Here they come.....

It's all starting to happen. Before I get to that, I have to say the last few days have been crazy busy. Things are really amping up. I can't believe that it has been three days since my last post... and I can't believe that all of you were nice enough not to send me emails dripping with disdain. I appreciate it.

What have I done in the last three days? Training, more training and then training some more. I have taken my local staff around Beijing so that we can familiarize ourselves with all of the venues and the airport... and where have they taken me????...to lunch! I always let the two of them order anything they want. I have not had a bad meal yet... Ignorance is bliss, that is my motto. Thanks to my father, however, I did know one thing they wanted me to try....I said no (no thank you of course). It was the Century egg...I am not sure if it is actually an egg that is pickled for a 100 years... but there is a lot of fermenting going on, let me tell you.

Delicious, non?

Then came the rain... it rained for two days while a small group of us toured all of the main venues on the Olympic Green and then again during the 14 hour meeting day (no major loss there)... The government here is actually seeding the clouds as a means to make it rain in order to clear smog. I love that they are attempting to control Mother Nature - always a good plan - they also have chemicals that they can shoot into the clouds to disperse storm clouds if it looks like rain on Opening Ceremony day. Not going to lie - creeps me out a bit

Cool art installation on the Green

I have to say though, playing god works sometimes. Following the rain, the smog lifted for the first time and we saw SUN! And what's more.... BLUE SKIES!!!! I swear sunshine is better than flippin' prozak. As luck would have it, all 900+ of our staff descended on the Temple of Heaven for a staff photo. It was heavenly. Everyone was in a jovial mood and having a great time reveling and playing and smiling... even though it was BLEEDIN' hot.

To tell the truth, I have not been 100% myself since being here. I have found myself a little sluggish and depressed. I first blamed it on jet lag. When it persisted, I knew it was from lack of sunshine due to the all-encompassing smog. The reaction to the sun was instantaneous, and much needed.

My local staff Crystal and Queen at the Temple

We were not the only ones to enjoy the park... here we have the retired Chinese rhythmic gymnastics team...

Following the photo, we all were put on busses to do one last major venue tour before the games started. Even though we were on the bus for 5 hours, everyone was in a great mood because of the sun... so weird that the sun would be a rarity... made me really miss home.

Leslie showing off our wonderful uniform... and her stellar socks!

Queen looking regal at the temple

Susan (who I used to work with in Toronto!) and I at the temple

You could actually see the stadium! (remember last post???)

Today started off with meeting at 8am with many different people etc... then I took Crystal and Qeen on a trek to the airport (I am getting much better at the subway)... While we were at the airport, several members of the US swimming team came in... The media coverage was INSANITY - it made it really difficult for us to get a lay of the land (but good practice as I fear it is only a sampling of what it to come)... but what was even more exciting was that members of the CANADIAN Olympic team landed too! At this point I thought it was fate because when I visited the watercube, the Canadian diving team was practicing.... now this. For those of you who do not know me, I am a die-hard Canadian and an olympic junkie. I was in heaven. I even discreetly too a couple of pics. I couldn't contain myself though, and went up to a couple of them and told them I was Canadian and I just wanted to wish them luck. I was actaully very cool about the whole thing and impressed even myself... They said thanks and that they really appreciated it... then they gave me Canadian Olympic team pins! I am going to give them to Queen and Crystal who were amazed at the whole thing (shhhhh... don't tell them - don't worry, they already told me I write too much, so I don't think they will read my blog anymore).

Me trying not to stalk the Canadian Olympic team....

And so, faithful readers, we have now caught up to present time and I have a TON of work to do tonight I fear.... Also, I think the posts may be less frequent from here on in. I will do my best. but can't promise... I could just try shorter posts....but who are we kidding people??!! There is just too much to talk about.