I'm adjusting quite nicely to condo life so far :)
I'm pretty much fully settled in now, all that's left to buy are window coverings. But there really isn't a huge hurry for that as no one can see in my window. As mentioned I have a great view but everything in it is people-less.
As with anything in life, there are pluses and minuses to condo vs. house living, but so far the pros far outweigh the cons.
The obvious plus is no more snow shovelling or gardening !! I know many people that would disagree with my hatred of gardening, but as far as I'm concerned my life is complete if I never seen a lawnmower, weed wacker or garden spade ever again. Blech.
I mentioned the view already and I'm enjoying that thoroughly, and can't wait for the summertime so I can sit out on my balcony and enjoy it more ... even though I do have a slight fear of heights. I've been out there a few times already and the fear kicks in as I approach the railing, so we'll see how that goes, but I should be fine. Part of the view is Downsview Park and there are some concerts lined up there this summer. I'm anxious to find out if I'll be able to see the stage or hear the music. I should add a pair of binoculars to my wish list.
I've even placed my bed as close to the window as possible, and I sleep on the window side so I see the brilliant lights of the city and the picturesque Toronto skyline as I lay in bed and when I wake up ... until the summer smog sets in of course ;)
On my first day there I discovered another perk to my view ... directly below my balcony and quite literally the closest thing I can see is a giant obstacle course. My landlord tells me it's where the army dudes train - the park is a former Canadian Forces Base, but there are still some active army buildings on site. Oddly my first thought was not excitement over seeing fit unformed men sweating it out while displaying their toned physiques, but rather "how can I get in there and try it out myself?". I need to get my priorities straight.
Another huge perk is the condo gym. It's really a pretty decent gym, and having it just downstairs has proven to be a huge benefit. My workouts tend to be an hour and a half long, but when I had to drive to and from the gym beforehand, depending on the time or the weather, sometimes that was enough of a deterrent to skip my workouts knowing I'd need to sacrifice 2 or more hours of my time. Now it's just a quick elevator ride to and from the gym, so in other words, no excuses. I also plan on advertising my services as soon as I'm certified - there's a good base of regular gym goers there and essentially that would mean working from home and working for myself :) There's also a sister condo right next door (and 2 more being built), each with it's own gym.
And I took my first trip to the pool, whirlpool and sauna last night ... definitely another item to add to the plus side of things.
A last plus I never really considered was garbage and recycling. I'm doing much more recycling than ever, and simply because it's so convenient. My building is very green, so the garbage disposal on each floor offers systems for garbage, recyclables and organics. You simply push a button for your option and it directs your waste through a chute into the appropriate bins below. Even regular garbage is a breeze; no more collecting garbage out in the garage and then dragging it to the curb on garbage day.
The only minus for me so far is the parking. While I enjoy underground parking from a snow and cold standpoint, and have no concerns whatsoever regarding security, it has proven to be a bit of a nuisance having my car so far away. Lugging groceries across a parking lot and in and out of an elevator isn't the most blessed chore in the world, and if I ever have to "run out to the car", it's a pain to have to take the trip down 11 stories to get to it.
Some people might add the noise factor to their list of minuses, but that doesn't bother me. I can definitely hear the traffic on the road below, and since it's a major roadway sometimes its the sound of big trucks applying their brakes late at night. The airport isn't an issue as it's just some sort of testing facility, so actual flights are limited. Most planes I see simply taxi or sit on the tarmac and never go anywhere. Of course the road noise will get even more dramatic in the warmer weather when I have my windows open, but I'm still certain it won't phase me. I've lived directly in front of railway tracks twice and once backing on to a major roadway, and the noise never bothered me. Perhaps because I have such irregular sleep patterns, who knows. The family down the hall with the baby that howls almost constantly bugs me more than anything ;)
So thats it, so far so good. That's big task # 1 of my career transition to-do list under my belt. Big step # 2 of course is to finish my courses and get my certifications so I can start training and counselling. Quite surprisingly the studying has been moving along nicely even with all the hustle and bustle of the move. I changed plans a bit and decided to complete the Personal Trainer course first and then start on the Nutrition certification, on the advice of a few people in the biz. Getting a PT job (or doing it on my own as indicated above) will be a much easier task, then while doing that I can get the nutrition course added to my resume.
Onwards and upwards :)
March 18, 2011
March 7, 2011
If the only ice cream ever made was vanilla, life would be pretty dull
Sometimes I get the feeling that certain people just don't get what I'm doing here. I mean for the most part everyone has been very supportive of my decisions of late, most notably my family, but there are some people that just cannot comprehend my actions. I still get job offers for Accounting jobs, and from people that know precisely what my intentions are and are regular readers of my blog.
I even think I lost a good friend over this whole career change thingy ... remember the friend who referred me to an Accounting Manager job at her workplace but then I passed on the interview? That friend. After I cancelled the interview (which I did cancel btw, it's not like I was a no-show or anything), I emailed my friend to apologize for cancelling and to thank her for giving me the opportunity. I have not heard from her since; she never even replied to my email. This same friend questioned my decision as we lunched together, just a week prior to passing me the job lead. She could not understand why I would give up a career in which I had so many years of experience and made good money to start at the bottom and work my way up.
Hello ??? How many times must I state it ... I'M NOT DOING THIS FOR THE MONEY. If money was my only motivating factor I would have sucked it up months ago and found yet another dull, lacklustre, mind-numbing accounting job while I prayed for the sweet release of death.
And it's not just her; I'm just using this one (ex) friend as an example. I've talked with countless others whose eyes open wide and jaws drop when I tell them I'm leaving the glamorous life of Accounting to be a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. And many of them are people that are in the fitness industry. Some are so bold to come right out and ask the same question my friend did over lunch that day, and it all boils down to the almighty dollar.
Every step I've taken thus far to fulfill this career transition was done by choice, including the massive step of selling my home and giving up home ownership to rent. I did it because I wanted to, not because I had to ... it was a sacrifice I made in order to pursue my dreams. And I honestly don't feel it's really a sacrifice. In just one short week in my new condo I'm happier than a pig in shit, something I never felt in my former residence.
On a side note here, I surprised myself a little on my official last day in Brampton by actually getting a tad emotional. After the last few items were packed in my car and I knew I wouldn't be returning, I went across the street to say farewell to a few neighbours that I had been friends with during my 11+ years there, and I found myself getting choked up as I hugged each family member goodbye. When I got home I sent a Facebook message to a few of the teenage girls on the street to bid them adieu, and they expressed their sadness at my departure and asked me to return to visit often. I pretty much watched these girls grow up and they hung out at my house often, and I will miss them dearly. However just like when I left my job after the same number of years, I know that my anguish was for the people and not the place. Them I will miss; the house, the street, and the city haven't even earned a second thought.
But back to these vanilla-only people in my life ... while I get that you may not understand or agree with my decisions and the choices I am making, there are two things I don't get:
1) Do you have to understand my actions or agree with what I'm doing to support me ??
2) Why do you care ?????
If everyone in the world had the same beliefs, values and goals, what incredibly boring and limitless lives we would lead. Everyone wants different things in life, and that's actually a good thing. I faced the same scrutiny when I expressed my decision to be childless. To this day I have people question this decision, while others say they understand and reassure me its okay to be "selfish" in that regard. It's not selfish you morons, it's a choice - one of the fascinating luxuries we have in life.
While this blog may seem somewhat negative, it's actually not. Lucky for me I honestly don't care what people think ... it's my life and I'll do whatever I please :p
Bring on the chocolate :)
I even think I lost a good friend over this whole career change thingy ... remember the friend who referred me to an Accounting Manager job at her workplace but then I passed on the interview? That friend. After I cancelled the interview (which I did cancel btw, it's not like I was a no-show or anything), I emailed my friend to apologize for cancelling and to thank her for giving me the opportunity. I have not heard from her since; she never even replied to my email. This same friend questioned my decision as we lunched together, just a week prior to passing me the job lead. She could not understand why I would give up a career in which I had so many years of experience and made good money to start at the bottom and work my way up.
Hello ??? How many times must I state it ... I'M NOT DOING THIS FOR THE MONEY. If money was my only motivating factor I would have sucked it up months ago and found yet another dull, lacklustre, mind-numbing accounting job while I prayed for the sweet release of death.
And it's not just her; I'm just using this one (ex) friend as an example. I've talked with countless others whose eyes open wide and jaws drop when I tell them I'm leaving the glamorous life of Accounting to be a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. And many of them are people that are in the fitness industry. Some are so bold to come right out and ask the same question my friend did over lunch that day, and it all boils down to the almighty dollar.
Every step I've taken thus far to fulfill this career transition was done by choice, including the massive step of selling my home and giving up home ownership to rent. I did it because I wanted to, not because I had to ... it was a sacrifice I made in order to pursue my dreams. And I honestly don't feel it's really a sacrifice. In just one short week in my new condo I'm happier than a pig in shit, something I never felt in my former residence.
On a side note here, I surprised myself a little on my official last day in Brampton by actually getting a tad emotional. After the last few items were packed in my car and I knew I wouldn't be returning, I went across the street to say farewell to a few neighbours that I had been friends with during my 11+ years there, and I found myself getting choked up as I hugged each family member goodbye. When I got home I sent a Facebook message to a few of the teenage girls on the street to bid them adieu, and they expressed their sadness at my departure and asked me to return to visit often. I pretty much watched these girls grow up and they hung out at my house often, and I will miss them dearly. However just like when I left my job after the same number of years, I know that my anguish was for the people and not the place. Them I will miss; the house, the street, and the city haven't even earned a second thought.
But back to these vanilla-only people in my life ... while I get that you may not understand or agree with my decisions and the choices I am making, there are two things I don't get:
1) Do you have to understand my actions or agree with what I'm doing to support me ??
2) Why do you care ?????
If everyone in the world had the same beliefs, values and goals, what incredibly boring and limitless lives we would lead. Everyone wants different things in life, and that's actually a good thing. I faced the same scrutiny when I expressed my decision to be childless. To this day I have people question this decision, while others say they understand and reassure me its okay to be "selfish" in that regard. It's not selfish you morons, it's a choice - one of the fascinating luxuries we have in life.
While this blog may seem somewhat negative, it's actually not. Lucky for me I honestly don't care what people think ... it's my life and I'll do whatever I please :p
Bring on the chocolate :)
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