​Weathering the Storm with the WP #167

Time is fleeting and 30 days from today, I depart the USA without a scheduled return. In between there is still much to do, but more of my decisions have been made. Also, there is never a straight line in my life, either business or personal, but after this past weekend visiting the family in Alabama, with a conference in Boston tomorrow and a longer conference in Dallas starting a week from now, there is never a dull moment in my life. Every day between now and the 21st of June, is extremely important to be prepared for my future in Europe with Rosa, one where I finally get to be with my wife and not have to worry about 90 days from arrival, having to leave again. The bureaucratic wheels are turning and while slow, are turning and that is a good thing. ​

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A major decision, and while expensive up front, was made last week. I am taking what’s left of my worldly possessions, including my vehicle and mostly sentimental items including artwork and other collectibles with me. I found a company that will ship not only my SUV, but all those items, able to fit into a 4 x 8 U-Haul trailer across the pond. The hitch is that since I just paid off my vehicle, US Customs and Border Control will not allow me to take it out of the country for 6 months from the paid in full date, which was the 15th of May. Why, you may ask, as I did. It turns out that there are vehicles that are paid off and then “stolen” and brought overseas for several reasons. In any case, what this means is that all the items, including the vehicle, as they will be shipped together, must sit in storage until that 6-month clock has gone by. It also means that I will be driving my vehicle and my items to the location where sometime later this year, everything will be shipped and delivered to my “home” door to door. ​

It works out much better this way. No more thinking about the artwork and other collectibles including my stamp collection and what to do with them. What to keep and what to get rid of. I have done an awesome job downsizing and there is still a bit more, but in the end, I will be able to enjoy some of my things, finally, once the dust settles, which is the other reason why, getting my “stuff” later this year is fine. As you know, Rosa and I are renovating, or should I say, Rosa, her momma, her sisters are renovating a condo that has been in the family for decades, with its 1970’s décor and equipment to be replaced. This is a process as everything is in Italy and should be ready, fingers crossed in 4 to 5 months. In the meantime, we have an apartment in the same building as momma for the summer, so the fact that my worldly possessions will catch up with me later this year is fine. If I were to receive them sooner, they would simply sit. ​

Also, my vehicle will be delivered directly to me, so I do not have to pick it up at a port and drive it into Rome, so again, any clocks that are starting, ie. having to get an Italian driver’s license, and plates will be able to wait. As I understand it, I have one year to get one, but as the first three months back in Italy are as a tourist, and my residency is in process, time is on my side. Besides, I must get better with my Italian as the driver’s test will be in Italian, or German, or French, but not English, so this fall, an intensive Italian course is in my future, for me and for Rosa. I am biting off little pieces now and when I can “relax” and actually live in Rome, that is the time for this next part of the transition, so for now and the near future, meaning the next 30 days, my focus is on my clients and their upcoming and current adventures, and I am fortunate as there are many of which I am having the pleasure of working. I love what I do and that I can do it from anywhere and be where I can be with my wife, where she is, even though, that arrival date is still over 40 days away. All I want to be is Rosa’s husband, so we can focus on our marriage, finally. ​

The complexities of my life have been simplified knowing that that time will get there, and it is sooner than I feel right now. Even with the chaos of the next few weeks and months, I am very much at peace with what is about to happen and as each situation gets resolved, I feel better. I am looking at the long term, but still grounded on what is happening in the short term. I have also learned to break things up into little chunks, so the overwhelming world I am about to enter is not as overwhelming. I am extremely excited about my future with Rosa, as husband and wife, and truly feel in a good place. I try to share this with her, as well, as I know she is overwhelmed with everything, as well, with so much to do. One day at a time and one project at a time. We will get there and be ready to live our lives together, something about which I am very excited. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I want to be there for her, not from across the pond, which I am right now, but di persona, now and forever!!!

As always, I hope you have enjoyed my offerings each week and appreciate that you have read my blog posts and look forward to continuing with sharing. As always, thank you so much for your support of Rosa’s and my little world now that they have been merged into one. We truly appreciate your support and congratulations. Stay safe, healthy, and most importantly happy, and as always, your shared comments and thoughts are most welcome!!!