Thought id come on and let you all know im still alive and kicking in Newcastle.
Things are alot better now than they were, it was a rough home coming financialy and having to re adjust again etc.
Darrens business is up and running now and im working hard in a medical centre. The kids have had a great Xmas and have settled in no problem.
Did we make the right choice?? Its hard to say just yet.
Darren can make more money here,but theres no jobs and with all the immigration going on, theres a shortage of houses.We had a much better standard of living in Calgary and had alot more to do at weekends etc.
I missed my family, but now that im working full time i never see them anyway, and the nights out with my mates were great for a few weeks but then we were in a routine again...work all week, get drunk saturday, ill sunday blah blah blah.
If i could give any advice to anyone who is home sick i d say this....try a holiday home first, and think about what it is you really miss.
The first few weeks everyones excited to see you, then its back to normal. All the reasons you wanted to emigtate in the first place are back in your face.
The kids have nothing to do, no where to go. Kids are mortal drunk on the streets and fighting. Theres no summer clubs, football camps etc and no community spirit.
Dont get me wrong...i sound totaly miserable haha, but im not.Ive made my bed and i,ll lie in it.
My main goal is to offer some advice for free and to wish you all a Happy New Year, and to all those people hanging on for visas and PR....hang on in there people, its worth the wait.
I hope all your dreams come true in 2008
Take Care
Love Mandi Moo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Mandi

Thanks for the New Year wishes, Happy new Year to you too.

I am feeling homesick at the moment and keep doing property searches on our local area in the UK. But, as much as i miss my family and friends sooo much, i know if we went back for good all the reasons we left would smack us in the face again. We are going back sometime this year (2008) for a holiday and i can't wait to see everybody but i think when the holiday comes to an end i'll be glad to get back to Canada (I don't call it home yet).
I'm glad your family are feeling more settled. It's a shame they couldn't have agreed to go back just for a holiday first before making the move but that's life i suppose.
Best wishes to you for a happy 2008

Jo xx

Happy New Year Mandi http://www.virtualposy.com/Congratul...e-d9e9321281f3

Happy new year to you and your family mindi I wish you all the best for 2008
kate

Happy New Year to you and yours Mandi-moo-mate!

Mrs Butch Cassidy was asking after you just yesterday!!!

She took me and my boys skiing at Sunshine, and I found that I didn't totally hate it after all!

Hi Mandimoo - lovely to hear from you - glad things are settling down for you again - ish! Very best wishes to you all for a very happy new year.

[QUOTE=Morwenna;5720704]Happy New Year to you and yours Mandi-moo-mate!

Mrs Butch Cassidy was asking after you just yesterday!!!

She took me and my boys skiing at Sunshine, and I found that I didn't totally hate it after all! [/QUOT

I hope you took pictures for me?? That one would be priceless
Im pleased you enjoyed it though. We havent got any snow which is a shame,just the cold and the rain
We,re just settling down with a bottle of wine now to see the new year through..........HAPPY NEW YEAR XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thanks to all of the above for your warm wishes, as always.
Jo, good decision to go for a holiday, honestly, apart from family your not missing much. I hope you all having a cracking New Year, i,ll speak to you all soon when the hangovers have settled
Love Mandi xx

Hey Mandi moo, it's interesting to hear how life is going for you now that you have returned to the UK. It sounds as if you are 'a cup half full' type of person with great bouncebackability, well done you and thanks for thinking of us.
Hope 2008 is a more settled and happy year for you and your family.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone (yes even you rushy) a happy new year. May 2008 bring you and your family prosperity, love, happiness and delight everyday!

Be safe and have fun tonite, but PLEASE PLEASE no drinking and driving. Please leave the car at home and either have a designated driver or grab a cab!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! THANKS FOR ALL THE LAUGHS AND TEARS! WHAT A WONDERFUL GROUP OF PEOPLE YOU ALL ARE!

just to wish everyone on expats a HAPPY NEW YEAR now drink and be MERRY
not long now
KATE

Happy New Year everyone. Where did the last one go

Jilly