Power of Attorney

I received a notice from my bank yesterday that they did not accept the power of attorney form that I printed out from the net. I had this document signed and notarized, but my bank wanted a power of attorney form where the person who is being given power of attorney signs the form. The bank kindly sent me their version.

"...we cannot accept it [my internet power of attorney form] due to the document not being in compliance with PA state law. The law, which took effect April 12, 200, requires acknowledgement by the person being given power of attorney. It also must include a notice, which outlines the purpose of the power of attorney..."

I got this new document signed and notarized last night and it was off in the mail today.

Reasons to have a power of attorney.
I canceled my car insurance yesterday, I sold the car this weekend. Sometime next week or the week after the insurance company will send me a refund check; I pay in advance for my car insurance. My bank will not accept the check for deposit unless I sign it. yes, I already called the bank and asked if I could write "for deposit only". They said no, but a power of attorney could sign the check and deposit it.

final bills (electric, dsl, cell phone) will be rolling in soon. I'll pre-sign some of my checks so that my parents can write in the amount and send them in. If there is a bill I forgot about, I want them to be able to write a check from my account rather than re-paying them.

Medicine. Looking into the future if I need anything like medication, clothing sent to me, ect... instead of having my parents pay for it, I'd like them to use my checkbook to pay for shipping and whatever else I may need while I'm abroad.

leaving town

the weather held up for moving day. it was suppose to rain, instead it was cloudy, humid and 72 degrees....in mid November too! most of my things were packed and ready to go, but i really should have gotten rid of more small meaningless items. the move took longer than i thought.... maybe it was the three flights of stairs, maybe all the boxes, maybe because there were only three of us moving? i really should have had moira come over earlier in the day.

once most of the boxes were out, i phoned the landlady. she came over, did a quick inspection and gave me my security deposit without an incident, which is surprising for her character. Nick stopped over to say good-bye. it was the first time i cried saying good-bye for this journey. moira got the second set of tears, the apartment didn't get any. when i walked out of the empty apartment that i called home for 3 years i was happy to say good-bye. i loved living there, i loved the apartment, but i was ready to move out.

as we left town we drove past the gnome's house to give a final wave (no i did not cry)

on the way to my parents, we stopped at carsense to sell my vw. they gave me a fair price. sure, i would have liked to get more, but i didn't lose any money either. the process felt like it took forever especially after a day of moving. they drove it, put it on the lift, then we filled out all the paperwork. i got some final photos of me and the vw then I said my good-bye.

we didn't get back to my parents until 6pm. we were all exhausted from the constant walking up and down 3 flights of stairs with all my things. i kept more than i originally planned. I should have started to purge much sooner.

i don't own a car and i don't have an apartment. it doesn't feel strange. i'm weirded out that i don't feel weirded out (if that makes any sense?)

Wardrobe Cuts

I spent Monday evening making wardrobe cuts. I felt like a reality show judge. "Sorry Brown Sweater, you did not make the cut. All the other clothing will be traveling to Buenos Aires except for you". Brown Sweater, green shirt and others will be donated. I had made two previous cuts; tonight was the final cut. My intentions were to leave no clothing behind, but I had a change of heart... (embarrassed to say this)..but I can't part with my first greatful dead tie die tee-shirt that's soft from so many washings and two college sweatshirts. My justification is that they bring me joy. They just aren't practical to take with me, so they will stay at home in a box awaiting my returned visit.

I'm only taking two large suitcases with wheels on the bottom. I'll also have a leather backpack with my laptops, medicines, 6 months of contacts, a book or two and a change of clothing in case my luggage gets lost.

I'm not planning on taking many winter clothes, just a few. By the time winter rolls around I'll be there for 7 months. Hopefully someone will come and visit (and bring some sweaters for me?) or I hope to be doing enough with money that I can go out and buy a few winter pieces.

Preparations (13 days)

13 days until I leave the country
5 days until I move
3 more salsa days left

LICENSE PLACE
I contacted 2 notary publics about what to do with my license plate once I sell my car. Both said I can send it back to the Department of Transportation or I can destroy it. If I choose to destroy it, than when the registration is expired, it will no longer be in the DOT system.

EZPASS
To cancel the ezpass I need to send back the transponder. I was told to wrap the transponder in aluminum foil so that I won't be charged if the mail truck were to go through an ezpass toll. They'll hold the transponder for 2 weeks and then refund any extra money they pulled from my credit card.

CAR
Still dragging my feet. Maybe sometime this week during work I'll drive it up to CarSense to get a quote. I think they'll be able to smell my desperation to sell it last min.

POWER OF ATTORNEY FORM
Finally I'm taking care of this. I printed out a Power of Attorney form online, filled it out, had two people sign it as witnesses and got it notarized. Now I just need to make a copy and send it to my bank and give a copy to my Power of Attorney. When I'm away, my Power of Attorney will be able to write checks from and deposit checks into my bank account.

EXPAT TAX ATTORNEY
I haven't fully explored this yet. Since I haven't started contract work yet, I'm going to put this tax issue off until I begin working.

CONTRACT WORK
Picking up future contract work is looking promising. My manager won't be able to post for my position until 30 days after I leave, which will be around Christmas. Therefore he won't be conducting too many interviews over the holidays. Jokingly he said "if things don't work out in Argentina, you have a job until Jan 5th".

Also, to my favor, I heard a cubical rumor that there is a hiring freeze. If this is true, the company won't be able to hire a full-time employee for my position, but the work will pile up, especially since my co-worker will go out on maternity leave sometime in February. My fingers are crossed that this works out in my favor.

Preparations (17 more days)

Notary Public / Apostille
This afternoon I took my criminal background check / fingerprints to the local Notary Public to be notarized. I then dropped them in the mail to the Department of State to obtain an Apostille.

"Apostille is a French word which means a certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use"

Car
Still dragging my feet, but I made a step in the right direction; I purchased a 'For Sale' sign 3 days ago and put it on my car today. Worst comes to worst I'll sell it to CarSense, who gave me a decent quote.

Charles Schwab Account
Sheesh, I'm glad I began the process of Opening this account a month ago. At first there was a problem / typo with my social security number. Then it took a while forthe debt card to arrive; just last week. Yesterday I logged on to my new Charles Schwab checking account to find out I had to fill out more paperwork to be able to electronically transfer money from my current bank to Schwab. So today, I physically mailed in paperwork. I'm disappointed with Schwab for not being more advance with their electronic banking. Paperwork is a thing of the past. And wastefull too.

I still need to:
CANCEL
Cell phone, easy pass & car insurance (once I sell the car.)

PRINT OUT
Info on which taxi I will take from the airport, the address of my host family, the address of my Spanish School & my ePlane Ticket

PURCHASE
American Express travelers checks to pay for the 2 weeks of Spanish School & room and board

CHANGE
Address at post office
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$5 Notarized fingerprints / Crim.Background
$15 Apostille
$0.99 For Sale sign for the car

Preparations (24 more days)

This past weekend I went home to clean up my old bedroom in anticipation of moving back home for a week. Not much was accomplished, however I did get to see my family. I'm hoping fairy cleaners (mom and dad) will clean up before I arrive back to the nest? Wishful thinking?

The car...I received the title to my car in the mail today. I have the car posted on craigslist and a sign up at work. I really should put a sign on the car too. I guess I'm dragging my feet. (I really like the car)

Contract work...is a little more complicated than I thought. I thought it would just be a matter of me negotiating an hourly rate and submitting my hours. Nope. My company only does this for contractors who have steady work, rather than a per project basis; they don't want to be negotiating over 600 single contracts, rather they go though a sort of temp agency (middleman). (*gromble*) I'm assuming this means less money in my pocket and money being caught up in between. I was in contact with a man today who is sending me contact info and information, but the email I received is all corporate speak. I'll have to decode it tomorrow when my brain isn't as tired. I'll be sure to take my corporate decoder ring to work.

emotions...I'm still very excited to start my journey. I must admit that I am now a little freaked out about the short amount of time I have here. It's this week and than two more weeks until I move back home. My last week in the states will be my week living at home. I don't want to make any plans for that week, I just want to spend the time with my family. So, I have this week which is half over and two more weeks. That is crazy!!! I'm trying to absorb and appreciate everything around me.

Salsa binge...I went salsa dancing 3 times last week and tonight will make it 3 times for this week. I can't get enough, it's my passion, my addiction. It's not all about the dancing itself, it's so much more. I didn't realize until recently that I built a social salsa circle for myself. I get greeted by the bouncer as soon as I walk in the door, no more ID is needed, instead I get a kiss on the cheek and a friendly smile. It only takes the time for me to put on my shoes until I get asked to dance by one of my favorite salseros. The music feels warm, tropical, happy and passionate. The embrace feels close, often smells good (like man), and the look is deep. With that said I need to go get ready for salsa tonight.

What to do with the car... solved

I started off my morning by calling VW.  I was lucky this time to get a representative who was knowledgeable.  

To purchase the car, I needed to send a cashiers check; I wasn't able to wire them money like I normally do for my monthly payments. Also, if I included a $15 check they would overnight me the title.  So, I called my bank and had them overnight the payoff amount to VW.  The cashiers check and my $15 check should be at VW tomorrow by noon.  Then I'll need to wait 3-4 days for them to process the title (I guess find it, and sign it over to me).  So by next week I will be the title holder of my car.

Once I receive the title, VW suggested that I go to the DMV and have a new title made up.  The title that VW is sending me will just be signed over to me rather than having my name on the title.  I called a notary public and they said that I didn't need to go to the DMV, the title VW is sending and the letter that will accompany the title is all I need to sell the car.

Car problem solved.  Now I just need to find a buyer.

Todays to do list...(31 days)

What to do with the VW continued...
I think I'm going to purchase my car from VW finance so that when it comes time to sell it privately, it will be just one trip to the notary.
 
My family said I can have their car once I sell mine. This helps relieve some stress as to when I can/should sell my car.
 
I placed my car on craigslist last night. It's priced a little high; If no one bites I'll lower it in 5 days. I also plan on putting signs up at my office (2000 people are in my building)
 
Student loans
Today I called AES who holds my student loans. I paid this months bill and applied for a deferment for the next 6 months. I plan to continue to pay the loans once I start contract work. I asked AES if I would be penalized for deferring the loans and she said no. I was most worried about losing my incredibly low interest rate that I have on the loan.
 
Charles Schwab
Still working with them to open an account. Something seems to be wrong with my social security number and the one they have for me.  
 
Expat Tax Attorney
I believe I need to acquire an international accountant or an expatriot tax attorney. If I'll be residing abroad, but making U.S. dollars, which taxes will I pay? Federal, state, local? Where will I claim to be living? How will I file taxes and to whom?
 
Power of Attorney
It was suggested to me (twice) that I get a power of attorney that can speak on my behalf should I not be able to get in contact with the U.S. (banking accounts, student loans ect...)  
 
Ah ha! Free Consultation with a Lawyer
My colleauge just reminded me that our employer has an Employee work/life assistance program. The program grants me 3 free half hour sessions with a lawyer. I contacted them and made an appointment to speak with a lawyer about the above two issues. 

Canceling & Notifying

Scratching things off the to-do list...

Called to Cancel:  
-- Electric and gas - Nov.15
-- Phone and DSL - Nov.17
 
Notified I'll be in B.A & changed my address to my family's home:
-- Bank (checking, savings & visa)
-- Master card  
 
Still working with Charles Schwab to open a checking account (no fees for accessing money abroad). There was an error in processing the account.
 
Signed up for a membership to the South American Explorers club. (multiple discounts are offered; like the Spanish school I'll be attending.  Also, they have a place to lock up my bags if I can't find an apartment right away)

What to do with the VW?

What to do with the car? I had a conversation with my VW dealership today. I inquired how I would go about selling the car privately when VW finance is holding a loan and it's title.  
 
It sounds very complicated; I would get the money from the buyer, send it to VW, VW would send me the title a week later and then I would sign the title over to the buyer. umph. There has to be a better way...
 
The man I spoke with at VW sounded interested in buying the car so that VW can resell it as a 'pre-loved' vehicle. He'll be calling back with an estimate. I'm planning on not being impressed with their low offer. (he called back and I am not impressed with his offer)
 
I do have money in my savings to buy the car. I'm considering paying off my car and a week later I'll have the title to it. That way, when I go to sell it privately, it will be a shorter process (couple hours or so at the notary instead of waiting for a week for the title to be mailed to me)
 
I'll live with my family for my last week in the states. I also plan on working Mon-Thurs that last week from an office that's closer to my family's home. I'd like to keep my car until the end, but maybe that's cutting it too close in the case that a private buyer backs out or something falls through. 

Packing and Purging

And the Packing and Purging begins.
This is harder than I thought. Not because I'm getting sentimental, but because I don't want to throw anything away. I don't want to add to our landfills (the hippy side of me speaking). I want to sell it, give it or recycle it. I think I'm spending too much time looking for homes for my belongings, but I think, in the long run, I will feel better.

Sentimentally speaking, so far so good.

I'll donate two suits and two nice pairs of heels to a women's shelter in the area. I'm also looking into where I can donate my beautiful black floor length bridesmaid dress I wore for Danielle's wedding. There is an organization near the city that gives the dresses to young girls who don't have money to purchase prom gowns.

Today...
I started off my my day by taking a jog in an amazing park. It's only 15 min drive from my apartment. The park looks like it's from a storybook. The morning air was brisk and colorful leaves were falling. I'm not very good at jogging, but today I did pretty well. I think it was the scenery that helped. see more photos

After the jog I headed to the Apple store where I bought Naaman a week ago. Just this week, Apple released a newer version, so I was able to get the price difference returned to my credit card. Yeah for extra money I wasn't accounting for!

Once I got home I tackled my back porch first. I took down all my hanging baskets and pulled the dead herbs out. I dumped the soil in the back yard and set all my plastic pots out on the curb with a free sign. I also had a rubbermaid container that I was using to compost. I dumped the rich leftover compost in the back yard and then set the container out on the curb too. Four hours later and it's all gone! Everything found a new home. Mission "Clean up back porch" accomplished!

Tomorrow someone will come over to buy my patio set.

After the back porch, I started taking things off my bookshelves. I did throw some paper away but I managed to put many things in a piles for friends or to donate. I packed a total of 5 boxes today. I'm on a roll.

grrrr, I'm still having a hard time giving up my college notebooks. Why!!! I haven't looked at them in 4 years and I don't think I ever will. I don't want to keep them, but it would hurt too much to throw them away.  

43 days

VW:
First thing this morning I called VW credit. I generally pay more each month on my car payment so I wanted to asked until when was I paid up until. November 28th. Yee-haw! So I logged into my bank account and I canceled my automatic car payments! I also inquired how I would go about selling my car privately. I don't own it (VW credit owns it). I didn't get an answer though, the woman I spoke with had no clue.. I'll need to call back later to get an answer from another rep. I owe money on the car, but know that I'm able to get more if I sell it privately. (it's on my to-do list to call back) Persistence has always paid off for me.

Banking Accounts:
I set up my Charles Schwab account this afternoon. Charles Schwab doesn't pass on extra atm fees to their account holders. Normally, banks pass on atm fees, transfer fees and foreign conversion fees. Sometimes these fees can be as much as $8 and as little as $3 every time you hit up the atm. Charles Schwab eats those fees. So, I transferred some funds into this new account and now I'm just waiting for the card to arrive in the mail.

More Contract work??
So, I just found out today that my employer has certified contractors. For instance, if someone is laid off, they may ask them to go on a contract basis. Therefore, my company just pays for the work done, but no benefits or extras. hummmmmmmm. My boss and I get along very well. I may just have a chance of contracting for my employer once I leave! Also, if I could be certified as a contractor from my current company (filling out paperwork from what I understand) than I can let my other colleagues, that are in other departments, know that I'm available for overflow projects. My fingers are crossed! This would be perfect for me!!!

Craigslist:
So far I have 5 of my belongings posted on craigslist for sale. Only one sold so far. No sweat. I still have 43 days.

When?
At what point? At what point do I start packing and purging? At what point do I start giving my stuff to friends? At what point do I put my car for sale (I want to drive it until Nov. 18th or 20th). Is this too soon? 3 weeks out? 2 weeks out?

The plan so far (U.S.):
This coming Monday the 13th I'll give my manager 5 weeks notice. Friday the 24th I'll work from my managers office and then head home to my family's house for the weekend. I can put some things in my car to take home. My plan is to clean up my old bedroom; do some organizing. Also, I'll see what kind of luggage we have in the attic. Two large rolling suitcases? I'm hoping! I'll also carry a backpack with both my laptops (old man Jisseppii and my new Naaman)

The plan so far (B.A.)
I've been in contact with academiabuenosaires.com I've arranged for an airport pickup for Sunday November 23rd. I've also requested a host family for 2 weeks and took a spanish placement test. Federico said he'll be in contact with me shortly about an Argentine host family. ~ not sure at what point I should start sending resumes to english language schools in B.A. or when I should start inquiring about rooms for rent?

Master to-do list

ohffah. There has been a lot going on in my head today.

I'd like to buy the ticket to Buenos Aires this week; maybe tomorrow.

In my head: Should I buy a one-way or buy a round trip? What date should I leave? When should my last day of work be? When will my last day at my apartment be?

Here's my to-do list
NOW:
Get health check up Get Hep A & Hep B shots
Order meds to stock up
Make Eye Dr. appt
Order Contacts
Make Dentist appt
Order Birth Certificate
Get fingerprints Order Criminal Bkgd Check
Get Crim.Bkgd notarized
Call Argentine Consulate to verify no visa is needed
Purchase camera

WEEK OF OCTOBER 06:
Decide when I'm leaving.
Make appts. for job interviews in BsAs

A MONTH BEFORE LEAVING:
Switch Car Insurance policy
Cancel Car Insurance
Cancel Renters Insurance
Cancel Electric & Gas
Cancel DSL
Cancel Cell Phone
Notify Student Loan holder
Notify Credit Cars / Banks
Open Charles Shwab Acct.
Give landlord notice
Give employer notice
Purchase plane ticket
Cancel EzPass
Schedule Spanish classes in BsAs

A WEEK BEFORE LEAVING
Get an estimate for the car
Send back license plate
Sell my beloved VW (this is the possession I will miss most.)

My list doesn't include selling & packing my stuff. I also haven't made a list yet for what I should work on to get the freelance ball rolling. Excited, but overwhelmed. I just don't want to forget anything.

Preparations: making progress

Last night Moira and I got our fingerprints and a tour of our local police station. The jail cells look like they do on TV, but the beds didn't have mattresses. After I commented on this I was told "this isn't the Hilton". True. Good Answer.

So, this afternoon I was able to mail away for my birth certificate and criminal background check (both needed to apply for working papers in Argentina).

I also made an eye exam appointment in D.C. My health insurance covers eye exams every 2 years. Since I had my last eye exam last year, my eye doc won't sell me contacts without another eye exam (which are expensive without insurance). Danielle got an eye exam AND 3 months of contacts for $99 at her er um my eye dr. Sounded like a reasonable price to me. So, instead of doing research to see if there are any deals in my area I made an appointment for Oct 3 in the morning (I need to be in her area anyway for pre-wedding prep)
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$10 - Birth Certificate
$18 - Criminal Background Check
$0.75 - Cost of money order for bkgd check.

Preparations: shots, papers, car insurance oh my

Fulfilling my need to plan...

I want to make sure my health is up to snuff and I'm making use of my health insurance while I have it, so I'm scheduling some regular check-ups. Also, I'm looking into:

• what types of documents I may need to bring with me
• fees I may encounter when accessing my U.S banking accounts
• possible penalties I may incur for canceling my car insurance

Immunizations
A couple weeks ago I told my doctor that I'd like to spend time in Buenos Aires; I asked what types of immunizations I should get. She recommended I get a the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccination. She also recommended that I have my latest immunization history sent to her office. Afterwards I contacted my college (I knew they had records of my latest immunizations). They faxed over my history and it turns out I was over due for a tetanus shot. I scheduled appointments for all three - tetanus, which now includes the whooping cough vaccine, Hep A and Hep B. I'll soon be up-to-date with immunizations.

Birth Certificate
Yesterday, I printed out a form to request my birth certificate. It will cost $10. (To process the request online would cost $8 more; my frugal self will be snail mailing it.) I'll need to make copies of my drivers license and the change of address card (since my drivers license address is incorrect).

Accessing Money in BA
I'm starting to think about moving my checking and possibly my money market account to another bank to avoid ATM withdraw fees once in BsAs. There's some discussion about this on the baexpats.com site. I know that my credit union won't charge me, but there will be a fee from the owner of the ATM and possibly a foreign conversion fee. It appears Charles Schwab does not charge any fees and gives you back any fees that owners of ATMs charge. I don't plan on using my savings, but if I do, I don't want to pay fees to access my money. Here is what expats are saying about atm fees in BsAs. More about Banking and Credit Card Fees in BsAs

Criminal Background Check
Sometime this week Moira and I will get our fingerprints taken. For me, I need them to apply for a Criminal Background check that will be needed to apply for working papers in BsAs and Moria needs hers for when she applies for a public school position.

Canceling Car Insurance
My blog stalking is paying off. I just read that I just can't just cancel my auto insurance without a penalty when/if I decide to get it again. By canceling auto insurance, they, the auto insurers like Nationwide, views that as a lapse in insurance. If I would go for auto insurance again (after a lapse of insurance) I will be considered high risk and end up paying more!

Solution? I just spoke with Nationwide and they suggested that before canceling my policy, I be added to someone else's policy as a second driver. This way there won't be a lapse of insurance. The cost, she said, should be minimal,, if none since I'm over 30 and have a clean driving record.