February 2014 filers

[Tina and Johan 206]

And on that note: we're all coming up on our 1 year anniversary for filing the 129F. how's things with everyone?

Johan and his son are still in interview waiver limbo. They might have their green cards by August! Johan's been working for 2 months, and so far, so good. He's had some moments where his differing culture makes for some comedy at work, but otherwise, it's a decent fit. We have tentative plans to head to Europe for a few weeks this summer so his son can visit with his mother. And we're off to see more of the continent! We had to come up with a plan that we'd alternate vacations: one vacation abroad, then one vacation in North America. hahaha From him: I've lived in Europe, I don't want to spend time there. From me: Same goes with me and north America!!

[MichelleRenee 14]

Wow, isn't it crazy to think back on this time last year? We still haven't heard about interview or a waiver.. Rich has his EAD, but hasn't been able to find work yet. Hoping that something comes along soon!! We are still planning our "reception" which is happening in May.. His family and friends are coming over from Wales and they'll get to meet all of my family and friends, which will be a laugh!! We are also dreaming of moving somewhere a bit warmer.. haha Chicago winter has got us down!! But for now, we're just happy to be together.

And on that note: we're all coming up on our 1 year anniversary for filing the 129F. how's things with everyone?

Johan and his son are still in interview waiver limbo. They might have their green cards by August! Johan's been working for 2 months, and so far, so good. He's had some moments where his differing culture makes for some comedy at work, but otherwise, it's a decent fit. We have tentative plans to head to Europe for a few weeks this summer so his son can visit with his mother. And we're off to see more of the continent! We had to come up with a plan that we'd alternate vacations: one vacation abroad, then one vacation in North America. hahaha From him: I've lived in Europe, I don't want to spend time there. From me: Same goes with me and north America!!

[VicAus 7]

Wow, isn't it crazy to think back on this time last year? We still haven't heard about interview or a waiver.. Rich has his EAD, but hasn't been able to find work yet. Hoping that something comes along soon!! We are still planning our "reception" which is happening in May.. His family and friends are coming over from Wales and they'll get to meet all of my family and friends, which will be a laugh!! We are also dreaming of moving somewhere a bit warmer.. haha Chicago winter has got us down!! But for now, we're just happy to be together.

ur life sounds identical to mine at the moment including moving to warmer climate!!!

[MichelleRenee 14]

Haha! Do you guys have any places in mind? We really just want to live an active, outdoor lifestyle year round. We'd love to be able to go hiking and exploring outside right now! We live close to Lake Michigan so sometimes we bundle up and go for a walk.. but it's not the same!!

[VicAus 7]

i highly reccomend colroado.. lots of outdoor stuff to do and winter isnt "so bad".. its definately not a Vegas winter but an ok trade off for outdoor activities. My hubby wants to move to Michigan though. I would rather not.. Colorado is cold enough for me although more then likely if we move somewhere I will use my USA winter to travel back to summer Australia

Our (his) credit card bills are getting bigger at the moment as we plan our May wedding reception... Hopefully a job is just around the corner so I can begin contributing to the household. I think once ur husband (and I) gain our independence back like working etc things wont look so bad.

I think also once greencard comes we will seriously consider moving to Australia (after all our hard work here) and alot of the decision is litterally the weather. I feel life pretty much shuts down once it starts snowing but then again its only my first official winter so I will see how things go with time

Haha! Do you guys have any places in mind? We really just want to live an active, outdoor lifestyle year round. We'd love to be able to go hiking and exploring outside right now! We live close to Lake Michigan so sometimes we bundle up and go for a walk.. but it's not the same!!

[Tina and Johan 206]

i highly reccomend colroado.. lots of outdoor stuff to do and winter isnt "so bad".. its definately not a Vegas winter but an ok trade off for outdoor activities. My hubby wants to move to Michigan though. I would rather not.. Colorado is cold enough for me although more then likely if we move somewhere I will use my USA winter to travel back to summer Australia

Our (his) credit card bills are getting bigger at the moment as we plan our May wedding reception... Hopefully a job is just around the corner so I can begin contributing to the household. I think once ur husband (and I) gain our independence back like working etc things wont look so bad.

I think also once greencard comes we will seriously consider moving to Australia (after all our hard work here) and alot of the decision is litterally the weather. I feel life pretty much shuts down once it starts snowing but then again its only my first official winter so I will see how things go with time

*cough* California *cough* haha But really, do NOT move to Michigan. I know several of this group live there, or are from there, but right now, the job climate there is TERRIBLE. Industries are fleeing the state. I used to live up by Traverse city, and that was beautiful; people were out and about a lot, true. The pay was terrible. We then moved to the Flint area (General Motors hired my ex), and it was decent until GM declared bankruptcy; then the state economy tanked. Unless you and/or your husband has a high-paying career that Michigan can handle, I'd look elsewhere. California is expensive, but the year-round activities really can't be beat!

Also, if you're leaving the country, wait until you have citizenship. That way you won't have to redo all this again should you guys decide to move back to the states. I'm very on board going back to Europe, but we need to first wait until my husband and stepson have their citizenships. So we're looking at a good 6 years.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Tina and Johan

[VicAus 7]

6 years!!!!???

Seems like only last week i was counting down the agonising wait to get to the USA lol now im counting up to 6 years to leave awwww

*cough* California *cough* haha But really, do NOT move to Michigan. I know several of this group live there, or are from there, but right now, the job climate there is TERRIBLE. Industries are fleeing the state. I used to live up by Traverse city, and that was beautiful; people were out and about a lot, true. The pay was terrible. We then moved to the Flint area (General Motors hired my ex), and it was decent until GM declared bankruptcy; then the state economy tanked. Unless you and/or your husband has a high-paying career that Michigan can handle, I'd look elsewhere. California is expensive, but the year-round activities really can't be beat!

Also, if you're leaving the country, wait until you have citizenship. That way you won't have to redo all this again should you guys decide to move back to the states. I'm very on board going back to Europe, but we need to first wait until my husband and stepson have their citizenships. So we're looking at a good 6 years.

[Tina and Johan 206]

6 years!!!!???

Seems like only last week i was counting down the agonising wait to get to the USA lol now im counting up to 6 years to leave awwww

Well, in 3 years after you get your green card, you can apply for citizenship, as a K1. But others, including K2's, have to wait the standard 5 years. Since we've gotten the interview waiver letter, we don't expect his green card now until AT LEAST July. And then it'll be 5 years from that date for our K2 to obtain citizenship. Your path is likely much quicker.

[MichelleRenee 14]

Yeah we've been looking into Colorado a lot. I'm from Michigan and knowing their weather, I wouldn't recommend it! Haha.

We're in the same boat with bills getting higher, Rich has had a few interviews but they've all been low pay, and I know beggars can't be choosers but we're going to hold out just a liiittle longer for something better. I know he's dying to work and contribute, so we'll both be pretty happy once he finds something.

I feel ya on working so hard and then wanting to move right away!! The weather can take a serious toll on your happiness and wellbeing. The only reason I'm wanting his green card ASAP is because the countdown will start and then in 3 years he can apply for citizenship. Since we plan on possibly bouncing back and fourth between the US/UK it would just make it so much easier if he's a citizen. But time will tell! Sometimes I feel like I'm too focused on dreaming of what will happen three years ago, I gotta bring myself back to reality!

i highly reccomend colroado.. lots of outdoor stuff to do and winter isnt "so bad".. its definately not a Vegas winter but an ok trade off for outdoor activities. My hubby wants to move to Michigan though. I would rather not.. Colorado is cold enough for me although more then likely if we move somewhere I will use my USA winter to travel back to summer Australia

Our (his) credit card bills are getting bigger at the moment as we plan our May wedding reception... Hopefully a job is just around the corner so I can begin contributing to the household. I think once ur husband (and I) gain our independence back like working etc things wont look so bad.

I think also once greencard comes we will seriously consider moving to Australia (after all our hard work here) and alot of the decision is litterally the weather. I feel life pretty much shuts down once it starts snowing but then again its only my first official winter so I will see how things go with time

[tina:) 5]

*cough* California *cough* haha

California is pretty awesome! My husband is originally from Vegas (haha, yes people live there), that's where we met during my foreign exchange year. I always thought that was where we would end up living, even though I always loved our trips to California. Now that he is stationed in San Diego and we live here I have to admit that I am starting to really love this place more and more every day! I am not so sure about wanting to move back to Vegas anymore once he gets out of the military

I've been keeping myself really busy with all kinds of crafty stuff around the house. I love DIY projects and I never really had as much time as I had liked to have for it. So finally, here I am surrounded by all these things I made or fixed all by myself

I'm just starting to apply for jobs and I hope I'll be able to find something I'll like!

We still love every minute of living and going on fun little dates together!

I can't believe it has almost been a year since we applied for the K1-Visa! Time really flew by faaaast!

I always love reading about what's new with all of you guys I hope all is well with everyone!

Edited January 25, 2015 by tina:)

[msdynamite 57]

I found this article the other day and wanted to share it with you..I can relate to nearly every point in it..except that I can let go and that I'm patient..not

http://masedimburgo.com/2014/06/04/17-things-change-forever-live-abroad/

[Tina and Johan 206]

I found this article the other day and wanted to share it with you..I can relate to nearly every point in it..except that I can let go and that I'm patient..not

http://masedimburgo.com/2014/06/04/17-things-change-forever-live-abroad/

I'll share this wish Johan. I've been lurking in the NPIW thread on the AOS forum. People are so discouraged there! They keep talking about how they feel displaced and like they're feeling uprooted due to not having their green cards yet. I asked Johan about this. He says he feels very comfortable here. It reminds him so much of "home." (South Africa)

[msdynamite 57]

I'll share this wish Johan. I've been lurking in the NPIW thread on the AOS forum. People are so discouraged there! They keep talking about how they feel displaced and like they're feeling uprooted due to not having their green cards yet. I asked Johan about this. He says he feels very comfortable here. It reminds him so much of "home." (South Africa)

I wish I had my greencard too (just to be over and done with this process of nervewrackingness waiting and being scared that they are missing info or will reject me) but it doesn't have a huge impact on my life that I dont.

I do feel misplaced sometimes and I miss my family and friends like crazy. But Eric is my second family, my other part of the family now and I'm happy that I get to be with him.

There's tons of adjustments to make, like speaking English every day, not get the groceries I'm used to..little things...it is a real different culture here, but it's a new world to discover and I'm lucky that I get to do this.

My life is nothing like before but that doesn't mean it's bad. It's just different. I only wish that I could have my parents, sisters and friends with me.

[Abby & Andre 27]

We received the NPIW letter today. Ugh

[Tina and Johan 206]

We received the NPIW letter today. Ugh

Oh boooo. there's a whole thread devoted to that letter in the AOS progress section. It's very disheartening. March 2014 filers are still waiting for green cards!! As for us (November letter), we just sorta forget about it and expect it sometime around July/August this year. That's the hope anyway.