Geez Louise, so many things happened since the last time I babbled on here. It's only been a month or so, but wow. Where do I even start?! Well, I lost my job, was unemployed for a few weeks, started a new job, found a new place to move into and on top of that - turned 30. Yup, the big 3-0, baby. They say 30's are the new 20's or something, so let's see how this unfolds. (wish me luck)
In a blink of an eye.
That's how fast "me losing my job" happened. Don't really want to get into too much detail, but it wasn't my performance or my actions that caused me to get terminated. One thing is for sure, I enjoyed working at the previous place. I think the people there were absolute legends and I feel like I really bonded with some of them. To be honest, I hope I will keep in touch with some of those people, because not only they are awesome human beings, but they are smart and creative AF. I will definitely miss them.
Oh, but when I say "In a blink of an eye", I mean I got up, went to the gym, did the usual and then about 30 mins into my work day I got the news. If that ain't fast, then I don't know what is. I think this was the first time ever when I got fired... and it's not fun. It kinda hits you in a certain way, it's hard to explain it, but in a way it humbles you, but also makes you question your capabilities and stuff. Glad to say that I'm over that stage now, but at least it's a story to tell, right?! Okay, moving on.
New job, who dis?!
I have to say, I got quite lucky, because I managed to get another job fairly quickly, which is not as easy as it may sound, especially here in Vancouver. It's funny, because you look online and there's like hundreds of ads, but out of all of the places I've applied to, only a handful responded back. So the odds are definitely against you. Long-story-short, I landed a job in a similar role and so far it's alright. Some things take time. I'm just glad I have a job, because to live here, if you're unemployed, is actually impossible. Unless you only eat Ramen Noodles and live in a cardboard box. Then it's quite doable.
New place, who dis?!
It's funny (not really), but sometimes life just throws you a whole bunch of shit, all at the same time, as if it was trying to see whether or not you can handle it. I would be lying if I said that this was the first time stuff like this happened. In one way or another - I've been here before.
Anyways, our lease was coming to an end and we had to look for some other options out there. Similarly to the job hunting shenanigans, finding a decent here place is, again, harder than it looks like. So many (and I mean SO MANY) places are way overpriced and doesn't have much to offer. Yes, maybe we are a bit more picky, but still. A tiny studio, in an average location, with nothing in it and a long-ish term commitment will set you back by around $2,400-$2,700 CAD. That's a lot of money. I don't care how you look at it. It's a lot of friggin money.
BUT. There's a BIG BUT, somehow we managed to find an option that was just too good to turn down. Not to get into too much detail, but the people who are renting the new place out are so nice, so understanding and just simply awesome. They were so flexible with the terms that we proposed and I have to say, it's quite rare to run into people like that. So, the place is absolutely stunning. It's brand new, fully furnished, has everything you need - ready to move in. BUT. There's another BUT. It is quite far and by quite far I mean an hour long commute to work. Okay, I already know that there are people who will think it's not that far, there will be people who will say that they know someone who knows someone that drives for 2 hours to get to work everyday and all that. I know, I know.
The thing is, once you get really used to something, any change, big or small, is going to feel like a big deal. In this case, the switch from walking/biking pretty much everywhere to sitting on a train for an hour. I guess this will be the biggest challenge of this whole relocation process. Although, I think it's going to be fine, I am almost certain of that. Us, humans, we are so good at adjusting to everything. Heh, us hoomans.
Young Vinny isn't so young anymore?
Listen, as long as people keep telling me that I look like I'm 23-25, I'm young.
It's funny, because I remember when I was a teenager and my older brother Lukas was in his early 30s, I thought damn, he's so old (not in a bad way) and so mature. He's always up to something, he's always busy...it really felt like he was living in a whole different world. Now, skip forward quite a few years and here is little Vinny, 30 years of age. Wow. Not so little after all. But hey, I do think that age is just the number and I'm actually looking forward to these upcoming years. These should be a whole lotta fun.
Although, I have to say, March 25th, 2023 was a very VERY emotional day for me. Some of you may, but most of you may not know that I am a very emotional guy. I can be. Depends on the situation. Anyways, the morning started with me seeing all of my family on Zoom and to be honest I couldn't have imagine a better way to start the day. I wish every day started like this. That alone got me teary-eyed. I just miss them a lot.
But okay, once that was done, Bri brought the birthday cake that she made and all of a sudden, we were back on track. Cake always fixes things. I was feeling better and happier and was looking forward to seeing what the day was gonna bring.
A few hours later I got a bit homesick (again) and got a bit emotional (again), but then ate some more birthday cake (again) and things got better (a-you get it).
Last but not least, the evening shenanigans. We (Bri did) booked a place in a nice & casual bar/restaurant kind of a place, where we sat on foldable camp-like chairs, ate hummus and drank beer. Kidding, there was more to it.
I was very fortunate that a lot of my
closest friends (here in Vancouver) were able to make it and we got to spend some quality time together. We joked, we laughed, we had a fantastic time. What more could you really ask for?! Again, huge thanks to all of you beautiful people (you know who you are) and thank you Bri for putting this together.
Speaking of Bri, she's someone who deserves a separate blog post sometime in the future. You are amazing and if you are reading this (right about now), I hope you're smiling. I love you.
Okay, but there's one more thing. See, Bri is not like me. She always tries to surprise me and is always secretly planning something. This year that something wasn't 'just' something (never is), but it was something 'very special and real'. She made a video for me. Not just any video tho. A video that (again), got me all teary-eyed and hit deep. It made me realize how lucky I am to live such a beautiful life, full of amazing and loving people, spectacular sceneries and unforgettable experiences. A luxurious life, in a way...and I'm very thankful for that.
Is this a book now, or something?!
Okay, let's wrap it up. Although, as you can tell, there was quite a bit of stuff going on over the last few weeks. That's life, I guess.
Anyhow, next time we talk, I will be in our new place with (hopefully) some more new and exciting stories to share with you all. Fingers crossed.
Oh and also, I have recorded a couple of things. I hope you can give it a listen and most importantly I hope you will enjoy it.
My first episode (Ep.1) of The Smooth Operator radio show. (longer one)
My 30th birthday mini-mix (shorter one)
Lots of groovy, jazzy, housey vibes.
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Until next time,
Vinny The Guy