iaink

UK type TV was covered just yesterday...sort off, it was disguised as an attack on cdn tv. You will have to take the rough with the smooth in that thread!
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=587406

If you have high speed internet then there are all sorts of torrents and streams that have been discussed before, but your best bet for happy assymilation to the canadian lifestye is to try and immerse yourself in stuff to do in Canada. UK TV might just feed the homesickness and keep you stuck at home miserable.

Having kids that age (similar to my two) is a great ice breaker, but are there other outside activities you can nurture to get you out and about and meeting people....music, art, hobbies and interest etc? Adult Skating lessons, Evening classes, that sort of thing. People are not going to knock on your door and ask if you want to be your friend, you have to be proactive and work at it a bit. Then other good things come of it, support, job contacts etc etc...a new life to fill the old one you are missing in short.

Life here doesnt stop in the winter...but it can look that way sometimes.

kate holt

I think m & m is about the nearest thing but costco is a good suggestion it's the same as in England. Why don't you start a new forum living in misssaga with kids looking for friends!! Hopefully you might meet some others in your position. It's early days keep your chin up!

jmh

Oh your poor thing. I imagine that your job gave you structure and recognition and now you don't have that, combined with child care and winter weather, I can see how this would be a difficult time for you. I get a bit depressed in winter if I don't leave the house. Having a young child around must be stressful too. I remember moving to the UK and hating it, but I love living there now. Who'd a thought! Sorry I can't offer practical advice, but some of the others have some great ideas.

iaink

I dont think M&M has much in the way of vegetarian choice? Could be wrong though.
Hmm, stay in on the computer, or get out there with your kids to a few places where kids and parents go...which is more likely to result in striking up a real lasting friendship I wonder...

startwin

I'm really sorry to hear you feel so blue. About the only thing I can say is it will get better. You have come at an awful time of the year, which doesn't help. Yes the job situation is crap at the moment, but seems bad all over the world. A friend of mine in the UK just got laid off after almost 30 years in a secure job. Have you thought about doing some volunteer stuff? It's a great way to get involved in the community and get to know lots of people, and to network. Also, the only Iceland type store I know of is M&M. Quite honestly I find the food here way cheaper than in the UK but much depends on what you usually buy. Anyway, hang in there for a bit longer and I'm sure it will get better.

seaham gal

I've sent you a personal message.

shelley748

If you are a credit analyst try these agencies in Toronto

http://www.thorekscott.com/
http://www.collinsrecruit.com/

Keep your chin up!

triumphguy

Still being a Karma whore eh?

To the OP - don't read the thread on Toronto vs Calgary.... I said Don't!!

Now you've read it, TO does have a lot to do. It takes energy to do it though. There's some good suggestions above.

Join the local library - you'll find lots of groups and activites advertized there.
Jobs: look up some companies and pay 'em a visit. You might be surprised. There's nothing wrong with a little door knocking.

Be willing to start lower down on the totem pole: you will catch up as your wit, charm and good breeding make themselves evident!

Lok up brit com on youtube and have a laugh. Eric and Ernie a re always good for a chuckle - or Jasper Carrot!

Don't worry - winter will be over eventually!

All this is just a nicer way of saying pull yourself together, but is more likely to generate Karma

Don't take yourself too seriously, or even how you feel too seriously.

Try "This too shall pass!" for a mantra.

Or try this - from Susan Jeffers' book, "Feel the fear and do it anyway."

"I would prefer to have a great job and feel happy about my move to Canada, but I can handle it!"

Gremmie

No comment But i am surprised no one has broached the idea that the OP could be a troll

leepee

I really do sympathise...It is tough to move and cope in a new place.

But....Really to be honest I think you have to try and pull yourself together a bit - at least for the sake of your kids....Not clear to me if you are on your own or with a partner? Is he/she working?

Why don't you go and investigate mom's groups? Your nearest library will probably have something on OR your nearest church. Or perhaps even someone at your 5yr olds school might recommend somewhere....Local papers might have a listing of something as well. You need to start thinking about making a life 'cos it isn't going to come along for you.......When YOU are the new person YOU have to do the work.

As far as food goes...Sorry again I really don't want to sound harsh (I do know what it is like to feel thrown by a place honestly) but Vegetarian food in my experience starts with vegetables and you can buy those anywhere...All my supermarkets sell Tofu and beans etc...I don't know about ready made stuff as I don't eat it but veggies are everywhere!!!

Please don't think I am unsympathetic but you must know yourself that sitting around crying isn't going to get you anywhere. Coming to a new country is a challenge and I am sure if you just try and lift yourself up a bit you will make the best of it.....You had the courage to come here after all....

Good luck
L

iaink

IF you are broaching the idea, then broach it by PM or reporting the post.

It shows no signs of trollyness to me. People do get homesick, and post here for support, not a kick in the head when they are down.

shelley748

Agreed- don't jump to judgement quickly!!!

Bellanova

Hi Jinn, first of all I want to say I know EXACTLY how you are feeling right now!! I have felt all the same things you have and its horrible...... We moved over in October. I have been having the same problem with the work situation I can't seem to find anything either back home I was in healthcare and out of the two of us I thought that my job would be the easiest to sort out, but I was wrong the red tape here for healthcare jobs is a nightmare. Going from alwways working to having nothing to get up for is sole destroying, but hopefully things are starting to look up now, but I really do feel the smae feelings you are feeling and I'm not going to be alone when I say that you are not alone, we all go through these emotions that we haven't felt before, just take a step back and look at what you have done, it's huge!!!!! As people have told me give yourself some credit for what you HAVE achieved in the last few months it doesn't get any bigger than this!!
Try not to loose sight of the reasons why you came over in the first place and try to get out and meet new people, I know thats easier said than done, but will help. Don't go home yet!! you need to have a good go at it. I wanted to go home too last week I had had enough and needed a cuddle from my sister and my friends, but this week I feel much better, you will find that times that you feel low will get further and further apart and eventually they will fade (hopefully) Keep your chin up and if you need to chat PM and I will give you my number and we can have a proper chat. Take care
Bella
xx

Auld Yin

If you were a credit analyst in Central London it's no wonder you're bored out of your skull in Mississauga. What type of credit did you analyse, commercial, personal, retail or industrial? Get your resume together and submit it to all the major banks in downtown Toronto. You may hit paydirt even in this lousy economy. It will not come to you.

Bellanova

PM and I'll help you get the UK tv thing sorted!!
Bella