go aussie go!

I am feeling very nationalistic today.

We went in to the Embassy to apply for K's Aussie citizenship. I have attempted to do this since she was about 4months old, when we took the first lot of photos, but have had several hiccups along the way, mainly trying to find someone to endorse the photos of her (to say it is really her) and sign the application form, again to say (wow, we just had an earthquake, R still seems a bit shocked. It hasnt come up on tv yet, but. there it is, I think it was a "3". The glass doors were rattling, no damage or things falling tho, thank goodness)
where was I? right, so we needed someone to sign the application form as well to say that it really is little K. It needs to be someone who is in a certain profession (such as lawyer, doctor, teacher, nurse, policeman etc) and must have known K since birth. I had several failed attempts to get friends in such occupations to sign - I usually asked them, then forgot to get the documents to them or whatever. Well, finally on Tuesday I got nurse friend to sign away. The photos were taken about 2 months ago when we went to Embassy to confirm what docs were needed, and get the specific photos for the Aussie application forms from the tiny little camera shop down the road from the embassy (Aussie passport photos are very strict about the size of your head in the shot - you look like a giant head in your passport).

So finally thought I had everything under control, stat decs from both J and I to declare that K's name was to be spelt the English way, as opposed to the Japanese way on her birth certificate. As I was completing the application form last night, I realised though that I got nurse friend to sign the OLD application form - it was updated a few months ago apparently. I had a new copy from when I went to the Embassy AAAGGGGHHHH. I was *so* sure they were gonna tell me that no I needed the new application form signed,so would have to start all over again, but they were very nice and said, sure, no problem! Love being an Aussie!!!!

So we went in on the train, about 35mins, so not too bad, and only 1 change of trains. K was an angel on the train going in there, and an angel in the Embassy - we were only there for about 10mins max as we handed the docs over and they took some copies of our passports etc. The we came straight home again. By this time K was hot and getting tired (sick and tired most likely of being strapped to the pram the whole time) so on the train I let her get out and play on the seat with me, then we put her shoes on to walk when we changed trains. The last train ride about 6mins she was not a happy chappy, and screamed nearly all the way home from the train station, and at home she was still upset until she finally fell asleep - she is recuperating in bed now. I know it was a long morning for her, so I guess she did pretty well.

Now, when her citizenship comes through, we have to do it all again and go back to the embassy to apply for her passport!! At least I have all the documents ready.

The Olympics start today - they sort of crept up on me. I will of course be barracking for the Aussies, "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, oi, oi" and "Come on Aussie, c'mon, c'mon, Come on Aussie c'mon" and all that. If I get to see any of their events on TV here in Japan though it will be a miracle! And "ganbare" Japan too!