near 7 months and Married to a Colombiana is an adventure!

[fathertime]

I thought I would give a pleasant update of life in S. Ca with my Colombian queen as we approach 7 months together.  If you happen to be one of those men that is sitting on the fence about travelling to a country like Colombia, my experience may help you to decide whether this is an endeavor you would like to take.  

When my lady first arrived, I was excited but also had a small measure of trepidation, as I had heard the horror stories about ladies arriving and within days/weeks leaving for their ‘real boyfriend’ or for a secret opportunity.  I imagine in most of those cases the man was caught completely off guard, and I was pretty darn sure that was not going to be me, but you can never be too sure about a woman.  

My lady is 17 years younger than me and I’m 41 so some might say I passed my prime a while back.  What I’m finding is that in terms of marriage, I’ve never been more in my prime.  I’ve been able to dedicate more of my energy to my young wife and help her achieve her goals in a way that I would not cared enough to do in previous marriages/relationships.  One of the glues of the marriage is a shared sense of humor, I can’t remember a woman making me laugh as often as she has. She also gets quite a few laughs, usually at my expense, but I don’t mind, so it is a win/win!  

When not saddled with commitments we are a homebodies usually, she enjoys the computer, TV, and keeping me happy.  Often times we take walks in the evening and surprisingly she has adapted very well to the difference in temperature between 88 degrees in Barranquilla 60 degree winter days here.  

 Early on, I told her that she is ‘the boss of the kitchen’ and that it would be a reflection on her, how it and the house looked.  A couple months ago I found a supermarket that has a lot of Colombian type foods, although it was a quite a bit farther than I normally drive for groceries, we made the trek and she was very happy with the meats from this store.   I am very happy to have a pretty wife that is happy to be with the kids and pick up some of the slack for us.  It is a little 1950s’ish, but that is the lifestyle I was hoping for.

I’ve found that having patience has been absolutely critical for me.  The strange thing about patience is I did not realize I had an excess of it, until after I reflect on situations, and then realize how I would have likely reacted 20 years ago verses now.  Being somewhat older, little things that might have bothered me in the past just don’t bother me now.  I guess you can’t call the true patience, since I’m not being bothered in the first place.  Just acceptance of things never being perfect, but generally moving in the right direction is good enough to keep me happy!

In our situation thus far, age difference does not seem to affect us negatively in any way.  I watch other men sometimes sneak a glance at my babe, but she never acknowledges their eyes, and has been nothing but fully dedicated to me and the family’s happiness.  I think it helps that I have learned though the years how to do little things to make a wife happy.  I also feel pretty lucky that we chose each other, it was rather lucky actually because I had been to Barranquilla a month earlier visiting another gal, but after I returned to the US, that fizzled.  At that point, I saw what was to become my future wife on the website of the Agency I was using (latinwife.com. After a few weeks of webcamming, I had a pretty good feeling about her so I decided to make a return trip, just to see her.  

All in all, the time together has been a great joy, we are slowing moving through the citizenship process and if fate is with us, we will be parents of our own child before too long.  

Fathertime!

[Dan Las Vegas]

Congratulations FT!!!!   Thanks for the update on the process of adapting to the USA.  I found another grocery chain by me called, " el tapatio" that has a fair amount of colombian food. I don't know if you have one near you or not, but if so, it is worth checking out.

Dan

[Kiltboy1]

Congrats Sir Charles

It will get better with time as well. I am approaching 3 years married to my Queen  next month the 17th of March and it has been an adventure filled with lots of ups and downs, but once my wife got a job about 4 months ago, most of the ups and downs dissapeared and things are as normal as you can expect with a woman from a different culture. My wife is also 13 years younger then me , but has not been a problem. Keep on keeping on and your wife will adapt more amore each month.

KB

[fathertime]

Congratulations FT!!!!   Thanks for the update on the process of adapting to the USA.  I found another grocery chain by me called, " el tapatio" that has a fair amount of colombian food. I don't know if you have one near you or not, but if so, it is worth checking out.

Dan

Thanks Dan!

I found did a quick search and found the "El Tapatio" in Glendale and Bell Gardens, which one did you go to?  We'll likely give it a go at some point just to try something new. 

Thanks,
Fathertime!

[fathertime]

Congrats Sir Charles

It will get better with time as well. I am approaching 3 years married to my Queen  next month the 17th of March and it has been an adventure filled with lots of ups and downs, but once my wife got a job about 4 months ago, most of the ups and downs dissapeared and things are as normal as you can expect with a woman from a different culture. My wife is also 13 years younger then me , but has not been a problem. Keep on keeping on and your wife will adapt more amore each month.

KB

Yoyo Kiltboy!

I hear you about the ups and downs.  Thankfully we have found a rhythm for the past several months.  About 3 months in, I thought she might choose to pack up and scoot back to her Colombian family, but that was greatly exaggerated in my own mind I guess.   

At some point down the road my woman may choose to work outside the home, but that will be her choice as I don't see it as obligatory financially.   

 The fact remains that for most men, having a much younger foreign wife is a very realistic goal if that is what a person wants.  I am imagining it is a little easier to have a domestic spouse closer to the same age, but this feels like I won a jackpot!  Hopefully I feel this way in 3 years, like you do!

Fathertime!

[fathertime]

  The sad part is how do we know any of this is true? fathertime is a known liar.


  Researcher

    I have chosen to give new posters an insight in how life has been with my young Colombian wife.  I would encourage posters to think for themselves and use the information however they see fit.  I’m just glad to be in a position to contribute some  ‘boots on the ground’ experiences.  While you were erupting with angry posts all over the forum, I was out enjoying the California sunshine with my lady.  Oh and I bought her a couple sexy dresses for Valentine's Day, she could wear a curtain and make it look sexy too! Thanks for the opportunity to further elaborate on my experiences. 

     Careful Fuzzy, ‘researcher’ usually goes into a tizzy when any poster disagrees with him.  He lives on the forum, to comment negatively on my posts, which I get a kick of! 

One truth that can be concluded is that ‘researcher’  lives, breaths, and has enraged dreams of old Fathertime!  It is nice to know I can still have that effect on him! 

Fathertime!

[Fuzzyone]

   This is true, how do we know anything ft says is true?Or what username he is using?

   Well for that matter how do we know anything you say is true since most of what I have read from you is attacks on other members here. You can tell us if you are really Researcher if you want now. Since it seems this is a modern day Mary had a little lamb story. Where Researcher goes JR33 is sure to go!

[Pivery]

 Congrats on 7 months together FT. If your lady is anything like mine, every month together is treated like a big deal as it should be. Looking back on my first marriage, I realize that
I took things and her for granted and never thought much about Valentine's Day, anniversary days, and such. Too much hustle and bustle of trying to keep the bills at bay and as a
result the marriage suffered.

I won't make that same mistake again, and I don't imagine you or anyone else here that has a beautiful lady will either. My fiancée is a vegetarian so I don't have any major plans for
driving to the ends of the earth looking for Colombian food from the specialty stores. But it's nice to know they exist. I know of a couple of Colombian restaurants in Los Angeles you could
take your sweetie to. They are very authentic and not too expensive either. If I can remember them I will post their names...

Pivery

[fathertime]

Congrats on 7 months together FT. If your lady is anything like mine, every month together is treated like a big deal as it should be. Looking back on my first marriage, I realize that
I took things and her for granted and never thought much about Valentine's Day, anniversary days, and such. Too much hustle and bustle of trying to keep the bills at bay and as a
result the marriage suffered.

I won't make that same mistake again, and I don't imagine you or anyone else here that has a beautiful lady will either. My fiancée is a vegetarian so I don't have any major plans for
driving to the ends of the earth looking for Colombian food from the specialty stores. But it's nice to know they exist. I know of a couple of Colombian restaurants in Los Angeles you could
take your sweetie to. They are very authentic and not too expensive either. If I can remember them I will post their names...

Pivery

Thanks Piveraroni!

Definately post those Colombian restaurants when you remember them.  I didn't know that any of the Colombian women were vegetarians! That is unique in itself!

Fathertime!

[Pivery]

 FT and anyone else that is unfortunate enough to be in L.A. these days, here are a few restaurants to take your lady if she misses the cooking from the old country:

Cafe Colombia
222 S. Glenoaks Blvd
Burbank, CA
www.elcafecolombia.com

La Maria
10516 Victory Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA

Pepe's Pollo
Hacienda Blvd
West Covina
not too far from the DMV

Chibcha's Restaurant
2619 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA

La Fonda Antioqueña
4903 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Obviously if your lady is the type that would be insulted by you taking her to a Colombian place as opposed to her making it on her own for you at home this isn't going to do you any good.
I do like the idea of there being stores or small markets supplying Colombian ingredients, this way your lady can show off her skills in the kitchen and not just in the bedroom!

Pivery

[Pivery]

  BCC_1_2,

 As most of the conversation revolves around South American cusine on this thread, is your lady finding the ingredients or special cuts of meats that she enjoys cooking for
you at home? I'm sorry, I can't remember where you are at in the states anymore but I hope that she is able to mix and match to keep things authentic if she so desires.

Are there any special dishes that are totally Honduran that can't be replicated in the states? Don't let her eat too much American garbage and I hope she is making the transition well!

Pivery

[fathertime]

Great list Pivarski!

I made a copy and put it on the wall.  

We don't go out to eat too often locally, but these appear to be good options.  After we hit one of the locations, I give you my woman's low down on the place.

I do get quite a lot of homemade Colombian style food.  In all my life, I've never ate so well as the last 7 months.  

Fathertime!

[fathertime]

   Or you could have found the same list in the Yellow Pages or tried Google search.But I know fathertime likes to put things on the fridge next to the crayon drawings he makes for Papi....heheheheheheehee!

  Researcher

Why are you so angry that somebody would post something useful?  You are letting your anger get the best of you again, keep the blood pressure medicine handy!

Fathertime!

[Woody]

I have several 35 round magazines, loaded with hollow points, for my Glock 9MM side arm

Someone makes a 35rd magazine for a Glock 9mil? Sorry, I have to see pics to believe this.

[robert angel]

Woody,

Just enter 'Glock 35 round magazine' into your favorite internet search engine. I did a quick run and for some reason, my usual fav.--Glockworld.com, didn't have them, but

http://www.shootersplus.com/inc/sdetail/626  does,

along with most other sites. Check gunbroker.com too. I thought they were 35 rounds, and I think my three are, but they're saying '33 rounds' now on line. I think you can switch out the magazine butt and add a couple more rounds. Add one in the chamber of the '33' and ya got 34...

Don't buy 'after market'--the few bucks more for the genuine Glock are well worth it.

Dang thing with the ext. mag. in looks like an Uzi with that extended round sticking out the grip--it's very secure--locked in too. Very good for range shooting..

With my Glock 17, the standard magazine holds 17 rounds already and honestly--if you need more shots than that, you probably need a seeing eye dog as well. Plus, it fits perfectly safe and securely in the small of my back. Where I live I think even cats and dogs can get concealed weapons permits, but I rarely carry heat. You can go into Walmart or the malls here with it concealed or on your side, exposed in it's holster.

I usually like Glockworld--they have my favorite brand of knives too (for value and quality anyways) "SOG". I love my semi tanto blade 'Vulcan" SOG model, with it's layered San Mai Seki City steel. I have really rare Benchmade, Paragaon automatics, but that Vulcan opens just as fast with no spring or torsion bar--less to go wrong. The SOG Trident's a lot lighter though and a great ski or jungle knife.--Opens like nothing else (fast) and has an easy lock. On the salt water, I'm into the light weight David Boye knives--made of Dendritic Cobalt. You can put them in the saltiest brine and they never rust and are completely non magnetic. I've got Gerbers, Randalls, Loveless, Spyderco Coldsteel and countless others over the years (Victorinox makes THE Best multitool--then SOG), but I always seem to pocket or otherwise carry my SOG. I am FEMA certified and my emergency car knife in case of accidents is a Gerber LMT/LMF though...

And for this flameroom BS, maybe I'll just use my tried and true, however crude, Mossberg 500 short barrel 'Streetsweeper', with the pistol grip and collapsible, foldable stock that actually also has a nifty shock absorber in the fold up stock! Just the ratcheting sound of you chambering a shell in that puppy will give a burglar a bowel movement!I keep it loaded with double OO buckshot, but maybe for P-L, we should load the shells with rock salt to make a more lasting impression, hehe

[Woody]

along with most other sites. Check gunbroker.com too. I thought they were 35 rounds, and I think my three are, but they're saying '33 rounds' now on line. I think you can switch out the magazine butt and add a couple more rounds. Add one in the chamber of the '33' and ya got 34...

I know about the 33rd mags, just never heard of a 35rd mag. Besides, please tell me you don't carry with a hot-round...that is just irresponsible.

I usually like Glockworld--they have my favorite brand of knives too (for value and quality anyways) "SOG". I love my semi tanto blade 'Vulcan" SOG model, with it's layered San Mai Seki City steel. I have really rare Benchmade, Paragaon automatics, but that Vulcan opens just as fast with no spring or torsion bar--less to go wrong. The SOG Trident's a lot lighter though and a great ski or jungle knife.--Opens like nothing else (fast) and has an easy lock. On the salt water, I'm into the light weight David Boye knives--made of Dendritic Cobalt. You can put them in the saltiest brine and they never rust and are completely non magnetic. I've got Gerbers, Randalls, Loveless, Spyderco Coldsteel and countless others over the years (Victorinox makes THE Best multitool--then SOG), but I always seem to pocket or otherwise carry my SOG. I am FEMA certified and my emergency car knife in case of accidents is a Gerber LMT/LMF though...

On any given day I carry a SOG Tactical II or a Gerber Multi-tool, but I use them daily at work.

And for this flameroom BS, maybe I'll just use my tried and true, however crude, Mossberg 500 short barrel 'Streetsweeper', with the pistol grip and collapsible, foldable stock that actually also has a nifty shock absorber in the fold up stock! Just the ratcheting sound of you chambering a shell in that puppy will give a burglar a bowel movement!I keep it loaded with double OO buckshot, but maybe for P-L, we should load the shells with rock salt to make a more lasting impression, hehe

As a hunter/soldier/shooter I find your cavalier attitude of firearm use on people, even in a jovial manner, revolting. Maybe I should grab some AT4's, Claymores, and M-67's and join the party? No, too much?

You treat a firearm with respect and people don't get hurt. You start, ahem, shooting from the hip, and people will eventually get hurt.

As for my personal preference. I prefer to shoot my compound bow. I'm not nearly as good with it as I am with a pistol (30 out of 30 on the last M9 range) or a rifle (33/40 on the last M16 Range), but I prefer the bow for the same reason I like snowboarding. Hunting becomes an almost spiritual experience. Sure, I give up LOTS of kills that I could take had I used a rifle, but when you get close enough for a kill with a bow, that is truly rewarding. Another thing, unless you know you have a killing shot, you don't take it. Bow hunting is a one shot-one kill sport. There are no second chances on a killing shot.

I do not have a CCW, and that is by choice. I hope to never have to turn a firearm on another human being again.

[Fuzzyone]

Why are you so angry that somebody would post something useful?  You are letting your anger get the best of you again, keep the blood pressure medicine handy!

Fathertime!

  I could almost bet that he is having problems at home with his mother. I think she wants him to move off the couch because she wants her front room back. Just a hunch!

[robert angel]

Hey Woody--how about lightening up a bit? "Revolting?" I've never had to shoot anybody in my life and hopefully will never have to. I'm not even much into hunting these days--my friends give me more deer and elk meat than we could possibly eat, along with fresh fish and shrimp. I've never hunted unless it was for food and I am a catch and release fisherman.

When I was a kid--teen--I was a lot more cavalier about guns and luckily no one was ever hurt. I used to take pride at my ability to shoot down clothes lines from quite a distance, adjusting my aim for distance and windage--without a scope. Now THAT was irresponsible. I will owe up to that dirty laundry...I used to shoot, as well as spear (gig) fish from a boat in the Great Lakes, and that is a very tricky endeavor, as the water changes the refraction. Talking about 'shooting from the hip'--I have done that pretty well too as a kid--although that's certainly not the most precise manner hit a target.

My sons also are pretty responsible and competent with firearms--that's the way we've all been raised and my sons have never seen me do a thing irresponsibly with firearms. As a teen, I didn't always obey my elders, however.

No, I rarely carry as you call it a 'hot round' on my person, (especially with so many pistols with no, or just a marginal safety mechanism) but then again, there are some really scary places where I occasionally have to go and in those places/situations, I sometimes do. When a crack head or two pops out between a couple houses and tries to rob and or beat the pulp out of me (it does happen here) and I reach behind me as if I'm pulling my wallet out and intend to protect myself from the befuddled vermin, I don't want to have to politely ask them "Do you fellows mind waiting a bit while I chamber a round"?


I might joke about putting a Barrett XM109 50 caliber on top of my truck's roof sometimes--would you really take umbrage at that also? Heard any jokes about howitzers or tanks??

You used the word 'jovial'--well--that's about right in my estimation, as I was speaking in jest and I don't think that's going to harm anyone, make anyone more inclined to do anything rash, etc. If anyone else here is morally offended, please come forward. I'd like to think it'd might produce a few chuckles, such as the rock salt reference. I used to live around farmers who used that method to keep us off their farms.

I live around a lot of Army Rangers and Black Hawk Chopper Pilots and I'm no stranger to military ways and protocol. I sometimes go out on the range with them and while we're very safety conscious first and foremost, we do maintain a sense of humour. And none of them have sent me any packages of C4 either!

Not trying to get into some major beef with you here--and here's to hoping you have a GREAT trip coming up south of the border!

[Woody]

Not trying to get into some major beef with you here--and here's to hoping you have a GREAT trip coming up south of the border!

I did come off a bit stronger than I intended. My main concern is making comments like that in public, the last thing we need to do is give the gun grabbers more fuel for the fire.

[robert angel]

FT,

Sorry to have put your initial positive post off tangent back there. I'm glad for you and your lady that you're both adjusting so well. I remember our first seven or so months clearly--especially when my wife wasn't able to work and we practiced learning to drive. Everything seemed pretty new to her here, including the kitchen and it's appliances. It all made for some hilarious events.

I'm quite a bit older than my wife in comparison to most of you guys, but that hasn't been a problem. We try and hit the gym 3 or 4 times a week and there, as well as in public, she gets the 'looks', but doesn't look back at their hungry eyes.

One of the things that was a bit frustrating, but not that bad really, was understanding some words. When I couldn't understand, she'd sometimes get sad and even a bit upset. I found it best not to repeat the mispronounced word as she said it, but to instead ask her gently to repeat it and I'd usually get it. She had some problems with some vowel sounds (no 'i' sound in the  word shIft comes to mind) but with some accent reduction coursework she's come light years.

A state university close by offers free courses for that through their speech pathology program--I wouldn't be surprised if other colleges did the same so their grad students can practice.

I could only imagine how hard it would be with a Chinese or Thai gal!

Anyway, I'm glad things are falling into place well, but I really found the first year the most charming of all, even though things are still pretty darn good overall.

These ARE the 'good old days' we'll be talking about later!

[Researcher]

  Robert, is your lady a college student?Did she need to take the TOEFL proof  tests?


    Researcher