I looked back at a couple of my posts and noticed that I didn't really go in depth about how my visa application went. It turned out that my visa number didn't even change. I guess Swansea sent an extra letter to make sure I had it. But I got all my documents together (I provided extra papers for evidence, just in case) and turned it all into AllStar passports, who were EXTREMELY helpful. They made sure everything was put together before they sent it off to get approved at the NY British Consulate. I got my visa in the mail about a week and a half later. It was quick! But there is an error on my visa. It is partially my fault, but AllStar told me that it is very minor. While applying for my visa, I accidentally put Vietnamese as my second nationality (which I believe it is, but since I am born in the US, I am just American) and so on my visa it says "VNM" not "American". I called Myra from AllStar right away and she told me that she fixed it but the consulate didn't change it for me. I believe it will be okay, because I was born here and therefore I have American citizenship and an American passport. I'm thinking of bringing my birth certificate too just in case the immigration officers give me a hard time. Taking my biometric exam was so odd! I have not seen anything like it but I asked my friend Jenny to come along with me and we saw how different it is now to scan your fingerprints. That went by quickly too.
There hasn't been any farewells, but this week I started sorting out through my clothes to see what to pack. I have always liked the idea of packing (because I usually never pack for anywhere long) and for the first time I'm going somewhere for so long, it's for a year's worth! I got advice to pack light but now that I see it is very hard to decide on what to pack. I wanted to start packing two days ago but I ended up having an empty suitcase with clothes and shoes everywhere on the floor and bed.
There are a few birthday parties and going-away ones, including mine as well. My sisters are planning it and the party is going to land on my official birthday. It will be bittersweet and fun since I'll be turning 21. My friend Danielle mentioned a great wine tasting/bar/club in San Diego and wants to go there for our birthdays over the weekend after my birthday. Haven't gotten much planned yet, but we'll see how that goes.
I've been spending a lot of my time with family. I know I should do my best to help around the house and for my family before I leave. I want to leave with my family feeling optimistic. Not just optimistic about me, but to stay positive through any circumstance. My sisters have told me that I'm the one that glues together the family and my immediate thought was that it's not really tough being the glue, its just that I care and it comes naturally. My parents haven't felt the need to talk about my departure. In fact, when I was pulling up the suitcases from the patio my mom said, "What's that for?" Mother!!! But I guess my mom is having a hard time right now because a lot of people we care about are moving too.
I changed my layout once again, except it is the old layout I used before but I tweaked it up a bit. More color, more designs and I also linked a couple of pages on the top bar! Check them out if you want. I'm so proud today for using the knowledge I know about html coding! My entries haven't been picture pretty lately. I'm sure I'll post more pictures the entries ahead because there will be much more going on!
Oh September, you're going to be a great month.
"London Is the Place for Me" - Lord Kitchener
Love that you nearly have everything ready to go! Packing is always the hardest, I know, I can't imagine packing for a year! xD
ReplyDeleteI hope the lack of farewells isn't upsetting you. I know I'd want everything to be very low-key. And that seems like an awesome birthday party, wine tasting. Very sophisticated, and very you. :)
Good luck these last few weeks love. <3 x