We moved here March 26th, 2011 from Missoula, Montana. While both my spouse and I are from the Metro Detroit area, he was pursuing his M.Sc. in Silviculture at the U. We had been looking for work from California to Vermont; when he saw a position open for a forester with the Grand Portage RTC Trust Lands, I encouraged him to apply, and when he was offered a position, I barely let him finish the phone call before screeching with joy about moving back to the Midwest.

So, a week after defending his thesis, we packed up a UHaul and moved sight unseen to Grand Marais.

I'm so glad we did, and I am so happy that we get to be here!

Oh geez. I don't know! 

I have an identical twin sister? 

I used to do Irish dance? 

I don't eat rolled oats or meat because of the texture? 

I planted two paw paw trees in my yard? 

I'm actually a ball of anxiety in social situations who remains unconvinced that people actually like me? 

I dunno... 

Self care? Hobbies? I enjoy hot coffee and unaccompanied trips to the bathroom. ( I kid.)

I try to take care of myself by eating my vegetables and trying to get enough sleep, but actual self care is challenging for me. I tend to put it on the back burner, but I'm working on being more direct when I am needing to care for myself - excusing myself from social situations to go rest, or using ear plugs to reduce overstimulation, or even asking for a hug for deep pressure.

I love to go outside and do things like hiking, canoeing, biking, rock hounding, gardening, foraging, cross country skiing, and swimming. I enjoy learning a lot - I'm trying to become a polyglot! I also really love to share time with my family - my spouse, kids, and our dog and chickens bring me a lot of joy. 

Oh! We love the BWCAW - have yet to find a lake we don't like! I also LOVE our hiking trails here in Cook County - so many miles, so little time! I also love being next to or in Lake Superior. 

 

I want to go everywhere and see, do, and taste as much as I can. My wish list for travel is extensive, constrained only by time and finances... 

...but if I had to pick a place, it might just be my parent's home in metro Detroit. I adore my mom and dad and I want to make memories with them before it's too late. 

It's a challenging and incredible place to live, with some of the most wonderful people you'll ever meet.

 

Boreal Community Media has been featuring the"Meet your Cook County Neighbor" series for several years now.  If you enjoy reading these and would like to nominate someone to be featured, please send us an email to [email protected]!