Life on the Other Side of the 49th Parallel

Anna thought a guest appearance now and then would add a bit of spice to her blog, so Dad is going to take an attempt...

Our warm-blooded very pink athlete! 

Today is the 4 week anniversary of my touch down in America. It's been a short four weeks in many respects considering everything that's happened. We're starting to feel a little more settled and definitely enjoying getting out and about in Colorado Springs and exploring our new surrounds.

Canada and America share a lot, but now I'm officially living in America (well not exactly, more about that later...) I've been surprised how many differences are apparent. Some of the more mundane things one takes for granted as a citizen of a country become a challenge when you choose to become an immigrant. I now have more an appreciation for all those who pack up their families and choose to settle in Canada.

Pearl Street Boulder Colorado

Honestly, I think a bit of my frustration over the bureaucracy of the American government is because I had unrealistic expectations. I was pretty impressed with myself once I had my official I-94 card stamped in my passport with my work permit in hand and touched down in Denver. How hard could it be? How hard could it be to stroll into the Social Security Office and pick up a Social Security Card? Buy a new car? Exchange my driver's licence? Get a cell phone? Set up utilities at home? Get my garbage picked up? Open a bank account and get a visa card and line of credit? Apply for a Lowe's card to buy a washer and dryer? The answer is short...Much harder than I expected!

The first question when you try and do all of those things is.....what's your SSN? Me: Umm, I don't have one? Silence.....Store clerk: I'm sorry sir, I need to talk to my superior...Basically, your SSN is your ticket to life in America. In this digital age, your identity and credit worthiness is linked by a 9 digit number, which still alludes me. My application is deep within the black hole of the American bureaucratic system awaiting that electronic seal of approval. So...I keep checking the mailbox.

Ok, it's not quite as dire as that. There are work arounds. And I'm grateful for all the wonderful people that have gone out of their way to help us get settled and pretty much accomplish everything that necessary to be safe, healthy, mobile, financially fluid and in communication with the outside world.

Anna's new thing is hopping and jumping!

There's an idea out there that America is bigger, better and more prosperous. Having now lived in three countries, I'd have to say from cost, convenience and availability factors, America wins hands down. My impression is that Colorado appears to be a pretty prosperous state. Colorado Springs is mainly a military, sport and high tech hub which keeps its economy pretty healthy.

Anna, Trudi and I have been out exploring on the roads and trails around town. I'll end with a list of impressions;

• We've gone from living at 230ft to 6430ft. This makes exercise seem a lot harder! I'm already looking forward to my next run on the Stanley Park seawall...I'll be loving it after my high-altitude acclimatization.
• The landscape in Colorado Springs is much more varied than I expected. We're on the edge of the Rockies with Pikes Peak in the background. The landscape is filled with lots of pine forest, desert-like plants and grasses. There are deer and rabbits in our yard every day, much to Anna's delight!
• I've only seen one billboard for a gun show and there was a LivingSocial special this week for a 4 hour concealed weapons training course!
• Banking is interesting. Surprisingly, Canada is more advanced. This may be a reflection of the difference in the number, size and cooperation between the major players. Instantaneous email money transfers don't exist here, unless you've signed up for PayPal or something similar. I'm getting use to the idea of waiting at least a few business days to see transfers between accounts and cheques to clear.
• Food selection is bigger and prices are noticeably lower. We seem to spending about a third less on food than in Canada for similar quality. High quality local and organic food seem to be readily available.
• There's not much of a coffee culture. Rancilio Silvia (my espresso machine) and I are getting a lot of quality time!
• I just bought a pair of new Asics GT-2160 runners for $89.95 no tax and free shipping off eBay. That's about half of what you'd pay in Canada.
• In comparison to Canada, real estate here is definitely more reasonably priced. A 3000 sq ft house in a nice neighbourhood with good schools is going for the mid-300s.



Running form is in the genes!



Anna taking Mommy and Daddy on a tempo run

• Anna is talking a lot now and seems to adjusting to the new surroundings well. She's quite keen on her local park, the wildlife, and all the new activities and adventures. Trudi gets the short end of the stick because she's usually the photographer, so enjoy the photos of the two ladies!