Moving on...

This is a short post, just to update any potential readers out there that I am now an official Albertan. No, I haven't picked up a shiny new pair of boots from Lammle's Western Wear & Tack. But I DO have an Alberta driver's license. And my Alberta Health card is on its way as I type.

It took me two months to find work once I got here - not too bad I think. There seemed to be lots of opportunity here, at least in my field. I had many interviews, and two offers that I turned down before I got an offer I couldn't refuse. (Incidentally, the unemployment rate in Edmonton for March 2010 was 7.5%, compared to the national average of 8.2% and 7.8% in Vancouver.) Mind you, I did a lot of leg work and had great referrals through my network to line up interviews and create opportunities.

The irony of my job does not escape me - my role is to help promote Edmonton as a great place to live, visit and do business. How do I promote a place that I barely know? Well, it's pretty easy actually. Every day I go to work, and learn something new about where I live, and then find ways to tell other people about it. Not too bad, I say.

I would even say that I have an advantage in being new to the city, as everything is new and exciting to me. I'm not jaded by a place I've lived all my life, having "been there, done that". I think its fairly common to take where you live for granted and not be excited by it anymore, so I am glad to have this opportunity to learn about my new city.

Now "real life" begins - working Monday to Friday, staying active, and taking in all that the city has to offer. And being sure to get out there while I can without a toque!

In future posts, I am going to endeavour to write about the things I learn about Edmonton - good, bad, or ugly. Yes, I will be comparing to Vancouver, because that is my home, and the only place I have to compare it to.

And now for my legal disclaimer:
The opinions on this site are strictly my own, and in no way represent the opinions of my employer, my friends, or the guy on the subway. I may or may not have all my facts straight, and I in no way endorse one product over another (unless they pay me to, in which case I will tell you). I am not responsible for content on other other websites that I may link to, so if you are offended by anything I didn't write, really, do I need to hear about it?

Basically, read at your own risk, and kids, don't try this at home. :)