I am on Day 5 at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games as an accredited blogger for Microsoft Office ’10. My entire experience has been gratifying, exhilarating and downright overwhelming.
By far, my favorite moment was on Friday when I visited the USOC-run USA House. It is not open to the public and has become the stomping grounds for athletes, sponsors and dignitaries.
USOC Director of Corporate Partnerships John Pierce gave me a tour. The hip facility includes the USA Team Store, a media work room, the AT&T All-access Lounge with complimentary Acer laptops, Panasonic flat screens with a constant stream of the Olympics, Wii entertainment, the Bud Lounge with full bar facilities and a constant flow of free food.
My husband would have threatened to move in.
The USA House hosts both past and present Olympic athletes and at one point, I chatted with Olympic gold medal gymnast, Shawn Johnson.
OK, I mostly acted like a giggling groupie when I asked to take her picture.
The true highlight was 
meeting one of my idols: Olympic legend Bonnie Blair. She was instrumental in helping me win the Microsoft Office Winter Games Contest and we spent an hour together talking about Office ’10, her Olympic experiences, and visiting Allstate’s Hall of Fame Tribute Wall where she will be included amongst the chalk murals. Bonnie told me the reason why I was her choice for winning the contest is because she loved the humorous perspective I share on my blog about motherhood.
Following our interview, we watched speed skating on the 105-inch Panasonic television in the Bud Lounge. Bonnie gave me the insider scoop on the behind-the-scenes action and we were reprimanded for being too loud.
It was then I knew she was my kindred spirit.
It was fascinating to watch the qualifying heats of the 1,500m Men’s Short Track as Apolo Ohno strove to tie her record. I entitled this photo: “I’m coming for you.”
And he did later that night when he won the silver medal. He now shares Bonnie’s record for the most medals awarded to an athlete at the Winter Olympics.
She was, of course, gracious about his victory. I was so inspired and entertained by her that I knew I’d be her BFF if we lived in the same town.
Or I’d most certainly be her stalker.
Be sure to follow my Olympic adventures at Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck and on Twitter.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
Karen
So excited for you. What an amazing experience!
Aimee Greeblemonkey
what a crazy awesome experience! thanks for sharing it with us!
Tracey Gifford
Amber: what a fabulous experience. Sounds like you are having such a great time and I’ve really enjoyed reading what you’re doing. Watching it all back here in Denver….enjoy!
lorrie
wow those are great photos, hope you are enjoying your olympic adventure, I think if I were to meet any olympian it would be scott hamilton cause he did so much for the sport.
enjoyed reading your post
JoAnn
How much fun is this!! I’m so glad we get to take a peek at the behind the scenes with you!