Overseas (HK) USC I-130 question

[G&Mhk 1]

Hello,

I am an American living in Hong Kong and my wife is from the Philippines. We are living here together.

I filed my CR-1 in May using my Hong Kong address with a cover letter stating that I am living and working here but that I plan on returning to America as soon as my wife's visa is ready. My job here will transfer to America at that time.

I received an e-mail (NOA1) on May 16. I'm still waiting for the NOA2 or anything else.

I did not sign up for any updates via the USCIS website as I do not want to put my U.S. address down now for fear that it will screw up the process since I am living overseas for the foreseeable future.

So should I sign up for case updates or just use the receipt number to check my case status myself?

Question 2: I was checking processing times on the USCIS website and I noticed that the drop-down for me now goes to the Vermont Service Center when previously it defaulted to the NBC. Is that a good sign?

Thanks!