A Long Rambling Update That Is Neither Interesting Nor Boring...You Decide

It has been entirely too long since my last post. I've found that when life picks up, changes, or shifts even slightly from the norm, the routine things fall to the wayside, making room for the mind to accommodate new stresses. Unfortunately my writing is one of those things left so carelessly aside. I'm a bit rusty, but there's plenty to tell, so let the story begin.

We last left off with moi, dealing with the near hopeless immigration policies of the New Zealand government. In all fairness, they are much more lenient than other places, but until one tries to actually move to a new country, one has no IDEA just how difficult it can be. But in the end, all fees have been paid, all tests have been done and all (ok most) letters have been written. I've compiled a filing cabinet-sized folder of information about me, my qualifications, my disposition, personal history, medical tests, police records (the FBI is actually still working on that one), relationship details, pictures, letters of support, proof of education and intelligence, bank records, proof of occupation, right down to the valentine's day cards Craig and I exchanged this past February. It was a hassle, yes and no. Most of it was quite easily obtained...some of it was harder. I had some trouble with one of the blood tests. Apparently, for one of the blood tests, they test three different ways. The two first (and most reliable) ways came out negative, the third, a weakly responsive. Meaning I had to have the test redone. Of course, I was more concerned that I had some sort of blood poisoning and it seemed that no one could really inform me about what was going on. Well, after nearly two weeks of mucking around, my doctor finally informed me that the test arrived back negative this time (as she expected it should) and that there must have been some sort of protein or something in my blood to tweak it off. Apparently this happens a lot. Apparently they shouldn't even bother with this test.

That being said, it seems that all is in order for me to remain in this lovely country down under for a bit longer. Let's put it this way, they've let worse characters than me stay here for much longer.

Other news...the job is going wonderfully. I still love going to work and I have made quite a little saleswoman of myself. In my first month I was the top salesperson by nearly $9000 and because of my good work, my boss and manager decided to put me onto commission straight away (normally there is a three month trial period). I think leaving my job at the swim school was quite possibly the best move I ever made. I may not be earning as much at first glance, but in reality once you subtract the cost of gas to get out there, I am much more ahead than I was before. It is a fantastic feeling to walk into a store and say "ooo, what a nice shirt, I think I'll buy it" instead of "ooo what a nice shirt, wish I had the money for it." Security is an amazing thing, and even though I pride myself on NOT becoming one of those people mortgaged to the hilt and spending heaps of money they don't have, I definitely enjoy a bit of cozier living now and again. Hell, for the first time in a nearly a year I had my hair cut by an actual professional at a hair salon instead of the students at the academy. And it cost me $100. And I don't friggen care! Ha! I don't think I've ever spent that much on my hair...ever. And it was great.

While on the topic of hair, I should mention that I went with my new friend Lisa who is just a darling. She is actually the wife of my manager, and no I'm not trying to get on the boss' good side. Lisa and I are now going to try to do some fun girlie things every once in a while on our days off. We're looking into spas and massage therapy and we've found a pretty decent homeopathic place quite near to where I'm living. When did I become so pampered? Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be living like this.

On top of having met Lisa, I've also gotten on quite well with my coworkers. There is definitely more to the story than that, but it is too much to get into.

Things with Craig are going well, including his business. I am so unbelievably proud of him and all that he's achieved. He is getting some thing laser cut for his frames in the next few weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out.

All in all life is grand. Of course I still miss home (will I ever stop?) but after some calculations by Craig tonight, we figured I would be able to save up at least enough money to go home three times a year, without even pushing my budget too much. That is certainly exciting. Once every four months should be PLENTY for the Knapp family. But that's the beautiful thing about my new job...I can always work overtime and make more money, where out at the swim school, I couldn't.

Finally, the most grand news is probably that Sarah is coming to visit. I'm sure I mentioned this before, but it's kind of my Christmas and New Years present. I can't wait to see her. It has been much too long.

So yeah, that's the update. For those of you who know more of what is going on...it's probably not much new. For those of you just tuning in, well, that's a lot in a very tiny nutshell. Let's just say (in case I've forgotten to say it before) as scary as it was to come here all alone, I could not be happier with my decision. I've found a niche, a job I love, a man I adore, and nature's playground at my fingertips. What more could one ask for?? And with modern tech these days, I still get to have my family in my life.

It truly is a beautiful world.

-NMK