Well, I'm In

I finally finished training a new concierge at work so I can have my moment of slacking off and getting back to my blog.  We had a holiday on Monday (the Queen's birthday) and then Tuesday and Wednesday I've been training my back-up concierge.  Previously there was really no one to take over for me should I go on holiday or have to call out sick so now I'm covered.  It's exhausting pouring your vast knowledge into a two - day stretch but what can you do? (there's definitely sarcasm in there, people).

I have two amazingly awesome updates for you all though.  First, I have a brand new and very large hot water tank now and as a result, freshly shaved legs.  Ha!  It was kind of nice while that lasted but now I have no excuses.  At least now my Aussie gets a hot shower when it's his turn and I don't have to rush. 

Second, I've been granted my new visa!!!!!  Can you believe it??  We applied on June 7th and the letter states it was granted June 9th.  They hand delivered the grant letter on Tuesday because of the long holiday.  That has to be some kind of record.  It took me 6 months to compile all the information that they needed and I can't believe they only needed a day and a half to review it, fact check and background check.  I'm definitely not complaining, I'm just gobsmacked.  The average waiting period is nine months so two days just seems miraculous.

So that's it, I'm in.  I'm officially a permanent resident of Australia.  It's really weird to say that, and I feel like I'm cheating on America a little bit.  I don't know that I will every feel 100% at home here, maybe someday.  Don't get me wrong, I really love it here.  The natural beauty of this place surprises me every day and I'm constantly catching my breath at all the new sites.  I love my home, my job, my Aussie and my new friends but my family and history are back in the states.  I've been welcomed from day one but will always feel a little bit like an outsider, I think.  I'm sure it will just take some time and I'm in no rush.  My Aussie and I have lots of awesome plans for our future and we're just getting started.  The greatest thing of all is that I now have no worries as to whether I can stay here or not.  There's no pressure to find a new job or to move again.  I can finally just fully enjoy my new life here with no little worries in the back of my mind.  It's a huge relief and really freeing.