George Bush Jr.

I saw this picture (I know it’s a few days old), read the caption and I just had to post it. I’m sure most, if not all of you have seen the picture. But can I just say “what a bloody moron.” Am I allowed to say that? The photographer who snapped this picture, did a good job. Talk about a picture saying a thousand words. This picture is a picture that anyone could make a prize winning caption. It makes me wonder just what was going through George Bush’ mind when this picture was snapped. I bet he felt like a real idiot, once he realized that he couldn’t escape from the press. I have nothing more to say, other than, the fact that I’m sure a lot of people got a kick out of this picture. I know a lot of people here in Australia did.

-current mood-HUNGRY, I have a headache because I haven't eaten.

Residency

Oh my gosh, I can’t control my excitement!!! We FINALLY got word from immigration. This morning, about 9:30 we got a phone call. When my partner handed me the phone, I knew instantly that it had to be immigration. This is how the conversation went….

Me: “Hello”
Case Officer: “This is (case officer name) from the Department of Immigration, how are you?
Me: I’m good, how are you?”
Case Officer: “I’m good thanks. The reason why I’m calling, is in regards to your residency application. I put in an application for your section 3 (reason for me being unlawful) to be waived. This application was approved. So what I need next, is for you to sign a piece of paper to say that you have been in a genuine and committed relationship for more than 12 months.”
Me: “So do you want me to come into the office with my passport, so you can put the residency visa in my passport.”
Case Officer: “Well, I can’t get the visa approved on the spot. What I’ll have to do, is turn the paperwork in, and then a week later, I’ll send out another letter which states the visa was granted. Do you have a fax machine by any chance?”
Me: “No, unfortunately I don’t.”
Case Officer: “Well, why don’t I just mail you the letter then.”
Me: “So once I get the letter, sign it, and get the other letter back, then I can come to the office and have the residency visa put in my passsport?”
Case Officer: “Yes that’s correct, it will take about a week, once I receive the signed letter.”
Me: “ Aww, fantastic, thank you so much!”
Case Officer: “Yes….”
Me: “This is so great. Today is Thanksgiving back home in the states, and I’m so happy. Thank you again so much.”
Case Officer: “You’re welcome..”
Me: “Okay, bye…..”

And that is how the conversation pretty much went. I think when my partner heard me say something about having my passport, she knew that I’d gotten the residency. I can’t wipe the smile off of my face. I’m over the moon, completely ecstatic. I had a good feeling about getting the section 3 overturned, but I wasn’t 100% confident. I have been keeping a close eye on all the immigration stories that I have been hearing in the media, and of course been comparing our own situation to them. But we all know that each situation is different.

I sometimes think, that if there was more question to the genuineness and commitment of our relationship, things might not have gone our way as much as it did. But everyone could clearly see that it was a genuine mistake and that there wasn’t any true intention of being deceitful. Well, just that I had “stretched the truth” when it came to my tourist visa. I didn’t really do any travelling, but they were to know that. They had to of known that the main reason why I got the 6 month tourist visa, was so I could get the 12 months of co-habitation.

When I go in to get the visa put in my passport, I will have to pick up all of our original documents as well. I should have picked them up after our interview on the 12th of October, but I was so distraught that I told him to just keep it. Talk about a major turnaround with how I’m feeling. A month ago, I was feeling at my worst pretty much. When we went in for that interview and the officer told us we had one last resort, before a decision was made, I just felt like there was no hope in hell for us. But there was hope, and God was watching over us.

The first person we rang was my partner’s sister. I’m closer to one of them, than the other. She was the one that I stayed with during the nights right after our interview, when I couldn’t cope. She was a great support system for me, and I couldn’t thank her enough. She was wrapped for us, and was elated I think. We rang my partner’s mum, and text my partner’s dad and other sister. So the close family knows now..and probably in a few weeks, we’ll all go out with some of our other friends to celebrate.

It will probably be 2 weeks before I get the visa in my passport. But once that happens, we’ll ring up my partner’s friend and see if there is still a chance at me finding a job at her work. Her friend awhile back, said they were always looking for people, so hopefully there will be a job opening for me. I’m stressing a little bit about the job interview, and getting to work. I will have to use the train, and I’ve never done that. I’ve used bus transportation before, but nothing this confusing . But I’m sure that once I get a routine down, I will be okay. I just am not a fan of places where there are a lot of people. But if my partner’s friend can get me on the right route, I should be okay.

We will eventually also get me a vehicle. I more than likely won’t drive to work, but it’ll be a vehicle for me to have, so I don’t have to rely on my partner. Once I get the visa, I can then apply for medicare. Hopefully that won’t be too much problem. It’s amazing now that we finally got an answer, and the answer was “yes you get to stay,” we can actually plan things. My partner and I had pretty much said to each other that Xmas wasn’t going to be happening, just because money was tight and we both were not in the spirit of things. But that has all changed!!!

My family is very happy for me. I talked to them earlier on, because it was Thanksgiving there. Talk about perfect timing! I had planned on talking to them anyway, but it gave me more reason to ring them. I rang my mum, told her over the phone. Then we got on the webcam and I got to see all my family, including aunts and uncles, and even my cousin who lives in Georgia. It was so nice to see all of them. And they all congratulated me on getting my residency. Everyone kept asking me how I feel, and I can’t keep the smile off of my face. I’m elated, and in one way or another, it seems so surreal to me.

My partner and I have been waiting 6 years almost for this to happen. I think back to how our relationship started, and just how we felt way back then. Moving was not an option or even a thought in the beginning. All we knew is that we loved each other and wanted to be with each other. Never did we think we’d last this long, and even be able to actually live together permanently. We knew we wanted this, knew it was achievable, but didn’t think about it then.

So thank you to everyone who has been there for me thus far. I couldn’t have done it without all of your support and kind words. Now hopefully I’ll have more interesting things to talk about, than just how crazy and stressed I’ve been feeling with immigration.

-current mood-ELATED, finally the news we wanted to hear.

Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the states. It’s a holiday that I always have loved. In our family, we would cook up a major feast, watch football and just enjoy the company of other family members. This will be the second Thanksgiving I’ve been out of luck on since living here in Australia. I miss it every time it has come around. Thanksgiving to me, aside from the food, was always the “marker” that meant Christmas is soon on it’s way. The cold nights, the raining days, it got me prepared for Christmas and the holidays in general. Once Thanksgiving hit, you knew that Christmas was just around the corner. Every store would be decked out with Christmas decorations and every time you went into a store, they’d be playing Christmas music. Even though I hated shopping for Christmas because of all the people, it really gave everyone a sense of true holiday spirit.

I thought that because I’m not going to be home with my family celebrating Thanksgiving, I’d take a moment to write all of the things that I’m thankful for. Thanksgiving is more than just about the turkey and football on tv. It’s about the history of the holiday and just why we have it. I know I won’t be able to write down EVERYTHING that I’m thankful for, but I thought a top 10 list would be nice. My list may seem trivial or even strange to some people, but at the same time, we’re all thankful for different things in our lives.

10 Things I’m Thankful for….

1).....the parents and support system I have had with everything that has gone in my life. Without the support of my parents and everyone else in my life, I don’t think I would have turned out the way I have.
2).....my partner, even though our relationship isn’t perfect, every day I think about just how lucky I am. I am so thankful I am that we’ve been able to find each other in this huge world. And to have made it thus far, someone is surely watching over us, and I’m more than thankful for that.
3).....the brains and the power I’ve been given. I don’t know much about my life before the age of 4, and I feel very thankful that nothing horrendous affected me physically or mentally. Maybe it was the way I was brought up here in the states, but I’m so thankful that I didn’t have any visible disabilities. Even if I did, I’m sure I would have managed. But with the fact that I know nothing about my history, I’m so thankful that I grew up healthy.
4).....being able to stay here in Australia, despite everything that has happened with immigration. I know I talk about this topic a lot, and it consumes much of my life. But I’m so thankful that I wasn’t deported and sent back home. I’m thankful that I was given a chance to explain myself, and I just hope that I will be able to stay.
5).....technology, without it, I’d be up a creek without a paddle. Technology, from the computers and internet, to telephones and airplanes, they’ve all been a huge part of my life. And without it, life would be so much harder. I grew up in a generation where life didn’t seem difficult. Everything was within my grasp, and it was possible to grab at these things. A generation earlier, some would not be so fortunate.
6).....women existing. I think even if I wasn’t gay, I’d still be thankful for th existence of women. Women are wonderful and beautiful creatures, and we bring so much to the table. I’ve met so many phenomenal women in my life thus far, and even though I may not still keep in touch with all of them, I’d just like to take some time out and thank them. I want to thank them for each giving me something that I will take with me for as long as I will live.
7).....the chance at freedom. Even though there are a lot of things I’d love to change about the world, and living, I’m thankful for the things that I’ve already been given. I hear other countries where gay and lesbian people are prosectued, as well as women..and I’m so thankful that I don’t live in a society where it’s demeaning to be gay or a women. Sure, gay and lesbians don’t have equal rights as their counterparts, but we are at least able to live our life like we should. In truth, we’re able to just live our life. I’m so thankful that I live in a society that believes in the freedom of individuals. I don’t know how well I’d be able to live in a different form of government.
8).....comedy, whether it be on tv, or in the movies. There have been many times where I’ve needed a laugh. And if I would go see a movie or watch a sitcom on tv, it made me feel so much better. Laughter is a great remedy for stress and a lot of other ailments. Plus laughter is a way to break the ice with someone, to make a situation more comfortable. I enjoy laughing, and if I can’t make people laugh, then I’m more than happy having others make me laugh.
9).....my pets. I’ve had many pets in my lifetime and every one of them meant something special to me. Having pets helped fill a void of being lonely and isolated. If I was sad, I’d just hug one of my kitties or my sheep. If I needed to talk to someone, but didn’t want to actually talk to a human, talking to animals was great for me. People may have thought it was strange, and that may be true. But even though I couldn’t get a reaction back, just knowing I was talking, and letting it out, it always made me feel better.
10).....the ability to have food on my table when ever I feel the hunger. So many countries are striken with poverty. I eat food and don’t think twice about it. I’m fortunate that I get the chance to have food. But there are so many people, both young and old who don’t get this luxury. Things are hard for them, and I can’t even imagine how hard it is. But maybe, and this is just speculation, because they were born into poverty, they don’t see life any other way. But at the same time, people have to know the importance of having three meals a day. When I see images of young children who are starving and living in poverty stricken areas, my heart goes out to them. I take the food I have and the clothes on my back for granted. I’m very thankful that I’m able to have food in my fridge, the clothes on my back, and a roof over my head. But we all know that this could be taken away from us at any second. So we should all, who do have luxuries (what ever they are) to cherish them and be thankful for them.


-current mood-SORE, my back has been killing me lately.

Family Portraits

My partner and I are going along with her family (sisters and their family) to get family portraits done later today. The weather is nice, a bit bright for the ol’ eyes, but at least it’s not raining. We’ve decided that for Christmas this year, instead of buying each other pressies, we’re all going to chip in for the amount of buying everyon pictures. We’re giving the big family portrait photos to my partner’s parents, and then we’ll all get some photos as well. My partner will get some photos of just her and her sisters, along with many other combinations.

We’ve decided to have a friend take the pictures and then we’ll get them developed elsewhere. It’s a lot cheaper having someone take your photo, as in a friend, then to go somewhere and have them done. Plus, usually at a professional place, they look too “set up.” Hopefully at the park where we are going, it’ll seem more natural, and more comfortable for everyone. Plus, we’ll be able to get the pictures put on a disc and will be able to do what we want with the proofs. And it won’t cost as much money, thankfully.

I remember for my high school senior portraits I went and got them professionally done. It wasn’t a glamour shots type of place. This guy was excellent. He did my sister’s senior portraits, mine, as well as my brothers, when we all graduated. But he had like ½ of an acre of land and had so many different scenes you could choose from. Plus he had an inside studio that could be used as well. We had to bring 4 changes of clothing, and then he did everything else. I seriously felt like a model, but at the same time, it wasn’t a cheesy type of photoshoot. My little claim to fame, he used one of my photos and displayed it in his shop, took it with him when we went out on displays (like the ones you see at the shopping centres) and I even had my picture in the brochure. I felt pretty honored. My one and only shot at modeling .

But I hope that these photos turn out. I might send one to my parents if they are good enough. I know my mum wants to have a pic of my partner and I for her Christmas cards this year, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to get them to her in time. Knowing her, if I tried to send her one via email, she wouldn’t know what to do with it after that. My mum is a very smart woman, but when it comes to technology, she isn’t so savvy.

-current mood-HAPPY

The A-Z About Me

A-AGE: Blew out 27 candles on my last birthday

B-BIRTH PLACE: Somewhere in South Korea

C-CURRENT LOCATION: Melbourne, Australia

D-DRINK YOU RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO TRY: Mudslides, yummo. Not much for alcoholic drinks, but I do enjoy these.

E-EATING ANYTHING AS YOU WRITE THIS: Eating some rice crispy treats I made. They have reece’s peanut butter chips in them, want some?

F-FAVORITE FOOD: Cuisine would be Asian, favorite dish would be kim chee (Korean dish).

G-GOALS, ANY RIGHT NOW: Currently, to stay sane and not stress out so much.

H-HATED THINGS, WHAT THINGS IN THIS WORLD DO YOU HATE: I hate bigots, hate people who are conceited and obnoxious, and I hate people who belittle and demean themselves in what ever way they see possible. I think we should all love ourselves, and just wish that there wasn’t so much hate in this world.

I-INSTRUMENTS, CAN YOU PLAY ANY: Piano, and clarinet, a little alto sax…tried the guitar but my fingers just don’t work well with stretching those certain chords.

J-JELLYBEAN FLAVOR, GOT A FAVORITE: popcorn, loveeee that flavor. I also love cinnamon as well.

K-KIDS, GOT ANY: Nope, and truthfully don’t want any. I’m quite happy with the way things are. Though I wouldn’t mind another kitty.

L-LOVE OR LUST: I believe in love and lust…I definitely love someone, and for once, I’m not lusting over anyone..lol. That’s quite a change for me ::winking::

M-MOVED, HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU MOVED IN YOUR LIFE?: Umm, about 12 times I think. It seems like a lot, but it’s not really. Well, I don’t think so...

N-NUMBER OF TIMES YOU’VE GONE SKINNY DIPPING: That would have to be 0, never have done it. Don’t think I’m game enough to.

O-OCCUPATION, DO YOU HAVE ONE: Not currently, though I wish I did. I have done social work for a few years, but would like to get into immigration law.

P-PET PEEVES, GOT ANY: I hate people who tailgate when I’m driving. I also hate people who don’t use their turn signals. And I hate it when my partner leaves the empty toilet roll on the spool…HATE that.

Q-QUIRKY THING ABOUT YOURSELF: I can put my legs behind my head…quite flexible I am .

R-READING ANYTHING CURRENTLY: Yes, Interest of Justice, by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg.

S-SHOE SIZE: 6 in women’s, 3 in boys. I prefer boys shoes, though they tend to be more wide. I don’t have wide feet, but I still make due. Plus boys have better shoes.

T-TATTOOS, GOT ANY: Yes, 3. A sun that is on my right shoulder blade, another sun with the Korean symbols for the word “intuition” underneath the sun, that’s on my lower back, centered. And third one is a rainbow triangle, inside the triangle is a female sign, and inside the female sign is my star sign. That is on my right pelvic area.

U-UNDIES, WHAT STYLE DO YOU WEAR: I like the boyshorts that Bonds makes.

V-VITAMINS, DO YOU TAKE THEM LIKE YOU SHOULD: Nope, I get my vitamins in my food. Usually the pills just flush through my body without any nutritional value happening.

W-WISHES, WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR: My residency to come through so I can stay here in Australia.

X-X-RAYS, WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD ANY: It was back in July, I needed x-rays for my medical for my residency application.

Y-YEAR YOU CAME OUT OF THE CLOSET: I was 19, September just before my sophmore year of uni.

Z-ZODIAC SIGN WOULD BE: I’m a scorpio.

-current mood-IMPATIENT, not sure why.

Australian Idol

I’m an Idol fan, whether it be American Idol or Australian Idol, I enjoy watching the show. I have seen all of the American Idols, and the 2 most recent Australian Idols. I usually watch Idol in the very beginning, where they have the auditions. I can’t help but laugh at some of the “unforgettables” but then I like to see if I can pick out any potential winners.

Last year, I came into Australian Idol when the top 12 was just picked and I think the first person to go had been eliminated. The Idol contestants winded down, week by week, and it ended up between the favorite, Anthony, and the dark horse, Casey. All the teeny poppers loved Anthony, he had the looks the voice, and many supporters. Casey was young, only 16, but had an incredible voice. Casey ended up winning the covated title, and everyone was so shocked. Many have said that Anthony should have won, and based on his success, he just may have been the better singer. But Anthony was considered “good looking” everywhere you go, if his name is called or said, little girls scream his name. I think the combination of his good looks and voice, got him him to the success he has gotten to. Sex sells, as we are all very aware, and Anthony was able to do just that.

This season was a different story. There wasn’t a top 12, but a top 13, because there was one contestant that people were flabbergasted as to why she got in, but another contestant didn’t. So with a lot of talk and consideration, they allowed another one to come back in, after she didn’t make it in the wildcard round. So every week, people sang, people left. It is now down to two women, Kate and Emily. This will be the first Australian Idol that has an all women’s final. I’m glad it’s an all women’s final, for the fact that this year it seems more like who is the better singer, not who has more sex appeal. They sang for the last time last night, sang 3 songs, one each including the single that will be released when they win. I haven’t seen last night’s episode but I’m sure tonight, they will give a thorough rundown of last night’s events.

But tonight is the Grand Finale. I remember last year, people had a week to vote, but this time it’s only one night. The top 13, along with other Idol winners and runner ups will be there, at the Sydney Opera house. A lot of talking and excitement will go on, and then probably around 9:30 or even later, the winner will be announced, and they will sing their new single. Between the two contestants, Emily is the favorite to win. She’s got an incredible voice and can belt out any Whitney Houston song you ask, with ease and grace. Kate, has been the dark horse of this season. I knew she had a good voice, but I didn’t think she would have gotten as far as she has. But she’s got her own style, and either contestant could win.

In one aspect I think it would be better to be the runner up. Even though you don’t get the title of “Australian Idol,” you get more time to put out an album. The person that wins Australian Idol, only has I think like a week to put out an album. The runner up, gets to take more time and figure things out. And in the history of Australian Idol, the runner up, has always done better than the person that actually won. So we’ll see what happens tonight. Personally, I don’t care who wins. I wanted Emily to be in at least the top two, and she made it. So either gal, doesn’t matter to me who wins. I say good luck to them both, and may the better individual win.

-current mood-RELAXED, for the most part.

My "girlfriend" had a baby

Okay, so my REAL girlfriend didn’t have a baby, but my fantasy girlfriend did. I’m a HUGE Jennifer Beals fan, even before The L Word. But when I saw her in The L Word, I was like “oh yeh…” But Jennifer Beals gave birth to a healthy baby girl a couple of days ago I believe. I had no idea that she was pregnant. I knew that her co-star Laurel Holloman was pregnant, but had no idea Jennifer was pregnant. Aww, I bet Jennifer’s baby is going to be an absolute jem, if she takes after her mummy’s genes. I haven’t seen The L Word, season 2 because it’s not been released here in Australia. But I wonder if Jennifer shows at all during the season. But then again, all the taping could have been finished by the time she started showing.

Seems like a lot of celebrities had the baby bug around the same time. Jennifer Beals just had a baby, Bec Cartwright/Hewitt (Aussie star) is due in one week, and Jennifer Garner isn’t she due pretty soon? Not to mention, Princess Mary (Aussie born but wed into the Danish royal family) had a son a month or so ago. Everyone around me is popping out with babies. My partner’s co-worker had a baby on Friday morning via C-section. She had a baby boy, 6lbs, 12 ounces, born a month early. They named him Tyler Stefano. We’re planning on going to see him later today.

I’m not a big fan of babies, but I do think it’s such a wonderful thing when you think about just how one’s life is brought into this world. It’s an amazing concept, and sometimes still I am in awe of it all when I see a newborn baby. Doesn’t make me want to have any, that’s for sure. But some babies are just so cute, and all the little quirky things they do when they’re growing up. I love knowing about gay and lesbian couples who either adopt or have children of their own. I think it’s wonderful, more so than when straight people have kids. I think maybe I think this way, because for most straight people, it’s so easy for them to conceive. Gay and lesbian couples have yet again, another hurdle to overcome in order to have a family.

So congrats to all the new mummies . Here’s to raising wonderful and healthy children who will hopefully grow up and make a difference in this world!

-current mood-HAPPY, loving the sunshine.