Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
More pictures say More Words
The past few days have been filled with friends, new and old - Whistler is great for that. Its also been filled with running around the village, cats sleeping on my face, and snowy mountain days. Here are just a few...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Yes its great, but its also really frustrating
While I was in India everytime I would check my e-mails, anxious to hear from my family, friends or my sweet love, I would without fail receive a message from the organizing body for the volunteers of Vancouver 2010. At the time I really didn’t pay close attention, as I could never think that far ahead. I was more concerned about making sure my parents knew where I was headed, telling my friends who were in exams that I was headed to the sunny beach or keeping up the blog. I always opened the e-mails from Vancouver 2010, but I rarely read them with any fervor; as far as I could tell they covered details that given my geographical locations would be irrelavent until I returned to Canada but I do remember reading these words over and over in every correspondence: ‘experience’, ‘journey’ and ‘important contribution’.
Yesterday I spent 3 whole hours sitting in an empty room. Well, it wasn’t entirely empty. This room is in the Athlete’s village and it is ready for its guests; there are three Vancouver 2010 themed pool tables, 3 foosball tables, a shuffleboard and three air hockey tables (that sing the ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ theme song every 4 minutes – trust me- I timed it); there is also some leather couches and faux fireplace all in an attempt to make guests feel at home. However, there are no guests in the Athlete’s Village really, but this has not however changed the fact that they require a volunteer to ‘man the area’. Guess whose job that was. That’s right – yours truly. So after playing solitaire for 3 straight hours on my iPod, draining my battery completely I started to think about this ‘volunteer experience’ that was promised to me in lieu of giving my time, enthusiasm and willingness to help for such a massive event. What happened to my ‘experience’, ‘journey’ and ‘important contribution’.
The first week we were doing uninteresting things such as making an inventory of gym equipment, moving furniture around, setting up video games, popcorn machines and chill spaces for the guests of the Athlete’s village – uninteresting yes, but social and busy none the less. It was fun if not because every one had come with a sunny attitude (or an attempt at one) and in getting to know one another we were chatty, making jokes and the atmosphere was relaxed.
It is a full week before the games begin and while my supervisors look bug eyed from what appears as lack of sleep I am sitting and playing solitaire. After supper I whined about this to Jeanette and we came up with some interesting points. As I stood by the sink declaring to Jeanette, the kitchen and the cats that I felt completely underutilized and wondered how many more of such days I could take before I walked out on a shift (probably undetected too) we got onto an interesting topic that was only a little tangential.
“ Here I am, young, able bodied and not to mention smart and they have me sitting in an empty room with pool tables! My job could easily be replaced by sign that the one person who might come in could read – it would say ‘Hi, make yourself at home, feel free to play the games and have fun!’ instead my supervisors run around with a million things to do – do they not realize that we are here to help? Why can’t they delegate? Why don’t they have us do something… helpful?”
It verges on infuriating, although at the same time, with the level of trust and responsibility they have directed to me and other volunteers, I am leaning towards apathy rather than fury. What’s the point right? This is the brilliant part of being a volunteer: I come with my enthusiasm, my brains and my able body, an attitude of a cheery kindergarten teacher and the people getting payed can’t get it together fill in their end of the deal, which is to provide their volunteers with some work to do, to help create an ‘experience’, to feel as though we are part of a ‘journey’ as well as to make an ‘important contribution’.
Jeanette made a really great point in response to my diatribe by asking about the pyramid of Olympic power. Isn’t it interesting, she pointed out, that the volunteers there are a swarm of young people eager to help. Those employed with any position of ‘authority’ (although I use that term loosely as these people seem just as lost as the volunteers who, at this point are the bitches of bitch work) are a few years older. Above these people you have a group probably in their mid to late thirties and so it goes: More power = greater age. Perhaps it is an outdated mode of managing but these folks behind their desks are ignoring their greatest asset by ignoring a generation that is clearly desperate not for direction, but for some responsibility; for some trust that we can get the job done and that we can do it well.
Of course, the sword is double edged – it always is. These ‘supervisors’ and the ‘folks stuck behind desks’, bless them, are working in conditions that are under a lot of scrutiny. There are the IOC and the NOC that have very particular expectations, there are rules and policies, red tape, rules and a fat load of logistical inefficiency to navigate. For this reason, I don’t envy their positions but I am a little wary of the way they treat the volunteers. Sure, everyone is friendly and people have some amazing strengths, but even my sunny disposition is growing thin. My responses in the past few days to the question ‘How was your day?’ have gone from ‘interesting’, to ‘unusual’ to ‘boring’.
So where is the lesson in all of this? Well despite the obvious that this job requires a lot of patience for dull moments, it has shown me an interesting side of effective people management (from the perspective of one of the people being managed). If there is an organization asking for volunteers there must be a return. There must be an effort to feel as though we have experienced something important by making a contribution; something that constitutes a good story – a journey, if you will. Of course we can say ‘yes, I volunteered for the Olympics’ but that should not be followed by ‘ and I would never do it again’.
Until next time…
Yesterday I spent 3 whole hours sitting in an empty room. Well, it wasn’t entirely empty. This room is in the Athlete’s village and it is ready for its guests; there are three Vancouver 2010 themed pool tables, 3 foosball tables, a shuffleboard and three air hockey tables (that sing the ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ theme song every 4 minutes – trust me- I timed it); there is also some leather couches and faux fireplace all in an attempt to make guests feel at home. However, there are no guests in the Athlete’s Village really, but this has not however changed the fact that they require a volunteer to ‘man the area’. Guess whose job that was. That’s right – yours truly. So after playing solitaire for 3 straight hours on my iPod, draining my battery completely I started to think about this ‘volunteer experience’ that was promised to me in lieu of giving my time, enthusiasm and willingness to help for such a massive event. What happened to my ‘experience’, ‘journey’ and ‘important contribution’.
The first week we were doing uninteresting things such as making an inventory of gym equipment, moving furniture around, setting up video games, popcorn machines and chill spaces for the guests of the Athlete’s village – uninteresting yes, but social and busy none the less. It was fun if not because every one had come with a sunny attitude (or an attempt at one) and in getting to know one another we were chatty, making jokes and the atmosphere was relaxed.
It is a full week before the games begin and while my supervisors look bug eyed from what appears as lack of sleep I am sitting and playing solitaire. After supper I whined about this to Jeanette and we came up with some interesting points. As I stood by the sink declaring to Jeanette, the kitchen and the cats that I felt completely underutilized and wondered how many more of such days I could take before I walked out on a shift (probably undetected too) we got onto an interesting topic that was only a little tangential.
“ Here I am, young, able bodied and not to mention smart and they have me sitting in an empty room with pool tables! My job could easily be replaced by sign that the one person who might come in could read – it would say ‘Hi, make yourself at home, feel free to play the games and have fun!’ instead my supervisors run around with a million things to do – do they not realize that we are here to help? Why can’t they delegate? Why don’t they have us do something… helpful?”
It verges on infuriating, although at the same time, with the level of trust and responsibility they have directed to me and other volunteers, I am leaning towards apathy rather than fury. What’s the point right? This is the brilliant part of being a volunteer: I come with my enthusiasm, my brains and my able body, an attitude of a cheery kindergarten teacher and the people getting payed can’t get it together fill in their end of the deal, which is to provide their volunteers with some work to do, to help create an ‘experience’, to feel as though we are part of a ‘journey’ as well as to make an ‘important contribution’.
Jeanette made a really great point in response to my diatribe by asking about the pyramid of Olympic power. Isn’t it interesting, she pointed out, that the volunteers there are a swarm of young people eager to help. Those employed with any position of ‘authority’ (although I use that term loosely as these people seem just as lost as the volunteers who, at this point are the bitches of bitch work) are a few years older. Above these people you have a group probably in their mid to late thirties and so it goes: More power = greater age. Perhaps it is an outdated mode of managing but these folks behind their desks are ignoring their greatest asset by ignoring a generation that is clearly desperate not for direction, but for some responsibility; for some trust that we can get the job done and that we can do it well.
Of course, the sword is double edged – it always is. These ‘supervisors’ and the ‘folks stuck behind desks’, bless them, are working in conditions that are under a lot of scrutiny. There are the IOC and the NOC that have very particular expectations, there are rules and policies, red tape, rules and a fat load of logistical inefficiency to navigate. For this reason, I don’t envy their positions but I am a little wary of the way they treat the volunteers. Sure, everyone is friendly and people have some amazing strengths, but even my sunny disposition is growing thin. My responses in the past few days to the question ‘How was your day?’ have gone from ‘interesting’, to ‘unusual’ to ‘boring’.
So where is the lesson in all of this? Well despite the obvious that this job requires a lot of patience for dull moments, it has shown me an interesting side of effective people management (from the perspective of one of the people being managed). If there is an organization asking for volunteers there must be a return. There must be an effort to feel as though we have experienced something important by making a contribution; something that constitutes a good story – a journey, if you will. Of course we can say ‘yes, I volunteered for the Olympics’ but that should not be followed by ‘ and I would never do it again’.
Until next time…
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Whistler Part II: The Olympics Edition
Its been just over two weeks since my return to Canada, and just under two weeks since I arrived in Whistler, to stay. For those who didn't hear, the winter Olympics are being hosted in Vancouver and Whistler this year. I decided to volunteer during the games, so here I am. What a whirlwind to go from India to Whistler - these worlds couldn't be farther apart. It all feels strange and so much has happened in the last few days. And for those who don't know, I spent a season here in Whistler five years ago, where I did a lot of skiing, underage drinking and having fun with Brittany.
First things first. I am living with my Aunt Jeanette and Uncle Dave, my Aunt Maribeth and two delightful cats Duffy and Willow. We are a happy bunch living in Blueberry! The living situation couldn't be better, I am having an awesome time being with my family. Its so great to live with them.
Last Monday I started my volunteer gig with the Olympics. I am working in a suit that makes me look like a blueberry, or a smurfette, and I am working in the Athlete's Village. This is the area near Function Junction that has been built to house the athletes, coaches, delegates, etc, who are here during the games. They really have done a spectacular job with the space. What I get to do is work in the 'play' spaces VANOC has designed for the guests. There is a DVD lounge, a gym facitily, a games room (with pool, foosball, etc) and a videogames room. Apparently once people start arriving, I will be helping out in those spaces. Right now, the supervisors seem to be looking for jobs for us to do, things are still taking shape and much of the work they have us doing is strange. For example, I took inventory of a gym, put up christmas lights, steam ironed giant banners, and was asked the other day to test out all of the Nintendo units they have set up. Its pretty hard work. The people I am working with are from all over; some are kids from abroad out doing a season, lots of people are up from Vancouver and then there are Canadians who have come out especially for the games - like me.
I have procured some employment and whether or not it is gainful is yet to be seen. Starting on Tuesday I'll be working at Peak Performance Physio and Massage Clinic. Job hunting before was not fun. I hate job hunting more than I hate bad hair - I find it demoralizing and a waste of paper. But I was really happy that things shaped up so easily for me.
And then there is Whistler. It felt really strange to walk the streets here again. For me personally, the thrill is certainly not the same as it was 5 years ago, but the town is buzzing with Olympic giddiness. I've been up the mountain only once, and it felt great to get back to on the old skiis, but man alive, is this town expensive. I have only one ticket, and I am saving it for a beautiful day. I think I might go x-country as it is a little more affordable. In the meantime, I am trying (and not doing too badly) to make my limited cash go as far as possible. This is a challenge. Its especially hard because this is a place people come to spend money. It is mountain vacation location at its finest, and here I am trying to scrimp and save. Its also amplified considering just over two weeks ago I was traipsing through a developing country, where things are not only wildly inexpensive, but people don't live like they live here. There is such astonishing oppulance here, and an incredible lifestyle that it makes India feel even farther away - I have to work to remember that it exists because Whistler is a bubble.
Some highlights of the past two weeks include: being with my Aunties. Seeing Kendall and Anne Drysdale for drinks in the village. Making cookies for the church bake sale to raise money for Haiti. cheese fondue and playing wizard with Bill, Judy, Dave, MB and Jeanette. Access to a hot tub.
In sum, I clearly lead an exciting life here. Once more things happen I'll be sure to keep posting.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Toronto: Home Sweet... Time to Leave again
Everytime I went through security in India, I was stopped because of two things: My harmonica necklace that Selka gave me, and my tattoos, which were often mistaken for 'stickers'. I thought this was a quirky aspect of India. But as I went through security at the Toronto Pearson Airport to get my flight to Vancouver, what were the two topics of interest at Security? You guessed it: My harmonica necklace and my tattoos. The only difference here was that they didn't mistake the tattoo for a sticker. Maybe its a security thing in general and has nothing to do with quirky India.
So, Yes, I finally made it back to Canada. The few days I spent in Toronto were packed with the special people I love and adore. It was really awesome to spend time with my Dad and Alex, eating pizza and having some beer. Both Brittany Pearson and Sarah Weinberger showed at my door for a quick visit. Markian played a starring role in the show that is "Ellie returns to Toronto". We ran around Toronto, went to the Kind Tut exhibit at the AGO, had some snacks and a beer and were generally romantic all over the city. I also got a chance to have some drinks and snacks with Vanessa and Kaleb, and also Selka and I had a mini Christmas over gin and soda at Ronnie's Local. This made me realize that it is the people that makes me miss a place. I didn't miss Toronto so much as I missed my amazing friends. It felt really wonderful to reconnect with the people I love. And yet, here I go and rip myself out of the place I love only to start a new adventure...
Now that the India chapter is officially closed the next chapter has started. The tentative title of this chapter is: Whistler, Part II; the grown up edition. For those of you who don't know, I used to live in Whistler. I spent a season here after high school; this was my first time out of home. So to paint you a picture the year included some debauchery, lots of excitement and shinanagans as well as some pretty grimey living conditions in Staff Housing. This time around things are different. I am living with my Aunt Jeanette, Uncle Dave, Aunt MB, and the cats, Duffy and Willow. I have a lovely little room at the back of the house, access to the internet and a kitchen to play in! I couldn't ask for anything more! I am really excited about having some time with my family here. And then there is the main draw: The 2010Vancouver Olympics. Wow.
This morning I went to pick up my accreditation and uniform. The accreditation gets me into venues and the uniform is... blue! Its pretty exciting. VANOC also gave me two tickets to a ski jumping event, which is pretty awesome. I am really looking forward to that. As for what I am doing day to day remains to be seen. I need to figure that out either by re-reading my e-mails more closely, or simply waiting. Perhaps a combo of the two will provide some real answers. In the meantime, I am going to take a walk in my old stomping ground. There are tents everywhere, and a real presence of the Olympics in every corner of the village. Its exciting to feel the buzz, which I suppose will only grow.
So, I know the exoticism of India is lost, but I hope that the Olympics have a pull to keep reading. And now with better Internet connections, I'll be sure to put up more pictures (on current posts and on some old ones!). Do keep reading and commenting.
Until next time...
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