Back in Alberta!

[Scrambler]

Some slightly uninteresting news, but I've decided to share this with my fellow CP'ers. Patrick aka Scrambler has officially moved back to Calgary after a 3 year stint on the West Coast.

I have to admit that I quite enjoyed living in Vancouver, everything from the climate, the green grass, the North Shore Mtns, the ocean, Whistler, music scene (Commercial Drive), pubs in Gastown, cheering on the Flames in GM Place, etc. etc. I suppose I could go on and on. When it really comes down to it though, this is where I belong. I never would have realized that without leaving though, so I'm glad I did.

Though some may find it hard to believe, the cost of living is still considerably cheaper than Vancouver. I sold my 474 sq ft condo in East Van for $228K and bought a 700 sq ft condo in Bankview (near 14th St and 17th Ave SW) for $185K. Work wise, it turns out that I the job I am best at is working in the travel business. Alberta is easily the most lucrative market in the country for that industry and there just isn't that much competition here (yet).

I went through some tough times in the past year in Vancouver, car accident, 24hr driving suspension (seperate incidents), bad relationship break-up, career plunging into oblivion, and many other 'bad luck' incidents. All these were factors in me running back to the city I grew up in.

To the Flames Nation in the Lower Mainland, keep it you guys! I was enormously impressed and proud of how many Flames fans are out there and how unafraid they were to show their Red on game days and throughout the season. I got to know a few of you and I'm sure we'll stay in touch.

Lastly, sorry about this long-winded posting. Just thought I would share this 'life-changing decision' with all of you.

[MelBridgeman]

Welcome back to into the sun,the rockies,banff,flames@the dome...

[Russic]

Thanks for bringing the rain with you Welcome home.

[Igottago]

Thanks for organizing the CP lower mainland meetup last year. You know, I might be coming back to Calgary soon as well, depending on career circumstances.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Hope your move works out for you. But, Just when the sun is starting to shine?

[Scrambler]

Originally Posted by MelBridgeman

Welcome back to into the sun,the rockies,banff,flames@the dome...

Yepper! Definitely looking forward to going up to Canmore/Banff/Lake Louise again for the first time in a long while. Though the North Shore Mountains make a great backdrop to the City of Vancouver, they're no Rockies!

[Scrambler]

Originally Posted by Igottago

Thanks for organizing the CP lower mainland meetup last year. You know, I might be coming back to Calgary soon as well, depending on career circumstances.

Thanks buddy, it was great meeting you and several others. Too bad all the games I hosted at my place and the one we watched at the bar all involved Flames losses!

It took me several weeks to make this decision, be sure you do the same to make sure you're making the right decision too.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by Scrambler

Yepper! Definitely looking forward to going up to Canmore/Banff/Lake Louise again for the first time in a long while. Though the North Shore Mountains make a great backdrop to the City of Vancouver, they're no Rockies!

yes they do, when its not foggy!!!
great city, but its not my hometown (calgary)...been through this already, good luck!

[Ozy_Flame]

Welcome back! Calgary is a great city, lots to be here for, the job scene is like no other as I'm sure you know of. I'm in the opposite boat as you though, I want to get out again, at least one more time before I have to settle down somewhere. My brother and I are considering a 3 month volunteer project in Borneo, then moving to Japan for a year just to get this damn travel bug out of me for a bit.

Calgary is a good place to set up shop though!

[BuzzardsWife]

Originally Posted by Scrambler

Yepper! Definitely looking forward to going up to Canmore/Banff/Lake Louise again for the first time in a long while. Though the North Shore Mountains make a great backdrop to the City of Vancouver, they're no Rockies!

Only Albertan's say Yepper! Welcome Back.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Scrambler

When it really comes down to it though, this is where I belong. I never would have realized that without leaving though, so I'm glad I did.

I hear you. I moved to Italy a couple of years ago and spent just over a year there. It really did take moving away to discover that this is where I belong. I wouldn't trade my year away for anything because it made me appreciate my opportunities here and it was fun as hell. So howdy, neighbour. I live a couple blocks away from you. Maybe we'll run in to each other on 17th sometime.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

My brother and I are considering a 3 month volunteer project in Borneo, then moving to Japan for a year just to get this damn travel bug out of me for a bit.

Once it bites, the itch never goes away. Next up for me is Oz.