Vampires and Zits

Why couldn't I have fallen in love with someone from, say, New York? New Hampshire? New Jersey? New Mexico? There is lots of "New" in the good old USA. Why does my "New" have to be New Zealand? I don't have to apply for work permits and visas to live in New Anywhere in the US. I don't have to prove that I'm employed, that yes, the man I sleep with every night is really my partner and we are, indeed, in a stable and committed relationship. I don't have to submit my fingerprints to prove that I'm not a felon. And, most significantly, I don't have to pay $390 to go to the doctor, answer 30 questions about my health, have a chest x-ray, pee in a cup, and have blood sucked from my arm. And, apparently, I'm obese. But not morbidly obese. I think it's best that I keep my morbidity and my obesity separate, thanks. I feel like my arm, my self image and my bank account have just been pillaged by vampires. Bled dry, I tell you.

No, to live in New Anywhere, USA (or Anywhere Anywhere, USA, for that matter) all I have to do is turn up. Done deal!

I know it will all be worth it in the end, when I get that sweet message in my mailbox saying that my residency application has been approved. It will be fair sailing from there. I just wish it will be fair sailing TO there. It will all be worth it to know that I don't have to worry about deadlines and the looming expiration of my visa...It will be worth it to know that Bob and I can focus on our long term future rather than this pesky little immigration thing that pops up like a zit every year.

Suggestions Please!

Okay, so I'm a bit new to this whole blog thing...I've been writing for a while but I haven't delved deep into the works of others. I would greatly appreciate suggestions of blogs to read.

Also, I've been experiencing writer's block. Topic suggestions would be welcomed as well!

Thanks for stopping by!

Kinda like catching up with an old friend.

So I left my CD's at my parent's house in Denver when I moved to NZ. I was worried about travelling with them for fear I might lose them.

Little did I know that my CD wallet, complete with my extensive collection of Tori Amos B-sides, would go walkabouts. My dad and I have torn up the whole house looking for it. We have theories as to their fate, but no concrete evidence. And alas, no sign of my beloved CD's. I know, stuff is just stuff, but seriously...music is my blood. Especially my Tori.

You can imagine my ecstatic delight upon opening the box from my parents for my birthday and finding "A Piano: The Tori Amos Collection." A collection containing, amongst other wonderful things, an entire 22 song disc with most of all her B-sides. As I write this, I'm listening to songs I haven't heard for years and thought I would only hear through the memories they instilled in my head. It is indeed like catching up with an old friend, reminiscing about what stage in my life I was in when I first absorbed each song (because I don't listen, I commit to memory). And to make it even sweeter, there are some new songs I've never heard before.

In a way, the other gift from my parents (in particular, my mom) is like a collection of old and new friends as well. She made me a huge binder full of all her recipes that she knows I love, as well as a few new creations she's made since I've been away.

Give my my iPod and let me loose in the kitchen!

(PS Chris, if you actually read this...I can't wait to read the book! It just doesn't quite fit in with my theme...although I guess a book can be a new friend...)