Love, Michelle

A beautiful place for a wedding

It was the most perfect backdrop for the wedding. A small Cape Breton town with lots of east coast charm. We spent hours wandering the streets and looking in the shops. Walking on the boardwalk and sitting by the lake. Having drinks at the pub. Just the most relaxing place to spend the weekend with all of Janet and Joe's friends and family.

Catching Up

I love Tuktoyaktuk. It is always so difficult summing up an experience like this in just a few short lines. I met some wonderful new friends. I had some great new ideas for my work. I saw an amazing landscape. I was inspired by the participants, both young and old. I learned more about the way of life in the Arctic. I slept on a barge. I danced with the Tuktoyaktuk Drummers and Dancers. I stayed up very late square dancing. I went 30 ft underground into the permafrost to see a traditional ice house. I was reminded why I love working with communities, and why I left science behind. And, as always, I took lots of pictures.

Laughing like this

I am great at traveling. As soon as I arrive at the airport or hop in the car everything is good. I'm relaxed. I'm flexible. I usually don't know how to get where I'm going, but I don't worry about those little details. They all just come together when I'm on my way. I meet new people. I enjoy spending time on my own. I am adventurous. I take time to sleep. I am really great at traveling.

It's getting ready to travel that's the hard part. I spend the few days before any trip in a panic. Did I forget something? What if I don't finish that? What do I need? I check my itinerary a dozen times (even though the planes all leave the Whitehorse airport at the same time). I try to fit in three times as much as I can handle in one day. I try to get done things that have been on my to-do list for weeks. I have no idea why I do this.  But needless to say, as I'm getting ready for my trip to Tuktoyaktuk tomorrow, I'm not feeling so relaxed right now.

But as soon as I get to the airport I am just fine. So here's looking forward to tomorrow at 6:30 am.

I didn't really do anything this weekend. I stayed home. I cleaned the house. I made a yummy supper. Watched some funny Chris Rock with friends. I did some scrapbooking. Nothing really. But today I realized that I talked to five of my closest friends this weekend. I didn't plan it. It just happened. Friends that live very far away and I don't see enough. And I don't talk to enough. But this weekend I talked to all of them. And tonight when I was walking to catch the bus home from work I was thinking about how amazing these friends are. Here is why:

1. One of my friends astounds me with her bravery. Since we were kids she has always had the most positive outlook on life. She is funny. And light-hearted. And really knows what's important in life. She is going through a very difficult time right now. But she is so strong. Just a really amazing woman.
2. One of my friends just captivates me. She truly appreciates the simple things in life and has a beautiful heart. Someone once described her as magical. It's hard to explain but it's totally true.
3. Another friend is the most determined woman I have ever met. She has been working towards something for almost a decade. And she's not 30 yet. She is so incredibly smart. And she's so close to accomplishing a huge goal. She is one of the very first people who really got me.
4. Yet another friend who has recently taken a very brave step. She left behind a job filled with security (and stress) to take a chance. To be with her partner. To pursue her dream. Her new and fabulous life is starting right now. I'm so excited for her.
5. And last (but not least) there is the guy who always amazes me. Who sees the big picture. Who always challenges himself and pushes his boundaries. He is always on a huge adventure. But he's not necessarily in it for the adventure. He's just growing.

Talking with these friends (okay, I confess, one is my sister!) helps me to remember to let go of the stress today, and focus on what's really important. Trying to connect with youth at the conference. Getting inspired about my work. Seeing a new place in the Arctic. Visiting with friends in Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. Packing my camera and film. Thanking Aubrey for keeping it together when I'm gone. You know, building a shed and walking the dog and all. And laughing like this: