I need a money tree.

Last year when the idea for this trip was still in the early planning stages, I didn’t really give much thought to how much the whole thing would cost.  For awhile I wasn’t sure if we were even going to go after getting tickets for only two events and facing long term unemployment.  That changed earlier this year.  After starting a new job and getting more tickets, it was time to proceed with the rest of the planning; securing a place to stay and getting transportation out to Vancouver.  As much as some of the plans have stressed me out, it has been kind of fun.

This trip however is not without its sacrifices.  One of the things people are most curious about is how much it is costing me.  For a variety of reasons, I long ago decided not to reveal costs to anyone.  My parents don’t even know how much everything really is.  Between you and me, the truth is, this isn’t really a trip that I can afford to go on.  It is a huge effort to pay for everything plus cover my regular everyday living expenses.  As much as I’ve set budgets and stayed within them, it’s still quite a huge chunk of change. The money has to come from somewhere and I will be paying this off for a long time to come.  It’s mostly my social life and shopping that is taking the hit.  I’ve spent more weekends at home than ever and I am staying away from malls so I’m not tempted to spend money in them.  Any extra cash is being set aside for trip expenses.  I’m even considering getting a second job to help out the money situation.  I don’t mind altering my lifestyle for the sake of my trip.  The experience of Vancouver 2010 will be unlike anything I’ve ever had the privilege to attend.  It will no doubt be a very special and thrilling experience.  And these are the things that must be done so that can happen.

I never expected that seeing an Olympics was ever in the realm of possibilities for me.   I’ve gotten some attention from journalists who have wanted to talk to me about this experience for stories they are writing.   One of the things they ask is why this is special to me.  It’s really hard for me to describe why it is.  I guess one of the reasons is that I never thought someone ordinary like me could go see the Olympics.  I always thought tickets would cost a thousand dollars and I wouldn’t be able to afford to see anything let alone all the events I have tickets for.   It’s so special to me because an everyday, ordinary person like me, through a lot of planning, determination and lifestyle adjustments, can (somewhat) afford tickets to Vancouver 2010, hunt down a condo in a city where no hotel rooms are to be found, and book a flight for February 2010 nine months in advance.  And really, there is nothing in my regular life that would draw attention from journalists, so that in itself makes it pretty special!  I can’t wait to see who I get an email from next.  All I know is that if it’s possible for me, it’s possible for many others like me.  I am looking forward to meeting those people next year in Vancouver.  It will be pretty exciting to be surrounded by people who love the Olympics as much as I do.  It’s been exciting up to this point and I’m not even in Vancouver yet.  I can’t wait to see what else the future brings.

See you soon Vancouver.  85 days to go and counting.