12 months on
May 7th 2006 | 2:27 am
#1
Thread Starter
Class 1 Driver and Nurse
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,498
From: Kentville, N.S.
12 months on
We arrived here 12 months ago (May 3rd) and when i look back over that time and reflect on what we have left behind, what we had, and what we have now, the difference is staggering.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
May 7th 2006 | 3:08 am
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 919
From: Toronto. ON
Re: 12 months on
Good on ya Andy, and congratulations on your first anniversary.
Steve
Steve
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
We arrived here 12 months ago (May 3rd) and when i look back over that time and reflect on what we have left behind, what we had, and what we have now, the difference is staggering.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
May 7th 2006 | 3:15 am
#3
Thread Starter
Class 1 Driver and Nurse
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,498
From: Kentville, N.S.
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by SAW 04
Good on ya Andy, and congratulations on your first anniversary.
Steve
Steve
May 7th 2006 | 3:18 am
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 919
From: Toronto. ON
Re: 12 months on
We have our anniversary on 27th May and despite some ups and downs we are definitely happier with less stress, more time together and far less financial pressure.
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
Thanks Steve, We hope you are as happy as we are after 12 months.
May 7th 2006 | 3:37 am
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,713
From: Windsor, ON; Chicago, IL
Re: 12 months on
We arrived a year ago yesterday - I remember waking up to the UK election results and not giving a toss for once as we were on our way to the airport 
Nothing's really changed in the year for us though - just geography.
Nothing's really changed in the year for us though - just geography.
May 7th 2006 | 4:25 am
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 125
Re: 12 months on
[QUOTE=andy_sheila]We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
Me too, only it isn't just youths. Yesterday, my 5 year old son and I were sworn at by a thug while walking down the street in our (usually quiet) village. He had parked across the pavement and I clipped his wing mirror as I brushed past. No damage, but he got out of the car and started having a go at me! That is what I want to get away from - people who think their car has more right to be on the pavement than my child, who feel it is OK to shout and swear at a woman and child on the street when it is they who are breaking the law, the complete lack of respect that people in this country have towards other people. And before anyone pipes up with a "rose tinted spectacles" comment, I know there are problems in Canada like anywhere, but at least there is space - half the population of the UK in the second largest country in the world - bring it on!
Glad it is going OK for you - hope to join you soon you soon
(Blimey I sound like a grumpy old woman!)
Me too, only it isn't just youths. Yesterday, my 5 year old son and I were sworn at by a thug while walking down the street in our (usually quiet) village. He had parked across the pavement and I clipped his wing mirror as I brushed past. No damage, but he got out of the car and started having a go at me! That is what I want to get away from - people who think their car has more right to be on the pavement than my child, who feel it is OK to shout and swear at a woman and child on the street when it is they who are breaking the law, the complete lack of respect that people in this country have towards other people. And before anyone pipes up with a "rose tinted spectacles" comment, I know there are problems in Canada like anywhere, but at least there is space - half the population of the UK in the second largest country in the world - bring it on!
Glad it is going OK for you - hope to join you soon you soon
(Blimey I sound like a grumpy old woman!)
May 7th 2006 | 4:49 am
#7
Lotus-eater
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,069
From: Cascadian Autonomous Elysian Region
Re: 12 months on
Nice...
Long may it continue for those that seek a better life/place and more importantly, for those that want to contribute towards maintaining a better life/place There's no comparison really, "same planet; different world".
Rich.
Long may it continue for those that seek a better life/place and more importantly, for those that want to contribute towards maintaining a better life/place
There's no comparison really, "same planet; different world".Rich.
May 7th 2006 | 5:28 am
#8
Premium Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,928
From: Ontario.
Re: 12 months on
I am so happy to read this Andy and Sheila. You have had a tough time but it has all paid off for you and I am so pleased. Many happy years in front of you - enjoy every last one!! 
May 7th 2006 | 6:09 am
#9
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,715
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
May 7th 2006 | 6:35 am
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 61,698
From: Victoria, BC Canada
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
We arrived here 12 months ago (May 3rd) and when i look back over that time and reflect on what we have left behind, what we had, and what we have now, the difference is staggering.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
May 7th 2006 | 6:52 am
#11
Thread Starter
Class 1 Driver and Nurse
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,498
From: Kentville, N.S.
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by willmore
Congratulations to both of you! So very happy that things have worked out for you!
May 7th 2006 | 7:07 am
#12
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 611
Re: 12 months on
So glad to read your post. It's hard to believe that 1 year has gone by already!
Really happy to hear that all is working out well. Hope you will still pop in from time to time to let us know how you're both getting on.
Really happy to hear that all is working out well. Hope you will still pop in from time to time to let us know how you're both getting on.
May 7th 2006 | 8:55 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 117
Re: 12 months on
Congratulations to you both, or I should say to the four of you, cause the kids have to make the adjustments as well. Also, it couldn't have been easy staying with the in-laws. Some of them can be a right pain in the a**.
All the best for the years to come.
All the best for the years to come.
May 7th 2006 | 11:55 am
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 998
From: London Ontario
Re: 12 months on
A thread from the heart - lovely.
Congrats on being happy.
Congrats on being happy.
May 7th 2006 | 12:08 pm
#15
Thread Starter
Class 1 Driver and Nurse
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,498
From: Kentville, N.S.
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by third time lucky
Congratulations to you both, or I should say to the four of you, cause the kids have to make the adjustments as well. Also, it couldn't have been easy staying with the in-laws. Some of them can be a right pain in the a**.
All the best for the years to come.
All the best for the years to come.
Thanks again to everyone for there kind words and best wishes.
