Friday, May 29, 2020

The Immigration Process, my wife is a Costa Rican citizen


5/28/20 22:11

My wife and I have been using ZOOM at night.  We start with WhatsApp, and soon switch to Zoom.  It gives us the ability to work and see one another.  The last time we were together was on March 7.  Covid was starting to take hold in different parts of the world.  I wore a mask at the airport in Mexico City, and yet it seemed the virus was a distant threat.  The same attitude some world leaders regrettably took.  I have permission to work in Mexico City, to be with my wife, but the hospitals in Mexico are not prepared for this crisis.  It may not be a good time to travel there.   Do I want to risk it? There are travel restrictions, essential personal is allowed entry, not tourists.  After checking more details on-line, the restrictions are meant to curtail land entry, but not air.  Maybe in a couple of weeks?  I’ll talk with Meli about this tonight.
The visa process has been on-hold.  Due in part to the government agencies had been closed. 
But honestly, it has been difficult to dedicate time to this process.  One factor may be the way we have led our long distant relationship for these past two years. Things are not that different, although we are married.  It’s the same.  Each day, we wait; it’s another day longer in the process.  It’s that simple. 
Last night, Meli and I discussed structuring our time more effectively.  Which includes making time for the visa process.
Taking action has been my theme for the last few weeks.  Whatever action that may include, family, work, visa, exercise, program, meditation.  I need to take the time.  If I take the time and accomplish my tasks, I will meet my goals.  Sounds simple. 
So, how about it?  I am going to keep a record of what we need to do to accomplish this.  The first task has been completed, contacting Catholic Charities in Allentown who are assisting in the process, check.  Completed.  They asked if I obtained the necessary documents. No check there.  Not yet.  So we are back to square one.
Order my birth certificate from the town, which I was told is easy enough.  I will do this today.
Order proof of my divorce, I tried to go through Suffolk Country offices web site, but the offices were closed and there was not a link to process this request.  In the past, I needed to go to office in Riverhead, which is at the end of Long Island.  I needed the same official paperwork to get married in Costa Rica, and last November I drove out to the offices. I obtained and submitted – all originals to the lawyer who conducted our civil ceremony, my paperwork – our paperwork is stored in a government office in Costa Rica.  I am not getting them back.
Take a passport photo with a blue background?  I will double check on the blue.  I will take care of it this weekend at the local CVS. 
Both my wife and I have been busy at work and we are blessed to have our jobs.  We are both hard workers and now with this blog entry, it will serve as a record keeper, I will record our progress.  And this includes the effects of the Covid-19 virus.

Thank you for reading this.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Blue skies, snow flakes in May


5/9/20 16:39 Bethlehem, PA

The loneliness is kicking in.  I can give into and feel the misery or I can make healthy choices.  What can I do at this moment instead of self-pity and stirring the pot of fear? Exercise, clean the house, make a healthy meal.  Write for my blog.  Foe the past few weeks, Meli and I have been watching movies, at least one night of the week on Netflix and Amazon Prime.  I am grateful for these moments with mi esposa, since we are not sure when we will get together.  My heart is going out to the families who are on-line for food, who are unemployed, suffering and wake up in desperation.  The first responders and those who are heading to work in supermarkets, the essential workers, I am in awe.  The bus drivers and postal workers, those who are in factories, production at our plants.  Those who are working at Sharp, Thank you.  May God bless you and your families.  I’ve noticed the media’s penchant for bad news, the black hole which is thousands and thousands of light years away is getting closer.  A killer wasp that can wipe out the bee population, the untold deaths from Covid-19 to name a few.  There are many times when I feel frightened.  I was looking forward to a sunny Spring day, but it is chilly and even saw snow flurries.  Yes, it is May.  It is not the end of the world.  This will pass and we will come out all of this closer and stronger and perhaps take into consideration all the good in each of us. Even if we are wearing masks and follow lines in supermarkets to keep us aligned.  Find the good.  Patient endurance. 

Some good news?  I am in negotiations with a publisher for the last novel I completed, Bombastic Adventures in the Arizona Desert.  Better news?  I can see the blue sky over Bethlehem.  Focus on gratitude and let it blossom, like the leaves.

Thank you for reading this.

London Calling

  January 28, 2024 Flying to London tonight for our sales meeting.   First time traveling out of the country for the job.   First time in ...