Lesley and Jonathan

Today, I submitted my letter of resignation at IBM. The emotion of leaving IBM won’t sink in until two weeks from now when I actually have to say goodbye to all the friends I made since 2002. I had a lot of success at IBM, but it’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter in my life. I can not express in words just how excited I am to be living with Lesley in Toronto. It’s been fun traveling back and forth, but having to leave Les after a weekend or rare week in Toronto is always sad.

In three days, Les and I will be married six months and we are finally getting the opportunity to live our lives together, under the same roof. I could not be happier. On May 5th, I am renting a car and driving up to my new home. I already know that is going to be an exciting, emotional ride for me. I’m leaving my family and the only city I’ve ever known, Brooklyn. Eight hours later, I will be in my new city, starting a new life with the woman I love. I only wish Les were taking the ride with me, but knowing she will be home when I get there is exciting enough. I can’t wait to drop my bags at the door and call out “Honey, I’m home.”

Then, I need to find a job. =)

This past weekend, my dad and I took a rented minivan up to Toronto.  The contents of such were countless books, some clothes, appliances, and two cats.  The trip was fun (my dad drove 3 about hours, I put in about 5) and we got to Toronto at a fairly decent hour.  That evening Les, me, and my dad joined a few friends for dinner at Spacco.  The next day we cleaned-up a bit and had dinner at Lesley’s parents’ house.  Andrea joined us for dinner.  Great times.

There was a really bad storm in NY and we didn’t think my dad and I would take off.  Luckily the storm passed and we made it home; albeit a little nauseous from the flight.

It’s very strange to be back home with little to no personal effects and certainly no cats.

Overall, the Canadian immigration process was a thrilling experience.  Lesley and I both expected the process to take anywhere from 4 to 6 months so when we learned that I was approved in less than 3, we were very happy.  This past weekend I flew to Toronto and “landed” at Pearson Airport.  Landing means my visa is stamped and I officially become a Permanent Resident (or Landed Immigrant) of Canada.  I am not a Canadian Citizen, or Canadian, but I can legally live and work in Canada just like everyone else.  After three years of living in Canada, I have the option of applying for Canadian Citizenship.  I’m not sure that is something I want to do, but ask me again in three years.

Moving my stuff up to Canada is next, then comes closing out my rental, utilities, and my job.  As soon as we work out a few details, we will make another post with our time line.

For now we will just enjoy this moment for a few days before moving on to the next big challenge.