Hello From Yellowknife

I am writing from the big city of Yellowknife.  I am meeting with other middle school teachers from around the territory as part of a pilot team for the new Health and Wellness curriculum.  The new curriculum is in the draft stages and will be piloted in a few classrooms this year.  It is our job to provide feedback on how it practically plays out in our classrooms.  As the curriculum draft was presented, I couldn't help but think about the many similarities it has to BC's new curriculum.  It is an inquiry based approach that surrounds curricular competencies.  

I have enjoyed my meetings and the perks of being in the city.  

It is crazy how fast your mindset changes when you are in a new situation though.  Being in Yellowknife has made me realize how much my mindset has changed since living in Colville Lake.  What I consider to be "normal" now is much different than how I lived in BC.  I didn’t drink water the first day in Yellowknife because I was scared I would get sick.  Necessity made me overcome that fear.  I am staying in a hotel for the three days that I am here.  The shower is glorious! I actually feel clean!  AND, as an added bonus, I don't have to worry about the water level in the tank. Also, the heating system warms the whole suite, which means I don’t have to worry about keeping a fire going.  It’s the little things. 
 
I am enjoying meeting with other NWT teachers.  The extrovert in me thrives on meeting new people and trying new things. 
 
Yesterday a teacher from Norman Wells graciously let me accompany him on all his errands.  We went to all the big stores – Canadian Tire, Independent Grocery, and Staples.  I stocked up on school supplies and picked up the random list of requests I was sent with.  I also got some food items I didn’t realize I would miss so much – jalapeños and hot sauce. 
 
Tonight I am off to the Black Knight Pub with new friends for some much needed pub food … and maybe a salad. 
 
But in all seriousness, I have been so encouraged by the fact that I truly miss Colville Lake.  I miss my students and my coworkers.  I was just setting into the routine there and was not feeling ready to leave.  My heart can truly rest there.