine of 4am wake-ups and 8 o'clock bedtimes. I'm a freakin saint.

This is going to be a test of my love for the outdoors, sport, and winter. Today I spent five hours marching around in blizzard like conditions in the Callaghan Valley, the location of Whistler Olympic Park. My little blue was soaked with snow and my toes were freezing. It was all worth it when I looked across the biathlon track to see massive Whistler snowflakes, and Olympians just doing their athlete thing. The competitive vibe, the excitement of the spectators and the entire world will keep spirits high... not to mention copious amounts of coffee an

d red bull (wish they were sponsors). I am going to have to layer up, look like an overstuffed blue smurf in that VANOC uniform, and enjoy the show.

Tomorrow is the first day of 5 consecutive 12 hour shifts!

One sleep until the opening ceremonies!!

Celebrating "in"

My European bitties have informed me that you celebrate your birthday "In" - meaning you celebrate the night before (and the night of). In reality I've been celebrating my birthday "in" for 3 weeks now. I love 22.

Before I get into the dirty details of my 80s night birthday, I'll explain to you what it means to be a "host" for the 2010 Olympics. It's not all fun and games (duh). Actually it was no fun at all (kidding - I'm living the dream). My very first shift was on Monday, like any first day I set that alarm for 5:50am, had my bus route all planned, had that blue smurf

uniform laid out nicely, basically ready as I'd ever be for that first day.

Unfortunately I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and then it went swiftly down hill from there. Turns out my well planned bus route wasn't so well planned at all and I obviously missed my bus. So I panic, walk up to this massive greyhound coach and ask the driver where "lot 5 skiers" is? He sees my panicked face

and offers to drive me over there himself. Massive bus, one driver and one passenger?? It was clearly a realllyyyy panicked face. In the mean time I call my supervisor who informs me that it has happened to almost everyone on their first shift and not to worry. Phew - I was off the hook and now I'll know forever where "lot 5 skiers" is. So I got on the right bus, and arrive at Whistler Olympic Park, 1 hour late.!

On the bus another host (and Australian) explained to me that all the volunteers are sifted through security, and then head to quick team meetings before shuttling to the various locations to host at. This is exactly what happened when we arrived at the park. The events being held at Whistler Olympic Park are ski jump, cross country ski, and biathlon. These are all the posts in which, I, as a host have to be hospitable at. This involves welcoming people in, directing them where to

go, checking accreditation and tickets, and directing people through security. Yesterday, however, we were only checking accreditation... Accreditation of the Olympians that is. I, no joke, was posted outside the athlete lounge and warmup area. I got to welcome them inside, and see them practice at the cross country ski zone. They're all so freakin fit. It's like their hamstrings are going to pop right off their bones. It was so cool to be around them, I definitely felt that competition vibe. I finished off the day meeting Tiger Wood's publicist. no big deal. I nearly vomited. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire day. The volunteers are all pretty awesome too, my team of 10 are all people my age, they're super nice. All and all it's

pretty amazing to be apart of something like this. My next shift is friday - the day the games begin!!! 4am - 4pm shift.. omg responsibility.

I headed for home to get ready for birthday celebrations!! It turned into a night of shenanigans. My roommate insisted we go to Tommy Africas for 80s night. So we all got ready in our 80s attire in our little room, had a few drinks and got our dance on. It was soul shaking for 5 hours, my birthday dream. From elevator pictures, stalking one very unattractive man in a green jumpsuit (when I looked at my camera this morning this guy managed to weasel his way into every other photo), to dancing on stages, and somehow finding the coherency to change my status on facebook to "birthday birthday birthday real ones" my Whistler Birthday party has been one to remember. And it's not over. It's birthday dinners and drinks tonight!

3 more days until the Olympics!!!

...just call him gangsta number 2

Says the Blackcomb ski patrol dude from Milton, On (where I used to live) on the chair lift yesterday. We were discussing Splitz Burger - the burger place next to the AplenGlow, where I'm living right now. Apparently for the best veggie Lentil burger, I have to ask for "gangsta number 2" to make it.. I was sold. More importantly I went skiing yesterday for the first time in 12 years.

But OMG. I thought I was going to die but I surprised myself with skiing success and it was a riot. Until I bailed hard twice leaving me bruised in some inconvenient places and my bod is actually in serious pain right now but all things considered im pretty stoked. I'm planning on getting out there a few more times before my volunteering shifts start next week, I might even try boarding with my roomie Laura. There's also talk of snowmobiling, and cross country skiing for a few days. I bought new ski gear today too! IT'S soooo HOT!

I'm currently skiing with my alias/ ski pass Emma Seeberg. One of the many European bitties I've been hanging out with since I've arrived. Since my roomie is German (yet she calls herself a "local") I've met almost all and only Europeans so far, and the occasional aussie. I'm just a little canadian and accentless minority over here... They're all such amazing people and they're living the dream. They all work, ski and play all night, it's fantastic. Most of them say it can only last a season and then you start to get a little Whistler crazy... I'll explain more on that in the future.

Aside from all that ski-bunny stuff I'm trying to stay on top of readings (joke) and I'm of course getting to know a few of these Whistler bars.. It's pretty hilarious last night I managed to convince the bartender to fill the VANOC travel mug with a pint of Rickards... He thought I was pretty insane, looked at me and said "are you serious?" and tried to explain how highly illegal it was and then smiled and gave it to me for free. it made my night.

As of next week I'm going to be really busy with Olympic stuff, my schedule is insane I have to work from 4am until 4pm every day starting Feb 11, that's all I know about my job though.. Even training in Squamish today left me in the dark about my responsibilities. On the bright side it's pretty exciting being here for the prep. More people arrive everyday and yesterday I saw Alan Rickman the dude who plays professor Snape from harry Potter. He was having drinks at this pub by the gym im going to now - THE CORE, it's no Queen's ARC but it's pretty fantastic. Anyway I stopped right in my tracks when I saw him and then smiled really big and then just kept walking with this giant smile on my face. Apparently John Travolta is coming next week!!! Unfortunately we were five minutes late for the torch celebration - I'm blaming today's hangover, so lame..

SO far it's been pretty peak - I'm sure it will only get better and a little more wild as more people filter in. We're planning on resting up tonight before things get out of hand.

7-6 more days until the OLYMPICS!!!

A turn of events

I made it to Whistler today! My friend's roomie decided to head to Whistler today so I was able to get a ride up with her. Phew! I actually thought I might not make it after yesterday. Before we left we went to the PNE on East Hastings, one of the Olympic venues, to get our uniforms and accreditation. The uniforms are super cute but my pants are 3 sizes too big - apparently they've run out of sizes. Whoopsy! The accreditation process went so fast it was as if anyone could walk in there and receive they're free pass to the Olympics. It was really weird actually, but we were happy with how speedy it was.

On the way my friend's roomie was filling me in on her experience with volunteering with the Olympic committee. Apparently it's totally unorganized everything is, and no one really knows what they're doing. Most people are essentially making their jobs up as they go. Both my friend and her roommate say it's more about the people they have been meeting, than the job itself. I guess I will find out when my shift starts next week but I signed up for experience more than anything else.

For now I've decided to give myself an attitude adjustment and have gone back to being excited about being here: it's the olympics, it's once in a lifetime and if I have to I'll take my old cabbie's advice... But I doubt I'll be peacing this place anytime soon. Whistler's gorgeous and it is buzzing with Olympic activity. I also finally met my roommate and have begun settling into my new apartment. It might be the smallest place I've ever set eyes on. My bed is literally in the kitchen sink but the location is fantastic - right in the village so I can see the mountains, and all the little ski bunnies strolling around. My roommate is also really nice so far - we're going out tonight after she gets home from work!!

I'm happy they're fewer antics today!

Already causing a scene.

I didn't make it to Whistler yesterday. I nearly didn't make it to Vancouver either... Just the typical kk antics.

It began when I slept in yesterday only arriving to the airport with 45 minutes to get through check-ins and security. The West Jet attendants had to pick me out of line so I could jet my way through the busy 7am rush of business flyers. I was feeling pretty goofy but apparently my jokes weren’t that hilarious because the security guy kept giving me the creep eye. Luckily I wasn’t strip-searched and was able to boot it to my gate, just in time to find out it was delayed. Dope.

When we finally boarded I found myself between these 2 bigger guys one of whom had food poisoning. AWESOME. So there I sat sausaged between two dudes, having my STAR television watching interrupted by vom-town. I actually felt pretty bad for him so we started chatting towards the end of the flight. BAD IDEA. This guy was so anti-Olympics I was wondering why I got on the plane in the first place. This guy was walking all over my Olympic dreams in only a few sentences. I high tailed it to luggage when we got off the plane.

At the airport I met up with an old friend before heading out to Whistler. We decided to stroll the new Vancouver aquarium and grab some lunch. Unfortunately I was also feeling pretty lousy after the flight and was getting kind of worried about my bod. I mentioned it to my friend who decided to take me to the walk-in clinic. I was immediately prescribed some wack antibiotics after a few tests that I now have to take for the next four days. It was at this point I was totally reassessing my Olympic inhibitions - maybe that guy on the plane was right..

My friend and I decided to movie watch for the afternoon and during The Mysteries of Pittsburgh I booked my bus ticket to Whistler. Well so I thought. When I arrived at the bus station for my 7 o'clock departure I discovered that I didn't have a ticket or my wallet. Fantastic - I didn't make it to Whistler - not last night.

After relocating my wallet, I called up my friend and crashed at her place for the night. My cab driver gave me yet another lecture on how awful the Olympics are, leaving me with a few words of advice "Get to Whistler, spend a few days and then leave". What's with all the debbie downers in this town? It really threw off my QI and all the day's shenanigans left wondering if about the rest of my trip...