Surprisingly, and in what seems record time, the FBI sent my fingerprint card back stamped "no arrest record" and I guess that's it. I could have told them that. They took no note of my being a life long dissident. I hope what they've given me is good enough for the Italian consulate. Now for some letters of endorsement from the financial world and some translations and Xeroxes and then it's off to the photo booth and then the consulate. Maybe I'll actually get a residency visa. Magari!!!

I went to a luncheon at the Asian Cultural Center today in support of my friend Augusta who was one of the four guest speakers. The topic was "Women Beyond Borders" and there were thirty plus women in attendance: Chinese, Korean, Ukrainian, African-American, Caucasian (French, Italian, American) and perhaps two or three other ethnicities represented. A delightful afternoon. One note of interest to me was meeting the world's most successful Korean businesswoman who serves on the board of the university where I taught during my Peace Corps service. She is stunning and charming and we plan to keep in touch. Everyone enjoyed the cross-cultural, cross-gender conflict resolution discussions, especially as they related to the future success of the world's economy.

Now back to the endless paperwork for the shippers, the consulate and moving - with all the tax and mail issues they entail. Life away from work is really busy!!!

posted by Joanna @ 4/01/2005 12:13:00 AM