Married...

Me and my fiancee made it official on July 25, 2015.

We had a small ceremony with my family in the town I grew up in. Even with a small service thrown together, there was so much to figure out. I dont how one does a large wedding.

Our marriage in the US was more about hitting a deadline. Pam was here on K-1 Visa for three months and it expired in late August. We had to be married with in 90 days of her arrival. What they don't tell you is the adjustment paperwork also has to filed in those 90 days for the fiancee to stay legally. And gathering paperwork and documents takes time.

So her Adjustment Status paperwork is filed and the Green Card process begins. In the meantime we are still figuring out how to be together under one roof and how to process each other's quirks. The last three months are more time we spent in the same place than the two years we officially dated. Some things just don't translate over internet chats or on short week long vacations.

Luckily we are happy and doing just fine.

Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

That new (to us) home smell

Since taking the job in Merrillville I have spent time in multiple hotels, and a temporary apartment before moving into our new home on June 1.

After having to re-adjust the amount I wanted to spend on a home for myself and Pam, the housing market is so much more expensive on this side of the state, I settled on a house. Pam got to look it over via webcam and was happy with the choice. It is a much larger house than either of us had in mind.

It's a three bedroom with a full basement and a nice size lot. There was some thing which need to be done to the house and some things we wanted to do. But it is in a good, safe neighborhood, their is shopping within walking distance, and a short commute to work. Plus we got it for a lower than value price.

We spent the first month cleaning the filth and throwing out garbage left behind by the last owners. I knew there was some junk laying around but there was a whole new layer once we started peeling it away. Oh, the amount of disinfectant cleaner used to clear away the funky oder and caked on dirt and animal hair. It wasn't a pretty sight to begin with and I think my wife wondered what I had gotten us into.

Nearly three months later there are still many projects to complete. I have to remember it takes time and money. We've got all the junk thrown out of the house, still working on the garage. We have new floors down in the kitchen and laundry room with basement floors to be done in the next week. New windows are scheduled for September. Left behind, dirty cabinets have been cleaned, painted, and re-purposed for actual use.

Pam has found a love for this little DIY projects while I am at work. And luckily, we have plenty. But in a couple years this house will be turned into a five bedroom house with two baths and a finished basement. All of the improvements should be most beneficial when it comes time move and sell.

Until then, it's our home sweet home.



Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

The Philippines Return and K1 Visa

If you follow my randomly spaced out blog then you know I am in a relationship with a Filipina. I met her a couple of years ago online. Decided to travel there to met her in person. We clicked and have been together ever since. Last year I proposed to her and we have spent the last few months waiting on her Visa.

In May it was approved. So I booked airplane tickets. Correction - I purchased very expensive, last minute airplane tickets for us and took vacation to go and bring her back.

Before I talk about the trip. What a whirlwind this 2015 has been. We both new the challenges and such with her coming to the country but this was compounded by me excepting a new managerial job within our company and moving to a different part of the state. Plus trying to find a new house for us and selling the current house. Let's not forget the joys of moving. All on top of the insanely busy work schedule. Like I said, 2015 has been a whirlwind.

But it would all be better once Pam arrived. The day that K1 Visa came in was a great weight lifted off our shoulders. And the process was actually rather painless compared to some of the horror stories I read. My advice is give the government lots of information and dont try to hide anything. They will find out anyways.

So after working the 2nd biggest event I have of the year and getting about four hours sleep, I jumped in my jeep with the suitcases and heading out to O'Hare Airport early in the morning. The flight was Chicago to Honolulu to Guam to Manila. So the positives is I have now stepped on the soil of another country and now only have Alaska as the only state in the US not to visit. The negatives is there was once again delays. And neither of the flights to Hawaii or Guam had free food.

After arriving late and getting through all the usual airport process, which by the way the new terminal is outstanding and a much needed upgrade to the Ninoy Airport, I successfully negotiated my cab fare at a reasonable rate for the first time. I am very proud of myself. Went to the Tune Hotel in Makati where Pam was waiting on me. No matter how long I have been travel, no matter how tired I feel, whenever I see her beautiful face answer the door it makes everything better.

Normally we would have some sort of vacation booked but since was the last time she was going to be home for quite awhile, we decided to spend most of the time with family in her family home; after spending a couple of days by ourselves in the city. We actually didn't do much this time around. It was too damn hot. The hottest it has been in my four times in the Philippines. One afternoon we went to my favorite beer destination in the city, Global Beer Exchange and one morning we spent walking around the gorgeous Bonifacio City. This part of Manila feels a lot like America. There are sidewalks and stoplights which people abide by and lots of restaurants and commerce and it's clean. It is definitely the ritzy side of Manila. Both days were fun... when I wasn't sweating bullets.

We headed to Magalang, which is outside Angeles City, to stay at the family home. Basically we just hung out with her siblings and their kids for a few days enjoying our time together. I toughed it out in the scorching heat and humidity with no air con before having to go into the city and stay at a hotel for a night to cool off. It was a bit eye opening living without all my American conveniences for a few days. I gained a great respect for the people here who go about there lives in the weather of 95 degrees with 90% humidity. I got introduced to many of the extended family and her grandma during this trip. We went to a big family fiesta where the Red Horse was flowing heavy and the food was a plenty. The lechon was excellent. One cant go wrong with pig roasted over an open flame. The family made me feel instantly welcomed and part of the group. It was a fun day and pleasure to finally meet all of them.

The day before we were to fly out, for America; we decided to rent a large van and take most of the family on a day trip to Manila. We went to Star City Amusement Park and had fun for a few hours. Then we got dropped off at the hotel where the emotional goodbyes were said.

This was Pam's first long flight. Actually only her second overall, the first being when we went to Palawan. The flight went Manila to Tokyo to Detroit to Chicago. I was a tad nervous about entry, mainly because of some horror stories I read, But it was simple and painless. Again, keep things detailed and honest if you go through this process.

Then drive to Crown Point from O'Hare wasn't terrible either as I saw it all through her eyes of curiosity. It nakes it all new to me too.

Welcome to America dear.




Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

All work and no play

Work. Work. And more work.
That has been my life since Feb 9. Only three days off, including today, since then. It's been a process of get home from being on the road, do laundry and errands, and leave again. Most of these have been 10-14 hour work days.
I am exhausted. And it's going to continue for a little while longer. At least until the situation at work gets decided.






Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

What I have learned about the Philippines

I am engaged to a Filipina. I have traveled there three times in the last eighteen months. And will be back several more times in my life. Hell, we might move back when it's time for retirement. I am officially enamored with this country.

So what have I learned during multiple visits in the PI?

- Filipinos are extremely proud of their heritage. They rally around each other in times of need. I was there for the first time not long after the devastating Typhoon Haiyon. The people had tremendous spirits in the midst of all the tragedy.

- Speaking of rallying around countrymen, they love beauty pageants, like Miss Universe. Especially when the winner is of Filipino heritage.

- They love Manny Pacquiao more. He is on TV every single day. He is by far their biggest celebrity. I have been there twice when he has had boxing matches and places damn near shut down to watch the fight. He's a big deal.

- Basketball is huge in this country. There are basketball courts all over.

- Many people seem to be obsessed with America (loads of US fast food especially KFC) becoming white. Whiting salons are common and apps to make your skin look lighter. Apparently lighter skin is more beautiful and means money.

- Many Filipinos are friendly people and joyful. People I just meet or get introduce to chat away like we are old friends. In fact, the first time I met my fiance's immediate family, it didn't take long for me to feel comfortable and part of the family. Big meals with comfort food and fine people helps.

- Unfortunately many also believe just because you are a tourist that you are also rich.

- I would have never guessed the popularity hot dogs and spaghetti. I'll stick with pancit, lumpia, caldereta, sisig, and other Filipino goodies instead.

- Good food and service was better than expect (I read horror stories). the key is they dont check up on you. You need to get their attention to be served. And I still dont really understand how to tip correctly. I've been told one tips what they can.

- I will never drive in this country. At least not in a car. It's madness of pattern honking which actually flows fairly decent considering how roads are laid out through the country. Plus it's too easy and cost effective to jump in a bus, jeepney, or trike.

- Basically the roadway infrastructure is a mes. Certain places have become so over populated that the proper travel space has not been able to keep up or possibly it is too costly to build.

- Parts of this country are absolutely breath taking. I have only scratched the surface of all the pristine beaches, mountains, and other wonderful landscapes. Palawan has been my favorite thus far. I cant speak highly enough about the area.

- It's freaking hot and humid. Always. At least to a guy from Indiana. I've been told there are two season. Hot and rainy. I've been there during both.

- Pollution is a problem. A lot of gas fumes permeate the sidewalk. And often piles of trash too. I have also seen very contaminated streams. This is why one does not drink the water.

- The family bond is extremely important. Often many family members live together is modest accommodations.

- I have learned some common phrases in my visits and general communication on a daily basis with my fiancee. Some I absolutely adore uses in my own vernacular now. She uses "comfort room" for bathroom or restroom, which I find so much more elegant of a phrase. "Resto" for restaurant is another word I like using. The phrase "same-same" has entered my world and is a common response I get when asking how she is feeling when sick.

These are just a few observations that I have noticed in my time. There is far more to learn. Every trip is a new discovery into the Filipino culture.




Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

Bye Bye Forty

I turned forty-one last week.

An insignificant number really in the age spectrum. However the last year was a very significant one in my life, both personally and professionally.

In 2013 I visited the Philippines for the first time. Actually, the first time I traveled outside the United States. Part of the reason of the trip was to meet in person a wonderful lady that I had gotten to know online over the year. We hit it off in person and our relationship blossomed. In 2014, I traveled back to the country twice more. And more importantly, I got engaged to that wonderful lady. Currently our K-1 Marriage Visa petition has been filed and we in the waiting game.

Now all my thought processes have changed. For the first time in my life I am trying to figure out a future with two people in it and how to make Pam arriving/living in the US as easy as possible. It will be a big adjustment for her. For both of us really, but one we are excited about and eager to start. Here's to the process going smoothly and quickly.

Professionally was a year a challenges as well. I found my role in our office changing. It has been an adjustment and one that I am still trying to get used to. What makes things easier is our branch office being very a tight knit group. The majority of us are not only colleagues, but friends who gather outside of work. And it's a promising future as our company is employee owned and we are starting to see and realize the potential behind it. I was asked to be part of our Communications Committee, which has been rewarding, hectic, and demanding. Thankfully, I am allowed time to the necessary things needed for this group.

I traveled this year, as usual for work and pleasure, mostly to places I have been to before.

I also been dealing with a bad knee all year. And as of writing this, have just had knee surgery.

Looking forward to this year has in store. A marriage on the horizon is the big changer. Maybe new career opportunities too, who knows.

As long as family and friends are around to support me and be a part of the year, then 2015 will be another great year.






Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.