On saturday it was one year to the day that we arrived in Canada. What an emotional year it has been. Last Friday I was reflecting back on this time last year, on the day before we left I spent the afternoon with my Mum, drinking tea, eating cake and talking about me moving to Canada. This year I dont have my Mum, she passed away in January, I never saw that coming at all. I feel sad that she never got to see my home in Canada.

So, I have done a year here, some days I never thought I would survive, and I think the only reason I do survive is because I know it wont be long term. The idea being that when my husband bought into his company - the reason we made the move here - it would be a good retirement plan, we thought 10 years tops and then we can move on, and retire some where in Europe. Now we think we will be able to retire a bit sooner than that.

I miss my grown up kids and grandchildren, I think its easier if you are coming over here and bringing your kids with you. But for me its web cams and trips home every 3 months.

I dont dislike my life here, and I suppose knowing that it isnt forever also stops me to a degree, fully settling here, I am sure any psychologist on here would have an opinion on that.

I think life here for children is great, it reminds me of how it used to be years ago in the UK, kids here seem to be kids for a lot longer, I watch them come home from school, go off with a group of mates to play golf or hockey or something, they play in the street, they have a freedom that kids in the UK dont have anymore.

I can honestly say that I dont miss any foods or anything like that from the UK, never understand those who fill their container or suitcases with T bags ect, there are lots of new things here to try. Plus you can get english type tea in the supermarkets. OK I am a liar I do miss back bacon and proper sausage, so get my fill when I go back. TV here is rubbish, some programmes are that bad, that they are good, if you know what I mean. Having said that about TV, The Bachelorette is staring on Monday so looking forward to that. Having such bad TV here just makes you do other things rather than be glued to the box, so thats a good thing, right?

I have also learned to speak 2 languages English & Canadian! I just need to use them in the right country

So, one year down and 9 more to go, it may be less, who knows.

Congratulations... I think!

You make some good points I think. A ten year plan, very socialist eh

Congrats on your 1st year. I hope your second year is easier.

Yeah, I think congrats are in order, I made it

Not so sure about the socialist thing, I just like having a plan.

Thanks Piff Poff - second year has got to be easier - hasnt it?

Yes definately - just keep thinking positive and enjoy all the lovely sunshine

Best wishes - and I hope you settle to some degree, if only to distract you from counting down the years - that's a waste

Cheers to Year One - I know it's been hard - well done

[QUOTE=Miss Clinique;8570603]On saturday it was one year to the day that we arrived in Canada. What an emotional year it has been.
I miss my grown up kids and grandchildren, I think its easier if you are coming over here and bringing your kids with you. But for me its web cams and trips home every 3 months.
So, one year down and 9 more to go, it may be less, who knows.

Great post and congratulations on your one year canniversary .

Couldnt agree more on the kids situation I like you,, so look forward to the visits over to see them but they are happy and settled in the UK and I suppose its all you can ask isnt it well heres to your next nine , im not as confident with a ten year plan so im just about to complete my three year plan then its head down to start another one

Your right, lifes to short to be spending time counting down the years.

Congrats - we both had a crappy first year - but starting to see the light

Congratulations J

Your FB made me cry last week, it was so sad. Hope the next year is a much happier one.

Congratulations!

Didnt mean to make you cry.

I sobbed all day, it was just one of those days where you know exactly where you were, and what you were doing, on the same day the year before. All I could think of was my Mum sitting on the sofa with us looking at pics of our new house and saying she would come to visit next year.

This year has got to be better

yes that says exactly how it feels for me and thinking of my dad

Congratulations