Today is my 1 year anniversary

[markonline1 11]

I must admit, I'm more of a lurker now than a poster, but as today marks the 1 year anniversary of my arriving at San Francisco with that large brown envelop in my hands, thought I'd write a little post.

It's weird reading about people going for medicals and interviews. The time has flown by, yet seems so long ago. I remember heading to the medical with my white coat syndrome in overdrive. There was of course nothing to be worried about, as the process is straight forward. My white coat syndrome ensured my BP was sky high though, so that caused a bit of a problem, sorted by buying a home pressure tester, logging the readings for a week and getting my Dr to send them to the medical place to send on to the embassy.

The day at the embassy was also totally painless. I was at the interview no more than 2 hours. No trick or tricky questions. The morning spent at the embassy was actually a breeze.

Then time to sell all the stuff in my flat and say my goodbyes. I was in a little bit of a daze when I flew out. I worked at Heathrow, so I got to see all my work mates before boarding the plane, they did me a little guard of honour as we taxied past and got air traffic to pass on a message to the captain to announce. That was a weird feeling leaving UK Tarmac.

The first couple of months are definitely tough. Not being able to work and only being able to drive in CA for the first 10 days means there's a lot of down time. Amazingly, I only remember having a couple of bad days.

Job wise, I was lucky. I secured the first job I applied for. Pay was less, but I like the place I work, although don't see it as long term.

A year on, gotta say, I love my new life here. Yes, some things here are completely bizarre. And yes, there's far less time off from work. That just means I make far more of my time off though. Life here is different, but here on the west coast of CA, it isn't as drastically different as say places in the mid west. Maybe that's why I've settled in. At this time, I really don't see me going back to live in the UK (that could of course change), although I'm going back to visit next month.

A year on, looking at the whole process, although it didn't quite feel it at the time, it struck me just how fairly straightforward going through the K1 visa process was. Anyone just starting out on the journey, it seems like a mountain to climb. In reality it's not much more than a large mound for most.

[relativeways 27]

This is certainly a nice and reassuring read. It's easy to get caught up on the wait, the fees, the thoughts of 'did I actually fill in my DOB correctly?', the 'what if I get the one mean immigration officer?'

I'm glad that things worked out for you -- I LOVED the story about your workmates doing a little guard of honour.

It's also easy to get stressed and caught up here on VJ, where you're constantly reading about other people's progress, but not yours. It's easier to get stuck on the little things, than it does on the big things - your future.

[Ben + Michelle 9]

I must admit, I'm more of a lurker now than a poster, but as today marks the 1 year anniversary of my arriving at San Francisco with that large brown envelop in my hands, thought I'd write a little post.

It's weird reading about people going for medicals and interviews. The time has flown by, yet seems so long ago. I remember heading to the medical with my white coat syndrome in overdrive. There was of course nothing to be worried about, as the process is straight forward. My white coat syndrome ensured my BP was sky high though, so that caused a bit of a problem, sorted by buying a home pressure tester, logging the readings for a week and getting my Dr to send them to the medical place to send on to the embassy.

The day at the embassy was also totally painless. I was at the interview no more than 2 hours. No trick or tricky questions. The morning spent at the embassy was actually a breeze.

Then time to sell all the stuff in my flat and say my goodbyes. I was in a little bit of a daze when I flew out. I worked at Heathrow, so I got to see all my work mates before boarding the plane, they did me a little guard of honour as we taxied past and got air traffic to pass on a message to the captain to announce. That was a weird feeling leaving UK Tarmac.

The first couple of months are definitely tough. Not being able to work and only being able to drive in CA for the first 10 days means there's a lot of down time. Amazingly, I only remember having a couple of bad days.

Job wise, I was lucky. I secured the first job I applied for. Pay was less, but I like the place I work, although don't see it as long term.

A year on, gotta say, I love my new life here. Yes, some things here are completely bizarre. And yes, there's far less time off from work. That just means I make far more of my time off though. Life here is different, but here on the west coast of CA, it isn't as drastically different as say places in the mid west. Maybe that's why I've settled in. At this time, I really don't see me going back to live in the UK (that could of course change), although I'm going back to visit next month.

A year on, looking at the whole process, although it didn't quite feel it at the time, it struck me just how fairly straightforward going through the K1 visa process was. Anyone just starting out on the journey, it seems like a mountain to climb. In reality it's not much more than a large mound for most.

Wonderful to read. I'm moving to San Francisco soon, if everything works out. How is the love going?

[h13rma 35]

Glad you are settling in. I found it really easy to adjust, it's a little hard not being in the same country as family, but I have always travelled a lot for business, average 125,000miles a year so the extra to visit doesn't hurt. I agree that the wait for ability to drive/travel was a pain, but i was lucky in that i didn't have to change job.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Life here is different, but here on the west coast of CA, it isn't as drastically different as say places in the mid west.

That ain't no sh!t!!!

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Thanks for posting, an interesting change from the usual questions and sad stories found on VJ!

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Thanks for sharing your experience

A lot of the stress for me comes from the unknown. I've never done this stuff before, so I don't know what to expect from the different people I'll have to interact with. I'm just thankful we don't need to deal with the Lagos consulate...

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

How's your wife?

[markonline1 11]

How's your wife?

Still sane. Amazingly

[Azsara 110]

You know you're totally right. I feel the same 5 months after moving. It feels like a lifetime ago!!!! What was I so worried about?

[Shezi 108]

Congrats to you both on getting your AOS sorted! Just read through your timeline - very pleased for you