it's been a long time comin'

I am here in my new room, on my new bed (air mattress), in my new apartment, after getting home from my new job, and with all of these new things, I find I'm missing New Brunswick.

I'm not missing it in the way that I regret my decision, or even want to come back right now. I'm missing it because it's home. I met a lady from Miramichi today, and I almost hugged her.

The people in Fort St. John have been quite lovely so far. Within my first 24 hours here, I made my way to the arts centre to see the one and only Matt Andersen. I realize I had never met him before, but as someone who has spent the past few years in Western New Brunswick, I feel quite proud to say we're from the same place. And to hear the crowd erupt for the talent that is he made me feel quite proud to say he was from my home.

Now, for the fun stuff: I truly love being a reporter. I love the long hours; I love being on the go; I love being in the know; I love being in the newsroom; I love the coffee; I love being busy.

I wouldn't be me without some catastrophe happening on my first day. I had just completed my first story on Tuesday (Monday I was basically shadowing the lovely lady I'm replacing), and I snapped a photo with my iPhone for posterity. And thank heavens I did. It wasn't two minutes later that the spinning wheel of death (yes, if you've ever used a mac you know what that colourful wheel of misfortune is) made his appearance. I tried turning it off and on again. I tried everything, but that computer was definitely written off, along with my story.

Because The Alaska Highway News  is a daily paper, I needed that story to help fill the pages. In a fit of brilliance, I remembered the photo I had taken, and found myself retyping the story from the tiny print of an iPhone photo. I felt pretty proud that my own vanity saved the day.

In the next couple of days, I will post some photos from my amazing train trip across the country and share some stories from that. If any of you ever have the opportunity to ride VIA rail across Canada, please do it.It's worth the trip. Heed this advice, do not take coach if you do.

On my way

As I write this post on my iPhone, I'm on the train just past Belleville Ontario. The train has been a mostly positive experience, barring the throwing up at the Montreal station this morning and the near breakdown I had before leaving Moncton when a couple of my bags were too heavy. I may have said something like, if I wanted this kind of service, I would've taken an airplane. The attendant then did All he could to help after that. My dear friend Emily stopped by to see me in Montreal, which was super sweet of her. . I'll detail much more coherent accounts of my trip upon my arrival. Thanks for reading!

getting close now

This is my last week in Woodstock. 

I've resigned from all of my commitments. 

I've sold most of my furniture (including my bed). 

I've booked my train ticket (with a 50% off seat sale). 

I'm tying up loose ends.

I've secured an actual place to live...and it seems legitimate. 

And now the hard part...

...saying goodbye. I keep saying it's not goodbye, it's simply a so long. And that's true. It's hard to express just how important people are in my life right now!  I went from having three really great friends and a number of acquaintances in Saint John to falling in love with an entire community of people. Through the powers of the internet tubes, I will stay in touch with people, but it won't be the same. A tweet, blog post or text message is not the same as sitting for hours on end over a cup of coffee (or four). I'm one hundred per cent sure of my decision to take this next step, but that certainty doesn't make this week of goodbyes any less sad.

Since I've made the decision to leave, I've come to terms with the impact of leaving family and close friends, but I also know that they're the people I'll definitely stay in touch with. What is really starting to set in this week is how much I'm going to miss the people who've become big parts of my life on a daily basis.

The graphic designer I work with has become one of my closest confidantes; the handsome bartender at my favourite watering hole has become one of my favourite people to have conversations with as of late; the coffee crew I have quaint chats with each day 'round 10; the waves and friendly smiles of a community that I love, and a community that's welcomed me. Change is inevitable, and I'm excited to take on a new challenge. I'm also truly looking forward to a journey across the country on a train. It is most definitely with a heavy heart that I bid my farewell to Woodstock. Mark my words, I will be back to visit. (Take that as a threat or as a promise depending on what your opinion of me is).

                                                                                              

it's a bittersweet symphony, this life

Moving anywhere has its ups and downs. A few months ago, I moved five minutes down the street, and that was stressful. That time, I had a dozen of my closest friends band together and laboriously move me into a new apartment.
Those were the good ole days.
Over the course of the past couple of days, it has really started to sink in that I'm moving to the other side of the country. Of course I'm excited for the new experiences and new opportunities, but I'm also scared to be so far away from all of the people who love me and whom I love!
A little over a week ago, I had managed to solidify myself a room in a trailer with a seemingly lovely lesbian couple, their puppy, two cats and another guy. It didn't seem like the most ideal situation, but at least it was a place to lay my head upon arrival. I knew it wasn't a forever home, but it would have been tolerable at least for a little while.
After a brief phone conversation, I sent them a $300 deposit to hold the place.
Yesterday, one of the girls called me to tell me that they had been evicted, and they had already spent my money. They said they'd send me it back when they got paid on the 26th. I'm hoping that they do.
I know it's better to find out now, and I know it's probably for the best, but it was discouraging to add another item to my ever-growing to-do list - especially one that had already been checked off.
In 23 short days, I shall meet my little silver Toyota Yaris in Edmonton, AB, as we set off over the mountains on my new adventure!  
I'll keep you posted :).
Thanks for listening to my rant!!!!

New Beginnings

In a couple of weeks, I will set off on the biggest journey of my life so far. I'm moving to the opposite end of the country to pursue my passion, not for news, but for the people news impacts.
I will use this as a forum to discuss opinions, share my adventures and keep friends and family updated.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.