December Filers

[Mariye & Ky 172]

I mailed my forms Dec 03 and then got a NOA1 of Dec 06.

I checked my WAC number for about a month before I got angry and gave up. It kept saying the record wasn't valid.

Mari & Kadir asked me to check if I was touched, and I was about to tell her that my number didn't work.

Amazingly enough, it works and gives me a correct NOA1 date.

After registering for case updates, which I couldn't do before, it says "Last Updated" 03/22/2011. Is that a touch? Mari & Kadir wanted to know if I was touched.

Right now about all I feel is punched...so that is kind of like a touch I guess...

SEE!!! There you go, you got something positive out of checking the WAC#, right? You got to know if your number worked, and you signed up for electronic messaging too! But now you know they didn't punch you out, they 'fondled' your file!

Happy to see you abouts!

Mari

[Mariye & Ky 172]

Can somebody add us to a waiting list please!I really don't know how to do it

Welcome Natashenka & Jack to the Thread!!!

Of course one of us will help you so you can learn how to work it around here! No worries.

Just click on your timeline hot link (on your profile). Then when you see your Timeline page, go to the http address and copy that *(right click and copy).

Make a post here and PASTE that! Easy peasy and trust me, I had to ask too how to do it because everybody and anybody who knows me, knows I am quite

"IT Challenged!" lol, ask Dizzy, she'll tell you!!

Happy you're here and have a look at our Thread Map which will help you get around!

Mari

[tobey 0]

Hey Dizzy, our service center has never been updated. Can you please update it to Vermont. Here is the link to my timeline http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=96761.

Our last fondle was 12/31/10

Thanks!

PS. So excited for all these dec. csc approvals! Hopefully vsc gets the message as well!

[Mariye & Ky 172]

I'm sorry for being out-of-touch, but why the discussion of removing some from this list? Even though I don't post much, I do monitor the posts daily via a compilation email that is sent to me. Also, one reason I don't come on much is because the discussion is not solely about visas. It has morphed into recipes, fitness, and other items not necessarily related to the original intent of this message board. I'm not filing a complaint; however, it is quite challenging for me (I'm also studying for an MBA) to sort through the posts to find something related to touches, NOA2, interviews, etc. in a timely fashion.

Lorn,

I want to be very honest here with you as I have to say I'm somewhat offended with your statement about this "morphing into ......" This discussion was never solely about Visas. EVER. If you carefully read POST# 1 you will see this and I quote:

"Are there any other people who have filed in December?

All those before us should be given hope as you are now further along as we begin our journey!!

It is frustrating seeing people desperately waiting for their cases to progress, and having to wait right up to the 5 month mark. I really feel for you guys and I pray that you hear soon. (I also want you out of the way to make room for us!!!!)

It is uplifting to see people getting NOA 2 and then approval. It gives hope and I know that in a few short months it will be us

So thanks to all those who update timelines and post their progress.

Even though I am not with my Fiance this festive season I will be celebrating and making the most of this time I have left with family and friends. And on New Year'e Eve I will be celebrating all that is to come in 2011.

Best Wishes and Good Luck to everyone.

We filed on 19th Oct

Rejected on 5th Dec

Re-filed on 14th Dec

Don & Julie <end quote>

I see words & phrases such as: uplifting, give thanks, festive, season, celebrate, making the most, time with friends and family... You see, this Decemberite Family Thread, always was about community. We are a receptive and welcoming community of December filers going through the seasons together. We are proud of our efforts here to keep this thread alive with resources so we can have some fun and quit reading the negative daily drama of whiny people who do nothing but complain.

One should really take notice of the gratitude statement made to those who update their timeline and post their progress. This is why we're so indebted to Dizzy for her Timeline and creativity with her busy work schedule. For her to care so much to give US the TIME OF DAY while a few of us... just read and disregard the efforts. Same here, nobody pays me to update, research and contribute. Nobody owes me anything as a matter of fact. I do it because I love the Decemberites, I love to serve others and have fun, and I know what it is like to be alone and wait. I don't wish isolation among us, nor should you by suggesting nothing but Visa talk on this thread. I got news, THIS IS WHAT A VISA JOURNEY IS ABOUT: LEARNING TOGETHER HOW TO OVERCOME and MASTER WAITING PAINS.

So, if you want pure VISA talk, you can find that on the K1 formum, the IR-1/CR-1 Forum, AOS, you can find that all over the place on Wiki VJ! But I don't think you'll find anything as motivating as this thread in my humble opinion. Incidently, if you want more Visa info and you don't see it here, then you're a student, why don't you post some informative answers with refernces to your own questions so you can help others instead of wait for us to answer your questions with a crystal ball?

Kewl, yeah?

Mari

PS: Have you fondled your Service Center Lately, Lorn?

Edited April 8, 2011 by Mari & Kadir

[Mariye & Ky 172]

VSC is late but we have to be patient. I saw one September filer at Sep/28/2010 from VSC just get their NOA2 on March 28, 2011. So I filed I-129F with NOA1 in Dec/27/2010, expected to get NOA2 in late June... it is suck, i know but what can we do? just praise for it haha...

Welcome Tony & Khom to the Thread!!!

Definitely talk to one of the Grooms about the Fitness Challenge! (The Brides are doing it too)

Happy you're here and have you seen our Thread Map to help you get around the Thread?

Mari

[Tim/Mav 305]

I do not make pork adobo really at all because I think my mom's is the best. However, I was taught old school, and I browned it with the garlic first. Now add bay leaf, sukat (vinegar), soy, more garlic and peppercorn. That's the Northern PI (ILLICANO WAY). My Lola taught me to add one other secret ingredient but I am sworn to secrecy and I won't even tell my mom. Ha ha!! If you make Adobo correctly, you won't need to thicken it with anything because the soy and sukat will tenderize the meat and then mesh with the juices.

Why don't you ask Tim / Mav to come here and post something sometime? They too good for us or what? ha ha!!

OK hello to Jelly Belly Jenny Beeze

Mari

PS: Lee... lol, you're a copy cat! ha ha

I let Mav Comment on cooking. LOL

[PrncWill_PrnsElsa 10]

C'mon guys let's get back to "make a change" mode.. we need to Tweet !

We need mobilize.. is it not enough to see the CSC folks getting their NOA2 now.. and we still have to wait 2 more months?

Anyway... I'm crushed here.

[Tim/Mav 305]

C'mon guys let's get back to "make a change" mode.. we need to Tweet !

We need mobilize.. is it not enough to see the CSC folks getting their NOA2 now.. and we still have to wait 2 more months?

Anyway... I'm crushed here.

I'm not so sure, I thought 2 more months too. Then DizzyLox posted on page 80 of December Filers. (It's not Igore List) Mav seen that as well as I did and was shocked. I thought alot more time than that. The Goverment Shutdown now might affect things but there is hope seeing December Filers getting their NOA2. Your Timeline is ealier but I noticed it's still not first come first serve. I'm not totally sure how to get the information DizzyLox has and update it. I should ask to how they do that? We recieved a mail from a December Filer and Approved Today. Congrates !

So, give it time. Relax. Patience.

[Ashley + Meinard 0]

I just returned from South Africa, and this was my favorite. It's a very VERY sweet dessert. I haven't gotten to try this recipe myself, but I figured I'd share it with you guys. Meinard translated it for me from one of his cookbooks, so hopefully everything's worded correctly! LOL!

Koeksisters.

------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:

------------------------------------------------

Syrup

1L (4 cups) sugar

375 mL (1 1/2 cup) water

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) cream of tarter

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) powdered ginger

2 whole pieces of cinnamon

5-10 mL (1-2 tsp) glycerin

------------------------------------------------

Dough

1L (4 cups) four

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) salt

13 mL (2 tbl) baking powder

60 mL (4 tbl) butter/margirine

1 egg

250-375 mL (1-1 1/2 cups) milk/water

------------------------------------------------

Fat/Oil to bake it in

------------------------------------------------

Directions:

------------------------------------------------

Make the syrup

1) Let sugar dissolve in water over low heat.

2) Add cream of tartar, ginger, cinnamon. Boil for 5 minutes.

3) Add glycerin just before you take the mixture off the stove.

------------------------------------------------

Make the dough

1) Mix powdered ingredients together. Mix butter in with handmixer.

2) In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add milk/water

3) Now, mix the two bowls together

4) Knead the dough until it's smooth, then lest rest for at least 2 hours.

(PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 F)

------------------------------------------------

1) Roll out dough 1 cm thick, and cut it into thin strips.

2) Fold the strips in half and twist them.

3) Cover 5-6 Koeksisters in lard/oil on top.

4) Bake 1-2 minutes until they are light brown. Turn over and repeat this step.

5) Remove and place on paper towel for a minute.

6) Use a fry-basket to dip koeksister into syrup for a few seconds. Let the excess syrup drip off.

7) Place on a plate and let dry a little bit. Refrigerate.

------------------------------------------------

Hints

1) If you want dryer koeksisters replace butter with 30 mL (2 tbl) cooking oil. Add with egg and milk instead of powders.

2) In order to prevent syrup from heating up too fast while dipping the koeksisters, use a large bowl and put ice in the bottom. Line this bowl with plastic wrap, and then put syrup in.

If any of you have trouble finding glycerin, I found some at Michael's in their cake decorating section.

[Lise+Michael 13]

That kind of does sound like a complaint though?? We are bored and tired of waiting and always discussing the same topic... no NOA2 for any of us, wow this sucks, blah blah. Recipes, fitness, etc. keeps us motivated to remember there is more to life than this stupid process, and kind of help us feel like we're part of a community who understands and appreciates each others diversity and perspectives. I'm not complaining about your complaint, but just saying... looking to this group for only info on NOA2 updates is a pretty limiting perspective on the info that you might find helpful from this group.

On another related subject, I wasn't planning to post this anywhere else except for our little Decemberite family to read...

I received the "unofficial" furlough notice for government workers this evening. Looks like the government shutdown is pretty close to a sure thing, at least agencies are finally trying to get info out to workers. The bad thing is our applications will probably be delayed even further. Although, I read on the Washington Post that most embassy functions will continue, but I'm not sure if that is going to mean interviews will continue or not since they aren't really related to safety and security which is the major function determining if workers will continue on the job or not. So much conflicting info out there...

Once we get real legit info from inside the govt. I'll keep you guys informed, the news is certainly not to be trusted at this point... but then again neither is congress or my boss for that matter. (LOL!)

xoxo I heart you guys, thanks for all the entertaining stories, recipes, etc. I appreciate all the support, kindness, knowledge and positive energy you guys bring into my life.

Well stated Wendi & Sam...this site has kept me relatively calm during a very stressful process and I think it is all from the support and enthusiasm most Decemberites have, I truly hope this continues after the port of entry!

Have an awesome day everyone!

Lise

[Lise+Michael 13]

I just returned from South Africa, and this was my favorite. It's a very VERY sweet dessert. I haven't gotten to try this recipe myself, but I figured I'd share it with you guys. Meinard translated it for me from one of his cookbooks, so hopefully everything's worded correctly! LOL!

Koeksisters.

------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:

------------------------------------------------

Syrup

1L (4 cups) sugar

375 mL (1 1/2 cup) water

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) cream of tarter

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) powdered ginger

2 whole pieces of cinnamon

5-10 mL (1-2 tsp) glycerin

------------------------------------------------

Dough

1L (4 cups) four

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) salt

13 mL (2 tbl) baking powder

60 mL (4 tbl) butter/margirine

1 egg

250-375 mL (1-1 1/2 cups) milk/water

------------------------------------------------

Fat/Oil to bake it in

------------------------------------------------

Directions:

------------------------------------------------

Make the syrup

1) Let sugar dissolve in water over low heat.

2) Add cream of tartar, ginger, cinnamon. Boil for 5 minutes.

3) Add glycerin just before you take the mixture off the stove.

------------------------------------------------

Make the dough

1) Mix powdered ingredients together. Mix butter in with handmixer.

2) In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add milk/water

3) Now, mix the two bowls together

4) Knead the dough until it's smooth, then lest rest for at least 2 hours.

(PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 F)

------------------------------------------------

1) Roll out dough 1 cm thick, and cut it into thin strips.

2) Fold the strips in half and twist them.

3) Cover 5-6 Koeksisters in lard/oil on top.

4) Bake 1-2 minutes until they are light brown. Turn over and repeat this step.

5) Remove and place on paper towel for a minute.

6) Use a fry-basket to dip koeksister into syrup for a few seconds. Let the excess syrup drip off.

7) Place on a plate and let dry a little bit. Refrigerate.

------------------------------------------------

Hints

1) If you want dryer koeksisters replace butter with 30 mL (2 tbl) cooking oil. Add with egg and milk instead of powders.

2) In order to prevent syrup from heating up too fast while dipping the koeksisters, use a large bowl and put ice in the bottom. Line this bowl with plastic wrap, and then put syrup in.

If any of you have trouble finding glycerin, I found some at Michael's in their cake decorating section.

Awesome, thanks for a dessert recipe and the tip where to find glycerin!

Have a nice day,

Lise

[Marcia&Danny 5]

Nice to look at how our Decemberists Family grows from day to day.

I'm very happy, because I came back after 7 years to hometown to my parents. I decided to spend the past months with my loved parents. I feel like the days of high school, a funny feeling ...

Now it will be here active in the whole...

What are yours preparations for Easter, probably every country has a typical Easter dish.

In Poland most popular dish is white borsch with white sausage and eggs and of course, lemon cake ....yamiii yamiii

Love yaaa all

[nikolacolada 21]

Hey guys---

I'm so nervous about this government shut down as if the process doesn't take long enough, a shut down will only make the wait even longer. Some days I don't even know why we're doing this, living here: has advantages--- or at least that's what I tell myself every day lol

BUT here we are stuck in this long process and trying to keep our chins up. Thank God for the Decemberites! Sometimes it's nice to log into this forum and see all the happy posts

Anyway the point is I found this list on CNN of all of the agencies that would be affected. The good news is I don't think USCIS closes... the bad news is that visa services do.. think about the back logs at the embassies if there is a shut down.

We were hoping to be back in NY by the fall but if this happens I don't think that's realistic. There's NO way I'm bringing Emilio back to upstate NY in the dead of Winter.. he's lived in 80 degree weather his entire life! No amount of blankets would be able to keep him warm lol so if we can't get to NY by October we're going to wait until the Spring...

[DiZZyLoX 114]

Heeeeeeeeeeere we go, gang. The new and improved really big #### timeline now cut into two

Updated Apr 8 2011:

[Christine + Blake 18]

I really hope this shutdown doesn't hurt us all too much, praying that things move along (as quickly as possible, please!).

A HUGE thank you to Dizzy for updating our timeline like she does, and to Mari for providing so much helpful info to us, and to Lise for helping us with our recipes... and another thank you to everyone here who actively participates and makes this thread what it is - NOT just a place for information, but a place for distraction, friendship, and support. I love our thread and everything about it, and if someone can't appreciate that then its a major loss for them.

We are hoping that Blake can come visit me for two weeks in early June, hopefully I will have my NOA2 or will be very close to it by then and we can celebrate together (and then get to work on mailing off the next documents!)

Edited April 8, 2011 by Christine + Blake