Project 365 Day 151

I have a small chalkboard in my front hallway. I usually don't pay much attention to it, and I rarely change what it has written or drawn on it.

For the first time in a year and a half, I finally got the chalk out and changed it up for today's Project 3.6.5. picture.

Project 3.6.5.

Picture 151/365

And here's what it had looked like since early last year:

Project 365 Day 144

Woooo Hoooo!!!

Really not sure what else to write at this time... If you're living under a rock, the Vancouver Canucks won the Western Conference series tonight and have advanced to the Stanley Cup finals!!!

It's so loud right now with people screaming and honking (my fault for living in Yaletown); it reminds me so much of the Olympics and I love it.

Tonight's Project 3.6.5. picture was taken on Granville and Smithe.

Rumour is that game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals will be on Monday... Go Canucks Go!!! We Want the Cup!!!

Project 3.6.5.

Picture 144/365

Project 365 Day 96

My home town.

My favourite city.

Vancouver turned 125 today.

Last year on this date I posted a Vancouver Then and Now Blog. This year, I walked down to the Olympic Cauldron and checked out the scene as they were setting up for the celebration this evening. It was a gorgeous spring day... a little crisp, but the sun was out and that's all that really mattered. A perfect day for today's Project 3.6.5. Picture.

Happy Birthday Vancouver!!!

Project 3.6.5.

Picture 96/365

Project 365 Day 49

In January 2010 I included a picture of one of the Olympic Welcome signs in my blog. As far as I know, they were all taken down after the games... all but this on on Robson near Burrard. I think it's in Dutch and it is today's Project 3.6.5. Picture.

Project 3.6.5.

Picture 49/365

Project 365 Day 43

Today marks the first anniversary of the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Today's Project 3.6.5. picture is of some of my Olympic memorabilia.

Coins, pins, ticket stubs, lanyards, buttons, programs, tattoos, mittens, toque, Miga, Quatchi... it's all there.

I miss the Olympics.

Project 3.6.5.

Picture 43/365

Project 365 Day 42

Last year, I built my own version of the Olympic Rings. I haven't had the heart to take them down yet, so I figured I should plug them in again to commemorate the anniversary of the games.

My Project 3.6.5. Picture today is of the rings.

Project 3.6.5.

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Project 365 Day 15

So...

I'm sick. Pretty sure it's a bug. I'm grumpy and feel gross, but I still had to post a Project 3.6.5. picture.

I knew I wasn't going to leave my place today, so I just opened my door and snapped a quick shot of my Canadian Flag.

I put up this flag last February, just a few days before the Olympics started. I had planned to take it down after the games were finished, but I still can't bring myself to do it. Maybe after the anniversary of the final end of the games. I still think "Go Canada Go!" when I look at it.

Project 3.6.5.

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Where were you…

Ten weeks and one day ago; the day we won the Olympics?

I was at the Molson Hockey House and it was insane. Some people were at work, at home, on the street, or even at the game.

Jlishere put together a couple of fantastic videos from the Gold Medal Goal as well as the brief time that we were tied with the USA and there was the chance, (well not really), that we might lose this important game.

As written by Jlishere:

Relive one of our nation's proudest moments, captured in this compilation of reactions; from small town bars to big city streets, homes and public places in Vancouver, across the country and even abroad. An explosion of flag waving, cheers, spontaneous chants and anthems, random high fives, a sea of red and white, and lots of beer (for "some")!
The Vancouver Games brought a whole nation together. On February 28th, millions of Canadians braced for the men's hockey final. With only 24 seconds left to go in the 3rd period, USA scored a tie, forcing the gold medal game into overtime. Shocked, but not yet devastated, Canadians rallied and stayed on the edge of their seats.
On the final day of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Canadians witnessed a record-breaking gold medal, bringing the total to 14. The hockey final became the most-watched television event in our history. Just hours away from the Closing Ceremonies, the outburst of pride happened on a scale not seen in Canada's recent memory.
This compilation is possible thanks to over 130 clips on YouTube, which belong to their rightful owners, in alphabetical order: (all are listed)
There are many more clips floating on YouTube, way more than can fit into this, but feel free to post a link to yours!
Song excerpts in this video: "Today" by Chantal Kreviazuk, "Red Heart" by Hey Rosetta! - if you like the music, please support Canadian artists and buy their songs on iTunes!
So where were you when Sidney scored the overtime goal? Who were you with? How did you celebrate afterward?

Watch them and relive the excitement!



Part 1

Part 2

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!!!

Olympics Day 17 - GOLD

That's all I have to say right now... GOLD!!!

Will write more tomorrow after I get some sleep... Goodnight and Thank You, Canada!

Olympics Day 14, 15 & 16

There is so much to write about the past few days, I don’t even know where to begin.

Since my last post on Thursday, we have won another 9 medals to bring our total to 24!

Some of the biggest news is that the Men’s Hockey Team will be competing for Gold on Sunday against the USA! I don’t think anyone could have written this any better. A final match between Canada and our main rivals is exactly what everyone wanted. It’s what I wanted too, but I am so nervous about it! I was lucky enough to be at the game last night, (it was a last minute decision), and I swear, I almost had a heart attack during the last minute of play. I was so anxious; I thought for sure I had an ulcer… I just don’t know if I can handle all the stress I am sure to feel tomorrow. I won’t be at the game, but I will be watching it, (and then the closing ceremonies) from the Molson Canadian Hockey House.

Canada vs Slovakia Semi-final round
Canada Won!!!

Chad and I at the game

On Thursday, I was out on Robson Street right after the Canadian Women’s team won Gold in Hockey. As usual, everyone was cheering and excited and I stumbled into a crowd at Burrard and Robson singing our anthem.


Thursday evening I went out with Christina and her brother from Toronto to check out LiveCity Yaletown. Country singer Johnny Reid was the entertainment for the evening and the crowd was loving him. We stayed for the fireworks and am I ever glad we did; they were fantastic! I’m not much into fireworks, (even the Symphony of Fire only gets about a 7 from me), but these lights in the sky were really well put together and really exciting. Good job Vancouver! I only wish my camera was able to capture them better.

At LiveCity Yaletown
With Christina at LiveCity Yaletown
Fireworks!

After the fireworks, we decided to check out more lights and headed over to English Bay to see the Vectorial Elevation Light Show. Very Cool… I highly recommend it.

Vectorial Elevation Light Show at English Bay


Vectorial Elevation Light Show at English Bay

Friday morning, Trevor and I headed over to the Vancouver Olympic Centre to watch the Women’s Bronze Medal Curling match between Switzerland and China. We weren’t sure who to root for, but the night before, Christina told me the Swiss had a better cheer, (Hopp Schwiiz!) so that’s who we went with. This was my first curling match I’d ever attended and while I enjoyed it, it’s just not as exciting as hockey, and I was super tired, so I wasn’t screaming for my new Swiss team. In the end China won the Bronze, and I was happy that I got to attend another Olympic event.

Trevor and I at The Bronze Medal Curling Match

Right now as I write this, the Canadian Men’s Curling team is competing for GOLD, so that will be another medal to add to out tally.
Heading out tonight for some drinks with the ladies… the first time I will be wearing something other than my Canada hoody and toque. I hope I can still walk in heels.

The medal count for today is:

12 GOLD – 7 SILVER - 5 BRONZE

GO CANADA GO!!!

Olympics Day 13 – Wonderful Wednesday!

I just updated my facebook status to say Wow!!! I wish the rest of the country could hear how loud it is in Yaletown right now... We just won the Hockey game AND a GOLD and SILVER Medal in Women's Bobsleigh, (and the 2 medals from earlier today!!!) It's Crazy here.

That’s right: we beat the Russians at Hockey today AND we won 4 medals!!!

I love where I live; Yaletown is always fun and full of energy. But I think with the noise, it’s going to be hard to get to sleep tonight.

People are tweeting and updating their statuses with things like, I Love this Country! And So Proud to be Canadian Today! Today is only Wednesday; there are 4 days left in this Amazing event… I can’t even begin to think of what people will be saying on Sunday!

Thirteen days into the games and the City is alive with excitement. This is a video I took on Robson Street earlier today. The quality isn’t very good and really doesn’t do it justice, but this Drum Line from Sardis was fantastic. They had a huge crowd that was very enthusiastic and hopefully quite generous with donations.

Sardis Secondary Drumline

I had to run up to City Hall today to pick something and snapped a picture of this awesome view. I love that you can see the Olympic, Paralympic and Canadian flags all together.

Flags at City Hall

We watched the hockey game at a restaurant in Yaletown. A restaurant I wasn’t very impressed with, but everywhere was packed and standing room only, and we somehow managed to get the last table. It was next to some Americans that didn’t really know a lot about hockey and hockey culture, but we were very polite in explaining it to them.

With our 4 medals today – 2 in Women’s Bobsleigh, (GOLD - Heather Moyse & Kaillie Humphries ; SILVER – Shelley-Ann Brown & HelenUpperton), 1 SILVER in Short Track Ladies' 3000m Relay, (Jessica Gregg, Kalyna Roberge, Marianne St-Gelais, Tania Vicent ), and 1 BRONZE in Speed Skating - Ladies' 5000m (Clara Hughes), the medal count for today is:

7 GOLD – 6 SILVER - 2 BRONZE

GO CANADA GO!!!

Olympics Day 11 & 12

I haven’t posted anything for a couple of days, not because I’ve been too busy. On the contrary… I’ve actually NOT been busy since Monday, but I have been tired. Really, really tired. Being an Olympian is hard work!

So I took advantage of the last 2 days to catch up on some events on TV and sleep.

But the Canadians haven’t been taking a break; in fact they’ve been cleaning up in the medals!

My TV highlights for Monday & Tuesday include:

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir! These two skated their way into the hearts of all Canadians on Monday night and won the GOLD Medal in the process. Besides the fact that they are ridiculously cute together, their Ice Dance routine was flawless and so so beautiful. It gave me goose bumps and I was near tears at the end. There was no denying that they deserved the GOLD medal.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (photo from telegraph.co.uk)

Ashleigh McIvor won GOLD in ladies Ski Cross on Tuesday! I was so excited watching the race… Canada is really good at these “Cross” games.

Ashleigh McIvor (photo from Newstalk 1290 cjbk)

Canada beat Germany 8-2 in Men’s Hockey on Tuesday! They play Russia today at 4:30… I will be in front of a TV somewhere watching it.

Team Canada's Luongo and Crosby (Scott Audette, Reuters)

Last night, Joannie Rochette, took to the ice for the ladies figure skating short program just two days after her mother passed away on Sunday. She looked so strong during her skate and so sad after it finished. She is currently in 3rd place, and Courageous is the best word I can think of to describe her. Go Joannie!

Joannie Rochette skating in last night's short program (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The medal count for today is:
6 GOLD – 4 SILVER - 1 BRONZE

GO CANADA GO!!!

BTW: PINK MILLION is still going strong! We have a new Facebook fanpage and are still looking for 100,000 people to donate $10 each for the Canadian Cancer Society for breast cancer research, prevention and support. Check it out!

PINK MILLION

Olympics Day 10 – Super Sunday!

Before the Game started... GO CANADA GO!!!

I cheered for 3 different hockey teams yesterday. Czech, Canada and Finland. All 3 lost.

I even had my lucky loonie in my pocket. For Canada’s next game tomorrow, I need to reevaluate my cheering techniques.

I actually didn’t even have the chance to watch the Czech – Russia game, I was busy walking around Yaletown.

Faces painted and ready to party in Yaletown!

This guy was serious... the flag is a collectors item!

Me in Yaletown before the game

Chad before the game

For the Canada – USA game, I was thrilled to actually have a ticket! Well, Chad had tickets and was nice enough to invite me. I felt very honoured and lucky. We wandered over towards Canada Hockey place quite early; just to give us enough time to check out the people and get inside in time for the pre-game skate. The games have now been in town for 10 days, and although the energy of the crowd has been beyond intense, yesterday, it was taken to a new level. Walking around, I saw more maple leafs than I could count. People everywhere were cheering and yelling and making all kinds of noise.

We walked around false creek and checked out the line-ups for Molson Canadian Hockey house, (HUGE!), and Canada, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Russia house.

Walking around by Russia House

Near Russia House

The game started at 4:30 and we got to the gates at about 3. We got through security very quickly, but once we were on the other side, we realized the doors to the stadium weren’t even open yet. It didn’t matter, the sun was shining and the crowd was in such a joyful mood, everyone was happy!

The crowd outside of Canada Hockey Place

Chad and friends outside of Canada Hockey Place

As we started to move to go in, once again, camera crews spotted Chad and asked him for an interview. This time it was a crew from Korea, and because he couldn’t really understand them, he just cheered GO CANADA GO!!!

Chad yelling on Korean TV

Once inside, the excitement was so powerful, it almost made me cry. Thousands of people there to cheer on Canada; it was amazing. There were also a lot of Americans in the stands. A lot more than I expected; they were actually all around us. We showed them that we were good hosts, and even though Chad was trash talking the American Family in front of us, they were all laughing together.

The game started before I knew it; it was strange to go to a hockey game and not hear the national anthems before hand.

Pre-skate

I'm just a little excited!!!

Go Canada!!!

We all know the outcome, and I certainly don’t need to relive any of the US goals, but I will say when Canada got its first goal at 8:53, the crowd was wild. The love in that arena was so powerful; I’m sure a lot of people are hoarse today from all the screaming.

At the end of the game, the older American Gentleman behind me, patted me on the shoulder, and shook my hand and said, “Good Game”, as if I had actually been playing!

Stars and Stripes in a Sea of Red & White

Near the end when we thought we still might have a chance

I know a lot of people are bitter about the game, and believe me, I was disappointed, but I posted this as my Facebook status after the game: OK... The game was intense and didn't have the outcome we all would have liked... It's just one game! We're not out yet! I still say GO CANADA GO!!! And then: At least we beat the USA in Ice Dance tonight... :-)

Dual Citizen?

I was super excited when I found out I was going to the Canada USA game and thought it would be my only Olympic Hockey experience, but at the last minute yesterday, we also got tickets to the Finland Sweden game last night! In fact, they weren’t just any tickets, they were tickets for a suite!

The Finland – Sweden game was just as important to the Scandinavian countries last night as the Canada – USA game was to us. Finland and Sweden have a long rivalry and the Gold Medal game in 2006 just added to it.

SUOMI! SUOMI!

SEDINS!

I was torn who to cheer for, one of my best friends is married to a Fin, (who was also at the game last night), so I wanted to cheer for Finland, but I’m also a fan of the Sedins. I decided to cheer for Finland, and chanted Suomi, Suomi along with them. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Finland couldn’t pull through and the Swedes finally won 3-0.

Lots of Yellow, lots of Blue...

With Panu and Toni, my Finnish Friends! SUOMI!!!

After a long day... do we look tired?

While we were at the Canada – USA game, Kristina Groves won another medal – A Silver in Ladies 1500m speed skating!

The medal count for today is:

4 GOLD – 4 SILVER - 1 BRONZE

GO CANADA GO!!!