February 2, 2010

WOW!!! No other word to describe it. I had my first day at the Westin
Bayshore. What a hotel! What an experience! As my daughter so terrifically said, "my olympic Dream!!!!" The only thing missing from this dream is my wonderful family. How I miss them and how I wish they could all be here sharing in this wonderful experience. But I am so thankful to them for all of their love and support making this dream possible.
Curt is with me, and he has spent a lot of time just hanging around and being my chauffeur. Him and sweet sally (the GPS). If you don't have one...........don't leave home without it! She'll take you anywhere and everywhere! What an amazing piece of technology that is!
Today was my first shift at the hotel. Everyone is so happy to be doing what they're doing. What fun!
Whilst trying to get the feel of our 'jobs' it is the best meeting people, where they're from etc. one lady came from Sarnia to volunteer. She works in the 'health' field. Tried to play some dutch bingo, but to no avail. I'm sure I'll meet her agasin, and I'll try again.

While heading to the downtown, I met some young ladies from Holland. They were here coming to cheer on team Netherlands. They couldn't get any tickets, but hoped to get some whilst they were here. Now THAT is dedication. I had aa great time chatting with them. It's so wonderful chatting with folks, whether you have some connection with them or not. In the spirit of the Olympics....We're all here for the same thing!

Curt and I got to experience something completely off the wall! There were some tickets left over for a cultural Olympiad event. I'm still trying to digest it. It was somewhere between life theater and an x-box game if you can imagine. Vancouver is quite reknown for it's value in creating video games, and this was a celebration of that art. We were a part of it and thankful for the opportunity to be.

It is now quite late and what a day it has been. I am so torn between my family at home and the adventure here.

My dad Oepie, has been having some health concerns, and is currently hospitalized. In fact he was in hospital when I left. To say that is a concern is a major understatement. To go or not to go, is it completely selfish? Should I stay? Should I go? What is the problem? Ohhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He told me when I told him the plan was to leave the next day that it was no problem. He was "in the Lord's hands" He was not worried at all. What a testament! Meanwhile here, I just can't help but think, is it the right decision. Should I feel guilty? But I am so thankful that it is a lesson to me, he knows who is in control, therefore has no worry. What an example that is! I am so thankful to my family at home that they are all stepping up (and then some), doing all they can for him, so I can continue on with this. What an awesome family I have! Again,, I truly thank them all.

Tomorrow I hope to get a very early start to stand in line for the tickets to the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremonies. That will be a night to be remembered.

Thanks for your comments. I am just having the time of my life! One I've waited eight years for and it is really all I could have imagined. I did take some pictures today, but they will be here tomorrow, I promise!

Sure do miss those little darlings in my life though. I really think, if I could have been a Gramma FIRST..... I would have been a much better mother!