Just Call Me Scrooge
Well, I survived Christmas! No, it wasn’t terrible, but I must say that I’m rather happy it’s all over. Just a few weeks ago, I was all about feeling the Christmas spirit, then the reality of my situation began to set in. I suppose the constant reminders from my coworkers of how terrible it was that I was spending Christmas alone took a toll. A typical exchange would go like this:
-Are you going home for Christmas?
-No.
-Oh, is your wife coming over here?
-No, she’ll be in California with her family.
-Well do you know anyone over here to be with?
-No.
-So, what are your plans for Christmas?
-I’m working.
-Oh, that must be difficult!
Though not really that depressing, I have carried on many a conversation of that nature over the last few weeks, and though I was doing fine at the onset, I guess if you hear something enough times you’re bound to believe it.
I have to be honest, the week leading up to Christmas wasn’t that fun, but it wasn’t without it’s bright spots. As of Friday, I now hold in my hands my official, full registration from the Irish Board of Nursing. Not only does this mean that I can start getting paid better than a student, it means that I can now get my work authorization, rendering my temporary visa, which expires on the 18th of January, obsolete. With work authorization in hand, I can then begin the process of filing paperwork to get Jenniffer over here. This makes me happy.
Christmas day itself was really quite nice. OK, so sure my alarm didn’t go off, and I woke up 30 minutes after I was already supposed to have been at work, from that point on, my day was all right. Work was mellow, and though it dragged a bit, I won’t make any complaints. When I got home, I was able to, albeit briefly, talk to my parents and Jenniffer. That too made me happy.
So, as I said before, I survived Christmas away from home, friends, and loved ones. I hope everyone I care about, and even the ones I don't , feel at least as good about their respective holidays. Now I am ready to get through this week, turn the calendar another page, and usher in a new year. The best part about it is that at that point I will be within weeks of the arrival of my better half. That makes me REALLY happy!
As I type: Listening to Scissor Sisters (self-titled debut)