About a month ago, I got a random text from my husband while I was at work.
“Do you care if I go to Asia or Europe for work?”
He’s never really traveled for work before, but who am I to hold him back?
“I’m sure we could make that work,” I replied.
A few weeks later, he announced that he would leave for Singapore in early March.
“What about your passport?” I asked.
Before Covid hit, he had been in the process of renewing his passport. But, that was abandoned as were many things.
He had inquired and was told it would be best to schedule an appointment when his trip was 14 days out and get an expedited passport rather than wait the 3-5 weeks it would normally take. So he waited.
When his trip was 14 days out, he called to make an appointment to renew his passport. He was told there were no appointments locally, just one on March 8th in Buffalo, New York. His trip was scheduled for March 10th.
Arnauld called me one afternoon this week, on my way home from work. He had been on the phone with the senator’s office. Apparently, passport offices hold a certain number of appointments for people that contact their senators.
“So did you get an appointment?” I asked.
“They’ll call me back,” he said. No panic to be heard in his voice.
The next day’s update came, again, while I was driving home from work.
“ I have an appointment in Stamford…on March 9th,” Arnauld told me.
“The day before your trip?!?” I asked.
This last minute business is way beyond my comfort level. I am not a procrastinator and prefer having things set and settled with plenty of time to spare.
Tomorrow is Arnauld’s passport appointment.
Will Arnauld be heading to Singapore on Friday?
I’ll let you know!
Where There Is Joy 
Really cutting it close. Even prepandemic renewing a passport was a month or more long affair. Hope it works out.
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I am SO with YOU! I had anxiety just reading this post. I’m betting it works out and he heads to Singapore, but last minute passport dealing causes stress, for sure. You’re going to have some GOOD posts about single parenting three busy kids.
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I appreciate your optimism. Things usually work out for him, despite his last minute nature. The next week should be interesting. We even have an overnight trip out of state for a dance competition! 🙃
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WOW! This would completely stress me out. When I travel, I’m packed and ready a week (or more) before I leave with all documents ready to go. My fingers are crossed that Arnauld gets his passport and that you manage your very busy week. Call if you need anything! I’m right down the road!
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I think I heard an essay on NPR about March being National Procrastination Month…or something like that. So Arnauld’s timing is great. Looking forward to hearing how this expedited expedition unfolds.
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I would look it up, but…I can do it later.
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🤣 every month is a celebration of procrastination for Arnauld.
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Nice balance of narration and conversation and you pass the time that this slice spans in well crafted sentences! Like others, I sure do look forward to both hearing and reading about this one! Arnauld’s the best 😉
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I’m sure we could make that work,” I replied.- I’m not sure that would be my reply! I’m nervous for him. I hope it works out. He’ll be gone for your mom’s birthday!
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I’d be a nervous wreck if I were awaiting a passport the day before my trip. I did have students who traveled to China w/ me in 2029 who didn’t get their visas until the day before we left. That made my stomach hurt.
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Passport drama unfolding. I really must find out what happens next. Very compelling storytelling. Fingers crossed.
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Oh! You left us hanging – but then again, he left you hanging & they left him hanging. I would be *sooooo* uncomfortable with this. I hope you & Arnaud survive the last-minuteness of it all!
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I can feel the tension of this situation! I am looking forward to the update! I hope he gets to go.
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Oh my. I would be sweating and biting my nails. I’m hoping he gets his passport in time if it’s a trip he really wants to make. I’m pulling for him.
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Very stressful! You remind me of time my son misplaced his passport and I had to fly back to Singapore without him; he followed a week later after getting a new one. Glad your husband was able to travel!
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