Day 41- April 30- Maxime Lamoureux

Playing catch up a little. But let's pretend.

Friday- I spent most of the morning reading and then cooking in the afternoon. My neighbour planned to host a curry chicken/Stanley cup watching party for some Habs fans and one Pens fan. I volunteered to make the chicken and decided to try making the naan bread again, hoping that I could get it to be a little more fluffy than last time. It is a rather labour intensive bread, many steps but very worthwhile. I decided to put a bit of chopped onion in addition to the garlic. Tasted great.

Maxime was hanging out at the house when I was doing the naan and chicken, like a chicken with my head cut off. Running between the table and stove working on the different parts of the meal. It was fun, but made me sure that I wouldn't want to ever own my own restaurant! I asked Max if she wouldn't mind being my photo of the day and she graciously accepted.


I've known Maxime since my first year here in GR. Her family was my neighbour at my first apartment. I don't really remember her much from back then, she was probably in grade three at that point. Over the last couple of years however, we've had a chance to get to know each other and she is a really fantastic girl. She has LOTS of interests- sports(ie. snowboarding), arts (ie. SINGING(wow!!), visual art, dancing, music); simply put I rarely see her without something that is exciting happening to her or with her. She is a good student, although I haven't taught her since she is in French. It will be sad for lots of people next year because her family is moving to another community to work in another school, and she will be completing her last two years of school before CEGEP at a school in Montreal. I am sure she is both sad about leaving her friends and excited about the incredible opportunities that she has ahead of her. She will definitely never be forgotten by many people she has touched here in town. She has a way of making us laugh (sometimes in unplanned ways involving water- hehehe) and feel good. I had to post two pics- one because of her beautiful eyes, which I didn't capture very well in the shot- they are a piercing green- and I didn't realize how much like her mom's they are until I cropped this picture!! Freaky! Enjoy!!



Theme Song for today: Holiday in Spain by Counting Crows

Day 40- April 29- Liam Poulin

Today I wrote some letters for the first time in a while. On my way to the post office, I made a stop in to see one of my students, Caroline, and her new baby boy Joshua. I was going to take a picture while I was there, but I was kind of shy at the time... but maybe on another day, before I leave for summer. I then continued on to the school. I have been on a kick lately of making mix CDs, the still pretty cool younger cousin of the mix tape. I only had a few different mix tapes in my past, one of my favourites was a mix of Australian tunes with some of the fanciest doodles on the cover. It was from an exchange student, Kylie Crane, that I met during my year in Germany. I think it was an early birthday present when I visited her in Bremen. We skipped school, bought black cherries from the market and ate them on the outside stairs of the school while others went to class. Good times! Hard to believe it was 12 years ago this month!

At school, I wandered around a little bit to see what was happening. Usually those wanderings lead me by the girls culture room, where they rarely close the door and are always inside creating, sewing, designing and decorating mitts, parkas, scarves, and decorative pins. It's quite amazing to see the work. When I went by today, there was one little guy, who opted out of hunting (the boys culture class' favourite activity), so he could continue work on his alirtiq(sp? boot liners). He is the son of the gym teacher, Pascal. Liam is a fun kid, he's picked up both English and Inuktitut very quickly since coming to the north. He is a very creative and enthusiastic kid, plays hockey but loves science and movie making too. Enjoy!





Theme song for today: Wasting Time by Jack Johnson

Day 39- April 28- Mark Brazeau

Habs win a rather unlikely series with the Washington Capitals tonight. I love those kind of stories- underdogs that triumph. Very Canadian! I don't usually pay much attention to the games during the regular season but once the playoffs start it is exciting to track the Canadian teams and see if we still have the "je ne sais quoi" to take home the cup. My friends planned a pizza/nacho party to celebrate the game 7. Nancy, Mark, Andrea, Stephanie, Jean and myself all watched the game together in front of their Sharp big screen. The pizza turned out nicely- my favourite (and maybe everyone's) was the "green and white" inspired one: homemade whole wheat crust, olive oil and pesto sauce, garlic seasoned chicken, mushrooms, green peppers, roasted garlic, sauteed onions and a mix of white cheddar and feta cheese. Yum!

My photo of the day is Mark. I think he's too shy to let me take his picture, UNLESS he is with his dog team.So, I have to use a photo from two weekends ago instead. The weather hasn't been very conducive to running the dogs lately, so it's starting to feel like maybe they are done until things melt for road/trail training starts. Mark is the new Principal at school this year. Since I started at Ulluriaq, he's been working in administration though, so it's not new to him. I like working with him because he is a very hard worker, is creative, has a great rapport with the kids and is not afraid to use a little bit of heart in his job. Sadly, too many times government in particular tries to only make decisions in terms of black and white rules without considering the human faces that the decisions affect. Mark is trying his best to consider the faces, the families, the kids, the teachers. I hope that he will never be forced to give up that side of himself, since it is probably why our school is one of the most welcoming, kind, friendly and successful schools in the region.



I would also like to take a moment and pay homage to the purple fleece coat that he is wearing. Since I arrived in 2003, I have heard stories about this coat- it was from Mountain Equipment Co-op back when they still had a 300 rated polar fleece. He has tried to replace it, with all it's fadedness, holes and "90's styled colour", but somehow I still see it as his first choice. There's something to be said about it, somehow it just never dies!



Theme song for today: No Rain by Blind Melon

Day 38- April 27- Clara Hughes

Well, I had a kind of hectic day and didn't take the time to grab a photo of the day. I did however get inspiration for my person of the day from a very nice card I received in the mail. I LOVE mail, I really want to send REAL mail much more, it's so wonderful getting it, reading it and thinking about the trouble the person went through to put it together and send it. I find usually we take more time writing snail mail than we do with emails, that have become more like a work thing than a personal thing these days.

I got a thank you note from Clara, who was here last month to work with the students and the local hockey program. It was a brief visit but a nice one. She was a real inspiration to the staff and students during her presentation. She also encouraged and set a great example to the student athletes as well as she worked with them during the weekly practices. It was a very positive experiences for all of us, and I think to her as well. This is not a photo from today clearly, please forgive me for that, but I liked it all the same.



Theme Song for today: Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

Day 37- April 26- Willis Emudluk

I concentrated today on taxes. That was my only goal that I knew I wouldn't accept NOT completing by the end of the day. I upped the ante a little bit and even said that I wanted to finish before lunch, and managed to have both tabulated, rough drafts finished, supporting documents sorted by 12:05. Made the rest of my day seem very satisfying!

I walked twice to the co-op after lunch, since I forgot the tax envelopes at home the first time. Then Imaapik brought two random new friends over to play PS3 after school, Morgan and Willis. Willis as been here before, once, and I think he might be one of the sweetest little boys ever! Naturally there was no hesitation in choosing him for the beautiful person of the day!

I don't know for sure if Emudluk is his last name, but I know that's his mom's last name so I was guessing. His mother, Cecilia, was the school secretary for most of my years at the school. She is very helpful and cheerful, so I think that is where Willis learned those qualities. Willis has such cute, endearingly funny phrases that make me smile. He tries very hard in English, even though he has never formally taken it in school. I love seeing his smiley face around the school or town, because he is so clearly genuine in his good mood that it really becomes contagious. I love him so much I want to grab his cheeks like an Italian grandmother in the movies every time I see him.





Theme Song for today: Dashboard by Modest Mouse

Day 36- April 25- Jessie Papak

I was very successful today. Successful at procrastinating from doing my taxes. I'm not bragging about this, I am kind of annoyed with myself, but it is one of those things you dread, like going to the doctor, and once you go or start it's never as bad as it seems. It is just SO very difficult to start. This year in particular as I have receipts from renovations that I am able to claim, so that makes doing the taxes not as straightforward and "the same" as past years. Ugh... Doesn't matter that due to that refund I might actually get money back this year, it's just the thought of the extra minutes of work it will take to do that unknown part that I dread. But I determined on Saturday, that I would in fact enjoy my weekend and do them first thing on Monday... Tomorrow... morning. Hmmm. No more waiting I guess!

I spent the day doing things I like. I read lots of the book, "Perks of being a Wallflower" and am in the last section now. It's really good actually, I highly recommend it to all! then I got my iPod charged up and went for a skidoo ride, with my snowshoes at hand so I could hike around a bit if I found a beautiful spot. I went down past the airport and up a big hill that we sometimes take with the dogs. This hill is tall, towering even and it has a spine that runs from Alain's Lake down to the bay (where the watermelons grow). I drove close to the top of the hill, across snow and even some exposed bushes and tundra on my Skidoo. Then I walked further up on foot, trying to get a good shot of the water that is ice free already in the river and bay!

While I was walking up, I started to waiver a little bit. The wind was strong, so strong I could barely breathe air in through my right nostril, it was completely numb from the cold and pressure. I actually felt the wind pushing me so hard I felt like I could easily lose my footing, and off to my left side was a sheer cliff running the length of the trail I was walking. I felt as though if I had vertigo ever, I would not want to be anywhere near this trail or else I might not make it to the next day. I walked to the third rise, squatted behind a boulder, clutching my mitts carefully and firmly while I took out my camera for some pictures. Within seconds my hands were icy and almost unable to take more than three or four pictures.


I went from there back towards town, over an unfamiliar yet freshly cut track, checked out the other side of town before deciding on going back up the hill behind the water station to see how the trails for camping looked. As I climbed the hill out of town on my machine, I kept pressing heavier and heavier on the throttle and started flying across the lakes and hills. The sun and skidoos have made the trails a perfect highway. It was a really great ride. I got off at another spot and explored a few hills and in the trees a little bit on foot. When I came back into town I drove unknowingly though three groups of ptarmigan on the hill behind the school. As I approached them, they'd suddenly leap into flight and swarm all around my head as they fled from me. When I got home, I went for a stroll around town before settling in for supper.

I saw Jessie on my way home from a walk. She is kind of new in town. I didn't meet her until I got back here in February. She is living with a couple of teachers a few doors down. I have never met a kinder, more friendly girl in my life. She is a great photographer as well, and is super excited every time she sees you. She is good friends with Theresa, one of the French students. I think she is enjoying her time here in town!


Theme song for today: The Sound of Settling by Death Cab for Cutie (That part where they sing "Bap Aah, etc. always gets stuck in my head when I a driving on days like today)

Day 35- April 24- Anne Lanteigne

It's Anne's Birthday on Monday so Stephanie hosted a little event for her, since Kerrin wasn't able to have everyone at her place. Kerrin (and incredible cook) had made an incredible array of food- curry, burritos, etc. I brought some cocoa/cayenne rolls that I made in the afternoon. They turned out pretty good. Something different. It was a small affair but nice.



Anne is the mother of Nikita and the grade 7 teacher at school. (Well, with the reform it's called "Pre-Secondary", but it's hard to break old habits!) She is an incredibly generous woman, she took very good care of me when I first got to the north; helped me figure out my new skidoo, took me fishing and camping, invited me for lots of wonderful meals and socials, and helped me figure out things at school. Anne is a lot of fun, she knows how to let loose and have a good time, she always makes me laugh. Anne has a wonderful family, I love them very much!

This pic is a more recent one of Anne with her first grand daughter, Anjali.
Theme Song of the day: New by No Doubt

Day 34- April 23- Penina Etok

Again I am sitting down at the end of today and wondering HOW I managed as much as I have. I feel like I need a vacation from this "vacation". Mind you, I have been rather into work lately, and in fact one of the teachers will be starting a preventative leave on Monday and if the school board approves it, I might actually replace her to finish off the year. We'll see on Monday what the decision is. As a result of this possibility, I went in for a period of class this morning to get a taste of what the pilot program for Social Studies that Lesley has been doing this term is all about. I will be annoyed if after all of that I am not permitted to fill in, but whatever. Time will tell.


This afternoon I worked on some things at home, baked a cocoa coffee cake and read more of the book I am reading, "The Perks of being a Wallflower". Listened to music, danced around a little bit and finished all the dishes that were making an appalachian chain across my countertops. This evening I went to Maggie and Jean's house, I unfortunately forgot that the meal was happening so I ate before and just went to socialize a little bit. I brought the coffee cake along and even though they all complained of being too full, they seemed to enjoyed it.


This afternoon I dropped by the northern to get ingredients for cinnamon buns and ran into Penina, Monica's mom from Day 4. She is a great lady, always laughing and enjoying herself. She really makes me laugh and I feel good after chatting with her whenever and wherever I see her. She's got a great heart and is very caring towards others. I really like her a lot, so she is my photo of the day! I couldn't decide, which photo to use so I put them all together!





Theme Song for today: Begin to Cry by Christopher Jak

Day 33- April 22- Jean Leduc

What a, WHAT, a week! Spent a few hours in the morning at Jean's place helping answer some computer questions and drinking coffee. It was a lot of fun and something a little different from my usual baking, reading and blogging mornings. I decided to take his picture outside when I first got to his house. It was mild practically WARM, so he was outside doing some building. Something I think he really likes to do.

Jean is a really one of a kind guy. He is the reason that most of us at the school agreed to come north and why so many of us have spent many, many years here. He's a visionary, he sees beyond the black and white, nitty gritty details of running a school. He is attune with people, trusts his hunches and has a lot of trust and faith in the people around him. He is an enabler, someone who encourages you to try new creative things, as long as they support the students and foster a positive environment for everyone. It was with mixed feelings that we celebrated his retirement last June. We knew we'd miss his presence in the school. (Fortunately he had a very capable replacement that was mentored by him for many years so the transition this year was rather seamless!)





Theme song for the Day: Rootless Tree by Damien Rice

Day 32- April 21- Nikita Etok

Woke up and decided to read in bed for the first hour of being awake. The light is already bright and who knows when- maybe 4 something- so I really couldn't sleep anymore at that point. I am currently reading the book, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". I borrowed it from school, the upper grade is reading it so when I subbed for them during Clara Hughes' visit I picked one up to read as well. It's interesting. I like the style, and the character, "Charlie", is really growing on me. He is endearing, as are most wallflowers, in their own quirky and caring way.

This afternoon I was called in to sub for the last two periods for a teacher that was called in to the dentist. It was fun. I took my picture of the day while I was there. It is one of my favourite people in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nikita Etok. Nikita was sort of my first "little sister" in town. I was taken under the wing by her mom, a more senior teacher than myself, in my first year in the north. As a result, I was blessed with lots of time spent camping, doing suppers, hanging out, summer visits and time spent with her family. I love Nikita to death, and have enjoyed watching her grow up from the little girl in grade 5, my first year, to the beautiful, smart confident Secondary 4 student that she is today. She has a wonderful sense of humour, is extremely caring and nurturing to those around her and is SUCH a fun girl to hang out with. I am very excited that next year is her graduation year and anxious to see where her life takes her after that is completed. Nikita will always have a super big place in my heart. I have enjoyed every minute that I have had to teach her and to hang out with her. (I did a little photoshopping on the second pic to see what it would be like softened a bit like a painting...) Enjoy the pics!





Theme Song of the day: Crazy On You by Heart

Day 31- April 20- Louisa Etok

Had a meeting this afternoon for next year's school organization. Have I mentioned that I love work and miss it greatly. Think I take after Dad in this, he works like a crazy man for things he loves and is passionate about. I find it hard to think of him ever truly retiring in the real sense of that word. I find I am much the same way as him. I'll admit it. But THAT is where the similarities end, okay? he he he


I made charr some charr cooked with lime and cumin for my neighbours for supper. Then went for a walk to the airport with Heather Rose before settling in to watch the Senators and Penguins game. I am determined however to get to sleep earlier than the last couple of nights so I will keep this brief.


I grabbed this pic of Louisa and her niece, Nayome (or Naomi?), at the beginning of my walk tonight. She is a former student of mine that graduated last June. She was in secondary one homeroom class with me in my second year up here, so I really saw her all the way through her secondary, and am very proud of her for having worked her way to the end! Louisa is rather quiet but is coming out of her shell more and more every time I see her. Most recently I found out that her and her sister, Nancy, travelled to Alberta to throat sing for a crowd of strangers. I might have never believed shy Louisa would have done that, if someone had asked me the question as a bet when I first met her in Sec. 1. We did have wonderful times together in school. Her class was the one that was responsible for coming up with the "Grudge" movie, which was one of the really fun movie projects that I have ever worked on with students. She played a pretty big speaking role as well in that, and also made the blooper reel, which I think none of us will ever forget without remembering what a great time we had together making that movie!! I am excited to see where life takes Louisa!





Theme song for today: Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Day 30- April 19- Saladie Snowball

I was in recovery today from the camping trip. I guess I was tired from all the wonderful fresh air and outdoors activities. It felt good to take it easy today. I didn't bake, I just relaxed and caught up on some things on my computer. If I had been more mentally sharp I would have done my taxes since I am really getting too close to the date for my own comfort, but I just wasn't up to it.

After school, Imaapik brought two of his friends, Nathan and Shawn, to play video games at my place. I was kind of busy anyway, so it was nice having them over. I was working on photos for a First Air photo contest, that I just recently discovered online. I had to edit, resize and select the photos from my library of thousands of shots. I went out around 7:30 for a walk, and went inside the arena since I could hear lots of action as I walked past it. The roads were also a mess of slush, water and ice so I didn't really feel much in the mood to walk far.

At the arena, I ran into Saladie. She's an avid reader of my blog and had just arrived home from watching the women's hockey tournament in Kuujjuaq this past weekend. I asked her if she'd be my photo of the day, and she eagerly answered yes! When I was setting up the first shot, a few of her friends who hadn't seen her yet started running over to welcome her home with hugs, handshakes and kisses. So I decided to put both shots in because they were such good sports!

I love Saladie. I got to know her a few years back when I was still coaching the Tundra Trot running team at the school. She started to come to the practices with her older sister and the two of them were naturals at the sport. I have never seen the same dedication to training that I saw in those girls. Often on the weekends I would see them running back and forth between the airport (a 4 km round trip) multiple times, "just for fun" they'd say. They have since had the chance to go to Arctic Winter games for snowshoeing and have also started playing hockey with the hockey development program. Saladie is incredibly aware and conscientious about her health and works hard to keep herself in shape. She is also very intelligent and is a stellar student. I can see the world completely open to her in the future if she keeps herself disciplined and working hard like she is now. She's a really great girl and I am proud to know her!






Theme Song for today: The Rest is Up to You by Relient K

Day 29- April 18- Gary Thibault

Sunday- Short Lake


The day started out with rainy, wet snow and fog. It was SO incredibly wet outside that I was kicking myself that I hadn't brought my Goretex coat instead of my down parka! But astonishingly while I was taking all the wet things out of my qamoutik to dry them the sun started break through slightly causing the black rocks around the cabin to steam with evaporating moisture.


We left for home just after lunch. It was a warm ride home with lots and lots of ptarmigan all around the trail! The smell of tundra moss and dirt was in the air at some spots where the snow had melted away making me think fondly of spring and upcoming goose hunting excursions that don't seem too far away now. The light has also changed significantly. As we rolled into town this afternoon, I could have sworn that it felt like 3 pm but it was already 5:30. The light has begun it's annual trickery!


My photo of the day is of Gary. (Yesterday's, Person of the day Manon's, boyfriend) He works at the school as a behaviour technician and as an all around helpful kind of guy. I love chatting with him when I am going to or leaving the school since his "office" is near the front doors. He always as interesting things to share. He's from somewhere in Gaspe originally, and has a wonderful sense of humour and attitude.







Theme song for today: Row, Row, Row your boat by ?? (It was stuck in my head, UNFORTUNATELY, and I ended up singing it over and over and over again while driving home today. Ugh!)

Day 28- April 17- Manon Fournier

What a wonderful weekend! It was mild and sunny on Friday so we packed and left that evening for Short Lake. The crew included, Nancy, Mark, Imaapik, Stephanie, Manon and Gary. Daniel and Annie were also going there too but they were much faster than us and we only pretty much saw them once on the road.


Saturday was nice, mild but not too melty. Annie was out fishing much before anyone else and was a fish catching MACHINE! I think she jigged 16 fish that day alone, and more on Sunday! Everyone else was on the lake by 9 or so and Mark took Imaapik around the lake to hunt ptarmigan, which are all over the mountains these days.


Manon is my photo of the day, she caught a nice big charr and stopped for a picture between catches. She is a French primary teacher at the school. She's been up north for a long time, maybe approaching 9-10 years. I have always liked Manon, she's positive, friendly, fun and very kind. She's a great singer for RockBand nights and loves to dance at parties as well. I'm glad that I've had more chances this year to go camping with her and her man, Gary. It's been great getting to know her more as a result.








Theme Song of the Day: Beautiful Day by U2

Day 27- April 16- Rupert

Putting this up so that I won't have three to do when I come home from camping! Today was a BEAUTIFUL day, sunny, warm despite the wind!! I followed Mark with his dogs this morning, and rode them across the long lake, will post pictures later from that!! Then had some excitement with the rest of the town this afternoon when we waited for "the plane of wonders"... hehehe


This plane was due to fly overhead to drop out candies and clothing and other things. It boggled my mind how this kind of thing would shape up, so I went with what seemed to be EVERYONE from town more or less behind my house. There was hundreds of people, excited, hyper, anxious and enthusiastically waiting for the plane to start one of it's many passes above us. It was quite a fun thing to experience. I only got one candy bar that Stephanie picked up for me, but took lots of pictures. It was very fun!!


Rupert was one of the many people out there. He's a great little guy and one of the biggest hockey freaks I know in town. Over the past winter he has been at my neighbour's ice rink for hours and hours each day playing hockey with his friends or shooting the puck alone. He's so hard core about hockey, that he lugs the bag back and forth from the arena daily to his practices for the team as well. He's training to be a goalie I think, so the bag is almost twice his size. It's a great testament to the positive influence that hockey is having on our kids in town. They are learning about healthy living and also about discipline and commitment! He's a super kid.





Theme song for today: Trip by Hedley

Day 26- April 15- Wayne and Adamie, The Etok Brothers

So, I am cheating big time today. I was so consumed with subbing at school and then making some spiced pizza dough that I completely neglected my photo of the day. So, I tried to find something meaningful to put by looking back exactly one month ago.
One month ago, Clara Hughes had just arrived in town, fresh from the Olympics, and in need of some refreshment for her soul and mind. She jumped right into the school with her inspiration and genuine, heartfelt message of encouragement to the students. She is truly one of those people that will always be burned in my mind as being the most caring, "REAL", honest, open humble people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.


These two pictures are of some of my favourite people in George River, Wayne and Adamie. I have taught Wayne for many years and have always been impressed with his positivity, his CREATIVITY, his wonderful sense of humour and his deep kindness. Wayne can make me feel happy if I feel blah, just by the way he says hi and smiles. I am SO proud of him, who he is growing up to be, his incredible strength of character and the fact that he might not always have the easiest life ever, but he never gives up and works his butt off, without drawing a huge amount of attention to himself. If I had a kid someday, I would hope that they'd turn out like Wayne.




I don't know Adamie as well, only from when he'd visit his cousin Erik when I'd be visiting Anne. He is one of the sweetest little guys I know. When I first was here, he was still pretty young and I'd often see him looking after his little sister, Betty, walking her home after school. He's very quiet as well, unassuming and so nice that it's hard not to love him! He's always eager to say hello when I see him and makes me feel like I'm home here!




Theme Song for Today: Doginabag by The Fratellis

Day 25- April 14- Julianna and Penina Mae

Kind of a slow day. I was trying to help my guest do some sightseeing to see if she might come up with something for another newspaper story, since the trip wasn't working out as well as she had planned. We went after lunch towards Old Woman's Lake where Daniel, Annie and the IPL classes had taken the grade 1 class out for their dog sled excursion. We were equally out for ourselves, taking full advantage of the off and on sun that warmed the town up throughout the day.


I took my photo of the day out on the lake. Julianna and Penina Mae were SO happy and excited to be riding the dog teams home. Penina Mae was very friendly, like most kids up here, eagerly talking to me about her day, asking my name and introducing herself, since I don't think we have actually met before. Julianna on the other hand, is an extremely sweet by shy little girl. Every time I see her she has the biggest most sincere smile I have ever seen on anyone, period! She has the happiest eyes and her disposition is cheerful each time we meet. They had an incredible ride home with Leevan on his dogsled.



Once home, I finally tried making bagels. They were the trickiest thing I have tried so far and find the whole process rather weird. They seem to have turned out alright. I especially like the ones that I rolled up with a bit of cinnamon. They smelled the best, and seem to have a really great flavour.








Theme song for today: Road Trippin' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Day 24- April 13- Alice Annanack

I'm doing this post a little bit early. I changed up my schedule a little by baking in the morning and then went outside to run errands this afternoon. Namely, dropping off the baking to others so I won't have to eat them all! Today I tried the cinnamon rolls again, this time using my warm oven trick to get them to rise up better than the last time. I also tried some variations on the ingredients inside- I used some shredded coconut in some of them, then tried some with a bit of cocoa with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. The cayenne/chocolate ones taste good but really have quite the kick to them.





I delivered some to Nancy and Mark, then drove some over to Vinnie and Felix then stopped at the school. The secondary students were all in the Agora listening to a presentation about the upcoming Nunavik Adventure Challenge that is going to happen on Saturday in town. They were pretty excited, as most of them were involved this Fall in a similar challenge and had a great time!


While I was at school, I saw Alice, the Culture Teacher for the girls. I asked her if she didn't mind being my photo for today and she agreed. I mostly noticed that she had a beautiful nassak on as well. Alice has been the Culture teacher for quite a while. She is really calm, patient yet very talented when it comes to sewing, cooking and traditional women's skills. I had two of her kids in one of my first Social Studies classes in 2003. They were great kids, but definitely gave me a run for my money in terms of classroom management. It didn't take long before they had figured me out and were very fun kids to teach. They both have kids now and are "grown up", they are really great people!! Enjoy the picture!





Theme song for today: The Underdog by Spoon

Day 23- April 12- Jessie Etok-Stewart

I had a visitor arrive today right smack dab in the middle of my clean up from baking bread/dinner rolls and starting to prepare the mashed potatoes for Nancy's mom, Jessie's birthday party. The visitor is a journalist from Nunatsiaq News, who is in town all week for the regional Makivik Corp. meetings.


The weather turned into a little blizzard today. Everything is frozen firmly, and it makes me look forward to camping this weekend, if all goes well. I am still hoping for a few days of substitute work as well, but that might be a lot of last minute kind of stuff, so I don't know if I will have the luxury to plan myself ahead by much. I might have an opportunity to follow the IPL groups next week to a place that there is usually polar bears and lots of seals this time of the year. That would be fun... and scary!


Jessie had a birthday yesterday, but the day was really hectic so we celebrated tonight at Nancy and Mark's house. Jessie is thus, my person of the day. I've known her since my first year in Kangiqsualujjuaq. She's be very involved in the school and Education committee so we've had the chance to interact a fair bit. She has a great sense of pride in her culture and she works hard to continue it by mentoring the young drum dancers and throat singers in town among other things. She has a wonderful family, her daughter is also a strong role model in town, and her sons both have sweet little families of their own now, so she is kept busy with all of them! I have a lot of respect for Jessie and am thankful for all of the wonderful ideas, support and help she has given in me since I came up here in 2003.





Theme song for today: This Town by O.A.R.

Day 22- April 11- Imaapik Brazeau

Was back at the baking. Today was oven pretzels, the big kind you can buy at the mall. They turned out well and were kind of a fun recipe to do. After they are formed, before they go into the oven you have to dip them in baking soda water. Kind of different, but an incredibly important step it seems. I dusted them with melted butter and a bit of coarse salt. My neighbours approved, as they have become my taste testers for this baking challenge I have given to myself.


Speaking of the neighbours, their son Imaapik is my photo of the day. I arrived in Kangiqsualujjuaq the month after Imi was born. So, I haven't know this town without him, and I guess he's not known it without me as well. He has the most incredible imagination, loves superheroes(and thinks he's one 3/4 of the time), is warm and generous, and is a super duper sweet kid. Since I came back in February with a PS3 and a Batman game for it, he's also visited me quite often when he's bored. He came over while I was baking to try to beat Dr. Zsasz. He's hilarious to watch when he plays. If he is nervous or excited, he jumps up and down uncontrollably! I had to post both of these pictures, his smiling one, and one of him completely into the game, bouncing up and down excitedly!! Enjoy!








Theme song of today: Top Yourself by The Raconteurs

Day 21- April 10- Maggie Lucy Annanack

Today the land was beautiful. Due to the slightly warmer temperatures the last week and a bit of new snow a couple nights ago the land was a perfect, flat, endlessly smooth layer of white. It was almost like being on an uninhabited planet or in a wintery desert, especially when you'd approach the crest of a hill, the white land meeting the white sky; very surreal!


I went with Nancy, Mark and Imaapik. We were heading to the lake that the Easter Fishing contest happened on, then through some trees to meet up with Maggie and Jean. I was amazing how much the lakes had hardened up since Monday, when they were very slushy! Unfortunately we couldn't find their trail and didn't actually know where they were going. Instead, we went to the Koroc River and back towards Ujarasutjulik via another lack that I don't exactly how to spell- Unnaktualuk- or something like that?! The ride was nice, but the river was a bit slushy and watery in spots. Fortunately none of us got stuck and managed to have a really wonderful ride over pristine hills and through fluffy, needly trees.


We met up with a few ladies from town on Ujarasutjulik. They were fishing so Nancy stopped to try her luck. One of the ladies is my chosen one for today. Maggie Lucy is a teacher with me in the Secondary sector at school. She teaches Inuktitut language and has been at school for many, many years! I have always enjoyed teaching with her. She very kind, helpful and nice. I had her son, Mark, in my very first homeroom class here in GR. He was a hoot when we did improv drama for Workskills. I will never forget him acting out "cooking" with a fake stove and frying pan. It was hilarious!!





Theme song for today: Hey, Soul Sister by Train (It was running through my head the whole ride back to town)

Day 20- April 9- Vanalena Emudluk

I took a break from the yeast quest today, but mid-afternoon I felt the need to make something. I had a couple visitors this afternoon. Imaapik came to play the Batman game that came with my PS3 after Christmas. He's a cute kid and loves video games. I like the way he jumps up and down uncontrollably when he is nervous or excited. Vanalena came with him since he always travels in a group. She mostly just watched and made a few peeps but not much sound. A few minutes later, Imi's mom, Nancy came over too. She was uploading songs to her iPod from my computer before she travels again on Saturday.


While everyone was busy with their tasks, I felt like baking, so I looked up a recipe for Carrot Apple Walnut muffins and got to work. They are SO full of stuff it was quite interesting to make them! I had the first lot finished just before Nancy and Imi left to make supper, so I forced them to take a bunch with them. I tried one, they were good. Not as sweet as I would have expected, but I kind of preferred it that way.


Vanalena is one cute kid. She has changed so much over the last few years but I always enjoy her company. She is fiery, yet shy; funny, but intense; gentle but abrupt. For a child of three, it's quite a package! We have very limited communication since I think she believes that I understand Inuktitut really well, which I don't. It's kind of funny the conversations we have despite the lack of a common language. She makes me laugh and when she warms up to you, she can be one of the cutest little things ever! I have some amazing pictures of her from last summer and Alain's Lake, and it reminds me of how animated she is in her facial expression!! Vana, Day 20, enjoy!





Theme song for today: (One of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE songs ever!!!!!!) World Spins Madly On but The Weepies (I could seriously listen to this on repeat forever and would never get tired of it!!!!)

Day 19- April 8- Hilda Snowball, Jr.

I got busted. Was too tired last night when I got home from hanging out with Jean and Luc to post my picture and Minnie Molly totally busted me on Facebook this morning. I didn't tell her my trick of "post dating" the entries so they secretly show the date I SHOULD have posted it on yet- but she caught me before I could do the trick! Guess you teach them well when your students can then bust you back on not doing YOUR homework!


Not much on the go again "today" (I'll write it as if I was still on Apr. 8) since no one will really know the difference in hindsight! Weather has been less than co-operative. I took a walk in the morning to the stores to do some research for a new qamoutik I'd like to buy before next year. A kind that floats like a boat and is a dream for the slushy time of the year, which was so early this year that I fear it will start to become the norm. Darn global warming?! Captured my photo of the day of another blogger, Sapina's sister Hilda while I was checking prices at the Northern.


After buying more yeast, I started the Naan breads. They were the most labour intensive to date, but I think I am realizing that you just cannot use even close to the amount of flour that a recipe calls for. I read somewhere that the amount of flour is significantly affected by the altitude that you live at, but I feel like latitude is also having a huge affect too. Or else I still suck at bread making. The naan turned out a bit more dense than I would have liked, but the garlic infusion did taste really good and complimented the indian curry chicken so well that I was not completely upset that I had made them. I think I will try the recipe again with less flour and if they still turn out so dense then I will look for another recipe. I think I will take today off from my quest to conquer yeast, since I don't use the quick rise stuff so it take a freaky long time of waiting for things to rise. Part of me thinks I should just try a regular bread next. Or dinner rolls to be just a bit different.


So, Hilda. She is my muse for the 19th day. She was actually still a student when I first came to GR, she was in the upper class, so I rarely taught her, maybe for one class of Study Skills, as I was always elected for the junior high aged groups. I know her family fairly well though, and have taught her sisters and brothers for many years since then. Hilda is an very good mother, a hard worker (she works at the daycare) and is one of the most talented musicians/singers in town. Her singing is not due to training and development, but her voice is so pure, clear, and beautiful it can ONLY be God given!! I have actually been thinking for years I should try to get back into playing music by getting together with her more, and never seem to find the time. Next summer when I send my bass and try to make more time for music, I think we'll have to find time to play at some point together!
I did a little photo processing on this one before posting. I found the background too distracting so I tried to get rid of some of it. Hope you like it!





Theme song for today: The Ocean by Ten Shekel Shirt (It always makes me think of home!)

Day 18- April 7- Johnny Sam Annanack

I have realized from the last few days that a 365 blog of PEOPLE is a VERY big challenge to someone who lives alone. Unlike a regular 365, where you can take a picture of any inanimate object in your house 20 minutes before midnight to make the deadline- getting a unique person everyday is something that has to be rather carefully orchestrated. I decided my focus should be more specifically on featuring a new person each day, instead of necessarily TAKING the picture on the actual day, since somedays, frankly, I am rather satisfied to be alone, and keep busy to myself than see people. So, on those days, I can just dedicate the day to the person, even if it isn't the newest picture of them. 365 blog purists- please forgive me!


Today I tried for the second day in a row to conquer yeast... dough... kneading. I feel like I failed the pizza dough two days ago, so it made me feel like I needed to practice and work on it. So, today, I found a cinnamon bun recipe, and went at it again. I tried to really take my time at the stage of adding the flour and it really worked pretty darn good, if I do say so myself! I followed the recipe to a "t", but feel like the last step of adding a vanilla glaze, might have been a bit too sweet, in hindsight. I brought a pan of them over to the neighbours house and they seemed to enjoy them so that's a good sign. Tomorrow my plan is trying some naan bread and then making some thai coconut curry chicken to go with it. We'll see how well it works without having access to a grill/BBQ to do the more authentic job. Hope it works out!


Photo today is of Jason and an elder, Johnny Sam Annanack. I don't know Johnny Sam very well. I know his daughter Mary and son, David Dan, who was a former student of mine, much better. I was completed impressed however with him from the recent Culture Day. He demonstrated how Inuit in the old days used to put a net under the ice using a "Y" shaped stick and a branchless tree. Once he had shown them once, he pulled the rope out from under the ice and helped many of the kids one by one to try doing it themselves. It was a really well organized, presented and executed lesson, by teacher's college standards, and I appreciated the care, patience and enthusiasm that he took when communicating with the kids. It was a very meaningful thing to watch. Here's to you, Johnny!






Theme Song of the Day: Awake my Soul- Mumford and Sons

Day 17- April 6- Traugott Annanack

I didn't feel much like being out and about today. Sore a bit from yesterday and the roads are a slushy mess as everything continues to meltdown. I went for one walk around to the Co-op and around a bit, but never stopped to take pictures. Tried to make some pizza crust from scratch and got a bit disappointed at the trouble I was having with kneeding the dough. Shared the pizza with my neighbours even though it turned out a bit more tough than I would have liked.


After supper, I came home and made use of my FINALLY fixed phone line to call my mom and dad. I spoke to dad briefly last month, but haven't had a good chat with mom since I left to come up here in February. We talked for a long time, it was very, very nice!

So, those are all my excuses as to why I don't have a fresh photo for today. I wanted to post something though, and I have been dreaming to last year's Easter break, so here is one of my favourite shots from then. A time where the weather was optimal for Short Lake, where the lakes and trails were not slushy, but the days were still warm with sun and little breeze. I wish we had THAT weather THIS week!


This picture is of Traugott, his younger brother Lane, and Imaapik, my neighbour's boy. They spent many hours that day trying to trap a whiskeyjack bird in a milk crate. They lured it in with scrap foods, had a string with a stick holding the box up and managed to indeed capture the bird. It was quite an incredible ordeal, I was impressed by the teamwork, patience, creativity and enthusiasm that Traugott in particular showed at this project. He takes after his dad, Daniel, a lot! He's a real hunter man, that will grow up to be a very good provider for his family I am sure. He's also a very nice and kind guy, too! Enjoy the picture, as I dream to Easter breaks gone by!





Theme song for today: Mad World by Gary Jules with Michael Andrews

Day 16- April 5- Susie Morgan

What a day! It's becoming apparent that the week long camp fest that we usually do at Easter, might not in fact, be even possible this year! I went with Heather Rose and Nancy to the upper Ujarasujulik where they community had a fishing contest. We left a little before lunch, the sun came out the farther we went from town.


As we passed over "frozen" lakes(and I use that term loosely), lines of slush and water opened up underneath our skidoos sucking us downward in typical "Spring" fashion. It is both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. I used to be much more nervous at this time of the year before I understood that the slush is created by water that is on top of the ice mixing with the huge layer of snow. The ice underneath is still many feet thick. In a week or two after the mega slush time, usually the water drains and gives a bit more time for good skidooing before the ice gets too thin. Slush is simply an annoyance- sometimes you can get stuck in it and you tend to get all wet trying to get the machine going again.


While we were at the lake, the sun came out and it was almost too warm to even wear a coat for a few hours. I took two possible pictures of the day. A cute one of Heather Rose first, then one of Susie Morgan. Since I know I can get Heather Rose again, I thought I would dedicate today to Susie. (Sorry Heather! Thanks for letting me get one though...) Since it's a cute picture, I will also post the one of Heather, just because it's beautiful! I mean, SHE is! haha



Susie Morgan is one of the elders in town that the younger women especially look up to. She is always busy sewing and taking care of her family. She was at culture day and was demonstrating how to clean an otter skin. The women in town are some of the most beautiful and STRONG creatures I ever met. I find the stories her and her sister have shared with students are so incredible and inspiring! Hope you enjoy these shots of Spring!





Theme song of the Day: You, Me and the Sunshine by Jeremy Fisher

Day 15- April 4- Antone

Happy Easter Everybody! I woke up to a fairly sunny and much too unseasonably warm day... much to my chagrin. Most people in the world are excited about the warmer temperatures, melting snowbanks, warm breezes replacing the bone chilling freeze of winter. But up here, it's a different story!


Spring is not classified by flowers budding, roaring streams of melt-off waters, above 10 degree weather. Rather Spring up here is temperatures hovering around minus 5, brilliant sun bouncing off the snow and starting the annual ritual of getting the best face tan, being able to skidoo to your favourite fishing hole with the parka unzipped or packed away in the qamoutik and only a fleece keeping the chill of the "warm" breeze off the skin. There is usually a fast, intense two week span between Spring and Summer when the meltdown happens- and it normally would take place when we're tied down to exams and marking, so we don't even notice.


Unfortunately this dreaded two week event might be here early, screwing up an otherwise amazing and exciting week, where teachers are off and try to get away from town for a week of camping.


Today, I spent sometime at my favourite neighbour's house, since it was rainy outside and not good for spending time in the great outdoors. She had one especially cute little visitor over while I was there, her nephew, Antone. He is actually a cousin of Little Cynthia that I featured on Day 5. He reminds me a lot of his paternal grandfather, when his hair is longer, they have the same hairstyle. He is a happy boy, has a wonderful set of parents, and a sweet baby brother. I don't know him very well, but now that he is not afraid of me anymore, he has one of the most endearing smiles whenever I see him! I tried to get a few shots of him inside but the lighting was not good, and finally got a cute shot after we played peek-a-boo in the doorway before he left to go home. Enjoy!





Theme Song for the day: New Inheritors by Wintersleep (Check them out online, new album coming out soon, I think you can download it for free if you sign up for the mailing list!!)