March: The Unexpected

March was not unkind to me. I would be lying if I did not admit that it took me off guard, however. I planned to spend the month preparing for the new fiscal year, changing over the filing system at work and closing out any ongoing projects in hopes of a fresh beginning in April. This is by no means how I spent the month of March.

Instead, I ended up traveling further North; my work committments required a brief pivot from my normal day-to-day. Although I tend to shrug off these spontaneous movements and adjust fairly quickly to a new routine, I had difficulty doing so this time. Two hours to pack my suitcase - "don't forget anything essential". Two minutes to say goodbye to my husband in the terminal parking lot - it was far too cold for either of us to stand around for any longer than that; attempting to prolong the inevitable.

I will say, 2 hours is not nearly enough time to pack a suitcase for a work venture with no true end-date. Did I bring books? My trusty laptop that never leaves my side? My DSL camera that lives almost exclusively around my neck? Of course not! I was fortunate that I had the wherewithal to remember my phone charger as I plunged out the front door, stuffing it in my pants pocket like the after-thought that it clearly was.

I spent almost three full weeks in Yellowknife with limited data and a single notebook to keep myself entertained after the work day had come to a close. I was positive that I would not return with my sanity, as the days stretched out before me, never-ending, in the cold, snow-covered city. However, something can be said about our ability as humans to form connections with others - my evenings and downtime were quickly filled with board games, laughter and friendship, as our small group of strangers came together to pass the time.

As the cold began to loosen it's hold on city, I found myself venturing out in search of trails, local cafe's, and other unique spots that only the city of Yellowknife could offer the passing traveler. The landscape, albeit covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, was breathtaking - the strong, winter light of the sun often causing the snow to shimmer and glisten. For the longest time, winter would quickly lose it's charm as soon as the Christmas tree and all the pretty Christmas lights were taken down and stowed away in the basement. This was a fresh re-imagining of the winter months following December.

An impromptu work excursion, which I will be honest (now) I was not over-joyed to attend due to it's suddeness, became a fond moment within my career. The unexpected has the potential to bring growth, new friendships, and opportunities to see through a different lens. While this is not a groundbreaking revelation (if anything, it's common knowledge and a shared human experience), it never ceases to amaze me how a single decision - one small change, one word, one choice - has the ability to create such impact.

The month of March has taught me to notice the snow, enjoy the winter season (well after I've put away the Christmas decorations), to live presently with whatever means I have available at the time, and most importantly - that two minutes is not long enough. Even with all the beautiful scenery and local tourist distractions, my mind stayed frozen to the terminal parking lot, shivering under the streetlight with my arms wrapped tightly around my husband. March was not unkind to me - it was a pleasant reminder of what matters the most.

"Things I should have packed for Yellowknife - An incomplete list"

1. Current read (a book would have been nice - I honestly would have read anything, including the instruction manual for my stove).

2. Headphones/Earbuds

3. A winter jacket (-40 in a sweater was interesting, I must admit. Thank god I remembered my phone charger though!)

4. A pen (needless to say, I never got too much writing done in that notebook).

5. Floss

6. Laptop

7. DSL Camera

8. Prescription glasses (sight - or lack thereof - wasn't something I thought would be inconveniencing, I suppose).

HB