My K-1 (fiance class) US Immigration visa is a go. Today, I just sold my residence. A conditional sale, but one I have every reason to believe is solid. By the end of June I expect to be leaving the Great White North, living near Santa Cruz, California - and in America to stay.
Lots to do between then and now, obviously.
Havng said that, some loyalties remain involate. So: Bring the Stanley Cup back where it belongs (and that sure ain't Raleigh). Goooo, Edmonton Oilers!
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From one expat canuck to another - welcome!
I would have recommended somewhere else for you to live but it is a very nice area and I'm sure the K1 visa had just a tad to do with your choice.
Congrats!
Joe, let me tell you that in the short time I've gotten to know you, you've proven to be a marvelous, feisty counterbalance to the old joke:
Q: "How do you say 'Off the pig! Smash the State! Up against the wall, motherf*cker!' in Canadian?"
A: "'Excuse me, Officer; what seems to be the trouble?'"
When things have settled down for you just a bit, perhaps we can meet up for beer and pizza and you can explain the blue lines to me... ..before I've had too much beer to put that info into long term memory. That'd be about two beers, eh?
About two Canadian beers... or about six American. :-)
Canada to Santa Cruz CA?
Bring a fat wallet. We're expensive down here...but worth it.
Welcome to the land of the Eagle.
I'd avoid Santa Cruz proper. The weird level there is only rivaled by deepest-darkest Berkley.
Try Capitola, and make sure to hit Zelda's on a Thursday for the lobster and beer.
Cheers, (and welcome)
-E2
There's also a yearly fly-in and airshow (usually a bug'un) just down Highway 1 a leetle bit. You just missed this year's.
Watsonville AirShow Link
And I think there's an FMC plant in Silicon Valley somewhere. Maybe you can use your Defence (note Canadian spelling) media credentials to get a ride in a Bradley.
Sounds like an excuse for the "buy a gun for Joe" fund.
BTW, once you realize the difference in summertime temperatures in that deep and personal yardwork kinda way, you'll be grateful for the difference in beer. When I'm up north, I drink the thick stuff... but in the south, Coronas, pulques in general, and light lagers are your friend.
Joe - good to have you.
Welcome aboard, Joe! Post or drop a mail when you're settled, so the locals can welcome you properly. The PRC will give you lots of soft targets for honing your debating and analysis, and amazing beauty to boot. But we're going to have to convert you into a Sharks fan, you know. How many beers will that take?
(Nortius, I'm afraid Bradley doesn't live in San Jose any more. The FMC plants is now - alas - an overflow parking lot for SJC...)
Huzzah! We open our arms in welcome to you as a newly-minted overdocumented immigrant!
Congratulations, Joe. I wish you much happiness. And I envy you. I would love to live in the U.S.A. - even if it was the People's Republic of California :-)
Joe,
About two Canadian beers... or about six American. :-)
Et tu, Joe? Don't be dissin' our beer, you...you...anti-American bastard! ;-)
Who needs that stinky, skunky old Molson? Here's a link to help you find a great American beer:
http://www.beertown.org/events/gabf/index.htm
PS - I have to confess a weak spot for Alexander Keith's:
http://www.keiths.ca/k_main/k_main_index.php
Wait, if you are moving to the US for what I assume are good reasons, why do you choose to deny the Stanley Cup the right to land in Raleigh?
Several thousand former Canadians are here along with others from places like Detroit, Boston, the News (Jersey, York and Hampshire) and other unpleasantly cold places.
If Edmonton earns the Cup, so be it, but I'm sure it can find a comfortably air conditioned spot here in Raleigh...
Welcome to the United States, where new traditions start all the time...