Filing in March

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Forgot to say Hi to anybody else lurking about. I think everybody's flown the nest. I am currently in the UK as of Saturday. I can't wait 'til Tuesday. Hoping to get approval [crosses fingers] so I can blow away those little stick figure people in my signature. I'm kinda sick of them. B) 4 months, 2 weeks, .....GAG

[Saffyre 0]

Saffyre--- I see you're moving Tuesday. So exciting. Are you ready? Tuesday is an exciting day for us too because it's The Big I Day (as in interview). I hope everything goes perfectly for you. Can you believe Bex is in America before us...after all that whining she did when we had NOA2s first. (Well I've always been in America, but I mean my other half.)

Alina----

Welcome to America

Yep - Tuesday is the big day for me and i've managed to tie myself up in axious little knots over it all. I'm excited but sad at the same time...and the stress of it all has brought on some physical symptoms of anxiety. Tingly fingers and muscle aches etc. I'm hoping once I get there i'll just calm down and go with the flow........

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Yep - Tuesday is the big day for me and i've managed to tie myself up in axious little knots over it all. I'm excited but sad at the same time...and the stress of it all has brought on some physical symptoms of anxiety. Tingly fingers and muscle aches etc. I'm hoping once I get there i'll just calm down and go with the flow........

Well sweetness, give yourself lots of time to adjust. I'm in Oxford right now and I was thinking of you girls today and what it must be like moving so far. I'm like a fish out of water over here sometimes. I mean it's great fun to visit, but if it was forever...GEEZ...lot's of adjustments. I walk around Sainsbury's and can't find things I'm used to finding. It's hot and there's no AC. Where's the icemaker in the fridge? Oh, that's right you don't do ice in England. I talk to much...like the check out boy at Halfords thinks I'm insane because I said his hair looked really cool. I just strike up a conversation with anybody and that doesn't work as well over here. And roundabouts...dangerous!! But I drove my very first time in the UK on Saturday. I drove all the way home from Heathrow, and we made it. US and UK are both great, but different, so try not to get homesick when you can't find your Heinz beans and marmite. LOL. Just getting married is a huge adjustment without having to go without marmite. ~Well I hope you get my point through the silliness. It'll will work out really well if you take your time to adjust. Best of luck to you and have a lovely wedding.

[aleena 0]

thank you for the welcoming guys!

Nich good luck on Tuesday! I will be thinking about u!

Is BEX in the US already??? I guess i missed out a little bit. did not know she was leaving so soon.

Have a safe trip Saffyre!

Pray that i get my luggage back tomorrow... It is getting frustrating..

Other than that and one little issue everyhting is great! I am talking about the damn AC... I already have a sore throat and Lee is a natural born ice eater. Everytime he's not around i go and turn the AC low and 5 minutes later he puts is back up! He says i need to get used to it...lol...NEVER!!!!

[Saffyre 0]

Yep - Tuesday is the big day for me and i've managed to tie myself up in axious little knots over it all. I'm excited but sad at the same time...and the stress of it all has brought on some physical symptoms of anxiety. Tingly fingers and muscle aches etc. I'm hoping once I get there i'll just calm down and go with the flow........

Well sweetness, give yourself lots of time to adjust. I'm in Oxford right now and I was thinking of you girls today and what it must be like moving so far. I'm like a fish out of water over here sometimes. I mean it's great fun to visit, but if it was forever...GEEZ...lot's of adjustments. I walk around Sainsbury's and can't find things I'm used to finding. It's hot and there's no AC. Where's the icemaker in the fridge? Oh, that's right you don't do ice in England. I talk to much...like the check out boy at Halfords thinks I'm insane because I said his hair looked really cool. I just strike up a conversation with anybody and that doesn't work as well over here. And roundabouts...dangerous!! But I drove my very first time in the UK on Saturday. I drove all the way home from Heathrow, and we made it. US and UK are both great, but different, so try not to get homesick when you can't find your Heinz beans and marmite. LOL. Just getting married is a huge adjustment without having to go without marmite. ~Well I hope you get my point through the silliness. It'll will work out really well if you take your time to adjust. Best of luck to you and have a lovely wedding.

Aww thanks Nic. You guys here in the March thread are all super cool, and very nice. I wish you'd all get your NOA2s already. Especially you Kim, you've been around since the days when I was stressing - no fair that you are still waiting.

Today I have to do all my packing - I have't even started yet. IS there any wonder i'm stressed out and anxious????

I keep waking up with ins and needles. I swear i've developed a case of hypochondria, my doctor is sick of seeing me and telling me I have anxiety! I bet he's glad i'm leaving the country.

[KimandRuss 0]

Saff... sweetheart you are going to be just fine. It's a lot of change..that's for sure..but you will be with your love and that's what matters in the end. Do you do yoga at all? It will help you relax and find some peace even if you've never tried it before... momentarily anyway. Some classical music and a glass of wine? A bubble bath? A sunset? It's time to take care of yourself so you don't make yourself nuts before tomorow! We'll be thinking of you and please check in. You've been through so much to get here and i'm so happy the day has come for you finally.

edit: I just saw that you haven't yet finished packing! I do the same thing! Just throw it in and be done with it... you're on a happy journey now... no stress! Thanks for the well wishes hon, I know our time is coming. My ex husband and son both suffer from anxiety so I know what you're feeling when you call the doc feels so real to you. Sorry you're having to deal with that. Happy thoughts...and safe travels.

Hi mama Nich... your so funny talking about being in the UK. You're so right about the driving there and good for you getting behind the wheel. I've not yet reached that level of brave! I smile and talk to everybody too.. I just think it makes the world a better place and where I come from... that's what you do. It was the same for me in the UK ..people were like 'umm do I know you'... 'crazy American'. Often I'm asked if i'm from New York, which is a huge insult to a Bostonian! I'm lucky in that Kiwi's (NZ'ers) are SO friendly. No matter where you go ... if you are dealing with a local Maori or NZ born kiwi.. you are smiling. Trying to find heinz ketchup anywhere instead of 'tomato sauce' and ohhhh a good cup of just plain ole American coffee! What's with the tall black..short white...etc? Reminds me of that commercial ..."my mouth can't form these words... is it french.. or is it Italian.. perhaps Fritalian! Too funny.

Alina, our Bex thought it was funny to skip over the pond without sharing it with us here and it seems she's having such a grand time in her new home she's not checking in much but we hope she's doing well and extremely happy! Sorry you're not loving the A/C right now... best to prepare yourself for winter!

Well it's a new week and hopefully it's OUR week! I've been really concentrating on taking care of myself with my blood pressure scare the other day. I'm such a positive person but I do internalize and i'm gonna assume that is the cause. But working out hard feels good to me and right now, in my celibate state, I need it!

Edited July 28, 2008 by KimandRuss

[Saffyre 0]

Just thought you'd all like to know I spooke to Bex today and she's having a great time in sunny GA, but she is very busy! Wedding plans and such. She promises to be back to check on you all soon....

Oh and thanks for your kind words Kim. I am telling myself it is nothing but anxiety, and to stop stressing. Easier said than done though!

[Dutti 0]

Hey guys!

It's been a while since I checked the VJ site!

Wow, so a couple of you are home already and for everybody else...we'll all be with our loved ones soon.

As for me, my guy got here almost 2 weeks ago, and we already had our 'ring ceremony' over here.

A couple of his family members flew over to Belgium and we had an amazing day! We immediately went on

a short trip afterwards to Paris (only 1h 40 by TGV!) and Biarritz for some surfing.

Got back home this Sunday, and had my interviex the next day at Brussels consulate.

Most friendly people over there, and although normally you have to wait a couple of workdays for the visa to be delivered,

after about one hour, they called my name, and handed me back my passport...with the visa in it!

So, we are almost on our way. We are flying back home to Atlanta next Wednesday and my guy can even work this

week from the Belgian office (so we don't have to use up those scarce holiday days!)...

Couln't be any better.

We have a pretty busy week ahead of us, saying goodbye to everybody (family all scattered around in Belgium; thank god

it's a tiny country )

Packing all my stuff and on a mission to find a box for taking my race cycle on the plane now...

Oooh, we're almost back home!

Now just enjoy the last week here and enjoy those little things that I'm definitely going to miss!

I hope the NOA2's are on the way for everybody,

and here's to speedy interview dates and fast approvals!!!

Ans since there's quite a few of us in the ATL area...Maybe see you on one of those lovely

hot days ...

[BexandAlan 0]

Hey Everybody!

I'm so sorry that I haven't been around much. Today is the first day that I have had to sit down and properly check mails etc. POE was super easy and they didn't ask any questions just made me sit and wait my turn, processed my envelope and then told me to leave. No "welcome to America" but I could care less really. I"M HERE. Alan and I decided the first few weeks could be like a vacation. There isn't really much else you can do. I was waiting for an epiphany to make me accept that I'm not going home but it doesn't feel that way it just feels like another trip. it will take some time. i could ignore all the things that were different before because I never had to live with them for long. But now I have to get with the American programme and there are lots of things to deal with.

His mom and sister took me out yesterday and we bought the bridesmaid dresses and picked out the flowers at the florist and decided which tuxes Alan wanted to wear - lol. I'm getting excited about the wedding now, I can't wait to be his wife :dance:

Mommy Nic - Nicks interview is over now I guess. I hope everything went ok and you had a safe trip over to the Motherland.

Alina I hope you are enjoying yourself. I can't describe the relief of walking through arrivals with your SO knowing that you are here to stay. Did you get your luggage back yet?

Dutti it was 110 here in Atlanta on the day I flew in!! There is a mosquito invasion this summer too The days are hot but the nights are lovely. Lots of thunderstorms clearing the air. We will all have to meet up at stone mountain one evening and watch the laser show or something. I hope you have a safe trip.

Lovely, Lovely, Saff you will be on your way here right now. I can't wait for you to get over here. Yey happy times!!

Good luck and God speed to everyone. xxxx

[KimandRuss 0]

Saff... thinking of you today! Get home safe!

Dutti, congratulations on all of your good news. Have a safe trip home!

Bex, so nice to hear from you. So glad you're happy. Yes, Atlanta is hot but it will be beautiful before long. I'm glad you're adjusting and so happy you're with your love.

We're still waiting..but this week is looking promising.

Mama Nich, I know you're visiting the queen but we'd love to know how your morning in London went when you get some time. Thinking of you as well!

Have a great day March!

[aleena 0]

BEX i am galad you made it safe and you are having a good time. I am HOME by myself right now. Lee went to work first time since i got here.

Got my luggage last night...Suitcases ruined and clothes inside almost wet...Looks like they have been standing out in the rain for a while. Now i am doing laundry and finally organizing my closets. Like you said BEX...it has not sunk in yet. Feels like last summer...when everything was just like now.

I finally met his family yesterday. Yes.....i was nervous... and although he did not admit it he was the same... But everything was good as far as i am concerned. I don't expect them to be crazy about me from day one...you know...as the Romanian younger fiancee, but i am sure as time goes by and they get to know me better everything will be perfect.

I want to start working soon...don't want to feel like i'm doing nothing...I had a pretty long vacation before coming here. The hotel i did my training last summer already offered me a position but i think i will look around before saying yes.

It is beach day tomorrow! I am meeting some friends and we will hang out all day.

Ok....back to laundry and unpacking now!!!

NICH...we are thinking about you! Cant wait for your post with the good news later today!

Welcome back DUTI! I am glad you are having a great time!!!!

Good vibes for our friends still waiting!!!!!!

KIM you have to be up next!!!!!

[MariaKarlaMabulay 0]

Hello

We received our receipt on March 6th, very anxious to hear our NOA1 as well, my fiance is always checking his mailbox like everyday. Ours is in California Service Center. gosh this is torture!

----------------

Our Petition has been approved. They are sending the documents to NVC and we shall hear from them in 3-4 weeks for Interview schedule.

Approved date was July23rd and my fiance got it from his mailbox last Monday, July 28th, 2008.

God is so Amazing!!!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I'm pouring champagne for all of you and we are having a party (in my mind).

The interview was a mere formality with no drama...just the waiting in line, waiting in that crowded room, etc. as most everyone else has reported about London. They let me go inside the Embassy with no problems. There was the usual mix of questions and it was more of a conversation. How did you meet? What does she do? When did it get romantic between you two? (since we were friends for years) What are your plans for a wedding?

I asked Nick if that about sums it up and he said "apart from that stupid little woman at window #1 who seemed oblivious of the fact that I couldn't hear a word she was saying and had to keep asking her to repeat everything." He thought the young man at window #16 was very pleasant.

Note: Anyone going to London, if you find a very large clip on the vertical blinds by the fan, it's mine. I was getting annoyed at the buzzing sound made by those blinds being sucked into the industrial sized fan, so being Mommy Nic, I had to fix it.

Oh yes, and I finally found ice cold Diet Coke in England.....at the AMERICAN Embassy. There was also an interesting mix of American candy bars and British crisps (that's chips.)

We were worn out by the time we got home because we walked to the Embassy, then back to the hotel to retrieve our phones, camera, etc, then to the Buckingham Palace inside tour (lovely), then Hard Rock to eat, then back to hotel to retrieve luggage, then to the bus...mucho walking and my feet were beginning to complain loudly to my uncomfortable shoes. Good night all!

[KimandRuss 0]

thanks alina! Have fun at the beach. Lee's family is going to love you. Just be yourself.

congratulations Maria!

@ the clip Nich! Congratulations! So very happy for you! I bet you're glad to be done with this part and onto a life together!

[Darren And Crissy 11]

I'm pouring champagne for all of you and we are having a party (in my mind).

The interview was a mere formality with no drama...just the waiting in line, waiting in that crowded room, etc. as most everyone else has reported about London. They let me go inside the Embassy with no problems. There was the usual mix of questions and it was more of a conversation. How did you meet? What does she do? When did it get romantic between you two? (since we were friends for years) What are your plans for a wedding?

I asked Nick if that about sums it up and he said "apart from that stupid little woman at window #1 who seemed oblivious of the fact that I couldn't hear a word she was saying and had to keep asking her to repeat everything." He thought the young man at window #16 was very pleasant.

Note: Anyone going to London, if you find a very large clip on the vertical blinds by the fan, it's mine. I was getting annoyed at the buzzing sound made by those blinds being sucked into the industrial sized fan, so being Mommy Nic, I had to fix it.

Oh yes, and I finally found ice cold Diet Coke in England.....at the AMERICAN Embassy. There was also an interesting mix of American candy bars and British crisps (that's chips.)

We were worn out by the time we got home because we walked to the Embassy, then back to the hotel to retrieve our phones, camera, etc, then to the Buckingham Palace inside tour (lovely), then Hard Rock to eat, then back to hotel to retrieve luggage, then to the bus...mucho walking and my feet were beginning to complain loudly to my uncomfortable shoes. Good night all!

Congratulations, I am glad the interview went well!

I am now busily reducing all of my stuff to fit into 3 suitcases – I can definitely recommend going to a car boot sale, I stopped off at one on the way to dump my stuff and made almost £200