• Home

Last week it was the tiara, this week it’s a fireman’s hat. Although, I have to admit I was looking for a more grown up version than the one I ended up with. But of course, there is a story behind it.

A few months ago when I heard that the ‘World Police and Fire Games’ were going to be held in Vancouver, I signed up to be a volunteer. This all falls back to my continual need for DISCOVERY. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet people that might not otherwise cross your path. You are also able to contribute to the community and be a part of an event often filled with sheer determination. And in this case, perhaps a few men in uniform.

I attended the orientation training and prepared myself to support the athletes in whatever way I was asked to-within reason of course! I wanted to stay close to home as my bike is my mode of transportation, so ticking off volleyball at Kits beach and UBC, sailing at Jericho, open water swimming in English Bay and cycling at UBC seemed absolutely perfect. I then waited for the phone call or email to get my uniform and shift confirmation. And I waited, and waited.

I started seeing the uniformed athletes around town so I sent off an email to a group leader. When the response of “our records show that you dropped out” came back, I was pretty disappointed. Somehow, my commitment of 30 hours of free work, got lost in volunteer paperwork. Hmph. I helped out at one of the volleyball games at UBC, but was discouraged further when I was required to attend more training to receive my accreditation. It was much easier to express my frustration, and get on with watching whenever I could.

This week has taught me to be more persistent when faced with an outcome that hasn’t gone to plan-I should have been in touch with the volunteer officials sooner. As I’ve discovered in the past that volunteering is a fulfilling experience for me for me, there is absolutely no reason to give up because they lost my records.

So my hopes of possibly meeting a single attractive fireman may have been dashed, but in reality I’m looking for a man that creates his own passion, who discovers a reason to share his being with the rest of the world. I suppose I might have a hard time overcoming the stereotypical reputation of men in uniform anyway (they’re all players aren’t they?) Don’t get me wrong, thanks for your hard work saving us all from flames and robbers, but perhaps I’ll just watch you playing the field, and see what else I can come up with…I at least found a cute hat didn’t I?

Cheers me dears,

Fiona

Babe With A Backpack

Comments