One year

I was walking to work this morning when I noticed the sign at the Catholic church along the way said, "Happy birthday Father Barry. We love our priest." Sound familiar? It's the same message that was up when I first arrived in Australia. I can't believe it's been a year already! I would go into some sort of reminiscent babbling, but I did that for my birthday a month ago so that wouldn't be nearly as interesting as I'd like it to be.

Marcus and I went into the Department of Immigration to turn in my visa application, and so far so good. I'm missing one form and that's the Australian background check. It doesn't say in the visa application that you need to do this, but when you make an appointment to go into their office they say you need to have this done. That was a little annoying, I mean, they might as well put that on the application checklist! But no matter, I'll send that out tomorrow. It would have been sent out already except that the police force is made up of buffoons. I called my local police station to see what the process was for the background check for a visa, how much it costs, etc. Two weeks ago Marcus and I went to the police station, filled out the forms, paid the $57 that I believe is far too much for a piece of paper saying I have no criminal background. Anyhew, I again stated that this was for a visa. Then last week I got a phone call from the police saying that they don't do background checks for visa and that I have to go to the Australian Federal Police for that. Umm, there's a difference? With a country of 22 million people, why is there a need for two sets of police? Doesn't that seem like a bit of overkill? No matter. So now I have to get another certified copy of my passport (thanks Marcus) and a money order for $43 to do yet another background check. Let me tell you, this has been a fun process. I was a bit paranoid carrying around my application binder today (that's right, binder, filled with tabs and all kinds of paperwork!). If some one wanted to perform some identity theft, they would have hit the jackpot with me! Copies of my passport, birth certificate, information on all of my parents and brothers and sisters, details of all the places I've worked in the last five years and all the places I've lived in the last ten, not to mention a comprehensive list of all the countries I've visited along with the dates. There were passport photos and pictures of Marcus and me in every place we've been to together along with our lovey dovey yet very official accounts of how we met. Leases, bills, emails, and joint bank account details. Talk about information! While in the train station, I crossed paths with some stumbling drunkard who slurred out, "Kinky girl," as I made my way down to the platform. I continue to be surprised by the crazies of this city. I'm sure if I was paying attention more of the time I'd hear many more a comment. While in South America, though, I learned how to make my way whilst ignoring the comments and looks pointed in my direction. I can't stand getting grossly checked out or having some greasy piece of shit man make some dirty comment while I walk past. What's the point? Does it make him feel like more of a man? Because all it does for me is make me want to scream obscenities at him with a flip of the finger. I don't deserve to be spoken to like that! But having responded to these comments previously, I've learned that it only makes things worse. That thinly veiled ego doesn't like having his manhood bruised, and thus the obscenities stay in my head, unable to reach their destination for fear of further abuse.

Anyway, another rant on why I hate men commenting in the streets...

Let's have another quick rant. Let's talk about the visa application fee having risen by no less than $400 in the last month. There was no notice that the fee was going up, and we would have turned in the application before only they wouldn't let us! It works out that we end up paying a bit more than $100 per month over two years for this visa. Ouch. But at least that will (hopefully) buy me freedom to work and go to school wherever I want. When I remember it in those terms, it's absolutely worth it. Plus, you can't put a price on being with the person you love. In that respect, it's a bargain. :)

I'll keep you posted on how this all goes. My bridging visa takes effect on Saturday, which works as an extension of my current visa until the application is completely processed. Wish me luck! And thank you to everyone who sent mail addressed to both of us, it came in handy. It's all in the binder. :)

Now we wait.