Kinda Big News, Ok- HUGE... | June 11, 2015
So, about a month ago Mark and I, along with our dog Sukie, packed up all our belongings and moved to California!
Yep.
Cos, you know, we hadn't done anything CRAZY recently and needed to fill out quota.
The whole process started about 7 months ago and it's been one giganormous rollercoaster ride ever since. The short of it is this: Mark was offered a job at Google in San Francisco!!
GOOGLE!!!
So, we left our extremely comfortable, happy and, let's face it, SPOILED ROTTEN existence in our hometown Melbourne, Australia and hi-tailed it all the way to the USA. The Bay Area is no joke. Property and rent prices are sky high as masses of people trying to squeeze into an already high density, tech-frenzied, fast-paced town. NOTHING here is easy. But when Google calls, you come running!! And we did.
To say that this whole process has been a challenge is the understatement of the millenium. We've been through every headache from trying to apply for work VISAs to working out where we're going to be buy our underwear from now on.
But I won't get into all of the craziness now, at least not yet. Let's just say that, despite the monster challenges we continue to face, this is possibly the most exciting adventure we've ever been on and totally worth the blood sweat and tears!
Mark and I have moved into a temporary Airbnb for a couple of months in a very, very cute suburb of SF. We're still exploring, still learning lots and still getting our bearings...
Thankfully, Jordan, of Oh Happy Day, has been an absolute godsend!! She has been so welcoming- showing us around all the awesomeness of SF, inviting us to a dinner party, helping us get settled. That's Jordan in the pic with the gorgeous flowers- I'm sure you recognise her little red Fiat! (Photo taken by Paul Ferney). I simply had to get her a gift for being so awesome (bottom left).
Amazingly our super-anxious rescue pup Sukie has settled in extremely well. She used to be an absolute wreck when it came to any slight change of routine but she has adapted so quickly and easily to this whole new life!! Admittedly, faster than I have!!! She even had to endure a 14 hour flight in air freight and she used to be terrified of confined spaces! She was in a bit of a daze and slightly traumatized after the ordeal, but she recovered quickly! She's LOVING exploring her new backyard in our current rental and dozing in the California sunshine- when it actually bothers to make an appearance, that is. (The pic of her in the grass was perfectly captured by Mark).
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't make a note of just how proud I am of Mark for getting this amazing job at Google. He went through a particularly gruelling interview process and successfully made it to the other side! Even more impressive is that he's been so great at navigating this whole process of moving to an entirely different country- which is no small feat! He's provided us with such a wonderful opportunity and I'm so incredibly grateful!!
We've been living in a constant state of transition for the last 7 months. The continual uncertainty has been a huge challenge for us at times- we don't know what's going to happen next or where we'll be living (our lease runs out in a couple of weeks and we still haven't lined up our next place!!), but at the end of the day, it's all just part of this INSANE adventure. We don't know what the future will bring... but, in some strange way, that's actually part of the fun.
Finally, apologies for being away from this blog for so long. It has been an overwhelming experience and I do have a tendency to retreat when things get too much... I do, however, want to document this whole crazy ride here. So much to tell you....
Hopefully, back with more news soon!
Toodles! :)
Comments
It is quite a change but a good one :)
We also have gone thru the process of relocating from Belgium to USA and it can be quite challenging coming from outside and figuring out the whole Visa, Driving license, Social Security and building credit score! (if you want to buy a car/house or even have a mobile with subscription you will need it)
If I can help anyway sharing our experience let me know,
My advice is if Mark has the opportunity to have Google sponsor his green card. Do that sooner rather than latter. It takes such a long time.. but afterwards no more renewing documents or queuing on immigration every time you enter the country
We made a similar jump in late 2013 - Perth to SF, with two dogs, and are living in Alamo Square now.
ps - Google??? Too cool.
www.polishedpurposefulpretty.com
http://www.audium.org/omhpp.cgi?src=what_is_audium.hpp
Go for Me
Debs
That is an huge move! I went from Melbourne to Singapore 2 years ago - international moves are an enormously steep learning curve. My best wishes for getting settled in and enjoying your new surrounds.
xoxo
Sofi
I hope that you'll love it.
Thank you for this post.
this information. Greatly help me being a newbie.
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Only you and you alone. Can thrill me like you do And fill my heart with love for only you. Only you, only you can make this change in me. For it's true you are my destiny When you hold my hand I understand. The magic that you do You're my dream come true My one and only you.