Wow. I just realized this is my last blog.

I managed to get tomorrow (Saturday) off and then I work nights Sunday for the closing ceremony. I have a quick turnaround and a live shot for Monday morning and then we begin the process of tearing down the workspace and packing up everything. It's an odd feeling to know you are almost done, really. I've been down this road before.

By my math I've done about 100 live shots, 80 radio hits for 7 different stations, and 10 or 11 blog entries. I've racked up 127 hours of overtime and have slept an average of 4.5 hours a night.

I wish I could show you.. REALLY show you the full experience of what it means to cover the Olympics. It is the most random, most taxing, most stressful, and most fun you can cram into 4 weeks. It's just the sort of thing you can't explain very well unless you've done it.

Here's a picture of me with Bode's best friend Jake Serino. I did a story with him in his and Bode's RV. It was really nice to get his take on his best friend.. an athlete everyone feels like they already know. I didn't meet Bode so I can't answer your questions about what he's like.. and honestly, how well do you really get to know someone in the span of one handshake, anyway? That said, sometimes you do get vibes from people. Jake seems like a very cool, very laid-back guy who is out to maximize the opportunity he's been given. I liked telling you about his story because it's the kind of thing that you would never know otherwise.. and stories like his are happening all over the place here. Most will never see the light of day, but they are there... and are equally as interesting.

Here is a link to Jake's blog: http://www.nbcolympics.com/bodebyjake/index.html

My last QRT:

To my husband John: I can't tell you how much I miss you and how much I hate not being able to call or talk to you more than once a week. I'm so excited to come home and spend quality time with you. You're not going to be able to keep me quiet I have so much to tell you. I love you and don't think I can spend this kind of time away from you again.

To my mom and dad (my biggest fans): I love you and thanks so much for your emails. I'm sorry I didn't have more time to respond in-depth. I know you understand and I will keep my eyes out for that necklace you want, mom. Dad.. how about some Italian olives??

To my other mom and dad (John's parents): I can't wait for Taco Tuesday!! I love the pasta here but wouldn't mind mixing it up. We have to eat at the workspace and it's the same food every day. Just like ice cream or chocolate.. I can't eat it every meal of every day.. no matter how good it is.

To my Aunt Maria in Sydney: You get the first place prize for checking out my stuff from the farthest distance. Enjoy a Pollywaffle and some Vegemite for me and tell everyone I said "G'day"! Love you, Steph

To Aaron Weiss: You rock. End of story. No one knows what you went through to get our stuff on the air. You worked crazy hours back home in Portland (I know this because we'd chat on the phone at 2am Portland time). Thanks for everything.

To everyone who asked me to buy them stuff and bring it back.. I'm zero for 50 on those requests.. including the yummy chocolates that I would get half of for free. SORRY!!!! If I had more room in my suitcase and more time.. I totally would.

To everyone who was kind enough to send along your thoughts, ideas, questions and comments.. thank you!!! I read *every* last one and replied to about 90%. The remaining 10% will have to wait until I get back from vacation!! Hope that's okay!

To Gina: Go now and get on that plane and get over here!!! ((that, my friend, is a shout-out)).

I'm back in mid-march with no email access starting Monday. Ciao!! Steph
sstricklen@kgw.com