I am originally from Canada, but I've spent the past 7 years in California, having moved down to be with Shato after finishing University. I've always wanted to return, and Shato has been keen on that idea as well. So about two years ago we decided we were getting to the point of about ready to start looking north.

We began the very long and tedious process of trying to get Shato permanent residency status there. It was quite an ordeal start to finish, but I'm glad to say that as of now, 17 months after official submission (and about 22 after we started putting it all together), we finally have papers permitting Shato to cross over into Canada to live and work as a permanent resident :)

Our departure date is March 6th, and we're looking to drive our way up in order to transport both my car, and our precious cargo's (computers and other fragile bits), while the bulk of our belongings get shipped. We hope to stop along the way in a few spots to visit some long time friends who we've never had a chance to meet in person too, so that should be fun!

As for now, the timer is ticking, counting down to move day. It's going to be very busy getting everything ready to go, but it should be a little exiting, and enjoyable too - quite the adventure all in all. We are hoping to settle in the Ottawa region and have a place to stay for the first few months while I conduct job hunting, so we'll see how that goes.

This time next year we'll probably be shoulder deep in snow, wondering why we ever missed winter, hehe.