Things accomplished:
-Cleaned out the corners of my house for another Battered Women pickup and trash
-Signed papers for rental property management with Tag Gilbert
-Collected hazardous materials on the property for appropriate disposal
-Felt exuberant when trashing items into the dumpster in the front of the house
-Scheduled a dinner with Stephanie Scott Sunday evening; one is scheduled for Tuesday with Preita
-Sorting through more things to ship and now sorting on what I need to travel with on flight
-Received notification that the electronic "Business Electronic Travel Authority" is available; a paperless visa which does not allow me to work there yet until I get the Subclass 457 approved
-Scheduled my required x-ray and exam to complete Subclass 457 VISA to work Down Under
-Closed my AMEX account
Camille came over again yesterday to help out in the remaining items to trash, sort or take home with her as well. It's amazing on how much us humans cling to in life. Have to remember that what I am shipping to Australia will need to ship back with me when I return. This means I need to watch what I am accumulating in the next 4 years or else I will have to sell or give away the crap again.
I have now parsed out what is left for me to do before I leave Thursaday evening:
Monday
-Obtain 5 passport photos for my Clinic medical exam
-Call City Hall to report abandoned car in front of my house that is now leaking fluid under the engine (hope it's not human body fluid!)
-Also ask City Hall on where I can dispose of hazardous materials (Mark has volunteered to take this box but I said I will hold it to understand where it should be disposed)
-Check on what Australian bank is affiliated with BofA
-Contact TSA to make sure I can flight internationally with my knitting needles
-Go to my clinic appointment for the 457 VISA requirement
-Initiate hotel stays at Marriott
Tuesday
-Fax needed medical forms for 457 VISA process completion
-Pay Charter cable and E.J Harrison (garbage disposal) on last remaining charges
-Call Western Schools for course order for R.N. continuing ed
-Pack clothes and immediate items for the flight; ensure all shipping items are counted including my window coverings
-Humane Society for donations
Wednesday
-Return foam to my neighbor (that was a life saver for sleeping on the floor)
-Give the large TV to same neighbor; won't be watching TV after this point
-Complete Honda transaction and obtain rental car
-Dispose of all remaining food items in fridge
-Hilford shipping pickup
-Sort through remaining paperwork and bills
-Accomplish anything left over from Monday and Tuesday
Thursday
-DMV for both vehicle transfer
-Obtain bank deposit slips for Tag; cash for the next 2 months of my life
-Deliver keys, door opener and bank slips to Tag Gilbert
-Return rental car
-Transport to LAX!!!
Life here in Ventura County is definately coming to a closure. I am exhausted and hope to look forward to a full day of sleep when I am in Melbourne Astra Apartments.
11 January 2009
09 January 2009
Cave of Doom
Yesterday was a bad day...I was feeling overwhelmed again and there wasn't much around me; just paperwork to process my VISA and employement that they only sent to me the evening before. "Hurry up and sign this Cheryl, because we are non compliant with the immigration legislation with the 'electronic visa' ". Of course it's my fault for not signing quickly as I am in the midst of many other personal business that I alone am taking care of. The damn paperwork was faxed and sent over the key stakeholders. Let's see how fast they can process this work VISA for my entry. Or else I may be leaving later than I think.
With the suggestion of Camille, I stayed in a hotel room with my many hotel points in town. I have to admit, I did finally get a decent night's sleep. Only back to the cave of doom. Max, the Disabled Vet representative finally showed up with his son to pick up the remaining large pieces of furniture - I am only left with a 3x3 bookshelf, cocktail table and the table where the large TV is on. Cocktail table is going to Stephanie; TV table going to Mark. I will be staying at the Marriott again Mon-Thursday before I leave for sleeping comfort. It's a matter of really clearing out the remaining stuff I want to ship. Shipping folks are scheduled to pick up my stuff on the 14th.
Battered Women Thrift charity came to pick up ALL the remaining junk that I had left over from the home sale. I rescheduled another pickup for next week to get the kitchen stuff that I am still using until then (dishware, glassware, etc.).
Had visits from a handyman and a painter to get this place rental ready - you can imagine that I have had lots of traffic through here and I burned out! Signed paperwork with Tag Gilbert to get the rental management going. Just have to give him bank deposit slips, keys and the door opener when I am out of here. Painting and handywork is scheduled for Tuesday next week. Tag told me there is already an interested party to look at the place. The garbage dumpster arrived this morning. I had to knock on my neighbor's door to get them to move their truck parked where I want the dumpster. Found out that my next door neighbor is paying $1800/month rent for a place that had drain problems and the heat doesn't work! I think I am fair on what I am asking for this place that has a locked shed for storage, large and landscaped backyard, heating and all major appliances. Not to mention a newly fixed sewage line to the street.
Things I have yet to do:
-Call Ventura City to report abandoned car in front of my house; leaking fluids under the engine (I can tell it has been there too long!)
-Doctor's appt in L.A. for immigration process (Monday)
-Pay the TV cable bill when it arrives
-Pay the home owner's insurance
-Check on the Aussie bank affiliation with BofA
-Complete the Honda transaction and send Miata plates and Honda transfer form into DMV
-Call Western Schools to see if they can send a course to Mark's address; will work on this in March when I return
-Call Firestation to see if they can take my hazardous materials off this property
-Pack one more box of my remaining things to ship overseas
With the suggestion of Camille, I stayed in a hotel room with my many hotel points in town. I have to admit, I did finally get a decent night's sleep. Only back to the cave of doom. Max, the Disabled Vet representative finally showed up with his son to pick up the remaining large pieces of furniture - I am only left with a 3x3 bookshelf, cocktail table and the table where the large TV is on. Cocktail table is going to Stephanie; TV table going to Mark. I will be staying at the Marriott again Mon-Thursday before I leave for sleeping comfort. It's a matter of really clearing out the remaining stuff I want to ship. Shipping folks are scheduled to pick up my stuff on the 14th.
Battered Women Thrift charity came to pick up ALL the remaining junk that I had left over from the home sale. I rescheduled another pickup for next week to get the kitchen stuff that I am still using until then (dishware, glassware, etc.).
Had visits from a handyman and a painter to get this place rental ready - you can imagine that I have had lots of traffic through here and I burned out! Signed paperwork with Tag Gilbert to get the rental management going. Just have to give him bank deposit slips, keys and the door opener when I am out of here. Painting and handywork is scheduled for Tuesday next week. Tag told me there is already an interested party to look at the place. The garbage dumpster arrived this morning. I had to knock on my neighbor's door to get them to move their truck parked where I want the dumpster. Found out that my next door neighbor is paying $1800/month rent for a place that had drain problems and the heat doesn't work! I think I am fair on what I am asking for this place that has a locked shed for storage, large and landscaped backyard, heating and all major appliances. Not to mention a newly fixed sewage line to the street.
Things I have yet to do:
-Call Ventura City to report abandoned car in front of my house; leaking fluids under the engine (I can tell it has been there too long!)
-Doctor's appt in L.A. for immigration process (Monday)
-Pay the TV cable bill when it arrives
-Pay the home owner's insurance
-Check on the Aussie bank affiliation with BofA
-Complete the Honda transaction and send Miata plates and Honda transfer form into DMV
-Call Western Schools to see if they can send a course to Mark's address; will work on this in March when I return
-Call Firestation to see if they can take my hazardous materials off this property
-Pack one more box of my remaining things to ship overseas
07 January 2009
Getting Down to the Wire
Today I started a dose of glucosamine for my left hip. I can't seem to find time to do my usual walk up to Grant Park and down to the pier with work and trying to get my moving business accomplished day after day. My knitting time has ceased because of the shit I still have to do....getting frustrated on that note.
Found out that my passport faxed to Melbourne will do for the immigration process. I still have not seen my employement agreement for my signature to work there...hah! Meanwhile, I am trying to find any charity to take the remaining pieces of furniture from the house sale. Bought more yarn at Anacapa: can't resist the collective colors of the Blue Heron rayon metallic! Got Pumpkin pie, Aubergine and Deep Space/Gold. Couldn't resist Malibrigo yarn as well. So I think I wrapped up my SABLE (stash accumulation beyond life expectancy) for the overseas trek. Filled out forms for the shipping of my belongings that I have packed for faxing tomorrow. I still have another big box to fill up with last remaining stuff. Decided to keep the one cookware set that didn't sell and my pink tupperware set - rare! Also keeping my new pieces of tupperware as well. These items will be in a box that will be stored at my friend Mark's house in Camarillo.
Found out that I cannot bring my bottles of red wine that I collected/bought from here to New Zealand. Guess I need to store that with Mark as well.
I met with Tag Gilbert, the agent who will rent out my house. More forms to fill out. Contacted my home owner's insurance agent for the new "landlord" policy change.
Got an appointment with Disabled Veterans for the guy to come over and see if he wants to take my remaining furniture.
I think emotions are starting up again because I realize these are my last days here before I really take off. My current client in Bakersfield finally got the word that I am leaving, my project team got the message as well today. Closure is coming up very shortly and I feel as though I don't have everything settled. Pacing myself to finish things is the only way to survive or else I will need more medication than joint issues. I see myself staying at the full-service Marriott before I leave next week :)
Found out that my passport faxed to Melbourne will do for the immigration process. I still have not seen my employement agreement for my signature to work there...hah! Meanwhile, I am trying to find any charity to take the remaining pieces of furniture from the house sale. Bought more yarn at Anacapa: can't resist the collective colors of the Blue Heron rayon metallic! Got Pumpkin pie, Aubergine and Deep Space/Gold. Couldn't resist Malibrigo yarn as well. So I think I wrapped up my SABLE (stash accumulation beyond life expectancy) for the overseas trek. Filled out forms for the shipping of my belongings that I have packed for faxing tomorrow. I still have another big box to fill up with last remaining stuff. Decided to keep the one cookware set that didn't sell and my pink tupperware set - rare! Also keeping my new pieces of tupperware as well. These items will be in a box that will be stored at my friend Mark's house in Camarillo.
Found out that I cannot bring my bottles of red wine that I collected/bought from here to New Zealand. Guess I need to store that with Mark as well.
I met with Tag Gilbert, the agent who will rent out my house. More forms to fill out. Contacted my home owner's insurance agent for the new "landlord" policy change.
Got an appointment with Disabled Veterans for the guy to come over and see if he wants to take my remaining furniture.
I think emotions are starting up again because I realize these are my last days here before I really take off. My current client in Bakersfield finally got the word that I am leaving, my project team got the message as well today. Closure is coming up very shortly and I feel as though I don't have everything settled. Pacing myself to finish things is the only way to survive or else I will need more medication than joint issues. I see myself staying at the full-service Marriott before I leave next week :)
06 January 2009
Still not Official but am Living the Vida Loca!
T-9 days to go in the US and Australia doesn't have my Employment Agreement ready for my signature. Meanwhile, other folks are asking for my immigration stuff to process and inform me that I cannot travel to Australia until they are completed. I already booked by flight to leave 15th and that seems to be threatened. Then I proceed to get another message saying to keep my travel plan as booked; hopefully my immigration stuff will come through by the time I arrive. Do you suspect someone in retainment in Melbourne airport on the 17th Aussie time?
St. Vincent De Paul Thrift shop finally arrive to pick up my remaining furniture and state that they cannot take anything apart since the don't have tools. Jan 14 is a rescheduled date for them to come out and they want the entertainment center taken apart and my bedroom set out in the same room so they can pick it all up. I think I will take the Center and the mirror off the bedroom dresser but will not move the furniture all in one room! For goodness sakes....I am giving these and my nice patio furniture to them for free, fuck them for a compromise.
Pete my shipping coordinator has informed me on the pricing and scheduled a date to pick up my stuff that is packed and stowed in my shed. The 15th is the date that all my stuff will be picked up and will ship arriving in April into Melbourne.
Rolled up all my pennies and brought them to the bank for another deposit.
Packing up other things for the Battered Women charity for Thursday...having hard time packing up my last set of cookware when I have a fridge full of food to eat up. Went to Trader Joe's to get milk for my cereal and ended up getting more food to cook while I am still here :P
Last night I slept on firm foam that was provided by my neighbor instead of sleeping on the hard carpeting. Oh, I had a wonderful night sleep! Until my dodgy left hip woke me up in the middle of the night again in pain. Can't wait for Australia to make myself walk this pain out. It is strange to sleep in an empty house, it will be to the point that I may want to really want to get out of here by next week anyway. Problem is that my kitchen is still fully loaded with living ammenities. Must clear this out by this weekend!
Faxed my passport for electronic form for Australia immigration process; not that clear but it's the best that can be done for now...waiting for copies of my diplomas that I accidentally put in the box shipped in my Miata. My parents are sending the photocopies to me so I can fax those as well for Australia immigration. I guess they need proof that I am an educated woman. Sent my updated internal resume to Australia office; guess they need that for the HR records like all employees.
St. Vincent De Paul Thrift shop finally arrive to pick up my remaining furniture and state that they cannot take anything apart since the don't have tools. Jan 14 is a rescheduled date for them to come out and they want the entertainment center taken apart and my bedroom set out in the same room so they can pick it all up. I think I will take the Center and the mirror off the bedroom dresser but will not move the furniture all in one room! For goodness sakes....I am giving these and my nice patio furniture to them for free, fuck them for a compromise.
Pete my shipping coordinator has informed me on the pricing and scheduled a date to pick up my stuff that is packed and stowed in my shed. The 15th is the date that all my stuff will be picked up and will ship arriving in April into Melbourne.
Rolled up all my pennies and brought them to the bank for another deposit.
Packing up other things for the Battered Women charity for Thursday...having hard time packing up my last set of cookware when I have a fridge full of food to eat up. Went to Trader Joe's to get milk for my cereal and ended up getting more food to cook while I am still here :P
Last night I slept on firm foam that was provided by my neighbor instead of sleeping on the hard carpeting. Oh, I had a wonderful night sleep! Until my dodgy left hip woke me up in the middle of the night again in pain. Can't wait for Australia to make myself walk this pain out. It is strange to sleep in an empty house, it will be to the point that I may want to really want to get out of here by next week anyway. Problem is that my kitchen is still fully loaded with living ammenities. Must clear this out by this weekend!
Faxed my passport for electronic form for Australia immigration process; not that clear but it's the best that can be done for now...waiting for copies of my diplomas that I accidentally put in the box shipped in my Miata. My parents are sending the photocopies to me so I can fax those as well for Australia immigration. I guess they need proof that I am an educated woman. Sent my updated internal resume to Australia office; guess they need that for the HR records like all employees.
Jack Denny - Hero
I am singling out Mr. Jack Denny who belongs to Kim David. He truly was a wonderful help with my house sale and muscles to help carry out the furniture that was selling quickly - thanks Jack!
05 January 2009
Swarming Locust & The Point of no Return
More things accomplished:
-Booked Qantas flight to Melbourne to depart evening of 1/15/09; my time is truly limited here
-Emailed Tag Gilbert to get the home rental situation going
-Sorted out what to be sold versus trashed; still calling charities for pickups
-Finally received my passport back from PVS International with my African VISA; now I cannot find my diplomas that I set out to copy with my passport for the Aussie immigration process. If it's one thing I can find, I lose something else in this chaos.
-Finalized the Geico car insurance application for my Miata in Florida
-Paid my property tax; completing the year until the next statement for 2009
-Contacted and met my shipping coordinator, Pete, who will find out the cost effective means of my things to be shipped and to arrive when I will be back there post Africa
-Conducted the big house purge sale; completed brain fried from being overstimulated. People swarming all around me and in all my cupboards trying to buy even things I am still using. (Note: I am NOT a garage sale seller or buyer)
-Discontinued my home phone service since my phones were sold in my home sale
-Transferred my reward points from AMEX and Diners to hotel points for free stays, these accounts will be closed soon
-Sold my Honda during the house sale
This photo is the outside of the first day's sale:
Here is another one where my helper friends are exhausted just like me
...and the happy picture after me having a real drink after this chaotic day. I don't think I would have survived without my friends that helped. (Kim David, Betsy, Camille, me and Kim Boone-Nakase) I was completed exhausted in this photo and reflected on how I will not do this again!
Sunday was more subdued with one guy returning from the day before; he made off with my ratchet set hidden in my tool box that he bought from me. Oh well, so much for the professional garage sale buyers. I guess I am in the wrong business. With no beds to sleep on and no living room furniture (except for the monstrous entertainment center) I am definately up to say that this is a point of no return for me. It's all about moving out of here and down under. Last week I was emotional while in Florida with my kitty girls. It was PMS! But then, who would really go through this uprooting life change and trauma anyway?
Things to accomplish this week:
-Pack additional things for Battered Women Charity; pickup scheduled 1/8/09
-Receive the dumpster 1/9/09 to throw out remaining unsalvagable items
-Visit DMV to return Miata plates and understand transfer process of my Honda when I turn the vehicle over to the new owner 1/14/09
-Check out Western Schools for R.N. renewal course for next 2 yrs
-Cancel Netflix once I receive the last couple DVD's
-Roll up my big jar of pennies to redeem $$
-Determine how much cash I want to travel with to start Aussie bank account
I think that is enough for this week
-Booked Qantas flight to Melbourne to depart evening of 1/15/09; my time is truly limited here
-Emailed Tag Gilbert to get the home rental situation going
-Sorted out what to be sold versus trashed; still calling charities for pickups
-Finally received my passport back from PVS International with my African VISA; now I cannot find my diplomas that I set out to copy with my passport for the Aussie immigration process. If it's one thing I can find, I lose something else in this chaos.
-Finalized the Geico car insurance application for my Miata in Florida
-Paid my property tax; completing the year until the next statement for 2009
-Contacted and met my shipping coordinator, Pete, who will find out the cost effective means of my things to be shipped and to arrive when I will be back there post Africa
-Conducted the big house purge sale; completed brain fried from being overstimulated. People swarming all around me and in all my cupboards trying to buy even things I am still using. (Note: I am NOT a garage sale seller or buyer)
-Discontinued my home phone service since my phones were sold in my home sale
-Transferred my reward points from AMEX and Diners to hotel points for free stays, these accounts will be closed soon
-Sold my Honda during the house sale
This photo is the outside of the first day's sale:
Here is another one where my helper friends are exhausted just like me
...and the happy picture after me having a real drink after this chaotic day. I don't think I would have survived without my friends that helped. (Kim David, Betsy, Camille, me and Kim Boone-Nakase) I was completed exhausted in this photo and reflected on how I will not do this again!
Sunday was more subdued with one guy returning from the day before; he made off with my ratchet set hidden in my tool box that he bought from me. Oh well, so much for the professional garage sale buyers. I guess I am in the wrong business. With no beds to sleep on and no living room furniture (except for the monstrous entertainment center) I am definately up to say that this is a point of no return for me. It's all about moving out of here and down under. Last week I was emotional while in Florida with my kitty girls. It was PMS! But then, who would really go through this uprooting life change and trauma anyway?
Things to accomplish this week:
-Pack additional things for Battered Women Charity; pickup scheduled 1/8/09
-Receive the dumpster 1/9/09 to throw out remaining unsalvagable items
-Visit DMV to return Miata plates and understand transfer process of my Honda when I turn the vehicle over to the new owner 1/14/09
-Check out Western Schools for R.N. renewal course for next 2 yrs
-Cancel Netflix once I receive the last couple DVD's
-Roll up my big jar of pennies to redeem $$
-Determine how much cash I want to travel with to start Aussie bank account
I think that is enough for this week
01 January 2009
2009 - Progress Leading to More to Accomplish
Finally home to my nightmare household. Got the word that my Miata has arrived in Florida today as I am arriving home myself and my cats are purring when both my parents are in the room with them, including high-strung Ditto. Only a couple evenings ago I was talking with Flo on the phone and broke down with all that is ahead of me.
Here are photos to catch up on the traumatic cat travels:
12/23 - Night before the big travel.
Ditto receiving comfort from Freckles; first time I saw them that close together as though they are from the same litter.
Freckles getting checked in and security checked before moving on the belt to the plane:
Long ride home from Orlando airport and poor Freckles soiled her cushiony bed during the flight. Both were very hungry when I finally got their food out at my parents home.
Photos of Christmas day feast: Dad carving and nibbling the meat while Mom has all the fixings on the table.
Ditto got dibbs sleeping at the head of the bed this time since Freckles had the head of the bed in my house. At the beginning she was under the bed. Caught her stretched out like a happy bunny at the foot of the bed after eating a large spoonful of Iams Salmon pate.
Freckles was comfortable right away; first had Ragedy Ann as her companion then took on her guardian and hunter duties as normal.
...and here is another rare moment of Zhen before my house sale chaos begins this weekend. No true words can describe the condition of this house other than 'uncomfortable'.
I am pleased to know that there will be several friends driving up from Orange and Santa Barbara Counties to help me Saturday and possibly through Sunday. There is a ray of sunshine around me after all. I am getting emotional more often now with the looming chaos around me. I want this coming weekend to be over quickly. See you all on the flip side!
Here are photos to catch up on the traumatic cat travels:
12/23 - Night before the big travel.
Ditto receiving comfort from Freckles; first time I saw them that close together as though they are from the same litter.
Freckles getting checked in and security checked before moving on the belt to the plane:
Long ride home from Orlando airport and poor Freckles soiled her cushiony bed during the flight. Both were very hungry when I finally got their food out at my parents home.
Photos of Christmas day feast: Dad carving and nibbling the meat while Mom has all the fixings on the table.
Ditto got dibbs sleeping at the head of the bed this time since Freckles had the head of the bed in my house. At the beginning she was under the bed. Caught her stretched out like a happy bunny at the foot of the bed after eating a large spoonful of Iams Salmon pate.
Freckles was comfortable right away; first had Ragedy Ann as her companion then took on her guardian and hunter duties as normal.
...and here is another rare moment of Zhen before my house sale chaos begins this weekend. No true words can describe the condition of this house other than 'uncomfortable'.
I am pleased to know that there will be several friends driving up from Orange and Santa Barbara Counties to help me Saturday and possibly through Sunday. There is a ray of sunshine around me after all. I am getting emotional more often now with the looming chaos around me. I want this coming weekend to be over quickly. See you all on the flip side!
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