So… Now we’re in the US and the long E-3 saga is over (until I need to renew anyway) and I’m getting an SSN (although we’re still sorting out Ruth’s EAD work authorisation) I thought I might put down a few thoughts, notes and tips on the whole process. The visa application Read EVERYTHING - even if you’re using a lawyer - and then READ IT AGAIN. Don’t assume your lawyer knows what they are doing - they’ll probably be taking care of your employer’s Department of Labour application and EAD - and your end is largely up to you.

I always think a good presentation is complimented by appropriate diagrams. This diagram from Canllaith displaying her Puppet architecture is a truly excellent example of a diagram.

“That’s an awfully thick accent.” “That’s an interesting/cute/incomprehensible accent. Where are you from?” “We get a lot of English people here.” “Do you know that short English comedian? No … but that guy is English he might.” “Let me guess you’re from England/Scotland/Ireland/New Zealand/South Africa/Denmark?” So Americans are shite at accents. Totally shite. Ask yourself who can’t tell an American accent? Hands up - yes you at the back - okay I’ll grant the exception of occasional Canadian mix-ups.

Rather than you having to wade through the Git documentation the nice people at GitHub have produced a neat reference for Git.

First in a series of “America where things are different” posts. This one brought to you by the letter G. So … in normal countries the bottom floor of any building is called Ground or G. You press that button in a lift and you know when the doors open that you’re going to be at the bottom of the building, press 1 for the 1st Floor, 2 for the 2nd Floor, etc.