I was born and raised in Rustico, PEI. In 1978, I married and moved to Eastern Kentucky with my spouse. It was to be a short adventure but after I completed my BSc degree in West Virginia, I was accepted into medical school. I interned in Cleveland then finished residency at University of Kentucky.

I have remained in Lexington since 1987. I remarried to a wonderful man from Michigan, also a physician, and have a son - 19 and two stepdaughters - 25 and 26. I am the only non U-Mich student in the family. Their alliance almost rivals that of "Islanders".

Always an Islander, I have a cottage there, visit every summer and try to make it for Chritmas. The St. Augustines Church choir at midnight mass is a special treat. I love the old French and Latin Hymns. We never miss "Rustico Rendezvous" where my brother Lennie closes out the event. My sister, an artist, and I try to be creative with our seafood chowders for the after concert house party.

My parents and siblings, nieces and nephews all live in the Maritimes and I feel fortunate that my son has a wonderful second home there. With it's people, music, scenery, and seafood there is no place like "The Island".

Anne S., Lexington KY, Prince Edward Island
November 14, 2006
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Hi, my name is Carleigh, and I moved here (US) when I was about 11. I have been here close to 5 years now, because my mom married an American. I am a high school sophomore and I go back to Canada a couple of times a month. I and all of my family is from Ontario. I grew up in Hamilton, and I really miss it sometimes. I live in Youngstown, NY, (near Niagara Falls) which means I can travel enough, but I am starting to form a plan to go to college in Canada, my home. I am starting to get depressed here, as its been a while since I went home. Anyways, I still am very Canadian and will always be a Canuck!

carleigh r., youngstown NY, Ontario
November 14, 2006
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Bonjour. Je suis une Québécoise récemment arrivée à Philadelphie pour des études post-doctorales à Thomas Jefferson University. Je cherche à entrer en contact avec d'autres Québécois de la région de Philadelphie pour échanger et peut-être faire des sorties culturelles et sociales. Si vous êtes intéressés, contactez-moi!

Marie-France L., Philadelphia PA
November 14, 2006
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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
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After 20+ years, I have returned to Law School for my second law degree. This August I began studying full time for a Masters Degree in International Law at American Unversity Washington College of Law, in Washington, DC.

I graduated from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law in Windsor, Ontario in 1983. That's a long time between exams! I am happy to report that thus far I am totally enjoying the experience and I dare say, am keeping up even at 50+. I challenge anyone who has the time, money and energy to go for it. It's been great so far. You're never too old to learn something new. I highly recommend the experience to anyone who loves a great adventure. I'm hoping to work in Europe and Canada when I'm finished! Come on down!

Deborah M., Washington DC, Ontario
November 14, 2006
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Born in Amarillo, Texas to Canadian parents and have always been a dual citizen, I miss Canada more and more as I get older. I have an American husband and 2 daughters who are, thankfully, also dual citizens, and am happy to claim Canada although I have lived in both countries. I deeply respect Canadian people in their respectful and humble ways and look forward to going home to visit family much more than I actually get to. There are many times that I suggest to my husband that we could move there and my 3 year old has even said "Can we move to Canada?" but realize it would be a huge undertaking. Can't wait to go visit again.

tanya d., Amarillo TX, Alberta
November 14, 2006
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Je suis nee americaine de parents Canadiens Francais. J'ai demeuree au Quebec de l'age d'un an a l'age de seize ans. Je ete naturalizee Canadienne par mes parents, mais a l'age de 16 ans, nous sommes revenue aux etats-unis where I have lived for the past (almost) 17 years. I am fortunate to return to Canada to visit my large family and many childhood friends! I live in Connecticut where I am a Registered Nurse. I am glad to have found this website (by pure luck) looking for information regarding passports and such... I look forward to reading more stories!

Jo Ann L., Waterbury CT, Quebec
November 14, 2006
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I came to Boston many years ago as a young nurse with the goal of getting a year of experience at Children's Hospital and returning to work in Halifax. That one year led to another and and another and along the way I met an American, married and became a U.S. citizen. However, my heart is at "home" in N.S. I am active with the Canadian Women's Club and if there are new (or old) arrivals out there who would like to connect with us please check out our website: www.CanadaClub.org

Kitty S., Waltham, MA, Nova Scotia
November 9, 2006
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I was transferred to Indiana from Montreal in 2001 on an L-1 visa, but decided to change jobs in 2002 due to my company being sold. I decided to stay in the U.S. since I was already down here & liked the area. I ended up getting a job in Erlanger, Kentucky in 2002 on a TN-1 visa.

Although I miss my home & friends in Ontario, I have really learned to love Northern Kentucky. I have met some of the nicest people since moving down here (one being my now husband). I try to go back home every other month and make sure to bring my American husband with me as often as I can so he can develop an appreciation for all things Canadian, too! He even says "eh" at the end of some sentences (albeit with an American accent).

Melinda B., Florence KY, Ontario
November 9, 2006
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Hi. My husband and our two daughters moved to West Linn, OR about 4-1/2 years ago. We never anticipated moving to the US and it was a very big event in our lives. My first real move from my hometown of Kelowna, BC. We cannot say enough good things about the area we live in. The people in OR have been amazing and we love our new home. We may or may not take the citizenship test in a few years but even if we did, we would always be Canadian. We try to bring a bit of Canada into all our dealings with our new friends. Most of our daughter's friends cannot do without scotch mints or Eat Mores (which we bring back everytime we visit BC)! My husband and I both play hockey so have met many other expat's as well. We have no idea if we will go back to Canada or not but it has been a heck of a ride so far; and we are looking forward to more fun and good times!

Lorraine S., West Linn OR, British Columbia
November 9, 2006
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