Bigger Than BIG

It’s day 4 of the Olympics and I’m just about 2 weeks into this project. I am now at a point where there is so much going on, so many experiences, and endless stories, that I have a hard time relaying all of this. Will what I write even do this ‘thing’ justice? Well I can only try. As well, I will continue to post images here that convey certain ideas and themes. I have now over 535 photos in my 2010 file. 

I was asked, by a good friend, how I am getting along without any close friends and surrounded byconstant (controlled?) chaos?? Well, it is an experience that I cannot remember having had before.  It’s been a roller coaster. I have now passed “Phase 2” and am entering “Phase 3”  — Phase 1 being euphoria and excitement where everything is just sparkly. Phase 2 is the let-down — the valley where exhaustion begins to taint your view, you’re having to work at smiling, and you’re just plain tired of all the “newness” of each waking moment. Phase 3 is, thankfully, the enlightenment — where you begin to see some perspective; you are forced to shed the small stuff and the bigger task at hand becomes clearer.

You learn a lot about yourself with this gig — especially as you go through Phase 2.  I am personally happy to announce to myself that I have come to terms with the enormity of this spectacle, my lowly and insignificant place within it (THIS has been my main bugaboo — unable to effect change or make things right), the massive  incompetence of certain humans, the amazing skill of others, and the power of  the collective energy from such a gathering of people from around the globe.

About friends: I appreciate my friends more than ever, and have a deep understanding why they came to be friends in the first place. I have met countless people now, some of whom I wonder how they’re able to get out of bed each day; others, I know, could be life-long pals in a different life.

Anyway, I wanted to also add  3 other observations:

1. Working or volunteering at the Olympics is a harsh change from routine and the “normalness” of one’s life. It is an adventure. I think about what type of person is motivated by this every day as I meet people from across Canada —  bus drivers, police officers, janitors. All stepping out of their ordinary lives — all being branded with an experience like none other. I love them all.

2. Volunteering is the spirit of the Olympics — without the 25,000 volunteers, putting on a winter games would not be possible. But you know what? That’s the way it is with our entire World.

3. The Medals Plaza — the Medals Plaza is where the local venue winners are celebrated every evening (Luge, bobsleigh, ski-jumping, nordic, biathlon, alpine skiing).  We ‘simulcast’ with the medals presentations in Vancouver, so everyone gets the full experience. The Plaza also showcases entertainment each night and is a hub of excitement. It hums with people from all over the world, waving flags, and wildly cheering everyone regardless of nationality. The sheer joy and wonderment of the athletes as they accept medals is a big thing for me.  A lot of hard work and life’s dedication being rewarded — yes, by a medal, but more by the adoration and respect of the people. I am certain that most of the athletes go into this with no expectation other than to crank it out each day.  They can hardly contain their grins and astonishment when they win. And the crowd roars and loves them for it.