Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. I stared at the email. Your application for a 2021 Resident Visa has been approved. Holy shit. ARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. My insides flipped. I looked again, just to be sure. Really? I’d been waiting so long for this I wasn’t quite sure it was real. Oh but it was. I’m nowContinue reading “Residence Relief”
Tag Archives: My Life
AWOL
I’ve been a bit AWOL lately; writing’s taken a bit of a back seat because I’ve had a lot on. It tends to be something that drops off when I’m busy, but it’s also something that keeps me sane, so it’s a double-edged sword. Work is taking a priority right now, because, you know, newContinue reading “AWOL”
2020 roundup
New Years Eve, 2020. What a year aye? What can I say. I’ve sat here for a while, hands poised over the keyboard, but not much is coming out easily. I don’t normally do end-of-year posts, and I’m not a resolution-maker, but it felt somehow fitting to write something this year. I’m keen to notContinue reading “2020 roundup”
A year in moments #23 – the waiting
I could see all the way down the road for my bedroom window. It was getting towards the time we’d agreed that he would pick me up. I waited eagerly for a glimpse of his car. I’d spent a while getting ready. Trying to choose the right outfit. I’d settled on a long sleeved blueContinue reading “A year in moments #23 – the waiting”
3 years in New Zealand
Last weekend marked my three year kiwi-versary. Three years since I got off a plane not knowing what would happen next, or how long I’d be here. It’s been quite the journey so far. I posted my thoughts a year ago, when I’d been here two years. It still felt pretty new, and still quiteContinue reading “3 years in New Zealand”
French sunshine
I recognise the sofa on the screen, and realise Bev is back in her house in Cheltenham. She’d spent the previous six months with her husband Rich travelling through Europe in their motorhome, and I ask her how she feels to be back. ‘It’s nice being in the house but I’d rather be in France.Continue reading “French sunshine”
Watercolour riches
‘I was like, let’s just stay home forever,’ Clare said in her wonderful Northern Irish accent, laughing at the screen when I asked her how she found lockdown. ‘I found it pretty good. I’m really introverted, so the opportunity to stay at home in my own company, for an unknown amount of time, just seemedContinue reading “Watercolour riches”
What I would’ve done…
This week I should have been heading to the airport, steeling myself for the 29 hour journey to London via Singapore. My bag would’ve been light, ready to bring back belongings I haven’t seen for nearly three years. I’d have enjoyed the two flights, excited about my trip and the novelty of flying, despite theContinue reading “What I would’ve done…”
Diazepam and dog walks
Alex pops onto the screen. He has a beard. He starts talking and I hear some words about having sunburn and working in the garden but I’m distracted trying to figure out whether I’ve ever seen him with a beard. It’s a long time since I’ve seen him. ‘It’s really hard to explain. It feelsContinue reading “Diazepam and dog walks”
The Paps Life 