Sunday

We have internet at home now but since I use a Macbook Air, I can't plug in. We ordered a router from Future Shop and I hope it will arrive by mid-next week. Right now I'm at school. We worked with three students for an hour. Still very busy and trying to get the classroom organized. I will be helping teaching four or five classes a week, in additional to our sessions after school.

La Grand River

On Saturday, C. and I drove to Radisson. We invited another staff member, J., to go with us. It was a little over an hour's drive.

We took a short hike, picked up some groceries and visited a Cree/Inuit arts and craft store. 

Here, I am standing at a lookout to one of the HydroQuebec dams in the distance, on La Grande River, the second largest river in Quebec after the St. Lawrence River.

Sorry I know my updates have been kind of crappy and short. Haven't had the time to write much lately.

Good Job!

Coordinator enjoyed the 2-day that we put together last week in Chibougamou. This is the email that he sent to my boss:

Hi J.,

I really wanted to comment the roll-out with you, but time went too fast. I had to be in Montreal for meetings, and travel back to Mistissini. First of all the Curriculum was very well received by the teachers. I really liked it and think it is bringing a big load of relieve on teachers shoulders. Second, as usual [your charity] did very good in choosing their presenters, R. and M. were an excellent team. They have got teachers attention and brilliantly deliver the goods. 

What I liked the most, they have managed to make the teachers believe in them and in the curriculum. Congratulations to them. 

Once again, thank you and many thanks to your team.

H.

On the Radio

(Regina Spektor starts singing ...) I was on the radio this morning! We made an announcment to the community about our pizza party launch and how we will be here to support students taking science. It seems a lot of people failed the June 2012 exam and there will be a retake in January 2013. That's our main project right now. Today is my second day at school.

Not Cree

The cashier at the supermarket asked me for my Indian status number. I couldn't only blurt out, "Ummm, I'm not Cree."

On the JBH

I nearly ran over a skunk driving 130 kph, on the James Bay Highway. Started in Matagami and spent 6 hours over 650 km and listening to Superfreakonomics, Headlights and Fun. Played some Hold'em at Wits and Wager. Thankful to be able to unpack now, after three weeks! I finally have a kitchen here in Chisasbi.

Chibougamou

Arrived today at 4 pm and took a short hike around the lake. R. and I picked wild blueberries! They tasted awesome!

New School Year ... And a New Start

I've returned to my company as a full-time employee!

The past few months were pretty crazy - having officially left my last relationship, I started my summer as an emotional trainwreck and spent the latter half rebuilding my strength by visiting friends, traveling to California and learning how to laugh again. I have gone through a lot of healing in the past month and a half. What I've realized is that I can't be good at this job if I'm not happy; on the flip side, I won't be happy unless I am doing what I'm good at! Conclusion: finding work and life balance is critical for me.

I went back to work earlier this week and am still working in the south right now but just wanted to announce that I will be continuing this blog. I will also be cleaning it up, editing it a bit as one of my friends has suggested using it for job hunting in the future.

Onwards to new journeys.