5 Year Anniversary of Leaving Iceland

These posts were initially just about the anniversary of leaving Iceland at this time of the year in 2009, but since then additional anniversaries have added themselves: I’ve now been with Catie for three years and in Alberta for one.  Each of these changes has brought all sorts of great opportunities and a tinge of sadness (not being with Catie of course).

Last year’s post ended with a mention of my friendship with Joel that was reconfirmed with his visit this February capped by watching the gold medal game at 5 am.  But we’ve made new friends too and part of my goal was, even though I didn’t know how long I would be in Alberta, to get as engaged as possible in the community.

I joined the Rotary Club of Calgary Crowchild and immediately became the Secretary.  I volunteered to be the Public Relations Director for the Calgary Canucks Jr. A Team moving me from the broadcast booth to the bus where I travel Alberta with the team to share the news.  I joined the Calgary Balloon Club after the Rimbey event, enjoyed helping at the Canadian balloon championships in High River and drove to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning with Marvin and the gang.  Upon my return, I was acclaimed President-Elect of the Club and will take up my post with honour this fall.

Of course, I’ve also worked most of the time.  From a strategic review of the ACFA (Francophone Association) of Calgary’s activities, I’ve moved on to tackle the biggest issue that was identified: getting health access for Francophones.  And while I have no medical experience, I think I’ve pushed things in the right direction and have brought us closer to our goal.

We went home twice during the year: to Memère and Pepère’s 60^th anniversary party shortly after the major floods only a few blocks from our Calgary apartment and at Christmas time.  Those were oddly peaceful trips and reminded us of what we miss most from home: our friends and family.  While some have made the trip out here (Emelie arrived today on her second trip), we will be too far from them until we eventually return.

But before then, there is so much to enjoy in Alberta.  A few weeks ago, we moved into the house we bought in the North end of the city: a bungalow that will give us the chance to grow.  The same day we moved in, I proposed to Catie and she said yes meaning we will be married in the fall of 2015. Golf season and the Okotoks Dawgs baseball team will be starting just as soon as the winter ends (more snow in the forecast).

I don’t know if I would have recognized myself describing my life like this 5 years ago.  To be fair, I’m not sure I fully recognize myself as the person I was 5 years ago.  But if there is one thing to take from re-reading these annual posts, it’s that I haven’t wasted too much time reflecting on what could be or should be, but passing directly to action.  Here’s to another year, more adventures, but with memories of Iceland still in my heart.