Visa Applications are like 1984 and Brave New World together

Tonight I'm trying to fill in UK Visa applications for all of us; despite the fact that I am actually exempt, because "DND recommends it." Some of the questions that my 20 month old has to answer (it actually says in the instructions that children are supposed to fill it out on their own):

a. If accompanied, please provide full details of up to two adults who will accompany you, including their passport numbers and your exact relationship to them. (the IF part is my favourite)

b. In times of either war or peace have you ever been involved in, or suspected of involvement in, war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide?

c. Have you engaged in any other activities that might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character? (Only British bureaucracy would ask if you're a mass murderer, then ask if your character could be questioned...)

Finally, there are also instructions that state, "If a section does not refer to your situation you are to enter, 'Please note N/A.'" Because the please is important.

The Challenge of Time Zones

So, because of the time difference between BC and London my support unit's work hours are midnight to 8am our time. This makes things tough since by the time I get to work it seems like everyone in the UK has already gone home for the day.

E-mails are also tough because its like having a conversation where is each person gets to say one thing every 24 hours. plus there's no tone, so every time you get told, "No you can't do that," it seems like the person you're conversing with is being a jerk.

Grrr....

Time to get Started

We received our posting message today:

MALEK, AARON OCCUPATION MS ENG, POSTED ON 23 AUG 2010 TO 3 JAN 2012 TO ORGANIZATION 3214 CFSU(E) DET UK POSN TRGA (ATL) NORTHWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM

Unfortunately, despite having already completed a phone book's worth of paperwork to complete the screening I have even more left to go. Between special passports, house hunting trips, school enrollment, setting up banking and trying to sell our house and car in Victoria I'm about to spend the next 3 months going blind on administration.

Still... I'm sure its going to be worth it.