Well, I've been in the States for a little over 3 years now. Never in a million years did I imagine moving out of Canada. I'll never forget that day I said bye to my parents, and left something that I had so much pride in. I'm set up as a permanent resident now, and really have no intentions on ever applying for citizenship. Some day, 30 years from now I can see myself heading north permanently. People in Minnesota and northern Wisconsin are pretty great. I know this isn't Canada, but it's pretty close.

I left a good job, family and friends and basically everything I ever cared about. For what? You should easily be able to guess. That's right, my wife. It was well worth it. I can't say I have it bad at all. I'm only 3 hours away from my beautiful hometown of Thunder Bay. I visit usually once or twice a month.

Since I moved here, I've had a variety of good jobs, but have settled in working as a conductor for a class 1 railroad. The lifestyle isn't the greatest, but the compensation is second to none.

I get a lot of "Really, you're Canadian! That's cool!". And yes, it is cool. Of course, I've been called everything under the sun for nicknames from Canada, "slapshot", "canardia", "canardian", and "maple leaf".

Naturally, there is still a language barrier. No one knows what a Jerry Can (gas can), 2-4 (case of beer), touque (winter cap) or pickerel (walleye) is. I usually get the last laugh.

One thing that has made life so much easier is NHL Centre Ice. When the "Hockey Night In Canada" theme song comes on at the start of a CBC game, I can tell you my neighbours two blocks over from me can hear it, I have it cranked so loud.

I always remind myself "I'll always be a Canadian", "Canada will always be there", and "no American French fry will ever taste better than poutine".

John S., Superior WI, Ontario
November 14, 2006
permalink