While I wait

Less than 2 weeks to my interview and I am super excited.  While I am waiting I am of course searcing the internet on all things nyc.  Above is a photo of a roof top bar in nyc called Press in ink48 - what views..... I will be sure to add this to my must do when hopefully finally in the big apple.

Back on Track

So today I was doing some research on line and came across someone who won the greencard diversity lottery back in 2005 - now I know you cant believe everything you read on line but this guy said that at my stage of the process I have a visa waiting for me - the only reason I wont get it all comes down to me having the right documents at the interview, me passing the police and medical checks and me answering a few questions to the liking of the person processing me.  He went on to say the interview is a formality and not a 'traditional' interview as I had expected - it seems to be done at a teller window.  Anyway... three weeks to go and I will know either way.  If I get the big yes I will be leaving for the states sooner than later.

I am all ready to go - sell up what I can, quit my job with a months notice and board that Qantas flight  I even know what date and flight  I SOOOOOO want to book it but everything I read says don't book anything before your interview just in case....... there had better not be a just in case for me -

 surely not in my case. xo

Patience is a virtue

Work is killing me, I am sick and I feel like I am just waiting....... 4 weeks to my interview and my friends will all tell you that I am not the most patient person - give me strength!

Jumping for Joy

Ready to go, Police report back and all OK - Jumping to get to that interview...........the last hurdle.

One Journey

 Travelling - I love it, I love the airport, the anticipation and most of the time I love the flight.  When else are you asked to sit on your bottom for an extended length of time with the choice of eating, drinking, watching movies, reading mags or just having a lot of naps - and when it is over you are somewhere new!  Normally when I go to NYC it is on my own but a few years back my bro joined me on his way to Canada.

 The departure lounge always requires twisties and luckily the Melbourne International lounge sells large packs in the duty free store - I think I converted my bro to this twistie requirement.

 The flight started off well - headphones on so no need to talk to each other, no time with so many movies to watch

 Drinks all round as #1 they are free and #2 we are on holiday

 We were super organised and bought along our own bar snacks - cashew nuts and m&m's

 Bro surprised me with his ability to read

 I watched sex and the city the movie 4 times

 Had a little shut eye- Bro still knocking my socks off with his reading ability - who knew?

 4.3 hours into it - another 10 in front of us......a little boredom kicks in

 Time for another drink - it is happy hours somewhere in the world

 Now the party starts

 We must have been so annoying to passengers around us who were mostly sleeping

We eventually crashed and woke up in LAX worse that wear - in fact my bro had taken a sleeping tablet and I had to get the hosties to help wake him and then he was on cloud 9 as I tried to whisk him to our NYC connection at LAX airport.  Pretty sure I hated him for the entire flight from LAX to NYC - but once we were in the big apple all was forgiven.

Memorable pockets of NYC

 This is St Patricks Cathedral in NYC

 It is a fully functioning church that is smack bang in the middle of the busiest metropolis in the world - there are plenty of churches of all denominations  in Manhattan but this church is special to me

 Architectially the church is spectacular and on all my trips I have popped in there for a few minutes of quiet and rest from the busy street outside the door - it is a really peaceful, serene place to take a moment

I always light a candle for all my friends and family (did not necessarily always pay the advised reccomended amount for this pleasure but who was looking really.. )  and of course always wished for myself  to have an extended staycation in NYC itself... hopefully that candle is still burning.

Flying on a Jet Plane

So now I have booked this

to fly me here

to stay over night

to attend the interview that hopefully will give me something like this.

(Please note: My aircraft and hotel may not quite be what is pictured... but in my mind it is)

Dr Dr, give me the news.....

Another step closer, my medical has come back to me - all seems to be in order but I am not allowed to open the sealed envelope addressed to the consulate.  I would hope that if there was something seriously wrong with me the Doc would call to advise.... as this has not happened I think this step has been passed with flying colours.  Now just waiting for the police report.