The Way the Wind Blows,
Addendum

Isn't it amazing how quickly things can change? Proof that Fate is a fickle mistress. Our fate seems to be that we will never see Italy. It feels that way, at least. For the second time, our plans to visit that beautiful and fascinating destination have been squelched. This time, Fate was cloaked in the red tape of bureaucracy.

As we may have mentioned, we have progressed to the "last step" in the green card process. We're not even really sure what that means, because these things cannot be taken at face value. However, what it means for now is that during this tenuous time, we should not leave the country. Apparently, being away from the U.S.A. at this point in the paperwork implies that we are actually not interested in gaining a green card after all and thus, our paperwork would be tossed out and we would have to start the whole process over again.

Yes. Despite three plus years of waiting and jumping through hoops and obeying all the rules, we are now so close to our goal that we can almost see it. But heaven forbid that we take our eyes off the ball for even a moment, or else all is lost! It's enough to flesh out a Greek tragedy, I think. Imagine it! The heroes travel over land and sea to a foreign land, searching for the golden apple and just when it's in sight, some fatal flaw comes into play (our love of travel, I suppose) and the fat-bellied villain, laughing victoriously, snatches the prize at the last moment, leaving the heroes bereft and rending their togas and rubbing ashes in their hair...

Okay, the theatre major took over for a bit there, but you get the idea. I was very upset to hear the news, especially since this was our second attempt at planning an Italy trip and extra especially because we'd already spent $2000 on air fare. Oh woe! I very nearly cried, even though I was in public when Phillip called me with the news. Thank goodness for chocolate.

But the story is thankfully not yet over. Phillip and I began to consider alternatives, since several friends told us of their own predicaments with air fare that had positive outcomes. Initially, we thought that a domestic flight would be a fair trade for our tickets, but since our main interest finally came down to San Fransisco, we realized that we would be losing too much for an exchange. (No refunds!) So we took a gamble. The payoff is worth it - if it works. Instead of going to Italy this fall, we plan to both return to Canada for christmas holidays.

After mulling over dates and details, we contacted United Airlines and explained our situation.

"No problem!"

"Well that's great news."

"The transfer fee will be $399.00."

"Not so good."

"The balance owing is forty cents, but we'll waive that."

"Gee thanks."

So there you have it. The money was already spent and we weren't getting it back, so we went ahead and transferred the cost towards tickets to fly to Ottawa instead. It worked out, but there is still a small risk that the paperwork (which is supposed to be finished in October) will be delayed and we will still be grounded by the time December rolls around. We'll just have to keep our hopes up.

As for flights to San Fran? Well, they're set and rather than the full three weeks originally planned for our fall vacation, we'll take just two (saving the rest for Canada). We'll relax and enjoy the city that everyone says is wonderful and should not be missed, then zip up to Portland, Oregon, where our friend, Amanda now lives and visit with her for a few days before returning to San Diego.

There's more planning to do for the holidays, but we're both rather excited to be seeing family again. Phillip is looking forward to meeting his new nieces and nephews and we will also be taking part in the ritual of Brianna's baptism, where we will be standing in as god-parents. Pretty cool.

In the meantime, Phillip and are are enjoying the cooler weather, taking yoga classes in the park on Saturdays and generally recovering from the abrupt change in our end-of-year plans. I've always thought of myself as a pretty flexible person, but this sudden jolt to our expectations made me realize that once I have my heart set on something, it takes the wind out of me to be denied. Phillip seems to be taking things more in stride, but then, he's more laid back than I am and I think he had a tiny bit of trepidation about visiting a country where, once again, he would not speak a word of the language.

My favourite month is fast approaching and before we know it, we'll be among long-time friends and family again. We're looking forward to seeing you all and hope to find you in good health and high spirits.

Until then...