This week I have officially become an adult.
Today, I was handed my first shiny, new credit card! Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Erin, you're just setting yourself up for an ugly ordeal', but in all seriousness guys, I had to! Despite the fact that I have paid for the place that I'm staying in the night I arrive in Orlando, they require a credit card, so I made a 40 minute call to a friendly staff member at St George Bank to assist me with the process. After giving my credit history a thorough check, I was awarded a $5000 credit limit. I then promptly requested that it be lowered to $2000. I figured I didn't want to throw myself into the fiery pit too soon! It's quite nicely placed in my wallet already, just begging to be used. Sneaky devil.
(I also ordered a Visa Debit card today too as it is cheaper to withdraw with overseas! Thank you Chin Soo at the Burwood branch!).
My other interesting news is that I received my 12 month working visa for the United States in the mail today.Very speedy delivery seeing as I only went yesterday for the interview. However, I unfortunately can't say the same for interview itself though. You definitely need to hear this one.
So, at 6:15am yesterday morning, I made my way into the US Consulate in Martin Place. After a bit of difficulty navigating my way around the numerous one-way streets in the city, I eventually found the Wilson Parking below the MLC Centre, where thankfully, the Consulate is situated. I went up to the Lobby and waited about 15 minutes until the elevator was turned on to head up to level 10 to get through the Consulate security, where we checked in our bags/phones, and have our paperwork checked (by an American haha). I was then escorted by security up to level 59, where I then had my name marked off, and was buzzed through and extremely heavy door. I grabbed a ticket (7:58am), and waited with about 5-10 other people who must have all had 8am appointments, like myself.
At about 8:25am, a lady came through the intercom saying that their computer systems were down, and that they couldn't actually do anything to start it up. They thanked us for our patience and told us that they would keep us informed. At this point, I was beginning to get a little stressed. I had imagined that I would be back to work at about 9/9:30am. I had no phone, which meant I couldn't let anyone know what the situation was.
At 9am, there was movement, the systems were up and running and they began to call our tickets up. I was called up to a counter (microphones and speakers to communicate through the glass) and the pleasant lady behind the counter began to process my documents. About 20 seconds into it, she groaned and looked at my unhappily saying that again, the systems were down. I had a bit of a chuckle, sighed and went and sat back down. At this point, the only thing that was keeping me amused was the view from 59 levels up and the Pakistani family that had come in, who had the two cutest little boys.
At 9:30, things were getting a little restless. Some people were so bored, they were telling other people their life story. I kept to myself. I was far too sardonic for a conversation of that nature. It was at this point that I had an epiphany. I was a true child of technology. The absence of my phone was sending me into a frenzy. I literally had nothing to do, apart from stare at people.
9:35am saw movement again. I was called up, and not 10 seconds later, she gave me the same look as she did earlier. The systems were down again. I made another unhappy walk back to my chair and waited, with only my thoughts to keep me company!
Finally, at 10am, the systems decided to work again, and I walked back up to the counter, expecting them to go down, but thankfully they DIDN'T! They scanned my fingerprints and told me to take a seat, and that I would be called up to have my interview shortly.
Ten minutes later, I went up to the interview counter. The (American) lady asked me a couple questions about what I would be doing and how long I was working for. She then told me I was done and my visa would be posted out to me tomorrow, and that I should head over to the cashier counter to pay.
Took my documents up to the cashier counter and was told I had to pay an issuance fee. Funnily (for lack of a better word) enough, I didn't have any money on me. Just my luck, eh. At this point, I was frustrated. I had to go down, 59 levels to King St, to get cash out of an ATM, then head back through security again, where there was about 200 people in the queue - stand still - waiting to go through security. Thankfully, one security lady remembered me, got me to the front of the line and I went back up reasonably quickly. I then paid, and let a sigh of relief knowing it was all over. It was 10:45am.
Went down to my car, paid for parking, which was $72 (just to top off my morning), and finally headed off to work. Luckily I have an amazing boss, who realised something must have happened and was fine about my belated appearance.
Woah, what a rant. Sorry guys. ANYWAY, it's over now and I have my visa and my credit card :)
So, using the previous list from the post before.. here is my progress - I had to add a few things!
Get visa - Still waiting on my criminal background check to come through before I can start the process. Hopefully it won't be too strenuous!- Buy medical/travel insurance - We have found who I'll be with, but I'm just saving up a little more.
Acquire a credit card/master-debit card (or whatever they are called) - Need to pop into St George on one of my days off to find out about that.Find out if my phone can be used overseas with an American sim.Sell the car and pay off the current loan I have on it - Yes, the car has to go :( I loved that little thing, but I certainly don't want to be making fortnightly loan repayments while I'm away. Alas, I've decided to sell it to a new owner.Cut down the current list I have of things to take over with me - it's FAR too big.Stop making lists. They are just a waste of time.- Start to pack!
- Buy presents for 2 friends' birthdays before I leave.
- Practice for the wedding I'm singing at on the 9th.
My parents have kindly agreed to sell my car after I leave, so I made a executive decision to cross that off the list too! :)
Well, to quote Star Trek (yes, I am a Trekkie), all systems are go! If you're still reading this post, then well done! I have to agree, it's a bit excessive.
Happy Christmas everyone! Stay safe, and I'll be sure to update in the new year!
Kind regards,
Erin.
