puzzles

Your life is a winding road. You just don't know where you will end up or where the road leads around each bend.

I do know one thing. It's the people along the way that make the difference-the relationships which you engage in that make this little journey we embark on have meaning and give it substance.

'Happiness only exists when shared'...so choose with whom you share your journey with wisely for it is a rather short expidition.

Life Altering Move- An update

Its been quite sometime since I've posted. Much has happened!

The Tape Measure has relocated. To a different continent!

I made the decision just 3 weeks ago to move to Iceland. It was a rather quick decision- but believe me not an easy one. I went through a very hard time at my old job- was unemployed for a few weeks then this amazing opportunity was placed in my lap.

My best friend was in Iceland helping out until they found someone to take over. He called me one day and said "Rebecca- You must come here- You will not regret it"

It was not an easy move because it involves not only me but an entire family. It was a heart wrenching decision but in the end we decided what would be best for our family as a whole.

I have been here for four weeks. And I don't think I'll ever go back.

It's hard to describe. I think to do the description justice ... Reykjavik is poetically a paradise. It is not overly hot here but a perfect temperature. The rain here is like a warm shower at times. The sunlight is constant in the summer (of course the winters are dark- and all Icelanders have warned me- OHHHHH.... just wait until winter... ). You are surrounded by water. It is so clean here. The air. The streets. Pollution is minimal.

Icelanders at first seem very distant. I am often labeled a tourist due to the lack of language and of course my Canadian accent however once I let them in on the fact I am their latest import- they light up. A greeting always involves a kiss on the cheek and a hug if you have met someone already. And they can party- Oy! Can they party. They start early and end... well... early- the next day.

The people- they appreciate the little things in life. From a strong cup of coffee to a fantastically baked Banani Bread (as I just heard the woman at the next table exclaim :). Like most- I think they forget what beauty surrounds them. I have spoken to many tourists in the area who have branched out of Reykjavik and I am eager to see more parts of the country (I have not seen much at all due to lack of transportation and time- like I mentioned- Im busy planning and setting forth a schedule).

The children- one word- FREE. They go to school- often its a 5 min walk at most (this is considered a long walk). The school system is so supportive. They swim weekly. They are encouraged to participate in after school sports. Finding a musical program is never an issue. Art program- sure... really- anything is available and the support is unreal! Often- a child will go after school and go on an adventure on their bikes and come home at 9pm. You know the quote... "it takes a villiage"- that is the perfect description of how the children are raised here.

So why Iceland?

I have a dream- and that is to be an Olympic Coach. I feel I can make huge waves in Iceland. I believe that this can happen hear. I needed new start. I needed space anf time. I needed a reset.

I got it.