Am I a weirdo..

...because I get pangs of sadness when I read emails sent out internally and to my clients at work announcing my departure? Is that sad, or egotistical/self-absorbed in some weird kind of way?

I lose, but I win!

Zoe got 20/20 in the citizenship test. But then again, she's actually Australian. But that's not important right now, because look what came in the post today...

citzenship test

If I ever wanted to take on Australian citizenship in the future (not that I would unless I could also retain British citizenship) I'd have to take one of the newly introduced tests, consisting of 20 questions from a pool of over 200 about Australia.

They've just put a sample test up here, and I though I'd give it a go...

Less than 12: With a score of below 60 percent, you have failed the exam. Real immigrants may be allowed one more try before being denied citizenship.

12 or more: Congratulations, you have passed the immigration test.

I got 18/20! Must get Zoe to do it to see if I can beat her...

Back from New York

I'm back from 6 days in New York, and today I've sent off my passport so they can put the visa sticker in it. I've also started reading through the raft of documentation and guides I've been issued to help me settle in Australia. My favourite so far is this from the Australian Customs and Law section, under a heading of 'Common Australian Expressions'. There are just three listed:

Bring A Plate - this means bring a dish of food to share with other people

B.Y.O - this means to bring your own drink

Fortnight - a fortnight is a two-week period. Many Australians recieve salary or wages every fortnight.

Of all the three things Aussie expressions...why the hell those ones?

The Verdict

Dear Mr Potter,

I refer to your application for a (Temporary) Partner (Provisional) (Class UF) Visa. On the basis of your sponsorship ... I am pleased to advise that you have been granted a subclass 309 Provisional Spouse visa.

Yes! And you see that picture? That's exactly how its going to be when Melbourne celebrates my arrival!

I found out via email at work this afternoon...and I really wanted to tell everyone the great news straight away. And yet I couldn't. Had to suppress it. So frustrating.

But yeah, so much as it was pretty much always likely to be granted, it's great to hear officially that it's all systems go. Sort of. It won't be properly all systems go until I know exact dates, but it's good enough to start approaching potential employers and saying I'll be available from July onwards. That's the first job once I get back New York on the 14th.

Onya Aussie High Commision; you've come to the right decision.

impatient

Oh do come on Australian High Commission...I'm getting really impatient to hear from you! Sure, it's only been two days, but still. I'm dying of suspense here! And I want you to let me know before I go to New York next Tuesday!

Also, Zoe has a cool new job that will most likely involve jetting off to such destinations as Tokyo, London, Cannes, Texas, New York and LA. She'll probably have more opportunities to visit the UK than I will!