Grateful to be heading back to this office soon (and who can’t smile with ice cream)!
Following my longer than expected maternity leave, I am happy to announce Nibby and I will be returning to part time work this fall! The return involves a move back to the Ritchie Professional Centre and my colleagues at North Land Counselling. Many of you will recall the office as I was based there previously for several years prior to my short stint in the space on Saskatchewan Drive. I'm planning for two days in the office for now, so if you are a colleague wanting to share space, or know of someone looking, please be in touch.
Life has been full with another move too. On May 24 my family and I were handed the keys to our dream home! As many of you may know, we have been in the process of building since the fall of 2021. However, the dreaming and scheming began over 10 years ago. Our big kid told me the other day this home is built on a wish and a dare...
We used to live in a lovely condo in Garneau, just blocks from my first office (anyone remember seeing me above the Movie Studio with the smell of popcorn?!) We had decided to look for a house and were riding our bikes around nearby neighbourhoods when we fell in love with Hazeldean. In particular I wanted to live on one street, but widened my search to about a ten block perimeter to look at :) In 2012, we moved into a sweet house we loved as our home the past ten years.
After moving into the area, we would continue to pine over the coveted street. About a year later, while on a walk, my husband said if I really wanted to live there I'd have to do something about it. (It was a regular occurrence for us to get letters in our mailbox from people and realtors wanting to buy in the area.) I saw a couple standing in the doorway of their home and suggested my husband go speak to them. He wasn't game, but dared me to. So, with our older son in my baby wrap, I walked up, said hello and shared my wish.
That conversation changed the course of our lives... we left a note at a house the couple said may be available but nothing happened. Thankfully I'd left my phone number when boldly sharing my wish, and two weeks later we got a call giving us a tip about another house that may be for sale. We left a note immediately and as they say the rest is history!
We were lucky enough to purchase the house which was on our lot and spent the next several years renting it out while saving and planning. Our older son shares this home has been in the works his whole life and it's true! Lessons in long term goals ;) There were several times we thought we may be able to start building, but for multiple reasons could not actually get everything in order until last year.
My cousins helped take our house drawings and bring them to life. We are forever grateful for their help in navigating a custom build, especially during the uncertainty and economic climate of the times. Many days I need to pinch myself; we have moved in and are settling into our new home!
Right now I am so tangibly experiencing the benefit of being vocal about my desires and bold in my actions. I am also acutely aware of the privileges I have and grateful for my supportive community. Many risks have been involved, but it has been worth it. Even now, with my upcoming office move there remains uncertainly and unknowns. However, I am still taking the plunge and following my heart to move where I want to be.
What wishes do you have and what may happen if I dare you to go for them!? What support may you lean in to in hopes of making the wishes come true? I look forward to connecting and being part of your team again soon. I will share more details in the coming weeks about my return to work.
With gratitude,
Deepika