Roadtrips...

Lake Audy, Manitoba

Spice

The fruits of my labo(u)r...

Minnesoda, Manitoba

Bossevain, Manitoba

The Rolling Praries...Manitoba

The land is flat and the temperature is brutal...but, it sure is eye-catching. The mustard fields are just spectacular and appear as though they were stolen right from Van Gogh's canvas. I think growing up surrounded by mountains and hills has jaded me a little, because I remember when I saw the ocean for the first time I was so amazed that I could see for miles and miles without end...I've had the same feelings here in Manitoba..just with land, not water!

This past weekend, Josh and I went camping in Riding Mountain National park, 100 km North, and we had a lot of fun. We found the perfect spot to pitch our tent, right on the bank overlooking beautiful lake Audy. The weather has been so warm and Josh decided to take a dip in the lake and convinces me that I wanted to join him...all was well until I discovered the leeches that were using my foot as an all you can eat buffet! (screech...)

We went for a 30K mountain bike ride, we saw many deer, a black bear, and an otter. We didn't however see any bison...not even in the bison enclosure...Josh and I got annoyed and decided that it must be a gimmick to lure in the tourists!!!

Anyway, we are home now, safe, away from the leeches and the mozzies!

This is a picture I took right before one of Manitoba's numerous tornados!

Summer Update

Just a quick note to update everyone on what I am doing:
I fought it for weeks, but I have finally just gave in!
I've been cooking, baking, and gardening and I LOVE IT.
My garden is growing beautifully (except for the tornados the other day causing harsh winds) and my bread baking skills are improving with each loaf. I am loving having time to relax-no deadlines, no watches, no calendars...just enjoying myself.

I have a new e-mail address now for those of you who want to take note its

Jennyinafrica@gmail.com

till next time...

HOME SWEET HOME

Well finally after 4 days of late night and early mornings I am FINALLY with Josh in Manitoba. What an exhausting four days; driving from Philly to MTL, Rotary meetings, visiting family, packing, unpacking, and repacking, shots for Africa, and a flat tire later...I sit in my comfy little army house!

This morning (ok ok it was afternoon!) while eating Breakfast!! Josh and were talking and all of a sudden something SLAMMED into the window...I got up to look out and it was a baby bird. I went outside and she was just lying there, so I picked her up and brought her inside. I wanted to keep her, but Josh was really certain that she was just stunned and that when she came to that she would fly around the house. Well...I took her outside and watched for a while, but unfortunately she died. I'm going to bury her later...I felt so bad.

Josh and I went to pick up some groceries and things for the house and when we got back I kept telling him about the things that I need to do, but I was just too tired to do them. He just looked at me and told me to relax that I can do it all later. He is absolutely right; however, my brain has been in overdrive for the past few years and it is incredibly difficult to just sit still have nothing to think about, papers to write, and matters to stress over. After some deep thought I have decided that this is going to be a work-free summer! I am going to get a hammock, lay in the backyard, read, and catch up on my French:)

Well I am off to eat dinner...prepared by my loving husband!!! (Yeah...I think I could get used to getting pampered!)

Grad Day...

Hello All...

If you are interested in watching my grad ceremony please click below on SATURDAY, MAY 19TH AT 10AM

To see Jenny's GRAD click here!

Outbound Training -- Pittsburgh, PA

All my uncomfort about transitioning vanished yesterday as I sat in awe at the back of the meeting room at the Pittsburgh Marriott! I had such a fantastic time. Many of the lingering questions that I had have been answered, but the most important thing was being surrounded by like-minded individuals who ALL love to travel. I swear if we were in any other location our conversations would have sounded tremendously pretentious! I met a few girls that after spending only three hours with them it felt as if we were life long friends:)

The training was very informative many of my questions about "the process" have been answered. I learned things about Rotary that I never knew-mainly about Polio. The teachers and alumni were so helpful in preparing us for what is to come. I enjoyed the presentations about how to prepare and what to include in our PowerPoint presentations while in Uganda.

As I listened to Mr. Dave (Rotarian Extraordinaire) speak I had goose bumps and honestly wanted to cry tears of happiness. Rotary and their mission matches my personality 100%. It is hard to believe that I have found an organization and a plethora of people whose beliefs are the same as mine. It is truly amazing to be 25 years old and 200% certain of what I want out of life! It thrills and excites me...I am happy beyond belief...

Bittersweet feelings...

Today was my last full day of school as an undergrad…I have two more tests and one more project to do. I am procrastinating…perhaps; I am a tad in denial about the upcoming end of all this stage of my life. Transitions are very difficult for me…the future is so alluring yet the past has grown padded walls around me. In the distance, I can see my husband who is waiting patiently (in his undisclosed location) so he can get a taste of what it is like to truly have a ‘live in” wife, while Africa competes for his attention. Her calls are getting louder and louder with each passing day. I will have to undergo two enormous transitions in only a matter of months. My independence is vital to my existence, but how long can I survive with only half my heart?

As my moving day approaches…insomnia moves in and anxiety makes my blood bubble…and so to add insult to injury the Canadian government decided to award me by sending my sweetheart to somewhere to do something …(Did I mention that I love the Army?)

Until Friday…when I will write from Pittsburgh…