Life on the 'Other Side'

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

So, i'm just looking to get feedback from others in the same boat...just getting started out etc....

So I actually tried the DMV today...what a joke! i'm actually applying in DE for a few months to get a license, as all of our stuff will be registered there....then bring it over to PA later on...DE is so strict....you need to have 2 proofs of residency.... So I had my marriage certificate (certified with address, and my SSN that was sent to me).... I told my lovely husband that even though the envelope it came in was a clear window envelope, that we are to keep it all....well he trashed it.... DMV would not accept my proof....even though the envelope would not have should anything but a date.... that is so dumb!!!!

So I have to wait till I start getting 'official' mail at this address, but before my I-94 expires, or else I will not qualify and have to wait for my GC....can you believe this????? 8 months with no DL? Not to mention that they expect you to change it within 60 days!!!! So unrealistic with what their requirements are.... she made it sound like a breeze and was a little snotty....I normally am really cool...but all of a sudden I found myself snarking with a sarcastic laugh 'sweetheart are you kidding, it took me 45 days to get just this!!!!'....The sweetheart just came out! HAHA! I'm sure she didn t like it...most women hate it! lol.... she says to me 'don't tell me that' meaning, don't disclose how long ive been here.... whatever!!!

so now I wait and hope something else comes in, a credit card statement, my bank card etc....

Good news is, that hubby took me to the bank today and had me added to our joint account and I am now set up with my own bank card and on line banking! He will also get me added on to one of his credit cards...

Do you think it's too soon to switch my Amex? I only got it like 2 months ago and have little history with them....I would have to reapply with US sector and they look at Canadian history.... I could also roll over my Macy and JCP, but I worry it's too soon....maybe wait a few months....

Another thing is Geico is pushing on the DL too....ah hello, not that easy people!!!!!

My mom left two days ago she had crossed with me when activated my K1 6 weeks ago and had come to FL with me....we were together for 6 weeks! Did I mention that we lived together for 35 years???? my dad passed away about 8 years ago, so I moved her in with me....we've never been apart....she has called crying twice.....and my son is sad too....hey today is my one week annvrsy!!!! woohoo and filed my AOS today....oh boy lol....

anyways, i'm interested to see how everyone else is making out....

oh BTW....we should be getting the house this Friday....FINALLY! almost 7 weeks in hotels! I am leaving for the Jersey shore tmrw, taking my son with my SIL and her kids to hang for the week....

[trailmix 77]

You know how you used to be able to call your bank and ask them to mail you a bank statement - I wonder if you could do that pops?

I would personally go ahead and change your credit cards.

Glad to hear you are getting in to your house

[Ban Hammer 13,336]

oh i thought this thread was gonna be about something else.

[Krikit 1,164]

Sorry your Mum is sad.

Get her to send you a letter or a postcard!

If you have online banking you can order a statement.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

If all else fails with getting the DL in time, once you file for AOS and get the EAD you can use the EAD so it should cut the time without a DL for you. The bank statement should work though - that is what I used.

[Gypsyangel 11]

I had the same problems with my driver's licence in NJ (I've complained about it many times here! ). They wouldn't give me my driver's licence until I got my green card. In the meantime I drove on my Canadian licence and kept holding off the insurance company. They gave me many extensions, but thankfully I got my GC and licence before they cut me off. It was very close!

I still haven't changed my Ontario plates. Oops. That will happen when I get back from vacation (leaving tomorrow!)

The whole DL thing is very frustrating. Good luck with all that. It'll all work out!

[Krikit 1,164]

I'm surprised you guys are getting a hard time from Geico. They didn't say one word to me.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I don't know if it's because NYC has a lot of immigrants, but the only thing they cared about when I went to go get my license here was the SIN and my Visa with the I-94. I basically didn't even have to show proof of address. They did take my Ontario license and only gave me a piece of paper in the interim, so I have no photo ID at the moment, that was the only downside.

Emotionally, the first few weeks of being back from our honeymoon were a bit hard. I was homesick and felt unsettled. I'd say that this week I finally feel like I'm at home now. Maybe it's because I have my biometrics appointment, my bank account with debit card and I have every administrative thing out of the way until I get my EAD.

I've also started networking in my industry and have had a few meetings with a few people who have been very helpful and introducing me to recruiters and giving me advice on where to look for jobs. One of my meetings went really well and she said she would even hire me if she had the bandwidth. My confidence in the job situation went up with these meetings and I'm very excited to start applying to places officially in a few weeks. I'm very proud of my networking skills.

I've also had a few friends in town now. Last week one of my best friends was here on work so we hung out for the evening and I even stayed at her hotel with her for the night so that was fun and nice to 'get away'. And then yesterday my old boss and dear friend was in town with her daughter and Mom and we went to lunch at American Girl Place. It was SO much fun. NYC is such a great place to live since I know I'll get lots of visitors. Oh and my Mom is coming to visit Aug 8-10 so I'm happy about that.

Overall, there are times when I miss home and people because I definitely am starting to talk to people less, but I know that when I feel like I need to talk, I can just pick up the phone or send a text message. I'm also looking forward to a visit home, but I'm not in a rush to go back or anything. I'm thinking if I get a job before thanksgiving in Canada, I'll take a week before I start work and go home... here's hoping it all works out.

Once I land a job and we get our apartment, I think that things will be just fine... better than they are now.

[JillA 2]

The beggining is definitely hard Pop! I remember the first night here, after we unpacked the truck I took a nice long shower. I burst into tears in the shower, like WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST DO!? But I have settled in so well to my new home... I know it helped that everything went smoothly for me (DL, SSN, AOS, getting a new CC, plates, etc). it made it easier. It also helped that in the first 2 months, Mom, Dad, and Sister came to visit me. I also have great in-laws that showed me around alot. I have been home twice and am going home next month too.

It's wierd, but I don't get homesick too often. I talk to my family every single day, and before I moved I felt I was drifting from some friends anyway. I guess it helps that my hubby is amazing and we are so happy, it makes everything worth it. I am happy here, and I couldn't imagine moving back at this point in time. Everything is coming together nicely. In 6 months to a year, you will be much more settled. Keep in mind, living out of hotels for months would drive anyone nuts! Once you are in your new home, the 3 of you things will be so much better

Oh and I really expected it to be worse here.... I guess I heard so many homesick horror stories I thought I'd be sobbing night and day.... but it wasn't like that at all!

[Krikit 1,164]

I have a crying-in-the-shower story too!