...why I should own a straightener...

I got my hair cut on Friday... for the first time since the end of May....and well I LOVE that magic that happens in a hair salon... For me... it's how straight and 'non-frizzy' my hair can be after a GOOD cut and straighten...

..sometimes I think I should maybe start to be a bit more 'high hair maintenance'...u know.. get up like more than 30mins before I have to get to work... actually blow dry it.. and then straighten it?...but really..... i'm SO not going to do that.... so I guess I'll have to be happy with the moments my hair dresser does it for me!!! (by the way... I ended up rocking this style with it straight--all weekend)! 

ROAD trip......

...I woke up this morning and headed to Toronto---in my sweet rental car... let me tell you I've MISSED driving(on a road longer than 5miles).... I was almost at my John and Kat's house... in toronto when I looked up and SAW the below photo...... the building where that rainbow ends... well that's their house!!!

my pot of gold!!! hehehe.... after a quick hello... Kat and I went out shopping... (after I told her all about my 'jean' situation...) and wow was that fun!!!...let me say I dont have to worry about 'jeans' not fitting.... or being worren out!!!

...John and Kat had moved into a new place... so I was able to take advantage of their view from their balcony and wow.... it was a nice night to take some photos!!!

I've missed this city...but weird to be surrounded by so many trees, lights, and noise!!!!

....a lesson in bubbles...

...oh I arrived in my hotel room in Ottawa.. and I had gotten a FREE upgrade to this AMAZING suite.. with jacuzzi tub! Perfect way to relax after a crazy day......

..mental note to self... remember that jets... makes more bubbles... like lots of bubbles.. that sometimes might even, perhaps fall over the sides of the tub.... but lots of fun too!!

The Amazing Race.... Sarah and Rozy Style....

Today, was a crazy day... it started off pretty normal... we checked in our bags at the Sani airport at noon.. our flight to Kuujjuarapik, Quebec was pretty standard... about 35mins... it was pretty cloudy so we couldn't see much out the windows.... and then we got our luggage--put it through the security screening and got our tickets for the next leg of the journey---to Montreal.... (we asked if everything was 'on time' and yep... everything would be running as normal...) We went off to the resturant...to have lunch and kill some of our FOUR HOUR layover.... we did walk around town a bit...but well also spent other time in the airport....

Our plane arrived full of people that had to de-plane, collect their bags, and then go through security (this well took a LONG time... like almost 35mins)... we were already 35mins late for our scheduled take off... (Rozy and I were a tad worried... see we had a Connecting flight on one of the airlines named after our country... leaving montreal at 10:40pm.. our flight was suppose to arrive at 9:05pm.... but now was 35mins behind that schedule....)  We get on the plane... Rozy and I got to sit at the front of the plane... emergency exit row... (got to luv the extra feet room AND getting your food first!).... and then we hear the announcement that we were going to "La Grande" which was a 40min flight from Kuujjuarapik--to pick up passengers and then head to Montreal.... Rozy and I started to get nervous.... it was going to be a 'fast' connection for us......

We touched down in Montreal at 9:40pm....Rozy took my ID and headed to the 'airline named after our country' counter.... and I was elected to stay and wait for our bags at the baggage claim... my suitcase was the FIRST off and well Rozy's was the LAST one.... (while I was waiting.... Rozy was at the counter and managed to get service by a REALLY REALLY NICE employee..... this lady checked both of us in... and printed off baggage tags.... while this was happening 'a not so nice employee' was giving Rozy the evil eye... and told her... "it's 10pm... You better go get your friend in 4mins OR both of you will MISS this flight"... Rozy came running downstairs to the baggage claim area...(her bag had just appeared!)... we RACED to the elevator.. and back to the ticket counter........

Here I made my mistake... instead of just 'putting' the tag on my bag (like the 'nice employee' wanted to do...) I put my bag on the scale in front of the 'not so nice employee') and apparently it was over weight for their airline..(but fine for 'northern' travel).... so she wanted to 'charge me'.. and told me I had to take things OUT of the bag.... and all I did was look at her and say "seriously?! you got to be kidding me"... that is until the 'nice employee' pointed out that Rozy's bag was really light... so quick as a wink there we were----throwing stuff from my suitcase to hers..... until the 'evil employee' said that's good enough.... (I only moved a lunch box that was empty, and my makeup bag....not that much weight at all..but it made her happy I suppose)....

The next leg of the journey was to head to the 'oversized' baggage area..... lifting those suitcases UP onto the belt... having them scanned.. then lifting them onto the other belt.. so they could get on the airplane!..... (mission completed without much difficulty!)

Rozy and I started to run to security.... (it was about 10:16ish by this point.....) she slowed down and walked to security pretty calm.... me not so much... I was like ok... I gotta get through here FAST... but that wasn't such the case..... I set off the alarm.... so they asked me to take off my belt...which shouldn't be a problem...but I was wearing my 'only' jeans (i really needed to go shopping) that had the zipper that NEVER stays up....... soooooo there I was... standing with my arms out... as the security guy uses the wand... to see what beeps.. with my fly un-done!  When I went to 'fix' the situation... I was told to "keep my hands at my side" and I replied "my fly?! it's down" and the guy winked at me..... then he asked in french "can I pat down your back" (he was behind me) I looked over my shoulder and went "huh?" but he was already patting down my back... then I turned around... and he patted down my front...boy would I like to complain..but well I was in the moment of tryin to catch a flight!  and I turned around after he gave me the clear---there were 5 other men there and a woman walked up... asking if he needed assistance.... a bit too late! 

(Rozy by this point had made it through security--she normally has issues, but none tonight... just me--she ran ahead to the gate...)...I grabbed my stuff... and started running.. to the gate.... we made it in time.... (we were sitting on the plane boarded and away from the gate at 10:35pm...)

Talk about the world's fastest connection.... and the best part... we got 'exit row' seats again... and well, we couldn't stop giggling.... so if you were on that flight from Ottawa to Montreal tonight.... I'm really sorry.... it was just a really long day of airplanes and airports... and delays.... we were really not on any kind of crazy drugs... and neither of us had a drink all day! 

Journey to Sanikiluaq....with daggers in my throat...

...so here's a question... why do the pilots always like to hold hands? (ok... so that's me tryin to be silly...I know they aren't really 'holding hands' but it makes a funny photo!!)

....a view of Kuujjuarapik, Quebec... a stop on the way to get to Sani...

...the joys of flying on a twin otter... you get to see your pilots, hard at work... as you fly!

..crossing a part of Hudson's Bay...on the way to Sanikiluaq or the Bletcher Islands...

..this is the church from Sani...it was designed like a 'traditional' igloo...pretty darn cool! 

Inside was pretty nifty too!!

..it was pretty windy and foggy--not the most flattering photo!

...twin otters... gotta luv them!

I was pretty lucky this trip that a I was able to travel with a colleague! She had already been to Sani so knew the ropes... and knew what to expect--and it was fun to sit with someone the plane trip up from Montreal--that you knew! 

I arrived and felt kind of off...(well all morning I felt like I had something scratchy in the back of my  throat)...and by 3:30pm...it was definitely DAGGERS back there!! I stopped in the Health Centre and saw a lovely nurse... and she confirmed that it was true... I did have Daggers in my throat--aka Strep Throat...I swear I get this ALL the time... it SUCKS...it's the 2nd time this YEAR I've been on Anti-botics for it... All I can say is THANK GOD for drugs.... but not so fun that I couldn't take a day off and spend it in bed!! 

When in Montreal.... let us watch HOCKEY!!!

Today I had the opportunity to hang out with my cousins.... Craig and Sarah are the proud parents to 5 boys!! They have an amazing family---and I had a lot of fun chill'n with them...  The four eldest Hodgson boys are playing hockey this year.... on four different teams.... (Sarah and Craig deserve props for getting everyone to the right practices, and arenas for games....--but Craig is helping coach a team.. and Sarah she's managing 2 of the teams)


So here are some of the photos I took today!.....

Here's the Oldest three in the bunch... waiting between games.... (9 years, soon to be 11years at the end of December and 7 years--in order of photo!)

The 2nd youngest is 5 1/2 years old.....

..and the youngest..he just turned 4 the week before, and made 'cowboy pony' at build a bear!!

Here's a shot of Craig on the bench with his 2nd oldest!  (I didnt' manage to get a photo of Sarah---or myself with anyone... ahhh the joys of being behind the camera!!)

It's been awhile since I've watched hockey at these levels.. and I so enjoyed it!! Thanks for opening up your home to me while I was in Montreal.... it was awesome.. I'll definitely have to find a way to visit again sooner....

 luv ya... Sarah :)

Happy National Child Day!

Today I was able to celebrate with some of the child care centres in Iqaluit... it was a GREAT celebration involving a 'short' but chilly parade (it was like -20C with the windchill!), snacks, rotations through several games run by the child care centres involved...and some singing of songs! It was a great day... I'd love to share some of the photos that I have...but can't due to confidentiality..So I'll leave you with ONE of a sign that the children carried in the parade!....

I'm not sure how many of you are aware that today was National Chid Day or really what that is?! So let me tell you what it is about..... National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations' adoption of two documents centered on children's rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989.

Canada has ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, this means that Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment includes that they, children,  be given the opportunity to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Celebrating National Child Day is about celebrating children as active participants in their own lives and in communities, as active citizens who can and should meaningfully contribute to decision-making as we create a "Canada fit for children"

Todat, November 20th, 2009, marks the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) , which spells out the basic human rights to which children and youth everywhere are entitled.

So wear your 'blue' ribbon...and think about the children in your life...how can you empower them to dream big..and make those dreams become a reality!  If you have children and want to 'download' a cool 'colouring' page.... you can click HERE!

*some of this information came from The National Child Day website!!

Published....

Just a quick update!... trying to madly get things ready for my next trip...I fly out tomorrow can't wait to hit Iqaluit--and catch up with some friends.. and of course also do a lot of work...and then I head to Sanikiluaq...I'm excited it's the last trip that I have booked... and that's kind of sad but for not I need to get back to my packing and organizing stuff...before my trip!

Earlier this week someoen that works at Nunatsiaq News... (a northern paper) left a message on my blog about my photos I had taken when in Resolute during the Torch Relay.... I emailed her and then sent her one at full resolution...and now it's on their website beside an article!  It's the FIRST time I've EVER had photos that are so public....I'm pretty excited!!! 

You can check out the LINK HERE of the news story... and my photo is the one on the top!!!!

Yes, I'm still ALIVE!...

...well it was bound to happen.. all the travelling caught up with me.. and even with a 'stat holiday' last week... it wasn't enought to recharge my batteries!  I've been tryin to lay low and get enough rest...I came back from my 'high-arctic' experience with a 'nasty' cough... which I'm thinking might have something to do with my allergies that sparked and came on while in Grise Fiord...

I'm feeling better now...(the cough is gone....and no I never came even 'close' to getting a pig tail or ears!)... I'm thankful my mum's new 'fleece' pjs arrived in time for me to live in them for over 36hours... (don't worry they have been washed alreadyand not even a week old...) I've trying to catch up sleep--but also messing up my sleep schedule in the process... NEVER have a nap from 6pm to 8:30pm..but then at 11:20pm you are looking at the ceiling of your bedroom thinking.. wow.. that's awesome woodwork--BUT seriously I need to sleep....added to the fact I'm travelling for my 'last' scheduled trip... on Thursday.. so I only have 3 more nights in my comfy bed... so I really want to SLEEP on those nights!!!

Speaking of sleep.. I've been having some WEIRD dreams lately.... they started while I was up in Resolute... all to do with my long johns (which I rarely wear on a daily basis) being stolen.. and how the RCMP doesn't want to help me with this 'VERY' serious matter...(oh yes...in my dream those long johns are VERY important!) Oh and my best friend from Grade 2 and 3--well her big sister is also in this dream.. and I haven't really seen her at least 12 years.... very weird.... and not sure why I need to be so concerned with the long johns.. or WHY the RCMP aren't so helpful.. ahhhhh I hope that dream doesn't find it's way BACK into my head tonight.......

Hmmm this was a kind of long post about nothing... yes! that's the way I roll... hope everyone else doing well!! :)

I have theWORLD's BEST Mum!!!

Here's a shot from when my mum came to visit me this past summer! 

This morning I went to check my mail... after travelling there was a bit... and I had YET another package from my mum!! (she's a superstar...seriously!!) It came on the best day.. as I was trying to get through the mounds of paperwork... on my desk... I got to open it at lunch and almost started to cry.... YES it was that good!! :)

My mum is a cool lady... she actually LISTENS to what I have to say(even though at times I dont' think she really IS listening...but after all we do talk at least 2-3times a week! LOL)..... I was talking awhile ago about how all my pj bottoms are ripped... and I was down to one pair...(and she knows HOW I luv to lounge around in those guys...) so today she sent not ONE pair but TWO!! In a different conversation I had mentioned in the summer how I had friends over.. and we wanted to play a dice game.. and how I didn't have ANY dice...so she sent some really cool dice... and she always manages to make me laugh.... like this package I got a 'random' can of salmon and cream of mushroom soup...(I remember in one of our convos... talking about how she was making creamed salmon for dinner on toast... and I was upset bc I didn't have any mushroom soup...!)

I seriously could NOT have asked for a more generous awesome Mother!! I am blessed to be able to call myself her daughter....

I luv you so much Mum.... only 20 more sleeps til I see you!!

Home Sweet Home....

I went for a walk in Pang yesterday...despite the 'chilly' weather... my walking friend and I headed out about 2pm...and walked for just over an hour---by the time I was at home.. (just after 3pm..) it was dark! Glad i got to spend a bit of time outside.....it's always nice to get some fresh air!!

I'm so glad to be at home again...but have to adjust to cooking for myself again!!  It has been so good to be sleeping back in my own bed!

The Olympic Spirit came to Resolute....

Today even though the temperture was -24C (with the wind chill it was -37C) there was some warmth in the way this small community came together to celebrate the Olympic Spirit that came to town!  Some random facts about the Torch Relay.....

The Torch Relay is an Olympic symbol of peace, brotherhood and enlightenment and represents a summons to the Olympic Games.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay in brief:

• Over 100 days in length.
• Over 1,000 communities and places of interest where torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame.
• Nearly 200 celebrations hosted by communities in every province and territory.
• Approximately 90 per cent of Canada’s population will be within a one-hour drive of experiencing the Olympic Flame.
• Over 45,000 kilometres will be travelled.
• Extensive tour of the North including a planned visit to Alert, Nunavut, the northernmost permanently inhabited community in the world.
• 12,000 people will have the honour of being an Olympic Torchbearer and will help carry the flame to Vancouver, a majority of whom will be selected through public programs.

Now onto the photos.... sorry I just couldn't decide what ones to include and what ones not to include... (so there are a lot! hehehe I hope you enjoy them!!)

...here's one of the early exchanges... it was way too windy...so the for the torch relay they walked with the lantern--that kept the flame alive!

The sky was a pink and purple....but it was freezing COLD! (I was glad for my long johns, wind pants, and Goose Jacket.. I'm not sure how the torch carriers could do it in those 'thin' windbreaker type suits!)

The last person on the leg of the relay walked up the hill... with his torch in full flame....

It was a pretty exciting moment.... the whole community was clapping and cheering!!

All the runners of the relay had their torches lit at this moment...... it was pretty awesome!

The Cauldron was lit.......

A little piece of Athens, Greece here in Resolute Bay, Nunavut!

A shot of the five Torch Barriers from Resolute!

This is a close up look at how the flame is transported---all the way from Athens, Greece.... all the way across Canada...

I got to hold it!  Once we were inside one of the organizers said, "we should reflect on the flame... what it represents--peace, community and to remember that we each can take a piece of the flame and carry out in our lives.... to make a difference in the many different paths we take.... to take a look and see how it brought Resolute together on a cold day--to Celebrate!!"

Makes me wonder where next I'll travel to...what direction I will take...and where I will end up.... (some deep thoughts!) LOL

Standing beside the Cauldron.. just before we were ushered inside... so they could pack it up... to get ready for the next place to celebrate!!

Inside Coca-Cola, one of the sponsors of the relay, had a 'photo' booth.... and took photos that you can download from online...... I snapped on of this cute little boy....

..then of course... ended up in the cue....

(I'll have to check out the Coca-Cola photos when they upload them!)

There were many speeches, and cultural celebrations... this is a young drummer... who performed..and the children from the school did a square dance!!

This little girl couldn't stop dancing with her flag.... she's a cutie! 

All in all it was an awesome hour... that ended  with a community feast... it was pretty cool that my trip up here happened to be when the torch was coming through.... Pretty darn cool!!

(I hope you don't mind the HUGE post!!!)

Happy Birthday Baby Bro!!!

Hope you have a HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY!!!

(no matter how old you get.. you'll always be my baby brother..)

I wish you all the best this day... and every day this next year!

I luv you....and I'm so proud to call you my little brother!

P.S. BSUT...tonight? hehehe

Grise Fiord....

I've been sitting here trying to decide what to write... and the words really aren't coming... today I'm going to let my photos tell the story! Hope you enjoy!!! :)

I've been trying to stitch together a few shots of Grise Fiord...to make a panoramic photo but instead of making ONE I ended up being successful at making TWO! (but if you join the left side of this one at the boats--to the right side of the one following... you'll get a whole view of Grise..just use your imagination!!)

I took the next two photos this morning just after 9am...I was on my way to do the buisness I had to do in town!  All morning the sun just sort of 'hung' out on the horizon until about 1:30pm it disappeared!!!

This was looking in the other direction from the hotel... LUV that the moon looks like a HUGE star..(as does the street light!!) have to love a little longer exposure!

Once I finished lunch I walked down to the beach area and took the next series of shots....(and the panoramic ones)...it was just before 1pm...and it was so beautiful....

As for self-portrait...I think I just found a new favourite!!!!

As I was standing there... all of a sudden I heard a big "THUNK" and it was the ice dropping... the tide still goes in and out...and the ice then drops... pretty freaky.... but still fun to look at!!

One last self-portrait!  it was fairly warm today... -14C with the wind chill... I've really enjoyed my time up here in Grise Fiord... I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to travel up to Canada's most Northern Community...

I'm flying back to Resolute tomorrow...weather pending

(let's hope the wind stays down...or I might have an extended stay here in Grise Fiord!!)

Going with the theme of late...

..more shots from the AIR!!!

I made it into Resolute alright tonight... though on the approach to landing there was a bit of turblence.. and before I could bite my lip.. i went "AHHH" and then was like... OOPS! that was out loud... but who could blame me... I'm sitting in a DARK airplane--they turn off the lights for landings...and you can't see ANYTHING outside but clouds... I guess the first step is to admit your problem... Hi, I live in Pang and I'm a Pang Screamer when there's wind and bumps on landings!

So here's a shot I snapped after taking off in Pang this morning at 11:45am...Home Sweet Pang!! :)

As the plane was taking off in Iqaluit the sun was setting...(about 3:25pm)...

so this is a shot from 'below' the clouds....

Just above the clouds....

...a close up look.... (couldn't decide what one I like better.... but I'm going with #2..)

So pretty!