For all of you who have been sitting at the edge of your seats anxiously anticipated the competion of my Vancouver Photo Book, the wait is finally over! If you want, you can even order yourself a copy from shutterfly! Check it out:
http://www.shutterfly.com/photobook/viewPreview.sfly?fid=55dcfc7996779694bcfd7207a7b1fe91
Creating the book has been a very rewarding process and I'm so glad to have a tangible way to remember this incredible trip!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My father surprised me when I got back with a show out from Halerin Hill on the radio! He and my father have been good friends for years, so it's been really neat growing up and seeing him from time to time.
The picture is the last shot of our crew all together in front of the Medals Plaza. How I miss it already!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Finally Home
What a trip! After 30 hours of travel, I'm have arrived safely and soundly to my dorm room in Wilmore, KY - a mere 2800 miles away! I was blessed to have great travel conditions, and no mishaps. In fact, I saw Asbury students at nearly each step in the journey.
It began at 10:00am when I left my hotel to get some last minute supplies (cough drops, souvenirs, etc.). At 11:00am, I was outside with luggage ready to board a van that would take me to the media buses. From there (11:30pm), the media buses took us from Whistler to the airport in Vancouver (about a 2.5 hour trip). It was a quick walk from where they dropped us off to check-in, and my bag weighed in at a grand 70 lbs! Instead of going through customs at my first US stop, they brought US customs to the YVR airport, which was a good move in their part, I think. The airport staff must have organized our departures well because I hardly waited in line at all even though I passed through several security/customs checkpoints.
The plane from Vancouver to Portland boarded at 5:45pm. While I waited to board, I found Karissa, a fellow Asburian who shared about her Olympic experiences with me. In Portland, I accidentally ran into 3 other Asbury students who were on the same overnight flight to Atlanta sitting just 2 rows in front of me! How cool. I spent that layover working a little on the film and catching up on an episode of LOST I had missed while in Canada. It was also nice to know that I could use my phone again!
The overnight flight was alright - I think it was around 7 hours, and I was asleep for about half of it. By the time we landed, I couldn't tell if it was enough sleep to get me through the day or if I was just running on steam. I soon found out that it was the latter.
In Knoxville, I was greeted by my parents and my precious brother. :) We went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel - a welcome meal after peanuts from the plane, and then headed home to meet my aunt from Indiana and my grandmother. It was so good to see them even though I was nearly asleep when they came to visit. After a much needed nap, I threw in a load of laundry, packed my things, and headed up to KY. It was a nice drive, especially looking out at the snow-covered mountains before Jelico. Just beautiful!
Before I knew it, I was back at school in my dorm room visiting friends(the picture is obviously not my dorm room. They decided to play wall-y-ball, so we went up to the gym). It was like I had never left and it felt so nice to see them all again!
Looking forward to breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow... :)
As for final thoughts on the experience, check out my last couple postings. I know coming back to college and student life is going to be an adjustment for me, but I'm appreciating the life that I have here and the amazing experiences I have had because of this place. I would definitely not be the same person if I had gone to college anywhere else! Thank you Lord!
It began at 10:00am when I left my hotel to get some last minute supplies (cough drops, souvenirs, etc.). At 11:00am, I was outside with luggage ready to board a van that would take me to the media buses. From there (11:30pm), the media buses took us from Whistler to the airport in Vancouver (about a 2.5 hour trip). It was a quick walk from where they dropped us off to check-in, and my bag weighed in at a grand 70 lbs! Instead of going through customs at my first US stop, they brought US customs to the YVR airport, which was a good move in their part, I think. The airport staff must have organized our departures well because I hardly waited in line at all even though I passed through several security/customs checkpoints.
The plane from Vancouver to Portland boarded at 5:45pm. While I waited to board, I found Karissa, a fellow Asburian who shared about her Olympic experiences with me. In Portland, I accidentally ran into 3 other Asbury students who were on the same overnight flight to Atlanta sitting just 2 rows in front of me! How cool. I spent that layover working a little on the film and catching up on an episode of LOST I had missed while in Canada. It was also nice to know that I could use my phone again!
The overnight flight was alright - I think it was around 7 hours, and I was asleep for about half of it. By the time we landed, I couldn't tell if it was enough sleep to get me through the day or if I was just running on steam. I soon found out that it was the latter.
In Knoxville, I was greeted by my parents and my precious brother. :) We went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel - a welcome meal after peanuts from the plane, and then headed home to meet my aunt from Indiana and my grandmother. It was so good to see them even though I was nearly asleep when they came to visit. After a much needed nap, I threw in a load of laundry, packed my things, and headed up to KY. It was a nice drive, especially looking out at the snow-covered mountains before Jelico. Just beautiful!
Before I knew it, I was back at school in my dorm room visiting friends(the picture is obviously not my dorm room. They decided to play wall-y-ball, so we went up to the gym). It was like I had never left and it felt so nice to see them all again!Looking forward to breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow... :)
As for final thoughts on the experience, check out my last couple postings. I know coming back to college and student life is going to be an adjustment for me, but I'm appreciating the life that I have here and the amazing experiences I have had because of this place. I would definitely not be the same person if I had gone to college anywhere else! Thank you Lord!
Monday, March 1, 2010
It's Airport Time Again
This is what I will look like for the next 12 hours! Note: I have 1 check-in bag and 1 carry-on with no personal item! I am amazed that I was able to fit my new uniform and purchases in the suitcase. However, the weight grew from 49 to 70 lbs! But I would rather foot the bill for being over 50 pounds than having to worry about 2 suitcases making it here since I've got 2 layovers (Portland and Atlanta). The tea is for a sore throat that developed overnight, but now that it's midday, it's not so bad. I have discovered the cure for a sore throat: lemon ginger tea with honey! SOOO GOOD. Also, I bought myself a mukmuk to use as a pillow on the plane.Before I left, I took a final stroll through Whistler. It was eerily empty and very still. Instead of dreading the trip back, I distracted myself on the bus to Vancouver by working through shot lists and final preparations for the movie. Because there is still so much to do, I think I will try to drive back to school Tuesday evening rather than Wednesday morning.
I've been in the Vancouver for a couple hours and have gotten so many hilarious remarks on my hat! Some have no idea what it is, and others (typically older men) ask me if I know what it is! In fact, I was at a little deli grabbing a sandwich and the man behind me in line was talking to me about the band, his age, my age, and travel. Before he left, he strongly encouraged me to travel as much as I can while I'm young. He also told me that he has been to 153 nations (WHAT!) and that it has taught him more than anything else in life! I've taken his advice to heart and hope to travel again in the near future. Anyway, it has sparked some really amusing conversations and got me through security with smiles and strange looks.
To receive school credit, the last thing I have to do is write a short paper on my experiences at the Olympics. After my arrival post, that will probably be the last you all hear from me here. For those of you faithful readers, thank you so much for keeping updated! It means so much to know that you all are thinking and praying about me while I'm here - I know it has helped shape my experience! So thank you :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Winding Down
Praise the Lord a small sore throat is all that's caught up to me as far as poor health for the trip! And I've just noticed it now. Hopefully a good night of sleep will do the trick.
The trip to Vancouver today was productive and relaxing. We (myself, Kristen, Seth, and Lee Clements) caught the 8am bus to take us down, and we headed straight for the aquarium (where we also got into free of charge with our media credentials)!
There, we saw all sorts of interesting creatures from sea otters to dolphins to beluga whales - all just in time for their little shows! We also walked through a tropical portion where they cranked up the heat and added humidity to make it a more 
realistic climate for the animals. Many were not caged - butterflies and birds were free to fly as we walked through the exhibit, which was really cool. We concluded our visit by watching a segment from Planet Earth in 4D in the theater. The seats rumbled, water sprayed on us, gusts of wind blew, little crawlies were running around our ankles, and we were even poked in the back by eels!
Afterward, we met one of our professors for lunch (sushi, our last hurrah) and shared stories and experiences. While there, we saw the epic finale to the Canada/US hockey game and showed no favor toward either team. When Canada won, people in the restaurant stood up, cheered, and hugged one another. It wasn't long before we saw cars and people clad in red and white filling the streets honking horns and cheering loudly. If NBC covered the celebrations at all, we were right there on Robson street where a huge crowd was beginning to gather.
We headed back to the bus so we could have some time to pack our things and get ready for the trip back home, but on the way, we had one more stop we needed to make. We weaved through the crowds, giving high-fives to total strangers as we entered a store offering Bubble Tea. They were open! I chose a blueberry/strawberry bubble tea and it was... interesting. I have to be honest and say that I did not eat every bubble. Maybe it was because I was full from lunch? I guess it's not for everyone. At least I was able to try it! :)
Today I learned how much of a national sport hockey is to Canada. I've never witnessed so many people joined in celebration for one thing. Most of the commercials here also show mother sending little 5-year-old daughter off in hockey gear to go play on the ice - something I would not imagine finding in the states. Everyone knew what they were celebrating, and everyone was together in it. I video taped as best I could while walking to the bus, and will try to edit it when I get back (time permitting).
I've begun sentences and thoughts with the words, "I can't believe...", but this time, it seems more true than ever. I honestly cannot believe that I am sitting here in my hotel room packing my bags, preparing to head back to Asbury, and will shoot the
majority of my film at the end of this week. It's absurd! It's really not believable!
I guess it hit me when I left Kristen and Seth at the bobsled (our typical rendezvous location) to go to my hotel. As I walked alone, I realized that the rest of the trip, I would be traveling by myself. I also realized that my roommate had already checked out of the hotel, so I would be coming back to an empty hotel room as well. But it is nice to have some time to reflect in solitude on what this trip has meant to me.
Well, I must get on to packing! For those interested, you can find me in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RM6x-LjQnU start at 00:30 and you'll see me on the left side of the stage behind the drummer holding red cable. Too cool!
The trip to Vancouver today was productive and relaxing. We (myself, Kristen, Seth, and Lee Clements) caught the 8am bus to take us down, and we headed straight for the aquarium (where we also got into free of charge with our media credentials)!
There, we saw all sorts of interesting creatures from sea otters to dolphins to beluga whales - all just in time for their little shows! We also walked through a tropical portion where they cranked up the heat and added humidity to make it a more 
realistic climate for the animals. Many were not caged - butterflies and birds were free to fly as we walked through the exhibit, which was really cool. We concluded our visit by watching a segment from Planet Earth in 4D in the theater. The seats rumbled, water sprayed on us, gusts of wind blew, little crawlies were running around our ankles, and we were even poked in the back by eels!Afterward, we met one of our professors for lunch (sushi, our last hurrah) and shared stories and experiences. While there, we saw the epic finale to the Canada/US hockey game and showed no favor toward either team. When Canada won, people in the restaurant stood up, cheered, and hugged one another. It wasn't long before we saw cars and people clad in red and white filling the streets honking horns and cheering loudly. If NBC covered the celebrations at all, we were right there on Robson street where a huge crowd was beginning to gather.
We headed back to the bus so we could have some time to pack our things and get ready for the trip back home, but on the way, we had one more stop we needed to make. We weaved through the crowds, giving high-fives to total strangers as we entered a store offering Bubble Tea. They were open! I chose a blueberry/strawberry bubble tea and it was... interesting. I have to be honest and say that I did not eat every bubble. Maybe it was because I was full from lunch? I guess it's not for everyone. At least I was able to try it! :)Today I learned how much of a national sport hockey is to Canada. I've never witnessed so many people joined in celebration for one thing. Most of the commercials here also show mother sending little 5-year-old daughter off in hockey gear to go play on the ice - something I would not imagine finding in the states. Everyone knew what they were celebrating, and everyone was together in it. I video taped as best I could while walking to the bus, and will try to edit it when I get back (time permitting).
I've begun sentences and thoughts with the words, "I can't believe...", but this time, it seems more true than ever. I honestly cannot believe that I am sitting here in my hotel room packing my bags, preparing to head back to Asbury, and will shoot the
majority of my film at the end of this week. It's absurd! It's really not believable!I guess it hit me when I left Kristen and Seth at the bobsled (our typical rendezvous location) to go to my hotel. As I walked alone, I realized that the rest of the trip, I would be traveling by myself. I also realized that my roommate had already checked out of the hotel, so I would be coming back to an empty hotel room as well. But it is nice to have some time to reflect in solitude on what this trip has meant to me.
Well, I must get on to packing! For those interested, you can find me in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RM6x-LjQnU start at 00:30 and you'll see me on the left side of the stage behind the drummer holding red cable. Too cool!
And Away We Go
The title may be premature, but as of now, I will not see any of my crew again for our 3:00 call time or nightly show. Before I turn all sentimental on you all, I'll give you a run-down of the day.
I guess my body instinctively knew that call time would be earlier today, because I was out of bed and full of energy before 8am! I had a nice, quiet morning to myself where I fleshed out some blocking that I've been working on and trying to think up new ideas for shots in unblocked scenes.
At 12:15, I reported to work at the Medals Plaza where I nearly high-fived Usher, but then chickened out last minute as he was walking past me to go offstage. I did, however, manage to get a head nod from him, so that was at least something. In each of the sound-checks, there has not been a band as loud as Usher. In fact, as Al was practicing handheld moves, the speaker vibrated his shots so there was nothing he could do to keep them steady as he stood by the speaker. I was thankful to not be running cameras tonight as my knee is especially acting up now. No need to be alarmed, my left knee has been disagreeing with me since my figure skating days.
The show tonight was different because with every song, dance, and bad joke from our MC, I realized that it was the last. It has definitely come too soon, and I'm left shocked and still. Has it really been 3 weeks already? The show was over and it still hadn't hit me (speaking of the show, Usher is a great showman, though the dances he and his company performed were not exactly family-friendly).
(this was actually about halfway through coiling cable. We worked as a team, one cable at a time so it wouldn't turn into a huge knotted mess!)
After the applause died down and the crowd began to disperse, we brought all of the camera gear back to the "truck" and wrapped cable. It was a great time to bond with the rest of the crew as a sort of teamwork finale for the trip. As we pulled hundreds of feet of cable, we sang the songs that we had heard every night during the preshow and performed the dances as best we could. Before we knew it, we were done!
I thoroughly enjoyed wrapping with the crew which is a bit funny for me to say because the task in itself is generally loathed by all. But after the momentum from the last show and everyone's excitement for being finished yet overwhelming shock that it was over all led to a great bonding experience.
Our director gathered us around when the work was done and individually thanked/hugged each of us. At that point, tears started welling up in my eyes as I began to say goodbye to each of the crew members. I generally don't have a hard time saying goodbye, but this was different somehow. Yes, it's the Olympics, but I think for me it was much more than that. It was learning that I could be an adult, that I have at least the foundation of what it takes to make it in the "real world" and that I don't have to fear growing up.
What a trip!
I say all these concluding statements because work is over, but I'm not home free yet. Tomorrow I will be making a final trip down to Vancouver (for fun) to finally track down some of that bubble tea that seems to be evading me at every turn. We have also planned a trip to the Aquarium to see the Beluga whales and a stroll around the park for some photography. To top it all off, we will have lunch with our dear friend/professor, Don Mink who has come up to Vancouver to collect set pieces for the department that the networks cannot afford to bring back to their home countries. Then I'll get back in time to pack my things and get ready for the trip home on Monday! I will likely have a story about trying to fly on the busiest day in Vancouver airport's history, so I'll keep you posted as I am able.
As Team Canada DJ's would say, "stay warm and have fun!"
I guess my body instinctively knew that call time would be earlier today, because I was out of bed and full of energy before 8am! I had a nice, quiet morning to myself where I fleshed out some blocking that I've been working on and trying to think up new ideas for shots in unblocked scenes.At 12:15, I reported to work at the Medals Plaza where I nearly high-fived Usher, but then chickened out last minute as he was walking past me to go offstage. I did, however, manage to get a head nod from him, so that was at least something. In each of the sound-checks, there has not been a band as loud as Usher. In fact, as Al was practicing handheld moves, the speaker vibrated his shots so there was nothing he could do to keep them steady as he stood by the speaker. I was thankful to not be running cameras tonight as my knee is especially acting up now. No need to be alarmed, my left knee has been disagreeing with me since my figure skating days.
The show tonight was different because with every song, dance, and bad joke from our MC, I realized that it was the last. It has definitely come too soon, and I'm left shocked and still. Has it really been 3 weeks already? The show was over and it still hadn't hit me (speaking of the show, Usher is a great showman, though the dances he and his company performed were not exactly family-friendly).
(this was actually about halfway through coiling cable. We worked as a team, one cable at a time so it wouldn't turn into a huge knotted mess!)
After the applause died down and the crowd began to disperse, we brought all of the camera gear back to the "truck" and wrapped cable. It was a great time to bond with the rest of the crew as a sort of teamwork finale for the trip. As we pulled hundreds of feet of cable, we sang the songs that we had heard every night during the preshow and performed the dances as best we could. Before we knew it, we were done!
I thoroughly enjoyed wrapping with the crew which is a bit funny for me to say because the task in itself is generally loathed by all. But after the momentum from the last show and everyone's excitement for being finished yet overwhelming shock that it was over all led to a great bonding experience.
Our director gathered us around when the work was done and individually thanked/hugged each of us. At that point, tears started welling up in my eyes as I began to say goodbye to each of the crew members. I generally don't have a hard time saying goodbye, but this was different somehow. Yes, it's the Olympics, but I think for me it was much more than that. It was learning that I could be an adult, that I have at least the foundation of what it takes to make it in the "real world" and that I don't have to fear growing up.
What a trip!
I say all these concluding statements because work is over, but I'm not home free yet. Tomorrow I will be making a final trip down to Vancouver (for fun) to finally track down some of that bubble tea that seems to be evading me at every turn. We have also planned a trip to the Aquarium to see the Beluga whales and a stroll around the park for some photography. To top it all off, we will have lunch with our dear friend/professor, Don Mink who has come up to Vancouver to collect set pieces for the department that the networks cannot afford to bring back to their home countries. Then I'll get back in time to pack my things and get ready for the trip home on Monday! I will likely have a story about trying to fly on the busiest day in Vancouver airport's history, so I'll keep you posted as I am able.
As Team Canada DJ's would say, "stay warm and have fun!"
Friday, February 26, 2010
So Sore, So Sweet!
This has been the most wonderful day!
Spent the morning relaxing, catching up on stuff for the film, and working on finishing off my food. I'm pretty sure I timed the food consumption perfectly!
Call time was 3pm as usual, and when we broke for dinner, I spent time talking to our producer, Kelly rather than going out for food or to catch up on the film. She actually lives in LA most of the time, working as a producer for many successful films (The Matrix Trilogy, We Are Marshall, Away We Go, Yogi Bear, and many others). She gave me advice on breaking in to the film world and encouraged me to spend my summers there working or interning on whatever I can. After our conversation, I am seriously reconsidering spending this summer there. Do I feel ready? Not completely, but I don't think that I'll ever feel completely prepared to go there. It's about what I learn and how I respond when I'm there that matters. Whether I go this summer or not, I am so thankful to have Kelly as a contact!
As I was suiting up for the night, Al (my camera operator) told me to get my shoulder ready. Why? Because I would be running cameras for the concert!!! Not just the pre-show, which I've been doing on a tripod for the past few days, but the actual big name concert following the Medals Ceremony! I've got pictures of me practicing handheld during the pre-show, but I don't think I'm allowed to post it. If you'd like to see pictures, I'd be more than happy to email them to you :) just comment on this post with your email address.
After the second song, I was ready to give up. The camera was heavy, and I had done it. I looked back at Al, who was doing my normal job, and he smiled back. Nope, couldn't quit. I played various mind games with myself to keep creativity first and pain second. I figured out different ways to hold the camera to give my shoulder a break, and by the end of it, I realized that I had survived, and that it wasn't so bad after all. It's sort of like running - after the first 10 minutes, I'm ready to be done, but after a while, I fall into a rhythm and everything is ok. The best part was hearing the director coach us over the headset. A few times, he would say, "ready 6 (my camera), take 6. nice." And I smiled inside.
Here we are with Nate! From L to R: Kristen, Seth, Nate, Me!
I respect handheld camera operators so much more now, that's for sure. I was completely giddy when we were finished, but I realized that I am not cut out for this as a career. If I end up directing, I will at least be able to sympathize with my handheld camera operators.
After I got off, Kristen and I finally took advantage of the hot tub sitting on her balcony. It was so relaxing! But after 15 minutes I was plenty warm and headed back to my hotel.
Tomorrow is an early call time (12:15pm) and a long night. We will be tearing down cameras after the show and pulling all the cables, so we will probably not get off until late. Thankfully, it's nearly confirmed that we have Sunday off, so I think we will make a last trip to Vancouver (when bubble tea bars are OPEN!) and have plenty of time to wander Stanley Park. I cannot believe that tomorrow is the last show - this trip has been INCREBILE! I almost get teary-eyed thinking about leaving. I thank God for this experience! He is so good!
Spent the morning relaxing, catching up on stuff for the film, and working on finishing off my food. I'm pretty sure I timed the food consumption perfectly!
Call time was 3pm as usual, and when we broke for dinner, I spent time talking to our producer, Kelly rather than going out for food or to catch up on the film. She actually lives in LA most of the time, working as a producer for many successful films (The Matrix Trilogy, We Are Marshall, Away We Go, Yogi Bear, and many others). She gave me advice on breaking in to the film world and encouraged me to spend my summers there working or interning on whatever I can. After our conversation, I am seriously reconsidering spending this summer there. Do I feel ready? Not completely, but I don't think that I'll ever feel completely prepared to go there. It's about what I learn and how I respond when I'm there that matters. Whether I go this summer or not, I am so thankful to have Kelly as a contact!
As I was suiting up for the night, Al (my camera operator) told me to get my shoulder ready. Why? Because I would be running cameras for the concert!!! Not just the pre-show, which I've been doing on a tripod for the past few days, but the actual big name concert following the Medals Ceremony! I've got pictures of me practicing handheld during the pre-show, but I don't think I'm allowed to post it. If you'd like to see pictures, I'd be more than happy to email them to you :) just comment on this post with your email address.
After the second song, I was ready to give up. The camera was heavy, and I had done it. I looked back at Al, who was doing my normal job, and he smiled back. Nope, couldn't quit. I played various mind games with myself to keep creativity first and pain second. I figured out different ways to hold the camera to give my shoulder a break, and by the end of it, I realized that I had survived, and that it wasn't so bad after all. It's sort of like running - after the first 10 minutes, I'm ready to be done, but after a while, I fall into a rhythm and everything is ok. The best part was hearing the director coach us over the headset. A few times, he would say, "ready 6 (my camera), take 6. nice." And I smiled inside.
Here we are with Nate! From L to R: Kristen, Seth, Nate, Me!
I respect handheld camera operators so much more now, that's for sure. I was completely giddy when we were finished, but I realized that I am not cut out for this as a career. If I end up directing, I will at least be able to sympathize with my handheld camera operators.After I got off, Kristen and I finally took advantage of the hot tub sitting on her balcony. It was so relaxing! But after 15 minutes I was plenty warm and headed back to my hotel.
Tomorrow is an early call time (12:15pm) and a long night. We will be tearing down cameras after the show and pulling all the cables, so we will probably not get off until late. Thankfully, it's nearly confirmed that we have Sunday off, so I think we will make a last trip to Vancouver (when bubble tea bars are OPEN!) and have plenty of time to wander Stanley Park. I cannot believe that tomorrow is the last show - this trip has been INCREBILE! I almost get teary-eyed thinking about leaving. I thank God for this experience! He is so good!
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