December Filers

[kristen_maroc 126]

OMG! SO HAPPY FOR YOU ALL! Congrats to all the NOA2s! This. Is. Crazy!!!

(especially because I have friends who are CSC filers from November who don't have theirs yet!)

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Mari, you deserve your red velvet cake! Will you do that for your wedding cake too?

[mishab 1]

After 4,5 month of wait time and calling the processing center I just got an RFE. Scratching my head guessing what we missed.

[neko 6]

OMG DECEMBERITE FAMILY!!!!!

I was about to get in the shower, I missed K's call cuz I did not hear it ring. I figure, I'd call him back if signal permits... no big deal. A text comes through saying they made a decision. OK now I'm nervous & praying [in shower] please do not be a RFE I can't take anymore LORD! Please.. it's Holy Week! LOL LOL... me yanno... . I made myself calm down and when I finally checked the uscis site, then it said they mailed our Approval on April 13, 2011. I checked my email and then I got this:

WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WAC#########

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity

On April 13, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results

listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current

processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check Processing Times.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

I can't get a hold of K! omg omg omg now I am going to puke I'm so nervous to tell him

... lol .... :dance: He can finally come home to Adana! Yeah!!!!!

Mari

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Mari and Kadir!!!!

[Lena and Igor 5]

We received our NOA-2 today by text, email and hard copy. 122 days! Yippie!

Congrats Mari and Kadir! The rest will follow soon.

Lena and Igor

[rallybug 17]

Approved too!! On the second day of our vacation together here in England, too!

Congrats to all other approvees, and hope the rest of you follow suit soon!

[ManilatoSeattle 6]

OMG DECEMBERITE FAMILY!!!!!

I was about to get in the shower, I missed K's call cuz I did not hear it ring. I figure, I'd call him back if signal permits... no big deal. A text comes through saying they made a decision. OK now I'm nervous & praying [in shower] please do not be a RFE I can't take anymore LORD! Please.. it's Holy Week! LOL LOL... me yanno... . I made myself calm down and when I finally checked the uscis site, then it said they mailed our Approval on April 13, 2011. I checked my email and then I got this:

WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WAC#########

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity

On April 13, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results

listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current

processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check Processing Times.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

I can't get a hold of K! omg omg omg now I am going to puke I'm so nervous to tell him

... lol .... :dance: He can finally come home to Adana! Yeah!!!!!

Mari

Awwwww! Congratulations Tita Mari..

We received our NOA-2 today by text, email and hard copy. 122 days! Yippie!

Congrats Mari and Kadir! The rest will follow soon.

Lena and Igor

congratulations!!!!!!

[Gsummit 14]

Dipu and I have been “arguing” for weeks over this recipe stuff. He doesn’t understand why anyone would use a recipe…a cook should just cook. And if he were going to turn in a recipe, it would be for cheeseburgers because that’s what he loves. Sooooo, I’m turning in two of my favorite Indian dishes and my Dipu’s favorite too

Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

Marinade:

1 cup plain yogurt, whisked until smooth

3 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste, recipe follows (or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger and 3 cloves garlic put through a garlic press or finely minced)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, poked with a fork, and cut into large bite-sized chunks

Sauce:

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup Ginger-Garlic Paste, recipe follows (or 6 cloves garlic and 2-inch thumb ginger minced)

2 serrano peppers, minced (seeds removed if you don't want it spicy)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 teaspoons paprika

8 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 to 2 cups water

Oil, for grilling

1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Minced fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooked rice, naan, or crusty piece of bread, for serving

Directions

For the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator up to overnight.

For the sauce: When you're ready to make the curry, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the Ginger-Garlic Paste and serrano peppers. Saute until lightly browned around the edges. Add the tomato paste and cook until the tomato has darkened in color, about 3 minutes. Add the garam masala and the paprika and saute for about 1 minute to draw out their flavors.

Add the tomatoes, salt, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 20 minutes. You may need more water depending on how much liquid the tomatoes give off.

Meanwhile, fire up your grill. When it is nice and hot, lightly brush it with oil. Place the chicken on the grill, shaking off some of the excess marinade. Cook until it's charred, about 2 minutes on each side. (Don't worry that the chicken will still be a little uncooked, it finishes cooking in the sauce).

Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender, and process until smooth. Pour back into the skillet and bring back up to a boil. Add the chicken and fenugreek leaves, if using. Take the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the cream and stir through. Garnish with minced fresh cilantro, and serve over rice, with naan, or a crusty piece of bread!

Ginger-Garlic Paste:

1/2 cup cloves garlic, whole

1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1/4 cup canola oil

Throw the garlic, ginger, and canola oil in a mini-food processor and let it go until it forms a semi-smooth paste. There will still be tiny little pieces in there, but overall, it should resemble a paste.

Save what you don't use in a small glass jar. It should last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks. It's a delicious addition to marinades, pasta sauces, stir fry sauces, slow-cooker recipes, gravy etc.

Butter Chicken (Indian Chicken in Tomato Cream Sauce)

Ingredients

Spice Blend:

1 tablespoon garam masala seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice

1 skinless rotisserie chicken, boned out and pulled into 1 1/2 by 1/2-inch chunks

1 (10-ounce) box frozen peas, placed in a colander and run under hot water to thaw

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Hot basmati rice, for serving

Naan bread (you can get at Trader Joe’s)

Directions

To make the spice blend: Stir the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

To make the sauce: Melt the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the pieces just begin to turn gold, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste and spice blend, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The spices will be fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and stir will. Add the chicken pieces, spoon the sauce over the top and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce is flavorful, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Remove the chicken to a serving dish and cover to keep warm.

Shake any excess water from the peas. Add the peas and cream to the sauce in the pan, stir well and heat through. Do not boil. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Serve with rice and warmed naan bread.

Variation: If you prefer shreds of chicken to whole pieces, remove the skin from the chicken and pull the meat into large chunks by hand. Add to the pan along with the garlic, tomato paste and spiceblend. Cook for 3 minutes and then add the tomato sauce and continue with the recipe. Serve over basmati rice or with naan.

Cajun Burgers – Cajun to celebrate my hometown and burgers for my Dipu!

This burger recipe is filled with delicious flavor. Not only do the patties have a Cajun flare, but there is also a mild spiced barbecue sauce to accompany it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Makes 4 1/4-pound burgers

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1 egg

3 green onions, chopped

3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

4 slices Cheddar cheese

Preparation:

Preheat grill for high heat. Mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, green onions, mustard, and 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning in large bowl. Form mixture into 4 patties. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning into barbecue sauce. Lightly oil grill and cook patties for 5 minute per side, or to desired doneness. At the end of cooking, place cheese on patties and serve over burgers topped with seasoned barbecue sauce.

Haha. I feel your pain on the recipe thing. Ola and I have the same discussion. He cant believe I'll be cooking from a book

Awwwww! Congratulations Tita Mari..

congratulations!!!!!!

WOW! Im so happy for everyone that is getting approved. Its like the Drive Time commercials...approved, approved approved! Congrats to you all

[John and Annamy 0]

K-1 NOA2 received today. I was On my way home from work this morning when I received a text and email saying my case status had changed. The email said we were approved on April 13, 2011. I checked the website and sure enuogh is said approved. Then in the mail I received the NOA 2

I sent in our package on Nov 30, 2011 and had a NOA 1 date of Dec 6, 2010. The NOA 2 has a validity period 4/13/2011 to 8/12/2011. What does this mean exactly? Does it mean she has to be interviewed by 8/13/2011? Or actually enter the use by 8/13/2011.

K-1 Packet mailed Nov 30, 2010 -------- NOA2 received in the mail April 18, 2011 ----------139 days

NOA1 date Dec 6, 2010 ---------NOA2 date April 13, 2011--------128 days.

[KiwiBird 132]

Congrats!!!

[Christine + Blake 18]

WOW, so many NOA2's today!! This is so awesome!!!

[DiZZyLoX 114]

Yayayayay!!! Congratulations everybody!!!!!!!!!!! woooooohoooooo!

[Shawn-n-Sonoko 9]

Wow!! I lost count of how many NOA2s today!!

CONGRATS TO ALL, now get ready for the paperwork, and remember to look on the Embassy website for your fiancée's country and somewhere in there under the non-immigrant section should be a checklist, pdf instructions, etc... for what he/she will need for the interview. Also, scan and e-mail a copy of the NOA2 and NVC notice when you get them so they can get a head start on the police certs, medicals, and all that!! Never too soon to start as you will see on the NOA2 that it expires after a certain time. But you still have plenty of time so don't worry!!

Mari: I'm especially happy to see your NOA2 come through, as the most active user in our group!! And have you heard of the Starbucks little red velvet cake diet?? Maybe someone should take up that challenge and see how it works!! LOL So I stopped at a Starbucks kiosk in the mall yesterday and saw those little cakes and I almost got one, but I was disciplined and stayed away. I'm too afraid I would not stay away from them if I had!!

The list is clearing quickly and I'm ready to start hearing about weddings and helping all through the AOS, work statuses, POE horror stories (hopefully more success stories)! And most of all, I'm looking forward to the live broadcast of Mari's beatdown of K when he comes to down for all the stress he has put on her! It should be entertaining! What was it, your left flip-flop you were going to use???

Keep on coming with the great news!!!!!

-Shawn

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Hey Mari -

to your point about splitting VSC and CSC. I hope i dont give you the impression that that is what any of us is doing. my intent is not to split the two up, i'm bummed i had to do it for space purposes on the timeline. but at the same time i refuse to ignore the fact that while you beauts are turning pretty pink on the timeline, there are those who are still lookin' good in blue. to not point it out that we have to "keep the faith" like my honey would say, would be ignoring the dismay that you can't help but feel a little when you dont know what to think about what your service center will do next.

Agree we are all in it together, but dont think we can even begin to start jumping on folks that are pulling for VSC to pick it up so we can be right up there with the rest of the "Fam".

just sayin'.

xo

Hiya Diz,

Fully understood about the real estate on the timeline and why there had to be two charts. But for me, I'm pulling for VSC to get a move on so we can see our Dec VSC Filers with us for sure! The only jumping I'd like to do is on the slow pokes moving files from desk to desk back east at the Service Center (and on Kadir ha ha)! C'mon VSC approve our fam already!! Granted some are pink and we do see blue, but I''m still looking for that day when we're all in pink...it's just my prayer that I'm not letting up or giving up on it. It still seems to me that VSC is catching up and approving more and more. To me this is a very very VERY good sign! I know we have to be realistic but I'm still hopeful. LOL its my nature and reality sometimes doesn't exist.

Besos,

Mari

[PreciousOne 4]

thanks lise+michael!hope they will approved us right away from the time that they received our rfe reply.god bless us all

[Bec_Dipu 103]

K-1 NOA2 received today. I was On my way home from work this morning when I received a text and email saying my case status had changed. The email said we were approved on April 13, 2011. I checked the website and sure enuogh is said approved. Then in the mail I received the NOA 2

I sent in our package on Nov 30, 2011 and had a NOA 1 date of Dec 6, 2010. The NOA 2 has a validity period 4/13/2011 to 8/12/2011. What does this mean exactly? Does it mean she has to be interviewed by 8/13/2011? Or actually enter the use by 8/13/2011.

K-1 Packet mailed Nov 30, 2010 -------- NOA2 received in the mail April 18, 2011 ----------139 days

NOA1 date Dec 6, 2010 ---------NOA2 date April 13, 2011--------128 days.

The NOA2 does have an expiration date which means you need to have your interview before then. On other forums, people have said that many embassies automatically extend it if they are very slow at scheduling the interviews or if there are extenuating circumstances (like when the Egyptian consulate was closed). That being said, you still have to do your part and get your paperwork together so that you can turn it in as soon as you get Packet 3. Many petitioners don't even wait for Packet 3,especially in countries with poor mail service. They just print the instructions for Packet 3 off of their consulate's website and turn it in as soon as they have confirmation that the consulate received their case (if you go this route, make sure you write your case number on your cover letter).

CONGRATULATIONS and good luck!