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!

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.