Update - I did become an Australian citizen a couple of months ago and very happy and relieved at the same time! Proud to be Aussie! :)
Life as an American Expat in Australia - Making a home where ever you happen to be - Food, travel, love, and life :)
Tuesday, 20 October 2020
Tuesday, 9 June 2020
Australian Citizenship and Covid19
The mind is a terrible thing to taste ...
Well, my Australian journey is culminating in citizenship. I was invited to take my test back in March, which I passed %100 -- So HAPPY! :)
Well, then a couple of weeks later or thereabouts, Covid19 hit. Australia effectively shut down. The authorities here have done an absolutely marvelous job of containing the virus, but it meant that things like citizenship ceremonies are on hold since most government offices are still closed with the exception of social services.
On a good note, the 12 month cut-off to attend a ceremony has been waived so I wait for them to start up again. Hopefully that will be soon as things are now beginning to open back up after a couple of months - within this next month we should be getting back to normal - at least I am hoping so.
We have continued to work thru this pandemic as parcel couriers are now considered to be essential workers since most people have to stay at home and self -isolate. We have actually been crazy-busy as people are ordering tons of things online while they are at home. As businesses begin to re-open, we have slowed a bit, but still going pretty strong.
I am thankful, we have been very fortunate, and my prayers are with those who lost their jobs an business because of this.
Peace ¬¬¬¬ :)
Well, my Australian journey is culminating in citizenship. I was invited to take my test back in March, which I passed %100 -- So HAPPY! :)
Well, then a couple of weeks later or thereabouts, Covid19 hit. Australia effectively shut down. The authorities here have done an absolutely marvelous job of containing the virus, but it meant that things like citizenship ceremonies are on hold since most government offices are still closed with the exception of social services.
On a good note, the 12 month cut-off to attend a ceremony has been waived so I wait for them to start up again. Hopefully that will be soon as things are now beginning to open back up after a couple of months - within this next month we should be getting back to normal - at least I am hoping so.
We have continued to work thru this pandemic as parcel couriers are now considered to be essential workers since most people have to stay at home and self -isolate. We have actually been crazy-busy as people are ordering tons of things online while they are at home. As businesses begin to re-open, we have slowed a bit, but still going pretty strong.
I am thankful, we have been very fortunate, and my prayers are with those who lost their jobs an business because of this.
Peace ¬¬¬¬ :)
Friday, 1 January 2016
Sunday, 27 December 2015
My fellow US expats:
Please do pay attention to your IRS filing requirements. Your deadline is in January ~
I don't want to see anyone lose their US passport, and effectively, their rights to travel or move back to the US.
If you owe over $10k USD, starting in February, this could be a reality. This bill has passed in Congress.
Things are getting serious so please make sure your are good with the IRS ~
http://www.emirates247.com/news/deadline-alert-report-foreign-income-or-lose-your-us-passport-2015-12-26-1.615107
The mind is a terrible thing to taste ...
Please do pay attention to your IRS filing requirements. Your deadline is in January ~
I don't want to see anyone lose their US passport, and effectively, their rights to travel or move back to the US.
If you owe over $10k USD, starting in February, this could be a reality. This bill has passed in Congress.
Things are getting serious so please make sure your are good with the IRS ~
http://www.emirates247.com/news/deadline-alert-report-foreign-income-or-lose-your-us-passport-2015-12-26-1.615107
The mind is a terrible thing to taste ...
Saturday, 26 December 2015
Holidays and the New Year ~
The mind is a terrible thing to taste ...
I want to wish everyone out there a safe and prosperous New Year ~ :)
I want to wish everyone out there a safe and prosperous New Year ~ :)
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Older Workers in Queensland Being Ignored ~
The mind is a terrible thing to taste ~~~~
Although I have been searching for work for over three years, have found that I seem to be too old to get a job. I am not surprised, it is the same in the US as well.
My partner owns a courier route, so I have been helping him with that. It's a rather large and busy route, so I save on any costs for extra help during really busy times like now during the Christmas season.
I am still hoping to get a job, however after 3 years, I do not expect I will find one. The world has moved on, it seems, and now wants younger people, despite Australian qualifications, and much experience in several areas. I rarely receive even turn-down emails any more, I now don't hear anything at all from my online applications.
A bit disheartening to say the least, especially when I keep hearing employers here talking about not being able to find good employees.
If you cannot find good young people that you can rely on, please consider us older folks. Lots of us out here need a job too, and we are reliable, dependable, and most of us are honest and hard-working. You are missing out on a whole set of folks who WANT to work!
Please don't discount us just because we graduated High School a bit earlier than you ~
Although I have been searching for work for over three years, have found that I seem to be too old to get a job. I am not surprised, it is the same in the US as well.
My partner owns a courier route, so I have been helping him with that. It's a rather large and busy route, so I save on any costs for extra help during really busy times like now during the Christmas season.
I am still hoping to get a job, however after 3 years, I do not expect I will find one. The world has moved on, it seems, and now wants younger people, despite Australian qualifications, and much experience in several areas. I rarely receive even turn-down emails any more, I now don't hear anything at all from my online applications.
A bit disheartening to say the least, especially when I keep hearing employers here talking about not being able to find good employees.
If you cannot find good young people that you can rely on, please consider us older folks. Lots of us out here need a job too, and we are reliable, dependable, and most of us are honest and hard-working. You are missing out on a whole set of folks who WANT to work!
Please don't discount us just because we graduated High School a bit earlier than you ~
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Permanent Residency
I have my Permanent Residency and am looking towards becoming an Australian citizen as soon as the timeline allows, about 3 years I believe. I was told I get credit for the extended time taken to obtain permanent residency due to issues with my FBI background check. I had to resend my prints 3 times before they were accepted.
I understand this is not uncommon and look forward to taking that test! :)
I understand this is not uncommon and look forward to taking that test! :)
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