Wide Open Spaces: Exploring the Canadian Prairies

At the beginning of this year

 I made an announcement. A resolution. 

"To be more irresponsible"

Encompassed in this resolution 

is much more than finding crazy things to do...
(It's actually not about that at all)

It has simply reminded me to have courage to try new things, 
go new places, and accept a certain level of risk
involved in life 'off the straight and narrow'

It reminds me to 'just do it'. 
To not let fear get in the way of opportunity.

That is how I came to arrive at this past week

and continue my graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

Since I was travelling in the prairies anyways,

I jumped on the opportunity to visit with my 
Winnipeg friends (Anne & Joel).

Proud parents to be!

Flying into Winnipeg I quickly realized...

Flying into Winnipeg

The prairies are as flat as 'they' say they are.

Natural prairies.

Anne, even at 39 weeks, was a fantastic tour guide!

We spent a night a her family cabin, hiked through the boreal forest:

Explored and walked Winnipeg's parks: 

and ultimately 

enjoyed good food and great company...

Angela and Anne in Winnipeg!

Thanks Anne for a great intro into the prairies!
============================

At this point,

with all my travelling this summer.

I am getting pretty used to navigating myself into the unknown.

However, 
I must admit.

As I got on the plane to Saskatoon, SK

I couldn't quite squish the feeling that this was crazy.

Thankfully,

this did not last long. 

Instantly I was comfortable with this city.

Saskatoon is beautiful. 

Downtown Saskatoon

Me in Saskatoon

South Saskatchewan River

So many walking/ biking trails!

I am also impressed with the University of Saskatchewan campus 
(also very beautiful).





In addition, 

my classmates are wonderful...
It was so fun getting to know them!

If things were different,

I would really consider registring as an on-campus student.

(at least before winter)

Overall It has been a great week.
I feel a little overwhelmed but mostly excited 
about this new challenge.

The best part is
the first week is done 
and 
early tomorrow
Nathan is
 meeting me in
Colorado.

Hooray for long weekends!

Good times in the Maritimes: Part 3

I had a Great trip home 

to Nova Scotia, Canada!

My Brother Chris and I 

The weather was fantastic!

I got to spend lots of quality time with family and friends.

Weddings, BBQs, long sunny days, Shopping with momma, 

walks with Riley dog, 

camping, and music festivals 

Filled my days:)

I had SO much fun I hardly took a photo...oops

However,

I have a few pictures of Halifax, Nova Scotia

which I would like to share to entice our friends, from afar,

 to come visit us 

(when we return, of course)

Halifax:

Citadel Hill and Town Clock

The Halifax Waterfront:

Tall Ships:

My favourite ship:

Theodore the Tug Boat!

Harbour Views:

Once again

It is Farewell to Nova Scotia.

This is bittersweet,

as I am sad to leave my family and friends 

(and the coast)

But very excited to be reunited with Nate-dogg!

Kansas city, here I come!

North-West Weekend Adventure

We spent this weekend in 

Edmonton, Alberta. 

First: it was great to be in Canada
(Even if it was the opposite side).

Second: Canada is relatively Cold.

At the last minute

 Nathan was able to join me which was oh so wonderful!

It was a great week-end 

and conclusion to my Master's of Nursing degree.

Since I did my degree through distance

 this was the first time I had met many of my professors and classmates in person. 

It was wonderful to meet these people!

Athabasca University 

provided a very nice graduation ceremony and day. 

We also had some extra time to fullfill one of Nathan's childhood dreams:

"Going to the West Edmonton Mall."

And

most importantly

 visit some of our western-bound friends.
(Mark, Karen, Baby Angus, and Katie)

Oh so Canadian: Tim's coffee over looking a hockey arena

We had quite the rustic tour of Alberta, 

visiting the small towns of Athabasca and Red Deer.

Next time we make it to Alberta

when we have more time 

and are better organized 

we will be sure to visit 

Calgary and the Mountains.

Good times in the Maritimes: Part 2

As per my request

Before I leave my home and native land

I wanted to go on a hike with my brothers.

So Saturday Craig, Chris, Avery, Austin, and I 

hiked Cape Split.

Cape split is a beautiful 16km hike 

featuring the NS hardwood forest 

and scenic views of the Bay of Fundy.

Angela, Chris, Avery, Austin

Our hike begins.

Angela & Riley

Avery & Riley 

The cute couple: Chris & Avery

Although the leaves are just starting on the trees

the mayflowers were out in full bloom

and I got a little obsessed with them.

Craig & Angela

We tried several times to take a nice group shot.

The ridiculous dog did not like all his humans in a tree 

So he joined us too!

The Girls: Avery & Angela

The Boys: Austin, Chris, Craig

Siblings! 

Siblings!

we made it*

The Cape

The Split

The group

Super Dog!

Our little Riley Dog was such a trooper! 

Oh so Nova Scotia...

It was a great way to spend my last Saturday in Nova Scotia.

As of today, I am officially un-employed.

It feels a little crazy!

But I am trying not to panic and focus on preparing for my road trip

in T-2days!