I was told to write up a little something in anticipation of your arrival, following Roadtrip with Reason's version of the "Canadian Original" segment on CTV National News.

(I just need to take a moment to freak out over the fact that this story was aired on CTV National News. Ahhh! I have been faithfully watching CTV at 11:00 p.m. since childhood. This blows my mind! Excitement overload!)

Thank you, so much, for being a curious cat and coming to learn more about my incredible cross-Canada journey that took place between July - November 2011. It's possible that you are visiting my blog for the very first time, so I thought it would be useful to share the roadtrip timeline/milestones with you!

September 2010
- The roadtrip idea is shared with family/friends

October 2010
- Basic planning officially begins

January 2011
 - Roadtrip with Reason = my new year's resolution

March 2011
 - Idea is accepted into Pepsi Refresh Project contest, voting begins


May 2011
- Named an official 5K Grant Recipient from Pepsi Refresh Project

June 2011
- Connected with Garry Sowerby & Lisa Calvi on Twitter over Ralph the Pelican & ended up recieving sponsorship from Chevrolet Canada with a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Social media = the best
- Roadtrip planning goes into overdrive

July 2011
- Finished my contract with the Arts Council of Muskoka, moved out of apartment
- Picked up the 2011 Chevy Cruze, named him Archie
- Celebrated at the Roadtrip with Reason launch party
- Officially hit the road on July 19th

August 2011
- 1st official volunteer day in St. John's, Newfoundland on August 1st with For the Love of Learning

August to November 2011 
- Drove 20,000 KM with Archie
- Volunteered with 13 non-profit organizations
- Fell in love with Canada, coast to coast
- Blogged, tweeted, updated, & filmed every step of the way
- Met the heads & hearts behind each non-profit, inspired every day
- Most amazing experience of my life

November 2011
- Brand new MacBook Pro laptop with all of my roadtrip photo's & videos was stolen from car in Burnaby, BC
- Speaking presentation at Take a Hike the following morning, filmed by CTV news (terrible timing, eh?)
- Said goodbye to Archie in Vancouver, BC
- Took the Via Rail train on November 6th
- Arrived home to Oakville, ON on November 10th

Phewf! The cross-Canada journey went by in a flash and it was truly an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to join 13 different non-profit organizations  and offer my 'helping hands', while also getting to know the staff/volunteers and the reason why they were so passionate about their cause(s). It was an honour to spend time with each of them, and it's my joy to be able to share their messages with you. Some of the volunteer reflections come in video form and since the theft of my laptop/footage , in written form. 
  
Be sure to go through my blog history to view some of the reflections, pictures, videos and general updates from my Roadtrip with Reason -- lots and lots of great memories to share. You can also look forward to the final reflections before the new year, and a final video.

I have been back home in Ontario for a month now, adjusting to life off of the road and putting the finishing touches on the Roadtrip with Reason reflections. I am now focusing on finding my next professional adventure (i.e. a job!) in the non-profit sector and am so excited to continue on my life quest of creating positive change.

Please take the time to visit the websites of the non-profit organizations  that joined me on my journey. Their hardwork, dedication and passion for their causes is what should be featured and celebrated - they were the reason for this roadtrip, afterall. 

I encourage you to "do your part & show some heart" as a volunteer with one of these amazing organizations, or find a cause that you are passionate about and just give back. They need our time, energy, passion and support to keep doing what they are doing, and what they are doing is so worthy.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

With love & warmth,
Becky Conlon

P.S. Have questions or comments? Want to learn more about this journey? Send me an e-mail at becky at roadtrip with reason dot ca, or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter ....

Becky's note: Click HERE to see the clip. Absolutely wild. Thanks for the love!

In 1.5 weeks my contract will be officially finished with the Arts Council of Muskoka, and I will be moving back to Oakville in preparation for my Roadtrip with Reason. Insanity! I have been living in the lovely town of Bracebridge for an entire year but it feels like I just got here. As (ridiculously) excited as I am for my upcoming journey, I have mixed feelings about leaving this part of my life behind. My very first apartment and real job! It's such a special place to live and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to really get to know Muskoka. I sure hope I have the chance to return one day!

The ACM board & other friends got together this afternoon to throw me a "Going Away" party! They even surprised me by inviting my parents up for the occasion. It was really quite lovely.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the cake. Haha! It was designed so perfectly - the red Chevy car, the Pepsi can, the "BC or Bust" sign, the moose - such a cute idea.
It was tasty too. Bonus!!!

Sigh. I still can't believe that my dream has turned into reality.
This is really happening! I am really leaving!!

Off I go to pack some boxes.....xo

It's OFFICIAL!
We are funded!
Grant recipient!
Much love to PEPSI!
Much love to YOU!

I am SO excited.
That is all for today.

Back to work...
xoxo

Hi Friends,

I am bacccccccck! Did you miss me? Fear that I ran away without saying goodbye? Don't worry! I've been here the whole time. Since Pepsi Refresh finished I have been working on all the official paperwork. Today I sent in all the documents to the decision makers. Hurrah! Now I am playing the waiting game, hoping that they give me official approval. So exciting! Fingers and toes crossed!

Did you know that I will be departing in 65 days?! Gulp. Time needs to sloooowwww down! I have created a MASTER "To Do" list that is as long as the KM's of this upcoming cross-Canada journey, but I am ready to tackle it.  It's a full on wrestling match over here....maybe even UFC?! Haha.

I have also managed to have some fun times with friends and family in between all this ca-razy Pepsi stuff. 
See some of my favourite pics below....

Happy times! I am a real lucky girl!

Have a b-e-a-utiful weekend. Check back for updates soon!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xoxo

Hi Friends,
I realize it has been WEEKS since I posted my last edition of Tune-eee Tuesday. I got so caught up in Pepsi Refresh that I forgot. Woops! My bad. Now that Pepsi is (pretty much**) done, I am back with some music to share.

This week I am focusing on just two artists who are from/living in the province that is full of surprises - New Brunswick! I admittedly didn't know much about NB when I visited a couple years back, but I was very pleasantly surprised. The more I hear about it, the more i like. I am really looking forward to my volunteer visit this upcoming summer....

1) Andy Brown -- Crazy

2) Pat LePoidevin -- 97

3) Andy Brown -- Happiness

4) Pat LePoidevin -- The Constant

This past weekend I was lucky enough to have Pat (& his drummer Matt) play a super intimate show for myself and some friends in Bracebridge at the Bohemian. It was such a shame that he had to play to our small crowd -- way too talented for empty rooms. Really nice guys, too!

Love both musicians with their (very different) sounds, so much!

Check back next week with tunes from Quebec. It'll be a fun one.

Happy trails & travels!

Much Love,
Becky xo

** We are currently in the process of completing the next steps for Pepsi Refresh. If approved in two weeks-ish time, Roadtrip with Reason will be officially named a $5K winner! Fingers crossed!

HOLY GUACAMOLE! WE DID IT! WE FINISHED IN 4TH PLACE! $5,000 FOR THE PROJECTI AM SO EXCITED! I AM SO GRATEFUL! I LOVE YOU ALL! 

This is a reenactment of my reaction to the news. The rainbow is just an added effect to show my EXCITEMENT.
Hilarious. 

More on this SUPER DUPER EXCITING news later. Eeee! 
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
xoxo

It's 2:17 a.m. The Pepsi Refresh contest is DONE. As of 11p.m. Roadtrip with Reason was in 4th place - a winning position. The official announcements are not made until tomorrow because they have to tally up the last minute votes.
I am freaking out! Do they really expect me to sleep tonight? Haha!

SOOO much LOVE & THANKS for all of the incredible, incredible support. I will keep you posted on the official results. Eeeeks!

FINGERS & TOES CROSSED!
xo

Three days left in Pepsi Refresh.
We have fallen out of the Top 4 & are now in 5th place.
This makes me sad.

PLEASE VOTE daily until April 30th to help Roadtrip with Reason jump back into the Top 4!
Please! Please! Pleaseeee!

Hi Friends,

It's time for another (long overdue) non-profit announcement! As mentioned in a previous post, I am going to be sharing with you some of the different non-profit organizations that I will be spending time with when I am on the road! This organizations home base is in Montreal but they provide services all across Canada. Here we go...

What is Apathy is Boring?
"Apathy is Boring's mission is to use art and technology to educate youth about democracy."

What do they do?
"Apathy is Boring accomplishes its goals through the following program areas:

Concerts & Events that encourage youth to get involved in their communities, survey them about their democratic participation habits, and create an opportunity for dialogue between elected officials and youth.


A Youth Friendly Program including workshops, tools, and resources to engage youth in decision-making and educate decision-makers about how to engage youth.


Apathyisboring.com which provides youth with information, "how-to's", and support to get involved in democracy.


Election Campaigns that reach out to youth and give them the information they need to make an informed vote."

What are their goals?
"Apathy is Boring aims to meet the following Youth in Democracy Goals:
a) increase youth voting rates
b) increase youth engagement in their communities
c) build a sustainable dialogue between youth and elected officials"

I love this organization...L-O-V-E them! I can't wait to hang out with them when I make it to Montreal.
They are too cool. Am I right?!

Due to the upcoming election on May 2nd, I am certain that their office is full of that buzzing bee sensation...working hard to ensure that youth are voting! I STRONGLY advise you to check out their incredible website and make use of their Political Parties guide. It will able you to make an informed decision when you vote - and please, please, please do VOTE! Make use of your voice... it's an important one! 
 
Speaking of voting, don't forget to get your daily vote in for my Roadtrip with Reason in Pepsi Refresh Canada. Only TWO spots to go until the $5,000 grant is achieved. Amazing! Please, please, please keep up the daily vote until April 30th and spread the word.

Happy trails & travels!

Much Love,
-- Becky xo