Stressful Sunday - Finally it's in the mail

It all began sometime during the first month of 2016.  We both went online searching for all the documents required to apply for residency in Canada and for becoming a US citizen.  Everything was downloaded on a PDF format and we started completing the forms as a draft.  We gathered all the documents required and several times we stumble upon some requirement that would take more work like getting an FBI clearance, tax transcripts or even just getting the correct photos.  Although I am saying we started working on these applications, we would only spend an hour or two and then give up for whatever reason.  In mid April, I finally decided I would complete my forms for the US and not stop until it's all completed.  We could not believe how fast everything was being processed every three weeks I would receive some sort of instructions, complete it and make the long story short, the whole US Citizenship process was a done in five months.  During all this time, Jeff's application was put on hold.  Until last week when I noticed that one of the document might expire and that his photos were not stamped correctly.  This week, we spent at least 4 hours every night getting all the forms finalized ensuring that all the boxes are checked off, etc.  You probably don't know this but when you are sponsoring your spouse to emigrate to Canada, they are asking so many things when it comes to proving your relationship.  Hint, we have known each other for 13 years and have been married for 8 years but we still have to comply.  We scanned a bunch of photos, the letters/cards we exchange for those 7 years, all our airline tickets, boarding pass and stamped on our passports. I went to the post office early on Friday and mail the package. Now it's the waiting game.  Information online seems like it will take 14 months that is if everything is correct and no delays with submitting additional information, medical exams, etc.  But we all know that days go by quickly if you are busy which we are. We can't really do anything with regards to buying house, etc.  One thing we know for sure is the area where we want to move.  Keep all our fingers crossed and hope for the best.  

 

 

Wondering Wednesday - here and beyond

How far do you plan for a special birthday?  Some people like to have parties on their big birthdays (30, 40, 50 and 60) and others would just like to celebrate it with their better half or their siblings or their BFF.  I have done those decade birthdays 30,40,50,60 and even had one called Practice Party for turning 50.  The best one is my 50th because almost all my friends were there as well as my children's friends.  My daughter helped me organize the event and it was such a great time.  Every now and then we still talk about that night. In a couple of years I will be 65, OMG that is old right.  Are you allowed to still have a special party? After my 60th party when we started at 530 pm and guests were gone by 900 pm. LOL, that was the clue.  This is a sign that it's not a good idea to have a party.  My daughter suggested then that I should have it in Toronto because all my friends who like to party can attend. What was I thinking?  So here's my idea and of course it's just an idea.  I would just like to go on a river cruise specifically the VIKING cruise.  My childhood friend is currently on the Great European tour and she'll be giving me a review when she returns.  It was very interesting to find out that because it the one that I picked if we were to go on a Viking cruise. There's still at least 19 months before my big day and who knows where we will be. I told Jeff that after researching this type of cruise, I might have to get a job in the new year so I can save up for it.  He said "do you really to get up early each day to go to work, fight the traffic and get stress from your boss and coworker?".  But check the link and the photos.

 http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/index.html

Truthful Thursday - of becoming a US citizen

Six years ago I left Canada and moved in with my hubby Jeff to live in San Jose and retire.  I had moved to different country, different city, different province or territories but this one is definitely the hardest.  In 1974 I left the Philippines to emigrate to Canada because we want to be with our parents and start our adult life.  The was a move that was a necessity and a very positive and an upgrade on living.  The other types of moves were all about financial, losing a job, finding a job and relocating your whole family.  When it involves children it was difficult as well because you were taking them away from your relatives, their friends, school and the adjustment is much more harder on them.  This last move was definitely the hardest because I was leaving my daughter, my only family.  It was emotionally draining because through her teen years, I have left her while going through my divorce.  Although she is married to a loving and caring man, who is my favorite SIL, her immediate family is me, her father and my son (who passed away).  The two of them are very close and it would have been easier to leave if my son was around because I know he would always be there for his sister.  There are also so many friends that I have made through my 34 years in Canada and I have to say that most of them still continue to stay in touch and reconnect.  Anyway, I am officially an American citizen.  Do I feel any different? It's too early to tell.  Today was a major event in my life and it will take some adjustment.  

The dozen white roses are from my coworkers at the SJPD

After the ceremony, we had lunch at Rock Bottom Bar & Grill.

Aside from my citizenship certificate, I receive all of these.