MAY 2010

[Leigh Ann 8]

Oh, don't get me started! I agree Obama should have been harder on getting the actual governmental health care. I pay more taxes in Sweden, but the difference is non-existent if you compare it to what you get for it.

I might be wrong, but I read somewhere that taxes in the US aren't that much lower (if at all, really) than Sweden's. It's just that all of our taxes go for things like funding two separate wars, rather than paying for health care.

We have to go to London next year for my friend's wedding, and I think we're going to try to get to Sweden while we're there to visit our friends from South Africa. Hopefully it'll be okay in September!

[ValerieA 350]

I might be wrong, but I read somewhere that taxes in the US aren't that much lower (if at all, really) than Sweden's. It's just that all of our taxes go for things like funding two separate wars, rather than paying for health care.

We have to go to London next year for my friend's wedding, and I think we're going to try to get to Sweden while we're there to visit our friends from South Africa. Hopefully it'll be okay in September!

That sounds like fun! Isn't it amazing how small the world is now? I mean, you are going to the UK for a friend's wedding, and meeting up with someone from SA in Sweden. Really, that would not have been thought of 50 years ago!

[Leigh Ann 8]

That sounds like fun! Isn't it amazing how small the world is now? I mean, you are going to the UK for a friend's wedding, and meeting up with someone from SA in Sweden. Really, that would not have been thought of 50 years ago!

It's true!

I think it amazes my parents especially. They're from a small town in Georgia, and the thought of going to Africa was a big shock to them, much less marrying someone from Zimbabwe. And then having the friends all around the world is completely unheard of.

I called the post office in Lees Summit yesterday (LOL, I was so anxious re: my package I called the post office to find out if they had any idea what FedEx did.... ), and they told me that USCIS gets anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 pieces of mail each day. Such a reminder that there are so many people going through this same process - it amazes me! Makes the world seem that much smaller for some reason.

[ValerieA 350]

I called the post office in Lees Summit yesterday (LOL, I was so anxious re: my package I called the post office to find out if they had any idea what FedEx did.... ), and they told me that USCIS gets anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 pieces of mail each day. Such a reminder that there are so many people going through this same process - it amazes me! Makes the world seem that much smaller for some reason.

[Leigh Ann 8]

Exactly!

And that doesn't even include FedEx/other couriers.

[Nico330 0]

hey nico here is the website that you can find your local congressman : https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

you just need to know your full zip code XXXXX-XXXX

good luck

Thanks Felipe! I appreciate the info.

[hoppla 1]

It's true!

I think it amazes my parents especially. They're from a small town in Georgia, and the thought of going to Africa was a big shock to them, much less marrying someone from Zimbabwe. And then having the friends all around the world is completely unheard of.

I called the post office in Lees Summit yesterday (LOL, I was so anxious re: my package I called the post office to find out if they had any idea what FedEx did.... ), and they told me that USCIS gets anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 pieces of mail each day. Such a reminder that there are so many people going through this same process - it amazes me! Makes the world seem that much smaller for some reason.

So I take a nap and you're all hanging out without me, huh? My parents/family are so used to traveling and different cultures that me marrying an American didn't raise any eyebrows My Dad is from East Africa, My Mom is Swedish with blond hair and blue eyes and My Brother-in-law is half Swedish and half Polish and we have all lived in different countries at some point of time. My parents met in my Dad's country in Africa and My Sis met her husband while living in NY

1000-5000 wow! That really is a reality check.

Edited June 29, 2010 by hoppla

[hoppla 1]

I might be wrong, but I read somewhere that taxes in the US aren't that much lower (if at all, really) than Sweden's. It's just that all of our taxes go for things like funding two separate wars, rather than paying for health care.

We have to go to London next year for my friend's wedding, and I think we're going to try to get to Sweden while we're there to visit our friends from South Africa. Hopefully it'll be okay in September!

You are right! The taxes here are the same as in Stockholm, Sweden. But we get free education, free health care, min. 5 weeks vacation, 1.5 yrs of maternity leave etc etc I can go on forever.

September should be fine, might even still be summer weather by then. I wouldn't be surprised if it is warmer in Sweden than in UK, it most often is.

[hoppla 1]

I had to abandon it because I needed a criminal record check from Canada (only had the police certificate) and that was going to mean probably 9 months without hubby. Before I actually came here, I figured I would be able to do a few months without him. When actually faced with a 9-month separation, we couldn't handle it. Especially since we are trying to get pregnant and I am old, so I don't have much time. (41).

First, ValerieA you're not old!! I do understand the urgency though, I want to start trying next year, I'm 35 in August and have a condition that might make it harder for me to get pregnant, we'll see...

Hey, my cats are already traumatized enough by me. They will need some serious protection from our children.

The other night, there was a stray cat sleeping on one of the chairs in a common area, right below our apartment. Hubby and I were outside, looking down at him. Hubby looks at me and says "Bet I can spit on him". Next 5 minutes ended up being a "spit on the cat" contest. Hubby won.

We really shouldn't have children.

Second, leave the poor cats alone!!!

[squirrely 0]

Any of you who got interview letters: has your dot changed from initial review? Mine hasn't for either the I-765 or the 485.

[hoppla 1]

I agree with NOT wanting our kids to go to school here. Its a hard decision because my parents sacrificed our residency all in the name of proper education. She sent my brother and I back to Jamaica for junior and high school which made a big difference. I finished at 16 yrs old and of course when I came back here, was told I was "too young". Aside from that, when I did start college, I got exempt from a lot of classes and made even advanced Biology classes a breeze; all because I got one of the best core education.

If my kids aren't going home for school, I might get them in private school, christian education or home school (ma mom's a teacher so that's great)

Third, I agree. I would get them in private school, private christian school or home school (my Mom's a teacher too ) But I would prefer moving back to Sweden where all education is free and of very high quality.

[engineer21 51]

You are right! The taxes here are the same as in Stockholm, Sweden. But we get free education, free health care, min. 5 weeks vacation, 1.5 yrs of maternity leave etc etc I can go on forever.

September should be fine, might even still be summer weather by then. I wouldn't be surprised if it is warmer in Sweden than in UK, it most often is.

Oh my! Indonesia does not offer any of those perks, so I have no regrets moving here .

Of course I have essentially moved and lived here a long time ago.

Oh my gosh everyone has been telling me not to wait too long to have kids.

I'm only 28 and both my mom and hubby's mom are already saying "hurry up, you don't want to be an old mother"

Any of you who got interview letters: has your dot changed from initial review? Mine hasn't for either the I-765 or the 485.

Nope. blue dot still at initial review for i-130 and i-765. still at RFE for i-485.

No touches or email updates either. The letter just showed up in the mail.

[hoppla 1]

Oh my! Indonesia does not offer any of those perks, so I have no regrets moving here .

Of course I have essentially moved and lived here a long time ago.

Oh my gosh everyone has been telling me not to wait too long to have kids.

I'm only 28 and both my mom and hubby's mom are already saying "hurry up, you don't want to be an old mother"

Indonesia has other perks though Where in Indonesia are you from? I have been to Bali (of course), Sumbawa, Sumba & Lombok.

[engineer21 51]

Indonesia has other perks though Where in Indonesia are you from? I have been to Bali (of course), Sumbawa, Sumba & Lombok.

Born and raised in Jakarta.

Yes, the landscape is absolutely beautiful and the rest of the world cannot compete with the cuisine, IMO

But I don't miss the dusty streets, perpetual summer + humidity, depressing cardboard shacks, women who rent babies to use for begging, pseudo-democracy, and never-ending religious quarrel. Sigh..

Bali is amazing though, isn't it?

Hahah, but it would appear that you have been to more places in Indonesia than I have

Hubby's never been. Can't wait to take him!!

[Leigh Ann 8]

You are right! The taxes here are the same as in Stockholm, Sweden. But we get free education, free health care, min. 5 weeks vacation, 1.5 yrs of maternity leave etc etc I can go on forever.

September should be fine, might even still be summer weather by then. I wouldn't be surprised if it is warmer in Sweden than in UK, it most often is.

I love the Swedish system! Wish we could make some much needed improvements in this country along those lines. Doubtful though, especially considering the fear of "socialism." Urgh.

Our friends in Sweden that aren't from there are a little frustrated at the language issue though - I think they're finding it difficult to get a job etc, even though everyone speaks English. But they're taking the free Swedish classes to help.

Your family history is impressive! Love the diversity.

Zimbabwe is now considered a failed state so my husband is thrilled to be here, though missing his family and sick of the waiting. South Africa is great to visit, great for me - but also very difficult for him. So, we'll be living in America for the foreseeable future, which is fine by me.