Shoe Heaven

Yesterday, I was surfing the interweb and found a site I instantly fell in Love with! Shoes of Prey is a site where you can design and then order your own shoes!

It’s only been around since October 2009 and like the Press Kit says,

“In an Australian first, personalised bespoke shoes are now only a few clicks away from being on your heels. Brainchild of a trio of fashion geeks Mike Knapp, Michael Fox and Jodie Fox, www.shoesofprey.com is the portal to handcrafted shoes designed by you. A suite of divine raw materials, including the softest calfskin, python, fishskin, silk and more in an array of candy-store colours, await the most vivid imagination and make for hours of shoe-designing bliss.

Shoe shoppers can visit www.shoesofprey.com, design the exact fashion shoe they want and have it shipped worldwide. From high heels to low heels, bows to straps, open toe to closed toe, suede to snakeskin, there's near-endless choice, with more designs continually being added. As of today, Shoes of Prey's simple online shoe-designer can be used to create 3.81 x 1022 types of shoes (that's 381 followed by 20 zeros!). No design experience or special software is required - all that's required is a web connection and some personal taste. Users can save their designs and get their friends' comments. The shoes are individually hand-crafted from top-quality materials and are home-delivered with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.”

I have already designed several pairs just for fun, but haven’t ordered any yet as they’re pretty pricey, ($185 for flats and up to $290 for heels). But because they are hand made with a 100% money back guarantee, I think I will take the plunge in the next couple of months. I have pretty wide feet, (TMI?), and love that the shoes can be ordered in different widths.

Right now, they shoes styles are a little limited, (flats or heels), but in the future I would love it if they ventured into boots!

When I finally do design and buy a pair, I will post all about them.

Take a look… would you order any? Do you think it’s worth the money?

Paralympics Day 1 - The Torch

I often say I am thankful for my health. I get colds and headaches, but I have no chronic illnesses and have never been diagnosed with a disease. I also am known to complain, (and often) about how sore I am after any workout I do. I have really short hamstring muscles, (self diagnosed), and my legs hurt so much sometimes, that I can barely walk. But I still can. Walk that is. I have both of my legs and they both work. I take them for granted all the time.

Today, (well starting yesterday really) the Paralympic Torch was run in a 24 hour relay around a route that included Robson Street. And this morning I met and chatted with 3 of the torch-bearers.
Two of them served in Afghanistan and both lost limbs over there. They were both so proud to be carrying the Paralympic Torch for their country. I was just so proud to be talking to them.

CPL Billy Kerr lost both his legs and his left arm and is Canada’s only Afghanistan veteran triple-amputee, but instead of being bitter or complaining, he was almost jovial, he was so happy. We only chatted for a couple of minutes, as he began to get swarmed by well-wishers and photographers. His family was there with him, and everyone cheered loudly when his torch was lit. He never stopped smiling.

UPDATE: My Blog was read by a friend of Billy’s that pointed me toward his website, The Home for a Hero Project. Their goal is to “raise funds throughout their community to assist with the cost of providing Bill with a "Home for a Hero" as a gesture of their respect for the sacrifice he has made. It is their hope that he will have a home that will accommodate his injuries and new lifestyle and have room for his new wife and his two daughters.” For this to happen they need to raise approximately $300,000. To date, they have raised $249,000.

Me and Corporal Billy Kerr with the Paralympic Torch

I went over to talk with Master CPL Paul Franklin when I saw him being interviewed by… actually I’m not sure who it was by… they just had a small video camera so I assume it was an independent journalist. As I waited to speak with him, there was a gentleman nearby on his bike. I asked him if he was friends with the torch-bearer. His response: “I am proud to call him my friend”. I am such a sappy, emotional schmuck, I swear, I almost started crying when he said that.

When I got the chance to speak with Paul, I understood why his friend was so proud. Paul started up the Franklin Fund, an organization that works to improve opportunities for amputees to experience healthy active living, after he lost his legs serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

Master Corporal Paul Franklin and his son with the Paralympic Torch

He was there, on Robson Street with his son, (Simon? I think), and again, Proud is the only word I can think of to describe his son. He stood by his father’s side the entire time, and once Paul’s torch was lit, his son walked the whole distance with him, snapping pictures the entire way.

I made sure I thanked both of the Veterans, before they left. I thanked them for serving for Canada, for sacrificing so much for us; but instead of saying you’re welcome, they both thanked me for coming out to see them. Doesn’t really seem like a fair trade, does it?

Master CPL Franklin giving a salute before lighting his torch

The third torch bearer I got to meet was a Paralympic Athlete. And not just an Athlete, but a Paralympic GOLD and SILVER medalist! Lauren Barwick competed for Canada in Para-Dressage, (Equestrian) in 2008 in China. As well as carrying the Paralympic Torch on Robson, she also had the honour of lighting the Olympic Cauldron in Langley on February 8. Lauren became paralyzed from the waist down in 2000 when her back was broken when a bale of hay from an unstable stack fell on top of her.
With Lauren today was also her mother, who was wearing Lauren’s track suit from the Olympic Torch relay. She was so cute… when we took a picture together, she made sure we all showed off our Red Mittens!

Me with Lauren Barwick and her Mom

After Lauren left, I just stood there in the rain, in my rainboots. I looked down at my legs. They were there and they worked. I didn’t take them for granted anymore.

Countdown to the Paralympics - The Medals

I just found out the the Royal Canadian Mint will be showing the medals again during the Paralympics! The venue has moved to:

The Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
350 West Georgia Street
March 12th to 21st, 2010

Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday to Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm

Hopefully the line-ups won't be as long and I'll get to see them this time around!

Post Olympics Day 5 - Countdown to the Paralympics

It’s getting better… just like a bad break-up. Time heals all wounds, right?

I still miss the Olympics and they will always be one of the greatest experiences of my life, but I can’t live in the past. I must focus on the future; the future is the Paralympics!

I know that the Paralympics, (March 12-21) are much smaller in scale than the Olympics, but they still have so much to offer.

Tickets are still available for most events and they are a fraction of the Olympic prices. You can go to the opening ceremonies for $30! Other events include Sledge Hockey, Wheelchair Curling, Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, and Cross-Country Skiing.

Paralympic banners have replaced their Olympic predecessors throughout the city.

Paralympic Banners on Robson Street
Paralympic Banners on Robson Street

Most of the venues have closed and are being disassembled, but there are still a few pavilions open during the Games. (Info courtesy Vancouver2010.com and Vancouver.com)

Pavilions

Canada Pavilion
Location: Live City Vancouver (Georgia & Beatty Street in downtown Vancouver)
Dates of Operation: March 12 to 21
Hours of Operation: 10am-10pm

Saskatchewan
Location: Whistler Golf Course Clubhouse, Whistler
Dates of Operation: March 17 to 20
Hours of Operation: 2pm-8pm

Manitoba
Location: Live City Vancouver (Georgia & Beatty Street in downtown Vancouver)
Dates of Operation: March 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 21
Hours of Operation: 1pm-7pm

Canada’s Northern House
Location: 602 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Dates of Operation: TBC
Hours of Operation: TBC

The Northwest Territories and Nunavut will showcase the unique art, tourism and cultures of their region.

LiveSites

Live City Downtown
Location: Georgia St. at Beatty St., Downtown Vancouver
Dates of Operation: March 12-14 and March 18-21
Hours of Operation: 1pm-9pm (4pm-8pm March 12 only)

Whistler Live!
Location: throughout Village:
1. Whistler Medals Plaza
2. Skiers Plaza
3. Village Square
4. Village Common – Whistler Live! Studio
Dates of Operation:
• March 12-21
• Whistler Medals Plaza: March 13-18 and March 21

Hours of Operation:
1. Whistler Medals Plaza: 6:30pm-8:45pm
2. Skiers Plaza: Performances throughout day; Fire and Ice performance 9pm-10:30pm
3. Village Square: 9am-11pm
4. Village Common - Whistler Live! Studio: 9am-11pm

Whistler Live! is a uniquely Whistler winter celebration of sport, culture and entertainment that will captivate, inspire and create lasting memories for residents, athletes and visitors.

Robson Square Plaza
Location: Robson Square, downtown Vancouver (Robson at Howe)
Dates of Operation: March 12-21
Hours of Operation: 10am-5pm (hours extended March 11th for the torch relay)

Activities at Robson Square Plaza include:
• GE Plaza open for public skating from 10am-TBC
• Main stage area with daily performances (musical and cultural acts)
• Interactive displays
• Zip line operational March 12-21

Cauldron – Jack Poole Plaza
• Cauldron will be re-lit on March 12th
• Viewing area (including roof top) will be open from March 12-21

Torch Relay
• March 11-12, 2010 will be a 24 hour event around Robson Square in downtown Vancouver. Current planning has this event running from approximately 2pm on March 11 through to 2pm on March 12. The torch will culminate at BC Place to light the cauldron as part of the Paralympic Opening
• Ceremony beginning at 6pm on March 12, 2010.

In the mean time, check out 2 more videos that I posted. The first one is when we won the semi-final game against Slovakia on February 26. Winning this game meant that we were going on to play for GOLD! The second is yet another video of the crowd when we won the GOLD medal in hockey. This was taken at the Molson Canadian Hockey House… So exciting!

Post Olympics Day 2

I didn’t think it would hit this hard; I’m not the only one either. I’ve spoken to several friends today that are also suffering from Post Traumatic Olympic Syndrome.

The tents and stages are almost all down, the streets are empty and people are not cheering or high-fiving or hugging.

I took this picture on the walk home yesterday. What a difference 24 hours makes.

Robson Square the day after the Olympics ended

Sure, the Paralympics are only 10 days away, but in the mean-time, the silence of the downtown core is deafening.

Other than this Olympic Hangover there is nothing to write about today.

For now, enjoy this video that I found today; it gave me goosebumps.

Also check out some of the fantastic photos on the Static Photography site and also Boston.com. Amazing shots. Enjoy!

Olympics Day 17

GOLD.

That’s the word I wrote last night and the word I am writing today. GOLD.

Sidney Crosby scores the game winning goal against the USA in overtime to win the GOLD Medal!
Photograph by: Todd Korol, Reuters

Yesterday 4 out of every 5 Canadians were watching the Gold Medal Hockey Game between Canada and the USA. I was one of those 4; and one of thousands watching at the Molson Canadian Hockey House. If you couldn’t afford Gold Medal Hockey tickets, (and who could?), then the second best place to be watching the game was at the MCHH. The crowd was insane and everyone was wearing RED. The game was... intense! When we went into the 3rd period, I kept repeating to myself… 20 minutes left and we’re up by one… 19 minutes left and we’re up by one… 18 minutes left and we’re up by one… 10 minutes left and we’re up by one… 9 minutes left and we’re up by one… 2 minutes left and we’re up by one… 1 minute left and we’re up by one… 30 seconds left and we’re up by one… Oh Shit!

Chad and I right before the game started at the MCHH

Like the rest of Canada, with only 24.4 seconds left until Gold, I wanted to throw up. At 2 minutes left, they MCHH souvenir store had put out GOLD Medal t-shirts, (behind a locked gate) to be sold as soon as we won. At 23 seconds left, the T-shirts were suddenly turned around, so no one could read them. As the OT period started, I could barely watch… I tried to stay positive as I was rubbing my lucky loonie, but I just didn’t want to see a goal against us. I’m lucky I looked up when I did, because I got to see Sid the Kid win the hearts of an entire country!

So stressed watching the game

So Happy after the game!

It was so much more than just a game. It was something our country needed and wanted so badly. It united us and made us beam with pride. Cheesy? Yes. But True.

After the game the MCHH also showed the Closing Ceremonies on its big screens. About 10 minutes in, the audio on the TVs was turned down as there was a special guest on stage that needed no introduction. That’s right… The #1 Goaltender for the GOLD Medal Team Canada and the Pride and Captain of the Vancouver Canucks, Roberto Luongo. Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!

He was only there for a few minutes; was asked a few questions. Couldn’t really hear because everyone was so loud cheering and Luuuuuing. His daughter was wearing his GOLD Medal and seemed to be a little overwhelmed by all the attention.

Luongo, his daughter and his GOLD Medal on Stage at the MCHH

As for the Closing Ceremonies; this is what I wrote on my Facebook status today: For those of you that didn't like the Closing Ceremonies: it's called Satire! It was crazy and weird, but I loved it! And that’s exactly what it was; tongue in cheek comedy. Some people said that it was embarrassing and only enforced Canadian Stereotypes, but I didn’t see it that way. I thought we were having fun with those stereotypes. I could have done without the Nickelback, and would have loved to see Shania up on stage though.

The night before, my friend Grace was in town from New York, so we went out for some drinks. We started off at The Keefer, (brand new, very cool, check it out), headed over to Canvas Lounge for the Jet Set Party, and then to the Commodore for the Club Bud Party. The Club Bud Party was quite exclusive and was where most of the Athletes were. I really don’t know how I got in. In fact, some of my friends didn’t get in and I spent the first ½ hour trying to make friends with anyone with connections. As I was talking to one of the bouncers he said, “look at that line right there; that‘s the Athletes line. If the Athletes can’t even get in right now, what makes you think your friends will be able?” Whatever.

Murray, Robin and Evanka at the Keefer

In the end, Grace and Evanka made it in. We were told that all of the Canadian Athletes, (minus the Men’s Hockey team) were there; they may have been, but I didn’t see them. We did sit on a couch across from Oksana Baiul and I did see Charles Hamelin as I was leaving, (didn’t get my camera out fast enough). As I was getting my coat, I chatted with a guy from Montreal that said he had won the Gold Medal in a speed skating event, but I can’t match his face to anyone on the Vancouver 2010 website. Please let me know if you recognize him.

GOLD Medalist? Maybe!

Club Bud Girls

Grace and skier Jeremy Bloom at Club Bud

We stayed out until about 2am which is way past my bedtime, and when I got up on Sunday morning, I was so glad that I didn’t drink very much. I did not want to scream for Hockey with a hangover.

Waking up this morning was a little weird. The Olympics were over. The parties were over. Seven years of planning and anticipation was over.

I was a little sad, but mostly proud; We Won The Olympics!

So Very Proud.

The final medal count:

14 GOLD – 7 SILVER - 5 BRONZE

GO CANADA GO!!!

My Nephews cheering on Team Canada!!!