VISA APPROVED

[Buck and Natalia 0]

Yesssssss..... one can only imagine the shock and bitter disappointment upon learning that the border guard was not actually a young man.

Hey...are you saying Slim's rotors rotate counter-clockwise?!?!?! Say it aint so!

Hahaha...... I was talking about Elfin John........ unless Slim tells us differently.

[Jason-Sasha 1]

Ah, I see. For a moment I thought maybe they'd even be on the same plane. But I'm pretty sure Sasha's flight is direct from SVO to JFK. Well, its still pretty neat. The same day has great significance for all of us.

Depending on what time Sasha's plane arrives at JFK, they may be hanging out in the VISA processing line together.

True. She gets into NY at about 7:15pm.

OOoops....... too late. Nata and her son leave JFK for Portland at 6:55 pm. Anyway...... a big congratulations and happy reunion at JFK. Are you flying or driving down to Virginia?

Funny you should ask. I was originally going to drive up to JFK and then drive back the next day. Giving us one night to rest in a hotel. However, after a bit of investigating, I discovered buying 3 tickets was cheaper than the gas and tolls to get there and back. Unbelievable! (1 one way to JFK, 2 one way tickets back to RIC) I've never seen prices this low. I mean 65 bucks per ticket was just too good to pass on. And this cost would have equaled the fee for her extra luggage weight on a domestic ticket, had she needed. Instead, I will fly and arrive in NY an hour before she arrives. I'm going with 2 empty suitcases. Then we can simply split her luggage up and each take 2 cases and her carry-ons. In a way, its like I'm getting to tag along for free really. AND I get to be there when she comes out of customs. She loves long road trips. I drove to NY before to pick her up and we had a great time. So, in a small way, she's bummed that we wont have this long drive. But not me! Saved my truck the trip. I dont have to leave for NY until that evening, as opposed to early morning. Her flight is direct from SVO to JFK. So, we'll both be fairly fresh and alert to better enjoy each other's company on the 1.5 hour flight to Richmond. There were just too many pros to one con. A no brainer. So, to answer your question...I'm flying

Edited March 11, 2008 by Jason-Sasha

[slim 1,523]

I have been out of circulation so long I had to look up your reference to "Bebe Sport" on the internet......... didn't know what it was.

You'll find out all about it when she gets here. In actuality, it's probably one of the better stores for her to shop in. It's a bit pricey, but the clothes are very "fashionable" and still feature something most American women's clothing stores do not; shape.

As far as my rotor turning counter-clockwise like Elfin's, I can assure you there's only one direction...wait a minute. I was just talking about fashionable clothes with a nice shape. Oh no.

Well, Eva Longoria is their new model, so ha! Anyone's rotor turning that way would be like, "Eww. Gross. Look how unattractive she is." (There's no way I said any of that! I said, "You would look so good in that, honey!")

[Buck and Natalia 0]

Ah, I see. For a moment I thought maybe they'd even be on the same plane. But I'm pretty sure Sasha's flight is direct from SVO to JFK. Well, its still pretty neat. The same day has great significance for all of us.

Depending on what time Sasha's plane arrives at JFK, they may be hanging out in the VISA processing line together.

True. She gets into NY at about 7:15pm.

OOoops....... too late. Nata and her son leave JFK for Portland at 6:55 pm. Anyway...... a big congratulations and happy reunion at JFK. Are you flying or driving down to Virginia?

Funny you should ask. I was originally going to drive up to JFK and then drive back the next day. Giving us one night to rest in a hotel. However, after a bit of investigating, I discovered buying 3 tickets was cheaper than the gas and tolls to get there and back. Unbelievable! (1 one way to JFK, 2 one way tickets back to RIC) I've never seen prices this low. I mean 65 bucks per ticket was just too good to pass on. And this cost would have equaled the fee for her extra luggage weight on a domestic ticket, had she needed. Instead, I will fly and arrive in NY an hour before she arrives. I'm going with 2 empty suitcases. Then we can simply split her luggage up and each take 2 cases and her carry-ons. In a way, its like I'm getting to tag along for free really. AND I get to be there when she comes out of customs. She loves long road trips. I drove to NY before to pick her up and we had a great time. So, in a small way, she's bummed that we wont have this long drive. But not me! Saved my truck the trip. I dont have to leave for NY until that evening, as opposed to early morning. Her flight is direct from SVO to JFK. So, we'll both be fairly fresh and alert to better enjoy each other's company on the 1.5 hour flight to Richmond. There were just too many pros to one con. A no brainer. So, to answer your question...I'm flying

EXCELLENT ............ with a deal like that I would be flying to JFK also.

[Buck and Natalia 0]

I have been out of circulation so long I had to look up your reference to "Bebe Sport" on the internet......... didn't know what it was.

You'll find out all about it when she gets here. In actuality, it's probably one of the better stores for her to shop in. It's a bit pricey, but the clothes are very "fashionable" and still feature something most American women's clothing stores do not; shape.

As far as my rotor turning counter-clockwise like Elfin's, I can assure you there's only one direction...wait a minute. I was just talking about fashionable clothes with a nice shape. Oh no.

Well, Eva Longoria is their new model, so ha! Anyone's rotor turning that way would be like, "Eww. Gross. Look how unattractive she is." (There's no way I said any of that! I said, "You would look so good in that, honey!")

I am truly out-of-touch and pathetic. I had to look up "Eva Longoria" also because I did not know who she was............. but it was a nice lookup though. Hahaha....... did not think that your rotor and the Elf-man's swang in the same way ...... but thanks for the "cute clothes tip" all the same. We will check out Bebe Sport when she gets here.

[eekee 182]

Well the store is called "Bebe," not "Bebe Sport"... but I can definitely see it being popular with Russian women. It's more figure-conscious than regular American clothes. Another store your ladies might like is Arden B., which reminds me of the stores I went to in malls in Russia.

I have been out of circulation so long I had to look up your reference to "Bebe Sport" on the internet......... didn't know what it was.

You'll find out all about it when she gets here. In actuality, it's probably one of the better stores for her to shop in. It's a bit pricey, but the clothes are very "fashionable" and still feature something most American women's clothing stores do not; shape.

As far as my rotor turning counter-clockwise like Elfin's, I can assure you there's only one direction...wait a minute. I was just talking about fashionable clothes with a nice shape. Oh no.

Well, Eva Longoria is their new model, so ha! Anyone's rotor turning that way would be like, "Eww. Gross. Look how unattractive she is." (There's no way I said any of that! I said, "You would look so good in that, honey!")

I am truly out-of-touch and pathetic. I had to look up "Eva Longoria" also because I did not know who she was............. but it was a nice lookup though. Hahaha....... did not think that your rotor and the Elf-man's swang in the same way ...... but thanks for the "cute clothes tip" all the same. We will check out Bebe Sport when she gets here.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Hey Buck, don't feel TOO bad... I have no clue what a "Bebe Sport" or Eva Longoria" are either!

I have been out of circulation so long I had to look up your reference to "Bebe Sport" on the internet......... didn't know what it was.

You'll find out all about it when she gets here. In actuality, it's probably one of the better stores for her to shop in. It's a bit pricey, but the clothes are very "fashionable" and still feature something most American women's clothing stores do not; shape.

As far as my rotor turning counter-clockwise like Elfin's, I can assure you there's only one direction...wait a minute. I was just talking about fashionable clothes with a nice shape. Oh no.

Well, Eva Longoria is their new model, so ha! Anyone's rotor turning that way would be like, "Eww. Gross. Look how unattractive she is." (There's no way I said any of that! I said, "You would look so good in that, honey!")

I am truly out-of-touch and pathetic. I had to look up "Eva Longoria" also because I did not know who she was............. but it was a nice lookup though. Hahaha....... did not think that your rotor and the Elf-man's swang in the same way ...... but thanks for the "cute clothes tip" all the same. We will check out Bebe Sport when she gets here.

[slim 1,523]

Well the store is called "Bebe," not "Bebe Sport"...

They've added a Bebe Sport now as well. Bebe's had a Sport line for quite a while and now they've gone and opened a store exclusively for their Sport line. In the "high class" mall here, Bebe is on one end, Bebe Sport on the other. (It's all available online if you're not near a "high class" mall.)

Your girls will like this stuff, but be aware, it is kind of pricey. To be honest though, I'm coming around to the "This outfit is worth $250" argument. I'd much rather see my wife happy and looking damn good in some Bebe (or Sport) than unhappy in some stuft that I made her buy at TJ Maxx. But also be aware that TJ Maxx is awesome for finding stuff like name brand clothes at discount prices and perfumes, watches, whatever. And of course things like socks and stuff will always be cheaper at those stores. Sure, I'll buy her getting the $125 jeans, but I refuse to accept that any single pair of socks can be over $30 simply because they have a name brand on them.

And if you guys aren't sure who Eva Longoria is..... you better find out. You'll also need to do some back-reading on the cast of Sex & the City, Desperate Housewives, Dom 2, and a few of the Telenovelas from South America - Diki Angel seems to be a favorite. YouTube that stuff. You may just be "entertained" yourself. Remember, it's all for "research" purposes, should anyone ask.

[Buck and Natalia 0]

Well the store is called "Bebe," not "Bebe Sport"...

And if you guys aren't sure who Eva Longoria is..... you better find out. You'll also need to do some back-reading on the cast of Sex & the City, Desperate Housewives, Dom 2, and a few of the Telenovelas from South America - Diki Angel seems to be a favorite. YouTube that stuff. You may just be "entertained" yourself. Remember, it's all for "research" purposes, should anyone ask.

Hahaha..... yes...... I can see it now. "What are doing sooo long at the computer my American husband?" "Ohhhh...... nothing much. Just researching babes online." Then comes the ice pick in the ear.

[mox 298]

Hahaha..... yes...... I can see it now. "What are doing sooo long at the computer my American husband?" "Ohhhh...... nothing much. Just researching babes online." Then comes the ice pick in the ear.

LOL!!!!

For Buck, here is some free advice: Keep Natalia happy. Keep her very Very VERY Happy!

[pugsly 0]

congratulations

[slim 1,523]

Hahaha..... yes...... I can see it now. "What are doing sooo long at the computer my American husband?" "Ohhhh...... nothing much. Just researching babes online." Then comes the ice pick in the ear.

No, you have to say it's for shopping. "Moy muzh, what are you doing online?"

"Get out of here, I'm buying you stuff and I want it to be a surprise. It's taking so long because I'm trying to find exactly the right thing."

"Why are you looking at beautiful models?"

"Research, honey. Research. I have to look at all of them in order to find the right one for you. I love you."

Yeah, that oughtta work. If not, just pull the helicopter routine.

And here at our house, I bought a SOG/Fusion "tactical tomahawk" over the weekend. Needless to say, it's not the ice pick I'm fearing anymore.

[Buck and Natalia 0]

Hahaha..... yes...... I can see it now. "What are doing sooo long at the computer my American husband?" "Ohhhh...... nothing much. Just researching babes online." Then comes the ice pick in the ear.

No, you have to say it's for shopping. "Moy muzh, what are you doing online?"

"Get out of here, I'm buying you stuff and I want it to be a surprise. It's taking so long because I'm trying to find exactly the right thing."

"Why are you looking at beautiful models?"

"Research, honey. Research. I have to look at all of them in order to find the right one for you. I love you."

Yeah, that oughtta work. If not, just pull the helicopter routine.

And here at our house, I bought a SOG/Fusion "tactical tomahawk" over the weekend. Needless to say, it's not the ice pick I'm fearing anymore.

[slim 1,523]

I actually spent the better part of an hour nodding off in one of the chairs outside Bebe Sport this weekend. I went in to check on her about half-way through and then went right back out to nodding off again. I was roused from my slumber by a phone call after the hour was up and when I went in again to see if she was just about done, she told me she had finally found a good pair of pants and was now ready to start seriously looking for a shirt.

I, in disbelief, made my way back out to my chair and as I rounded the corner, much to my dismay, I saw another man nodding off in my stead. I pulled an about face, marched in to get her - there was no way I was going to stand for another hour while she picked out a shirt - and she informed me that without a shirt, there was no reason to purchase the pants.

When I "encouraged" her to buy the pants and pleaded with her to not make our hour be used in vain, she reminded me how useful I was as a shopping buddy which forced me to remind her who had the car keys.

She tried to tell me about different fits and fabrics and colors and the need to try on each one until it was just right .... I tried to explain to her about PLU numbers and style codes, color numbers, size charts and doing online "research" before ever even going to the store. I tried to tell her the reason men hate going shopping is because "man shopping" is so much more efficient. When you walk into the store with an item number, size, and color already picked out, there's really not even a need to try it on. Simply a verification procees, that's all. Now that I can stand for.

(She was on the computer while I was watching TV and drinking beer the other night and when she was finally done, she came in and said "I find what I want from Bebe Sport." I said, "Now that's how you shop!")

[ramzis51 0]

I just received a phone call from a very happy Natalia, exiting the Moscow Consulate, saying that the visa was approved for her and her 17-year-old son Artem. The interview took approximately 5 minutes and consisted of 3 questions. For those that are interested, here are the questions:

Q1. How did you meet? [Answer: Natalia explained how we met.]

Q2. You have a very high position here in Russia. (Natalia is the head of the legal department for a large company). It is unlikely that your work in the USA will be at such a high level. How do you feel about that and what do you plan to do for work after you arrive in America? [Answer: Natalia honestly replied that are already people wishing to interview her in the USA after she arrives given her expertise in Russian trade and tax law. Finding decent work in the USA should not present a problem for her once she is legally authorized to work here.]

Q3. Did your fiancee visit you in Russia? [Answer: I visited her in August which satisfied them.]

That was it......... 5 minutes and out. There were no questions directed to her 17-year-old son. They merely took his fingerprints.

All-in-all it was a little anti-climactic after all the waiting and worry.......... but it sure is good to have that behind us now. I am sure that the euphoria will sink in after a day or 2.

A special "thank you" to all those that have been supporting us these many many months. It was certainly a roller-coaster ride sometimes as we were probably in the bottom 10% in terms of waiting time. Hahahaha.......... Kazan Tiger (Jeffrey & Alla) intentionally postponed their interview a couple of months and they still almost beat us. Oh well..... what's a few extra months of waiting in the big scheme of things when you are talking about a life-time commitment? We are just happy that it is drawing to a close.

We wish you all the best.

Buck & Natalia

SUPER CONGRATS