I am posting early, because Friday afternoon I board a Luftunsa flight connecting through Germany arriving in Dubai late Saturday evening. I come back on July 3rd. This is a business trip, but I am so looking forward to seeing Rodz for the first time in 19 months. Hopefully I will still be able to post on the first....
Looking forward to seeing Vinny, Kelly, Juan, Reem, Joseph, Jethesh, and JR...I have plans to spend time with each one of them, and keep the evenings for Rodz...
keep me in your thoughts and prayers!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
I am Violated in Florida...
Where to start this week...New job? Move to Florida? Rodz's upcoming June 30 interview? My upcoming trip to the UAE? or The story involving the Palm Beach Sheriff's Department, and the deputy that just left my new pad...
I moved into my new 3 bedroom townhouse last Sunday. It is brand new almost 2,000 sq. feet of happiness. I love it! It is in the West Palm Beach area (2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean) 4 miles from Fred and Debbie's new home. It is a waterfront property overlooking a nice lake. Very peaceful. My mom flew down from Virginia to help me unpack. We made a lot of progress this week. By the way, a very weird thing happened this week with my mother. As she and I were dining Thursday and talking about my old Lebanon, Virginia friends. I asked her about Billy Rhea. Billy is about 5 years older than me and used to give me odd jobs to do in the summer while I was in high school (cut grass/paint barn) I think just to help me with money. I have not talked to mom about Billy, or heard anything about him for probably over 20 years. When mom got back home to Lebanon this evening, she called me and said that in the paper she saw that Billy Rhea had passed away this past week and was buried on Thursday, the day I asked about him....eerie to say the least...
Some of you already know that I have begun an export company, that is selling various food service products to the UAE. It has started slowly, but that being said already have two container loads of food on the way to Dubai. I planned on going to Dubai on June 30th to accompany Rodz to her interview with Homeland Security and make some sales calls to help my fledgling business. So today I was looking for my passport so that I could book a flight (it was going to be a surprise for Rodz). I looked through all of my desk stuff and could not find my passport. So, I thought I would look later, and I headed to the furniture store to buy some new furniture for my new abode. I priced out what I wanted, thought I would check my bank account to see exactly what I had available to spend, and was unpleasantly alerted to a mysterious $600 check/withdrawal. It was a forged check that was apparently stolen from my desk by my professional un-packers (check was cashed in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida). I then realized where my passport was (packed in same box)...I called the police, they made a report, but I have to go to the bank Monday morning to close my account and report the forgery. I also have to notify the US Government of my stolen passport (believe it or not my movers were Russians) and see how fast and how much they will charge to get me a new passport. I feel violated....
I was rereading some of my old posts that I had written while I was in Dubai, and discovered that I used to write a pretty good blog....Sorry that I am not as interesting as I used to be. I could write about what a joke our current governments foreign policy is, but I think you would have to live under a bridge with no TV or internet not to already realize that. I could tell you cute Rodz stories, but half of what makes them enjoyable is listening to my imitation of her...lol.
You are probably reading this on Father's Day, if you are Happy Fathers Day! My dad is still going strong at 84 and I can't wait for he and mom to come visit Rodz and I this Thanksgiving...Hopefully, I will have a successful Rodz interview story to pass along on July 1st. See you here, then! RIP- Billy Rhea 1957 - 2014. Sorry I never thanked you properly for the kindness you showed me in my youth....
I moved into my new 3 bedroom townhouse last Sunday. It is brand new almost 2,000 sq. feet of happiness. I love it! It is in the West Palm Beach area (2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean) 4 miles from Fred and Debbie's new home. It is a waterfront property overlooking a nice lake. Very peaceful. My mom flew down from Virginia to help me unpack. We made a lot of progress this week. By the way, a very weird thing happened this week with my mother. As she and I were dining Thursday and talking about my old Lebanon, Virginia friends. I asked her about Billy Rhea. Billy is about 5 years older than me and used to give me odd jobs to do in the summer while I was in high school (cut grass/paint barn) I think just to help me with money. I have not talked to mom about Billy, or heard anything about him for probably over 20 years. When mom got back home to Lebanon this evening, she called me and said that in the paper she saw that Billy Rhea had passed away this past week and was buried on Thursday, the day I asked about him....eerie to say the least...
Some of you already know that I have begun an export company, that is selling various food service products to the UAE. It has started slowly, but that being said already have two container loads of food on the way to Dubai. I planned on going to Dubai on June 30th to accompany Rodz to her interview with Homeland Security and make some sales calls to help my fledgling business. So today I was looking for my passport so that I could book a flight (it was going to be a surprise for Rodz). I looked through all of my desk stuff and could not find my passport. So, I thought I would look later, and I headed to the furniture store to buy some new furniture for my new abode. I priced out what I wanted, thought I would check my bank account to see exactly what I had available to spend, and was unpleasantly alerted to a mysterious $600 check/withdrawal. It was a forged check that was apparently stolen from my desk by my professional un-packers (check was cashed in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida). I then realized where my passport was (packed in same box)...I called the police, they made a report, but I have to go to the bank Monday morning to close my account and report the forgery. I also have to notify the US Government of my stolen passport (believe it or not my movers were Russians) and see how fast and how much they will charge to get me a new passport. I feel violated....
I was rereading some of my old posts that I had written while I was in Dubai, and discovered that I used to write a pretty good blog....Sorry that I am not as interesting as I used to be. I could write about what a joke our current governments foreign policy is, but I think you would have to live under a bridge with no TV or internet not to already realize that. I could tell you cute Rodz stories, but half of what makes them enjoyable is listening to my imitation of her...lol.
You are probably reading this on Father's Day, if you are Happy Fathers Day! My dad is still going strong at 84 and I can't wait for he and mom to come visit Rodz and I this Thanksgiving...Hopefully, I will have a successful Rodz interview story to pass along on July 1st. See you here, then! RIP- Billy Rhea 1957 - 2014. Sorry I never thanked you properly for the kindness you showed me in my youth....
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Goodbye Missouri, Hello Florida!
Sometimes in life you must make bold choices in the hopes of brightening your future. If things go according to your plan, the decision looks easy and wise in retrospect. If your move turns out to be a false step in your life, hopefully you learn from that mistake and avoid repeating it. Often that hardest risk/reward decision is a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity. Well, I have mad that decision, and hopefully I will be blessed as a result.
In my new career, it made sense (at least to me) that I relocate to Florida. If you have to move to an area, why not move close to your best friend. I flew down last week and Fred was there to help me look for a new place to live. We found a beautiful new town house overlooking the water in the Lake Worth/Lantana (West Palm Beach) area. It has everything I was looking for (pictures next blog) and happens to be 5 minutes from Fred and Debbie's new home in Lake Worth. Life is good. This past week and the coming week are all about saying goodbye to my colleagues and customers in Missouri and arranging my 1200 mile move.
I really hate that I am leaving Springfield almost exactly 14 months from my relocation here from Dubai. I will say that it has probably been my favorite city that I have lived in. Deciding to quit my current job and leave the warm comfortable working conditions that Todd has provided was a very tough decision and I probably would not have made it, without the support and blessing of Todd. He has been a true and loyal friend.
I have spent the past week making the tour around the region introducing my customers to their new rep and saying good bye and thanking them for the opportunity. It has been tough, I never like goodbyes. Some of my Springfield coworkers are planning on some goodbye parties/dinners/lunches this week. My moving truck leaves for Florida this Friday. Rodz is excited about the move to Florida, one look online at the Palm trees and the no frost winter made this exciting news for her. I am in the middle of packing, so new details about my career and upcoming trip to Dubai, will have to wait a couple of weeks....Hang in there with me!
In my new career, it made sense (at least to me) that I relocate to Florida. If you have to move to an area, why not move close to your best friend. I flew down last week and Fred was there to help me look for a new place to live. We found a beautiful new town house overlooking the water in the Lake Worth/Lantana (West Palm Beach) area. It has everything I was looking for (pictures next blog) and happens to be 5 minutes from Fred and Debbie's new home in Lake Worth. Life is good. This past week and the coming week are all about saying goodbye to my colleagues and customers in Missouri and arranging my 1200 mile move.
I really hate that I am leaving Springfield almost exactly 14 months from my relocation here from Dubai. I will say that it has probably been my favorite city that I have lived in. Deciding to quit my current job and leave the warm comfortable working conditions that Todd has provided was a very tough decision and I probably would not have made it, without the support and blessing of Todd. He has been a true and loyal friend.
I have spent the past week making the tour around the region introducing my customers to their new rep and saying good bye and thanking them for the opportunity. It has been tough, I never like goodbyes. Some of my Springfield coworkers are planning on some goodbye parties/dinners/lunches this week. My moving truck leaves for Florida this Friday. Rodz is excited about the move to Florida, one look online at the Palm trees and the no frost winter made this exciting news for her. I am in the middle of packing, so new details about my career and upcoming trip to Dubai, will have to wait a couple of weeks....Hang in there with me!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Marathon Survivor
It feels like May 1st was just a couple of weeks ago, well I am back with another blog. Let's start this blog with some people updates. Starting stateside, I attended my cousin Brookes wedding on May 3rd. It was great seeing all of the kin folk. My parents were in high spirits and seemingly good health.
Dad is now 84 and my mother is a youthful 83. I used their being old as a way to sneak out of the reception while the night was still young. Of course I was in bed and asleep well before them. The wedding was overall great fun.
On the way back from the wedding in Ohio, I stopped in St. Louis and had dinner with my great friend Chad. I sadly discovered that Chad has stopped reading this blog, because he had no knowledge of Rodz. I have to fly to Boston out of St. Louis next Tuesday (if you think that sounds like a foreshadowing of big news to share with you next blog - you would be correct). Chad is letting me stay the night next Tuesday, with our friends Moe and Rez (we all worked together at SYSCO St. Louis, and now none of us do) coming over for a cookout on Monday evening.
This past Saturday morning, my phone rang early, when I answered it was none other than Bahaman Bob Green. It was nice catching up with him as he tries to SYSCOmatize his Bahaman foodservice company. He says that he is working 65 hour weeks, but is enjoying the challenge. I am happy that he is doing well. Rodz and I will have to fly in for a weekend visit.
Speaking of Rodz, she has started prepping for her homeland security interview on June 30th. She is challenged by some of the "test" questions (yes I really do have two brothers) as she preps with me on questions about my life and family. Thank goodness I don't have to answer questions about her life and family. She is worried that she will be rejected by our government and be blocked from joining me in America. I am beyond ready for this ordeal to be over.
On the other side of the world. I have talked several times with Joseph. He is a managing partner with Mellon Foods on Dubai. He seems to be doing quite well. Vineet is enjoying his new company. He just texted me a few hours ago relishing in his successes. I am looking forward to visiting my friends in Dubai soon.
I have been slowly catching up with my dvr'd television shows. I was saving the current season of Survivor (this season is in the Philippines) thinking it would be fun to watch with Rodz, well realism sunk in that in the best case scenario she would be here in late July. I have been watching 3 or 4 episodes a night and I finally got current tonight. I have been on the same marathon watching with the Showtime series Dexter. I have watched almost all of the 5 seasons that I was behind, but now I only have 7 episodes left.
Watching the Reds play baseball every night, followed by a TV series catch up has kept me busy.
It's later than I care to stay up....big career news coming next time. See you back here on June 1st.
 |
| Andy & Helen Bruck May 3rd, 2014 |
Dad is now 84 and my mother is a youthful 83. I used their being old as a way to sneak out of the reception while the night was still young. Of course I was in bed and asleep well before them. The wedding was overall great fun.
On the way back from the wedding in Ohio, I stopped in St. Louis and had dinner with my great friend Chad. I sadly discovered that Chad has stopped reading this blog, because he had no knowledge of Rodz. I have to fly to Boston out of St. Louis next Tuesday (if you think that sounds like a foreshadowing of big news to share with you next blog - you would be correct). Chad is letting me stay the night next Tuesday, with our friends Moe and Rez (we all worked together at SYSCO St. Louis, and now none of us do) coming over for a cookout on Monday evening.
This past Saturday morning, my phone rang early, when I answered it was none other than Bahaman Bob Green. It was nice catching up with him as he tries to SYSCOmatize his Bahaman foodservice company. He says that he is working 65 hour weeks, but is enjoying the challenge. I am happy that he is doing well. Rodz and I will have to fly in for a weekend visit.
Speaking of Rodz, she has started prepping for her homeland security interview on June 30th. She is challenged by some of the "test" questions (yes I really do have two brothers) as she preps with me on questions about my life and family. Thank goodness I don't have to answer questions about her life and family. She is worried that she will be rejected by our government and be blocked from joining me in America. I am beyond ready for this ordeal to be over.
On the other side of the world. I have talked several times with Joseph. He is a managing partner with Mellon Foods on Dubai. He seems to be doing quite well. Vineet is enjoying his new company. He just texted me a few hours ago relishing in his successes. I am looking forward to visiting my friends in Dubai soon.
I have been slowly catching up with my dvr'd television shows. I was saving the current season of Survivor (this season is in the Philippines) thinking it would be fun to watch with Rodz, well realism sunk in that in the best case scenario she would be here in late July. I have been watching 3 or 4 episodes a night and I finally got current tonight. I have been on the same marathon watching with the Showtime series Dexter. I have watched almost all of the 5 seasons that I was behind, but now I only have 7 episodes left.
Watching the Reds play baseball every night, followed by a TV series catch up has kept me busy.
It's later than I care to stay up....big career news coming next time. See you back here on June 1st.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Found it....
I am really looking forward to this weekend. My cousin Brooke is getting married in Ohio. My mom and dad and a lot of the extended family will be there. I have always hated local weddings, most of your day (normally a Saturday) taken up by an event that is an "appearance" affair. Seems like you don't have enough time to do much in the morning, and then after the ceremony a long wait for photo's followed by a party where one should behave. By the time it's over, its too late to do anything else fun. Now this weekend's event is just the opposite of that. The wedding is at 5:30 in the evening (I like that) and it is out of town. (In Ohio). I will get there around three, leaving just enough time to dress up for the wedding. Then the event will take place, followed by time for me to see all of my favorite relatives. The event will be over early enough for me to spend a little quality time with my folks, before retiring for the evening. Sunday morning, enjoy a nice breakfast at my Uncle Bob's and Aunt Donna's house, then back on the road to home in the morning while traffic is still light. Should be a fun 16 hours in Ohio.
Well the last time we visited, I still had no good update on Rodz's attempt to immigrate to America. Well the worm has finally turned. Last Wednesday morning, I once again phoned the U.S. State Department to try and get an update on our missing case file. Well I was fortunate enough to speak to an articulate pleasant employee of the State Department. After reviewing my file, she was empathetic to the frustrations that I was sharing about the time the case was taking to move through the system, and the mystery of where the file had wandered off to. She was alarmed that the Abu Dhabi American Embassy had not responded to either email that the State Department had written asking for an update. She told me she would personally follow up and that if I hadn't heard from her within a couple of days to feel free to call back. Well she made me think that I finally was going to get some answers. In an amazing turn of events, the next day in Dubai, Rodz got a phone call from our Embassy scheduling her homeland security interview for Monday, June 30th at 8am. Rodz also got the official appointment letter via email. My new buddy from the State Department called and left me a message to congratulate us upon arriving at the last hurdle for Rodz's Immigration. So keep your fingers crossed that Rodz will be able to join me in July.
Let me apologize for the brevity of this update, I am fighting staying awake, and am not feeling clever or interesting. I am in the midst of making some serious career decisions that hopefully I can share with you in just a couple of short weeks. Thank goodness that we have emerged from such a harsh winter, I feel like things are starting to pop up like Roses....
Well the last time we visited, I still had no good update on Rodz's attempt to immigrate to America. Well the worm has finally turned. Last Wednesday morning, I once again phoned the U.S. State Department to try and get an update on our missing case file. Well I was fortunate enough to speak to an articulate pleasant employee of the State Department. After reviewing my file, she was empathetic to the frustrations that I was sharing about the time the case was taking to move through the system, and the mystery of where the file had wandered off to. She was alarmed that the Abu Dhabi American Embassy had not responded to either email that the State Department had written asking for an update. She told me she would personally follow up and that if I hadn't heard from her within a couple of days to feel free to call back. Well she made me think that I finally was going to get some answers. In an amazing turn of events, the next day in Dubai, Rodz got a phone call from our Embassy scheduling her homeland security interview for Monday, June 30th at 8am. Rodz also got the official appointment letter via email. My new buddy from the State Department called and left me a message to congratulate us upon arriving at the last hurdle for Rodz's Immigration. So keep your fingers crossed that Rodz will be able to join me in July.
Let me apologize for the brevity of this update, I am fighting staying awake, and am not feeling clever or interesting. I am in the midst of making some serious career decisions that hopefully I can share with you in just a couple of short weeks. Thank goodness that we have emerged from such a harsh winter, I feel like things are starting to pop up like Roses....
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
No Worries - The US State Department is here to save the day,,,Sigh
I try my to come here twice a month to write something that may be funny and sometimes even insightful. I am opinionated (surprise) and a political creature, but I do realize that a lot of regular blog readers that check into see my drivel actually like to read my political rants. I also know that quite a few of you know me and just check-in to see how I am and read about my ongoing Rodz saga. Those friends would just as soon not hear my views on politics. Please try and understand that I try and make both of these groups smile (or cry) and entice you to return for another day. When I think about ending this blog, (I feel like it has become stale) I think that if and when Rodz does get here, there will be plenty of stories that make you smile, and a few that will moisten your eyes. So for now, we plod along.
Rodz calls the Abu Dhabi Embassy 2 or 3 times a month to see if she can schedule her final Immigration interview. She shares with me that they tell her to be patient and share with her that if she keeps calling she may end up at the back of the line. Well, Rodz Visa expired Feb. 28th (I have been assured that after her interview it will be extended for 60 days) and I have become irritated with the slow progress as we plod along (hard to believe I found two opportunities to use the word "plod" in this blog) in this process.
Well, as you may recall - I called the State Department in late February and found a helpful person that informed me that Rodz's case file left the Manila Embassy on Feb. 7th headed to Abu Dhabi by diplomatic pouch. I wrote an email about the case file to the Abu Dhabi Embassy on April 4th, I received a reply on April 7th that they didn't know where the file is. I called the State Department, they informed me that the file is MIA. I was promised that they would do a quick internal investigation and they would phone me by Monday, April 14th to update me. Well, the 14th has come and gone, and sadly, my government did not find an opportunity to contact me. The saga continues...
One of Rodz's favorite jokes with me is that she is "Mrs. Broke". I try and humor her by making fun of her extravagant lifestyle living in the poorest area of Dubai (Satwa) sharing a villa with 14 other Philippino's.
Well, I finally have found her weak spot. Rodz has a company van that picks her up every morning at 8 am, and takes her to work. That same van takes her home where she arrives 6 days a week at 10 pm. Incredibly long days. Well, I found out that so she can sleep an extra 45 minutes every day, by (when she has enough cash) taking a taxi to work. Now before that shocks you, one should realize that taxi's in Dubai are very affordable. Rodz says that a cab ride to her work cost her about 15 Dirhams (less than 4 dollars). I asked her how much she tipped the Pakistani cabbies and she said her fare is usually 14.5 to 14.75 Dirhams, but she lets the driver keep the change for a tip ...yes - that would be 8 cents. I think proper tipping will
be one of the first lessons that I will quickly have to share with Rodz when she arrives in America. Well this morning before I left for work, (Rodz and I were chatting on Skype) I told Rodz I was running late for work, and my taxi just arrived...Rodz wanted to know what happened to "our" car, and why am I taking a taxi. Well, Mrs. Broke took about 5 seconds before I got scolded for "teasing" her....(my new favorite hobby). We shared a chuckle, what a great way to start my day.
The first week in April, I made my annual pilgrimage to Atlanta for my fantasy baseball draft. I have been involved in this League for a quarter century. The guys that (12 of us) I compete with have become almost like family. Yes, a real family complete with dysfunctional uncle's...lol. I stayed with my college pal Danny and his lovely bride Laura. I had a first time in my life disaster just before I left their home to travel to St. Louis. I used the guest bathroom, and managed to clog the toilet. At the same embarrassing moment, the chain came undone inside the back of the toilet. Let me just say, a clogged toilet with the water running unchecked quickly turns into an embarrassing mess. Danny came and pretended he was a member of FEMA and helped stop the flood. The animals were approaching 2 by 2 as I fixed the tank. I hope that next time I visit, the wading pool is closed... I also crammed a Mexican dinner in with my friends Lee and Cheryl...hmmm, could that be related to my bathroom adventure at Danny's? Ok, enough of my embarrassing moment. It was really nice seeing all of them.
On my way home to Springfield, I stopped into St. Louis for the
St. Louis Cardinals home opener against my Cincinnati Reds. I went with an old friend of mine that I worked with at SYSCO St. Louis. Steve and I withstood a cold, raw, and wet day. The company of my friend made the day a huge success. April started off well...
On May 3rd my cousin Brooke is getting married in Ohio. I was really looking forward to bringing Rodz with me to meet the extended family, Sadly, it looks like I am going solo now. Keep your fingers crossed that Rodz gets to enjoy her birthday on June 10th here in America. It's late, I need to get some sleep, or I might get up late and have to take a taxi to work...lol, take care see you in a couple of weeks!
Rodz calls the Abu Dhabi Embassy 2 or 3 times a month to see if she can schedule her final Immigration interview. She shares with me that they tell her to be patient and share with her that if she keeps calling she may end up at the back of the line. Well, Rodz Visa expired Feb. 28th (I have been assured that after her interview it will be extended for 60 days) and I have become irritated with the slow progress as we plod along (hard to believe I found two opportunities to use the word "plod" in this blog) in this process.
Well, as you may recall - I called the State Department in late February and found a helpful person that informed me that Rodz's case file left the Manila Embassy on Feb. 7th headed to Abu Dhabi by diplomatic pouch. I wrote an email about the case file to the Abu Dhabi Embassy on April 4th, I received a reply on April 7th that they didn't know where the file is. I called the State Department, they informed me that the file is MIA. I was promised that they would do a quick internal investigation and they would phone me by Monday, April 14th to update me. Well, the 14th has come and gone, and sadly, my government did not find an opportunity to contact me. The saga continues...
One of Rodz's favorite jokes with me is that she is "Mrs. Broke". I try and humor her by making fun of her extravagant lifestyle living in the poorest area of Dubai (Satwa) sharing a villa with 14 other Philippino's.
Well, I finally have found her weak spot. Rodz has a company van that picks her up every morning at 8 am, and takes her to work. That same van takes her home where she arrives 6 days a week at 10 pm. Incredibly long days. Well, I found out that so she can sleep an extra 45 minutes every day, by (when she has enough cash) taking a taxi to work. Now before that shocks you, one should realize that taxi's in Dubai are very affordable. Rodz says that a cab ride to her work cost her about 15 Dirhams (less than 4 dollars). I asked her how much she tipped the Pakistani cabbies and she said her fare is usually 14.5 to 14.75 Dirhams, but she lets the driver keep the change for a tip ...yes - that would be 8 cents. I think proper tipping will
be one of the first lessons that I will quickly have to share with Rodz when she arrives in America. Well this morning before I left for work, (Rodz and I were chatting on Skype) I told Rodz I was running late for work, and my taxi just arrived...Rodz wanted to know what happened to "our" car, and why am I taking a taxi. Well, Mrs. Broke took about 5 seconds before I got scolded for "teasing" her....(my new favorite hobby). We shared a chuckle, what a great way to start my day.
The first week in April, I made my annual pilgrimage to Atlanta for my fantasy baseball draft. I have been involved in this League for a quarter century. The guys that (12 of us) I compete with have become almost like family. Yes, a real family complete with dysfunctional uncle's...lol. I stayed with my college pal Danny and his lovely bride Laura. I had a first time in my life disaster just before I left their home to travel to St. Louis. I used the guest bathroom, and managed to clog the toilet. At the same embarrassing moment, the chain came undone inside the back of the toilet. Let me just say, a clogged toilet with the water running unchecked quickly turns into an embarrassing mess. Danny came and pretended he was a member of FEMA and helped stop the flood. The animals were approaching 2 by 2 as I fixed the tank. I hope that next time I visit, the wading pool is closed... I also crammed a Mexican dinner in with my friends Lee and Cheryl...hmmm, could that be related to my bathroom adventure at Danny's? Ok, enough of my embarrassing moment. It was really nice seeing all of them.
On my way home to Springfield, I stopped into St. Louis for the
St. Louis Cardinals home opener against my Cincinnati Reds. I went with an old friend of mine that I worked with at SYSCO St. Louis. Steve and I withstood a cold, raw, and wet day. The company of my friend made the day a huge success. April started off well...
On May 3rd my cousin Brooke is getting married in Ohio. I was really looking forward to bringing Rodz with me to meet the extended family, Sadly, it looks like I am going solo now. Keep your fingers crossed that Rodz gets to enjoy her birthday on June 10th here in America. It's late, I need to get some sleep, or I might get up late and have to take a taxi to work...lol, take care see you in a couple of weeks!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
One Quick Year
It was just one year ago last week that I ended my 3 year journey to Dubai and returned to the USA. I can honestly say not a day goes by that I don't converse with someone from the UAE or fondly tell stories to my friends and colleagues here about the time I spent on the other side of the world. It is funny how we tend to remember the good times more than we remember the struggles.
Later this week, I am traveling to Atlanta for my fantasy baseball league draft. Here I am, a 51 year old, and my avocation is fantasy baseball. I have been a part of this same league for 25 years. I am far from the oldest, as several of the guys are my senior. I had planned on flying Rodz into Atlanta the day after my draft...sadly, well you know. I actually received an update from the Abu Dhabi Embassy yesterday. As you may recall, the State Department informed me in late February that Rodz's case file was sent by "diplomatic Pouch" from the Philippines to Abu Dhabi on February 7th. Rodz is still waiting for the Embassy to call and schedule her Homeland Security interview, which thankfully is the last step to immigrating to America. Well, I thought I would send an official inquiry to see what the holdup was at the American Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Sadly, I got a reply yesterday. They have not received the case file in Abu Dhabi. I called the State Department, they said to be patient. Patience is a virtue that I am running dreadfully short of.
My new account in Kansas City is up and running. I am really excited about the opportunity that lies ahead. They are planning on opening a new location every other month.
Later this week, I am traveling to Atlanta for my fantasy baseball league draft. Here I am, a 51 year old, and my avocation is fantasy baseball. I have been a part of this same league for 25 years. I am far from the oldest, as several of the guys are my senior. I had planned on flying Rodz into Atlanta the day after my draft...sadly, well you know. I actually received an update from the Abu Dhabi Embassy yesterday. As you may recall, the State Department informed me in late February that Rodz's case file was sent by "diplomatic Pouch" from the Philippines to Abu Dhabi on February 7th. Rodz is still waiting for the Embassy to call and schedule her Homeland Security interview, which thankfully is the last step to immigrating to America. Well, I thought I would send an official inquiry to see what the holdup was at the American Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Sadly, I got a reply yesterday. They have not received the case file in Abu Dhabi. I called the State Department, they said to be patient. Patience is a virtue that I am running dreadfully short of.
My new account in Kansas City is up and running. I am really excited about the opportunity that lies ahead. They are planning on opening a new location every other month.
 |
| Fenway Steakburger March 2014 |
Let's keep our fingers crossed that I can keep them happy and loyal as they grow.
My real exciting adventure for April is not my traveling to Atlanta. I have tickets to opening day in St. Louis next Monday, to watch my Cincinnati Reds hopefully beat my second favorite team the St. Louis Cardinals. I am going with one of my best friends from my SYSCO St. Louis days, Steve Reznikov. Steve loves the Cardinals and we should share a lot of good natured bantering. He is one of my favorite people, and has a great sense of humor. He also shares my loathing of post game traffic, so it will be interesting how late we stay. I also have to drive the over 3 hours home to Springfield after the game, since I have to work on Tuesday.
I sadly have not much else to share today. I hope that you are enjoying opening week of baseball like I am. Maybe, just maybe our government will find Rodz's file, then I can hopefully give you a better update on tax day. Take care and God Bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)