I miss VJ...

[to_hope 0]

I haven't posted on here in quite a while since I made the move from Ontario to Michigan. I needed a break from everything visa-related! Lately I've been thinking about this forum a lot and thought I'd come back to say hi. I want to stay on for a while and hopefully share my experiences with those who are just starting their visa journey. Plus I'm sure I'll still need some help over the next few years!

Anyways, after I moved to Michigan I settled in for just a few weeks before my husband and I moved again to Florida- but just for the summer. He has an internship down here for 10 weeks, which is almost complete; we're in our last week here. Moving to the states has actually involved minimal culture shock. The worst part was figuring our health care (incidentally a few days ago I saw people protesting Obama's proposed health care reform, calling it "tyrannical" ). I have yet to get a Michigan driver's license or get my name on my husband's bank account, BUT I did take a big step today when I transfered my savings from CAD to USD! I've been watching the exchange rate like a hawk, hoping it would par out, but I finally took the plunge and transfered at about 90 cents on the Canadian dollar. What a relief it is to have that behind me.

Moving in with my husband has gone very well overall. He has been incredibly supportive though the whole process. I did have some moments of homesickness when I wondered if I made a mistake by moving to the States, but those moments are coming to me less and less. I can say I'm more in love with my husband now than I've ever been and I'm so happy that we made it through the whole visa process together.

Making new friends is never easy, but we go to a church down here in Florida which really helped (in Michigan I still have friends around from college). For those who haven't moved yet and are worried about meeting people, I would recommend checking out a local church.

Other than that, I'm getting used to the taste of American milk and letting all the lame Canadian jokes roll off my back- most of the time. I hope everyone on here is doing well and feel free to ask me any questions. I'm going to go look around and see what has been going on around here over the last few days and weeks...

Edited July 28, 2009 by to_hope

[Ontarkie 14,507]

Hiyas, glad to see every thing is going well for you, I know I had a few moments that I wanted to go back and it felt terrible knowing I sold my home and had no home to go back too. But like you its starts to get less and less.

[MrsCat 6]

nice to hear from you - glad you're settling in.

[TimandJoyce 1]

I''m going to guess that it's only natural for everyone, regardless of country, to say "what in the world did I do???????" But as you said, it takes time to settle in, get used to a new way of life. I've been to SC enough times now, even having the opportunity to stay there for the month of April. I've met his family, and lots of his friends, so I know I won't feel lonely. There are a few gals that I'm looking forward to hanging out with more after my move.

I'm glad your settling in, and I hope we get to hear more of your adventures since moving.

[JillA 2]

Nice to hear from you, glad you're enjoying the time with your hubby!

It's definitely normal to have those thoughts, I still do now and again "What the hell am I doing here? I want to move home"

[to_hope 0]

Nice to hear that others can relate! In a few weeks I will be visiting my parents in Ontario (with whom I lived while I was waiting for my visa)- it will be the first time I've gone back since I moved. I'm sure it will bring up a lot of emotions, but mostly I am just plain excited!

TimandJoyce- I am glad to hear that you already have some potential friends. Being around the right people makes a world of difference, homesick-wise I've found.

[Carlawarla 1]

How lovely to hear from you! Your move sounds like it went smoothly and you seem to be settling in nicely. Enjoy your first visit back to Canada! After a few of those, you'll be anxious to return "home".

[Frazell Thomas 0]

Hey to_hope,

Since I know you IRL, and we were at similar stages throughout this whole process, and continue to be, I thought I should comment.

I'm glad to hear your adjustment to the States is coming along nicely. I totally hear you about needing a break from the whole visa information overload, after the process has been completed. Visa Journey is GREAT! but when you finally make it, you do need that break. Hopefully you coming back to the board will inspire me to check in more often. I really do need to find ways to get my Canadian fix in, every now and then. Is it just me, or can it be incredibly lonely being the only Canadian around?

I'm so jealous of your opportunity to spend the summer in Florida. It must be amazing! Say hi to the ocean for me I have yet to make it down to the shore since I've moved to the States.

It's good to hear that things are coming along swimmingly with your husband. Isn't it nice to finally be living the way we should have been living ages ago?

And I'm totally with you on the taste of American milk...it's just weird. I want the milk bags back,.... please?

Anywho, just wanted to say it's good to see you back on here!

--Kerri

Edited July 29, 2009 by Frazell Thomas

[to_hope 0]

Hey to_hope,

Since I know you IRL, and we were at similar stages throughout this whole process, and continue to be, I thought I should comment.

I'm glad to hear your adjustment to the States is coming along nicely. I totally hear you about needing a break from the whole visa information overload, after the process has been completed. Visa Journey is GREAT! but when you finally make it, you do need that break. Hopefully you coming back to the board will inspire me to check in more often. I really do need to find ways to get my Canadian fix in, every now and then. Is it just me, or can it be incredibly lonely being the only Canadian around?

I'm so jealous of your opportunity to spend the summer in Florida. It must be amazing! Say hi to the ocean for me I have yet to make it down to the shore since I've moved to the States.

It's good to hear that things are coming along swimmingly with your husband. Isn't it nice to finally be living the way we should have been living ages ago?

And I'm totally with you on the taste of American milk...it's just weird. I want the milk bags back,.... please?

Anywho, just wanted to say it's good to see you back on here!

--Kerri

Yes it can be lonely being the only Canadian! 2 weeks ago a couple we met here in Florida invited us over for dinner and we found out that the husband in Canadian (from Ontario even). Right away it was like instant connection!

And yes it is awesome to be living as we should have been! I was thinking about you the other day when my husband and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary since that is how long you and your husband were apart. Crazy! I don't know how you did it.... but people always say that to me to and I say, "Well- it was our only option! Either swim or.... swim." haha.

The ocean says hi back! (It is actually the Gulf of Mexico... and it is 90 DEGREES right now! Crazy warm water.)

[TimandJoyce 1]

TimandJoyce- I am glad to hear that you already have some potential friends. Being around the right people makes a world of difference, homesick-wise I've found.

Yes I can imagine. I know that many move to an area where they don't know anyone, and I can't even imagine some people who haven't much experience in the USA. As long as the spouse is understanding, then it always works out. I did mention to Tim, quite awhile ago, that there will be some emotional roller coaster times along the way, and to be prepared for it! It's quite a move to make to be with the one you love.