long time no post, 4mths in.
 

hi all, not been on for a while, like timmies the addiction passes after a while, still can't resist a surf though when the chance arises.

well, 4 months in and just about anything that could go wrong has gone wrong. the house sale in the uk stalled, causing the house purchase in canada to fall through, the consequent delay cost several thousands in the drop in exchange rate.
first basement i stayed in had mice and ants and was filthy.
second one much better but owner had habit of just walking down whenever he felt like and taking a dump in 'my' loo.
found a new house, more expensive, and the mortgage had to be renegotiated and went up, as did everything else.
container went to vancouver, then toronto, then back to vancouver, and current whereabouts unknown a month overdue.
car i bought was a lemon and blew up, lost $5,000.
got speeding ticket.
computer went left as well, so no internet for ages whilst we got a new one which we had to travel 40km to exchange.
i am not allowed to comment on my job or the course i am on. draw your own conclusions when i say i only now truly appreciate that the british bobby is the best in the world.
ripped off for purchase of blinds for house, quotes for everything twice as dear when they hear the accent it seems, then when we get one through a 3rd local party.

this is the tip of the iceberg, not here to depress or put off, not that my comments should do anyway of course, because if you asked me if i wanted to go back the answer would still be no.
these trials and tribulations, coupled with tears and homesickness do not distract me from my surroundings. i've a few photos on shaws photo gallery, under my name, take a look, its all worth it. i suppose i am posting as a bit of an illustration, should anyone need it, that its going to be tough, prepare yourself, but its worth it.
now i'm off to track down my knick naks!

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

http://photoshare.shaw.ca/messages/v...ery/page/1/15/

link for photos

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Bloody 'ell, what a rough time you've had. I'm pleased that you are still getting on with it though.
I guess you are joining Calgary Police then, seems to be a few Brits here choosing that line of work.

Give us another update on your 6mth anniversary

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Your experiences sound extreme, to say the least, but well done for sticking it out. I'm sure some would have thrown the hat in and gone back. Good luck to you all.

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

That would be Edmonton Police. ;)

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Thanks for sharing the lovely photos of your family.
Looks like you all overcame the bumpy rides with
such positive attitudes and determination -WHAT A TEAM:thumbsup:
Yoong

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Try to avoid sounding like John Cleese.

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Sorry to hear you have had such a traumatic start to your new life:ohmy:

Best of luck for the future.

Love the photos:thumbsup:

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Rae

as the song title says -

Things can only get better

I hope that they do

gaynor

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Hi Rae,

Good for you for keeping positive and i hope your container finds its way to you really soon...

great photos! :thumbup:
All the best,
Tina :)

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

wow! you certainly have had a rough time of it. if it had been me i would have thrown the towel in! but good on you for keeping on. and i can't stand mice!!!! or any kind of rodent for that matter..........( i haven't seen a single one since being here thank god)

i love those photos of Jasper..your daughter is lovely and looks very happy. that is realy what it is all about isn't it....happiness....doesnt' matter how we get it..as long as we do.......:thumbup:

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Not "allowed" to comment on your job?? That says it all really.
Makes me understand why Ellie & Paul perhaps haven't been back on here much either !!

You know our thoughts rae - continuing best wishes to you all :) and lovely photos too ...

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Elli and Paul are just busy, busy. She has a job now too, so I guess thay don't get much time to pop on here now.

Stick with it Rae, hopefully everything will come together and the next 4 months will be a huge improvement. Good luck...............you have the whole winter to look forward too..........:eek:

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Stick in Rae, things couldn't have gone much worse for us during the first 6 months in Westlock. Wife's job lost on day 1 (she was meant to be the major breadwinner) my job was low paid and sucked. House purchase prices were stupid on hearing the accent AND I got a speeding ticket as well (Highway 2 and 44 are lethal). Never thought that I would miss leaving the Scottish Police but I came close.
Still, now 1 year later and things are much much better, my new job in Edmonton is great,even with the commuting (its easy driving) my wife has a great part-time job in Westlock Hospital, the kids are settled, we have our own house at last and I got a truck:thumbsup: .
Keep at it, things will improve and St Albert is a nice city to settle in.
Stuarty

Re: long time no post, 4mths in.
 

Hi Rae
Im with you on the rodents thing cant abide them ,but after such a bad start I think Gaynors right , things can get better and remember and you can always find support on here from us all
Really hope it gets better from here. :)