One Year today
Sep 30th 2012 | 6:34 am
#1
Thread Starter
Island life at last
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,715
From: BC
One Year today
Well, it is my first Canniversary today.
Tomorrow is my 18th Wedding Anniversary as well, so a time for reflection on many fronts.
When I arrived, we were still some time away from having PR (came in February 2012) but after 18 months apart being together seemed more important than anything else and so we took that risk.
The most common question Canadians have asked me is, "So, do you like Canada?"
I wasn't sure for a long time - I didn't NOT like it, but the jury was out.
There was a lot I missed initially from the UK and not being able to work in my profession (teacher) or knowing where to pursue my hobbies here made me feel like a missfit.
Not even knowing where to buy good food or drive or how to manage money, insurance, credit cards, household bills etc made me feel quite incompetent and I was used to being very organised in the UK.
Not knowing where to go for help if we were in trouble was unsettling (as we had no family or friends here).
The joy of being back with my husband after a long absence was the best part.
Things didn't all go our way and we had some unpleasant experiences that caused us a good deal of stress.
Now after a year, things are better.
We bought our own home (2 months ago!), which we LOVE everything about.
We know where to get good, locally-produced food (meat, cheese, ice-cream, vegetables, bread....) and have friends to share it with.
I have a job I love.
I have found people who share my hobbies and my interests and have taken on new things as well, like riding a motorcycle.
Our routines are different and we have adapted to the way of life here.
If you are just coming to Canada or in the process of making plans to come, my advice, for what it's worth, is this;
If the first few months seem to not match up to your expectations and you feel like I did; disappointed, disjointed and anxious, keep trying.
The "newness" does wear off and once you have got the hang of things like tax, jobs, food, bills etc, you lose the anxiety and feel much more relaxed. Then you can begin to enjoy living a new life here.
I am still British and would not criticise my roots - there is a lot to love about my old home and there are things that I could never replace - but this is the home we have chosen and I think we made the right choice.
Tomorrow is my 18th Wedding Anniversary as well, so a time for reflection on many fronts.
When I arrived, we were still some time away from having PR (came in February 2012) but after 18 months apart being together seemed more important than anything else and so we took that risk.
The most common question Canadians have asked me is, "So, do you like Canada?"
I wasn't sure for a long time - I didn't NOT like it, but the jury was out.
There was a lot I missed initially from the UK and not being able to work in my profession (teacher) or knowing where to pursue my hobbies here made me feel like a missfit.
Not even knowing where to buy good food or drive or how to manage money, insurance, credit cards, household bills etc made me feel quite incompetent and I was used to being very organised in the UK.
Not knowing where to go for help if we were in trouble was unsettling (as we had no family or friends here).
The joy of being back with my husband after a long absence was the best part.
Things didn't all go our way and we had some unpleasant experiences that caused us a good deal of stress.
Now after a year, things are better.
We bought our own home (2 months ago!), which we LOVE everything about.
We know where to get good, locally-produced food (meat, cheese, ice-cream, vegetables, bread....) and have friends to share it with.
I have a job I love.
I have found people who share my hobbies and my interests and have taken on new things as well, like riding a motorcycle.
Our routines are different and we have adapted to the way of life here.
If you are just coming to Canada or in the process of making plans to come, my advice, for what it's worth, is this;
If the first few months seem to not match up to your expectations and you feel like I did; disappointed, disjointed and anxious, keep trying.
The "newness" does wear off and once you have got the hang of things like tax, jobs, food, bills etc, you lose the anxiety and feel much more relaxed. Then you can begin to enjoy living a new life here.
I am still British and would not criticise my roots - there is a lot to love about my old home and there are things that I could never replace - but this is the home we have chosen and I think we made the right choice.
Sep 30th 2012 | 12:29 pm
#2
Eager Beaver!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 285
From: Ottawa ON
Re: One Year today
Nice post,glad to hear things are now good,it makes a big difference once you get your PR and you can buy your own home etc,I think if most of us new the stress and s**t it takes to get here we wouldn't do it! 
Sep 30th 2012 | 1:02 pm
#3
Bon Vivant
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,956
From: Nova Scotia
Re: One Year today
Glad to hear things are working out for you. Best wishes for many more happy years. 
Sep 30th 2012 | 5:50 pm
#4
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,457
Re: One Year today
Many congratulations, your perseverance paid off
Here's to many happy years
Here's to many happy years
Sep 30th 2012 | 10:33 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 102
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Re: One Year today
Well, it is my first Canniversary today.
Tomorrow is my 18th Wedding Anniversary as well, so a time for reflection on many fronts.
When I arrived, we were still some time away from having PR (came in February 2012) but after 18 months apart being together seemed more important than anything else and so we took that risk.
The most common question Canadians have asked me is, "So, do you like Canada?"
I wasn't sure for a long time - I didn't NOT like it, but the jury was out.
There was a lot I missed initially from the UK and not being able to work in my profession (teacher) or knowing where to pursue my hobbies here made me feel like a missfit.
Not even knowing where to buy good food or drive or how to manage money, insurance, credit cards, household bills etc made me feel quite incompetent and I was used to being very organised in the UK.
Not knowing where to go for help if we were in trouble was unsettling (as we had no family or friends here).
The joy of being back with my husband after a long absence was the best part.
Things didn't all go our way and we had some unpleasant experiences that caused us a good deal of stress.
Now after a year, things are better.
We bought our own home (2 months ago!), which we LOVE everything about.
We know where to get good, locally-produced food (meat, cheese, ice-cream, vegetables, bread....) and have friends to share it with.
I have a job I love.
I have found people who share my hobbies and my interests and have taken on new things as well, like riding a motorcycle.
Our routines are different and we have adapted to the way of life here.
If you are just coming to Canada or in the process of making plans to come, my advice, for what it's worth, is this;
If the first few months seem to not match up to your expectations and you feel like I did; disappointed, disjointed and anxious, keep trying.
The "newness" does wear off and once you have got the hang of things like tax, jobs, food, bills etc, you lose the anxiety and feel much more relaxed. Then you can begin to enjoy living a new life here.
I am still British and would not criticise my roots - there is a lot to love about my old home and there are things that I could never replace - but this is the home we have chosen and I think we made the right choice.
Tomorrow is my 18th Wedding Anniversary as well, so a time for reflection on many fronts.
When I arrived, we were still some time away from having PR (came in February 2012) but after 18 months apart being together seemed more important than anything else and so we took that risk.
The most common question Canadians have asked me is, "So, do you like Canada?"
I wasn't sure for a long time - I didn't NOT like it, but the jury was out.
There was a lot I missed initially from the UK and not being able to work in my profession (teacher) or knowing where to pursue my hobbies here made me feel like a missfit.
Not even knowing where to buy good food or drive or how to manage money, insurance, credit cards, household bills etc made me feel quite incompetent and I was used to being very organised in the UK.
Not knowing where to go for help if we were in trouble was unsettling (as we had no family or friends here).
The joy of being back with my husband after a long absence was the best part.
Things didn't all go our way and we had some unpleasant experiences that caused us a good deal of stress.
Now after a year, things are better.
We bought our own home (2 months ago!), which we LOVE everything about.
We know where to get good, locally-produced food (meat, cheese, ice-cream, vegetables, bread....) and have friends to share it with.
I have a job I love.
I have found people who share my hobbies and my interests and have taken on new things as well, like riding a motorcycle.
Our routines are different and we have adapted to the way of life here.
If you are just coming to Canada or in the process of making plans to come, my advice, for what it's worth, is this;
If the first few months seem to not match up to your expectations and you feel like I did; disappointed, disjointed and anxious, keep trying.
The "newness" does wear off and once you have got the hang of things like tax, jobs, food, bills etc, you lose the anxiety and feel much more relaxed. Then you can begin to enjoy living a new life here.
I am still British and would not criticise my roots - there is a lot to love about my old home and there are things that I could never replace - but this is the home we have chosen and I think we made the right choice.
congrats on your first year, so glad it worked out for you, im at the 3 month stage so far, but getting there. Where abouts are you?
Sep 30th 2012 | 10:45 pm
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
From: Stauffer, AB
Re: One Year today
Glad it has all worked out well for you and congratualtions on your anniversary
Sep 30th 2012 | 11:17 pm
#7
BE user by choice
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,854
From: A Briton, married to a Canadian, now in Fredericton.
Re: One Year today
Helcat....I cannot believe it's a whole year! Where did that time shoot off to! Congratulations on you anniversaries - marriage, and Canada. I am so pleased that you are happy now and finding your way.
You summed it up really well..I presently feel on the verge of being happy, but just not quite there, yet. It's the disjointed feeling that I don't like, but I know will eventually pass.
Here's to many more happy anniversaries
You summed it up really well..I presently feel on the verge of being happy, but just not quite there, yet. It's the disjointed feeling that I don't like, but I know will eventually pass.
Here's to many more happy anniversaries
Oct 1st 2012 | 1:29 am
#8
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,159
Re: One Year today
Wow! is it really a year? congratulations on surviving the 18 months apart from your hubby, your new home, and wedding anniversary.
Us TWP take a big risk, packing up and coming over without PR. The stress is beyond belief some days. I am so happy you are settled.
Us TWP take a big risk, packing up and coming over without PR. The stress is beyond belief some days. I am so happy you are settled.
Oct 1st 2012 | 1:37 am
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 220
From: Blackpool
Re: One Year today
Wow, that has gone fast. Congratulations on your first (and 18th) anniversary and thank you for a lovely post. It's great for those of us who haven't made the move yet to hear first hand what to expect. I know we're all different but I expect we experience some of the same things. It's great to hear that you have made the right choice.
Oct 1st 2012 | 3:20 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
Re: One Year today
Congratulations
I really like your post... I could have written it myself. I have felt (and continue to do so some days) the way you have felt.
Glad you are feeling a lot more settled now
Are you dong anything to celebrate? I can't remember where you are but if it's in Calgary I can thoroughly recommend the Bears Den at Bearspaw. Fabulous restaurant.
I really like your post... I could have written it myself. I have felt (and continue to do so some days) the way you have felt.
Glad you are feeling a lot more settled now
Are you dong anything to celebrate? I can't remember where you are but if it's in Calgary I can thoroughly recommend the Bears Den at Bearspaw. Fabulous restaurant.
Oct 1st 2012 | 2:39 pm
#11
Thread Starter
Island life at last
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,715
From: BC
Re: One Year today
Thanks to everyone for the best wishes - I am really touched by your kind comments
The OH (Hawkmoon77) and I are not going out anywhere tonight because there is no place we would rather be than in our cosy home with our cats and each other on this anniversary.
Sometimes that's all you need
To wiganfem and Geordie Lass, I am now in Chilliwack, technically but most people, when they hear exactly where in Chilliwack seem to think that we live out on the fringes of civilisation!
Salmon in the river, bears in the back garden, eagles in the sky and the blackest nights I have ever experienced!
It's all good!
I still cannot do change with 25c pieces, though.
The OH (Hawkmoon77) and I are not going out anywhere tonight because there is no place we would rather be than in our cosy home with our cats and each other on this anniversary.
Sometimes that's all you need
To wiganfem and Geordie Lass, I am now in Chilliwack, technically but most people, when they hear exactly where in Chilliwack seem to think that we live out on the fringes of civilisation!
Salmon in the river, bears in the back garden, eagles in the sky and the blackest nights I have ever experienced!
It's all good!
I still cannot do change with 25c pieces, though
.
Oct 1st 2012 | 2:49 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
Re: One Year today
Thanks to everyone for the best wishes - I am really touched by your kind comments
The OH (Hawkmoon77) and I are not going out anywhere tonight because there is no place we would rather be than in our cosy home with our cats and each other on this anniversary.
Sometimes that's all you need
To wiganfem and Geordie Lass, I am now in Chilliwack, technically but most people, when they hear exactly where in Chilliwack seem to think that we live out on the fringes of civilisation!
Salmon in the river, bears in the back garden, eagles in the sky and the blackest nights I have ever experienced!
It's all good!
I still cannot do change with 25c pieces, though.
The OH (Hawkmoon77) and I are not going out anywhere tonight because there is no place we would rather be than in our cosy home with our cats and each other on this anniversary.
Sometimes that's all you need
To wiganfem and Geordie Lass, I am now in Chilliwack, technically but most people, when they hear exactly where in Chilliwack seem to think that we live out on the fringes of civilisation!
Salmon in the river, bears in the back garden, eagles in the sky and the blackest nights I have ever experienced!
It's all good!
I still cannot do change with 25c pieces, though
.
