My life as a traveling teacher.

“Why are you still single?” or any variation of this question is something I’ve been used to hearing for some time now. As an unattached woman in her mid-thirties who has never been married, and has no (non-furry) kids, it seems I’m some sort of an enigma. I’m not quite sure how to answer the question. I’m sure the answer is somewhere between “I’ve been focusing on myself” to “I just haven’t found the right guy!”. And it’s not because I haven’t tried. I will happily trade in my single life for companionship with the right guy who makes me proud to be his gal. I remember dating someone years back who had completely swept me off my feet. He would wake up before my alarm to scrape the ice off my windshield and make me pancakes for breakfast. He told me daily how special I was. Then, I did the unthinkable. I called him “nice”. It was as though I had given him the kiss of death. Dropkicking a puppy in his presence would have probably gone over more smoothly. I rem

My Facebook memories as of late have been reminding me that it was 7 years ago that I first arrived in Europe, ready to set sail as a teacher on Class Afloat. At the news that I would be part of the school’s 2010/2011 faculty team, the excitement was palpable. I had been fascinated (/obsessed) by the idea of being part of this school since hearing of its existence. It was a programme and education philosophy that seemed near –perfectly aligned with my own teaching values. The idea of exploring the world and learning experientially was something I was proud to take part in. Sea rookies. Cuuute. With my best ship mate, Christina! She quickly became my confidant and resident BFF on board. Although, she should have said something to me about my disappearing brows situation. Yeesh.              Early followers of stories on this blog will remember that the adventure was as life-altering for me as it was for my students. An experience such as the one offered by Class Afloat

“Why would you ever move from here? It’s amazing!”. These genuine words of wonderment from my foreign friend this summer during her visit to my picturesque corner of the world for the first time, echoed my feelings of contentment at re(re)settling back in Calgary. Particularly, it re(re)affirmed my decision to spend the majority of my summer in my own backyard. In choosing to mostly stay close to home, I was seeking to actively take in what millions of visitors choose as their destination each year. In doing so, I also acknowledged that I would likely be giving my mind and body some physical rest after a demanding year… and would prepare myself for the exciting one to come (more on this is coming next time!). Canoeing on Lake Moraine And so, how did I occupy my time at home, during my 7 week respite? Save a quick trip to Nashville and a few days in my native Maritime provinces, you could find me taking in one of the hottest summers on record on one of our city’s m