Oh Canada!
 

Just dropping in to say "Hello".

But! I'm a soon to be divorced British mom of 3 (4 - Canadian, 6 & 8 - British), we have been in Alberta, Canada for the last 6 years.

I'm hoping for some inspiration, advice, and possibly a shoulder to sob on occassionally lol.

I don't want to go back to the UK, but the winters and other irritants are doing nothing for my heart and soul here in Canada.

I have loved living here mostly and Canada has been wonderful in lots of ways; pretty awesome people, great schools and daycare, etc. but I have found it very difficult in the winter - I have eczema and the dry air here in AB is an absolute killer to my skin regardless how much moisturizer you slather on or how much water you drink.

I have family in Vancouver, but something tells me it doesn't feel right there either - not sure why? The weather?

Where does one go? Where in the world could I take my children and feel home?

I've lived in Various parts of Europe, Central America... But, I'm so torn. So lost!

Where in the world to go as a single mom?

Plus, no skills/education to speak of. Gave my career up to look after my kids while he went off to work.

Your help is appreciated, welcomed and anticipated.

My thoughts of going to Belize or Guatemala are torn. I've worked in Guatemala, but as a single. Very different when children are involved.

Do I just give up my life and let my children enjoy it here? I find it so hard with three kids in winter and the snow/mud, wet, boots on/boots off constantly, mitts and lost gloves/scarves/hats.... I'm either too hot or too cold here. Day and night in/day and night out.

We haven't started citizenship as yet, would that be worth sticking it out for another year or so?

Many thanks!

Re: Oh Canada!
 

I would so definitely wait for citizenship before doing anything. That way there are no regrets as you can come back whenever you want to.
Other than that you have the world at your feet!!! Hard with three kids but not impossible!!!
Considering the current temperatures, I would go somewhere warm!!!

Re: Oh Canada!
 

Personally, I'd aim for wherever has the maximum number of exclamation marks.

Perhaps France!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Oh Canada!
 

This post is clearly taking the mickey.

Disneyland perhaps!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Oh Canada!
 

Is the childrens' father going to give you permission to remove them from Canada? Or even Alberta? That's really your first hurdle.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

Yes there's no problem moving out of Canada. Dad is not bothered where we are.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

I'm not sure I could survive that long, but it would be crazy not to get Citizenship. I see that. But really, not sure I could survive another winter on my own here :(

I U sed to absolutely bloody love winter here. Outside all the time. But it's so hard on your own here. I'm absolutely terrified of winter driving.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

That may be the case but do you have it in writing? It would really suck if he suddenly changed his mind and you found yourself being hunted by Interpol for child abduction.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

Or you might just be given the go-ahead by the RCMP after they stopped you five minutes earlier. :eek:

(in the news today)

Re: Oh Canada!
 

I don't have anything in writing - we're still living together. I know it won't be a problem, he's happy to sign papers for me to have the children and live anywhere.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

Do you have a separation agreement? If not, you may want to think about one, if only for the custody aspects. People say one thing, and then when a major decision comes up, can very, very easily change their minds, and that's when things can get really nasty.

On the subject of citizenship, depending on how close you are to be able to apply, plus the waiting time, I'd suggest getting it, as others have said, handy to have it should you either remain in Canada, or wish to come back for any reason.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

Thanks Sharkus...
No separation agreement as yet, but there will be one drawn up soon.

We can apply now for Citizenship... We have the papers almost completed. Yes, I know I should probably wait.

Are there any single moms that have gone through this?

Re: Oh Canada!
 

There was one thread 2 or 3 years ago with a few contributions. Can't recall her name, unfortunately. Maybe someone else can.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

The winters in AB are usually bloody awful (it might not always be minus"double-digits", but weeks and weeks of -2 to +2 get very wearying after 17 years), so looks very-much-like this will be our last year in this semi-arid dump. Still, we have the mountains (but BC has the vast majority of them!)

I love the way BEr's say "get your citizenship first!" Yes, it is handy to have, but it isn't like you can hop on a bus for a quick-look at the Old Country. Moving costs money, and moving abroad costs a lot-of-money! The sunnier-posters, however, make it sound as if all you have to do, is get out of bed and go back; if you don't like it there, just go back to bed and get up the next day to return to Canada. Having had ours made us feel more secure about being able to remain in Canada, but we did not have the cash to jump back and see what we were missing. And I think generally both countries are pretty much of a muchless; same crap, just more spread-out in Canada. Citizenship does gives you another option, but it is pretty much useless without the financial wherewithal to use that option.

Re: Oh Canada!
 

What can I say? I like exclamation marks! :o