I'm coming up on two months in my new home. It's strange--I feel completely comfortable in my new life, as if I've been here for years, not weeks. I have absolutely no transition anxiety. When you consider that I once went from an LDS mission to student housing and college classes far from home in only five days with no problems, I guess it shouldn't be that unexpected.
So how is my life different? Now, I wake up in the morning with the comforting feeling that I have several hours to get things done before anyone else is up, because of the time difference between the US and Europe. It's like I'm getting all the perks of getting up at 4 am to get work done, but without actually having to get up until 10 am.
I'm also enjoying a much simpler life, with less multitasking. Here's a simple example: we no longer have a doggie door, so we have to take Pocak out every four hours or so. And since I no longer have an iPhone, I can't check my email or do other stuff online when I'm out of wifi range. And there's no one expecting me to call, even if I had the international minutes to do so. So now, when I walk the dog, that's all I'm doing--walking the dog!
Learning Romanian is going okay, but slower than I had hoped. Most of the time, I have people around who speak English or Hungarian, so I'm not forced to communicate the way I was in Hungary. Also, my comprehension is way ahead of my actual speaking vocabulary, because of all the Latin-based words and borrowed Hungarian, so it's too easy to nod my head and just say yes or no, rather than fight my way through a real conversation. I'm aware that these are just excuses for being lazy, but they are also real obstacles right now.
And my immigration status? Won't be a problem. It turns out the easiest way to establish residence is by opening an LLC and getting a permanent visa as a business owner. No proof of income required, just the LLC documentation. We're almost halfway there already--our business will be "up and running" within a week or two, and I have until August to submit my visa paperwork. Piece of cake, especially now that we have a decent lawyer on our side who needs English lessons and website help!
Does Hungary have LLCs? Are the rules similar?
ReplyDeleteWill you need help with your 2011 US tax return? :)
You've accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, Julie, I had no idea you were going to Romania. At first, I thought this was some kind of fictional digression, but I assume it's real? How tremendously courageous of you! Are you setting up an accounting business? tax business? Anxious to know the details.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th!
Every country has some version of an LLC. In Romania, it's an "SRL." The tax rules are similar to C-Corps in the US. I don't expect it to make any money, so it shouldn't affect my US tax return much. :) The main purpose of the business will be just to ensure my ability to stay here, and the secondary purpose will be use it to funnel local earnings through, if we even have any.
ReplyDelete