I think our blog family members need a pick me up

The newest members of our blog family are going through some hard times. The application process can be a pain in the neck and at the same time the unfairness of the US cuts so very deep.

So it's time for me to give you some hope. Emilio and I are flourishing here. I have never felt more at home in my life than in Toronto. This city and Canadians in general are the salt of the earth. There is genuine kindness here. People are interested in your well being. You are not reminded everyday when you wake up that you are a second class citizen, here everyone is a first class citizen. I am sleeping better than I have in years and we have terrific new friends and a promising future. The stress and headaches of the last 6 years in the US have melted away, now my biggest concern is picking the right paint color for the condo or deciding where Emilio and I will go on our first vacation together on an airplane.

Last weekend I was able to do something completely selfless. I joined Laura from We Move to Canada and Nick from Life Without Borders to protest the deportation of US war resisters who came to Canada seeking refuge. I am so happy that I now have time and energy for important issues, something the US took away from me.

Above is a pic of me mailing my letters to Stephan Dion, Diane Finley and Stephen Harper asking them to change the immigration rules to allow these brave men and women to remain in Canada rather than be thrown in jail in the US for doing what is morally right and just.

So remember a better life is ahead it's just a matter of time.

I pay taxes!

Who would have thought that would make a guy happy, but it does. I am no longer paying for the Iraq war and our second class citizenship. I no longer have to susidize the wealthiest Americans or the vile Republican and Democratic parties. I am gladly paying my taxes to Canada now, the real land of the free and equal.

My first week in the Toronto office went great. The people I work with are very nice, it's a real fun work environment. I also get a kick out of coming out to people and seeing their reactions. Yes, Canadians too get a little freaked when you say you are gay when they assume you are straight.
Nothing negative, just a brief look of wonder, then a quick recovery.

Today we also sold the Scion. I did a media blitz yesterday all over the net posting it here, there and every where and we had alot of people interested. The first couple to come by to see it, loved it. Poor Emi is sad, he has a very special relationship with his "Super Scion".

Also February 8th is the condo hand over date!!!!!!

Seis Años de Amor

Today is our 6th anniversary, six years of love.

Blogs Dinner

Canadian Hope + Life Without Borders + We Move To Canada = a great night out.

The three blogs had a terrific time at dinner on Monday night. Laura, Allan, Nick, Mason, Myself and Emilio all went out to Leslieville. The stories and conversation flowed. We enjoyed the discussion of the past, present and future. I got into the car and was shocked how quickly 2.5 hours went by. We look forward to more times like that.

Nick and I are planning on joining Laura at a war resisters rally later this month. We need to fight against their deporation back to the US because they made the moral choice to not fight in an unjust war.

Pope Nazi

So the Pope, the former soldier for Adolph hitler says gay marriage is an obstacle peace.

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=14597

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Nuclear arms proliferation, environmental pollution and economic inequality are threats to world peace -- but so are abortion, birth control and same-sex marriage, Pope Benedict XVI said in a statement released by the Vatican Tuesday (Dec. 11).

I adore my family but I sent them the below message:

So your Pope, the former Nazi slave labor prison guard says same sex marriage is an obstacle to peace. I have to say I am sitting here in Canada partially because of the Catholic Church leadership fighting in the US against our equality and it really bothers me that my family still supports this organization.

Happy Belated New Year!

2008 is our year of change. 2007 was our year preparing for the change. So far this year is going great, we have a fantastic new life in Toronto to look forward too, new friends we adore and old ones we miss who are planning to visit.

Our Katie was doing well until we got home tonight and she chewed through the gate we put up in the bedroom, so back to the crate again.
At least we have no more complaints from the neighbors.

Next week I go into the Toronto office to fill out the paperwork to become a working Canadian. My first offical day will be Jan 14th. The HR representative could not have been nicer and the office if 1.5 miles from home so I can walk that with ease. (except on those -20 mornings)

This transition has been made so much easier because of so many special people. I am grateful to so many who have opened their arms and hearts to us.