Grown!

So, I am officially done my internship with the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC)....which means I have officially completed my education....which means I am an official adult? Time to get a job? Buy a house? Get married? Have a mini-Becky or two? Get arthritis? Buy a condo in Florida? Spoil my grandkids?

Oy. The thought of how quickly life may fly by makes my head spin.

At this point in time, I am just hunting for my next GRAND adventure...one step at a time!

Below is an article I wrote for the MAC newsletter on my last day as an intern...ch-ch-ch-check it out!

Happy t&t,
<3 Becky
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Five weeks.


In five weeks time you can drive to British Columbia and back four and a half times, you can grow your hair around 1.25 inches in length, or you can climb Mount Everest from base to summit close to three times (in good weather). You can also finish your post-graduate education and complete an internship at the Mississauga Arts Council, which is the route that I chose to take.

As a Public Relations intern at the Mississauga Arts Council, I have gained experience in all different forms of communication. I have had the opportunity to further develop my writing, editing, design, research, networking and social media skills through various projects, and I was lucky enough to do all of that while working in an office with a positive vibe.

While reflecting on and comparing my internship adventure with friends and classmates, I have realized how lucky I was to have been placed at MAC, the non-profit arts organization run by fierce and vibrant arts ambassadors. Some of my peers have said a lot about their big offices, their view of the CN tower, and their free lunches, but they don’t have much to say about the actual work they accomplished. I don’t know anyone else who, during their internship, took part in the execution of two fantastic events, appeared on television with Austin di Iulio from So You Think You Can Dance Canada, was responsible for the design and content of a program for a large awards show, familiarized the organization with social media networks, was quoted in the Business Times, made phone call (after phone call) to all types of local, regional and national media, developed a further understanding of the non-profit world, and brushed shoulders with the amazing talent that Mississauga has to offer.

Well, the five weeks have flown by and the road has come to an end. My adventure as a member of the MACpac has verified my personal passion for communications, non-profit organizations, community, the arts, and the importance of working for an organization that I truly believe in.

At the end of this day, it will be time for me to pack up my items and take the first ‘grown up’ exit on the highway of life. I don’t know where I am headed, but as my favourite quote says “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” -- (Jawaharlal Nehru).

My eyes are wide open. Bring on the adventures.
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Glorious.

Camping at Pinery Provincial Park was glorious!

Sand, sunshine, campfires, tasty treats, giggles, beautiful lake, falling asleep to the sound of the waves...it was lovely (just really, really cold at night).

We would (& likely will) return in the summertime when the crystal clear waters of Lake Huron can be properly enjoyed!

Until then, campouts in my backyard will have to do...(and they DO do! so fun!).

Happy trails & travels,

-- Becky <3

The Pinery.

There is simply nothing better, to me, than the outdoors. One of my favourite activities of LIFE is camping. The smell of campfire, the unusual noises, the stars, the friendly strangers, the awesome conversations, the endless games of UNO (my personal fav), and that peaceful feeling that overtakes your body while you are there. It has been a favourite past-time of mine ever since I was a child, and I think it probably always will be.

Next weekend, the Powerpuffers (Deni/Ana/Myself) are setting out for our first camping trip of the year. Weeee!!! So happy. I realize it is still May, and currently it is FREEZING cold outside (and snowing up North!!) but we can totally handle whatever Mother Nature decides to throw our way. I AM hoping for a little bit of sunshine though.

We took our first camping trip together last summer and had a BLAST, so we decided to get an early start this year. Plus, there is no guarantee that we are all going to be spending our summer in the same city (or country, for that matter) so we have decided to at least get this once trip in.

We are hitting up Pinery Provincial Park. This will be the first time I camp at this park, but it looks like a beauty. I cannot wait!

This time next weekend I will be sitting in my classic camp 'socks, sweatpants and sandals' outfit by a roaring fire, attempting to create the perfect smore, playing UNO, drinking a beer and having inspirational chats with my besties!

Woo hoo!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xo <3

Planted paradise and took away a parking spot?

I discovered this "article" some time last year, and just re-discovered it today in my "favourites"!
I think it is really, really interesting and pretty inspiring.
I am trying to live a greener lifestyle (I can admit to absolute failure so far) BUT I am determined to get there and continue to make little changes in my life (which will eventually turn into big changes)!

Here is the link: www.frankejames.com/debate/?p=98

Hopefully you will enjoy it too!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky <3

Go find yourself.

Well kids, school time is (basically) over...
the reports have been written...
the presentations are prepared...
the blog is being handed in (Hi Eva!)...
...and I am prepping myself for the BIG SCARY WORLD!

The plan is to have "Backpack with Becky" continue on BUT for any of you that may be leaving the blogger world, I just wanted to share with you this article that you may use as a source of travel inspiration!

Get out there and see that big and scary and beautiful world!!

Happy trails & tavels,
- Becky <3

Odd.

I came across a pretty awesome article about weird (and very cool) hostels around the world.

I would like to stay at these places.

 Kadir's Treehouse, Turkey

"Staying at Kadir’s will ensure that you do have the perfect holiday. At Kadir’s, we cater for everybody; the young to the young at heart. Live out every kid’s dream to sleep in a real treehouse, or spend a night of comfort in one of our well appointed bungalows."

Local Cave House Hotel, Turkey

The hostel is in the centre of Cappadocia: Goreme All rooms are within the CAVE!

Anak Ranch, Mongolia

"At the ranch, you can ride unfenced, wide-open steppe and taiga in the last great wilderness of the world. You might take a hunk of cheese, a stick of sausage, and a canteen and ride out to look for the horses, ranging somewhere on the open steppe or in the hills. You might ride north for a few days to spy the Russian Orthodox monastery across the border, or southwest to the lost Buddhist monastery in the hills.

You will sleep in a ger, the traditional Mongolian nomad’s home. You will eat home-grown and all-natural food, including roast meat, cheese, stew, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and airag. You will learn to drink vodka the Mongolian way, accepting a proffered glass with honor and blessing the land in the directions of the four winds."

There are SO many amazing places in this world.

I would like to see them. Soon.

Happy trails & travels,

-- Becky <3

The Essentials.

I came across this article  "18 Essential Items for a Trip Around the World" and thought I would share it with you!

Although I am not currently planning for a trip around the world (just dreaming...), I think this list covers all of the necessary bases. It may be useful for the future me (who IS travelling the world?) as I am currently dealing with the classic 'over-packer' syndrome. Yep, I am the girl that brings a huge bag to sleepovers and a massive suitcase for a weekend away. It is the worst.

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky <3