You have no idea how great it feels to be posting this video (below) up. It has been a long, overwhelming and frustrating process to rifle through but the first non-profit profile video is finally complete. The most important thing to note is that For the Love of Learning is a fantastic, worthy and change-making organization in St. John's. Although I arrived during an unusual week - I was still able to grasp the importance of their programming and see the pride and dedication everyone had for the organization. I was particularly impressed with the extremely open and welcoming environment - it didn't matter if you are a University grad, a person struggling with homelessness or a University grad who is homeless.

Some may not understand how art, theatre and creative writing helps at-risk youth, but I can assure you that this program and similar programs do. After meeting some participants, hearing some stories and reading some of the work that was created in the space - there is no doubt in my mind that FTLOL is an organization who is doing great work in St. John's. "A lot with a little" as Peter (in the video) said - I couldn't agree more.

It's official - I have been on the road for an entire month!
One month down, 2-ish to go! It feels like just yesterday when I was pulling out of the driveway from my home base - full of excitement and absolute fear - and here I am with lots of thoughts swirling around in my head....

1. I have adjusted to life on the road a lot better than I anticipated. Aside from a couple "woe is me/it's so hard/I am tired/where's my mommy" days (haha) - it's been great!

2. Canada has some form of beauty lurking around every corner - seriously. The East has set the bar very, very high. Hey, West Coast - you better bring it!

3. People are generally kind - especially Canadians. I have met adventurers from all over the world who always have good things to say about the people here and it's true. I haven't come across a single 'bad seed' in the East - only really, really good seeds who have fed me, housed me, guided me and even took me up in a plane.

4. I love Archie, my 2011 Chevy Cruze. I am absolutely turning into a crazy car lady (worse than cats) and talk about Archie like he's my boyfriend. So, what?! He's been the best road companion a girl could ask for. I have even started reading Archie Comics.....obsessed.

5. I have gained a new skill - I can now (pretty much) sleep anywhere. Nasty motels, fancy hotels, couches of all shapes/sizes, floors (all levels of cleanliness), chairs, car seats & even in church parking lots. Think I should add it to my resume?

6. I have been so inspired by the people I have met. Every organization is different but their one common thread is passion and dedication and a desire to make change!  It's been an honour to meet these do gooders - I can't wait to follow them as their organizations flourish and change.

7. Video editing is difficult - much more difficult than I expected. It turns out that I don't have a special secret skill (I was hoping) and so, the vision in my head never ends up on the screen. The process is frustrating and long and overwhelming....but I am trying. I want my non-profit videos to be worthwhile and useful and decent which is why it's taking so long. Thanks for keeping up your patience (even when I have lost mine).

8. Live music, campfires and ice cream are still my favourite things. Who said travelling changes people? Not I! 

9. I have discovered an independence in myself that I didn't even know existed and it makes me feel awesome. I used to be the girl who was terrified to sit and eat alone and now I do it on the regular - and actually enjoy it. It makes me glad to know that I can be happy, with or without people surrounding me.

10. I continue to be incredibly grateful to my sponsors, family, friends and viewers for making this journey a reality. I am trying to absorb every moment as it passes me by and take full advantage of what being on this Roadtrip with Reason means. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Off to edit, I go...xo

I finally have a video to share with you. FINALLY! I cannot begin to explain the frustration level that was reached during the editing of this - so many complications. Far too many! It's still not perfect but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and move on, which is exactly what I am doing. 

All you really need to know is that Newfoundland was spectacular. Enjoy! xo

Hey Friends!

I have now officially been on the road FOREVER - 5 whole days!!
Justtttt kidding. I can't believe it's only been 5 days - I feel like the "road life" has been my reality for 5 months (in a good way). 

I wanted to share with you the Top 5 things I've learned thus far...

1. Tim Hortons' coffee loses it's charm after multiple cups. Blasphemy, you say? Just try it!


2. XM Radio is awesome (Thanks for the hook-up, Chevrolet!) - I am especially loving the comedy stations. Pretty sure everyone who drives past me thinks I am a little loopy, but I can't help but LAUGH OUT LOUD every.single.time.


3. My terrible sense of direction isn't getting any better. Sometimes even OnStar (the human GPS, as I lovingly refer to them) struggles to save me. In fact, I just returned "home" from another LOST adventure and missed out on ice cream with Blair & Stef from the Empathy Factory. Huge bummer. Instead, I drove on the highway (heading to P.E.I?!) at 12 a.m. So yeah, I guess I learned that it's not TOO scary driving through moose country at night. Actually, I am starting to think the whole moose phenomenon is a big eastern conspiracy. There are a billion warning signs, but where are the moose?!


4. New Brunswick is beautiful and Fredericton is a great city. Who knew?! I didn't. It was a pleasant surprise!


5. There are SO many people doing cool Canadian tours! I have come across 3 different projects, including a group doing a documentary on family farming - they had a TRACTOR pulling a mini-house/trailer/thing....it was the coolest! I also had a chance to meet Scott, Meghan & Sabrina from Run to Live - 42K a day....unbelievable! Man, Canadians are cool. 
I am so proud to call this country my home!

Ta-da! I bet by the end of my 4-month journey I will have have a Top 1004493902394394034 things I have learned list...... Hah!

Heading to Newfoundland via ferry on Sunday! Project begins on August 1st! Life is good!

Happy trails & travels.

LOVE,
Becky xo

You are not seeing things.

Chevrolet Canada has stepped up to the plate as Roadtrip with Reason's official VEHICLE SPONSOR.

Can you believe it?!

I will be hitting the road with a 2011 Chevy Cruze.

I could not feel more excited, grateful and lucky.

More on this soon. Just wanted to let you know.

LOVE!
P.S. General Motors Canada happens to be the Automative Sponsor of the Vancouver Canucks.
A sign?! I think so. GO CANUCKS GO!

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

Bonjour!

Just wanted to give a super quick update to share as 2010 comes to a close. Be sure to sign up for my e-mailing list HERE so you can continue to receive regular updates! You can also always find me on facebook and twitter!

Happy (almost) New Year!!!

Wishing you only good things in 2011.

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xo