Day Twelve - Day Off and a beers with Billy Dean!

Yesterday (Wednesday) was another scheduled day off from the Olympics, but a work day for me at Canadian Blood Services.

First, I have to say that working outside with all that fresh air makes one very tired, which has been translating to great sleeps. It's probably one of the reasons why (knocking on wood right now) I've managed to stay healthy so far. With all of the people in Vancouver, the coughs and germs and handshakes I've been exposed to, either on venue or particularly on public transit, it's a small miracle.

I spent my morning checking work emails, and then for lunch went wandering around 4th Ave in Kitsilano. Think of the Glebe without the snobbery. Did a bit of shopping, haircut at a real barbershop, and ate the BEST chicken shawarma I've ever had, and that's saying a lot.

Then it was back to the house to watch the first half of the first period of hockey, and off to my Diversity Liaison Committee meeting at our permanent clinic on Oak St.

The DLC, like many of our other liaison committees, are comprised of incredibly warm and genuine people. Last night's meeting I learned about the Filipino community, and was once again reminded why I love my job so much. I get very inspired by our committee members, and I always come away learning something new. And, as proud Canadians that we are, we were very happy to learn that our hockey team crushed the Russian squad. Bring on the Slovaks!

As I was walking out of the building, my cell phone indicated I had a voice mail. My good friend Will Dean, who I had worked with at the Algonquin Hotel back in '95, was in town and at a pub that I had passed by no more than six hours ago in Kits. So on the bus I went for a great night of reminiscing, beers, hockey, and more beers. He's from Newfoundland, he's a chef by trade, so that's probably why we get along so well.

So, no pictures to add this time. You'll have to go to my Facebook page for the hundreds I've taken since I've been here.

Marc, out.