Hello Everyone!
I will keep this short, as the computer time is limited to 15 minutes per person. I will start off with saying that I made it to Ely, MN safely to begin my time at Northern Tier. Yesterday I took the shuttle from the airport up here along with 14 other people. 15 people, 15 seats in the van. Let's just say we all knew each other by the time we got here :) Last night we got settled in and had a few introductions.
This morning we had breakfast and then I went through staff check-in. I received my uniform and all my fun goodies. Then, around mid-morning I was informed that I was going to Canada today to pick up my Canadian work permit! So, along with 6 others, we drove to International Falls, MN/Fort Frances, Ontario to get our work permits. We had a wonderful car ride filled with lots of fun memories. We walked across the border and they then processed our work permits. We then returned to the good ol' US of A. The drive took around 6 hours, 2.5 driving each way and about an hour at customs. We then returned to N-Tier and we had a late dinner and then the official staff training session began. We had all sorts of management and people talk about the various parts of Northern Tier. And, with that, that brings me to right now siting in the staff lounge on one of the only four computers on base that have internet.
A few side notes:
- My roommate Austin from Michigan Tech decided to work up here at Northern Tier this summer. What a coincidence!
- It has rained almost non stop since I got here.
- We stopped at a convenience store on our trip to Canada. I went in to get a hot chocolate. When I went to pay, the cashier told me it would be free of charge because I was Northern Tier staff! What a great example of the reputation of the staff at N-Tier.
Alright, well, there are a thousands more things to tell you all but my time is up. Know that I am safe and sound and settling in.
Hope all is well at home and where ever you may be reading this from :) Love from the North!
~ Kyle
P.S. - Please forgive my spelling, as I typed this pretty fast :)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Getting Ready to Go!
Hello Family and Friends!
I should begin this post by stating how thankful I am to you all who read my blog. I have enjoyed sharing the experiences of my first year of college with you and I look forward to continuing to share my adventures.
Speaking of adventures, another one is about to get underway! On Monday afternoon I will leave for Boy Scouts of America's Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN. I am headed north for my summer job as a member of the trading post staff at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario Canada. I will be in Ely for a week of training and then I will head to Canada. I will mainly be working in the trading post selling souvenirs, fishing licenses, and forgotten gear :)
To possibly clear up some confusion, Northern Tier has three locations, or bases. One is in Ely (where I will be for a week for training and have been before for winter camping), and two are in Canada. I will be working at one of the Canada locations, near Atikokan, Ontario. It is about three hours east of International Falls, MN. My day will consist of helping crews with their trading post needs as they enter and leave the base. If it wasn't clear or stated, Northern Tier is a canoeing-based camp. We provide Boy Scouts with the opportunity to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters and the Canadian wilderness. We provide them with all the equipment necessary for the trip and help guide them on a fun and safe canoe trip. I will be working on base helping assist the crews with their trips.
As far as my summer is concerned, I will be sharing a cabin with probably 3 others. I will live out of a plastic tote and suitcase, and I will eat in the dining hall. I will have Internet access, though I can only assume it will be slow. The best way to contact me will be by email. I will get one day off a week and plan to enjoy every day in the northern wilderness :)
Alright, enough of my near future (which I will write more about once I am there) let's review my time here at home.
Last Wednesday I enjoyed spending time with the Logans. It is always fun to get together with my "brothers" :)
On Friday morning Mom, Kayla, and I attended the Senior Mass at Hill-Murray. At the Mass was the 1st annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. My Dad's cousin, Pat Barrett, was awarded this award and my great-aunt accepted it on her behalf (as she was in Missouri). Afterward there was a wonderful reception. It was fun for Kayla and I to go around and talk with some of our old teachers. Friday afternoon I went to lunch with a friend from high school. It is so much fun to catch up with old friends and to see where life takes us! Friday evening we all attended the Spring Pop concert at Totino-Grace. They all did a great job singing and dancing. Job well done.
On Saturday Dad and I attended Josh Logan's Eagle Scout Project. We helped build benches that are now installed around the fire pit at Katherine Abbott Park in Mahtomedi. Another job well done.
Saturday afternoon we attended a birthday party for my (now second) youngest cousin, Maliyah. As we learned at the party, my aunt is expecting again and so another cousin is on the way! The baby is due on Christmas Day.
On Sunday we attended an open house for my Aunt Diane, as we graduated from her Masters Program at Hamline University.
On Monday Kayla and I went out to lunch with a friend from church. We had lots of fun sharing our summer plans.
On Tuesday I mowed some grass and Kayla and I visited Grandma W. We went for a walk and enjoyed a delicious treat at The 4 Seasons afterward.
On Wednesday I went to lunch with a different friend from high school, once again, catching up on the past year's activities. Wednesday evening Mary came over and for a rare occasion we had seven people at the dinner table. It was so nice having everyone home for dinner :)
On Thursday morning Kayla left for Buenes Aires, Argentina. She is studying abroad for six weeks, living with a host family and taking two classes. We hope she has a fun and memorable time. Please pray for her safety and good travels.
Earlier today I did some needed shopping, dealt with some important paperwork, and began the packing process. Also, we went out for a wonderful dinner as a family. The countdown has begun and I leave in 60 hours. Yikes!
I will certainly miss being around for the summer and will miss seeing my family and friends. Know that I was torn when I accepted this job and I am still torn as it comes close for me to leave. I will stay in touch by blogging and posting pictures. Please pray that I have safe travels to Ely and then on to Canada. Continue to read the blog and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Your friend, son, brother, grandson, nephew, and more, Kyle
I should begin this post by stating how thankful I am to you all who read my blog. I have enjoyed sharing the experiences of my first year of college with you and I look forward to continuing to share my adventures.
Speaking of adventures, another one is about to get underway! On Monday afternoon I will leave for Boy Scouts of America's Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN. I am headed north for my summer job as a member of the trading post staff at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario Canada. I will be in Ely for a week of training and then I will head to Canada. I will mainly be working in the trading post selling souvenirs, fishing licenses, and forgotten gear :)
To possibly clear up some confusion, Northern Tier has three locations, or bases. One is in Ely (where I will be for a week for training and have been before for winter camping), and two are in Canada. I will be working at one of the Canada locations, near Atikokan, Ontario. It is about three hours east of International Falls, MN. My day will consist of helping crews with their trading post needs as they enter and leave the base. If it wasn't clear or stated, Northern Tier is a canoeing-based camp. We provide Boy Scouts with the opportunity to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters and the Canadian wilderness. We provide them with all the equipment necessary for the trip and help guide them on a fun and safe canoe trip. I will be working on base helping assist the crews with their trips.
As far as my summer is concerned, I will be sharing a cabin with probably 3 others. I will live out of a plastic tote and suitcase, and I will eat in the dining hall. I will have Internet access, though I can only assume it will be slow. The best way to contact me will be by email. I will get one day off a week and plan to enjoy every day in the northern wilderness :)
Alright, enough of my near future (which I will write more about once I am there) let's review my time here at home.
Last Wednesday I enjoyed spending time with the Logans. It is always fun to get together with my "brothers" :)
On Friday morning Mom, Kayla, and I attended the Senior Mass at Hill-Murray. At the Mass was the 1st annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. My Dad's cousin, Pat Barrett, was awarded this award and my great-aunt accepted it on her behalf (as she was in Missouri). Afterward there was a wonderful reception. It was fun for Kayla and I to go around and talk with some of our old teachers. Friday afternoon I went to lunch with a friend from high school. It is so much fun to catch up with old friends and to see where life takes us! Friday evening we all attended the Spring Pop concert at Totino-Grace. They all did a great job singing and dancing. Job well done.
On Saturday Dad and I attended Josh Logan's Eagle Scout Project. We helped build benches that are now installed around the fire pit at Katherine Abbott Park in Mahtomedi. Another job well done.
Saturday afternoon we attended a birthday party for my (now second) youngest cousin, Maliyah. As we learned at the party, my aunt is expecting again and so another cousin is on the way! The baby is due on Christmas Day.
On Sunday we attended an open house for my Aunt Diane, as we graduated from her Masters Program at Hamline University.
On Monday Kayla and I went out to lunch with a friend from church. We had lots of fun sharing our summer plans.
On Tuesday I mowed some grass and Kayla and I visited Grandma W. We went for a walk and enjoyed a delicious treat at The 4 Seasons afterward.
On Wednesday I went to lunch with a different friend from high school, once again, catching up on the past year's activities. Wednesday evening Mary came over and for a rare occasion we had seven people at the dinner table. It was so nice having everyone home for dinner :)
On Thursday morning Kayla left for Buenes Aires, Argentina. She is studying abroad for six weeks, living with a host family and taking two classes. We hope she has a fun and memorable time. Please pray for her safety and good travels.
Earlier today I did some needed shopping, dealt with some important paperwork, and began the packing process. Also, we went out for a wonderful dinner as a family. The countdown has begun and I leave in 60 hours. Yikes!
I will certainly miss being around for the summer and will miss seeing my family and friends. Know that I was torn when I accepted this job and I am still torn as it comes close for me to leave. I will stay in touch by blogging and posting pictures. Please pray that I have safe travels to Ely and then on to Canada. Continue to read the blog and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Your friend, son, brother, grandson, nephew, and more, Kyle
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Enjoying Each Day
Hello Readers -
I will start by saying that I have redone the look of my blog, as you have probably noticed. I hope you like it. The biggest change is that the link to the photos is now on the right. You have to hover your cursor over the black rectangles over on the right and then click on the one that says "links."
I am now half way through my time in MN for the summer. I leave in just 12 days (May 28th)! I have been enjoying my time here at home.
Last Sunday was Troop 433's Pancake Breakfast. It was a fairly successful year. Thank you to all those who helped and to those who came and ate!
Last week my friend Anna was in town to visit me and her friend who goes to the U of M. We went on many adventures around the Twin Cities including downtown Stillwater, the Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls, Como Zoo and Conservatory, the Science Museum of MN, the Walker Art Center, and a Twins game. Hopefully she had a great time in MN!
On Saturday Anna left for home (IL) and Kayla came home! We are now all home (for a short time). On Saturday evening we all went to Hill-Murray to see the production of Bye Bye Birdie. It was great!
This past Sunday was Mothers' Day. We went to church and then went to Grandma's. It was so much fun hanging out with my family, especially my little cousins :) We grilled up some hamburgers and ate outside, seeing as it was a beautiful day. I will certainly miss seeing everyone over the summer months :(
This week has been fairly relaxing. It has included some yard work and some needed shopping. One of my newest purchases is a new camera. I bought it used off of ebay and it should be arriving soon! Hopefully it works well! FYI - I bought the Panasonic Lumix FZ40.
As stated, I am enjoying each day. Kayla leaves next Thursday (the 24th) for Buenes Aires, Argentina for a 6 week study abroad program and I leave on Memorial Day (the 28th). I hope to be able to get together with as many people as I can while I am still around.
Hope you are all enjoying the wonderful summer weather and remember, life is good!
I will start by saying that I have redone the look of my blog, as you have probably noticed. I hope you like it. The biggest change is that the link to the photos is now on the right. You have to hover your cursor over the black rectangles over on the right and then click on the one that says "links."
I am now half way through my time in MN for the summer. I leave in just 12 days (May 28th)! I have been enjoying my time here at home.
Last Sunday was Troop 433's Pancake Breakfast. It was a fairly successful year. Thank you to all those who helped and to those who came and ate!
Last week my friend Anna was in town to visit me and her friend who goes to the U of M. We went on many adventures around the Twin Cities including downtown Stillwater, the Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls, Como Zoo and Conservatory, the Science Museum of MN, the Walker Art Center, and a Twins game. Hopefully she had a great time in MN!
On Saturday Anna left for home (IL) and Kayla came home! We are now all home (for a short time). On Saturday evening we all went to Hill-Murray to see the production of Bye Bye Birdie. It was great!
This past Sunday was Mothers' Day. We went to church and then went to Grandma's. It was so much fun hanging out with my family, especially my little cousins :) We grilled up some hamburgers and ate outside, seeing as it was a beautiful day. I will certainly miss seeing everyone over the summer months :(
This week has been fairly relaxing. It has included some yard work and some needed shopping. One of my newest purchases is a new camera. I bought it used off of ebay and it should be arriving soon! Hopefully it works well! FYI - I bought the Panasonic Lumix FZ40.
As stated, I am enjoying each day. Kayla leaves next Thursday (the 24th) for Buenes Aires, Argentina for a 6 week study abroad program and I leave on Memorial Day (the 28th). I hope to be able to get together with as many people as I can while I am still around.
Hope you are all enjoying the wonderful summer weather and remember, life is good!
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Wonderful Month of May
Hello Everyone!
My first year of college is over! My freshman year went, all-around, well and the grades look good :) I had my finals on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and then I packed Thursday evening. Mom and Dad came to pick me up on Thursday night/Friday morning. I checked out of my room Friday morning, and after some lunch and sad goodbyes, we headed home.
Friday evening we got everything in the door and then I went off to see Angela in Ashland's production of Footloose at Maplewood Community Center. It was AMAZING! The cast and crew did such a great job! The show was certainly energetic and full of great music.
On Saturday morning I helped the scouts reorganize and build shelves at the St. Jude ARK. Then, in the afternoon, I helped a fellow scout with his Eagle project. I also got to see Footloose again!
On Sunday I got to see lots of people at church and enjoyed ushering at home :) AND, one last time, I was fortunate enough to see Footloose again for its final performance.
On Tuesday I attended Northern Star Council's Gathering of Eagles Dinner Event. Dad, Rich and Nic Logan also attended.
This week has been a lot of sorting, unpacking, and repacking. I have been sorting my life into categories, trying to get ready for Canada as well as be prepared for the fall (as I am only home for one day in August). I have also been running a lot of errands, making sure I have everything I need.
This Sunday is Troop 433's pancake breakfast, so I have been helping prepare for that, and I will help out on Sunday. Also on Sunday, my friend Anna is coming to MN to visit me as well as her friend from home who attends the U of M.
I hope to get a chance to see you all while I am home here in this wonderful month of May. I will be departing for Ely, MN and then Canada on Monday May 28th. Only 24 days!
My first year of college is over! My freshman year went, all-around, well and the grades look good :) I had my finals on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and then I packed Thursday evening. Mom and Dad came to pick me up on Thursday night/Friday morning. I checked out of my room Friday morning, and after some lunch and sad goodbyes, we headed home.
Friday evening we got everything in the door and then I went off to see Angela in Ashland's production of Footloose at Maplewood Community Center. It was AMAZING! The cast and crew did such a great job! The show was certainly energetic and full of great music.
On Saturday morning I helped the scouts reorganize and build shelves at the St. Jude ARK. Then, in the afternoon, I helped a fellow scout with his Eagle project. I also got to see Footloose again!
On Sunday I got to see lots of people at church and enjoyed ushering at home :) AND, one last time, I was fortunate enough to see Footloose again for its final performance.
On Tuesday I attended Northern Star Council's Gathering of Eagles Dinner Event. Dad, Rich and Nic Logan also attended.
This week has been a lot of sorting, unpacking, and repacking. I have been sorting my life into categories, trying to get ready for Canada as well as be prepared for the fall (as I am only home for one day in August). I have also been running a lot of errands, making sure I have everything I need.
This Sunday is Troop 433's pancake breakfast, so I have been helping prepare for that, and I will help out on Sunday. Also on Sunday, my friend Anna is coming to MN to visit me as well as her friend from home who attends the U of M.
I hope to get a chance to see you all while I am home here in this wonderful month of May. I will be departing for Ely, MN and then Canada on Monday May 28th. Only 24 days!
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