New 'Support' Group/Support Line for 'Newbies'

[Redflame2012 32]

After living in Encino, California, for around 4.5 years, I've decided to set up a support group for 'newbies' coming to,and living in, my area. We can meet up once a month or once a fortnight for lunch or brunch. A wonderful way to socialise, offer support and exchange experiences!

I'm also going to provide a support line service for people in and out of state... Just the opportunity for folks to have someone they can talk to...

I know when I originally came to America, I could have used something like this...so, I'm going to do it!

Anyone interested in joining my Encino Support Group, send me a 'notification' (ie a private message') to this site. Or if you just need telephone contact, someone to talk with, send me a notification with your telephone number - if you are living in the United Kingdom, I can make free international calls so I can offer trans atlantic support!

Redflame

ps: I'm originally from the South West of England

Edited February 15, 2013 by Redflame2012

[carocaro 22]

Wonderful idea! I wish you were closer.

[Redflame2012 32]

Aww....Thanks! You can still send me a private notification with your name and telephone number! We can talk on the phone! The offer is there, should you need it....

[Darnell 8,478]

setting up anything on meetup.com ?

[Redflame2012 32]

Hiii... I've never used that website. I'll have a look at it. Thanks for the info.

[markonline1 11]

Whereabouts in California is Encino in relation to Monterey? Would be good to have one or two expat experts to rely on, especially for the early days.

[Redflame2012 32]

Hi Mark,

Pleased to 'meet' you!

I'm 5hrs and 2mins away from Monterey. That's about 311.1 miles! However if you post me your Californian telephone number, I'll call you! You can post a private mail to me via this site. Assuming that you feel okay with that. I'll leave it up to you!

When are you leaving 'the Pond'?

Redflame

[markonline1 11]

I'm guessing your down towards LA then? So I leave the UK on the 10th March, and to say the nerves and stress is kicking in is an understatement LOL. One of the first things I have to do is sort myself out with a phone. My other half has a mobile, she has decided because if this, we don't need a landline LOL.

I've added you as a friend (I think), I will definately drop you a line when I get out there. I'm pretty familiar with CA having been out there numerous times in the last 10 years, but will still be great to get a bit of inside knowledge on life out there

[Redflame2012 32]

Mark, your guess is correct! I live in the LA area.

When the leaving date drew close for me, I was nervous too. I was nervous and extremely anxious...Visiting a country for a few weeks at a time is very different from picking up sticks and relocating...You become like a blank page...like a child...as you need to learn how everything works...Saying goodbye to the family and friends was 'pants.'

Anyway, don't worry...You will be fine! Many have 'gone before you and survived' the move... so will you.

Here are a few, 'before-you-leave-England' tips.

1.If you can, bring 2 written, employment reference letters (each from different employers)

2.If you haven't had an eye test lately, have one - the cost of an eye test here, without insurance, is around $125. Also, if you need glasses buy them in England. Again, the cost of specs here, without insurance is huge.

3.If you haven't had a dental check lately, have one...so if you need work carried out, do it before you arrive. The cost of dental care in the US, without insurance, is huge. To give you an example, I had a deep clean, with insurance, and it cost me $500 - that's my out of pocket cost after the insurance pay their part.

4.If your relatives, children or friends are worried...remind them you can use Skype on your home computer or iPhone to keep in regular face-to-face contact with them.

5.Persuade your 'better half', if you can, to get a LAN line. The Vontage telephone service is fab! For a low price, you use their free international call time...I call my mother everyday for as long, and as often, as I want. Also I tell my friends and family to call me and I'll return their calls so they don't take the burden of the cost.

6.Remember the K1 visa is a one-way-use permit. In other words, you can't return to England until you adjust your status ($1050) and obtain your green card. That can take between 4 to 12 months. So, don't count on being able to return home for a while...You can leave the US but they won't allow you to return. You'll have to start the visa process again. Not a K1 one visa, but a spousal visa.

7.Settle all your debts, if you can, before you arrive.

8.Tell the tax office (Inland Revenue) you are leaving so they know... Just in case you have to return to England, to resume residency. Not important, but a tidy way of doing things.

9.Bring a copy of your CV, they call it 'resume' here. Also have a copy on a flash drive or CD as a back up.

10. Bring your original copies of your qualifications, and some copies...just in case you need them.

11.If you can, get a copy of your medical history from your GP. They will expect a small charge for this.

Okay. That's all for now! Hope my tips help somewhat!

Red.

Edited February 20, 2013 by Redflame2012

[markonline1 11]

Great tips $125 for an eye test????

[Redflame2012 32]

Yes, that's right! Some might say, '...not that expensive.' But when we pay twenty pounds ish in England...erm, a bit of a difference.

By the way, I liked your blog. Interesting idea to record your 'journey' in this way.

Red.

[markonline1 11]

Thanks. Thought it may be of help to someone who stumbles across it and is thinking of doing the same thing. Also a good way friends and family can keep up to date with what I'm up to.

[Redflame2012 32]

Mark! Hi there! It's almost time for you to leave England. Safe journey!

ps: I know the reality of your move is 'real' to you now...It's a nerve racking time counting the days until your flight... You think about all the people and things you leave behind....the job you give up....the 'goodbyes' that must come...Take it in your stride...If you are sure this is what you want...look forward to new beginnings and the challenges they will bring...

Edited March 3, 2013 by Redflame2012

[Ippsy Pippsy 31]

Great checklist!

[Redflame2012 32]

Great checklist!

Thank you, Ippsy.

Redflame