15 replies to this topic

[La Jefa]

Here's my story. My husband was in TJ in Jan-Feb. 08, after being deported for serving Federal time for re-entry. I had sent him to Victoria de Cortzar, Jaral del Progreso, Guanajuato to live with my mother-in-law and family. I sent him funds to open his pizzeira local, so he can get on his feet, and feel useful. The town has very few job opportunities mostly farmwork. The pizza business stumbled to a halt, and business has been very slow. Also extended family problems started to arise, so my husband has decided to return to Tijuana. He will be returning next week, and I will be taking vacation to get him established. The reason he is returning to TJ is that he feels he will be closer to us, since we live in Montebello, Ca. He says him being in Guanajuato was nice, but he was too far away from his family, which is myself and his two stepchildren. My fear is what if he doesn't get on his feet in Tijuana, then what???

In the beginning of the year, we had to find an apartment, buy furniture, and get him situated in Tijuana. He never lived there, and was not familiar with the area. I had been in TJ only for pleasure and shopping in the past years. It was a crazy experience getting accustomed to a place that is completely for me a different world. The irony was that I quickly got used to the people and the area in the short time we were there, I would visit him weekly on the weekends. We decided in February to visit his family in Guanajuato, and it was a beautiful trip. He had not visited his mother in 14 years, so it was emotional. After a week, we returned to TJ, and decided it was best for him to be with his family to help them economically, and spend time with them. I flew out in May for the fiestas del pueblo, that was awesome. I went to several rodeos, bailes with mexican artists, and other customs that is done during that time in the town. The travel expense, the telephone expense, and the business not resulting to his expectations. It has been more of a headache and big hole in my bank account.


Now him returning to TJ, I will support him in what he wants to do, but I pray it will work out this time. Again I will take vacation time, and money that I had saved with a lot of sacrifice to get an apartment, buy furniture, and see what job opportunities are available for him. This time I made it clear I can only make bi weekly or monthly trip for the weekend, otherwise, its too much on me and the kids.

I apologize for all the venting but I stumbled onto your blog, when I was researching on a search engine about living in TJ and you guys came up. I have looked at many of your members' blogs, and I am really happy with the feedback you give the members. Well, this is me and hope maybe you give guys can shed some light as to am I crazy, am I stupid, or am I just normal.


Al rato!!!!

[TJDave]

First of all... Welcome to the board. No need to apologize, we are here to help each other become accustomed to TJ, as it is quite a unique place.

Second, what does the future hold for you and your husband if he cannot live in the states? Do you eventually plan on living in Mexico?

[George Costanza]

Welcome to the blog! If you have any questions please ask.

[La Jefa]

Well, TJDave, if he is not able to return to the states. Once the kids are young adults I will be leaving to Mexico and live my life with him there. I will save money so we can actually buy something there if that is the case. I have discussed this option with my kids, and they agree with us. They know what we have been through and that we truly love each other and our kids, like my husband says.

[TJDave]

Well, TJDave, if he is not able to return to the states. Once the kids are young adults I will be leaving to Mexico and live my life with him there. I will save money so we can actually buy something there if that is the case. I have discussed this option with my kids, and they agree with us. They know what we have been through and that we truly love each other and our kids, like my husband says.

I'm glad you have a plan... is there any chance of you being able to relocate to San Diego? I used to live in Ventura and moved to TJ and worked in SD while awaiting my fiances visa... 2 long years of crossing the border everyday...

[La Jefa]

I have a residence in Montebello, Ca. that I inherited from my mother who deceased in 2005. I took over of caring my dads' father who this year turned 92. His is a very sharp and healthy grandpa. Very blessed in that aspect. I also look over his property in ELA. My hands are pretty full, and meanwhile I will have to deal with my monthly trips to visit mi amor. I work in the office, I do credit/collections for various companies, my boss likes to expand his ventures. You never know if I get a juicy offer, I could always do a 360' turnaround and move out that way. Time will tell.

[TJDave]

Good luck... I know long distance relationships are especially tough...

And like George said... do not hesitate to ask questions.

[La Jefa]

I will be in TJ from July 3rd thru July 14. What is customary for 4th of July??? Is there a lot of commotion??

I am undecided as to should I drive over my toyota corolla for more mobility, or the avalanche so it will be more practical to load
things when I buy furniture for the apartment. Someone help, of course, my biggest fear is to return home without my vehicle.

[Scribbles]

Welcome Jefa
Glad to see more people joining the site. There is far less commotion here on the 4th than in the US. Some fireworks but nothing like Mexican Independence day.

[Chino1]

Welcome Jefa wish you and your had good salution.

I'm glad you have a plan... is there any chance of you being able to relocate to San Diego? I used to live in Ventura and moved to TJ and worked in SD while awaiting my fiances visa... 2 long years of crossing the border everyday...

TJ Dave why waits that long get her a passpot and apply for tourist visa and marry in USA then apply for greencard here without cross border every weeken. If you have question may be I can help PM me.

[La Jefa]

Thanks guys, for the welcoming to the TijuanaBlog. I will not be loggin in from 07/04 thru 07/14, since I will be across the border. If I get a chance, I will log in from TJ. Wish everyone a Happy 4th of July !!!!.

[TJDave]

TJ Dave why waits that long get her a passpot and apply for tourist visa and marry in USA then apply for greencard here without cross border every weeken. If you have question may be I can help PM me.

Too late... we are already happily married and living in Ocean Beach for over a year now. We applied for a K-1 fiance visa and the whole process took about a year. The extra year was just us dragging our feet, getting the correct documentation together, etc.... (She didn't qualify for a tourist visa)

Thanks anyway

[BajaGringo]

I know someone in a very similar situation. They rented their house out in Whittier and she is living in Tijuana with her hubby and working in San Diego until they can get him his papers. She couldn't afford to sell the house because of the market but did rent it for a good price. She brought her mom down with her and mom is taken care of by her in-laws while she is at work.

Sometimes you just have to be creative.

Welcome to the blog and hoping things work out...

[Pieancho]

What kind of job skills does your husband have? I know of a contractor here who is trying to get skilled deported construction workers to work for his Mexican company because most of them who worked in the California construction market and got deported know what quality is and he wants to build quality projects here. He his just now forming his network. Maybe your husband could be in on the list. Also, even though sales seems to be slower here on the coast, bilingual marketers are in need.

[La Jefa]

What kind of job skills does your husband have? I know of a contractor here who is trying to get skilled deported construction workers to work for his Mexican company because most of them who worked in the California construction market and got deported know what quality is and he wants to build quality projects here. He his just now forming his network. Maybe your husband could be in on the list. Also, even though sales seems to be slower here on the coast, bilingual marketers are in need.

He worked for a gentleman that was his own boss. So my husband was his apprentice. They did everything from building houses from scratch, to roofing, electricity, flooring, plumbing, drywalling, stucco, driveways, etc. My husband worked with this man from 1999 to 2005. He understands english, but his speaking skills are medium based. My husband is already located in Tijuana. He is currently living in Calle Ensenada, Primer Ayuntamiento. 10 mins. from centro de Tijuana. Any leads would help, thank you!!! :

[La Jefa]

Well, I am back in Montebello. My vacation was swell in baja california. I arrived on 07/03, and stayed at Super 8 that was recommended from one of the members. Very clean and simple hotel. Secure parking. Next day followed a lead for a 2 bedroom apartment, we rented it, it went for $2,000 pesos mensual and then we were off to Rosarito. It was awesome a lot of fireworks, somewhat of a crowd, had lobster @ Chelita's in Puerto Nuevo, decent pricing and we stayed at Quinta Del Mar, also recommended by another member. Okay room, kind of pricey for the quality of the room, and secure parking. Next day we were off to Ensenada, did some
sightseeing, and returned to normality in Tijuana on Monday. Before I left on Friday, I furnished the apartment from Wal-mart and the sobreruedas. Decent quality furniture for a good price. Filled up the refrigerator for him not to starve and left him money to go job searching, there was some prospects before I
left. Before I end the note, I consider myself a pretty decent driver in Tijuana after a week, it was a roller coaster ride, but I am able to drive more confidently. I would like to thank the members for all their information from the other blogs, it helped me to plan my trip more successfully.