BLOG ARTICLE

6th February 2012

Did Winter Ever Really Start.

Posted In: Immigration, Life in Canada, Miscellaneous

Last week brought Groundhog Day and Shubenacadie Sam gave us some good news! For those of you not yet familiar with Groundhog Day and our Sam, take a look at this link…

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/02/02/groundhog-day-2012-shubenacadie-sam-predicts-early-spring-punxsutawney-phil-calls-for-more-winter/

 

According to legend, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on Groundhog Day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.

If he fails to see his shadow, an early spring is in the works.

The news didn’t really come as too much of a shock given the unusually mild winter we seem to be having this year. I keep wondering when the snow will really arrive. Although last week the forecast was for heavy snow for yesterday and today… we’re in Nova Scotia right? No snow! Why am I so disappointed? Well the truth is, I miss the snow and a real winter. I know, I know, you think I’m mad..but there are so many good things that come with the winters here.

As I drank my morning coffee one day last weekend after the snow we had Friday, looking out into the back yard, all I could think was “I’m not sure I always realise how lucky I am to live here”. The sky was a vivid shade of blue and crystal clear. The sun was bright and felt warm through the window. Despite being well into the minuses I was toasty. Every tree I could see was heavy with snow as there had been no wind to blow it away. It really was beautiful.

 

I love to be driving along and catch a glimpse of kids ice skating on a frozen lake, or giant snowmen in someone’s front yard. The tennis courts in our sub-division are flooded and have frozen to create a skating rink. It’s fabulous, although I have  to confess I haven’t thrilled the neighbours with my bambi on ice routine just yet! Still have a few excuses up my sleeve. My skates are in fact as good as new. Ahh who am I kidding, they are totally unused! Bought on about day 3 after landing here from our list of ‘must haves’. How shameful. learning to use them is on my to do list!

One thing I managed to take off my to do list of winter activities in Canada was the Polar Bear Dip. OK, strictly speaking it wasn’t the traditional New Years Day effort. It was Boxing Day. But it was still about minus 22 and the sea was frozen over in many places. Without doubt, one of the best things I have ever done. Not that I would recommend on every occasion but it’s the very best cure for a Christmas Day hangover you could possibly find. Add it to your list!

So whilst I thank Sam for his prediction and I am of course very much looking forward to Spring, I do love the winter and the fun it brings. Now….how many weeks before we can put the pool up?!!

 

Written by by Bex

26th January 2012

When In Canada Eh!

Posted In: Immigration, Life in Canada, Miscellaneous

The tendency is, once you live in Canada, and I know I’m guilty of it myself (a lot), is to start many a sentence with “In England….” and make comparisons. It’s hard not to really. I’ve said it before, it’s amusing how many things I come across on a daily basis that are called something else here. Some of you will remember my ‘Canglish Dictionary’

One day I will tell you a funny story about asking for fresh tuna (chewna) at the fish counter in Sobeys…when I ended up having to spell it out to the girl she said “oh TUNA” (toona). Definitely a unique experience.

But sometimes it’s not just the different names for things that bring comparisons and occasional confusion. For example, ordering my first Tims was not your everyday coffee shop experience. I mean did I want a double or a double double? And what on earth was this tooney she said she gave me in my change?  I have enough trouble fathoming out in Starbucks why a small is a tall and a medium is a grande! Heaven knows what a large is. Nowadays I just point.

We no longer go to the ‘offy’ for a six pack and some alcopops, it’s a trip to the liquor store for A two four and some coolers. I stand in a line up with my cart in the grocery store. But this is all good. I am still a firm believer in ‘when in Rome’ so I try my best. Whilst in all likelihood I will never lose my Coronation Street accent, it’s funny how quickly you fall into the lingo and find yourself saying “call me on my cell” not “ring me on my mobile” …..at the end of the day, you know you’re in Canada when….

You order a single double by day and a Keiths by night, you hollar “where’s my toque” right before you head out the door to go tubing in the snow, you know what poutine is, you no longer say New-Found-Land but pronounce it Noofunlan, you look out the window to determine the weather (definitely an NS thing), you start taking an interest in ice hockey and you know what it’s like to have your nostril hair freeze!

That’s when you know you’re in Canada EH!

Written by by Bex

19th January 2012

In At The Deep End.

Posted In: Immigration, Life in Canada, Miscellaneous

When we were planning to leave the UK and the news was finally out, during those last few weeks I remember being bombarded with so many questions and one that cropped up a lot was “Are you not worried about making friends and not knowing anyone?”….The truth was, I wasn’t worried, not at all worried. I was so full of excitement it truly hadn’t occurred to me that we wouldn’t know anyone.

The thing is, I am actually a very social person which is why I do what I do and why I love it so much. I really didn’t have a problem literally knocking on my neighbours doors to introduce myself (I did this on day 2). I’m not a shy person, I can strike up a conversation with anyone, BUT don’t be fooled into thinking it is/was easy. Having never moved away from my hometown and birthplace in 30 odd years, I was surprised at how alien it felt to be in a strange place and literally know no-one. Everything and everyone was totally unfamiliar and changing that doesn’t happen overnight. Imagine being asked by the school secretary for an emergency contact and you have to tell her you don’t have one. That’s the day it really hit home.

I think the key to it is, get yourself out there. As difficult as that may seem at times, you’ll be amazed at how welcoming and generous with their time people here are. You can’t just sit back and expect people to come to you. Networking may not come naturally to everyone but if like us you are thrown in at the deep end, it becomes an everyday part of your life.

Of course we’re not all forced to like and be friends with everyone we meet. It can and will take time to establish the depth of friendship with our new friends that we had with our older friends back in the UK. Someone told me when we first landed that it could take up to two years to really find my feet and feel at home. I was horrified but they weren’t far wrong. It’s not that I wasn’t happy here, just that it takes time to feel like it’s really your home and yes you are here to stay, not just on a long trip.

Did I ever feel like packing up and going back? No I can’t say I did. More to the point, if I did, how difficult would that have been? Would I have found that all or most of my old friends had moved on, quite possibly. As hard as any of it was, did we make the very best move we could ever have made? YES we absolutely did………

 

What about YOU? How hard/easy did you find it making friends and settling? tell us about your experiences or anticipations. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings!

 

Written by by Bex

16th January 2012

Whole house solution

Posted In: Life in Canada, Miscellaneous

Most families who move over will often buy new media equipment for their new home.

I’m testing out a music system at the moment that would appear to be the solution as a whole house facility.

The system is from Sonos (www.sonos.com) and works via your router. A simple ‘bridge’ component is connected to your router and then ancillary equipment is added to whichever room you need music/ radio etc. Components can be added to existing amps/ stereos or as standalone equipment.

The great thing is it is wireless, can be controlled through ipods/ pads/ android etc and gives you your whole music collection (via your computer) and any Internet radio stations, in any room in your house (you can set different music/ radio etc in different rooms).

I’ve been using Sonos for a couple of weeks now and it does appear to be seamless; no delays and a complete music system for the whole house/ back deck etc that can be added to as your needs dictate.

Certainly worth a look at if you are considering buying new when you arrive in NS.

Written by by Mike Wilson

11th January 2012

Employment in the Wireless industry

Posted In: Employment

Intermediate or Senior Wireless Technician (Dartmouth)
 
My client in the wireless industry has created a need for an Intermediate or Senior wireless technician to join their team in Dartmouth, NS.

The company are prepared to apply for a LMO and hence Work Permit for a suitable applicant from the UK.

Responsibilities:

  • Install, troubleshoot, repair and test complex wireless systems, including two-way radio, tracking and broadband wireless
  • Assist sales and engineering to design new systems for challenging customer applications
  • Thrive on learning new communications and IT technologies and skills
  • Enjoy customers and delivering outstanding customer service

Requirements:

  • Graduate of a recognized post-secondary program in communications or electronics
  • At least 5 years of technical experience in the wireless industry
  • Good communications and computer skills
  • Drivers license and clean driving record
  • Self-confident, self-starter, resourceful, team player, and great attitude!

If this is you, please send your Résumé to UK2novascotia@eastlink.ca

 

Written by by Mike Wilson