Risk......

One of my favorite parts about moving to Canada is finding new music!  Country is just one of my genres that I enjoy, but I found this artist here, his name is Paul Brandt. He is a wonderful singer and song writer.  Here's how he ties in - to me.

Keep in mind that anytime you move, there is a time when we you through this sense of things seeming to be 'unreal'. It's weird and very hard to explain. Its like you are driving for this great distance and then you wake up and realize you are somewhere totally different. Things look different, feel different, smell different. For me, this time comes after the 'business' of moving. When the semi has come and gone, the boxes and house are almost set, kids are in school, you found the grocery store etc. You feel foggy in a way.

Well, I was there, in this place, honestly wondering where in the hell I was and why. And then I heard this song - 'Risk' by Paul Brandt. If you are lover of music you will get this-but it was one of those moments that you understood something larger than yourself.
First lines of the song "I'd rather stand on the edge of a cliff, hang my toes over a bit, and the jump when they dared me, even if it scares me and I get hurt. I rather build my wings on the way down, do my best not to fall to the ground......" and the song continues. But, I had a moment - because someone had put into words - me - and this was what I was in the midst of. I had risked a lot to be here - risked a lot of myself.

 Another line....'Oh, but I'd never discover new land, by keeping my feet  on the sand.' I could take this song apart line by line - but here's the net net - it's what this is all about - Risk.  It is scary, full of a lot of uneasiness and stress, but the rewards are, life, and what you get from it and what you take out of it.  Some of us like to hide - because its safer there. Its far easier to close oneself off, I get that, been there. But I have to be honest, I like this place better. Sure, its scarier than I imagined - but man, each day, I'm livin' and I love it! Some tell me - 'This isn't realistic, you can't live this way.' but isn't this exactly what I have done??? So, how can it not be realistic?

However, it is not for the light hearted. You can't take on a journey like this and not take a risk. What's interesting it how it affects your whole life. I may only be here, in Canada, for a short time, but the lessons I am learning are worth a lifetime. I know, now, that I am a risk taker. I like it here - in the risk - because I am living folks! I cry about it, I laugh about it. I get mad about it - I get so frustrated with the remoteness here. I can't fly anywhere under $1000. Or drive to see anyone under 12 hours - so what do I do about that? Well, frankly,there is  nothing I can do. I have to accept it and still go. Because I won't hide here and get lost. I will live the risk and go where it goes. And know that in the end, I really gave it all I had.

 If you are inclined, take a listen to this artist and check out this song. I don't expect it to reach others, like it reaches me, but, maybe one of you will see something about you that you have risked, and you'll get it. http://www.paulbrandt.com/content/music.

Happy 'Risk' taking to those who are good with it. For those of you, perhaps afraid? Just think of me, or someone you know, cheering you on as you build your wings on the way down! Here's a High Five!!  Congratulations......

Why Did You Move Here????

This is the infamous question I am asked almost daily! 'Why would you move here?" I have yet to discover all the nuances to this heavily laden question.  When I get the confidence and am in the right moment, I will ask back, 'Why do you ask me that? What is it that you think I am missing?' I want to hear the answers.  Because it is confusing as the American.  I honestly get the impression that when people get to know me a bit, they are surprised that I am not something they expected. I'm not sure what that expectation is , but I am not sure it is always positive.  

Canadians have a lot going for them. It really is less stressful....the media is vastly different! The news is not a mob fest of doomsday crap. The crime rate here is far different, and frankly they have more to talk about then the daily murder or sensationalized story our cable news junkie selves now crave in the the US. (Now again, keep in mind I am in Alberta - Calgary is far different than Vancouver or Toronto so someones experience there is bound to be different.) The landscape is beautiful, the population is much smaller, they love their hockey, they are diverse, in a positive way. They have a lot going for them.

But I wonder, what they think I am missing?  I know that economics plays a part. Our selection and availability of things in the US is like no other.  There is a bigger sense of freedom in the US, I think. I also think that there is more opportunity, in the US.  Let me explain. 

Freedoms - The government here, of course, is much different. Not better, not worse, just different.  They seem to be much more involved here and work very hard to 'look out' for the people.  Part of me gets a funny feeling about that - here's why.

The consumer/worker safety concerns here are incredible.  California has nothing compared to the Canadians. Everywhere you go and everything you buy comes with warnings. My new little netbook came with an online instruction book that has 10 pages of consumer warnings about its use.  TV - if your program has anything - I mean anything- that can be seen as a negative influence you are warned after every commercial break, before your show starts up again, what you might be risking yourself exposure to. Now, here's the irony of that....... they have some of the most risque commercials here, with no warning labels. 

If you are a smoker, the days of a camel on your pack are long gone. Here, your packs have all the usual medical warnings etc. but in addition to that, you might have a picture of a smokers lung (no, not clip art, I mean an actual picture.) Or better yet, a premature baby hooked up to oxygen. Right on the front of the pack. Crazy stuff.... but.... there are more smokers there, than I have seen in the states in over 10 years. 

Any other product you may buy that could cause you harm, has so many labels and symbols on them that you need a reference sheet to be able to tell how this might hurt you. 

So, I can't help like feeling like I am in a constant state of hand holding here.  Like, as a consumer I must be warned, because I cannot possible make up my own mind, or have personal choice.  Its weird. 

Technology is still working its way to my necessary standards. Its fair to say that in some respects technology here is about 10 years out.  Cell companies are owned by the government here - and are expensive. I truly can't remember the last cell tower I have seen. Which explains to my friends why our calls are peppered with losses and drops. ;)So, with all of these things, I can understand why I am asked this question. 

Opportunity - Schooling here is different. I don't have a good sense of higher education here. It's definitely different and I know Alberta is the victim of the educated moving out of it. But, I don't get a feeling like its a goal for a lot of people here. That college or University, as they call it here, is not an assumption for every High School senior. Its the exception I think.   

I haven't talked to many business people yet, so I will be interested to learn about the 'ways and means' of doing business here in Canada.  I know as an American, it is very hard for me to be entrepreneurial here. If you want a job here as an American, the company hiring you has to prove to the powers that be that there is no other worthy Canadian candidate. ( I will speak more to this as I begin interviewing more. ) Yet, the companies here are struggling to find the kind of candidates they want?????

So much yet to understand in this journey... So, I find the question hard to answer in way, I don't know enough yet to be able to answer it, honestly.  So, keep asking and I'll keep exploring. When I have the answer, I'll let you know. 

Connections

This is a wonderful word...connections. And can mean so much. It can mean what makes something run. It can mean what makes a math equation work. Its the making of a story, its the songwriter sharing. But connections among people, that's where we get a lot of energy from.  In my moving experiences, I have found myself far more open to these connections than a lot of people. I guess, maybe, I have been humbled by losing some of mine through proximity. But, I have found that being open to them, allows you to accept many things.

My son, Michael, has had some great ones.  I call them his stepping stones.
Where: Coors Field, Final game of Championship - Upper deck
Who: No name, just a great young man who shared his high fives, cheers, laughs and yes Bubble Gum, with my son. He included Michael in his experience, which was great to watch. And Michael has never forgotten that. When we left, Michael asked me what his name was... I told him his name didn't matter, it was the time you had and the memory created that matters.   Connection

My previous classrooms and all of my kids.  Its hard to explain this, when you haven't taught. But, each year there is this moment.  A moment after the first few difficult weeks, a moment where you look up as their teacher, they look at you as your kids and, bam..... connection. And it holds you until you are at the end of your 180 days... and years beyond.  Its really where and when the learning of life takes place.

My Hairdressers... OK, here is the key. If you are not connected to your hairdresser, move on. Because they truly can be the key to holding you together. There has to be the moment when she/he looks at you and they get you.... what you want, how you want to look. And they go to work.... but at the same time you connect personally. You learn about them, they learn about you. You laugh, cry....share hurts and joys.  Because of all of the wisdom in may hair, I can be in the chair for a few hours at a time.  But, I love this time. I get to bond with my girl, the women around me, who share many personal details, of their lives, and in the end work on feeling beautiful. It is such a connection, you really can't put a price on it. (Love ya Kelli)

  Theater and Music - Not everyone can experience this unfortunately, but being on stage with like minded talent. A connection beyond words. Its when you are singing, you look out and someone is watching and you have bonded with them, for just that moment. Its the dance or line with a fellow actor, where you share this look of "Oh yes..we got it!" or 'Oh S*!t how are we going to get out of this? And you do.You have to feel the other people around you.... connect. (Miss you PPH gang!)  Its the duet, the choir. Its the partnership between the vocalist and the guitar. Probably one of my favorites, because the instrument moves you, the vocalist forward, yet it can't move forward without you....

The connection within you to people of your past, present and future. I have had some very cool, and sometimes hard lessons here.  In a move, you can become disconnected. Not by choice, but maybe distance, or time.  But, it is interesting to me how you always find your back...to some. When you spend three hours on Skype...laughing with good friends and wine.  Wine Parties at my house, where a bunch of hardworking women can let their hair down for awhile.  Mexico, with friends, rafts, drinks and laughs, 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Sweet Child of Mine', etc. ;)  The traveling long distances and simply picking up the conversation from where you left off. These days it can be as simple as a text. But, they all matter.

My point here I think is that you can't really run from them, connections. They bind us together, and really keep us whole if you think about it. They are woven inside of each of us, for whatever reason. So, now I have to open up to new ones. Canadian style. But know, those of you who I have been blessed to connect with, I carry you around with me every day. You are the intricate weaves and pieces of my ever evolving puzzle. Thank you for that.

Its the 'Little' Things... I think (Part 2 Cost of Living)

I felt like the other post was too long, so I broke it up into 2 parts.

Cost of Living: If/When you want to come live here, accept the fact that is will be 20% higher across the board. We are lucky here in Alberta that we do not pay as many taxes as the other provinces, but we do pay our share. For instance everything single thign you buy has GST ( Government Sales Tax). We are lucky, we do not have PST ( Provincial Sales Tax ) as well as 3 -4 other 'ST's" the other provinces have.  Sadly, close to 35% + in taxes is what we dish out per pay. Its still vague because your taxes increase, as you make the money. You move bracket to bracket. There are some here who are paying over 40% in payroll taxes alone. Takes your breath.

Food, clothing, everything is higher. Now, at first, the sticker shock will cause a bit of a sway at the store. My friends hear me talk about chicken... here three chicken breasts avg about 5$ per lb.  One small package is $10. But, beef on the other hand is cheaper.  I pay $4.35 for milk at Costco, but $4.69 at the grocery store. Bread, wheat? Close to $4.  Cereal.. now this will kick you in the butt. Wal Mart - Frosted Flakes. $6.97 no kidding..... Now, this one makes me chuckle... Coors Beer, case (50 cans here) is $75.00, and Ernest and Gallo Wine, I have seen for $30.  For you non-drinkers, this is insane. However.... people buy it by the load, so supply and demand is at work here. I really just laugh when I am at the wine store, thinking of my struggle with corking costs in restaurants in the states

But, in the end you practice strategery ( yes, I know I spelled it wrong, you have to be a Will Farrell fan to get this). You budget, and figure it out. After awhile, you accept it and you pay it. What else can you do?  These are also big banes of frustration for the Canadians. Because, really, no one can tell the people, why its so much more expensive.  Just be prepared to shop in many stores... there are bargains!

All in all, both of these items are a huge lesson in 'It is, what it is...What are you gonna do?'. But, keep in mind, the Canadians are living well. They drive nice, often beautiful cars, they are all shopping, they dress nice and look healthy. So, in the end, its all perspective and paradigm at work. I know things differently, so I can see them differently. Its all in how you choose to adapt.
I find that I can't really complain about it... because I can't change it. (There seems to be a theme there I think.) In the end, I appreciate what I came from as well as what I have now.  Its all a lesson you see..... its how you choose to learn it, and apply it, that matters.

Its the 'Little' Things... I think (Part 1 Health Care)

Today, I think I'll talk about a few key points that are big here in Canada....
Healthcare:  As we know in the states there is much talk about Universal Health Care from both sides of the table. As a visitor here, with no political agenda, I have observed a few things.  First of all, let me be clear, I have been in favor of Universal Health Care in the states for years. I think the socialism rhetoric that is thrown around is, well, simply bogus. Because one just has to do a non-biased history lesson on socialism to see that what our country proposes is not that.  I think my 'in faovr' of this, comes from being a teacher and seeing my kids who are sick, or have other issues, unable to get health care because mom and dad can't get the 'right' job. I also see parents who walk around with health issues that they cannot get treated for the same reasons. So, universal Health care has its good points.
However, I am concerned that our country as a whole is not quite ready for it, and I think from my perspective, here in Canada, they might not have been ready either. But I think there are some lessons to be learned.
( note: this is strictly from the Alberta perspective, because it is different in other provinces.)

Positives: Basically, it is cheaper, for the basics. However, if you want any of the additional. shall we call them bells and whistles, like, oh an ambulance ride to the hospital, you need to buy 'A la Cart' but its still cheaper than what we are paying in the states.  But, a lot of the folks here can't afford that. ( more on that later).  When you go to the doctor, you walk in, have your appt. and walk out. No Co-pays etc.  Chiropractic health, massage therapy etc. are all covered as well. Prescriptions are cheaper too. Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies do not have nearly the same horrific power they do in the states. Although the Dr. shortage is a concern here, there are many clinics available to you, 24/7. (However, I will admit, the 'Open" sign at the Urgent Care Emergency Clinic is a cause for concern. Lol)
Negatives: We were lucky to get a doctor. We were told that to expect to be a wait list for a personal physician. Some in Calgary are on wait lists that are 7 years out, nope not a typo.( Our Dr. is wonderful and hails from South Africa and chose Canada over the states to practice in, due to our malpractice issues/practices. ) So, we were lucky.  Another disadvantage is everything is compartmentalized. For instance there are no 'One Stop Shops' here. Blood work, you go to the lab. X-Ray? You go to yet another lab. Need a Specialist? Even just a foot doctor for instance, your main Doctor has to refer you, and yes you wait to get an appt.
Surgery... now this is tricky - non emergency procedures are set up by priority, availability, and yes, wait lists. For instance, one day as I was sitting in the great mecca for women, the hairdresser. One older lady was in for a hair set. Well, she was getting ready for hip surgery. Just got the call, after being on the list for many months and was going in the next day for the surgery. And that's how it is... when they call, you grab the time, or back at the bottom of the list you go. 
There is constant controversy over preventative care. Doctors want to offer more, but are held back. There have been doctors that have had to leave the country because they spoke out about this. There is corruption (gasp) in the government, and currently there are many investigations going on with the Gov't of  Alberta Healtcare. There are concerns that some numbers are being 'misrepresented', there are concerns that doctors are 'slienced' through various tactics because they speak out.
Finally, I'm just not sure I would want to have serious health care issues here. I would be concerned about the availability of the services.
Now, this is only my very limited perspective and I find that the folks working in the health care field are great. Hard working, dedicated and often frustrated. I have not had any 'bad' experience with these labs etc. But I find I do miss the personal touches that my Doctor offered me in the states.  So, I have no answers, or amazing fixer uppers.   Just observations.
So, if you move, come prepared. research the town you will live in for doctors. The smaller suburbs seem to be better off than the bigger cities.
Next item covered in Part 2

Differences to Think About

Like I mentioned before, moving to a new country is far different than moving to a new state. The approach you take, will really determine how successful it is for you. I, however, made some errors that I can hopefully help someone else from doing.  It's funny.... when you get hit with a moment of 'Oh, this is different' and you are caught off guard by it. Because, here is the sometime,s brutal reality, not everyone does things like we do in America. Now, you may laugh and say to yourself. "I wouldn't ever think that,' but trust me, it happens.  Some of those realizations come slow and are easy to handle, and sometimes they are harder, much harder.  So, here are some things, I have found to be different. Some silly, some serious. :) Take them as you like.

Food: Well, of course its different! But, here there is a twist. The packaging is the same, looks the same on the box, but you open it up and 'Hell, no this is not a wheat thin" is what comes out of your mouth. Funny story,( this does happen to be one of my favorites from when I was little, just ask my mom) So, needless to say when I found a box here I was excited! 'Ahhh... something familiar.' I Get home, all excited, only to open the box to this strangely shaped, not a wheat thin at all, thing. I say to myself, 'Ok, I'll try it.... game on,' but much to my snacking disppoinment its not the same, and it won't become the same and I can't change that. (See? now you know how profound moments can come from snack crackers.) So, where do I go from here with this? Well, to Costco in Idaho is where. No joke, I was visiting a friend in the states and bought damn near a shipment of Wheat Thins. They are safe, and snug in the basement pantry for me to enjoy. So, I challenged the difference. But, in reality I didn't. I just temporarily fixed it. Because when my stash is gone, well its fours hours plus to a new one. Its that, or take on the the new Wheat Thin (not happening :0))
Then there are other things, like American Cheese, so not American cheese. No offense to the hard working people here are Kraft Canada, but its not what we know to be American Cheese.  Pepperoni, for pizza, vastly different as well.....

Politics - Of course these are different. But in all things, there are similarities. People get very angry etc. Have strong political sticking points etc. However, there is one area that I wish we could adopt in the US. Their campaigning. Here an election campaign goes for 45 days (give or take a few). And thats it!! 45 days... and the commericals are not trashy, vindicative things that our country has stooped too. So, no crap for 100+ days.... 45 days in and out - over. Now, this is has a flip side. They can have these elections if/when either side takes a vote of confidence and the majority party loses. So in the last few years, there have been quite a few. But, I'll take that over the soap opera tactics we have adopted in the states.

Prejudice - Here, its really not prevalent. There are no undertones, or longs histories of bitterness. Now, this is not to say its not here... but you can't sense it on the surface like you can in the states.  This is one of the most culturally diverse places I have lived, and I like the color frankly.  Gay Pride is also alive and well here.. but on a much different level. Here, the advertise on TV the Gay Pride parades, with the very clear message that this is a time of celebration, not a time for hiding, that we are guilty of.  CATV - one of the Canadian networks has this great commercial, that shows how the parades are coming, with the dates, how its going to be great fun! With rainbows, balloons etc. Then they say ' Because, here in Canada, we celebrate the differences.' and the commercial closes with a face painted with a rainbow on it! Awesome stuff!  Now, as politically charged as this issue is... I'm not here to take that on. The point is, this is important to me, because of those that I love, and the fact that you can be gay in Canada, live as a married person, with all benefits says something. This I like, a lot.
One of my new friends here shared a story about going to Memphis and hearing some of the best blues! Now, she tells the story about coming out of the bar on Beale Street and starts to take pictures, of the uniquness, things not found in Canada. She comes acorss this retaurant with a catchy American name, that I will leave out and goes to take a picture. There are a ton of bikes outside and they vie to get into the picture. She takes it and they say "Aren't you scared down here?' " No, not all all he replies." They apparently looked at her and asked her where she was from... 'Canada!' she replied! 'You're different, we can tell, but its cool your not scared. We don't find that around here a lot." Hmmm... Not  much I can add there.

Paritoisim - That is the same on both fronts. Canadians love being Canadian!  You see it on shirts, flags etc. just like the states. Canada Day which falls on the 1st of July, was neat to watch. We went to the Rodeo here in town, and it was fun to see.  Now, here is an interesting observation.... you see others being patriotic, and its hits you, this is not my country per say - I am really just a visitor. you observe and enjoy, but you don't feel it like they do. I missed the 4th quite a bit. No fireworks, baseball, or Star Bangeled Banner being sung. It was, well, tough.

So here's the net, net. You cannot come into a change like this and expect what you assume will be similar, to be. Change is brutal, and fun and scary.  You will have to give up certain comforts, and things that you just didn't think about. You really have to roll with it, as simple as that sounds.  We really have no weight here as American's - we are just people that have moved here from the states. Now, here is the interesting part. Whenever we tell people where we moved from, they say "Why would you move here????" I am still exploring that.
Here is what I have learned - I do miss home, I do miss the familiar. I miss a lot of things.  There is just a feeling that is different. But, I also appreciate some things that I think I was taking for granted.  So, when I do visit now and when I go back to live, I will have a better appreciation for where I came from. But, I get to add the appreciation of these great Canadians. We could learn a thing or two from them.
But, they really need to learn how to make a Wheat Thin.

Medical Immigration and more....

Another note on the immigration process ( pronounced Process with a long o here). The physical... all Visa's here are restricted, so if you want to work with kids or have all your options open you will need to get an Immigration Medical exam. Now, let me preface by saying that while you are reading this on line, you will get mad. You will feel like an unhealthy, person who has just come to Canada to spread disease. No kidding, very strict, very scary in a way. Because the reality is, if they find something out about you that they don't like, they can ship you back! The process is a bit degrading and I was not a happy camper going through it. However, when all was said and done, really, a piece of cake. However...... I again sat in wonder, looking around the lab, at all the different nations represented, different socioeconomic backgrounds. So many people, looking for something different. I hope they find it. But in closing on this issue, provided you are someone who will go through this, take a deep breath, its really not that bad.

More...... it really is beautiful here. Peaceful where we live. But in the end, for awhile I think you just feel out of place a bit. I have read that it takes a year to really acclimate, and I believe that. Like I was telling a good friend the other day.... the road signs telling you where to go don't even look the same. So, its all different. What do you with that? Well.... you adapt, learn how to read kilometers ( 60 Km is about 41mph). Be patient and ask questions.  You explain that you just moved here, and yes there have been times when 'American' was mentioned and the temperature dropped, but for the most part these people are very nice.  I'll post some general observations later on.  I cannot express enough that if you are someone who plans to do this, give it all time.  It'll come. I am still waiting for some of that....but it'll come.

Moving.......

Well... let me say a few qualifiers first. Immigration is a very politically charged arena and I really don't want to bring in the politics of this, just the human element. Second... each country has their own faults in this process so this is neither pro USA or pro Canada.
OK.. First thought., moving to a new country is not like moving to a new state. I have done that a few times and it had its bumps, but nothing really prepared me for the complexity of this journey.  Immigration is a bitch, no other way to say it. Sorry. Keep in mind, I am Masters Educated, know how to read and speak English and we had corporate support. I cannot imagine doing this without these things. Its amazing the strength and courage all of these people who came before me and mine, and will come after. All to go somewhere where they wanted it to be better.
The Process: First of all, no one out there has all the answers about how to get through customs, immigrate etc. Everyone from the border agent, to the relocation company, to the lawyers to the everyday people have different information, and different how to's.  So, I learned to educate myself, dig, read, filter etc. Still got things wrong, wished I had a guru to fall back on, but kept on.  Keep in mind when you call customs they are not taught good customer service techniques, nor do they practice it. Here is where you really see the guts of it all. Border agents are very difficult, tough to manuver through individuals. A lot them have lost the human touch. Net Net, Customs is one of the toughest things I have ever gone through. They expect you to know everything that you are supposed to. Get very pissed when you don't. They also assume you are guilty about whatever. (Another tragedy from 9/11 I am sure.) Finally, they are coached to be this way, so you really have to keep that in mind.
Jeff's first trip through the border at Coutts was hellish to say the least. The age old adage, you can get a really nice one and then you can get one that will just look for things to be wrong, was true here. That is another story in of itself, but it did paint a picture of expectation and has laid out the very clear possibility that it will happen again. Hence it adds a huge stress to all of it. However, when we made the huge move with semi and all in March, we had some great agents, who were nice, helpful, and all in all good. Now, keep this in mind, each time at the border for our move was a 4+hour time frame. So, if you too are making this journey as a move, with household items, cars, pets, kids etc. Don't plan a dinner date for later, plan a day. I laughed when I read somewhere that selling everything and starting over was easier, but soooo true. It would have been easier to just have a suitcase, but hey, I like our stuff so we paid the dues there.
Immigration is truly up there on the journey list.  I'll add more later .

The Ellis Journey to Canada

Welcome to my Blog.... if anyone decides to read it. LOL! I wanted to start a blog once we found out that we were relocating to Canada for Jeff's job. It has been an interesting experience that has had a lot of ups and downs. I hope that maybe with my sharing, I can help someone else who may be moving here.   This has been a HUGE learning experience for me and mine. I'll add thoughts along the way..observations etc.

When we made the huge decision to move here we did so with open minds and open eyes. But we have found that no matter how open you are, there is always a curve ball out there to throw you off.  One of the biggest lessons we have learned so far is how to be an immigrant. Its an amazing and humbling experience.  I fully appreciate anyone who moves to another county. It truly is amazing how you can feel less empowered. How in the process you discover that you really are assumed guilty until you prove your innocence and that no one really gives a damn where your from. You have to go through medical exams and visa applications and border experiences no matter what.  Here.... being American isn't necessarily a good thing.

Before we began the journey I made the tactical error of surfing the net and finding out how Canadians feel about Americans.  To say the least....its not all good.  There is a huge misconception about Americans, as well as a huge misconception that Americans have about Canadians.  Its like a family truly, where the youngest feels left out and the oldest acts superior at times and forgets to include the youngest. But, what I find is that the lessons are still the same.....there are a lot of assumptions and a true lack of communication between good people. I do have to laugh a time or two, because I was reading some pretty nasty stuff and I got the impression that no one here was over weight. That everyone valued and loved their medical plans, that education was superior and all in all that it was just better here in the great north!  But, I thought wrong. Turns out that all in all we are pretty similar in most things. Sure we have cultural differences, different histories, different foods, music and word pronunciations. But as people, really.... we are all the same. Turns out that there are overweight, beautiful people here too. That the medical system here really isn't revered by Canadians, and that school, all in all is the same. So, I'll blog to share my thoughts and observations and maybe, just maybe, help someone else who goes through this to feel not so alone.