Progress

Some exciting things have happened but rather slowly. I now have a visa! So I can legally stay in the UK and work for 5 years. I have a roommate prospect (friend of a friend of a friend) in order to save money (initially anyway). If that works out, I lose a lot of the stress when I first arrive in London...yay!!! I am starting to sell my US belongings. Anyone need a new living room or bedroom set? TV? (Seriously - let me know...These are the things I'm nervous about now.) I have a work "buddy" - someone who will answer questions for me now and also help me get set up in the office when I arrive. I have a US bank account that will link to my UK bank account.

I'm sure there are other exciting things but that's all I can think of for now. I had a nice Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family and enjoyed spending time with them. I am looking forward to a quiet Christmas with my immediate family, followed by a frenzied two weeks of parties, packing and goodbyes. But until then I am hunting around for things to sell on Craig's List and starting to throw away and pack up other things...such fun!

Mounds of paperwork

Well, not really "mounds" but there is some. Most of my paperwork is done electronically. Since my last post, I got my work permit in the mail but it said I was Male! So I sent it back over there and they fixed it and got it back to me. The bummer about that was that if the first one had been right, I could have gone to the British consulate when I was in L.A. a couple weeks ago and had everything for my visa squared away without having to put my work permit and passport in the mail. But alas, things don't always work out the way we would plan for ourselves, right? (Story of my life on that L.A. trip...that's another thing though.) So. Yesterday I sent my visa application, passport, work permit and some other stuff in the mail to the British consulate. Within 5 business days I should have a visa to work and live in the U.K. for 5 years. Pretty sweet deal, huh? Too bad it cost me over $400!

I have started selling some of my household things this week. I have someone coming to look at my bike tomorrow and I have some interest in my golf clubs as well. Next step is my furniture, but I plan to wait until closer to time to move for that. If you would like to lay claim to anything in my apartment (aside from my piano), please let me know and we'll work out a fair deal. Also, my cat needs a good loving home, preferably with someone that I know!

I have to go, but wanted to get an update out there. Things are still moving along and I'm still as excited/scared as ever!