December Filers

[Christine + Blake 18]

Kiria and Derek and Callie - 300 days sounds reasonable, but for my service center + consulate, it wouldn't work out for me unless things REALLY speed up. I hope both of you have everything work out in time.

Shawn - congratulations!!! I admit I'm extremely jealous, but I'm also very happy for you guys

[Bec_Dipu 103]

OK Shawn.. calm down.. deep breaths....

So, after the disappointments yesterday about not being fondled (and Mari, I kept the fondling myself to myself.. but now everyone knows thanks to you!), and bored at work a few times I logged into USCIS just to see the same old thing and I STILL wasn't fondled. So I come home, and open up my e-mail and guess what!?! I WON THE LOTTERY!! Well, not millions of dollars but my petition was APPROVED!

-Shawn

Congratulations! Hopefully, it's a Biloxi thing and I'll be next

I've been meaning to ask, did you graduate from BHS?

[Derek and Callie 7]

Does touched mean you will get NOA1 faster than someone who hasnt been touch? Or not really?

[Shawn-n-Sonoko 9]

Congratulations! Hopefully, it's a Biloxi thing and I'll be next

I've been meaning to ask, did you graduate from BHS?

Yes I did.... Class of '97

Now do I remember much from back then??? nah not really! LOL I do know I still miss the food from there!

[Bec_Dipu 103]

Yes I did.... Class of '97

Now do I remember much from back then??? nah not really! LOL I do know I still miss the food from there!

I was class of 95! We went to high school together...that's hilarious!

[Shawn-n-Sonoko 9]

I was class of 95! We went to high school together...that's hilarious!

It's a small world!!

[Piefre 15]

Congratulations on your NOA2, usmcaviator. I am very jealous.

[Mariye & Ky 172]

OK Shawn.. calm down.. deep breaths....

So, after the disappointments yesterday about not being fondled (and Mari, I kept the fondling myself to myself.. but now everyone knows thanks to you!), and bored at work a few times I logged into USCIS just to see the same old thing and I STILL wasn't fondled. So I come home, and open up my e-mail and guess what!?! I WON THE LOTTERY!! Well, not millions of dollars but my petition was APPROVED! With that, the earlier approval and all these touches, I hope these are signs that the CSC Decemberites are moving! For all our Vermonters, I'm rooting, hoping, and preying you get some action soon also! Wow, I still can't believe it but I will when I get my official NOA2 in the mail!

I have a feeling things are about to get exciting here!!

-Shawn

Yeah Congratulations Shawn & Sonoko!!!!!!

Love to you both,

Mari and Kadir

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Does touched mean you will get NOA1 faster than someone who hasnt been touch? Or not really?

No, it really means they fondled your file, they breathed a little heavy... while they moved it to another desk. That's a fondle.

[kiria&daniel 23]

So i thought I would add a couple of our Australian recipes HOPE YOU LIKE

PAVLOVA!!!

4-6 egg whites

pinch salt

8oz castor sugar/sugar (equal parts)

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 level teaspoons cornflour

(Please note the following equivalents:

castor sugar or fine/super fine sugar

corn flour or cornstarch)

Preheat oven to 400F(200C).

Lightly grease oven tray, line with baking paper or use non-stick cooking spray.

Beat the whites of eggs with a pinch of salt until stiff (until peaks form).

Continue beating, gradually adding sugar, vinegar and vanilla, until of thick consistency.

Lightly fold in cornflour.

Pile mixture into circular shape, making hollow in centre for filling.

(Mixture will swell during cooking)

Electric oven: turn oven to 250F (130C) and bake undisturbed for 1 1/2 hours.

Gas oven: bake at 400F (200C) for ten minutes, then turn oven to 250F (130C) and bake a further hour.

(Fan forced oven: temperature and time needs to be adjusted accordingly.)

Turn oven off, leave pavlova in oven until cool.

Top with whipped cream and decorate with fruit as desired.

LAMINGTONS

SPONGE CAKE

3 eggs

1/2 cup castor sugar

3/4 cup self-raising flour

1/4 cup cornflour

15g (1/2oz) butter

3 tablespoons hot water

Beat eggs until thick and creamy. Gradually add sugar. Continue beating until sugar completely dissolved.

Fold in sifted SR flour and cornflour, then combined water and butter.

Pour mixture into prepared lamington tins 18cm x 28cm (7in x 11in).

Bake in moderate oven approximately 30 mins.

Let cake stand in pan for 5 min before turning out onto wire rack.

CHOCOLATE ICING

3 cups desiccated coconut

500g (1lb) icing sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

(extra cocoa can be added, according to taste)

15g (1/2oz) butter

1/2 cup milk

Sift icing sugar and cocoa into heatproof bowl.

Stir in butter and milk.

Stir over a pan of hot water until icing is smooth and glossy.

Trim brown top and sides from cake.

Cut into 16 even pieces.

Holding each piece on a fork, dip each cake into icing.

Hold over bowl a few minutes to drain off excess chocolate.

Toss in coconut or sprinkle to coat.

Place on oven tray to set.

(Cake is easier to handle if made the day before.

Sponge cake or butter cake may be used.

May be filled with jam and cream.)

ENJOY!!!!

Edited March 23, 2011 by kiria&daniel

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Mmmmmmmmmmm Kiria, I LOVE ICING! lol.... I think your sponge cake would be fabulous.

HEY DECEMBERITES? Is anyone going to volunteer for Being the Recipe Fondler or not? LOL

Inquire with Me........ PRETTY PLEASE?

Mari

[ManilatoSeattle 6]

Congratulations usmcaviator for your NOA2!!!!!!

[Marcia&Danny 5]

Shawn & Sonoko congratulations NOA2 !!!

[M & J 5]

Hi all!

I definitely need to check this thread more often. Thanks Mari for checking on me! Everything is ok...just wedding planning and saving money. I read somewhere on page 40 something that some brides-to-be have gotten their dress. I picked up my dress last Sunday! I have no idea wear to store it now so its hanging on the back of my door!

Can anyone give me suggestions how how to easily access this thread? I could definite benefit from all the warm/positive affirmations in the group and chatting with like minded fellow VJers. I'm supposed to see Mark May 2nd and that seems like an eternity! I'm trying my best not to stare at a calendar and will the days to hurry past.

Ok I need to get my beauty rest. *smile* I hope all is well with everyone! Hopefully we will start receiving wonderful news within the next month!

Take care,

Jamila

[rallybug 17]

Congrats to Shawn & Sonoko!