Medical at St. Luke's

Two weeks to go til my husband and son’s interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila and I am so excited and nervous.

They had their medical examination at St Luke’s extension clinic. It was a two-day process, they did not have an appointment since it is first-come first-serve for their particular visa category IR1/IR2. All they needed to bring was their appointment letters and photos.

Day 1

I had informed my husband to arrive early at the clinic and prepare my 2-year-old son’s gear for the day: food, toys and extra clothes because it was going to be a long day. He also brought along Grandma to keep an extra eye on my son. It was a good thing because at some points during the medical, my son and husband were separated in different rooms. When they arrived, they filled out a lot of forms and the appointments letters were checked and rechecked. First stop was the 5th floor where the vitals were taken (weight, height, blood pressure). After that was the eye check-up followed by the immunization evaluation. My son passed everything because we had brought along his baby book which showed all his complete evacuations. My husband, however, needed two vaccinations, including chicken pox because he had no scars to prove he ever had it. After that, the papers were submitted to the USA desk and they waited again to be called.

Soon after, they had to undergo their physical examination and it’s standard procedure to be fully unclothed. My poor son was so modest, he kept covering his private parts. Normally, children under the age of 15 don’t need a chest x-ray but the doctor noticed all the asthma medicine in his baby book, she ordered one at an extra charge to us. It’s a relieve for parents to know they have a very nice baby x-ray room with toys and books. The technician sits your child on a stool and put a clear cocoon around them to keep them stil. Zap and its done.

For my husband – they made him undress, they spread his butt cheeks (very uncomfortable, my husband says) to check for hemmoroids and then they cupped his balls. Then they proceed to ask about your medical history, drug usage etc.

Next comes the lab test for blood. Urine tests are reserved for women, to check if they are pregnant. Then came the Xray. All this was done in 6 1/2 hours. They were asked to return the next day at 8:30AM for the vaccinations and results.

My husband paid in pesos (we’re saving our precious dollars) and it came to PhP9,500 for the two of them.


Day 2

They arrived at St. Lukes at 9Am and proceed to the 2nd floor. My son didn’t have anything more examined but he needed to be physically present to claim the results. Meanwhile, my husband got two shots, one in each arm. Then, they proceeded to wait the results for about two hours.

If you have kids, it’s nice to know there are lot of other children for them to play around. Of course, a lot were cranky because they got shots. Children who can’t write must give their thumb mark to sign for their papers.

Then they were instructed to bring the x-ray and vaccination records to the U.S. when we leave for school/employment purposes. The rest of the results are directly forwarded to the U.S. embassy for the interview. They were also asked to submit their passports which would be give to the U.S. Embassy and returned later on. They said the main purpose of the medical is for all immigrants to have complete vaccinations and health records before they enter the country. Well, aside from weeding out those with illegal drug usage and AIDS.

Now, more waiting until the main event....

On the Road

My younger sister and I have developed a new relationship - driver and navigator. Being an extreme control freak, taking the role of driver has not been an easy task. I keep trying to refer to the map, grabbing directions from her hands and asking her every 3 seconds, did you say left...was it left or right? After a few rides out 70 miles south, 35 miles west, we are now comfortable with each other.

It's nice to let someone else call the shots.

I bought an itrip and it's proven itself a Godsend during these long trips. Most radio stations here are laden with stupid ads (much like the Philippines) so having a good music selection in the ipod is great. Rachel has the knack for chosing good drive music (from Hanson, Blues Travellers to Hotdog) We are both enjoying ourselves.

The U.S. highway system will never cease to amaze me. The roads themselves look like South Superhighway, only wider - but I agree that good signage is the true mark of a civilized society.

My Sister's Wedding

The whole event went by in a blur - blame it on jetlag. I got up at 4:30AM because I kept tossing and turning. I had gotten to
bed at 2am (after helping chose music at bridal march/processional, do floral arrangements and make signs) and well, I guess my body clock had reverted back to nap time because I didn’t feel tired at all. I cooked pancakes for everyone and made coffee. Joli got up around 6:30, an hour later than she had intended to and we had so many things pa to rush. We had to iron her clothes, set her hair, do her make-up, do my own hair and make-up and be at the chapel by 8AM to
arrange the flowers and signages to the reception. Just a wee bit stressful.

So we did what we could (I didn’t have the chance to do fix my hair anymore, just combed it). When we got to Wisconsin, we realized we forgot the candles for the unity candle ceremony, and also the bubbles for outside the chapel. Oh well – never mind the bubbles. Kevin had to drive back for the candles.

When we finally got the flowers arranged, I did a few bridal portraits with Joli (you can see them, the ones outside with Joli) and in her dressing room. The venue is so beautiful and we really got some wonderful photos. I had a bit of time trying to figure out the natural light, mainly because it kept shifting. But I am extremely happy with the photos.

It was a very small party – about 20 people as guests. The minister was this red-headed grandma. Very motherly. She started off the ceremony with the Lord’s prayer and then asked us, who gives Joli away? The entire party said “we do.” Then, she read some passages of the bible, gave a sermon, exchanged vows, unity candle and kiss the bride! All done in 20 minutes! We had a short picture taking outside, for the group picture, it took awhile because I had borrowed a tripod and it was broken so it took a few trial and error shots.

Then we headed the reception area – the food wasn’t set up. And wow, we really had to mingle. Since it was a small party, everyone stood up and really had conversation. I enjoyed talking to a bunch of Joi’s friends from the lab. I especially like Sanjay and his wife Tina – they promised to invite us over for a dinner of Indian food.

The food was good, although it was set up late. We had bbq chicken, roast beef (carved by a waiter on the spot), roast pork, rice, 2 types of salad, various rolls and buttered veggies. For drinks, they served soft drinks and each table had one bottle of wine each. It was a good summery white wine. The only disappointment was the cake – not only was it very “plain” looking (super corny design), they did not use buttercream as Joli ordered – it was more of thick marshmallowy type frosting, overly sweet. The cake itself was chocolate and tasted like it came from a mix. Rachel was very disappointed saying she could
have done 200% better and it was true. I was very very amateur for a $300 cake. As for her flowers, I could
have done her bouquet as well. Sabi ko okay Rachel, we should go into wedding coordination here in the U.S. and as a team– and we’d do great!

Dancing followed, the DJ had a weird mix of songs although it was fun. He played a mix of R&B, the Motown, then pop – but the show stopper was when he played super Indian bollywood type music and Nandini (Joli’s friend) lead a dance and a lot of them joined it. It was a lot of fun. And keeping in tradition, Kevin made a fool of himself dancing something between an Indian dance and the funky chicken. Everybody had fun.

Winthrop Harbor - My Butt Is Heavy

Today is my second official day in the U.S. and well, I have nothing much to show for it. I am missing my son terribly. I can't make the emptiness go away. Nights are the hardest. Aside from the fact that my body is telling me it's early afternoon, my thoughts are 100% of my son. I hope this gets easier.

So far, I've been to an Arby's upon my arrival and a Target to pick up a few items. Today, I hope to walk to the Marina and maybe take some photos. Let's see if I can muster the energy to get up from this Lazy Boy.

Airline Lost Luggage

The airline lost our luggage! We arrived in Chicago via Northwest airlines yesterday and it was an exhausting flight. If you are flying to the US this summer season from thePhilippines, do take note that 3 hours ahead of the flight is not enough time at NAIA to get through customs and immigration. Wearrived at NAIA at 3:30am for a 6:30 flight and wow...we finished up at security just in time for our boarding. We were like in row 67 andthey were already boarding rows 30. It was crazy. Also - make sure your socks don't have holes!

Every single connecting flight was a photo-finish but the worst wasin Detroit. As a point of entry, it sucks big-time! I have to make amental note to NEVER pass there again. We made our connecting flightin time but got to Chicago to find out that the airline lost one of luggage. I was travelling with my sister and it was hers and boy isshe pissed! I had a LOT of stuff in her luggage as well. Some irreplaceables include my letters of reference, employment, collegetranscripts and certificates from all the professional workshops Iever took. My sister had her clothes and we also are missing ourwedding presents to my sister. (My Ate gets married Saturday).

I'm still praying hard that they will still find the luggage. But given that we're approaching the 24-hour mark, my hopes are fading.If you have an extra 5 seconds, please include my luggage in your prayers too. I've already started a novena to St. Anthony.I guess its a major lesson for me. I was bringing my whole life with me (excluding my hubby and son) and had a lot to carry and I had put trust that some of the less important documents (although stillimportant) would be ok in the check-in.

Learn from my mistakes:
1. Anything you can't risk losing, bring along as a handcarry even ifit means carrying a big one.
2. If you are going to purchase a luggage, don't buy black. Get an outrageous color like red or purple. I highly suspect someone else may have gotten our luggage since it was a so-common black Samsonite. I put a rainbow ribbon on it for easier identification but maybe it got through.
3. With the US summer high-peak travel seasons, it seems 1 1/2 hoursis NOT enough to make your connecting flight. For your peace of mind, give yourself at least 2 hours between connecting flights.

An Endless Book Signing

My last Saturday in Manila and I think I am slightly crazy.

My husband and are I are standing line at 9AM to get our books signed by Neil Gaiman. We think that 9AM is early for a 3PM book signing but there are more than 100 people already standing around, with a slightly smug expression of arriving at Powerplant early. The crowd is scattered with some goth kids, middle-aged comic fans like us and a few moms. At around 9:15, I spot this tall man with messy hair sauntering towards the tent. He's wearing a black leather jacket (in this weather!) and black jeans. It took about 10 seconds for it to register in everybody's head that THE Neil Gaiman was heading our way. After a pause and a drumroll (in my head), the females in the crowd let out a collective sigh and slight yelp of recollection. By the time we realize who's in our presence, Neil is safely inside the Tent, judging entries from the art contest. I swore not to swoon, but it was just so awesome.

The line starts moving and we get Nos. 151 and 153, not bad. We kill time watching Fantastic Four and meet up with some friends.

Back to the Tent at 3PM to check out the book reading and the crowds have swollen five times the size. We get inside the tent but the salty smell of the air, the tight space and the high pitch whine of the Late Isabel makes me nauseous. At 4:15, Neil is finally introduced to the crowd amid cheers. He tells us Pinoys seem to be an enthusiastic bunch of people. Right he is. We hang on to his every word as he launches into excerpts from his newest novel Anansi Boys. After hearing him live, I make a mental note to buy an audio book of his.

At 4:45, the line finally starts moving for the book signing. By 7PM, numbers 150-180 are invited to join the line. By 8PM, we are finally a few feet away from him. As I formulate what I'm going to say to him, the host announces Neil will take a ten minute dinner break. I feel my heart fall because that evening, we were hosting my husband's birthday party and my goodbye despidida at home. My hubby turns to me and says he'd better leave because our guests would be waiting. I feel so bad for him because he is such a fan but I know that we have responsibilities too to our guests. I take over the books, and my sister stands in my husband's place.

When I finally meet Neil - I inform him the book will be dedicated to my son. He gives me a tired smile, as he scribbles Best Fishes and draws a fish. Then I tell him about my recurring Neil Gaiman book signing dream wherein he was really and old grandma (who looks remarkable like Estelle Getty of the Golden Girls). Neil gives me a faint smile and says he feels like a grandma. A few pictures and we're done.

So that was my Neil Gaiman moment.