Last night was spent in a frenzy of faxes and phone calls to try to get more info to the visa department. I am exhausted, on edge, and I think I have no stomach liner left. I took some of Kat's advice, though-had my hair in a ponytail, danced around the living room singing (including dancing on the coffee table-a forbidden when you're a kid, but when you're a grown-up? Fuck it-I own that coffee table), had a big hot chocolate (sans the whipped cream) and watched a little Kiefer Sutherland.
And sometimes, just on rare occasions lately, you can find me not stressed and depressed. I can be found in a gentle and relaxed state, a state that one ex-boyfriend called: The only state in which Helen looks innocent.
Dick.
And when I am in this state, my stress levels are down, my breathing is calm and regular, and no way in hell does a delicate flower like me snore.
And I am going to be in said bed, with a good book, my cats, and a happy, happy smile.
My visa has been approved.
-H.
PS-35 comments from 3000 now.
PPS-with deep gratitude to Larry Conley, who got me a laugh through the afternoon yesterday. Thank you so much.
Oh man, that rocks. Congrats, Helen.
Posted by: Almost Lucid (Brad) at February 26, 2004 06:18 PMP.S. You are so hot. MMMMMMMMMMbed room photos!!!
congrats!!! big time!!
Posted by: Donna at February 26, 2004 02:55 AMThe low rumble you can hear coming in over the Baltic Sea is that huge weight falling off my shoulders.
My coworkers look quizzically at my ever growing grin.
YAHOOO!! YOU GO, GIRL!
Posted by: Gudy at February 25, 2004 11:16 AMHOORAY!!!
Congrats Helen! That is super exciting! I'm sooooo very very very happy for you!!!
Posted by: Laura at February 25, 2004 07:11 AMIt's ok Simon-I am always out of luck in winning points contests, etc, since I am usually blogging in the middle of the US night, too :)
Posted by: Helen at February 25, 2004 07:11 AMSmall point of order here, but Pylorns clearly cheated to hit the magical 3000th comment. Yes, it's sour grapes damnit, but when I'm in Hong Kong and most of the comments are in Europe or USA, it's just not fair.
Posted by: Simon at February 25, 2004 06:22 AMwoohoo!!!! yaaaaYY!!
I'm so pleased for you. and that bed! it's gorgeous!!
Posted by: melanie at February 25, 2004 04:40 AMSo glad you finally got some good news for a change. I hope this makes you much closer to starting the job. Congrats.
Posted by: cyberangel at February 25, 2004 02:46 AMHURRAY HURRAY HURRAY!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: angel at February 25, 2004 01:41 AMOh, honey, I'm soooo happy for you!
Posted by: Courtney at February 25, 2004 01:34 AMSWEET!! This is something I'm sure we've all been waiting for :-)
Posted by: Brandy at February 25, 2004 12:35 AMCongratulations, Blighty welcomes you with open arms.
I look forward to reading your perspective on my wonderful country ;-)
Posted by: sasoozie at February 24, 2004 11:13 PMCongratulations!!!
Posted by: Del at February 24, 2004 10:42 PMGREAT news!!!!!
Posted by: brj at February 24, 2004 09:57 PMHelen... wonderful... jammies... teriffic!
Posted by: zeno at February 24, 2004 07:36 PMThat is FREAKIN AWESOME! I am so happy for you. Sweet dreams...
Posted by: Marie at February 24, 2004 07:35 PMWOO! Fantastic news, kid! I'm seriously in lust with your bed too - sooo commmmfy!
Have a fantastic day...get drunk twice!
Posted by: tami at February 24, 2004 07:35 PMcongrats! and good luck!
Posted by: athena at February 24, 2004 07:32 PMOkay, I have just done a celebratory jig on my own coffee table in your honor. Consider it official! All the best with the search for the perfect apartment to go with the perfect job.
Posted by: Oda Mae at February 24, 2004 07:29 PMI am soooo happy for you! It couldn't have happened to a better person. :)
And that is one fabulous cat!
Posted by: Jennifer at February 24, 2004 07:20 PMYES! What a great day!
From the first sentence I thought "Ok, finally kick starting the visa department's er..clock for the next five weeks" And if you hadn't made it bold I would have continued contemplating delicate flowers and their fascination with Kiefer Sutherland:-)
And Annie you picked the perfect dance!
Posted by: Roger at February 24, 2004 07:13 PMYou did it, darling girl! Whoot and good on you and all that.
No more drinking your lunch, 'kay?
Seriously, that is fantabulous and you deserve it. Work your hiney off and I hope you love the new job.
Yahoo!
Posted by: Kaetchen at February 24, 2004 07:11 PMVery good!!!
Posted by: drew at February 24, 2004 06:58 PMRock n' Roll!
Did you get a MasterCard too??? Laugh tomorrow.
Congrads man, that's XLNT!!
Posted by: Curator at February 24, 2004 06:56 PMMy faith that you would triumph never waivered.
Posted by: Guinness at February 24, 2004 06:40 PMHOORAY! :-)
Posted by: Natalie at February 24, 2004 06:17 PM
God is good...all the time. Yay for you.
Congrats Helen.
Posted by: zenwanderer at February 24, 2004 06:13 PMTHIS IS FABULOUS NEWS!!!! I so hpe when my husband and I go to London in September we can have a celebratory drink!!! YYYYAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOO
Posted by: jennifer at February 24, 2004 05:41 PMOutstanding!! I presume you've called Dream Job and let them know. What did they say? When do you start?
Don't leave us hanging. Inquiring minds want to know :)
Posted by: Solomon at February 24, 2004 05:28 PMAAAAAAAA!!! See, good God I'm so excited for you right now, I think my coworkers think I'm nuts because I just screamed a little when I read that!WooHoo! Go Helen, it's ya birthday!
Posted by: Rebecca at February 24, 2004 05:20 PMCongratulations to you! whew! Very sweet pic by the way.
Posted by: Cheryl at February 24, 2004 05:17 PMOh Helen, that's fantastic! I was so hoping you'd get that little bit of luck you needed!
Posted by: ilyka at February 24, 2004 04:56 PMCongratulations Helen! Yay!
Posted by: Sue at February 24, 2004 04:53 PMPhew... finally eh? Congrats Helen - much deserved!
Posted by: KJB at February 24, 2004 04:42 PMWoohoo! Congratulations, Helen! That must be a huge weight removed from your shoulders.
Get some rest, lady. You deserve it.
Posted by: dave at February 24, 2004 04:23 PMMy husband just caught me doing the Snoopy dance when I read your news. Ya, he thinks I am crazy but I am so happy for you!
Posted by: Annie at February 24, 2004 04:17 PMWay to go, little flame! I wish you a long and happy future in London - YOU DESERVE IT!!
Now schooch over! We all want a group hug!
Posted by: Paul at February 24, 2004 04:11 PMI don't know why you were so stressed... I get approved for Visas all the time.
.
.
.
And Master Card, and American Express... oh don't forget Discover...
hehehe.... WOOT!
;-)
Posted by: Mike the Marine at February 24, 2004 04:09 PMI was just reading along, thinking what a cute kitty. Not expecting to read the exciting news that I did, my breath caught and a sigh of relief escaped my lips.
Congrats chickie, that is wonderful news!
Posted by: Kandy at February 24, 2004 04:07 PMHelen,
I'm so happy for you! Dream Job is now yours. That necklace? One step closer, baby! Congratulations. It's the news I've been waiting to hear ever since the "I lost my job" revelation way back when.
Look out London, here comes Everyday Stranger, and all of her Everyday Readers!
Posted by: Jiminy at February 24, 2004 03:54 PMWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Yay visa!!!!!
And holy crapoli, I want to curl up behind you. (And your kitty cat looks like s/he's protecting you. Rawr.)
Posted by: Sarah at February 24, 2004 03:53 PMGreat!!! Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Ash at February 24, 2004 03:51 PMAnd...ladies and gentlemen, bloggers and non-bloggers-the 3000th comment belongs to our very own Pylorns!
1000th-Drew.
2000th-Solomon
3000th-Pylorns.
Wonder who the 4000th will be :)
Posted by: Helen at February 24, 2004 03:44 PMYAY!!! *sigh of relief* That's truly awesome!
And I'm glad you were able to take some of my advice. i bet you looked especially cute dancing in pony tails. ;-)
Posted by: kat at February 24, 2004 03:39 PMHow wonderful! Congratulations Helen! {{{hugs}}}
Posted by: Kate at February 24, 2004 03:26 PMcongrat's on the Visa.
Now, leave that white waste land and start your dream job in the UK!
Posted by: jim at February 24, 2004 03:23 PMmine mine mine.
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:22 PMBAMN!!!
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:21 PMand...
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:21 PMjust... a ... few... more...
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:21 PMalmost there...
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:20 PMCongrats Helen-- It's good to see things going your way. And your kitty is cute...
Posted by: Ben at February 24, 2004 03:20 PMCloser....
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:20 PM6 more comments
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:18 PMThat's wonderful, wonderful news!!! So, you get your dream job!!
Posted by: emily at February 24, 2004 03:18 PMI've never been to london.
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:18 PMSo with your visa, you are moving to London now eh?
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:17 PM10 comments left...
Posted by: pylorns at February 24, 2004 03:15 PMH~
I'm happy for you sweetie. I wish I could say more but, I'm off to a meeting. I just wanted to say happy happy joy joy.
Posted by: Tiffani at February 24, 2004 03:06 PMHURRAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to fuckin' go! Now, I can't wait for your new adventure to start...I am so happy for you, Helen!
Posted by: Rob at February 24, 2004 02:55 PMYay!
The news about your visa has brightened up an otherwise miserable day. I'm relieved and delighted that the decision's gone well for you - you deserve it.
And Yay for eating half a sandwich too! Now get back to that bottle of wine ;)
Posted by: Gareth at February 24, 2004 02:55 PMCongrats!
When life goes to shit, you just need to bid your time until all the pieces start falling into place again. I'm happy your crucial piece has fallen so perfectly into place.
Posted by: Amynah at February 24, 2004 02:49 PMFantastic news. Utterly worthy of the official Munuvian cheer
YAY!!!!
A'right!!!
WAY TO GO, HELEN !!!
Now, get yourself some stunning shoes, and a kick-ass outfit to shake off the last of the "funk" that you've been in ... (as soon as you catch up on 'good sleep') -- and pet the ghatti for me, eh?
I am so relieved for you -- I know you've been on edge -- hell, everyone here who reads and cares about you knows that you've been on edge. Take a day to get back in sync, in focus, re-align your wa, get your chi in gear, and then (drum-roll please) --- Ms. Helen Adelaide vs. the World! Watch out, world --
Congrats again -- can't say it enough ...
Ky
Congrats Helen, i'm really happy for you.
Posted by: tommy at February 24, 2004 02:33 PMWOOHOOO! that is so fabulous helen! I'm so pleased for you! and now begins the rest of your life :).
PS love your pussy :)
Posted by: goldie at February 24, 2004 02:33 PMWhat the heck are you people talking about, she can't laze around snoozing, you heard her, she got the visa... GET TO WORK WOMAN! hehe
Now, as someone who takes every twist of fate personally, you realize you got to take credit for the good stuff also =)
Well done Helen
Dane
PS - Moons and Sheep...? dead sexy! hahahaha
Posted by: Dane at February 24, 2004 02:21 PMSuz, you and Best Friend had the same reaction!
And I just had half a sandwich, in fact.
Baby steps, you know :)
Posted by: Helen at February 24, 2004 02:21 PMRelief!!! I am so happy for you. Now go EAT something! I've been so worried about you! I wish you all the best in life.
Much love and many smiles.
Posted by: Suz~ at February 24, 2004 02:06 PMThanks you guys! It's almost 2 pm, and I'm feeling tipsy already :)
Posted by: Helen at February 24, 2004 01:58 PMCongratulations! You deserved it. That bed looks comfy!
Posted by: plumpernickel at February 24, 2004 01:53 PMCongrats! It's nice to see good things happen to good people. :)
Posted by: Erin at February 24, 2004 01:53 PMI'm keeping the good thoughts aimed at'cha, but this is one big hurdle cleared. Yay!
Posted by: Ted at February 24, 2004 01:49 PMCongratulations, sweetheart! What a huuuuge relief, huh?
And what a beautiful cat lounging with you! Those eyes are stunning. Awww. Can't. Resist. Cuteness.
Posted by: margi at February 24, 2004 01:41 PMHow in the world did I miss that about your visa? I must have been lost in the comfort of the picture.
That's so awesome, Helen. Huge congrats!
Posted by: Heather at February 24, 2004 01:36 PMGO HELEN!!! Great news, but why do you sound a bit sad? My imagination? Love, Miguel.
p. s. - and that bed... one pillow to many...? ;).
YAY!!! Congratulations! Oooh I am so pleased to hear that Helen, you deserve this! enjoy :)
Posted by: nisi at February 24, 2004 01:00 PMYAY!!!!!! I am so relieved. I think I have been holding my breath. Shew......And, wow, that bed looks comfy!!!
Posted by: Mitzi at February 24, 2004 12:38 PMWooohooo...doin a happy dance for you! Congrats on the visa, and enjoy that comfy bed and your book. You deserve it! : O)
Posted by: JaxVenus at February 24, 2004 12:30 PMLike there was any doubt that it would come through....it's obvious they could see the same talent everyone who reads this blog sees and the official did the only thing they could.
It's fantastic news that requires immediate celebration. I'm buying the first round.
So what happens now?
Fuckin' A right on! Wooooooooo! You rock!
That is soooooooo sweet! I'm so happy for you, Helen (in case you couldn't tell). Although we're going to need to find somebody else to train the puppy and do the cooking, this is definitely for the best.
And boy is that one comfy looking sleeper. The bed's not bad either.
Posted by: Jim at February 24, 2004 12:12 PMHmm.. it's 4:20am where I am, i'm on the last leg of a long night shift, i'm weary, my brain is mush and i'm exhausted. Then, I see this picture of you, sleeping so peacefully in what looks like a very comfortable bed.
Thanks :P
Cute kitty, too :)
--Heather
P.S. Don't waste your time checking my blog, i haven't updated since last time - no time...
Posted by: Heather at February 24, 2004 11:23 AM