You’ll be proud to hear I’ve started setting my alarm clock again. I now wake up every morning at 9 a.m., read for a little while, and brew a cup of coffee. Sometimes I roll around on the floor and cry about my lack of income, but generally I’m calm, cool and collected. I’ve even started walking Maggie’s dog for beer money.
Don’t judge.
I’ve applied to two different freelance positions. I have a large project in the works with a few good buddies. But here’s my general plan:
If I don’t have a viable income by the time my EI runs out, and if I don’t get my other projects off the ground, I’ll go teach in South Korea or Japan. I had planned for Busan anyway, and I already have an amazing recruiter connection.
My other ideas are either moving to Halifax or Montreal. The vote is in favour of Montreal, where I know nobody, where I don’t speak French, and where I’m unsure of the job market. I kinda like that.
The other is Halifax where I have more friends than I can handle and I’m also closer to home.
So I did the only thing reasonable.
I bought a one-way ticket to Halifax.
August 26th I leave, with no definite return date. I’m not moving, though. I need a change of scenery, and a change of pace. Although as soon as I posted my status on Facebook, my friend replied, “I’m flying in the next day, drinks?”
Ah, can’t escape the love.
Basically, I’m unsure if I’m ready to leave St. John’s. Halifax, Montreal…baby, if you want me, make an offer. It’s hard to face the fact I may never experience a front-yard view like this again.
Makes the trashy houses look pretty.
Oh yeah, did I mention The National Post identified me in an article? I shit you not. It’s right there, at the very bottom, just scroll down. No, further. FURTHER. Now I have to get my ass in gear to put together this film before Tuesday, and I don’t have the slightest freaking clue what to do.
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{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
woohoo! a plan is taking place. see? no sweat
cool contest too- one of my life-long dreams (there are so many) is to do the Amazing Race. good luck…i have supreme confidence you will come up with something quirky, funny, fabulous, controversial, or….all of the above?
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:32 am
Thanks, Claire! Here’s hoping. Kinda just wingin’ it, with no real plan at all.
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I’m stoked you bought a one-way ticket to Halifax. If you ever get up the urge to buy a one-way ticket to Las Vegas, we have a room available for you.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:33 am
Oh dear JoAnna, you might regret that offer! Hahaha, thanks! I really do want to make it out that way sometime.
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How cool is it that they mentioned you in the Whisky article? Peeerrfect! Enjoy Halifax!!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:33 am
Thank ya! I am pumped!
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You are making bold moves woman! I think it’s kinda cool that you have so much freedom as to where your life is going. I realize that stability and a job and money are great, but sometimes going with the wind can be good too.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:34 am
It is, for the time being. Although it occured to me today that it’s almost been a month since I was laid off, and I haven’t really accomplished a whole lot…yikes!
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Candice –
Just another adventure for you! Seriously don’t panic, things have a way of working out. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Robin
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:34 am
Thanks, Robin! Things do have a weird way of falling into place, after all.
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That’s so cool you were mentioned in The National Post. Hope you win that contest. You’ve got quite a variety of options ahead of you. Maybe you’ll find it easier to make a decision when you go to Halifax, going away is often a good idea.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:35 am
I think so, it’ll be a great chance for me to clear my head. Wish I were leaving sooner!
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Dog walking for beer money sounds like a plan to me!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:35 am
Works like a charm!
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Nice to see you’re keeping a humorous attitude in the midst of this storm. All of your options are rosy, just remember that.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:35 am
They are, as long as in the end I’m no further in debt than I am now. Thanks!
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Oh girl you were born to spend your life with front yard views like that, you just don’t know it yet.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 am
Hahaha, thanks Linlah, I hope so!
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Ha! Sounds like a familiar tale. The endless oneway flights of travellers. Good luck in Halifax.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 am
Thank you, Ant! It’s the first time I’ve ever bought one-way, hahaha. Kinda weird.
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Gee, Candice, I’m glad I didn’t have to leave a view like that! I’m sure Halifax will be incredible. I can’t wait to hear all about it. And congrats on the nod from the National Post!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:37 am
Oops, didn’t see that you had replied here and I sent you a long email today about my plans, hahaha. But yes, leaving is quite difficult!
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walking my dog is nothing to be judged over! ;P Nevermind that Ollie is pretty much the greatest dog in the world, some people make an actual living off dog walking. Single people who live alone and work shift work need pets, and those pets need attention on the long days!
I’m using all my creative juices to help you with that video, I swear! But I think they get accidently used up at work :/ Damn patients who can’t just TELL ME what’s wrong..
Also, whereever you end up, I’ll come visit
I’ve never been to Montreal…
But, honestly, St John’s for the win… DOUBLE RAINBOW, I mean, seriously..
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 am
Agreed, Ollie is a charmer!
There is not enough double rainbows in my life, sigh.
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Your two freelance projects could come through for you and then you can re-continue on your path. Look on the bright side of it as well. You are walking dogs for beer money and getting exercise at the same time. Well done on the mention in the articles
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 am
Thank you, Natalie! And true about the exercise, it’s far too tempting to sit around eating and watching tv all day.
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Congrats on buying the flight and making the National Post! The change of scenery might be just the kick you need to make any longer term plans…or not, plans are overrated!
Gorgeous shot of the rainbow…looking out my window now at some incredibly dark storm clouds rolling in…perhaps I need to head up north!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:39 am
Dude, you’re more than welcome up here anytime! Thank you!
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No judging about dog walking here. I’ve often thought if I quit my job I wouldn’t mind starting a pet-sitting service. Cute, furry clients? Sure! That IS a beautiful picture of the rainbow.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:39 am
I was thinking the same, since my house is pet-friendly and we have a fenced in backyard. Plus I’d enjoy the company, win-win!
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Dog walking for beer money. I’d never judge that! Korea is in my thoughts for the next couple years as well – great chance to save some money!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:40 am
Exactly! The more I talk about it, the more excited I get. Maybe we’ll end up there at the same time, who knows.
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Ah, what a photo of St. John’s! But there are plenty of stunning ones in Nova Scotia, too
I’ll be leaving Halifax just as you arrive- it would have been wicked to meet up. Oh well, life goes on!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:40 am
Ahh, that’s too bad! I meant to come sooner, but a friend is visiting me here and I haven’t seen her in over a year. I’m looking forward to the NS views.
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I wish you well in whatever you wind up doing, but I saw you mention Busan. I was there this week and its amazing. There is a temple on the sea where you can go watch the sun rise. We did this this week and it was breathtaking. I’ll post some pics when I get back home – if they turned out.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 am
I would LOVE to see your pics! I’ve heard great things about Busan.
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Good luck with it all Candice, I’ve found things have a way of working out, it just nearly always needs more time then people have patience for! I’m sure you can do some good in Halifax though. Remember NFL will always be there for you to come back too.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
I agree! Even just a temporary move would be nice. I’ll miss my friends, though…
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I would totally walk a dog for beer money. Beer is a priority for me.
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:43 am
Mine too, good thing we have our priorities straight.
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Ah yes, the mid-late 20s (and early 30s, late 30s, 40s, and somewhere in your 50s, if you live that long) life fuck. But this particular fuck leads to good things, not unwanted children. I have no doubt you’ll come out on the other side wondering how you stayed so long in that lousy job when you had all this amazing stuff available to you out in the world. Just hold on, and lean on friends, as you go through these changes. Good luck in Halifax!
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Candice Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:44 am
Hahaha, I certainly do not want any unwanted children. It is both a terrifyin gand liberating feeling, this uncertainty. Mostly terrifying at the moment. Thanks Christine!
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Love the one-way ticket – good work!
If you need a couch in Montreal, hit me up. We’ll only be here until Sept 14.
But hope to catch up with you in Halifax in late August.
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Candice Reply:
August 5th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I might just have to take you up on that offer.
Yesss!
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The National Post! Congratulations! I gave up on the CC Hide-a-case challenge when the questions started stumping me big time.
And yes, you would love Busan, it’s tough not to. You’re spoiled for choice in Canada though, Halifax is one of my favourite cities in the country. Have fun on your trip!
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Candice Reply:
August 5th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Ooh, I’m glad you think so about Halifax, I haven’t heard anything bad about it yet!
Hahaha, I barely made it through that first round of Hide a Case. Brutal.
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Who knows where life is going to take you but that’s part of the adventure. You can only plan so much. I lived in Halifax years ago and loved it – love Nova Scotia and the people. Perhaps something serendipitous will happen. Good luck!
And the Vancouver offer still stands.
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Candice Reply:
August 5th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
It is both terrifying, and exciting. But yes, NS is a great place to be and I’m SO ready for change! Even if it isn’t permanent.
And thank you! I will DEFINITELY be out to Vancouver next year!
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