When I returned from the UK, I had a challenging, but life changing year in Toronto. I worked with an incredible company, Patagonia, where I consider myself incredibly lucky to have met many lifelong friends who would help to shape my future.
After not having any luck getting into the teaching world in Ontario, specifically the GTA, I became intrigued by life in Western Canada. My co-worker (and good friend) Brad, shared stories of endless mountain adventures, friendships, and possibilities. Speaking with Brad and becoming connected with his friends in Alberta, would change my life, personally and professionally. Luckily, I had some university pals who were already established in Canmore, Alberta. When I made the decision to pack my newly acquired Patagonia gear and head for the west, I figured if nothing else, at least I could stay with Erin and Jon on the way to....somewhere.
The best way to describe my arrival to Canmore, is that I essentially parachuted into an incredible life with a growing number of amazing people (many that would become family) that laid the stepping stones I would use to land my first REAL Canadian teaching gig, on a First Nation Reserve School.
After 4 years in Canmore (the longest amount of time I have lived anywhere in 10 years), my spirit was thirsty for more adventure. Living in Canmore and amongst the mountains, has made my soul happy. I am at home in the mountains. It was not an easy decision to uproot my life and move, start over, leave friends that have become family, leave the comforts of a full time teaching job, but it was the right time for me to move on and start a new chapter. As I am approaching the final chapter of my 20s, I knew I needed to go out big...enter, CHINA!
I look forward to documenting more of my adventures here than my professional career, as I've learned in the past, sometime it is better left unsaid (written, on public internet).
