Toe in the Pool

Angkor Wat main temple, Cambodia

"In times of great change, it is important to dance through dynamic developments with one eye on your guiding light and steady thoughts of realistic expectation."

When I wrote those words, I was in the midst of a contract negotiation for something I really wanted to do. But I also remained very cognizant through the process that I can no longer compromise, accept conditions or cajole myself into agreeing with anything just to get something.

I am very glad now that I have learned to separate my mind from my emotions at least once a day. That I am mindful enough to notice when my body is telling me that my emotions and thoughts are creating stress. That I remembered to breathe.

Egret, Celestun, Mexico

I find myself in the same place I was last fall when I pulled the plug. It seems putting the plug back in is just as hectic. Maybe even more so because there are key components out of your hands.

My mind organized resettling in these steps – find a job, get approved for a mortgage, find a home, move in and get my stuff out of storage, realize I sold my life last fall and GO SHOPPING!

I can’t wait until I get to that last step! I’m looking forward to creating a nest this fall and curling up in it with Jack the cat. I’m looking forward to visits from friends, dinners with family and satisfying work. It’s just possible I landed the perfect job for me.

I’m thankful to be finished step one. The job hunting experience is a very demanding and unsettling exercise. There doesn’t appear to be a standard procedure and employers are totally rude in this process. It amazed me that ignoring people has become part of acceptable practice through the hiring process.

I expected companies that didn’t want to interview me to ignore me. I did not expect people who interviewed me to then behave as though I no longer exist. Does courtesy not extend to a rejection email? I find it unlikely that these organizations interviewed double-digit numbers and simply don’t have time to let everyone know, “It’s not you.”

Goose in Richmond, BC or me
living on the sidewalk becasue I can't get a mortgage.

Now it’s “Can I have a mortgage please?” Sheesh! I must say it’s hard to put that out there without a little trepidation. “Could you please throw some chains around my neck and make me work like a dog to keep you happy? Mr. Bankman please?” Hmm hearing Woody Guthrie in my head.

Shopping for a house is a different matter. I’m looking forward to seeing different houses in different neighborhoods. It might take some time, but I’ll find something eventually. Looking on line is fun, but here’s some tips for anyone thinking about selling a house.

Path by Bow River, Calgary, AB

Paint those rooms you decided to do in bruise purple, bloodshot eye pink and hold your breath blue. Put some friggen legs on the beds eh? Pick up the junk off the floor before you take photos to post on MLS listings. I don’t care how pretty your dining room table looks with fresh flowers on it, I’m not buying the table and you forgot to step back far enough for me to see the room.

So, new phase to my adventure. Here’s hoping I can find Jack and me a cozy little home to settle into for the winter. I expect visitors!