The Firefigher Life
Well folks, he did it. We did it. Rudy is officially your newest member of the Nanaimo Fire Department. What an absolute RIDE it has been the last few years. From starting our winery business in 2020/2021 during our last year of professional volleyball, to him stepping away years later, to deciding he wanted to be a firefighter and going through all the necessary steps, to applying and getting hired (to two departments) to moving our entire life to Vancouver Island. And finally, Rudy starting and completing 7 weeks of fire training. Whewwwfffff.
Not to be dramatic, but it definitely feels as though we are about to start ‘the rest of our lives.’ Rudy seems so happy to be in this line of work - he actually always wanted to be a nurse when he was in university! - and no surprise, he is flawlessly learning all there is to know about medical first responders.
brag alert: out of the 20 recruits for this class, Rudy was ranked number 2, second to someone who worked as a paramedic for 9 years! He’s actually one of the only people in his class that has zero medical or fire experience, yet, was still ranked #2 after the interview process. What a guy.
This just goes to show that even if you’re mid 30’s, or whatever age, you can always pivot your life! As wonderful and amazing as some parts of entrepreneurship was, what we were doing just didn’t fit in with how we wanted to live our lives. It changed over the years, and that’s okay too. Looking back, it seemed like we were always battling something. We just weren’t aligned in our day to day and that really caused friction in both of our lives. We were working 24/7 which was OK before we had kids, but we realized after that this wasn’t going to work; always working, always stressed, still trying to make ends meat (both being owners and taking a smaller wage), not having time for the kids let alone each other (or working out, or friends), and did I mention always stressed? If you’re in an unhappy work situation, or it’s just not working FOR you, let this be your nudge to make some changes. It’s really never too late. But I guess I should clarify, we weren’t unhappy in our work. We actually both loved the industry and our work very, very much. It just didn’t work for Rudy and the role he was in, and that caused a lot of stress in other areas of our lives. Personally, I hope to again have a part in Valley Commons and Stoneboat Winery moving forward.
Otherwise, the boys and I have been surviving and getting into our own little groove! It’s going to be another adjustment having Rudy around after 7 weeks of primarily just the 3 of us! Mackie’s in gymnastics, soccer, dance, and music class, all of which he thoroughly enjoys. Wesley tags along of course, and I’m sure it’ll be just a matter of time before he’s sprinting around after Mackie. He’s actually getting pretty close to walking which is both exciting and terrifying. I don’t have any immediate plans to put Mackie in daycare because selfishly, I want to spend the time with him. Buuuuuut I do think he’s ready. He’s such a social little bean so we’ll see what options we have.
We are ALSO actively looking for a house to buy (ahhhh!) but aren’t in a real rush as we have our rental until mid October. It is pretty fun to house hunt and try to imagine our little family growing up in each place. Even though we purchased our Fort Langley house & property back in 2020, this-coming purchase feels like a bigger deal. Maybe because it solidifies our moving here. Maybe it’s because we had purchased our last house with my in-laws. Regardless of why, I’m just incredibly excited and nervous. We’re not in a rush, but we are also looking 5 times a day and haven’t started going to more showings. The anticipation is real.
After over 4 years of being (completely) out of the volleyball scene, we have found that most of our initial connections here on the island have been through volleyball. Somehow my brother convinced both Rudy and myself to play on his co-ed volleyball team, despite me not jumping since before children OR touching a volleyball, but its been so much fun. Definitely a great way to meet people! I am continuing to ask random moms for their numbers as well (haha) at the activities we’re doing, at the playground, the mall…. anywhere really. I feel slightly crazy but hopefully it pays off in the long run! (But also, why is it so hard to meet people).
I’ve continued working with Arbonne through this transition time which has honestly helped my mental sanity so much. Having something that is just for me, a way to use my brain when I have some free moments, and connect with like-minded women and moms… priceless! Oh, and getting healthy myself and getting paid! Yes please. If you’re wanting any health products (greens, fizz, protein, adaptogens, tea, skincare etc etc… let me know!). Take a peek at everything HERE.
Rudy’s first shift is on Wednesday so keep your fingers crossed for him (and me!). He starts on 24hour shifts right away, and in fact, everyone in the department is starting on 24hour shifts for the first time (they were waiting for this class to graduate from their training). Hopefully the boys are nice to me and sleep through the night…. one can dream.
Cheers to starting anew - again!
And congratulations to Rudy!