Guys, I’ve got some big news. I feel like I’ve had this enormous balloon full of hot, secret-y air that’s been thisclose to bursting every day for the past 2 weeks, and the day has finally come where I get to pop it and let that secret out!
If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know that I’ve flown out to Vancouver every year for the past 3 summers. These trips involve running the Lululemon SeaWheeze half marathon (all 3 so far – this year will be #4!), eating as much seafood as I can handle, running along the Sea Wall and through Stanley Park, and enjoying a nice little holiday with some of the people that matter most to me.
Every time I’ve savoured each minute, and some of my best memories have come out of these trips. But every time, I’ve returned home with the worst post-vacation blues E-VER. Especially the year that just passed.
Long-time Eat Spin Run Repeat readers will also know that I’ve made a vision board every year for the past 4 years. On these boards, I cut up and paste together a whole bunch of images that inspire me and represent the goals I want to achieve in my health, fitness, love, relationships, career, and spirituality. I share most of those goals openly for all the hundreds of thousands of people on the interwebs to see. Most.
Here’s where the secret starts. Every year since the little summer escapes out west began, I’ve wanted to move there. The scenery, the lifestyle, the people, the fresh coastal air – all of it just feels so right and so “me”. I currently reside in the middle of a snow belt and to say that winter doesn’t bring out my best side is the understatement of the century. But when I’m in BC, I’m in my element. I’m outside more often, walking around instead of in the car, I’m more relaxed and content with life, and I’m connecting with more and more people every time. Those trips are like soul re-chargers that infuse more energy than any solid amount of sleep or endorphin-pumping gym session ever could.
Ever since the first of these trips to Vancouver in 2011, I’ve had it in the back of my mind that some day, I’d love to move there. Over the past 4 years, that thought has come closer and closer to being THE thing at the front of my mind – the one big thing I’ve wanted most that nothing else could beat.
I began seriously applying for jobs in the Vancouver area 2 years ago. Each day, the alerts for marketing positions from Glassdoor, Fresh Gigs, and other job hunting sites would pop up in my inbox and I’d apply to a few every so often. I interviewed and things got serious with 3 different companies, but after several weeks of being invested in each, things fell through and I was left feeling emotionally spent. I mentally closed off each of these cycles with the decision that it just wasn’t meant to be.
The last job hunting emotional rollercoaster came to a screeching halt back in November. At the time, I was also dealing with a really unfortunate mold issue in the condo I was renting, fighting my way out of a lease, and finding a new place to live. When all was said and done, and when I’d finally settled into a gorgeous new condo with my bestie Jess, I unsubscribed from all those job alerts. I didn’t want to think about them any more and decided to stay put for a solid year before looking around again.
This all took a turn 3 weeks ago. I got an email from a recruiter at a really amazing company out in Vancouver. (Nope, it’s not Vega – but they’re amazing too! I’m going to leave the name undisclosed for now but you guys will probably hear about it soon.)
I’d applied to this company before, but didn’t end up getting the role. This time, the recruiter asked if I was interested in a new opening he was hiring for. I agreed to send my resume and do an initial screening interview. Things progressed fast over the course of the 2 weeks that followed and I still hadn’t told many people – not even my own mum! To be honest, I didn’t want to get myself (or anyone else) emotionally wrapped up all over again in the prospect of moving across the country until things seemed serious.
Well serious happened. My references were checked, the offer was sent and I signed it. And I’m moving to Vancouver to start this new adventure at the end of March.
While feelings of overwhelm and a bit of nervousness are definitely running through me, I’m absolutely ecstatic and over-the-moon elated that this dream of mine is finally coming true. Before I’d been seeking out opportunities and pushing so hard to make them happen, but this one sort of fell straight into my lap and oh-emmmm-GEEEE am I ever grateful that it did. Timing is never ideal, but everything about it feels right.
Phew. Now that we’ve discussed the big news, I made you a fancy dinner to celebrate. Well, it’s not really fancy – it just looks kinda fancy but it’s DEAD EASY to make. There have been tons of lentil recipes here on the blog lately (for good reason – they’re helping me clean out my kitchen cupboards before the move!) and today I’ve got another one for you – possibly my favourite yet.
This Lemony Salmon on Dill Lentil Pilaf is a super protein-dense meal, and it’s chock-full of vitamins and minerals too. But all nutrition mumbo jumbo aside, it’s just really tasty and if you’ve got something to celebrate, I highly recommend it. (Even if you don’t, you won’t be sorry.) 😉
Since it’s the first Wednesday of the month, you’ll find this delightful dinner over in my monthly feature on Greatist.
Click here for the recipe.
For those of you thinking “but what about her Ironman 70.3 Muskoka race? I thought she was all about training for a triathlon this year?”
Don’t you worry – I’ve readjusted the race schedule and the new A-race on the calendar is Challenge Penticton (half Iron-distance) on August 30th. I’ve heard great things about it, and since I was originally gunning for Ironman Muskoka 70.3 on July 5th, I’ve got almost 2 extra months to train!
So tell me…
- Do you have a secret goal that you haven’t told many people about, that lights you up and that you hope will happen one day? Are you purposefully working towards it now?
- What accomplishment, milestone, or special occasion in your life did you celebrate most recently?
Lastly, if you or anyone you know happens to be looking for a gorgeous 2-bedroom condo to move into in the Waterloo area, I’d love to hear from you!! Feel free to email me at eatspinrunrepeat (at) gmail (dot) com.
angela!!! so happy to read this amazing life news! this is just a wonderful opportunity and i am so glad that things worked when they were meant to be!!! all the best to you!!
Thank you so much Cathy! Really looking forward to discovering some new stunning run scenery – I’ll be thinking of you when I do!
Congrats Angela! So happy this worked out for you. Terribly envious you get to leave the snow and ice behind. Vancouver is one of my fav cities in Canada.
Thanks for all your support, Shirley! And you’re always welcome to come visit! 🙂
Amazzzing news….
So happy for you.
But so sad that I never got to meet you 🙁
Well these are wonderful news!!! I am happy dancing for you right now 😉 I have always wanted to right a book, it is one of my secret goals – not so secret anymore :). For the mean time I am deciding which direction I want to go. Small steps! 🙂
Thank you Elsie! I think your ‘secret’ goal is a fantastic one. Baby steps are key for sure, and I hope you’ll work towards achieving it!
CONGRATULATIONS ANGELA!!!! That’s such a good news!!! So you’re gonna pack again, then? How does your bestie feels? I’m sure you’ll find everything you need there!
I’d love to visit Vancouver someday, life near the sea is always the best.
My secret dream would be to be to live in Tel Aviv or Portland, OR. Never been there, but it seems to be very “me”.
Take care!
cheers from Brussels, Belgium
Haha yep, it’s packing time again. (I’m getting kinda good at it I guess!) My bestie is awesome and she’s also got a cool opportunity lined up, so it’s an exciting time for both of us. Vancouver is absolutely lovely and as a runner, I think you’d find it gorgeous. I’ve never been to Tel Aviv or Portland, but I’ve heard great things about both. Thanks for your kind words!
Congrats Angela! First time writing, but have read your blog for the past year. I was blessed to live in West Vancouver for 2 years when my four kids were small, and we LOVED it! It has been one of my favorite places since and I dream of someday getting to return!
Best of Luck!!
Thank you so much for commenting Karen! I love hearing from my quiet readers. Great to hear that you’re a past Vancouverite – you definitely see the same appeal that I do, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your travels bring you back!
Congrats Angela and best of luck to you! I’ll continue to follow your blog and look forward to hearing more about your life in Vancouver 🙂
Thanks Sara!
I am so so so happy for you!! I know you have wanted to make the move for awhile now, so this is all GREAT news!!
Thanks lovely. Hoping we can have another Tdot girlies reunion at some point soon!
Angela this is awesome news! I am totally envious that you have not only found your happy town but are getting to live in it! That’s so incredible! Each time you write about Vancouver you make it sound so enticing. I hope to get to visit it one day and see for myself.
I’m so happy for you congratulations 🙂
Thank you so much Lauren! If you do ever come to visit I think a long bike ride is in order. 😉
I love hearing stories like this. Thanks for sharing this happy happy news with all of us. I used to live in Spokane, WA and love traveling to BC. I haven’t spent time on the coast but always hear wonderful things. Congratulations on making this happen for yourself.
Thanks for your kind words, Heather. That’s really cool that you used to live in Washington – I’ve only been for a day (and it was to go to Costco and do a bit of shopping – still a very good trip!) but would love to see more. Hopefully you can make it out west sometime again in the future, and maybe even back up to BC!
Woohoo! So happy for you!! I hope the apartment search is going well, let me know if you need any help! Congrats! You’re gonna love it out here 🙂 PS. it’s been like 15 degrees lately.
That makes me SO happy Deryn!! I’m so pumped to see you. The apartment search is going…. I think it’s nearly there but still a few places to have my relatives check out for me. Thanks so much for offering to help. A catch-up date when I arrive is a requirement!
Omg! Congrats! What an exciting time for you. Best of luck as you begin your new adventure.
I did Ironman Canada 2012 in its final year in Penticton. We love that area. We went in 2011 to volunteer and register and back in 2012 for the race. Check out Casa Ouzeria for amazing greek food. The owners are amazing. They will treat you very well. Also, check out Wouda’s Bakery for some goodies after the race.
Wow, congrats on your Ironman Canada completion, Ann! That’s amazing! It’s funny you mention volunteering because I’m really hoping to volunteer at Ironman Whistler this year. I’m really excited to take in the race atmosphere and be amongst to many great triathletes! Thanks so much for the restaurant suggestions. I’ll be sure to check them out!
Congrats friend! XOXO
And this salmon……pretty amazing too 😉
Thanks Rebecca! 🙂
This is so exciting, congrats!! My brother lives in Vancouver and I love visiting from Seattle! Can’t wait to find out your new role, and secretly hoping the name involves lulu and lemon!
Thanks so much Shannon! It’s doesn’t quite involve lulu and lemons, but it does involve a hoot and a suite…. 😉
CONGRATS!!!! It was literally when I swore off looking for a job that one showed up for me that felt like a good fit as well. Enjoy the new journey!
Timing’s never how you expect it to be, right?! So funny that the same happened to you! Thanks Amanda!
Congratulations!! I live in Vancouver, and the weather here has been SO amazing lately (can’t even call it winter!) you’re going to love it!
And YAY for Challenge Penticton – I’m doing it too! I’ll see you there – and at Seawheeze too 🙂
I think I’ve just appointed you one of my new training buddies, Angela. This is awesome to hear! I’ll need to pick your brain on the best places to ride once I arrive! 🙂
Angela, I have never wanted to follow anyone before. I found my heart pounding as I read your article. I am sitting here wondering why I want to now. I don’t know…but felt like you reached out and grabbed me. Wonderful that your dream is coming true.
Marlaine, thank you SO much for your kind words! I was feeling pretty excited as I wrote this post and I’m glad you enjoyed it too. I hope it gave you some inspiration to go after whatever it is you’re shooting for as well. 🙂
Wow this is wonderful news. I have never been there before but I do love the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is one of the regional offices my husband could be transferred to. Maybe one day. I always love your Seawheeze visit reports. Makes me want to visit so bad. One day. Congrats on the new job and let the adventure begin 🙂
Thanks Desiree! How cool would it be if we met up some day between Seattle and Vancouver?! Please keep me posted on that one!
Oh my gosh, that is SO exciting! I am so incredibly happy for you! I felt the exact same way when I moved to Vancouver this past fall – it just felt like it was meant to be. I will be looking for a place to live in August, so it will be great to hear what you think of the area. 🙂
Ooh yay, another Vancouverite!! Thanks for your comment Emma. I’m thrilled that you love it there – it sounds like what I’m experiencing now is the same as you last year. Let’s keep in touch!
Congratulations Angela!! I am so happy for you. I wish you nothing but happiness and success. You and Nina will have a blast out in Vancouver!!!
Chris, the boys, and I will be in Vancouver the first week of July. We are spending a week in Vancouver/Whistler and a week in Calgary. Would be great if we can all connect!!!
Best wishes always,
Pat
Pat it’s so great to hear from you!! Thanks so much for the congratulations, and yes, I’m super excited to have Nina out on the west coast too! Definitely keep us posted about your trip in July. I’d love to catch up because it’s been WAY too long and a mini Sybase reunion would be the best! 🙂
does this mean i can come visit you in Vancouver?! YAY! so excited for you!
Ummmmmm yes it most certainly does, and PLEASE DO! We will go to the Granville market and eat these maple smoked salmon nuggets that are absolutely TO.DIE.FOR and you will never want to go home. Promise!
After last winter, I decided I’d had enough. On a whim, I made a similar move – from Cleveland, Ohio to Tacoma, Washington. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel healthier, more relaxed, more grateful….just so much closer to the best version of myself. You will never run out of staggeringly beautiful places to explore out here. Congratulations, and welcome to the Pacific Northwest!
Wow Leah, congratulations!!! And thanks for the welcome – I’m so excited to get out to the west coast for so many reasons (escaping winter being one of them!) I admire you for making such a bold decision and love that it’s had such a profound effect on your happiness. #westcoastisthebestcoast! 🙂
Congratulations Angela! What an exciting opportunity and the chance to fulfill the desire that’s been in your heart for so long. You are SO on point about timing; while it might not be ideal it feels right and all things fall into place. I am so excited for you and wish you all the best in this next chapter of an exciting life!
Aw Sarah, you are so sweet! I heard someone say today that you have to be prepared to give up the good for something great, and it totally resonated with me in my current situation. Thanks so much for your support!
What exciting news! And it just goes to show… sometimes things just have to happen when they’re meant to 🙂 I will be sad not to see you at Muskoka 70.3 though! But that’s okay because your dreams are coming true and that is ridiculously amazing! Can’t wait to read all about your new life in Vancouver and your ongoing training!
I recently experienced a similar scenario…had enough of the brutally cold winters in Saskatchewan and was ready for a change! I ran in the sea wheeze half marathon a couple years ago and made the move out to Vancouver island this past September and am so happy I did! Best of luck with the move and new job!
Oh wow Karen, this is great to hear! It sounds like my experience is just a few months behind yours. Are you doing SeaWheeze this year too? If so, perhaps I’ll see ya there!
Angela! That is so exciting, congratulations!! Vancouver is very “you” – I lived there for 2 years while I did my Master’s at UBC. Crazy that you’re moving so soon too! I’m happy to help put you in touch with some friends who may be moving out of their place in April. And ooooh you’ll be moving there right around when all the rose blossoms come out!
Are you bringing your car there too?
Thanks Sarah! It seems like so many of my friends are either in BC now, were in the past, or are going to be in the near future so I sort of feel like it’s home already! Thank you so much for the offer to connect with some of your friends. As of today I think I’ve actually found a place (surprisingly much faster than I anticipated!) but I will let you know if that falls through. I am taking my car out – I’ll ship it and it should arrive about 2 weeks after I do. I doubt I’ll use it much during the week but wanted to have it there with me for traveling around on weekends…. and Costco trips. LOL! 🙂 If you’ve got any tips or must-knows about Vancouver I’d LOVE to hear them!
Yayyyy congrats!!! So exciting! Best of luck with your move and I can’t wait to hear about your Vancouver adventures. 🙂
Thanks so much Jen! I can’t wait to tell you all about them. 🙂
ANGE!!! This is the BEST news ever!!! I know how long you’ve been wanting to move out there so this is absolutely PERFECT for you! I am so happy for you. We need to plan something before you leave though because then I won’t see you until SeaWheeze!!!
Thanks girl – I will miss you LOTS but can’t wait until Seawheeze this summer! And yes, we will get together before I go. I’ll let ya know soon about dates!
Congrats! They’re lucky to have you on their team! I have to say, the notion of having a secret goal resonated with me. I’m a mid-career lawyer who is secretly taking classes to become a physician. I don’t tell people yet because I know they’ll say I’m crazy and I don’t need any negative energy deterring me from my goal! Perhaps when I get closer, I’ll come clean. 🙂
Thank you so much Adrenna! I’m super excited about the adventure ahead. I love that you’re open to exploring other options, especially after investing a fair number of years in your career as a lawyer. We only live once, and life is too short not to do what you love and try out as many things as you want to!
South-western Ontario is going to miss you, but I am sure Vancouver will welcome you with open arms! This winter has been the pits…this time next year you will be frolicking through the cherry blossoms and will extra thankful of your move.
So exciting Angela!
I have a big move headed my way this summer, so I know how the excitement/uncertainty feels, embrace the adventure and have fun with it!
Ooh that’s so exciting Cara! I’m looking forward to hear more about it as the time comes closer. There’s a lot of uncertainty for sure, but I know that a month from now, all the heavy lifting and decision making will be done. I hope your transition later this year goes super smoothly. PS I loved your Asian Salmon recipe on Lindsay’s blog and can’t wait to give it a try!
If ONLY you were coming to work with us at Vega! Some day 🙂
Thrilled for you and your new gig! Way to go on putting your goal on the map and making it happen. So much adventure ahead for you, excited to follow along. I don’t have any life changing goals ahead, simply looking toward simplifying so I can enjoy what I have around me that much more. And your salmon recipe, looking divine!
Thanks so much Heidi! I love your focus on simplifying. I’m trying to do the same in my packing to move out west and it’s actually a really cleansing, refreshing feeling. It’s amazing how easily we accumulate things we don’t actually need, and how much we manage to unnecessarily complicate our lives!
congrats ange
Congrats!!! Sounds wonderful! So happy for you!
Thank you Julie! 🙂