One Week Left!

Here I am trying on my uniform again! Well when I say again, I really mean for the first time, officially. The last time I had one on, was before Xmas, when I went to accreditation to pick up my ID and to determine what size uniform I needed. This is the first time I've put all my pieces on to make sure they fit comfortably. I ended up having to chase down a belt for my pants because they were just too loose in the waist. (And no, I am not complaining!)

I spent this evening with a red Sharpie labelling everything with my name. I feel like I am 12. I can see labelling clothing I am going to have off and on, like my jacket and vest and toque, but my pants?!? I only have one pair and I cannot imagine a situation in which I would inadvertently leave my pants somewhere! ...And if I could imagine such a situation, I am guessing that not having pants on might be the least of my worries! Anyway, pants are duly identified, just in case. Maybe I should add "If found, please return to the embarrassed half-naked girl" on the tag. *laughs*

I've packed my official backpack with all the stuff I need for venue training tomorrow. It's quite a monster of a backpack-I've never had one this big, as I tend to like to travel light. They've made the limited edition Volunteer backpacks extra roomie because we have to have on us at all times-there's nowhere to store anything-no lockers or anything like that.

So what am I going to be packing around? Well let's see....

-my spare shirt, vest, jacket & toque when I am not wearing them

-a pair of heavy duty gloves

-a pair of spare socks

-my accreditation (ID)

-the Olympic pocket guide

-my iPod (Don't leave home without it!)

-cell phone

-pocket money

-official steel mug

-medication

-toothbrush, paste, lip balm & breath mints

-sunglasses clips

-house keys

-umbrella

-wetwipes ('cause I hate that sani-gel stuff!)

-Kleenex (I maintain a 3 pack minimum at all times.)

and if I can manage a wee bit more weight, my journal. (I think I will sneak it in.) I am trying to keep what I am hauling at a minimum, as the less stuff I have, the less time I will have to spend going through security screening. Less is more!

If it were up to me, I would just stuff everything in my jacket pockets and not have a bag, but if I take my jacket off, when I am inside the venue, I have to have somewhere to put it. I'm a girl who could happily do without a purse or a bag, but that's just not going to work this time around.

The steel mug I mentioned was a part of our welcome package. We're not allowed to bring any food or beverages into the venues (alas, no Starbucks!) but they gave us these steel mugs and will be providing our meals, snacks and drinks. Believe me, I am pleased to not have to pack a lunch-that's my least favourite chore ever!

I am going to test drive my steel mug tomorrow. It has a handy-dandy clip built into the handle so you can attach it to your backpack and have it dangle. I want to know if you can do this with liquid in it or not...the instructions never said. I'm going to test it out with water before I try something hot! I also need to find some sort of sticker to put on it, so I know it's mine because there will be a zillion just like it lying around. I'll have to look and see what I have handy.

On the news tonight they were talking about all the FREE entertainment that's going to be available while the Games are on. If you are interested, the website with all the details is here. You can get a run down of all the "houses" that are being hosted by different countries and/or sponsors and local city venues. The site tells you where each is located and what type of entertainment is being showcased. I am simply stunned by the length of the list and am already wondering how I can squeeze in enough downtime to visit a few of the houses. I might have to give up sleeping!

In addition to that site, our local station, Global TV is doing an excellent job providing Games related information on their website, which you can find here. There are tons of tabs to click and you can spend hours learning about the Olympic & Paralympic Games, our city and so much more!

I am so excited that the world is literally coming to my backdoor. I had just a small taste of what it was going to be like during the World Police & Fire Games in the summer and it just made me hungry for more. I met some incredible people, made some wonderful memories and I felt very blessed to have been able to serve during those games. I know that these games are going to be equally as special and inspiring.

You know, I think Kleenex should be my official sponsor because it's like this: I don't care what country you are from. I will cry happy tears for you, whether you medal or not. Seeing people having the courage to live their dreams moves me. THAT is what the Games are about.

ONE WEEK from today, my Games begins!

World Police & Fire Games 2009 Closing Ceremonies

I have been itching to get these photos up sine the weekend and now finally have a few moments and some energy to do so so here they are, the final photos of the World Fire and Police Games of 2009! This first set was taken at the Vancouver Convention Center on Saturday. My son came down with me to but some souvenirs, as he plans to join the police force in a couple of year when he's of age.

I had the rare opportunity to not only photography but to hold the gold and silver metal in my hands at one point, as an official was getting ready to transport a box of medals and said his driver and I could look at them. (The perks of being in Transpo!) As you can see from the photos, the medals were beautiful.

The second round of slides is Swanguard Stadium at the Closing ceremonies and volunteer appreciation. It began with a BBQ for the volunteers and they gave us some gifts (swag) as well as food and then when the festivities got started there was a parade of atheletes. It was really very heartwarming because it allowed them to acknowledge us for the work we'd done to help them have a successful games (everything and anything you can imagine you would do to run a sporting event for over 10,000 athletes, official, VIPs, their families and then that's not even counting the public spectators and over 3400 volunteers!) and also allowed for us to congratulate them on their participation and garnering of medals.

There was just this warm rush of good will between the athletes and the volunteers as they paraded in-they were clapping and cheering for us and throwing gifts at us into the stands-Frisbees, hats, t-shirts, keychains, pens, footballs, you name it and we we were on our feet clapping and waving and cheering for them. At that moment, there were no countries, no differences, nothing but a sense of community and harmony. It was a beautiful and uplifting thing. It made me very excited for the Olympic and Paralympic Games which, as of this past Wednesday are only 6 months away!

This last set is the entertainment we had for the evening. The Abbotsford airshow was on and they arranged to have the Snowbirds. which if you are American, it the equivalent of the Blue Angels. They came out and flew over the stadium 5 times and it was just breathtaking. What a wonderful surprise that was!

We also had a presentation by a drumming circle from the Squamish First Nations who are one of the 5 nations who are in partnering in hosting the 2010 games. The did three different songs. One was the eagle song, one I can't remember what it was for and the last to honour all the forest fighters around our province fighting hard to save our lands and homes. (We've had awful forest fires this year-I think it's the worst year in recent history.)

Following that, we had Canadian rock band Trooper play. They did old favourites like "Raise a Little Hell", "Two for the Show", "We're Here for a Good Time" and "3 Dressed up as a 9". It got quite late and I headed home as it was heading for ten as folks from transpo had had some really long hours and we were all tired.

It was so much fun to meet some of the athletes and to trade shirts and hats. I managed to score a couple of caps for Deb's son Whit who right this moment is out in California on his very first forest fire. I figures it would be meaningful for him to have some swag from the games. I traded for a hat from the Melbourne, Australia Fire Brigade with a fireman who won a gold medal and I got a spare WPFG volunteer hat that has the games logo on it for him. I can't wait to send them off!

I also had a Montreal firefighter who was a hockey player ask to trade with me for some bracelets I had for his game shirt. It was white and red and so we traded. I knew my son would want that shirt and it fit perfectly and it did.

The next games will be hosted in NYC in 2011 (they are held bi-annually) and will be on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I am sure that's going to be a very emotional gathering and something spectacular to see.

Taking part in this games was an amazing experience and I am *SO* glad I did it. I met some amazing human beings, had a ton of fun, learned some new skills (I know know the ins and outs of dispatch and using a mike phone!) and had the deep satisfaction of giving back to our emergency service workers. When I saw honorary spokes person Michale J. Fox on TV asking people to volunteer, how could I say no? I am so glad I got involved. It was everything I could have asked for and more.

* Next post: Catching up on all sorts of interesting tidbits!

Snapshots

As promised, some quick pictures taken from The World Police & Fire Games. It's harder than I thought it would be to get photos. While I am there, I am extremely busy and there just doesn't seem to be time to stop and capture what's going on all around me.

This was taken as I walked up to the new part of the convention centre, which is where I am working during the games. It's one of two main hubs for everything that's going on with the Games and the place is humming with activity all the time. In addition to the games activity, there is all the regular tourist traffic from the local hotels as well, so the whole area is just chock a block with people.

These are eco sculptures that have been specially made for the games. The games is making a concerted effort to be green and part of that effort is the creation of these eco sculptures that are sprinkled here and there throughout the areas in which there are games venues.

The sculptures are quite interesting and it was hard getting photos of just the sculptures-all the tourists were posing in front of them. I had to stand around waiting for some time till they moved on to get these shots.

These eagles are part of an on going project. A few years ago we had whales in the city and artists decorated fiberglass whale forms that were then displayed all over the city. A few years later, it was bears in the city. Now it's eagles. This one was done with old licence plates. It's inside the convention centre.


This is the digital sign outside the room where Transportation Dispatch is housed. I like the idea of digital signage.

This is the transportation dispatch room! Because of where we are situated and because, as you can see, the doors are wide open, people come in and ask us all kind of questions, not just those pertaining to transport. Of course we're happy to help-we just think we should change our title to Transportation and Information. *laughs* We do it all!

It looks like a simple set up, but we're answering phones, talking on mike phones, talking to people in person, looking up information on the computer and in manuals, as well as booking transport, keeping track of drivers and working hard to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. My crisis line training and experience is really coming in handy!

Here's another of those eagles in the city I was talking about. I like this one alot. It's just down the street from the convention centre.


This is a way finding sign out at Town Centre in Coquitlam. My husband and I took Indy and went out there to see if we could see some of the Games this morning before it got too hot.


We managed to see a bit of a lacrosse game which was underway when we got there. I have no idea who was playing because it really wasn't long before it was too hot for us to watch any more.


I don't know how these poor guys could stand wearing all that equipment when it was 27C out at 10 a.m.!

I took this shot for Penn-I love the font of the numbers on their jerseys and I thought she would too. Very old-timey! (Notice the hose hooked into the fence as a misting station to help keep the players cool.) Not long after, my husband, Indy and I were cooling off in the spray park on the other side of the venue and eating ice cream. The heat is not our friend!

As we were making our way back around to our car, I came upon this rather disturbing sight. It's a firefighting dummy that had been abandoned in the middle of an obstacle course. Rather startling to walk by an empty field and see a body just lying there like that! The competition had moved to another area which is how it had come to be there all by its lonesome. I just thought it was funny. You don't see that every day!



Yesterday, on my way home from the convention centre by skytrain, I shared part of my trip with a police officer from Capetown, South Africa. We had a great conversation about world politics (one of my favourite things!) and he had such glowing things to say about how welcome he'd been made to feel from the moment he'd arrived in Canada for the Games and how great his experience here has been. I was proud he felt embraced and accepted by my country and grateful that I was a very small part of his experience.



Sitting on that sky train yesterday, having that conversation with someone I would never have met otherwise, I was blissfully happy. I tell you, having the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and to appreciate their beauty and what they bring to the world is a wonderful thing. We change each other's lives in these small moments, whether we realize it or not. I know I will remember this conversation for the rest of my life.

The wonderful paradox of giving is that the more you give, the more you get to keep for yourself.

I may not have alot of time to take digital photographs of the Games, but I promise you, I have taken a thousand snapshots in my mind.

Long Weekend...

...thus far, the good:

I had a very full and satisfying day in service to the men and women who serve and protect us-men and women police and firefighters from around the world, here for the World Police & Fire Games. As I mentioned before, I am working transportation dispatch for the games and let me tell you, it's crazy busy. I am helping coordinate transportation for Games officials and VIPs, Athletes, equipment and just about anything and everything that needs moving from one place to another quickly and efficiently.

I've met some lovely people and it was so wonderful to hear other languages being spoken today, some of which I understood in part (French and Spanish) and some I just enjoyed listening to (German and Swedish). I love being in the middle of a diverse group of people and getting to make them feel welcome and helping to make their experience here a good one. Nothing makes me happier. I am really enjoying what I am doing. It's hard work, but I love it.

The bad:

Unfortunately, Indy, my beloved Lab is sick. We don't know what's wrong, but while I was away today, my husband had to take him to the emergency vet. He had some blood drawn and the vet gave him some pills and special food. I am praying it's just a bug that blows over quickly. I cannot bear the thought that it might be something more serious. That would completely undo me. They are going to call tomorrow with the results of the tests. Of course I found out all this had happened when I called to tell my husband I was on my way home at the end of the day and it was all I could do not to cry the whole way home. Please hold good thoughts for my sweet boy.

The Sublime:

A large group of Norwegians wandering around with Viking helmets on. Now that's not something you see every day!

Tomorrow I am on shift at 6 a.m. I am exhausted and heading to bed so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow. I will try and snap some pics so I can share with you all. It really is quite an event!

Let the Games Begin!

This weekend is super busy. I spent today at an volunteer orientation for the World Police & Fire Games which are being held here in Vancouver and a number of neighbouring cities. Next to the Olympics & Paralympics in 2010, this is the biggest event being held here in BC. According to organizers, they are expecting over 10,000 athletes for the games which are being held July 31st-August 9th.

Tomorrow, I am heading into the city for training for the specific job I will be doing. I'm going to be doing dispatch for the transportation division. I'm sure it's going to be interesting.

This afternoon, I went and got my credentials (photo ID pass) and some wonderful swag in addition to my uniform. They gave me a black mono strap backpack with the logo (seen above) on it and it was chock full of goodies. I wasn't expecting that, but it was a lovely gesture.

I decided to volunteer for this event because our police and fire fighters put their lives on the line in service to us each and every day and I thought this was a wonderful opportunity to give back. When you think about it, how often do they ask for our help? It just seemed like the right thing to do. It will also give me a small taste of what it will be like when the Olympics are on. It's a good way to get geared up for that and I always enjoy meeting new people.

There are a couple events I am excited about and hoping to be able to go watch. One is the Police Dog Trial. I love watching the dogs and handlers work. It's wonderful to watch the interaction between them. I am also thrilled to find out that The Musical Ride will also be performing. I've seen it several times in my life and every time it just takes my breath away. The horses are simply gorgeous and the RCMP officers so majestic in their red serge. Every time I watch it, it brings tears to my eyes. It's so much a part of the fabric of Canada and it's one of those things that when I see it, I feel a giant swell of patriotism rise up in my heart. It's one of those things you have to see to really know what I mean. If you ever have the chance, go see it-it's something you'll never forget.

I also found time today to head downtown to see Jen, who is a fabulous hair stylist and a great person. She's just so kind and I enjoyed chatting with her while she freshened up my sassy 'do.

The day ended with a spectacular thunder and lightening storm, the likes of which we rarely see around here. It came out of nowhere and I had to shut down in the middle of writing this post. At one point I saw a flash in the middle of the sky across the street and in a fraction of a second after that heard a loud explosion. The lightening hit something-maybe a transformer or a power pole. A few minutes later I heard sirens. While all this was going on, my guys were out in Vancouver waiting for the start of the fireworks festival that was supposed to be on tonight. I called them and let them know the storm was headed their way and that they had better run for cover. They are on their way home now, thank goodness!

Never a dull moment around here!