albertabound

I arrived with my son on 26th June feeling qite elated.
This 2 weeks has been quite wierd. I have not experienced that "honeymoon feeling" that I was probably foolishly, expecting. The first few days I cried a lot for the people I had left behind.
It is great to be back with my husband and just for that I wouldnt want to be back in the UK.
When I saw our rental house for the first time, I almost cried. It is quite a come down to what we have back in the UK.
Things really are far away as in shops etc. I cant just nip to corner shop etc.
Anyway, now just a fortnight later I am feeling much better. I have even applied for a couple of jobs. I look forward to the 15 minute walk to the Mall and even enjoy looking around garage sales although I have yet to make a purchase.
I realise that I am not quite there yet. I know that it is a long road and the tears will still flow whenever.
My 19 year old son has just applied for a work permit that we thought he was not entitled to and I am thinking about joining an amateur dramatics company, even to just paint sets etc.
I have not made friends with anyone yet but do think that it will happen eventually. The battleship grey walls in our rental now seem to have a bit of a lilac hue lol.
I am beginning to feel that it is home because to me that is wherever we, as a family are together. Sorry for the ramble.
Tina

the blairs

Aww Im sure it will pick up soon !!

Good luck

Those first few months must be really strange, but you are with your family, so you can make it work !!

the blairs

mayersanna

Well done, onwards and upwards.

albertabound

Thanks for the replies and yeah each day I do feel a little more settled. It is my son's 20th Birthday today and the poor lad has to celebrate with parents. Mind you, he is taking us to the casino lol.
Tina

pollyb

You will gradually settle in. We arrived in January this year and our children (26 & 29 ) still in england so that is strange. Talk to them nearly every day on skype. Where are you in ALberta?

albertabound

Hi Polly,
I'm in Red Deer. Where are you?
I have also left a 24 yearold son and a 12 week grandson back in UK. I think that this has been the worst thing for me but as you say Skype is there and it is getting a little better each day. I even won 50 dollars at the casino last night!!!
Tina

pollyb

We are in Devon just outside Edmonton. i am here if you want to talk anytime. Can PM each other at any time or e mail or phone. We landed here in middle of winter and i don't drive so stuck at home but had to go out to walk dog in snow and ice. Are you working?

newshoney

It's early days and I'm sure it'll get better, especially as you make friends and find something to do with your time. I don't underestimate how hard it is to have family in different places. Hopefully lots of friendly BE'ers in your area will ease the settling in. And it's not that far to Calgary. Best wishes!

Yoong

Hi Tina,welcome to Canada

Yoong

albertabound

Thank you Yoong. It is 3 weeks today and I do feel more settled.
I posted my resume on Monster and and agency phoned me for a general interview. Ok I know its not a job but it lifted my spirits. I went for said interview yesterday and now have 2 interviews for temporary jobs. They are not the same calibre as I had in the UK but we have to start somewhere yeah?
Anyway, our furniture also lands in Calgary next Wednesday so can expect it about 5 days after that. It only left our house in UK on 22nd June so I am made up with that. I can start making our rental look more like home!!
My husband just absolutely loves it here. Because he hasbeen here a while he is so settled.
But hey, I am definitely getting there.
Tina

petepete99

Hey Tina nice to see you are now over there. Thanks for all your help again.

I'm sure you'll enter integration mode at some time, but hey I'm not an expert, will surely experience a similar thing to yourself in a few weeks time!

I'm myself 24, my mother is going to find it really hard to cope with me going over to Canada on my own, we are a really close-knit familiy, live in the same town, stones throw away from each other, I can only imagine how tough it is for you but thank god for modern technology, where would we be without it?!

I'm sure the blues will fade gradually! I don't know how far away Banff is from you but maybe you should go and soak up some scenery to appreciate the raw natural beauty that this wonderful country has to offer.

Good luck with the job hunting too!!

Piff Poff

A mere 2 hours ish - We were in Kananaskis for the weekend - as soon as we get to the foothills we are in relax mode - bliss

snoopster

Don't worry, things will begin to feel more and more normal and pleasant as time passes. If you can get a job...any job.... then that helps tremendously to 'normalise' you, and once your belongings arrive and you have familiar things around you then that lifts your spirits again.
Great idea to try to get involved with a local drama group, as you will really benefit from meeting people too.
Best of luck to you and at least the sun is shining most days to help to cheer you when you're feeling down. Homesickness is entirely normal, we've all been there, but it will pass and I'm sure you'll feel great about the move here in no time.

Clay Buster

I haven't spent much time in Red Deer, though I did buy my last truck at Red Deer Toyota! It's less of an obvious draw for a new immigrant than the Edmonton or Calgary areas, so maybe that makes a difference in the early settling-in period. Still, once you get to know the place and the people I'm willing to bet you'll find it's just fine! Good luck, and stay positive. T'other half (a Leduc girl...) is standing over my shoulder and reminding me to say that if you get a job with a company that has offices in both Edm and Cgy, Red Deer is perfect. Good luck, and stay positive!

albertabound

Thanks once again for your positive answers. I have an interview on Tuesday. It is my Wedding Anniversary today. Going to see Everton play tomorrow, even though we are Reds lol. Come on River Plate!!!
Things are settling and I am feeling better lots.
Butch Cassidy - you said I would be laughing by now, well to be honest I am smiling more- Thank you
Tina