Unpacking Memories

Dear pipsqueaks,

Sure feels weird to be home! Woke up in the middle of the night and actually panicked wondering where I was. Yes, it does happen even though I had been sleeping in the same bed for the past year. This is exactly what people mean when they say "post-travel depression", that emptiness inside. Maybe. But it sure felt good to be so productive in clearing out all my luggage only to move them from the cases to my couch. At least they're more or less sorted out. I gotta start packing smarter- figuring out what we need to wear for work instead of guessing. Must have brought over 4 dresses that didn't even see the light of day for the past 3 weeks because uniforms became my dress code. Well, it wasn't entirely known as my job scope changed drastically at the Games, which led to the limitations in what I could wear. Unless...I could find a way to pin our logo to all my dresses. Hm, it's an idea to be further developed for our next event.

Now that I'm finally starting to feel "back at home"- even though it's becoming a very confusing thought as I call several places "my home"- I'd like to begin my recap of this amazing summer! But obviously, you can't expect almost a month worth of adventure to be recapped just like that. London 2012 Games, driving up from Manchester through Newcastle to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Barcelona, Budapest, Paris & back to London. Come to think of it, my sister is really my sister. No matter how well-planned, something always manages to go wrong. But then again, that's when "travel" becomes "adventure", no? Maybe I am a little coocoo to be heading back to work already, but thinking of all those emails stacked up? *nightmare*.

Oh wells, gotta do what's gotta be done! Good news, my "2011-2012 Travels" photobook has been completed! Can't wait for it to be in my hands within the next couple of days. Then, onto my London 2012 & Summer photobook. It's such a massive project to take on, but so worth it when it's finished. Even my VPrint (mini story cards with my own captions) reprints made it! Finally, a complete set. Love it when it all falls into place :)

That reminds me, no more scheduled travels until October. The impression of staying put was a bit difficult when I first thought about it before leaving for London, but now, it doesn't feel too bad. A good long rest to take on the next chapter of adventures! Until then, living on the memories...

Scandalous Olympics

Dear pipsqueaks,

Please be aware that the following post is in no way representative of any other groups or people other than myself. Not as an official, not as of any nationality, but simply someone who believes at the same time in the integrity of the sport and the meaning of an Olympic medal. In many ways, the situation that had arised in the Wembley Arena was a tug and pull between the two. Now, if you were any of the players, what would you do?

To be completely true, not many players attend these Olympic Games to medal. Likewise, there ARE many players who are, and truth be told, why not? Who in their right minds with the capacity to win would go to the Olympic Games NOT trying to win the medal? As such, I agree that the method of competition needs to be seriously reconsidered. For one, you can't expect someone to KNOWINGLY take the more difficult path. It's just not logical. Then, you ask them to put in their 'best efforts' in every match. So what do you want them to do? How can one put in best efforts and try to win if best efforts will threaten their medal potential? Ironic indeed.