2002: part 4

Opening Ceremonies here was an incredible success. I can't believe that was only five days ago—it feels like much longer. I watched it from the Media Center on TV—at least the first part of it. And I was impressed by it's elegance and it's simplicity. The ice seemed so obvious, yet I don't know if it has been used before in an Opening Ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony also brought a wave of emotion for me, during which, I gained a whole new appreciation of this spectacular opportunity that I get to be a part of. Prior to Opening Ceremonies, I had been feeling exhausted, and wishing that this whole thing was over. I know it sounds ungrateful, but when you are working 15-hour days and getting 4 hours of sleep a night, it is easy to start feeling like it isn't worth it. That changed however, and I actually starting getting a bit somber about the fact that there were only two weeks left.

I won't try and recreate the two or three days post Opening Ceremonies, and even my journal has felt the sting of neglect, but I
finally picked it up again, which makes it easier to tell you about the last few. Mid-afternoon I learned that the Olympic Medals Plaza was understaffed, so I talked to Bruce ( the Press Chief) to tell him I was willing to go over there, but I didn't have accreditation. He gave it to me. I was truly happy to help, but there was the small ulterior motive of seeing one of my favorite bands—Lifehouse—as well. I thought at least if I got to hear them, it would be worth the extra hours.

When I got there they told me they wanted my help in the Mix Zone guiding athletes through the different press agency booths. So, I got to interact one-on-one a little bit with the medaling athletes. That job finished within ten minutes of Lifehouse starting their set, so I then got to go to the `Trib' area—a corralled section right up front for media (of which, there were only four). So I'm right up front, practically in my own section, watching one of my favorite bands. I can't even begin to describe how cool it was. And this is my first `true' Olympic experience. Even though I've met some amazing people and been involved in a very public sector of the Olympics, so far, it has been all work and no play. Sunday changed that, and it was incredible.

They played my faves: "Breathing" and "Hanging by a Moment". Now every time I hear those songs, I will think of that experience. The stage was incredible. It was designed by the guy who created the toys that expand into giant spheres, and has a cauldron on it as well. The band played such a great live show.

I was trying to leave before they locked things down for the fireworks, but I missed it. My only reason for attempting it, was to
be able to get on TRAX before the mad rush, but I got locked in, and had to stay for the pyro-show. I was actually glad I did, though, and totally enjoyed them.