Frustrations of a Yank (down under)

Hello all.  I haven't blogged much on life as an expat in a while.  I have shared my previous yank blogs and have some new readers.  So for those new readers, hello *waves*.  For those who have stuck around for all my randomness and nonsense, well, *waves* hello to you too.  :)  Can't exclude people from virtual waves, can I?  How on EARTH would I sleep at night? hehe.

So, I've had some new experiences as an expat...... I've blogged about it recently just in general, but not in the expat view.  I have recently been hospitalised and been in the hands of doctors, specialists, radiologists, etc.  Now, before you get all stressed, it's nothing serious.  Burst ovarian cyst that put me in the hospital, left me in pain for almost two weeks, I've now had two ultrasounds, seen the doctor numerous times, been on pain meds, etc.

The first "annoyance" I had was the "Can I see your medicare card?"  Now let me explain this to those who aren't familiar with the Australian healthcare system, there is a government healthcare scheme here and you get a Medicare card.  It's not just for 65 years and up.  I am now "eligible" because of our partner visa but going through the ropes.  For my health cover, I pay a lot of money every month for what is known as private health cover.  It's required under my working visa that I have this, and as a nurse, I won't get caught without insurance!  Throughout all of the health stuff, I have been asked a bazillion times to show my Medicare card.  "I don't have Medicare, I have private cover".... once I say that, that SHOULD be the end of the conversation... right?  Ohhhh.  I wish.

 "Can I see your Medicare card?"
"I don't have Medicare.  I have <insert name of my health cover>"
"You don't have Medicare??" 
*pretty sure I said it quite clearly*.  "No."
"umm.... okaaaaaaaaaaaaay.... um, well you have to pay today."
"Yup, I always do.  No problem"

"Can I see your Medicare card?"
"I don't have Medicare.  I have <insert name of my health cover>"
"You don't have Medicare??" 
*pretty sure I said it quite clearly*.  "No."
"Um.. everyone has Medicare..."
*crickets*   "Nope, not on a 457"

 "Can I see your Medicare card?"
"I don't have Medicare.  I have <insert name of my health cover>"
"You don't have Medicare??" 
*pretty sure I said it quite clearly*.  "No."
"ummm...let me ask what I need to do....cause you should have Medicare.."

SERIOUSLY????  ARRGGGHHHHHHH!!

Everyone turns into a bloody Medicare EXPERT all of a sudden.  A while back I had someone try to tell me the "rules" on a 457.  They were a checkout person at the chemist.  Yes, because I'm sure you know ALL about a 457, when you are a born and raised Aussie, working checkout at the chemist (aka the Pharmacy in yank-land).

Today I ventured out to the shopping centre.  After being home for nearly two weeks, I needed to get out of the house.  And for the first time, I actually felt up to leaving the couch/bed.  Which is a huge thing as I haven't felt up to leaving either unless it's to go to the other.  One thing I have missed since moving here is my old pillow.  Stupid, I know.  I loved my pillow and haven't broke down and purchased a good pillow since moving here.  Cheap Target ones that after a week have lost form, yes.  So, today I passed a store having a end of financial year sale.  I wander in.  Find a pillow sooo similar to what I had and spot on what I want.  I proceed to the check out.  The lady was probably mid 50's and very nice.  Asked me if I wanted to try it out before I purchase, because its non refundable.  Fantastic.  Customer Service?  In Australia?  It's rare, but I was quite happy.  "That'd be great".  Once we start chatting, I knew the question that would soon come out of her mouth "So, where are you from?"  "America"  "hmm.. you don't sound American, you must be from the North?"  "I'm from Kentucky"  "That's North, right?"  "Nope.  We are South"  "No, you don't sound it" (ummm.. is this a conversation, or an argument?)  So I change the subject, and ask about the product I am interested in..... however, she changes it back... "so, how long have you been here?"  "Almost two years"  "What brought you here?"  "My fiance is from Perth"  "Well why didn't he move to America?"  (am I being questioned for something here?) "The economy isn't good and as a nurse it's easier for me to get work than him in America".  "Oh...."  *long pause*.  "But.. dont' you miss your folks?  I could NEVER abandon my parents like that *said with quite a rude tone*........"

Wait.  What?  You have GOT to be kidding me right?  You don't know me, my situation, but now you are basically telling me I am a bad daughter?  Of course I miss my parents!  I miss my family, my friends, and a lot of things from "home".  Moving doesn't mean you don't miss people or things.

Perhaps I'm just over reading but it really bugged me.  Moving to another country requires a lot of work to adjust to a new lifestyle, and a lot of time to adjust to the things you no longer have - such as easy access to family and friends.

I have recently discovered more FB pages of Americans in Perth.  It's really great.  I enjoy reading of other people's experiences.  I also like to pass along warm words to those having trouble (the "newbies") and to share tips and hints to other yanks (like how to make cornbread without cornmeal.).

So, this isn't an overly exciting yank blog entry.  I keep telling ya'll there isn't much interesting going on here, and you keep coming back.  You are your own worst enemy ya know! haha :)

Love, Peace, and Hair Grease.