I just had this whole whiny post typed out,
complaining about the stressful visa process
(even though things are looking okay for right now)
and moaning about the cold weather...
but I deleted it,
because I kept going back to that quote above,
and let it go.
The sun is kinda out today,
we are on the mend from being struck down with the flu,
I have a cold can of coke in the fridge,
(even though I am not supposed to be drinking coke...don't even care)
and S and I have been enjoying the best days together in spite of the non spring-like weather.
Today I am grateful for an amazing husband,
awesome friends,
loving family,
and that I still have the final season of Friday Night Lights to watch.
complaining about the stressful visa process
(even though things are looking okay for right now)
and moaning about the cold weather...
but I deleted it,
because I kept going back to that quote above,
and let it go.
The sun is kinda out today,
we are on the mend from being struck down with the flu,
I have a cold can of coke in the fridge,
(even though I am not supposed to be drinking coke...don't even care)
and S and I have been enjoying the best days together in spite of the non spring-like weather.
Today I am grateful for an amazing husband,
awesome friends,
loving family,
and that I still have the final season of Friday Night Lights to watch.
*sigh* So been there. I'm originally from Canada and it even though my case was 'simple' in their terms it was still a long annoying process getting my permanent resident status in the U.S. Hang in there! When it's finally done... it's pretty smooth sailing from there. Even with renewal. =)
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this... I feel like everything has been going NOT my way lately. I've had health troubles, bank troubles, mail troubles, apartment rent troubles, school troubles... is there any more kinds of troubles I can just tack onto that list?! The hardest thing is staying positive and talkative at times like these. When I have so much stressing me out, I always feel like I have nothing else to say to my friends and family, and yet I don't want to be a whiner. This past week I've been trying to focus on the positive, and surprisingly (or not surprisingly?) it sounds a lot like your list: my recent obsession with Alias, sunshiney picnics in the park, and surprise letters and cards from family and friends in the mail.
ReplyDeleteHoping your visa process looks up for you both soon!!
Ditto my friend, ditto. I'm not with you on the Visa situation but I've got a lot to whine about currently and you know what? It could suck a whole lot more for me so I should keep ye olde trap shut and be thankful it isn't snowing...yet.
ReplyDeletei'm feeling over the moon stressed out this week. wish i could just let everything go and go with the flow...agh. i swear if we get one more gigantic medical bill in the mail...
ReplyDeleteHooray for silver lining! But dang, visa paperwork and this endless winter can sure get a girl down. I've taken up eating Nutella by the spoonful.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of moving back to the US, how are you two feeling about those not so wonderful transitions, like terrible health, holiday, and maternity benefits? Are you just going to move back to the UK to have babies? :) I'd love it if you'd share your thoughts on this sometime. Honestly, one of the biggest reasons I don't want to get a job back home is the thought of basically no vacation. Blergh.
DeleteSUCH a good question. There are few things I will miss about the UK if i am being honest...I dont know if that is because it was never my intention or idea to live here, it something that was, for lack of a better word, forced upon me. Dont get me wrong, i am SO grateful that there were situations outside of my control that led me to staying and living abroad for three years, it has changed me into a much better human being, opened my eyes to new cultures, new countries, and a new way of living my life. I can leave here knowing full well who i am, and what i want out of life...and that is a true gift given to me by living abroad. But, I have never allowed my mind to make the switch to calling the UK home...the USA has always been my home. With that said, one of the MAJOR things i will miss here in the UK is exactly what you asked about..their healthcare system. I shy away from talking about it on my blog (i did have a little three part series where i talked about the benefits of the NHS...but people just cannot separate politics from healthcare and it became too frustrating to continue to talk about. But i will miss it. I have nothing but positive experiences with the healthcare out here, but more than that, there is something to be said about not having to worry about how you are going to afford health treatment. It takes away so much stress. I dont ever worry about if i get sick, or hurt, because i dont worry about how much an ambulance ride would cost, or medicine, or a doctors visit. S and i want to have children so bad, but we are basically forced to have to wait because of lack of health insurance in the US and how much it costs to have a child on US soil and the lack of help that comes after (in the UK a midwife comes out to you for all of the check ups for the first year, free vaccines, medicine, etc etc etc). People work to live here, not live to work like in the US. But the UK mentality is something i hope to take back with me...to enjoy my life. With ALL of that being said, the pros of living in the US outweigh the cons for me...i would rather be in debt and have a baby near my mom and loving family and friends, then here where we do not have a support system. It is more important for me to be near a community where i thrive, then in a place where I dont, just for free health care. But man, ill miss it.
I found this comment really interesting. As a Brit I grew up with 'socialized medicine' and coming to the USA I've really had to realign my perspective of healthcare. I don't see that as a point of politics, but rather a cultural thing. You're right in that it's a very politicized issue though and I've totally avoided the issue on my own blog so far.
Deletecompletely agree.
DeleteSorry to hear the process is frustrating for you (is this an IR1 visa), and that the Glasgow weather is living up to its usual stereotype. I loved living in Glasgow but do NOT miss the rain at all - and I was used to British weather!
ReplyDeleteYes it is an IR1 or CR1?? i dont know the difference between the two. but visa for immigrant spouse of a US citizen.
DeleteI feel terrible because I totally missed that you ONLY JUST got married! Congrats! Yes, it's a CR1 (which is what I have - it's if you've been married less than 2 years). I've got to renew my Green Card next year.
Deletethat's what i thought! i knew i read that little fact in amongst the hundreds of government information i read ;) its always good to hear from people who have gone through it, and are successfully living in the USA! :)
DeleteAhh, that is wonderful to read the word 'husband' in your post!!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures of your wedding are truly beautiful!!
Congratulations!!
I know, I am super late, but I was stuck here with my move from one place to the other, and that is why I have lost everything online and sit here to catch up ;-)
All the best for the newlyweds!!
Love
from Germany
Svenja
xxx
Happybluebird
I hear ya. I could complain about my current work situation for days on end, as well as the crappy weather, but it's best to just let it go and focus on the positives.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - sometimes it's best just to let it go. After leaving Gabon, I decided to try to spend my time being grateful for what I have instead of dwelling in the negative. It's made all of the difference.
ReplyDeleteYou say visa, I say 'cuss!' It's such a long, horrible process and my sympathies to you.
ReplyDeleteThe sun is kind of out? Now that is truly something to blog about! Hope you feel 100% better soon.
Final season of FNL...amazing!! I bawled my eyes out at the finale. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)
ReplyDeletePeter and I will have to worry about visa nonsense in a year or so's time, so all or any advice on the process is greatly appreciated. Good luck, and hope you two enjoy the rest of your time together in Europe :)
ReplyDeleteGET IT GIRL! So proud of your for embracing the lovely side of things. :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, a can of coke can work wonders. Sugary goodness running through your veins is just so underrated sometimes. PEPSI IS FOR BISHES.
ReplyDeleteGirl, I'm so sorry this is getting you down even in the littlest bit. But I like that you're recognizing when to just sit back for a second and let it sit. You've got this girl. It'll all work out.
ReplyDeleteNothing better than all of that, plus a full season of a great tv show, seriously!!
ReplyDeleteSome Snapshots Blog
Jess
It's the little things right?!
ReplyDeleteLet it go - my favorite mantra at the moment! It needs some practice but it does feel good to let go of negative thoughts! Good luck with the visa process! I am sure all will work out well in the end!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I am so excited to have discovered your blog today, and I look forward to reading more! Do you know what part of SoCal you will be moving to?
ReplyDeleteXO, Rachel
With Love, Rachel
It's good to type (or write) it all out and then let it go. Hope everything gets easier!
ReplyDeleteLovely and thoughtful post. And inspirational reminder.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.littleredbook-thatshaute.blogspot.com
@littleredbookxo
I read "husband" and I got so giddy for you haha
ReplyDeleteI needed this reminder this morning! Once upon another lifetime ago I went through the visa process with someone and I know what a nightmare it is ... hang in there ... in the end it really comes down to just dotting your "I's" and crossing your "T's" and waiting it out. Thinking about you two!
ReplyDeleteDon't let the visa process get you down! I have lived in many countries and visas are a pain!! I'm actually in process of obtaining a new visa as we speak, and cannot seem to get a hold of anyone. I often get the feeling that they try to make it harder for those who want to do it the legal right way :( Don't let it get to you, things will soon fall into place! xoxo
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I am so proud of you Meg - it takes a big person to NOT moan bit it takes an even bigger person to realize that they were going to moan and then NOT moan - and still see the positives!! You really are an inspiration. Praying for your visa process x
ReplyDeleteLove that quote. I feel your pain and stress with the visa process - I went through it moving from Australia to the U.S (although it was 13 years ago and I was only 19). Just keep positive and everything will work out in the end.
ReplyDeleteI cannot express in words how much I love that. Thank you for sharing and kudos for being strong (even though it is totally fine to have breakdowns and bad days) and not letting things get the best of you. I'm going to post that quote on my wall so I can see it and remember it every day. Energy, good and bad, spreads and the best way to have a good day is to make days good for others.
ReplyDeleteYa Meg! Totally up to us to find our happy and gratitude right where we are. Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDelete