So folks, it's now been just over 7 months and I can't speak for Shaun but I just love this place!!

We moved out here on a TWP back in April with $3000, that's it... the UK economy was predicted to crash again in April (which it did) and we realised that if we didn't get out at that point we probably wouldn't make it, so with $3000 dollars in hand and a bit of faith we made it. We brought our two lovely dogs with us too and they have made it much more homely, fortunately we don't have kids else we would have definitely had to have waited.

It has been the most bittersweet year of my life, the most challenging yet the most rewarding, we have battled financially, emotionally with each other, especially due to still owning a house in the UK (and the rent not covering the mortgage) as well as a few debts we are paying off. For me the tough days are a distant memory on my drive home from work. I love my 40 minute commute from Cochrane to Calgary, I relax before work and I am mesmerised daily by the drive towards the mountains on my way home!

I adore the Canadians, I have some fantastic Canadian friends and only a couple of British friends and I find that having Canadians around me and seeing their outlook is a blessing. I love their hobbies, their company, their food and their humour.

Of course I miss fresh cod and chips from our local chippy, I miss proper fried rice from "China Delight", I also miss baked beans and cathedral city, but I know for sure that if I were to ever come back I would miss this beautiful country far more!

Our COPR is in the pipeline which will hopefully arrive before Christmas and I cannot wait until the clock strikes 12 on December 31st 2012, I can kiss this year goodbye and start a fresh year as a permanent resident of Canada

and

Congratulations on reaching 7 months - sounds like it hasn't always been easy but it is great to read such a positive post. We have been here over 8 years and I still feel the same way about the people and the place as you do (sadly without the mountains, but you can't have everything.)

You are so right, it has been a crazy year and definitely not for the faint hearted but the light is at the end of the tunnel.

The static shocks take some getting used to along with the healthcare system which is not the best (in my opinion - after working for the NHS) but as you say you can't have it all

Great to hear it's all working out for you over there. Your post has reenergized me to get my CV sorted and go for it.
Reading some of the posts on here really get you down especially when you have a lack of money but I did go to Oz 7 years ago with £700 and just went out the 1st day and got a job and have the best year of my life so know with a job to go to and a strong desire to make it work I can have a good lifestyle out there.
Keep enjoying and very envious of your upcoming winter and being so close to the mountains.

Hey alfee, that's so true. We can do anything we put our minds to. If ever yup need your CV converting to resume I'd be more than happy to help after this post we got home last night and in the mail was our COPR. Sounds like you had fun in Oz, we just love it here

Well done, nice to hear a happy tale. Hope you continue to have such a positive outlook - and yes, the drive home to Cochrane is lovely!

Thanks, i'm still working away on my cv/resume but im very keen for input so will be in touch, thanks so much