Hey Hungry Humans!
It’s been a hot minute & I have missed this! To put it honestly, I am overwhelmed and burnt out and I don’t know what to say about the current state of the World, so I haven’t said much. Instead of racking my brain on saying something eloquent, I decided to focus my efforts elsewhere. I don’t want to ignore it, but it’s so much easier to stay in my lil bubble. Come into my bubble with me for just one sec, it’s a really great life that I am so grateful to get to live.
Toronto is going into another state of emergency, somehow different to the total lockdown we’ve been experiencing since October. I’ve taken a lot of time for myself, relaxing. I’ve been working with my clients, supporting. I’ve been spending a lot of time reaching for any, literally ANY, possibility to manifest change.
Good things come to those who hustle and pass by those who sit and wait. I am not one to sit still or chill out easily, and it’s been really hard for me to slow down and sitting with discomfort is a skill I am still trying to master. Throughout the lockdown I have become more intentional with my hustle, making an effort to work smarter instead of harder. As an entrepreneur, harder always seems like the answer, but it really isn’t.
So on that note, I am SO thrilled to share that I have accepted a position as a Clinical Consulting Dietitian in London, Ontario!!! I still plan on seeing my current clients and continuing to spread the word about the harms of diet culture - it’s part of my soul at this point! All my blood, sweat and (lots of) tears, and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
To my current clients, THANK YOU for being my motivation when I didn’t have any left of my own. THANK YOU for supporting me in such a challenging time, emotionally and financially. THANK YOU for choosing my expertise and trusting me with your health. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Move numero 18 in 24 years is planned and underway. My partner has already started his MBA at Ivey and will start his law degree at Western in the fall. We have a house with a porch and a yard and a kitchen with LOTS of storage, the perfect built-in shelf for my cookbooks and ALL the natural light. All the sh*t that hit the fan is starting to settle - albeit in a different city. My commute is perfectly timed for podcasts, half on the way there, half back. We’re near family, not that far away from friends. We have a life. PINCH ME.
I’m sad to leave Toronto, as I had always dreamed of living here as a little girl in a small town. At risk of sounding privileged and inconsiderate, hear me out. I moved here in September of 2019 and spent most of my free time studying for my Registration Exam that November. Before COVID hit, I experienced just 3 months of Toronto life as I had always imagined. Let me tell you, it was AWESOME.
Then I was laid off.
Then I was an essential worker in the belly of the beast aka the downtown core.
Then I had to give up my condo.
Then I was laid off, again.
And that was 7 months ago.
So I guess that’s show biz, baby.
I loved my life, and I think a part of me is still grieving everything that could have been. But, everything happens for a reason and I truly believe in karma. Although she can be a huge b*tch, she’s my friend and I love her. Karma helps me hold onto hope and scrape together any remaining motivation to keep going; if not for me, then for a higher power in the universe. Shoutout to karma for fuelling the hustle thus far and helping me manifest a life that I am SO excited to get to live.
Okay so my NEW JOB! I am responsible for quarterly nutritional assessments of all residents and new admissions of a long term care facility. I also sign off on nutritional adequacy of menus provided, prescribe therapeutic diets, and provide education to care providers. Swallowing assessments? Put me in coach! Menu audits? Pick me!!!
I know I am going out on a limb here, as we have all been affected, but those in long term care homes have easily had it the worst throughout this pandemic. Their caretakers are the only people they see while living in fear for their life. I still have my great grandmother, and at 85 she survived an outbreak in her care home, tested negative for the duration, before receiving both of her vaccinations. A feat she accomplished and endured alone, without direct support from loved ones or others going through the same. I think of her and the experience of being a long term care resident in such times, and I am excited for my work to impact such a vulnerable population.
Another area arguably hardest hit by the pandemic, I feel for restaurants and their employees. I will miss the hospitality industry as service has been a huge part of my life for the past 6+ years. I’ll miss happy hour and no tippers - SAID NO ONE EVER - but in all seriousness will miss my colleagues and work environment that became home to me in this city.
To all those laid off, still searching, and ready to quit, I see you and I’m rooting for you. The best is yet to come, I can promise you that.
Stay tuned as we leave The Six and take on the smaller of the Londons! I am now accepting any and all recommendations for good eats and local markets. I am just SO thrilled and excited to see what karma keeps dishing out for me.
For the love of carbs,
Emily Paige