It’s a blog title I never thought in a million years I would be writing on if I’m being honest. Nine years ago at this time of year, I was three short months in to my life in the big city and it was finally going to work out this time I assured myself. A few moves prior to that one fizzled out – for those of you from Toronto you may not know this, but moving to Toronto isn’t easy. If you don’t have (affordable) housing, a good job / any job lined up, a support network and other things many of us take for granted ready for you here, it’s overwhelming to say the least.
So why after all of this success and flourishing would I ever give that all up?
The answer shouldn’t be a shocking one.
Because it is a clear path to having children. I have accepted an amazing new job and it is based in Ottawa. It’s stability, and responsibility, and a budget I can plan on and trust to be consistent. It’s astronomically cheaper to live in. Not to mention, it’s doing what I love and what I’m really good at.
Now, that path doesn’t come without its hurdles. For the foreseeable future Julio and I will live in separate cities and do our best to commute to one another as I travel for work between the two cities often. Not to mention the stress of looking for, and subsequently signing a lease for a home in Ottawa I’ve not actually ever seen in person yet. Thankfully I have some incredible family based in Ottawa that have been such a huge help in the process. So yeah, it’s a lot. But it’s an opportunity I couldn’t find here and one I simply couldn’t turn down.
That being said, having lived in Ottawa for fifteen plus years prior to moving to Toronto, I know the city. I’m excited for what this new chapter holds to put ink on paper with an aggressive budget to save for our family. One thing being penciled in for 2021 is adding a car to our lives – it will be necessary for my role, and to get around the city.
No offense to the OC transpo, but it’s no TTC.
Over the years I’ve been behind the wheel of a lot of cars. Each of them a magical moment to help me as a content creator express what it felts to drive them and ultimately, how you might feel in doing the same. Most recently, it’s been a love affair with Kia Canada and this affair is about to get official. I’m 90% sure that before the end of 2021, Julio and I will be buying a new Kia Canada vehicle, so I thought it would be a good time to tell you about their latest and greatest. The 2022 Kia Carnival was recently revealed during their virtual auto show.
While I encourage those car buffs out there to check out the virtual auto show here , the jury is still out on which model we will opt for. But it’s safe to say you’ll be seeing a lot more Kia content with us because will be proud owners.
So while I start to box up my life and change addresses online, I wanted to remind you all that maybe the big change you’re scared of making is the right thing to do. COVID has really put a lot of things into perspective for me, and while I never thought I would leave, I know it’s not because I “failed” in Toronto – but rather because I am choosing to thrive in Ottawa more than I can here.
I’m not sure what adoption is going to be like, but I am excited to start learning how to even start the process when the dust settles from this big move. There are still a lot of challenges for gay men in Canada looking to start a family and I know it’s going to take a few years of pinching pennies and doing the work, but I’ve never wanted something more than to have children.
And to raise them with my husband, wherever that may be.
So why am I leaving Toronto? For my kids and to meet them a little sooner. That’s why.
Now more than ever, to join in the social media conversation going on with some of the most Instagramable and family memories on the road with Julio and Canela. Make sure to follow @KiaCanada on Instagram and Twitter, and by ‘Liking’ their Facebook Page.
Photos: Daniel Reyes & All Social Media accounts listed above
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year, and the next!
Mobile photos were taken with my Mobile Device of choice on the Rogers network.
*Promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – all opinions expressed are my own and my disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.