I can remember the time and day like it happened just a few hours ago.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015. 12:45 PM. There were hazy skies with a slight drizzle. I trudged out to our front-door mailbox just like any other day.

 

 

 

But wait, this wasn’t just like any other day. From the front steps I could see a slightly large brown envelope standing tall in the black mailbox. That was different. My interest was piqued – could THIS be the day?!

 

 

As I pulled the envelope out of the box, the return address stamp showed the Canadian flag and the words Citizenship and Immigration Canada (in both English and Francais). The postal stamp read 77 cents. The letter was addressed to me. I could see a watermark on the inside paper. Eureka! This HAD to be it! I had just spoken to Elaine two minutes earlier and told her I was heading out to fetch the mail. She said call back if anything AMAZING arrived. I knew what she meant.

 

 

 

I came inside and gently sliced open the envelope. Booyah – after eight months of no work and all play, my Open Work Permit (Permis de Travail in Francais) had arrived. Thank You, CIC. I’m now able to work anywhere in Canada for the next two years. Elaine got that special callback (and we celebrated dinner at Fatburger).

 

 

 

There are two conditions:  One, I’m prohibited from attending any educational institution, or taking any academic, professional or vocational training course. Number Two is a doozy, and I quote, “Not valid in businesses related to the sex trade such as strip clubs, massage parlours, or escort services.”

 

 

Darn, there goes my weekends and moonlighting revenue streams!

Two other remarks/observations:  My temporary resident status was maintained. Very good. But this permit does not authorize re-entry (does that mean leaving the country might result in me NOT being allowed to re-enter?). That ain’t right, I paid my dues?!

 

 

We’ll deal with that issue in a few days.

 

For now, I’m hire-able. I can make a living. I can pay Canadian taxes. I can get a Social Insurance Number (SIN). I can get provincial medical coverage and added to Elaine’s extended healthcare benefits. Strike up the band – BC March Madness is underway. I’m employing a full-court press. Let’s hope I have the write stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

Time to change the title line of this blog. I’m no longer waiting.