Sponge-bob Rewind

The year of chaotic events and cool foods.

This year started with potential moves ahead in life, but life does mislead us at times.

I was well on my way to nailing down a loan and a home of my own. Then it happened.

The same day that my phone was stolen, I was forced to move out of one rental unit to somewhere else. I then found out my my passport had bee revoked years ago. So I needed to build a new digital and physical world for myself. It seems like my country gave up on me and I certainly gave up on it.

The break up of break ups! The worst thing about it was that she (u.s.a) did not even tell me why. When I went to get my passport renewed, the lady shrugged and told me it was revoked three years ago. When I asked why, the woman shrugged.

No phone, no contacts, no home, no plan. Just a non-person.

I found a place to store my appliances, tools, and servers. Rented an airbnb, then another, and that continues.

Putting it back together

Still looking for a long term apartment while Steeming as usual. I beefed up security and played twenty questions with the embassy - they refuse to tell me why I was depersoned. I hate lawyers, but I will be sending one to find out what the deal is. Note: all of this happened right after three years of audits and accusations which were resolved - zero taxes owed. The I are S is so stupid, they think people receive shares of stock and then sell them and make 100% profit.

Boy they were shocked when I showed that I purchased them, and sold some for profit/others for a loss.

There is a FAT-CA law that allows them to peep into my bank accounts at will, and they seem to dip in and look for wild theories of money washing machines or something.

I will likely renounce my citizenship rather than spending thousands of dollars to prove how silly the pencil pushers are.

When you prove yourself innocent, prove yourself right year after year, you would think that they would eventually get the idea that you are not a cheater and move on to someone who is a cheater.

Recouping old hobbies this year.

I recently discovered that I can legally own firearms again. I had gotten rid of my collection when I moved from the States. I do not thing I will be collecting dozens of guns again, but I do want to take aim and get used to hitting the target again.

My boys both got their turn to learn the massive responsibility of holding, shooting, and cleaning handguns. They have a military instructor to teach them everything they need to know. That experience knocks the silly, kid-like, thoughts right out of them. It is a rite of passage, so to speak.

Here is my middle child taking his lessons at the same range. They are not allowed to be there unless they are with an instructor and / or in class. We did break down a Glock at the in house gun shop which is something they both tried doing on video games, but the real thing has weight.

They were amazed that it can be done without any tools.

Both had very good aim though it was their first time firing. I am waiting for them to ask to go to their second lessons.

Two of my three are men now.

As a Dad, I am both proud of what they are becoming. I only have one of my little ones who is still underage but getting there. I miss their toddler selves. Those days are gone, but new accomplishments will come. They will make me just as proud.

They both were really responsible with the fireworks they were lighting at Christmas time, and the same will happen tonight.

Finding foods

I grew up with every day items in the mid-west, many of which are unknown in South America. This year seems to be one of finding things that I missed. I have ...

Made corned beef from scratch (soaking meet in salt and spices)

Found pinto beans which allows me to make really good TexMex

Learned to make sushi

Found Kahlua

Bought Kraft Mac & Cheese

Learned that roasted squash seeds are way better than pumpkin seeds.

Pepperoni

I also go t back into writing code and teaching my littlest boy to write some too. He wrote a calculator :/

My middle one is now working when not in school which give me the time to teach his little brother things like building models and programming software.

I am not much for New Years

But I did enjoy looking back on happenings over the last 12 months. Hope you did too!

Hasto luego!