March 17, 2014

Finally Legal

Its official I am finally a legal person living in Iceland!

After 5 months of paperwork, multiple trips to the immigration office and more than a few stressful moments my resident permit has finally arrived. For all my fellow expats out there you know what goes into getting that simple card and the pure joy when you finally receive it! I am so thankful that process is over with.

As soon as I received that precious card in the mail Friday morning the theme of the weekend was lets celebrate! Okay maybe that was my own personal theme but it felt like everyone was joining in with my plan and I had one fun filled weekend starting on Friday morning at work.

On Friday mornings our office has a breakfast club with some simple snacks and coffee. This past Friday though they went all out to start the celebration early for our annual ball on Saturday. They had a full waffle buffet, live band, and mimosas. Yes mimosas at 9 am at work, my mind was blown! When they ended the breakfast with “Happy” everyone was up dancing to the song and all I could think was this would not happen in America.

The celebration continue on Saturday when H and I attended the annual ball for my work. Our work ball started with a pre-pre party while we waited for our bus to take us to the pre-party. Yes you read that right we attended two pre parties Saturday night, they go all out here for their work balls. It was such a fun night filled with delicious foods and wine, face masks, belly dancers and lots of dancing and laughing.

I had a blast at my first work ball and it was a great night out with H and my co-workers. Iceland really knows how to treat their employees and I feel so lucky to get to be apart of it. Hopefully I will be back there next year enjoying another fun night, fingers crossed!

After all that fun this weekend I have a serious case of the Monday’s. Oh well, at least I don’t have to worry about my visa situation anymore so bring on the week! Happy St.Patrick’s Day everybody! I am going to miss my moms corn beef and cabbage tonight so everyone have some for me!

Question of the Day?
Does your work have annual balls or parties?

posted by Kiki 76 Comments
Filed Under: Iceland, Weekend Tagged: Annual Ball, Iceland work life

http://sophieinclogs.com Sophie

Congratulations!! So much grief we all go through for such small little cards, but the relief/elation when we’re finally legal is fantastic.
Also, MAN can those Icelanders (Icelandics?) party! The picture of everyone with their chair above their head … hilarious!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much! I know right, those small cards sure cause a lot of stress.
  
  Haha yes, at the ball each table had a different country they were representing and when your song came on you had to stand up and do a dance. This was the dance that this country choice, I have no idea what country they were representing but it was hilarious every time.
http://www.adeecodedlife.com/ Dee

Yay, congrats! That is awesome news!
Yes we do have annual dances at work as well.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much Dee! It sounds like you work at a great place as well, those work dances are so fun:)
http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda

Congratulations! That’s great news!!!! x
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much Amanda! xo
http://luyoutravel.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Georgian

Congratulations on getting your resident permit! Such an exciting day when all of the paperwork finally goes through
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, such a relief to know that I don’t have to worry about that anymore.
http://www.hockeywifehockeylife.com/ Samantha Angell

Congratulations- so nice to have an additional excuse to celebrate! Not that you ever need a reason, but its always nice to have an extra one!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, always nice to have an additional reason to celebrate. Thanks Samantha!
http://esthernovich.blogspot.com.es/ esthernovich

Congrats! What a great way to celebrate with multiple pre-parties and then a super ball!
Is there an explanation to the picture with the chairs above everyone´s head? LOL
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much. Right they get crazy with their parties here.
  
  Haha yes, at the ball each table had a different country they were
  representing and when your song came on you had to stand up and do a
  dance. This was the dance that this country chose, I have no idea what
  country they were representing but it was hilarious every time.
http://djseaward.tumblr.com/ Cynthia

Congrats, I definitely know that feeling of relief! Is it difficult to get a visa for Iceland? Is it tied to finding a job that will vouch for you? That’s awesome. On a different note, my mom makes corned beef & cabbage every year and am really missing it too. (Maybe this will be the year I finally learn how to do it myself?)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  My visa is a partner visa so basically since I am with an Icelander it is much easier for me. Before I came over on an au pair visa and that was even more stressful! Right, I probably need to learn how to make it myself, good luck if you attempt your own!
http://tidethatleft.blogspot.co.uk/ Amy @ the tide that left

Whoot, congratulations! That must be a great feeling!

Your work ball sounds amazing. In the UK we don’t tend to have celebrations like that any more because it’s deemed to be inappropriate use of money (boooo!). That said, I worked for the public sector, so it would be. I have a friend who works for a big law firm and they go all out. I did temp for a company once that used to bring me a glass of wine every Friday afternoon to drink at my desk. That was fun!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Amy, it is an awesome feeling!
  
  The first time I got wine at work when I was a intern in Australia I was so shocked, you were not see that in the states!
http://mymutedvoice.com/ Deanna Herrmann

Yay! Congrats! It’s definitely an awesome feeling, but even more so when you have to work so hard for it and it’s a total pain in the arse! And seriously, that party looks amazing!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much Deanna:) They are such a pain but the feeling of relief when you get them is so amazing.
http://www.quaintrelleblog.com/ Setarra

Yay! Congratulations! I’ve had a couple friends go through so much back and forth while applying for their resident visas… I’m glad everything’s workout for you and way to PARTAY! 9am mimosas? Don’t mind if I do haha
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you! Yes the process is so difficult and frustrating with all the back and forth. But 9am mimosas help make things better
http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chic-a-DeeDee

Congrats! I let out a big sigh of relief when I got that little card too! I didn’t know you could get a resident card so quickly for Iceland, I should have started out there!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It helps me since I am with an Icelander. I came once before on an au pair visa and it was so difficult, now I just make H call and things seem to be much easier.
  - http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chic-a-DeeDee
    
    did you have to wait a certain amount of time after you’d been with him? We had to live together for two years, then apply for a partner visa for the uk, then two years after that I could get my residence. It was a loooong and expensive process. Glad things seemed much simpler for you!
    - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
      
      We have been together for almost 4 years so that worked for them. I think it is much stricter in the UK from everything I have heard, basically he had to vouch for me and we had to show housing and financial support. I was all prepared to have to go into separate rooms answer a ton of questions to prove our relationship was real ha. I still have to re-apply every year for the next three years but I don’t think the process is to difficult. Much easier for me to come to Iceland than H to come with me to the states thats for sure!
      - http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chic-a-DeeDee
        
        omg yes, trying to get to America is a nightmare! That’s ok, we can have grand adventures abroad in the mean time
Jessica Shannon

Congrats! I can’t imagine how nerve-wracking waiting for that must be!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Jessica! Ugh they are such a pain to deal with I am so glad to be done with that.
http://www.herandnicole.com/ Rekita | Her&Nicole

Congrats, I was about to say 21? lol! I love that blue necklace btw!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Haha I was wondering if anyone would think that. Thanks so much, and thank you I am a bit obsessed with that blue necklace at the moment.
http://tothedayslikethis.blogspot.co.uk/ Sammy Dorn

Congrats!! Really great news and you must feel relieved
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It is such a relief, thanks Sammy!
http://www.diariesofanessexgirl.com/ Kate Hall

Congratulations!!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you Kate!
http://montgomeryfest.com/ Annie Montgomery

woohoo! big day! that is such a great feeling to have all that paperwork and waiting behind you! I’m crazy impressed the work balls you two get to attend!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It really is such a great feeling when all the paperwork is done! I am still impressed with the work balls we get to go to as well!
http://www.brasshoney.blogspot.com/ Shannon Kerns

Seriously, Iceland knows how to party. What I wouldn’t give for a waffle bar and mimosa this morning. The sheer thought will help me make it through the day! Happy Saint Patty’s and congrats on getting your resident permit. XO
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Iceland definitely knows how to party! I was thinking the same thing, I think we need to start mimosa Monday’s at work! Thanks so much Shannon, Happy St. Patty’s day to you as well:)
http://heleneinbetween.com/ Helene

well this looks like a blast! and congrats on being legal!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Helene! So glad I am no longer an illegal in this country!
http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/ Sara Rose

CONGRATS!!!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you Sara!
http://www.bakerstellstories.com Erica Baker

Congrats on being official!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank yo Erica, I am so glad that visa process is over with.
notbeforemytea

WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good job, you’re going to make an excellent legal Icelander. And anywhere where they have waffle buffets isn’t a bad place to be legal.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Bowchickawowow I am finally legal! Thanks so much Nicole!
http://www.erikafromamerica.com/ Erika

Congrats on being an official resident! And mimosas at work? Wow! That sounds like so much fun (as did the ball). Having fun at work is the best!!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, having fun at work always feels extra special!
http://www.notentirelyperfect.com/ Stephanie

So exciting!! Congratulations!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you Stephanie:)
http://agirlandhertravels.com/ Polly

A. Congratulations and B. I want to work there!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Polly! And I know right, I am loving the Icelandic work environment.
http://ourinvinciblesummer.blogspot.com/ Robyn Black

such a fun party!!! my work doesn’t do anything like that!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I have never experienced anything like it at work either and all my co-workers are just shocked they are so used to it here.
http://www.lifeinprogress.ca/ Kathy@Vodka and Soda

yay! congrats on finally being legal. looks like a huge blast at your work party. my work party is only for full timers. i’m a consultant and they want nothing to do with us LOL
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Kathy! Such a relief to be legal finally. Boo! Sounds like you consultants need your own party!
http://Girl-Meets-Globe.com/ Tina @ Girl-Meets-Globe

Annual ball, how fun!! Congrats on the visa! So how long is your visa good for?
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Tina! I have to renew it every year but for the most part it is quite easy, just have to show I have housing and financial support and I don’t have to leave the country for it. I am glad the hard part is over with!
http://bitsofdays.com/ Zia @ Bits of Days

Congratulations! I can imagine how relieving it is! But why did it take so long though? Maybe my situation was different but when I applied for residence permit with my status as a student it took less than a month if I remember correctly. Is it because you applied for permanent residence permit?
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Wow less than a month thats amazing! Mine was a bit longer because I had to get documents from the US government which of course was when they had the government shut down. But the normal processing time here in Iceland is 3 months so its a long wait thats for sure.
http://voyageofthemeemee.com/ Amanda MeeMee

CONGRATS!!!! That ball looks like a blast… and you looked gorgeous!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much Amanda! The ball was such a blast, I think we should have one once a month;)
http://letuswanderlust.blogspot.com/ Carly @ Let Us Wanderlust

Congratulations on getting your permit!! Yay!! So exciting for you sounds like you had reason to celebrate and it looks like you had a great weekend! I actually love attending work balls/functions - I really like the people I work with so socialising outside of the work place is fun for me!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Yay thanks so much Carly! I think it is so nice enjoying the people you work with, makes going to work everyday so much better!
http://www.amyandthegreatworld.com/ AmyMacWorld

Congratulations on becoming “legal!” Your work looks fabulous…I mean, an annual work BALL? Amazing!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much! I know right, the work life here in Iceland is so different than what I am used to!
http://southernbelle23.blogspot.com/ Whitney @ EHFAR

Congrats girl!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much Whitney!
http://treasuretromp.com/ Nicole @ Treasure Tromp

ya yay yay! congratulations!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Yaaa! Thanks Nicole, I was so happy when it arrived in the mail:)
http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

You are so cute! Love your hair curled. Congrats!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much!
http://ifsandsandbutts.com/ Alex

Gosh visas are jsut the greatest feeling in the world! That ball looks like an absolute blast, too!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Getting that little card in the mail really is just the best feeling!
Louise Elisabeth

Congratulations!

xx
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much!
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