London Bridge Calling

 Dom and I have talked in the past about moving out of the United States and living in London.   I've only been to London once via Heathrow Airport when I took an overseas vacation to Spain in 2011.   But Dom has been there a couple times ages ago and fell in love with it when visiting.   He has a couple doll friends that live in the outskirts of London and he's always talking with them about the area.

London could definitely be a great spot to immigrate to as it would present more opportunity to visit other European countries via mass transit.   I do worry about not having any friendships there and the older I get, the harder it is to connect with folks.   But I'm sure there are options to increase the social circle.

From reviewing resources, it looks like the easiest option would be for me to get a Work Visa to work in London.   Those are usually good for a couple years and then I would just have to renew it.   My company does have roles in the UK which would make the situation great if I were to find a role there and interviewing goes well.

Everything of course is preliminary.   I would definitely miss being near my sisters and the few friends and acquaintances I have.   I would definitely have to adjust to a different way of living.  At least though the language barrier would be nonexistent.

I plan to update this post with links related to moving to London.  

Some resources:

https://www.aladyinlondon.com/2022/01/how-to-move-to-london.html

https://theportablewife.com/living-abroad/moving-to-london/moving-to-london-from-us-7-things/

https://www.movehub.com/us/international-moving/united-kingdom/london/

https://wise.com/us/blog/moving-to-uk-guide

Hiding the Nail File

 My travel plans for May include a visit to see my friend Mitch who is in the back half of an 11 year prison sentence for soliciting a minor.    As I said previously he was unfortunately the scapegoat in a sting where the minor in question apparently also was involved with other older men.   Mitch never even met the minor in question but because he made suggestions on how to act sexy on camera, he was charged with making a video among other charges.

So it'll be my first time seeing him since my only visit to the prison back in 2017 when he was a few months into his sentence.   I recall there were a few ground rules I had to follow.   I couldn't bring in a phone or wallet in the visiting area.   They did provide lockers for visitors to put their personal items in.   Also there were certain colors or styles of clothing that couldn't be worn.   I can't remember exactly what they were but Mitch will remind me prior to the visit.   Even writing letters to Mitch required different rules in fear that contraband may be mailed to the prisoners.

I am looking forward to seeing him.  I know it's been a rough go.   He's told me stories about how the guards intimidate the prisoners.   Of course the food is nothing to write home to Mama about.   It is a prison though so it's not going to be the Ritz.    But I know he's looking forward to the day he can get out.

I had hoped that when Covid started becoming rampant that he may have been released early like some prisoners were.   But that didn't come to pass.   From what he said, any options for an early release is gone due to the nature of the crime.

So the prison is almost 7 hours from me.   My plan is work from the Indianapolis office that Thursday and then begin traveling towards the prison after work.  I plan to stay overnight in Cincinnati, OH and then continue traveling to Charleston, WV where I'll stay for the next two nights while visiting Mitch.  I'll then make the trek back home Sunday early afternoon and hopefully get home by Sunday evening.

I have to figure out how to entertain myself during the trip.  I plan to stay near a casino resort while in Cincinnati.   I still have to figure out where to stay in Charleston.   The area is a historical area so I look forward to checking out some touristy stuff while there.

It's crazy.  I never thought I'd be visiting anyone in prison.  I do consider myself blessed that I never found myself in Mitch's situation.   I pray that I never have to experience what Mitch has.   I truly feel so sorry for him and always feel guilty when talking to him about my problems.

Nothing too much going on otherwise.  I did get a small bonus check from work which I'm pretty much spending on paying down my debt.  I am excited since I am on track with paying my major credit card debt off by June billing cycle.   Hopefully I can hang on to my job a bit longer to try and save up some cash.

I'm also overdue for a doctor's visit and I need to schedule my first colonoscopy.  I dread the doctor visit because I'm losing my battle with my blood pressure and feel like now that I've crossed 50 I'll wind up being placed on blood pressure medication.   I've fallen off the gym wagon again and really need to get back to it.   I did at least go for a little walk today around the park since the weather was nice.   But I really need to get into an exercise program.