Need some UK forum love!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Hi all -- I just was hoping I could get some big ol' VJ lurve -- I need it! We are finally leaving the UK in 12 days, and although we're totally on track (maybe even ahead of schedule -- the boy is a consummate planner!) we're both starting to get a bit anxious about it all.

It's not about moving to America, which we both are SO excited about. And it's not about work when we get there, as I have a lot of consultancy work lined up. In fact, I'll be earning more in New Haven than in London, so it's not the money. It's just...sigh. I keep having awful premonitory feelings that something is going to happen at the last moment that will prevent us getting on the plane, like I'll get hit by a bus or something. I can't logically explain it.

All the plans and boxes and leaving my job and the boy winding up his life have left us getting snippy with each other. We both can't help feeling that we should be feeling elated, but the two-month delay between the visa and the departure has left us so anxious to just get it over with.

AAAAGGGHHHHH!!! Just needed a moan, and to fish for some support. Tell me it gets better!!!

[*julez* 124]

I'm the same way maven! I'm forever convinced my great plans will never come to fruition, that something bad will happen! Its like its not real until it actually happens.

As for the squabbles, moving is a stressful thing to do, even when you want to move - but moving internationally is crazy! So hang in there, you will get through it with nothing bad happening!

And when you are really stressed, continue to come share with your VJ family! That's what we're here for!!!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Awwww, thanks Julez! This is one of the most stressful things I've ever done, way more stressful than when I first moved here and my life fit into 2 suitcases. Doesn't help that my family is coo-coo nuts at the moment, and putting all sorts of pressure on me (loooooong story). They try to be supportive, but my parents are preoccupied with their other child moving over here at the same time and are giving them more support as they are not as organised as me. It's as if I'm being punished for getting all my ducks in a row!

Edited August 7, 2007 by elmcitymaven

[*julez* 124]

Tell me about it! I'm one of 5 kids and my parents just expect that I'm the together one, so they don't give me extra support, even though I really need it too! Even the most competent people still enjoy a little hand holding and coddling now and then!

I'm happy to try to keep your spirits bolstered as much as I can. You're such a great support to the UK forum visitors and one of our greatest cheerleaders! You better stay with us once you back on the US side of the pond!!

[Mags 112]

The three weeks or so leading up to my departure from the UK was hell on earth. I was just about the most evil female on planet Earth. I think what you are both feeling is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Regardless of what you've got ahead (good things) it is still a HUGE step and a massive amount of upheaval for the pair of you.

To make you feel better, an hour before being collected by the cab to go to the airport I was sitting on top of a huge suitcase, despairing at the things I had forgotten to put in and which would obviously not going to fit, desperately trying to then squeeze two mental cats into their carriers, trying to get a 13 year old into his coat and trainers and then running around locking up the house AND also having a major panic.

You'll be FINE.

Edited August 7, 2007 by Mags

[mawilson 2,133]

I was just about the most evil female on planet Earth.

Nah, I don't believe that

[Mags 112]

I was just about the most evil female on planet Earth.

Nah, I don't believe that

No, really, I was. Imagine the Wicked Witch of the West crossed with Cruella DeVille and you still wouldn't be anywhere near how evil I was!

[Sienna 0]

Awww Maven! I imagine the stress is a bit overwhelming at the moment. I think it's purely natural to imagine something horrible that will keep you from following through with your plans. It's the same for me before I leave for a much-anticipated holiday or something. I just KNOW something HORRIBLE is going to happen before I get the chance to go. The good news is.... nothing horrible has ever happened.

Just try to relax and enjoy your final few days there and know that you'll be facing an exciting time of new beginnings once you get here! It actually sounds quite wonderful the way you've described it! And we're ALL here cheering you on! The VJ boards look exactly the same from American soil as they do over there. LOL! That should be comforting! errr.... I guess.

Anyway, big hugs and pats on the back from your friends here on the Brit Board! We're here for ya!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Tell me about it! I'm one of 5 kids and my parents just expect that I'm the together one, so they don't give me extra support, even though I really need it too! Even the most competent people still enjoy a little hand holding and coddling now and then!

I'm happy to try to keep your spirits bolstered as much as I can. You're such a great support to the UK forum visitors and one of our greatest cheerleaders! You better stay with us once you back on the US side of the pond!!

Thanks -- I try to give back what was given to me when I first stumbled onto VJ (through Wikipedia of all things!). Don't worry -- I'm not going anywhere. After all, we have conditions to lift on 20 May 2009!

Mags -- you crack me up! I can totally picture it. If I didn't have the boy around that is what I would be doing too! But no, we're moving out of the flat the day before and spending the night in glorious, glamorous Luton before we leave.

Edited August 7, 2007 by elmcitymaven

[L_n_O 3]

non-uk, but canadian love here!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

WAAAAAH!!! So. Much. Love! You guys are awesome.

[TracyTN 237]

GOOD LUCK maven - you'll be fine! I know that is easier said than done, but I betcha you're organized and everything will be just fine.

[no name 1]

My hubby was veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery stressed when he was getting all sorted. It'll work out. Do be prepared for culture shock thom for a few months when you guys come back...

[essjay 0]

ECM, you have nothing to worry about. You know the "people" who write lists of the most stressful things ever?! I think "they", and I still have no idea who these people are, put divorce and moving home as number 1 and number 2 of the most stressful things you can go through. I think that's the case although willing to stand corrected. Anyway...... these list writers have never gone through a visa process in my opinion. If you have got this far in getting the visa, you can get through anything.

From my point of view, I had no problem signing the contracts on my house, with no visa, no visa interview and nowhere to live as of the end of August. What really stressed me out was not knowing whether I was going to get the visa or not. That being said, after the contracts were signed, I did suddenly sit there thinking........ and thinking....... and the Embassy words "don't take irrevocable action" started ringing in my ears (and dreams.....)

So don't stress, everything will work out and don't forget to laugh .

Besides..... you've got a party to go to!!!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

My hubby was veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery stressed when he was getting all sorted. It'll work out. Do be prepared for culture shock thom for a few months when you guys come back...

Thanks devilette! It is going to be culture shock for us both -- I haven't lived in America since 1995, and I've never done any of those adult-type things in America, like get a drivers license, get insurance, anything. It's like two new immigrants for the price of one! Luckily my parents are going to hold our hands and help us out, even if my mom is nuts. Okay, just usual mom-type nuts.