Yipee!

Yesterday, after 3 and a half months of anxiously waiting, I received my ILR settlement permit.  ILR means 'indefinite leave to remain' which basically meant, I'm a permanent resident of the UK.

While I'm so pleased that I finally got it (having it means I'm eligible for certain benefits which I wasn't before), I can't help but wish I didn't need it.  That Steve and I were "home" in California.  Close to my family, our friends and everything that we love.

There are some fantastic things about living in the UK - the fish and chips, the history and low cost of living (compare for California) to name a few - but even after nearly three years here, I don't feel any more at home than I did when I first moved over.  I just feel like I know it better.

I have a few friends I've made since moving here and some work colleagues which mean more to me than just colleagues, but I don't spend much time with them.  And because of Steve's schedule, I spend most of my spare time alone.  Good thing we have a dog.

If I were back home, even living an hour and a half from my parents, I'd see them all the time.  I have good friends all over the state so I'd always know someone wherever I moved to rather than being somewhere completely alone.  I'd also have a car so I can actually go places without being stuck on the bus or train timetable.

Oh well, the time will come someday when I can live at home again.  Until then, I'll just keep complaining =]