Since getting the news at the end of September that Ibis would not be allowed into the US, I've experienced pretty much every emotion imaginable. Anger, grief, despair, sadness, frustration -- but also hope.
If you read some of the same blogs I do you may have heard me say that a common theme in my novels in hope, and I think that comes directly from my life. I've always been an optimistic person, someone who tries to see the best in every person and every situation, and the recent events in our lives is no different. Don't get me wrong, I've had many many moments where I question what I'm doing, but I'm figuring out how to move past that and look at the bigger picture.
At a minimum, Ibis won't be allowed into the US for another seven years (realistically it'll be eight or nine) so we need to make fairly long-term plans. I'd like wherever we live next to be our home, not just another place where we serve our time. Yes, it's very hard right now -- searching for jobs in another country is even more deflating than looking in your own city, or even state -- but I try to look at it that in a year, we'll be in a new place with new jobs, finally living our lives.
As I mentioned before, we'd like to move to Canada -- preferably Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, or Edmonton -- but we're keeping our options open. When the US said no, that opened the door to the entire world. Have you ever dreamed about moving to another country halfway around the world? Well we have that option. Who says we can't move to Europe or Australia? We'll have to go through an immigration process no matter where we go, so why not aim high?
Having this freedom has done a lot for my mental health and I've noticed a huge change in my behavior over the past month and a half. The weight of waiting is off my chest and I'm breathing easier and finally feeling more optimistic about the future.
Where would you move if the whole world was open to you?
Showing posts with label Immigration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Immigration. Show all posts
Friday, November 13, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
My Canadian Job Search Has Begun
Saturday I was bouncing between cleaning, playing with Owen, and chatting with friends on Facebook when it occurred to me that I was no long WAITING for anything. The news already came. But I tell you, after two and a half years of twiddling our thumbs and waiting for a magical letter to arrive (which, by the way, has technically still not arrived), it's tough to suddenly switch gears.
So as of Saturday afternoon, the job search has officially begun. Ibis actually beat me to it and sent out his first resume that day, but I didn't find any listings that sounded good until Sunday evening. And even then, it was just the one. I'm also looking in several cities which makes the search process a little more haphazard than I'm used to.
One thing became clear rather quickly: I'll most likely have to take a pay cut because
1) I've been unemployed for over two years and employers don't always like that (even though I have furthered my skills), and
2) the economy kinda sucks right now. Maybe you've heard?
I'll try not to bore you and only fill you in when something actually happens, but I figured my first resume in over three years was worthy of a post.
In other news, I'm approaching my two-year blog anniversary and this is my 600th post. *throws confetti*
So as of Saturday afternoon, the job search has officially begun. Ibis actually beat me to it and sent out his first resume that day, but I didn't find any listings that sounded good until Sunday evening. And even then, it was just the one. I'm also looking in several cities which makes the search process a little more haphazard than I'm used to.
One thing became clear rather quickly: I'll most likely have to take a pay cut because
1) I've been unemployed for over two years and employers don't always like that (even though I have furthered my skills), and
2) the economy kinda sucks right now. Maybe you've heard?
I'll try not to bore you and only fill you in when something actually happens, but I figured my first resume in over three years was worthy of a post.
In other news, I'm approaching my two-year blog anniversary and this is my 600th post. *throws confetti*
Thursday, October 1, 2009
We Finally Have an Answer
Yesterday at 4pm, our fifteen-month wait finally ended. We received news from US Immigration regarding Ibis' case -- unfortunately, we did not get the news we'd hoped for.
Denied.
That's right.
The actual letter stating why we were denied has yet to reach us, so I don't know the specifics. Our lawyer got the verdict via a call center and they only told her the result. There is an opportunity to appeal, but from what I understand:
A) our chances are relatively slim UNLESS there was some sort of error with the process, and
B) the average wait for an appeal is two years.
Frankly, that doesn't sound very appealing -- sorry, I can't help myself despite all this -- so as of today we're starting the process to move to Canada. We need to apply for visas and try to find jobs (so we can get visas), and a whole mess of things I haven't even discovered yet.
I announced this on Facebook yesterday afternoon and from the comments I've already received, I know a lot of people care about us and are very upset with this news. Many have asked if there's anything they can do -- some have even mentioned going to the media -- but I don't think it'll do much good. There are a lot of particulars with our case that I haven't made public and I don't know how they've impacted this outcome. (For those of you I've spoken to privately, this isn't directed towards you.)
I certainly appreciate the support -- without it I'd be in a puddle on the floor -- I just hate to have my friends spend their valuable time on something that most likely won't help.
That said, there ARE two things (off the top of my head) that we do need help with:
1) With the whole world spread out before us, Vancouver is our first choice on where to live. Edmonton is second. If you know anything about either city, if you have connections there, if you know of jobs, if you happen to be tight with Mr. Harper… that's where you can help us.
2) If you're in the market for a furnished two-bedroom condo on the Pacific coast of Mexico, I can get you a great deal.
I'll let you know more as we find out. Yes, we're pissed and frustrated and upset and more than a touch angry, but we're also relieved. Having this hanging over our heads for more than two years has been miserable and made it very difficult to be happy. At least now we can get on with our lives.
Denied.
That's right.
The actual letter stating why we were denied has yet to reach us, so I don't know the specifics. Our lawyer got the verdict via a call center and they only told her the result. There is an opportunity to appeal, but from what I understand:
A) our chances are relatively slim UNLESS there was some sort of error with the process, and
B) the average wait for an appeal is two years.
Frankly, that doesn't sound very appealing -- sorry, I can't help myself despite all this -- so as of today we're starting the process to move to Canada. We need to apply for visas and try to find jobs (so we can get visas), and a whole mess of things I haven't even discovered yet.
I announced this on Facebook yesterday afternoon and from the comments I've already received, I know a lot of people care about us and are very upset with this news. Many have asked if there's anything they can do -- some have even mentioned going to the media -- but I don't think it'll do much good. There are a lot of particulars with our case that I haven't made public and I don't know how they've impacted this outcome. (For those of you I've spoken to privately, this isn't directed towards you.)
I certainly appreciate the support -- without it I'd be in a puddle on the floor -- I just hate to have my friends spend their valuable time on something that most likely won't help.
That said, there ARE two things (off the top of my head) that we do need help with:
1) With the whole world spread out before us, Vancouver is our first choice on where to live. Edmonton is second. If you know anything about either city, if you have connections there, if you know of jobs, if you happen to be tight with Mr. Harper… that's where you can help us.
2) If you're in the market for a furnished two-bedroom condo on the Pacific coast of Mexico, I can get you a great deal.
I'll let you know more as we find out. Yes, we're pissed and frustrated and upset and more than a touch angry, but we're also relieved. Having this hanging over our heads for more than two years has been miserable and made it very difficult to be happy. At least now we can get on with our lives.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
No Analysis Necessary
A couple nights ago I had one of those dreams where I was working at my old job, but it wasn't the same office, and while some of my former coworkers were with me, there were also a couple people from other times in my life.
Note: I love that about dreams -- it's a chance to see everyone!
So, I was at work, presumably in Chicago, but it was known that I was still in Mexico. I was talking with a coworker when the phone rang. The receptionist announced over the intercom that "Mexico" was on the line for me.
Note: It should really be "the United States", but dream logic doesn't always make sense. And really, at the very least, it should be a department calling.
I snatched up the phone. "Yes? Yes?" Did they have an answer? Would we finally learn our fate?
A woman began speaking in English. "We've reviewed your file and have found that everything is in order..."
My heart leapt.
But she wasn't finished.
She proceeded to speak legalese for another five minutes: "...contrary to what the documents stated, we're unable to determine..." blah blah blah.
I started crying and finally interrupted her. "Please. Just tell me yes or no."
And then I woke up.
Note: I love that about dreams -- it's a chance to see everyone!
So, I was at work, presumably in Chicago, but it was known that I was still in Mexico. I was talking with a coworker when the phone rang. The receptionist announced over the intercom that "Mexico" was on the line for me.
Note: It should really be "the United States", but dream logic doesn't always make sense. And really, at the very least, it should be a department calling.
I snatched up the phone. "Yes? Yes?" Did they have an answer? Would we finally learn our fate?
A woman began speaking in English. "We've reviewed your file and have found that everything is in order..."
My heart leapt.
But she wasn't finished.
She proceeded to speak legalese for another five minutes: "...contrary to what the documents stated, we're unable to determine..." blah blah blah.
I started crying and finally interrupted her. "Please. Just tell me yes or no."
And then I woke up.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Squeaky Wheel
This isn't what I was referring to yesterday, but hey, I'll take it!
When I called immigration last week, the lovely woman there told me to call this Thursday, but didn't say why. When I called in the morning she told me to come in at 12:30 to sign some papers, but again didn't give me much of an explanation. I had to wait half an hour before she finally stuck her head through the window and said she just had to make a copy of my FM3 and then she'd call me back.
I had no idea it was ready!
Back I went, where I signed my name a bazillion times, then stamped my thumbprints all over the place (hence the purple thumb in the picture above). She told me a whole list of rules I need to follow if and when I leave the country, some of which I didn't quite understand, but I assume that as long as I let them know when I plan to leave, there shouldn't be a problem.
Now if only we could do something about that other visa...
When I called immigration last week, the lovely woman there told me to call this Thursday, but didn't say why. When I called in the morning she told me to come in at 12:30 to sign some papers, but again didn't give me much of an explanation. I had to wait half an hour before she finally stuck her head through the window and said she just had to make a copy of my FM3 and then she'd call me back.
I had no idea it was ready!
Back I went, where I signed my name a bazillion times, then stamped my thumbprints all over the place (hence the purple thumb in the picture above). She told me a whole list of rules I need to follow if and when I leave the country, some of which I didn't quite understand, but I assume that as long as I let them know when I plan to leave, there shouldn't be a problem.
Now if only we could do something about that other visa...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This is Getting Old
Pa·tience [pey-shuhns] noun: an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.
Wait [weyt] verb (used without object): to remain neglected for a time.
Frus·tra·tion [fruh-strey-shuhn] noun: a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.
In·com·pe·tent [ĭn-kŏm'pĭ-tənt] adj: Devoid of those qualities requisite for effective conduct or action.
If you have no clue what I'm talking about, click here, for starters. And one more for kicks.
Ca·bin Fe·ver noun: Boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.
The good news is I'll be well-practiced in waiting by the time I start my agent search, and, fingers crossed, any other wait that comes with the publishing business.
Wait [weyt] verb (used without object): to remain neglected for a time.
Frus·tra·tion [fruh-strey-shuhn] noun: a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.
In·com·pe·tent [ĭn-kŏm'pĭ-tənt] adj: Devoid of those qualities requisite for effective conduct or action.
If you have no clue what I'm talking about, click here, for starters. And one more for kicks.
Ca·bin Fe·ver noun: Boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.
The good news is I'll be well-practiced in waiting by the time I start my agent search, and, fingers crossed, any other wait that comes with the publishing business.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Lockdown '09: FREEDOM!
You know, if I'd really thought this through, I know how I could have arranged for the immigration man to arrive sooner than Thursday at 2pm. I was working on my synopsis when the dryer buzzed, so I ran to the patio to bring the freshly laundered sheets inside. I hate wrinkled sheets -- but I also refuse to iron them -- so I try to put them on the bed as soon as they come out of the dryer. (Or I fold them, which I also hate.)
I was just sorting the pillowcases from the tangle of sheets when the doorbell rang, so I dumped the purple tumbleweed-shaped mess onto the mattress and ran to my salvation. The immigration man sat with me for about fifteen minutes, chatting while he filled out several documents.
At one point it occurred to me that it'd be fun to post a picture of him sitting in my living room, but Ibis had taken the camera with him to Lazaro. That's right -- he went to visit our family (and also renew our license plates) because he has a couple days off. When the man asked if my husband was at work, I told him where he was and he asked why I didn't go. I smiled at him and said (in Spanish) "because I had to wait for you."
He felt really bad, and I felt slightly better about all this.
I'm supposed to call on Tuesday to find out when I get my FM3 visa, but in the meantime I'm free to travel throughout the country.
Ibis came home a couple hours later with a surprise: our four-year old nephew! He's going to spend a couple nights with us and they've already spent one afternoon at the municipal pool. Today we'll go to the beach, and I'm thinking the circus tonight. Big Time Fun!
I was just sorting the pillowcases from the tangle of sheets when the doorbell rang, so I dumped the purple tumbleweed-shaped mess onto the mattress and ran to my salvation. The immigration man sat with me for about fifteen minutes, chatting while he filled out several documents.
At one point it occurred to me that it'd be fun to post a picture of him sitting in my living room, but Ibis had taken the camera with him to Lazaro. That's right -- he went to visit our family (and also renew our license plates) because he has a couple days off. When the man asked if my husband was at work, I told him where he was and he asked why I didn't go. I smiled at him and said (in Spanish) "because I had to wait for you."
He felt really bad, and I felt slightly better about all this.
I'm supposed to call on Tuesday to find out when I get my FM3 visa, but in the meantime I'm free to travel throughout the country.
Ibis came home a couple hours later with a surprise: our four-year old nephew! He's going to spend a couple nights with us and they've already spent one afternoon at the municipal pool. Today we'll go to the beach, and I'm thinking the circus tonight. Big Time Fun!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Lockdown '09: Day Four
Before I start whining -- seriously? FOUR days? -- Holly at Nothing But Bonfires (awesome blog, by the way) is giving away a wireless printer! How cool is that? She test drove it in her San Francisco apartment and now I want one. Check it out and enter to win!
In other news, today our 5-year dating anniversary. Seeing how I CAN'T LEAVE THE HOUSE, we will be celebrating in our boiling apartment on the leather sofa, probably with leftovers. At least we have wine! (Thanks Kay & Family!)
My synopsis is coming along nicely. I've reached the conclusion and hopefully have the participants on the edge of their seats. Ha. There are a only handful of us working on our synopses and it's been a lot of fun seeing how everyone has progressed. Erica is a genius!
Okay, I seem to be more upbeat than I thought. Cabin fever, anyone? Wait, but that makes you delirious. *checks pupils.* Yeah, that seems about right.
Finally, haiku:
Walls close in, too much
to do. Nothing but time, yet
the days waste away.
And:
Bouncing, spinning, if
they don't come soon, you'll need to
peel me off the walls.
This is fun!
My eyes are googly,
I think my wrist might fall off.
Too much internet.
Care to play?
In other news, today our 5-year dating anniversary. Seeing how I CAN'T LEAVE THE HOUSE, we will be celebrating in our boiling apartment on the leather sofa, probably with leftovers. At least we have wine! (Thanks Kay & Family!)
My synopsis is coming along nicely. I've reached the conclusion and hopefully have the participants on the edge of their seats. Ha. There are a only handful of us working on our synopses and it's been a lot of fun seeing how everyone has progressed. Erica is a genius!
Okay, I seem to be more upbeat than I thought. Cabin fever, anyone? Wait, but that makes you delirious. *checks pupils.* Yeah, that seems about right.
Finally, haiku:
Walls close in, too much
to do. Nothing but time, yet
the days waste away.
And:
Bouncing, spinning, if
they don't come soon, you'll need to
peel me off the walls.
This is fun!
My eyes are googly,
I think my wrist might fall off.
Too much internet.
Care to play?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lockdown '09: Day Three
Happy Earth Day! My friend Sara is celebrating at her blog The Hero Complex. If you have kids, she's doing a giveaway that looks pretty cool. Heck, check it out even if you don't have kids.
I feel a little guilty. I've made a lot of you feel bad for me that I'm stuck in the house with nothing to do, or that I'm unable to do things that I want to, when really, I'm usually home during the day. I tend to run errands between 8am and 10am -- before Ibis goes to work -- then I park in front of the computer until he gets home. So really, this isn't much of a stretch for me.
The biggest change is that Ibis has three days off this week and we'd normally go to the beach at least one of those days. But other than that, I've been really busy with web work and wouldn't have been able to leave even if I'd been allowed. Yesterday I even pushed some of my chores onto him since he was just lounging most of the day. ;)
I don't have much else to report. I worked on the next three paragraphs of my synopsis yesterday and I'm while a little worried to see what she has in store for us today, I'm excited to keep fleshing it out.
Anything new you want to share?
I feel a little guilty. I've made a lot of you feel bad for me that I'm stuck in the house with nothing to do, or that I'm unable to do things that I want to, when really, I'm usually home during the day. I tend to run errands between 8am and 10am -- before Ibis goes to work -- then I park in front of the computer until he gets home. So really, this isn't much of a stretch for me.
The biggest change is that Ibis has three days off this week and we'd normally go to the beach at least one of those days. But other than that, I've been really busy with web work and wouldn't have been able to leave even if I'd been allowed. Yesterday I even pushed some of my chores onto him since he was just lounging most of the day. ;)
I don't have much else to report. I worked on the next three paragraphs of my synopsis yesterday and I'm while a little worried to see what she has in store for us today, I'm excited to keep fleshing it out.
Anything new you want to share?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Lockdown '09: Day Two
I had really good intentions yesterday.
I started counting the cracks in the walls, got to four, then remembered I still needed to iron Ibis' work shirt. On my way out of the bedroom I glanced at the window with gecko poop but decided that, you know, it's been there for a long time, another day won't kill anyone. I did manage to edit two pages of my wip -- even added 100 words -- but I since I didn't get to it until the end of the day my brain wasn't functioning very well and I stopped. (Update: I've edited twelve pages this morning.)
I didn't visit more gossip sites than normal, but I did stray to YouTube to hear the latest Britain's Got Talent star. I took care of a few details with my web projects, taught my dad the difference between a web page and web tab (don't ask, I'm not sure what that is), and chatted with several friends (thanks everyone who checked in on me!).
I did work on my synopsis for a little while and now have a tighter hook than before. I realize that wasn't on my to-do list, but what are you gonna do? Do you want to hear it? I'm still working on it, but here's a draft:
All my web projects need attention today so I'll have to save my blog reading for the afternoon. Here in Zihua we're betting that the immigration person will show up sometime this afternoon, so I'll keep you posted!
I started counting the cracks in the walls, got to four, then remembered I still needed to iron Ibis' work shirt. On my way out of the bedroom I glanced at the window with gecko poop but decided that, you know, it's been there for a long time, another day won't kill anyone. I did manage to edit two pages of my wip -- even added 100 words -- but I since I didn't get to it until the end of the day my brain wasn't functioning very well and I stopped. (Update: I've edited twelve pages this morning.)
I didn't visit more gossip sites than normal, but I did stray to YouTube to hear the latest Britain's Got Talent star. I took care of a few details with my web projects, taught my dad the difference between a web page and web tab (don't ask, I'm not sure what that is), and chatted with several friends (thanks everyone who checked in on me!).
I did work on my synopsis for a little while and now have a tighter hook than before. I realize that wasn't on my to-do list, but what are you gonna do? Do you want to hear it? I'm still working on it, but here's a draft:
Nineteen-year-old Mateo has never traveled beyond his southern Mexican town, but he's always believed that there's more to life than getting drunk and making babies. He leaves home with a kiss from his mother and his life savings in his pocket, determined not to trust anyone, but after his first attempt at crossing the US border lands him in a holding cell, he's forced to turn a coyote – a man who sneaks people past the patrols for a price. As Mateo treks through the fringes of the Sonoran desert, he must trust another migrant, and risk the future he's always dreamed of, if he wants to get to the other side alive.
All my web projects need attention today so I'll have to save my blog reading for the afternoon. Here in Zihua we're betting that the immigration person will show up sometime this afternoon, so I'll keep you posted!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Top Ten Benefits to Not Being Allowed to Leave the House
I'm trying to look at the bright side of this.
1 - I can't catch a cold. Germs are communicable. No communicating, no germs!
2 - I won't get a sunburn. I don't follow her blog -- it was linked through a site I do read. But funny she was in Mexico. (Although I did get a bit of a sunburn yesterday.)
3 - I can watch all the movies and read all the books I want. Yes, I do that anyway, but we're looking at the bright side, remember?
4 - I won't miss an update on my latest obsession. Don't ask, it's better if you don't.
5 - I'll be here in case anyone wants to chat via Messenger, Facebook, Skype, Yahoo, Google... (okay, but only those people who already have my information. I do have some boundaries...)
6 - I can finally count the number of cracks in the walls caused by the numerous mini-earthquakes we've had.
7 - Umm, what else... I won't miss any late-breaking news from the megaphoned-cars that drive around whenever there's late-breaking news.
8 - Still not to ten? Let's see... I can scrub the gecko poop out of the window sill. Hmm... this isn't really what I had in mind when I started this.
9 - Wow, this is harder than I imagined... ooh, I know. I can thank my parents for providing me with an education so that the life I'm living is by choice, not because I have no other options.
10 - Oh! I thought of a good one -- I can finally start my edits! That's write -- er, right -- the new writes are done! Current word count: 80,058. Now back to the beginning.
Care to add to my list?
1 - I can't catch a cold. Germs are communicable. No communicating, no germs!
2 - I won't get a sunburn. I don't follow her blog -- it was linked through a site I do read. But funny she was in Mexico. (Although I did get a bit of a sunburn yesterday.)
3 - I can watch all the movies and read all the books I want. Yes, I do that anyway, but we're looking at the bright side, remember?
4 - I won't miss an update on my latest obsession. Don't ask, it's better if you don't.
5 - I'll be here in case anyone wants to chat via Messenger, Facebook, Skype, Yahoo, Google... (okay, but only those people who already have my information. I do have some boundaries...)
6 - I can finally count the number of cracks in the walls caused by the numerous mini-earthquakes we've had.
7 - Umm, what else... I won't miss any late-breaking news from the megaphoned-cars that drive around whenever there's late-breaking news.
8 - Still not to ten? Let's see... I can scrub the gecko poop out of the window sill. Hmm... this isn't really what I had in mind when I started this.
9 - Wow, this is harder than I imagined... ooh, I know. I can thank my parents for providing me with an education so that the life I'm living is by choice, not because I have no other options.
10 - Oh! I thought of a good one -- I can finally start my edits! That's write -- er, right -- the new writes are done! Current word count: 80,058. Now back to the beginning.
Care to add to my list?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
"Sometime Next Week"
Are you ready for this? Yesterday we finally picked up our officially registered marriage certificate from the local government building, then I promptly brought it -- and twenty copies of everything -- to the Immigration office.
In my folder were the following:
- marriage certificate
- apostille of marriage certificate
- translation of apostille of marriage certificate
(this is starting to sound like the story about the woman who swallowed a fly)
- some sort of receipt from Mexican gov't office
- new Mexican version of marriage certificate
- 3 copies of all of the above
What she kept:
- one copy of each of the above
When I handed everything over she consulted her calendar to count how many days had passed since we were granted twenty days to get things apostilled (yes, I realize that's not actually a word -- thanks Blogger spellcheck. Oh wait, spellcheck isn't a word either). When she reached April 15th, she tsked me. Me!
"Melanie, esta veintidos dias."
"Sí?" I asked in disbelief, knowing full well we'd gone over the 20-day limit by a couple days.
She looked at me, brows furrowed, I supposed in an attempt to scold me. Nice try. I've picked up a few things since living here.
I said, in Spanish, "We brought the documents to the government building on Thursday and they weren't ready until today. With Holy Week they needed more time."
She smiled, amused at my attempt, and replied that they were open all last week (she really is very nice, I hope that's coming across here) so I repeated that we didn't get the documents until that morning. Which is true. Since she knows how things work here -- she is a Mexican government official, after all -- she took everything from me and said the application was in order.
Then, THEN, -- oh, you'll love this -- she told me that someone will come to my house "sometime next week", I assume to verify that I live where I say I do. I asked her if she could tell me when, but of course the purpose is to surprise me. I pointed out that I often run errands in the morning so if she could give me a little idea that would be helpful, and she said they'd most likely come between 11am and 5pm.
Now, I'm home most of the time anyway so it's really not a huge deal, but she also mentioned that if I'm not home when they come the application for my FM3 visa will no longer be valid. As in, all this time and money would have been wasted.
If you need me next week, you know where to find me.
In my folder were the following:
- marriage certificate
- apostille of marriage certificate
- translation of apostille of marriage certificate
(this is starting to sound like the story about the woman who swallowed a fly)
- some sort of receipt from Mexican gov't office
- new Mexican version of marriage certificate
- 3 copies of all of the above
What she kept:
- one copy of each of the above
When I handed everything over she consulted her calendar to count how many days had passed since we were granted twenty days to get things apostilled (yes, I realize that's not actually a word -- thanks Blogger spellcheck. Oh wait, spellcheck isn't a word either). When she reached April 15th, she tsked me. Me!
"Melanie, esta veintidos dias."
"Sí?" I asked in disbelief, knowing full well we'd gone over the 20-day limit by a couple days.
She looked at me, brows furrowed, I supposed in an attempt to scold me. Nice try. I've picked up a few things since living here.
I said, in Spanish, "We brought the documents to the government building on Thursday and they weren't ready until today. With Holy Week they needed more time."
She smiled, amused at my attempt, and replied that they were open all last week (she really is very nice, I hope that's coming across here) so I repeated that we didn't get the documents until that morning. Which is true. Since she knows how things work here -- she is a Mexican government official, after all -- she took everything from me and said the application was in order.
Then, THEN, -- oh, you'll love this -- she told me that someone will come to my house "sometime next week", I assume to verify that I live where I say I do. I asked her if she could tell me when, but of course the purpose is to surprise me. I pointed out that I often run errands in the morning so if she could give me a little idea that would be helpful, and she said they'd most likely come between 11am and 5pm.
Now, I'm home most of the time anyway so it's really not a huge deal, but she also mentioned that if I'm not home when they come the application for my FM3 visa will no longer be valid. As in, all this time and money would have been wasted.
If you need me next week, you know where to find me.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday Stuff and Things
Sorry Janna, I had to steal it again. :)
Our friend Andy left yesterday, the Nationals have returned home after a week camping on the beach for Holy Week, and life is slowly returning to normal. Problem with that is I run out of things to say. So, a quick update on what's going on.
*****
Ibis is heading back to the municipal building today to pick up our registered marriage certificate -- we're officially married in the eyes of Mexico! -- and then I'll go to Immigration to drop it off. I'm guessing we'll have my FM3 in another couple weeks. The irony here is we're technically supposed to hear "any day now" about Ibis' immigration status and I just know that they way my luck goes, we'll get both on the same day.
*****
My wip is at 77,650 words. I have one more chapter to write and while I don't know if that alone will get me to my goal of 80,000, I'm much closer than I expected to be. There are already parts I know I'll need to expand in the earlier chapters, so I'm very relieved to be at this point. Then on to the edits, which I'm finally exited to work on!
*****
Ibis has today off, which means I will be watching futbol (soccer) all day. We're in the middle of the Champions League so at least all the games are really good. I enjoy soccer, but I swear we've been watching it pretty much every day for the past couple months and it all starts to look the same after awhile. I amuse myself by repeating the players' names while the announcers talk. My favorite: Kaka (stress on the second syllable). If you do it right it sounds like a bird call. Good times.
*****
Ibis told me this morning that his boss wants him to take vacation in the next week or so (they do that here) so we might be going to Mexico City. I was disappointed when our trip was canceled over New Years, and now that it's warmer there it will be even better. The only problem would be with the freelance work I have going on, but I should be able to finish it ahead of schedule. I'll keep you posted.
*****
It's was really quiet in blogland last week and I'm hoping all my friends enjoyed their vacations and are ready to get back to playing, I mean working. Welcome back everyone!
What's new with you?
Our friend Andy left yesterday, the Nationals have returned home after a week camping on the beach for Holy Week, and life is slowly returning to normal. Problem with that is I run out of things to say. So, a quick update on what's going on.
*****
Ibis is heading back to the municipal building today to pick up our registered marriage certificate -- we're officially married in the eyes of Mexico! -- and then I'll go to Immigration to drop it off. I'm guessing we'll have my FM3 in another couple weeks. The irony here is we're technically supposed to hear "any day now" about Ibis' immigration status and I just know that they way my luck goes, we'll get both on the same day.
*****
My wip is at 77,650 words. I have one more chapter to write and while I don't know if that alone will get me to my goal of 80,000, I'm much closer than I expected to be. There are already parts I know I'll need to expand in the earlier chapters, so I'm very relieved to be at this point. Then on to the edits, which I'm finally exited to work on!
*****
Ibis has today off, which means I will be watching futbol (soccer) all day. We're in the middle of the Champions League so at least all the games are really good. I enjoy soccer, but I swear we've been watching it pretty much every day for the past couple months and it all starts to look the same after awhile. I amuse myself by repeating the players' names while the announcers talk. My favorite: Kaka (stress on the second syllable). If you do it right it sounds like a bird call. Good times.
*****
Ibis told me this morning that his boss wants him to take vacation in the next week or so (they do that here) so we might be going to Mexico City. I was disappointed when our trip was canceled over New Years, and now that it's warmer there it will be even better. The only problem would be with the freelance work I have going on, but I should be able to finish it ahead of schedule. I'll keep you posted.
*****
It's was really quiet in blogland last week and I'm hoping all my friends enjoyed their vacations and are ready to get back to playing, I mean working. Welcome back everyone!
What's new with you?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Pustule
Robin mentioned a pustule on her blog the other day, and while that's not exactly what I plan to talk about today, it sums up my feelings for the entire process.
Later today we get to go back to Immigration to continue the process for my FM3 visa. My marriage certificate -- now properly apostilled from a kind soul in Springfield, IL -- spent two days at a lawyer's office getting translated (for the second time) and now we get to bring it to the local municipal building to get registered*. Then we must bring the pile of papers to the Mexican Immigration office to get everything finalized. I have no idea how long it will take for that to happen.
Now, I need to clear a few things up. I've inadvertently confused A LOT of people with all this talk of immigration, but the process I'm taking care of right now has nothing to do with Ibis' attempt to get back in the United States. What I'm talking about is documentation to legally keep ME in Mexico.
When you travel to Mexico (I'm assuming you all travel by plane) you fill out a form that states how long you'll be in the country, and an immigration official gives you back the bottom portion -- a square piece of paper -- to hang onto until you leave. That's called a tourist visa. You can stay in Mexico on a tourist visa for 180 days, and so far I've timed my visits home to coincide with the end of each 180-day period. This past March we decided we couldn't justify the expense when we think we might be out of here soon so we went to Immigration to find out what our options were.
Turns out the cheapest option was for me to apply for an FM3 visa, which is valid for one year and is renewable for up to five years. (After that they want you to apply for more permanent status.)
Even though we don't want to be here any longer than necessary, we opted for the year-long visa, and that's where all the running around began. To apply as Ibis' dependent, we needed to register our marriage certificate with the Mexican government, but that had to be apostilled -- in the state where the marriage took place -- so it would be viewed as an official government document. We originally thought it just needed to be translated, but that was just a waste of time and money. The apostille needs to be translated, so we had that done this week, and finally, today, we're going back to have it all registered. Then back to Immigration.
I realize I did a poor job of explaining this last time, and I may have confused you even more this time around, but I felt really bad when everyone was wishing me good luck so we could get home soon, when really this is keeping me in the country. I'm actually NOT ALLOWED to leave Mexico right now because I don't have any form of visa.
Ironic, eh?
*I have no idea what this "registering" accomplishes.
Later today we get to go back to Immigration to continue the process for my FM3 visa. My marriage certificate -- now properly apostilled from a kind soul in Springfield, IL -- spent two days at a lawyer's office getting translated (for the second time) and now we get to bring it to the local municipal building to get registered*. Then we must bring the pile of papers to the Mexican Immigration office to get everything finalized. I have no idea how long it will take for that to happen.
Now, I need to clear a few things up. I've inadvertently confused A LOT of people with all this talk of immigration, but the process I'm taking care of right now has nothing to do with Ibis' attempt to get back in the United States. What I'm talking about is documentation to legally keep ME in Mexico.
When you travel to Mexico (I'm assuming you all travel by plane) you fill out a form that states how long you'll be in the country, and an immigration official gives you back the bottom portion -- a square piece of paper -- to hang onto until you leave. That's called a tourist visa. You can stay in Mexico on a tourist visa for 180 days, and so far I've timed my visits home to coincide with the end of each 180-day period. This past March we decided we couldn't justify the expense when we think we might be out of here soon so we went to Immigration to find out what our options were.
Turns out the cheapest option was for me to apply for an FM3 visa, which is valid for one year and is renewable for up to five years. (After that they want you to apply for more permanent status.)
Even though we don't want to be here any longer than necessary, we opted for the year-long visa, and that's where all the running around began. To apply as Ibis' dependent, we needed to register our marriage certificate with the Mexican government, but that had to be apostilled -- in the state where the marriage took place -- so it would be viewed as an official government document. We originally thought it just needed to be translated, but that was just a waste of time and money. The apostille needs to be translated, so we had that done this week, and finally, today, we're going back to have it all registered. Then back to Immigration.
I realize I did a poor job of explaining this last time, and I may have confused you even more this time around, but I felt really bad when everyone was wishing me good luck so we could get home soon, when really this is keeping me in the country. I'm actually NOT ALLOWED to leave Mexico right now because I don't have any form of visa.
Ironic, eh?
*I have no idea what this "registering" accomplishes.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Apostille
An official piece of
Paper that binds Ibis and I together,
Otherwise known as a marriage certificate, has been
Sent to my parents, who will ship it
To Springfield, where a man in an
Ill-fitting suit will stamp it, declaring it
Legal per the Hague Convention, then send the
Letter back to me, so I can return to Immigration for the
Endless cycle that has become my visa application.
This was my favorite form of poetry in high school and I thought it very appropriate here. Here's a definition. Yes, it's very confusing to me, too.
Thoughts?
*whistles The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round...*
Paper that binds Ibis and I together,
Otherwise known as a marriage certificate, has been
Sent to my parents, who will ship it
To Springfield, where a man in an
Ill-fitting suit will stamp it, declaring it
Legal per the Hague Convention, then send the
Letter back to me, so I can return to Immigration for the
Endless cycle that has become my visa application.
This was my favorite form of poetry in high school and I thought it very appropriate here. Here's a definition. Yes, it's very confusing to me, too.
Thoughts?
*whistles The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round...*
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's All Part of the Process
Look what I did last night:
Yesterday I turned in all my paperwork for my new visa and was told I needed a more detailed map of where I live. I had printed one from online and drawn in my street, with a sloppy star marking my building, but she said they need to know the businesses surrounding my house. As Penguin pointed out in the comments, it's probably so they can find me if necessary.
Lucky for me I'm a graphic designer and have designed a map or twenty in my time. The above picture is pared down from what I'm giving to immigration - I removed the identifying buildings so no stalkers can find me. :) Ibis questioned what regular people who can't create a map like this are supposed to do, and I admit they probably would have been satisfied with a hand-drawn map, but there are two reasons I went digital:
1) I haven't used my design software very much and figured I could use the practice, and
2) the woman at Immigration very kindly suggested I have my husband help me with my map, implying I couldn't do it on my own.
As if!
So now I have a map that took me a couple hours (when you factor in the hour I fought with the printer because it will only print 100% black - no color or shades of gray). I'm supposed to turn this in this morning, along with a receipt from the bank that took an HOUR to get, and then I should be done with this running around.
In case you're wondering, this has left little time for writing. I recently joined an online group that writes flash fiction once a month, and tomorrow is the deadline. Last month I posted it on the group's blog, but this time around I'll post it here. So you can look forward to a writing post - I'll knock off the complaining for a day.
Yesterday I turned in all my paperwork for my new visa and was told I needed a more detailed map of where I live. I had printed one from online and drawn in my street, with a sloppy star marking my building, but she said they need to know the businesses surrounding my house. As Penguin pointed out in the comments, it's probably so they can find me if necessary.
Lucky for me I'm a graphic designer and have designed a map or twenty in my time. The above picture is pared down from what I'm giving to immigration - I removed the identifying buildings so no stalkers can find me. :) Ibis questioned what regular people who can't create a map like this are supposed to do, and I admit they probably would have been satisfied with a hand-drawn map, but there are two reasons I went digital:
1) I haven't used my design software very much and figured I could use the practice, and
2) the woman at Immigration very kindly suggested I have my husband help me with my map, implying I couldn't do it on my own.
As if!
So now I have a map that took me a couple hours (when you factor in the hour I fought with the printer because it will only print 100% black - no color or shades of gray). I'm supposed to turn this in this morning, along with a receipt from the bank that took an HOUR to get, and then I should be done with this running around.
In case you're wondering, this has left little time for writing. I recently joined an online group that writes flash fiction once a month, and tomorrow is the deadline. Last month I posted it on the group's blog, but this time around I'll post it here. So you can look forward to a writing post - I'll knock off the complaining for a day.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Guatemala is Out of the Picture
I'm almost legalized.
Today I'm going back to the immigration offices to finish my application for an FM3 visa. I received a few notes about this yesterday, so I thought I'd explain.
When you vacation in Mexico, you fill out a form on the plane and there's a small scrap of paper you're supposed to keep until you leave. Not everyone pays much attention to it, but that's your tourist visa. When you fly, officials note the date you're leaving and write in the amount of time you'll be in the country. But, you can specify that you'll be there for up to 180 days, which is what I've been doing since moving here two years ago. It costs $20, plus whatever you pay to get to the border or leave the country.
(I'm assuming the arrangement is similar for other countries, but my travels have been limited to Northern American.)
When I was first moving here, I looked into an FM3 visa, which allows a foreigner to stay for one year and is renewable for five years. It's more expensive (roughly $160) but if you consider you don't need to travel every six months, it makes more sense. The problem I faced at the time is I didn't qualify for any of the requirements for an FM3. Off the top of my head, they were retiree, student, artist, and a couple others that I can't remember. But no option for "I want to go live in Mexico with my husband." So I opted for the tourist visa.
Well, my tourist visa is expiring. Of course it slipped my mind with all our visitors so now we're in a bit of a rush, but as long as we file the paperwork before it expires, the nice lady at immigration assures us I'll be fine. Plus, no one has ever asked to see my documents in the two years I've been here (knock on wood), so I don't think it'd make a huge difference.
Apparently I now qualify as Ibis' dependent and can get an FM3 visa based purely on him. We went in to the offices yesterday and got the process started, and today I get to return with, among other things, eight pictures of myself, including four profile shots. Lovely.
I was told I can't leave the country while my application is processing, and at first I panicked because I thought I heard her say three months, but it's just three weeks. That'll be over before I know it.
No word yet where these profile shots will be displayed...
Today I'm going back to the immigration offices to finish my application for an FM3 visa. I received a few notes about this yesterday, so I thought I'd explain.
When you vacation in Mexico, you fill out a form on the plane and there's a small scrap of paper you're supposed to keep until you leave. Not everyone pays much attention to it, but that's your tourist visa. When you fly, officials note the date you're leaving and write in the amount of time you'll be in the country. But, you can specify that you'll be there for up to 180 days, which is what I've been doing since moving here two years ago. It costs $20, plus whatever you pay to get to the border or leave the country.
(I'm assuming the arrangement is similar for other countries, but my travels have been limited to Northern American.)
When I was first moving here, I looked into an FM3 visa, which allows a foreigner to stay for one year and is renewable for five years. It's more expensive (roughly $160) but if you consider you don't need to travel every six months, it makes more sense. The problem I faced at the time is I didn't qualify for any of the requirements for an FM3. Off the top of my head, they were retiree, student, artist, and a couple others that I can't remember. But no option for "I want to go live in Mexico with my husband." So I opted for the tourist visa.
Well, my tourist visa is expiring. Of course it slipped my mind with all our visitors so now we're in a bit of a rush, but as long as we file the paperwork before it expires, the nice lady at immigration assures us I'll be fine. Plus, no one has ever asked to see my documents in the two years I've been here (knock on wood), so I don't think it'd make a huge difference.
Apparently I now qualify as Ibis' dependent and can get an FM3 visa based purely on him. We went in to the offices yesterday and got the process started, and today I get to return with, among other things, eight pictures of myself, including four profile shots. Lovely.
I was told I can't leave the country while my application is processing, and at first I panicked because I thought I heard her say three months, but it's just three weeks. That'll be over before I know it.
No word yet where these profile shots will be displayed...
Monday, March 9, 2009
Immigration Update
Yesterday marked two years since I moved to Mexico, so I thought I'd catch you all up on what's going on with our immigration case. If you've been following for awhile, you know Ibis had his immigration interview a year ago in Ciudad Juarez, then another that April. At the time they told us they needed another 8-10 months to review the case, then in October we found out that changed to 10-12 months.
The paperwork didn't get processed until May, so that means we're currently in the tenth month. For the most part, we don't spend a lot of time discussing our case. The decision will be made by an anonymous person 2000 miles away (I think) and we really have no influence over that decision, so for the most part, we just go about our days and focus on the here and now.
That's been more difficult as the deadline approached. The date I kept pushing out of my head is finally here and now we need to have an actual plan. A lot of you already know this, but last week we started an email campaign to Senator Stabenow (MI) urging her office to tell DHS to hurry up. Because of the way the laws are, one branch of the government cannot tell another to do anything, but we're hoping letters from several hundred people will help put us closer to the top of the list.
While this has been going on, I realized last week that my tourist visa expires soon. The last thing we need is another immigration headache, so I went into the local office for an extension. The very nice lady who helped me explained that I can't get it extended, so my two best options were 1) to drive to Guatemala (as that border is closer than the US) to get a new one, or 2) get an FM3 visa as Ibis' dependent. My understanding is that because I've been here for a certain length of time, I now qualify for a different FM3 than I did when I first moved here. It's the cheapest option so it looks like just as we're getting ready to leave, I'll have a more permanent status here.
On a side note, we haven't heard much more in terms of violence locally, but we did see a man arrested Saturday night. We were a little nervous having so many drawn machine guns nearby, but we were inside a restaurant so there was no danger. I have noticed more mobile patrols, so hopefully Calderon's additional troops are helping.
The paperwork didn't get processed until May, so that means we're currently in the tenth month. For the most part, we don't spend a lot of time discussing our case. The decision will be made by an anonymous person 2000 miles away (I think) and we really have no influence over that decision, so for the most part, we just go about our days and focus on the here and now.
That's been more difficult as the deadline approached. The date I kept pushing out of my head is finally here and now we need to have an actual plan. A lot of you already know this, but last week we started an email campaign to Senator Stabenow (MI) urging her office to tell DHS to hurry up. Because of the way the laws are, one branch of the government cannot tell another to do anything, but we're hoping letters from several hundred people will help put us closer to the top of the list.
While this has been going on, I realized last week that my tourist visa expires soon. The last thing we need is another immigration headache, so I went into the local office for an extension. The very nice lady who helped me explained that I can't get it extended, so my two best options were 1) to drive to Guatemala (as that border is closer than the US) to get a new one, or 2) get an FM3 visa as Ibis' dependent. My understanding is that because I've been here for a certain length of time, I now qualify for a different FM3 than I did when I first moved here. It's the cheapest option so it looks like just as we're getting ready to leave, I'll have a more permanent status here.
On a side note, we haven't heard much more in terms of violence locally, but we did see a man arrested Saturday night. We were a little nervous having so many drawn machine guns nearby, but we were inside a restaurant so there was no danger. I have noticed more mobile patrols, so hopefully Calderon's additional troops are helping.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
"We're All Mojados"
I don't usually discuss religion on my blog, but my parents forwarded me an email from our church in Michigan that I just have to share.
Rev. Jim Burklo is speaking at our church next Sunday. The following is an excerpt from his most recent book, BIRDLIKE AND BARNLESS: Meditations, Prayers, and Songs for Progressive Christians.
Mojados in the Promised Land
by Jim Burklo and Lisa Atkinson
We are all mojados in the promised land
We’ll cross that bright river today
All our backs will be wet when we finally stand
At the throne of God someday
Nobody’s thirsty in the promised land
Coyote can’t steal your soul
Buzzards don’t glide over desert sands
There is no border patrol
There are no migra at the pearly gates
No fake ID’s to buy
They don’t take your money and leave you to fate
You can’t get caught in a lie
You won’t get deported from the promised land
You cross over there, you are home
It’s our place to build and our place to stand
Heaven to earth, kingdom come
He goes on to say:
"We’re all mojados. Wet on the back, wet behind the ears, just born, so to speak. If not from the physical womb, at least born again every time we cross that river and wash away our self-righteousness, our hubris, our sense of privilege and entitlement and superiority. We’re all ‘illegals’. We’ve broken the laws of Moses, the laws of nature, the unwritten laws of social and political correctness, and we’ve broken the law of love."
My parents sent this to me, I assume, because of the parallels with The Other Side, but I think the message here is something we can all appreciate, regardless of your religious beliefs. I have high hopes for the next year, and one of the first on the list is that the US will come up with a real resolution for the immigrants living there and hoping to become citizens.
Be safe, and have a happy New Year. Ibis and I are out of town for the next couple days - we finally made it to Huetamo - so I'll tell you all about the trip when I get back.
Rev. Jim Burklo is speaking at our church next Sunday. The following is an excerpt from his most recent book, BIRDLIKE AND BARNLESS: Meditations, Prayers, and Songs for Progressive Christians.
Mojados in the Promised Land
by Jim Burklo and Lisa Atkinson
We are all mojados in the promised land
We’ll cross that bright river today
All our backs will be wet when we finally stand
At the throne of God someday
Nobody’s thirsty in the promised land
Coyote can’t steal your soul
Buzzards don’t glide over desert sands
There is no border patrol
There are no migra at the pearly gates
No fake ID’s to buy
They don’t take your money and leave you to fate
You can’t get caught in a lie
You won’t get deported from the promised land
You cross over there, you are home
It’s our place to build and our place to stand
Heaven to earth, kingdom come
He goes on to say:
"We’re all mojados. Wet on the back, wet behind the ears, just born, so to speak. If not from the physical womb, at least born again every time we cross that river and wash away our self-righteousness, our hubris, our sense of privilege and entitlement and superiority. We’re all ‘illegals’. We’ve broken the laws of Moses, the laws of nature, the unwritten laws of social and political correctness, and we’ve broken the law of love."
My parents sent this to me, I assume, because of the parallels with The Other Side, but I think the message here is something we can all appreciate, regardless of your religious beliefs. I have high hopes for the next year, and one of the first on the list is that the US will come up with a real resolution for the immigrants living there and hoping to become citizens.
Be safe, and have a happy New Year. Ibis and I are out of town for the next couple days - we finally made it to Huetamo - so I'll tell you all about the trip when I get back.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My Goals for 2009
I've given up on making resolutions. I try to improve myself every day, so to suddenly try to change myself because of the date feels wrong. Instead I have written a list of writing goals that I have for the new year.*
Finish & Submit The Other Side
I'm in the middle of rewrites (or technically first-writes) and hope to get it to a respectable length the first week of January. I plan to send it to my next reader by January 8th and start of my query and synopsis while that person has it. Once I get those edits back, I hope to write a final draft and start submitting.
I originally hoped to start submitting in January, but I know it's more important to have your work at its very best; rushing doesn't help anyone. That said, if my next reader suggests things that require more rewrites, I'll push the submit date back further. BUT, my goal is to start sending queries by the end of February.
Finish My Second, Yet-To-Be-Named, Novel
I set it aside at 62,000 words, so I'm already further ahead than with my first novel, at least in terms of length. I'd say I'm about three-quarters of the way through and I already know a lot of reworking that needs to be done. I plan to tackle this while my queries sit on busy agents' desks.
Write & Submit More Short Stories
I sent my first short story off a couple weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear back. I know better than to assume I'll be accepted on my first attempt, so I'll send it out again once I get that first rejection. I recently started a second story, and if I can write one per month, I'll be happy.
Write & Submit Non-Fiction Articles/Essays
This goal is a little more ambivalent. I have some general ideas for topics, but I'm floundering a bit when it comes to actually writing anything. This is more of a back-burner goal.
I also have goals for my personal life, but they are all out of my control. For the sake of this post, I'll list them like my wishing will have any effect on their outcome.
Get an Agent
Yes, I know this ties into writing, but because it concerns an actual person, I'm including it in personal goals. :)
Master Dreamweaver
I haven't mentioned this much lately, but I've been teaching myself Dreamweaver - or trying to - over the past several months. I hit a wall earlier this month and I'm now waiting for my dad's arrival because he's bringing a Dreamweaver book. Yay!
Move Back to Chicago
Again, completely out of my control, but that's my biggest wish. Obama & Biden have put together a website called change.gov and they have currently opened the site to questions. You can vote on questions that others have submitted, or post your own at change.gov/openforquestions.
Assuming I Master Dreamweaver & Move Back to Chicago, Start My Own Freelance Business
Ideally I'd like to be able to use my skills as both a graphic designer and a writer. I know it's hard to make a living as a freelancer and I think doing both with expand my opportunities. Ibis and I talk a lot about what we'll do when we leave Mexico, especially in light of the US economy right now, and my only stipulation for him is that he finds a job with insurance. That will allow me to pursue my writing and designing without fearing for our health.
And that's about it. There are a couple little things I've left off, but they're the things I try to do every day: live a healthy life, love and appreciate my friends and family, and try to be a person that others can respect.
I know some of you have listed your goals and resolutions on your blogs, but is there anything you'd care to share here?
* Is anyone else in SHOCK that it's 2009? Ay carumba!
Finish & Submit The Other Side
I'm in the middle of rewrites (or technically first-writes) and hope to get it to a respectable length the first week of January. I plan to send it to my next reader by January 8th and start of my query and synopsis while that person has it. Once I get those edits back, I hope to write a final draft and start submitting.
I originally hoped to start submitting in January, but I know it's more important to have your work at its very best; rushing doesn't help anyone. That said, if my next reader suggests things that require more rewrites, I'll push the submit date back further. BUT, my goal is to start sending queries by the end of February.
Finish My Second, Yet-To-Be-Named, Novel
I set it aside at 62,000 words, so I'm already further ahead than with my first novel, at least in terms of length. I'd say I'm about three-quarters of the way through and I already know a lot of reworking that needs to be done. I plan to tackle this while my queries sit on busy agents' desks.
Write & Submit More Short Stories
I sent my first short story off a couple weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear back. I know better than to assume I'll be accepted on my first attempt, so I'll send it out again once I get that first rejection. I recently started a second story, and if I can write one per month, I'll be happy.
Write & Submit Non-Fiction Articles/Essays
This goal is a little more ambivalent. I have some general ideas for topics, but I'm floundering a bit when it comes to actually writing anything. This is more of a back-burner goal.
I also have goals for my personal life, but they are all out of my control. For the sake of this post, I'll list them like my wishing will have any effect on their outcome.
Get an Agent
Yes, I know this ties into writing, but because it concerns an actual person, I'm including it in personal goals. :)
Master Dreamweaver
I haven't mentioned this much lately, but I've been teaching myself Dreamweaver - or trying to - over the past several months. I hit a wall earlier this month and I'm now waiting for my dad's arrival because he's bringing a Dreamweaver book. Yay!
Move Back to Chicago
Again, completely out of my control, but that's my biggest wish. Obama & Biden have put together a website called change.gov and they have currently opened the site to questions. You can vote on questions that others have submitted, or post your own at change.gov/openforquestions.
Assuming I Master Dreamweaver & Move Back to Chicago, Start My Own Freelance Business
Ideally I'd like to be able to use my skills as both a graphic designer and a writer. I know it's hard to make a living as a freelancer and I think doing both with expand my opportunities. Ibis and I talk a lot about what we'll do when we leave Mexico, especially in light of the US economy right now, and my only stipulation for him is that he finds a job with insurance. That will allow me to pursue my writing and designing without fearing for our health.
And that's about it. There are a couple little things I've left off, but they're the things I try to do every day: live a healthy life, love and appreciate my friends and family, and try to be a person that others can respect.
I know some of you have listed your goals and resolutions on your blogs, but is there anything you'd care to share here?
* Is anyone else in SHOCK that it's 2009? Ay carumba!
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