I had a hopefully funny post lined up for today. I really, really did. But then something extraordinary arrived in the post today, by a postman with long curly hair who made me sign for the package. The package which should have been delivered yesterday, only no one was here to sign for it, so instead I was left with a thick paper notice that the postman had been here to reward me, but I can have this reminder instead. The package which had me on pins and needles with burning acid in my throat, the package which I wouldn't allow to be discussed in the house last night in case it all got jinxed up (and me without my patchouli-lovin' spirit guides).

The post will be loaded up on Monday, since I can't sit still long enough now to write it.

Instead, I give you four of my current most favorite photos.

This is Angus and I at the Christening we went to over the holidays. Isn't he gorgeous?

This is Maggie, inhabiting a box. In fact, if you look closely, you'll see she's sitting on a box within a box, only she squished the little box flat. I don't know why I bother buying her toys. She doesn't care about them at all. I should just bring her gifts from the cardboard recycling center.

This is Mumin. Mumin spends her time on my lap, on a pillow, or playing fetch with her mouse. Her favorite position is lying on her back. Like mother like daughter, really.

And finally, this is my current favorite picture. It arrived in the post today, and as I tore open the envelope and released a waterfall of paperwork and documents, I found the grainy blue leather. I found the gold embossing.

And I found the new residence visa stamp, complete with a bad photo of me.

I'm staying in England for another three years at least, courtesy of the Home Office and, I suppose, Her Majesty. I wonder if a thank you letter to her would be out of order...

No funny post today, instead I'm so happy I can't stop crying. Actually, I can't stop shaking. I can't stop calling Angus at work and screaming: "I got my visa!", which luckily, he hasn't gotten sick of me doing yet.

Because that's right.

I got my visa.

There is joy in Mudville. I can work here. I can live here. In three years time I can become a citizen and not stress over this visa business anymore. Despite the time of day, iIf anyone needs me, I'm getting drunk. What the hell. Who cares if it's morning here. It's already evening in Hong Kong anyway.

-H.

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 10:37 AM | Comments (39) | Add Comment
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1 Hey let me be the first to congratulate you! And to ask isn't that Christening photo the same one you've been using all this time on your about me page? By the way, NO ONE will ever see my passport photo unless they absolutely need to!

Posted by: Kate at January 21, 2005 12:15 PM (ZHXUg)

2 A post such as this makes me want to post a reply postulating on what funny post it is we missed today. Perhaps tomorrows post will give us a clue, posthumusly if you will, of the post we missed to get todays post about the post. A sort of post post post =) Coooooool Beaaaans on the Visa, congrates!

Posted by: Dane at January 21, 2005 12:48 PM (ncyv4)

3 Congratulations! Nice vacation, here you come, right!?! Nice pictures, by the way.

Posted by: RP at January 21, 2005 12:49 PM (LlPKh)

4 Well spotted, Kate RP-that's on the agenda for tonight! Holiday, here we come!

Posted by: Helen at January 21, 2005 12:53 PM (uFX1z)

5 Congratulations on the Visa and the passport! That is excellent! I'll bet someone is going to be planning a wee vacation before too long huh? That is after she recovers from the wine and cheese party she is having today.

Posted by: John at January 21, 2005 12:56 PM (4B2dl)

6 Yesssssss! Congratulations, Helen! Enjoy your upcoming holiday, the freedom to stay, and the freedom to travel, as well!

Posted by: scorpy at January 21, 2005 01:07 PM (vPHcv)

7 Congratulaaaaaaaations!! That's wonderful news!

Posted by: karmajenn at January 21, 2005 01:20 PM (fx1A8)

8 In other news that's not nearly as exciting as yours, I got my Visa bill today. That really doesn't have quite the same thrill, huh? Congratulations to you!

Posted by: Lindsay at January 21, 2005 01:40 PM (srIAp)

9 He's a gorgeous hunk of a man. Good for you H. Good for you.

Posted by: Tiffani at January 21, 2005 01:46 PM (KE4Gu)

10 Three more years of blogging from England! Maybe a lifetime. Congratulations!!

Posted by: Solomon at January 21, 2005 01:53 PM (k1sTy)

11 Congrats!!!! I'm very happy for you. Have a glass of wine for me. And one for GF. Heck - have two for GF - she can't have any at the moment...

Posted by: Clancy at January 21, 2005 02:01 PM (JxYJc)

12 Yay! That's awesome, Helen. I'm so happy for you! :-D

Posted by: Jim at January 21, 2005 02:08 PM (tyQ8y)

13 Yay, yay, YAY!!!! *skipping around gaily for Helen* Whhhhhheeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!! (((Queen))) Thank you notes are ALWAYS appropriate, and I'm sure she's been dying to hear from you anyway

Posted by: Elizabeth at January 21, 2005 02:22 PM (eDdcE)

14 Just when was that passport picture taken, anyway?

Posted by: Easy at January 21, 2005 02:25 PM (VyZed)

15 December 2003

Posted by: Helen at January 21, 2005 02:28 PM (uFX1z)

16 Like they always say (and in this case, I actually like "they". "They" is good people), "it's 5 o'clock somewhere." So congratulations and celebrate. Have a drink for me.

Posted by: sporty at January 21, 2005 02:32 PM (56gUM)

17 woohoo! great news! congrats.

Posted by: girl at January 21, 2005 02:36 PM (uZxXS)

18 Congratulations!! Wonderful pictures, as well. Enjoy your celebratory drink(s) today!

Posted by: Lisa at January 21, 2005 02:36 PM (Wu7QI)

19 Life is just so damn groovy sometimes. :-)

Posted by: Jennifer at January 21, 2005 02:57 PM (jl9h0)

20 Congrats my dear!

Posted by: amy t. at January 21, 2005 03:31 PM (zPssd)

21 H~ I know this is your blog and all but- did Clancy just slip something by us? What do you mean that G.F. can't drink? hmmm?

Posted by: Tiffani at January 21, 2005 03:41 PM (KE4Gu)

22 Fantastic! Bravo England, good choice.

Posted by: syd at January 21, 2005 03:49 PM (XO3Ye)

23 Congratulations Helen! And the pictures are wonderful. The one of you and Angus is stunning. And the kits are adorable...awwwww! My Jiggy cat lies on his back just like Mumin too. For hours. Looking all cute until I just have to rub his belly. And I love the pic of Maggie squishing the little box...aren't they funny?

Posted by: Amber at January 21, 2005 03:53 PM (zQE5D)

24 I don't comment here often, but I read everyday. Sometimes I celebrate with you, sometimes I ache with you. Today, I cry for you. I'm sitting here at work, actually crying because I am so very happy for you. Congratulations!

Posted by: Tif at January 21, 2005 04:17 PM (jCFyL)

25 Congrats! And I've heard the same expression as sporty - except I've heard that it's always after noon somewhere. (and that somewhere is probably closer.) :-D

Posted by: martha at January 21, 2005 04:19 PM (5HJ2h)

26 Despite the time of day, iIf anyone needs me, I'm getting drunk. -------- Rock on, girl. Congratulations!

Posted by: ilyka at January 21, 2005 04:59 PM (EDZiK)

27 I am so fucking thrilled for you. Now you gotta tell me how I get me one of them I am currently crossing my legs over here for the international organization to come through next week

Posted by: stinkerbell at January 21, 2005 05:12 PM (m18uI)

28 Wow! Pretty neat! Congrats! The world looks better already..

Posted by: Annette at January 21, 2005 05:18 PM (FBGuV)

29 yay! yay! and super joy! congrats on getting your visa! now please excuse me while i make goofy cooing sounds at the adorable kitty pics...mew!

Posted by: kat at January 21, 2005 05:57 PM (QkuGS)

30 I've only commented once before, but I read your blog everyday as well, I think you're a fantastic writer, and I just wanted to tell you CONGRATS on the whole visa issue... getting one of those things can be exasperating!!!!!! I'm applying for mine next year *crosses fingers* I hope i'll be as lucky! Keep 'em coming!

Posted by: ab00 at January 21, 2005 08:30 PM (wWrjf)

31 WOO-HOO! Great news! I can only imagine how thrilled you must be. No, actually I don't think I can. And BTW. Angus Schmangus. How gorgeous are YOU??

Posted by: kalisah at January 22, 2005 03:18 AM (HRiMC)

32 Mega congratulations on getting the visa situation sorted out. I'm sure it's a huge relief.

Posted by: ursula at January 22, 2005 05:21 PM (KdyJQ)

33 You managed to luck good in a passport photo!!! It's also good to see that your cats are ok. Congratulations :-)

Posted by: Steve P at January 23, 2005 01:28 PM (tlQEA)

34 I can't spell! That was "look good in..."

Posted by: Steve P at January 23, 2005 01:29 PM (tlQEA)

35 YAY...its always good to have your passport back in your own hands! I have to surrender mine next mth for an update on my US visa..its always a worry til it comes back.. have a great hoilday sweetie

Posted by: butterflies at January 23, 2005 05:26 PM (sUcgQ)

36 Yeah!!! Happy for you!!!

Posted by: Jessica at January 23, 2005 08:24 PM (63H/Q)

37 Excellent news. Even though it's actually early afternoon, I may have a quiet tipple myself to join in the celebrations.

Posted by: Simon at January 24, 2005 05:59 AM (UKqGy)

38 BTW- I was wondering how many of your readers from outside the US got the "Mudville" reference? It's not exactly an obscure poem, but I don't know how much it's taught or read outside the US. After all, we have no culture of our own, right? (for the curious who've never seen the poem http://www.favoritepoem.org/poems/thayer/ )

Posted by: Easy at January 24, 2005 02:33 PM (p4RVN)

39 So, if you become a subject of the Crown, do you have to learn how to spell things with that superfluous "u" in words that normally end "-or"?

Posted by: Victor at January 24, 2005 06:51 PM (L3qPK)

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