I have been fortunate enough to have “met” a few Canadians that for varies reasons are living in America. Fellow bloggers, seeking one another out, for comfort and reassurance. Most Americans are shocked to hear that Canadians struggle in the United States and feel a tad misunderstood. There are Americans that have traveled or have chosen to educate themselves beyond, “Did you live in an igloo? or Do you know Sue from Vancouver?”, however I found myself correcting those that chose to not think of Canada as a foreign country and stating that not all Canadians know how to speak French.

I still read a lot of Canadian, living in the US blogs (I am not linking because I am not sure they want traffic, if I am wrong please let me know and I will link). Their experiences are so much like mine, not horrific yet life changing. I will never view racism the same again. I cannot understand the class system and how it is acceptable to the majority of people, that groups of people in their country suffer, while other prosper to the extreme. The “us” and “them” mentality threw me for a loop, since I was friendly with everyone, despite their colour, class, socio-economic standing and the like. I allowed my child to play with “coloured kids” GASP!

I am so so grateful to have returned to Canada. Our skies are crystal blue, we take care of the sick, elderly and those that cannot help themselves, we love hockey, drink beer, say hello to everyone, talk to strangers, and we have funny comedians that don’t hesitate to poke a little fun …

Have a great weekend everyone!

Have fun with more Wordless Wednesday.

I am so torn. 2007 was the birth year of my amazing son, brought me closer to my friends, and was the year that J’s dreams of becoming a university prof came true. Good times.

Yet …

So many times these past few months I found myself ~* Not in My Happy Place *~ (thanks ~JJ that is the perfect way to process it for me). I have really worked at being happy, staying positive and turning all the negative stuff into positive stuff. Sometimes, I felt like I was being kicked while I was down, or I would get to my knees and then get kicked down again. If not for the kids I would have curled up in a ball, in a dark place and never come out.

So for this new year I have a few goals, wishes, resolutions and the like …

- May I not find myself in the bathroom crying, like the whole year (big goal!).

- I want to keep going with the healthy eating and as a result losing weight thing. 30 lbs is an awesome start. J is all hawt because of my careful planning too so it is a good thing for all. There is said to be some great hiking in the area that will be awesome to explore once the weather is not quite so … snowy.

- To make some friends locally. I seriously (heart) all of you, but umm it would be nice if  you could meet me for coffee & a play date sometime

- I want the blog to grow and evolve. I am not sure what that means yet, but there are some thoughts percolating.

- Be a GREAT friend. I so want to stay in close touch with all the people that have made our world wonderful throughout our adventures. Cards, letters, and that jazz … Make sure that the people that matter … feel warm and fuzzy.

- Rock the Mom style. Being a good mom to Becca and Ethan is so important to me. That is an ongoing focus of mine that I always want to keep on track.

- Create more. I am always wanting to do more but not finding the time, could it be all that moving?

- Host a bunch of exciting celebrations … J’s Birthday, Family coming to visit, Skippy’s 1st birthday (yup our cat), Easter, Ethan’s first birthday, my 30-something-er-other birthday, Becca’s fourth birthday and so much more.

- Explore our hometown. Halifax is home. Wow. We have arrived.

Side note: Ooooo our car is in NOVA SCOTIA. Yes we *should* have our car on Wednesday! w00t!

Well, it is that time of year again. The time to reflect on the past and look forward to what is to come. This will be a two part post. The second part will focus on the year to come. Right now I want to look back at this amazing year.

The year 2007 has seen the Soodz clan live to two different states & two different countries! Plus we have added new members to the family and lost a member. It has been a year of grief and loss, but also a year to celebrate and gains. We have watched our children grow, as we too have gotten older and hopefully a little wiser.

January we were in California, pregnant and happy. Becca and I were adventurous and enjoying time with new friends. We enjoyed trips to Disneyland and the zoo. I was knitting and enjoying time with Marina and Holly. We also welcomed some fellow Canadians to California!

February was a warm month in California. Becca swam in our little yard, in her kiddie pool (something tells me we will NOT be swimming outside in February here in Canada)

March was my baby shower for Ethan, it was so amazing to be surrounded by so many mothers and celebrate. Some of those women I never saw again

April was all about Ethan! He arrived with perfect timing and left us in awe and bliss. J’s Mom stayed with us to help out and we learned how to be a family of four.

May was a flurry of play dates, adventures and visiting. I was trying to experience it all before we left California. My Dad came for a visit and to meet his new Grandson.

June we celebrated Becca’s third birthday early with all her friends. It was a wonderful pool party, perfect celebration of our time in California.

July we arrived in New Mexico. Our stuff did not.

August we went on our first family camping trip. It was so FUN! We adopted Skippy the Alley Cat. I injured my foot pretty badly, then limped to many chiropractor appointments to get back on both feet.

September my Dad came to New Mexico for a visit. We also said good bye to our dear sweet cat, Charisma and watched as Becca’s heart broke. J went for an interview in Nova Scotia for a tenure track professor position.

October was a blur. J was offered a position in Nova Scotia … to start January 2008. Started Packing. We celebrated Ethan’s first Halloween in style. Ethan as a Hot Dog and Becca as a butterfly.

November we continued to prepare for our trek back to Canada. Said our good byes in New Mexico.

December we made it home. Our stuff arrived in tact and on time. Sadly our car has not. It is on a train in Ontario and has been for almost two weeks. ugh. We have enjoyed the snowy walks and adventures with the children. Ethan’s first Christmas ws magical. Becca received a call from Santa and believes in all the magic Christmas has to offer. We even had friends come to visit us in our new home.

We have finally arrived.

We shall begin.

That is a very brief recap of our year … Now for a visual … Happy New Year Everyone …

… into the bathroom after your preschooler has been too quiet. Not only will you discover a flood from the preschooler, somehow the question …

“Honey have you seen the plunger since we moved?”

… follows …

Now my sweet husband is looking to borrow a plunger ….

We are back to unpacking and settling things now that Christmas is over … I miss having time to read blogs and … BLOG :(( Soon … Soon … Still no car and the baby is teething …