I got to spend my evening with Becky in Belize. She has been a Principal for the past year, which required her to move to a new city away from her family. She had some of the same struggles I encountered as a supervisor: she prefers working in partnership over giving directions. I am proud of her for deciding to stay in her job for another year. It’ll be easier and she can refine being the leader she wants to be. On the side, Becky is completing another leadership program. Go Becky! I miss you tons!

Last weekend we checked out Newcastle Island in preparation for the wedding! Two days were too short and we wished we had more time there.  There was enough time to explore the island and to come up with some good party ideas. It’ll be fun!

  On the way to the ferry. On the way to Nanaimo.  Our adventurous breakfast.The little boat to Newcastle Island.

Feels like just yesterday that Kristel walked me and my luggage to the bus stop in Dublin, I took the bus to the airport, and I finally got on a plane home.

This week my dear and crrrrrrrrazy friend Olivera moved to New Zealand. She has been dreaming about this moment for a long time and now it’s finally here. Olivera has been accepted into a PhD program at the University of Waikato and I am so proud of her! Both of us look forward to working together and engaging in international research. We’ll find a way to make it work!

Last week I had my first day of school at UVic. After worrying about transportation, accommodation, and being a student again, everything turned out sooo well:

My mom and I brought our bikes on the ferry and then cycled to Victoria.

We slept in the Empress hotel because my mom can book hotels through work.

And we even visited with Kerstin, John, and the kids who were near Victoria for a family event!

I was at UVic on Monday and Tuesday morning. On Monday I met with my supervisor Veronica Pacini-Ketchabaw and another student who is taking a summer course with me. We’re the only students in this class and we’ll be able to shape the course content. On Tuesday I met with other graduate students that Veronica supervises and we started preparing for a conference that will happen later in September.

I love my new life, but did I ever miss my IMEC friends on my first day of school.

We’ve had a busy week at the daycare, but I’m feeling good about the work we’ve done. One boy felt the same as me and said, “This is the funnest daycare ever!” He was so happy about all the things he could do: The highlights yesterday included checking out the worm composter and felting wool around palm sized stones. Yes, we do have a lot of fun stuff to do for the children.

What a sweet life. It’s not Malta, the land of our dreams, but that’s ok! After months of being back at home Evan and I had some time to eliminate all the things we don’t like and replace them with the things we do want in our life. After cocooning in our apartment last summer (when we were just happy that I was back home) and then hibernating all winter (because we were still happy that  I was home again) we’ve finally managed to come out to see the world again. The good life has caught up with us.

We’re getting married.

I got accepted into a PhD program at the University of Victoria.

Evan got a brand spanking new job.

The adventure continues.

My good friend Anne and I were at a Kids Yoga Teacher Training for the past 3 days! We had a fabulous time, met great people, got inspired, AND got to see each other 3 days in a row! My body is sore and tired, but I’m feeling great.

http://rainbowkidsyoga.net/