The Arctic Post

So I’m in week 4 of my 9 week visit. In some ways the time is going by way too fast and in others, time is dragging on.  I have been extremely busy since my last post. Isn’t that always the case when you go somewhere to visit family and friends?

I spent a week up in Valleyview and Grande Prairie. I had a wonderful visit while there. I was able to see quite a few people. Many hours were spent catching up on recent events and reminiscing on great memories. There were lots of laughs and even a few tears (thanks Deb :p). There just never seems to be enough time to spend with everyone.  It is never easy to say good-bye. The worst was when I was leaving Valleyview to head to Grande Prairie and one of the twins was sad and ran to her room when I got up to leave. Almost brought tears to my eyes. I miss those girls like crazy!

I wish I had carried around a recorder during my visits. There were many funny comments made by the children I was visiting.

One that stands out in my mind went like this: (I can’t remember which of the twins said it…)

Little girl: Auntie Carly, do you have a baby growing in your tummy?

Me: Nope I don’t

Little girl: Why is it so big then?

I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time!! I think her mom was mortified, but it really was funny. The things kids say!!

The other story was one that I will not let Etienne forget anytime soon!

Alex: Auntie Carly, let me see your ring

Me: What ring? (At this point she grabs my left hand and looks at it)

Alex: Well you and Etienne are married

Me: No Alex, we’re not

Alex: How come?

Me: I don’t know, you have to ask Etienne that!!

Again, I laughed pretty hard.

This past weekend I taught my last course while I am here. It was really nice to get back into what I love. It really made me realize how much I miss my job and I can’t wait to get back into it when we move back down south. I have also realized that I am loving all the experiences we’ve had up north and I want to continue doing that. So for now, I’m enjoying being a “woman of leisure”……

Yesterday I was in Barrhead and had a great time visiting. This week I’m heading to Calgary to visit with my sister, cousin, gramma, aunt and a few other family members. Next week I’m heading to Camrose to visit a good friend. It has been so busy. Today is the first day that I don’t have plans! It’s almost noon and I’m still in my pj’s……Man, does it feel good. I’m still deciding if anyone would notice if I drove to Tim Horton’s for a coffee in my pj’s…..if I stay in my car does it count?

So far I’ve driven about 1400kms. I have somewhere around another 1000 – 2000kms to drive. I will calculate the distance I’ve traveled both by plane and vehicle at the end of my trip down here. I’m kinda scared to see how much time I actually spent in a car or plane!

As much as I love seeing all my friends and family, I don’t think I will do this long of a trip again! 9 weeks away from home is a long time, and 5 weeks away from Etienne is even worse. It’s probably a lot harder for him than it is for me. I at least have friends and family around me all the time, but up there he’s in a home with just him and the dog. I couldn’t imagine what I would have done if Etienne came down here for 5 weeks leaving me up there.

Well I’m off to enjoy the rest of my “nothing” day. Hope all is well in the great white north! I can’t wait to get back up there and back on the snow machine!! I have included a couple of pictures from my visit in Valleyview……

Alex and I

Trying to pose nice for the camera

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