Wow

Wow is pretty much the only word I can think of to describe what I have experienced today. I have literally seen thousands of people cheering on the Olympic flame and it was one of those experiences that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. So warm and so fuzzy that I am pretty sure I am going to keep these memories on file for when I am having a bad day because they are just that good.

First things first, I went to bed last night seeing coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay all over the news and then when I woke up this morning there was even more coverage. Maybe it is because I am in Victoria that I saw so much about the relay, but it was pretty freakin' cool to know that I have something to do with such a big thing. When I walked out of my hotel this morning there were crowds, barracades and police everywhere. The Legislative Lawn {where the kick-off and evening Celebration took place} is right across the street from my hotel and there were hundreds of people waiting in front of the stage to see the first torchbearer run from a canoe onto the stage on the Legislative Lawn; the flame had landed on Canadian soil from Greece, just about an hour beforehand.

From here my day took an interesting turn- I became a promo rep! Since we only had one Celebration today, I was technically supposed to be 'working from the hotel'. It became evident that we needed more people in the convoy cheering, dancing and hyping the crowd-up, and thus it was decided that I was returning to my days as a brand ambassador. To be honest I was a little bit disappointed because that isn't what my job is at all, but to be fair after about 20 minutes my mind had changed completely. It was amazing to see so many people line the streets just to catch a glimpse of the Olympic Torch. When I say that I saw a lot of people cheering on the flame, I mean more like thousands and thousands of people. Everyone was so excited and so happy that the flame was about to pass through their town that you couldn't help but to keep smiling, cheering and dancing. I smiled, cheered and danced for 9 hours straight- 9 hours! I am pretty sure I sound like a man and it definitely hurts to smile but it was really a great to experience what it is like to be part of that main convoy since I will probably never have the opportunity to do so again. That being said, this event is bigger than I ever could have imagined and please if you do have the opportunity to come out and cheer on the flame you should; it is an experience that will definitely make you smile.

Oh hi there, I've missed you

Hello blog, it's been quite awhile...I have missed writing on your shiny torquoise-ish wall. I think it's fair to say that my life is beyond crazy as of late and that to quite a few people [and my social life] I have been MIA. That being said, I don't think that there is a person in this world that could have been prepared for how much work actually goes into executing a National 106 day program! As we are all well aware, Canada is one of the biggest countries in the world and as some might not be aware, this is the largest Torch Relay in the history of relays...ever! The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind and I am being honest when I say that I don't really remember all that occured. I do know that I finally got to see all of our vehicles, all of our transport trailers and our entire footprint. I had the pleasure of meeting ALL but 2 of the RBC Torch Relay staff and I got to see all elements of the uniforms- things that I have seen on paper for months and months are finally coming to life! Half of the vehicles are on route as we speak for Victoria and when I arrive on Wednesday they will be waiting, the final shipment of uniforms is coming tomorrow (gotta love the down to the wire suspense) and then it's time for me to hit the road. Okay, I am sad to say this entry is short and sweet but I need to say goodbye. I just wanted to touch-base with my blog so that it didn't feel neglected. P.S I leave in just 3 days, woo-hooo!

Run with the Torch

Good news friends; I got a torchbearer spot! I actually found out last week but things have been so busy around here that it completely slipped my mind. So yes, I am one of 12 000 Canadians that get to run with the torch. The glorious date when I will set foot onto the icy road and jog a daunting [kidding] 300 metres is November 29th. I filled out all of my paperwork so I am just waiting to hear back from VANOC on the exact city. To be honest I could be anywhere and I would still be happy. I do know that I am running in belle province, Quebec. That being said, I guess that no one I actually know will see me run but c'est la vie, I still am a torchbearer and that's good enough for me! That is all for this kid tonight, thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Have a good one :)

Olympic gear revealed

Today the Hudson's Bay Company debuted their official clothing line for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I was curious to see what they would look like and I am happy to report that I am impressed. HBC received a lot of slack for their Bejing outfits so good to know that they've redeemed themselves. There is definitely some love for the authentic Canadiana wool sweater from this girl but it's fair to say the rest of the pieces are on target too! Thanks for going back to what you know HBC and delivering a great line. Way to hit the vintage/modern mix and of course the classic red and white- also thanks for letting Steve Yzerman be a model ;) I'm thinking after work, I may just wander across the street to the Bay and check them out in person!
(click on the title of this entry for more info)