Well, we had a nice Christmas, not "rip-roaring" but nice.

The outlaws have arrived back in Cyprus OK - even though they have had a nasty bug and "Poppa" was still heaving at the airport. OH was the only one effected - rest of us escaped *touches wood*.

Well we have our appointment to look forward to on Monday with little one.  I had to chase panel doctor for their referral letter yesterday - why oh why do I have to pester people - its like the kids - if only they'd do as they were told the first time! :o)  Me and OH are going to see the film "Australia" that night - all in all an Australian themed day eh!?

Gotta admit I'm getting a little green-eyed at all the lucky peeps that have been granted their visa's in the last couple of weeks.  I cant wait for that feeling! Oh in other food news, my little brother and his family are planning a trip down under next year, they are definately seriously considering emmigrating - how cool would that be!? :o)

Quiet night in for me tonight, my friend from over the  road might come over for a couple of drinks. Its hard really because OH won't be home from work until 11 or even 11.30. We have some Moet in the fridge ready - I'll probably let the kids stay up late too tonight.

We've just been shopping for some new school shoes, and it started snowing! The car said -4*C and boy did it feel it!

New Years Day and I like to take the decorations down - I've already got a small collection of ones I definately am gonna take with us to Australia, and the rest I'll probably off-load to my sister when she visits at the weekend! :o)

A Very Happy New Year to everyone!  Be safe X

Right - off to draw up a list of OH's New Years Ressolutions - (been a right Grumpy old bugger lately?) ........  might take a while! ;o)

We have finally got a private appointment to see a Paedeatric Specialist (5th January). My little one just cant understand it? The little honey is only 5 and is a little confused....

"What do you mean?  I need to see another doctor to show them I am OK? Eh!?  Am I poorly? Really? So the nice lady will let us go to Australia if I talk to her and lett her look at me?"

I've already promised her that we'll go somewhere nice for lunch if she performs (at our medicals she cried and wouldnt talk or let the panel doctor touch her or even look at her).

Well, we are all tidy and ready for the big fella himself coming down the chimney. All three little un's have already decided what we're leaving him, a generous selection of drinks; milk, sherry, orange juice or a can of lager!  A mince pie, Christmas cake, carrots not only for Rudolph, but for the Donner, Blitzen, Cupid, Dasher, Pranzer and Comet (Is that everyone)?  At the moment they are writing him a thankyou note for the pressies (even though I've told 'em I'm not sure if he's coming or not!?)

I'll be suprised if he can make past the hearth at this rate!

I hope everyone has a trully Merry Christmas, and all the best for 2009 no matter where you are in this wonderful world of ours.

P

x

We eventually got an email from HOC requesting further information:

History of #2 child (they've already had all our records from our GP)

Assessment from a specialist paediatrician and/or developmental Psychologist. (This has to include the need for special schooling and the prognosis for independant living and future employment in adulthood) FFS - how are we or any one else to know whether they are gonna be a lazy good-for-nothing (its all just specualation)

A school report (just started school but I've asked teacher who said no problem).

Indication of ability to perform daily activities.

All this is absolutely fine - I appreciate they don't know her, but they've had all her records, she's been seen by the panel doctor, and its just more expense and more delay.  Its all very frustrating, as there's absolutely nothing wrong with her!

At this moment in time, I've just had enough of it all .....

On the plus side - I had a lovely night with two of my best friends last night - I'm experiencing something I cant remember the last time I had ....... a hangover! :o)

Last night I got a call to say I'd got a great new job I'd applied for ages ago! Woo-hoo! Its on a temporary contract until June next year, so I'm not feeling too guilty about it (at the moment anyway).

I'm already dreading handing my notice in here, but they won't be bothered I'm sure.

Had a pleasant evening last night with the outlaws (I know - amazing)! And I'm really looking forward to going out with my two bestest friends in the world ever on Friday night! :)

OK so now all my patience as gone down the pan.

I want my last medical to clear and I want my visa ! NOW !  (please)

I've emailed HOC and my CO ..... time will tell if it'll do any good!?

My OH keeps saying "we have the blimmin' house to sell yet, just chill" !

Kids just say "Chillax"! God don't you just hate that word!

OK so I'm writing this as the outlaws are still sleeping after their very long day yesterday.

The children had no idea they were coming, and you should have seen their faces! Priceless!  They all had bulging eye's, open mouths, which soon turned into huge grins and cuddles! It was lovely!  All until about 2 hours later, when FIL was complaining about:

1. Too much milk in his tea

2. Tea not being strong enough

3. No table in reach to put said tea on

4. Too warm

5. Too cold

6. Not being able to drive over here (he just has a Cypriot licence).

7. Being "high" (he's a diabetic)

8. Being "low" (he's a diabetic...again...how can we forget)?

9. Kids being too big/small/loud/quiet etc etc etc

We were all starving - and because "Poppa" body clock is still on Cyprus time we thought we'd be OK to eat at a reasonable hour.........but no.....we ended up eating at 8.30 after his shower, insulin injection, glass or 2 of wine before dinner..etc etc! Why am I soo polite?? I annoy myself sometimes! Its a good job I'd insisted the kids had a nap in the afternoon or it would've been hell.

*sigh* rant over! One day down, 16 to go.....oh crap!

Must go and make a few cups of tea (various strengths and milk levels added) so he can choose.  Either that or I find some gumption and tell him to help himself or throw the kettle at him!  What is wrong with me!? Tsk!

No more news on the Visa front - I felt sure we would have some movement today.  Little un's medicals should have been cleared by now, they've had them long before the published date on the HOC email. "All further enquiries should be directed to your case officer" but I dont know how?  And to be honest I have to be patient, it's just in my genes I guess.  (Although you wouldnt have guessed how patient I am after above rant).

Laters

P

It's throwing it down, its freezing, and its forecast to be like this all weekend.

I get a little "cabin fever" when the weather's like this.  I work from home so like to get out and have some fresh air and fun with the kids on the weekends.

Kids favourite Christmas song is "I farted on Santa's lap (so Christmas is gonna stink for me)" lovely!

Still no change on out on-line status page - it's now my "home page". Even though it's the wekend, I'm still checking it!  Must ask Santa for a life aswell as a visa!

I'm started to get a little paranoid asbout the little one's medical that we're waiting to clear. Poor little thing was born with a number of problems, but they have all been overcome one way or another. (operations, physio, no longer taking medication). She's bagged the leading role in school nativity! I might just send DIAC a video of it just to prove she's OK now.

Got the outlaw's, erm, I mean inlaws arriving late tonight from Cyprus for 16 days (yes I'm already counting) not that we don't get along, but your house just isn't your own when you have visitors staying is it?  You just cant seem to 100% relax can you? Well, I can't anyway.  We haven't told the kids, its just gonna be a lovely suprise for them tomorrow!

It seems we've more or less made it to the end of our visa rollercoaster..,,,,

.........the 'gutt-wrenching' lows of gathering info and referecnes for TRA

.........the 'tummy fluttering' high's of receiving positive results and lodging our visa application

.........the "scared corners" of our medical examinations

.........and the oh so painful "bum-bouncing" of the agonising wait

I know our case is moving along nicely compared to some others, and I do know how lucky we are to have a case officer so soon, and that we timed our medicals and PCC's to perfection (or should that be Perthfection) bur aaaaaawwwwwwww come on!!!

Dear Santa

I've been extremely well behaived this year (compared to last year). Please please could I have:

1. A 175 visa.
2. A buyer for our house.

or

1. Lottery win (so we don't have to sell house).
2. and our Visa?

I know its a big ask, but I will promise to be good (even if I am a bit naughty - it will be the good kind)

My kids will never again pull your beard, snatch your presents or refuse to tell you their names.

Extra mince pies, sherry, beer, and carrotts for "Rudie"??

Fondest Regards

Perthfect

XXXXX