Frustrations.

Yesterday I got a little frustrated with a couple of things to do with moving here. At times it just feels like different governmental departments don't speak with each other. And there are no clear guidelines about how everything is connected. 

Before I arrived in America I had to pay an immigration fee. On the day I arrived this then automatically triggered a system whereby my green card gets posted out to me. The limited paperwork I got about this (via email) gave the impression that this took 2-3 weeks. When I called yesterday to ask some questions I was told that it takes up to 45 days for the card to arrive. No worries, the green card is not that important. When I asked about my social security card I was told that I need to talk to a different department and apply for it separately.

That's when I felt really frustrated. You can't do anything in this country without a social security number. You need it to open a bank account, to apply for work, to get your licence, pretty much to do anything. So when I was told I need to apply for that separately it was kind of annoying as I could have done it weeks ago!

So today I went into the social security office. Filled out a one page (very brief) form. Spoke to an official at the office and then it was done. My social security number will be allocated and a card will be posted out in the mail in about 2 weeks. That was the best part of the day today - what a relief. 

I am really looking forward to finding a part time job and working over here. Now I just need to work out what I want to do. I think it will be easy to find something part time. Seems like everyone is hiring for the holidays.