Update on the Magpie, some New Year's thoughts, and some questions =D

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

Heya, all--

I haven't written here for a while, so I thought I'd give an update on things. A lot's happened between now and the last time I said anything, and some of those things included my big move out of the house (with my cat being moved into a lovely boarding cattery), a restraining order against my biological family, and a visit from Knight himself for a little over two weeks. I'm a lot better than I was, and having not seen Knight for a year, this was a massive emotional boost for me, and everything we're planning for feels more real. It was also an amazing test of our ability to live together (especially since we were staying in my university dorm!), and we had no problems whatsoever -- it was like we'd always been living together, and that he'd always been here. I had the first proper Christmas of my life, and we even had a delightful little tree. Best Christmas EVER (and my kitty got presents too, and I'm sure he appreciated them in his own way).

We saw each other at our best and our worst, and we were so comfortable with each other that his absence is a sudden shock to the system.

We shared a beautiful New Year's morning (the small hours of it, as his flight left at 8:40 am today), and it was as if it set the tone for the rest of the year. Knight, my shining star, this year is OURS -- thank you for everything. This room has never been this empty, but I know that the next time I make that trip to the airport, it'll be for us to be together.

I hope that everyone has shared the same joy that we have in these past few weeks. All the problems that potentially might crop up in the months ahead seem a lot more manageable now that I'm living separately from the family -- but then, my real family has been comprised of Knight, his own family, and my close friends.

So here's to peace, love and joy to all you guys waiting for your visas, or preparing to head out with the people that you plan to spend the rest of your lives with. My most heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people who have given me advice at difficult times, and I wish all the happiness in the world to you guys.

I've also managed to get my car sold, and I realise I was being incredibly unrealistic with the pricing -- but I'm just happy that it's a little something that will help me along without me having to rely on people.

In more visa-related terms, I've sent off my final documents and the request for my interview to be in February (as that will give me ample time to move out). I just have a few questions about some of the checklist requirements, though -- I know that you're meant to get all documents beforehand, but because I'm requesting a later interview time, I wanted to wait a little bit so that the validity of my documents will be well covered by the time I have my interview (if they confirm a time/day!).

Is it possible to do your own photos for the fiance/e visa interview? Or does anybody have any suggestions as to where I can go? I do have a professional camera but nowhere to print, and I'd rather do it properly the first time. I'm located around the Egham area, so any ideas you can offer me would be fantastic. Also, an idea of pricing would be fantastic too.

I'll likely schedule my medical interview for sometime in January, so I'll fix that tomorrow.

Thank you guys for everything =D looking forward to hearing responses.

Magpie.

Edited January 1, 2009 by KnightAndMagpie

[Laura+Tom 2]

Great to hear from you. Wondered where you were! Glad you had a good christmas and new year!

The photo's can be done yourself, here's the specs http://travel.state.gov/pdf/Photo%20Guide%2010-01-04.pdf or you can go to Snappy Snaps and get them done. They charge £9.99 for two.

[NickyMcMillan 0]

Nice to hear you guys had a lovely Christmas together!

Get your photos done at gould pharmacy, which is just along from the embassy. Its only a fiver for two pictures. Snappy Snaps wanted 15 quid, so I told them where to go!

http://www.gouldpharmacy.com/

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Oh my gosh! I have been so worried about you. I even posted asking if anybody had heard from you. What a relief to read your happy post.

That's all I wanted to say.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

=D I feel so loved and missed! I've been a tad weepy, but that's to be expected. I heard that Knight got to Houston safely for his connection, so it's just a matter of him getting all the way back home. His mum has been so supportive of me, and she keeps checking in on me to make sure I'm okay.

We did have a hiccup or two where the family were trying to get to me by disputing custody of my cat, but the cattery's owner is savvy and won't hand him over without my permission. Police have also warned them to back down as I've got documentation proving that Bean is mine. Surrey's Women's Aid has also been in touch with me and hopefully I'll be getting another call from them tomorrow.

I think I'll go to Snappy Snaps for the photos, and huzzah, there's one not too far from here!

Thank you guys SO MUCH. Might be easier for you to get in touch via my MSN -- it's cosmic.tiger@hotmail.co.uk for those who'd like it =D.

xoxoxox Magpie.