Update.....

So I sent my documents off on the twentieth. I was beyond nervous! I read and reread and re-reread the instructions on the Department of State, and UAE Embassy's websites. I even called both to make sure I had the correct addresses, forms, form of payment, and amounts! 

She's awesome!

It took me a good 45 minutes just to fill out the forms, and envelopes (I wanted be sure I filled everything out correctly). Then I made my journey to the post office! I made the decision to bypass the two post offices closest to me, and go to the post office by my alma mater, as I knew the post master there was a stickler for doing EVERYTHING the right way. This on a normal package irks my nerves, but for such a precious parcel, I needed this to help ease my mind. 

I explained to her what I was doing, and all the stops it needed to make. She asked if there would be any extra documents added to the package after it first stop (Department of State). I told her approximately four sheets of paper. She said to ensure there would be no extra charges, to send them priority flat rate. So that's what we did. 

In the envelope from me to DoS was the documents needing authorization, a cover letter, the form required, a money order, and an envelope addressed from me to the UAE Embassy. In the envelope to the UAE Embassy was the cover letter they require, payment, and another envelope that will be used to send ALL of the documents (with DoS authorization and UAE authorization) back to me.

In the group on Facebook, people mentioned having documents sent back to them between DoS and UAE Embassy, but I confirmed with the DoS the documents can be sent to any location as long as the envelope is addressed an postage is paid. I didn't say anything about that part to my counterparts, as I may be the first to do this. I'll just wait it out and see what happens (fingers crossed). 

I was nervous when my postmaster told me the parcel would arrive on Monday, and it didn't get there until Wednesday (stupid snow!).  I haven't followed up with the DoS since Wednesday (the website says the process can take between 5 and 7 business days). I'm just glad they did make it to the VA address. I'll call Monday and see if they've made it to DC. 

Mom was in town for my birthday! It's always good to hang with her (for the first two days). I love you mom! LOL We both have dominant personalities and clash, but I've been working on letting her lead as she's the boss! 

On my birthday (Sunday) we went to Home Depot and purchased paint for the house. Monday I took off to hang with her and run some errands. I came home Tuesday from work and she already painted the dining room! She's awesome! She took me grocery shopping on the day she left (I never have enough food in the house to her liking), and we went for breakfast at IHOP (we used to go every year for my birthday when I was younger). We've been separated since 2005 when I left for college. Let's saaaaayyyyy 2009 we finally stopped doing the crying thing when we leave one another, but this time when I dropped her off at the airport, she started with the tears, which triggered mine. *sigh* We're a lost cause! It's always just been us these last 28 years. 

Sidebar: I've been thinking about extending my blog to food and fashion (I've made a page for my humble fashions already...check out the tab at the top!) :)