ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (Dani^Chris Perry @ Nov 19 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Time for a good joke to cheer you up good.gif


Airline Service

A man at the airline counter tells the rep. "I'd like this bag to go to Berlin, this one to California,
and this one to London.

The rep says, "I'm sorry sir. We can't do that."

The man replied: Nonsense. That is what you did last time I flew with you.


laughing.gif Nice one..

Yeah I got that email too, but mine is up to date.

I'm not an Igor or Timeline watcher anyways, I prefer to keep myself happy by thinking 4-5 months for approval (December-January) and since we're not there yet, no need to stress by watching lists like a hawk. Time moves faster when you're not watching.

Hold on tight, AF's, bit longer to go! kicking.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-19 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Sweet story.. I gave Bill 'a box of hugs' for his birthday and filled it with red tissue, just like that!! I hope I'm not about to die. tongue.gif

But I also put a little book, a cuddly toy and some British chocolate inside..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-18 11:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Dresses?? Exciting.. Bill's mum still wants me to pick something out on Dave's Bridal that I like, and then go try them on together. But seeing as the "real wedding" might be a year away, I might hold off on it for a while.

Beautiful dress, Donna!

Mara, I also get the comments about "aren't you young to be married?" and that does irritate me if they know nothing about me. My mum was married at 17 so to me, 22 is not too young... plus it's not just about the age, it's about experience and maturity.. compatability, etc..

Page 100, wow! I remember when I joined the first page!

Edited by Gemmie, 18 November 2008 - 07:22 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-18 07:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Full of mad cows.. laughing.gif That reminds me of one time when I was going through POE and the officer asked if I had been into contact with any livestock. I said yes, misunderstanding him and he looked at me as though I had grown another head! I quickly corrected myself and laughed, but he didn't find it too funny.

The stereotype of Americans I sometimes find funny, sometimes find offensive.

There was one guy who actually had been through a visa process to get his Japanese wife to the UK... when I told him that I was engaged to an American, he said "oh, he's rich then.." What gave him that idea?? I think it's the stereotype that Americans have huge houses and cars, they do everything bigger over there, etc... but when I said he would be able to meet my fiance soon as he was coming over, he also added that "I don't like Americans.." How you can possibly go through a visa process to bring your foreign wife here and then make judgements on other nations/cultures?

I've also heard comments about them all being overweight (and actually been asked if my fiance and his family are obese) and stupid. My dad makes it a point to tell everyone how far he lives from New York, and that his family own more than one car and a boat, etc.. probably making the sterotype worse, but there was something amazing about them meeting him for the first time, and taking back every preconception they had about him..

I try to let it all slide because people are ignorant sometimes, and rather than get angry, I try to remind myself that it's a good thing that I realise that not everyone is true to the stereotype. This process has definitely made me more open to other nationalities.

Edited by Gemmie, 17 November 2008 - 12:00 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
We're 21 and 24 but I STILL feel old sometimes. I come out with lines that my mother used to say, I have conversations with my friends about the weather, stories on the news, about bargains I got shopping.. I find myself having to do "housewife" things like routine grocery shopping, shopping for vaccum bags or bed sheets, reminding my fiance to eat more healthy. Most people associate this age with partying and laziness, but I don't fit the typical 21 year old at all. I love how we can be so young but realise we're so old..

I have period pains today. sad.gif Luckily, I have some American 'Midol' to help but it still sucks..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 07:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Beautiful. smile.gif How old is she? Is she excited about the move?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 08:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Wonderful. smile.gif Is she coming to the US with you?

Yeah, the systems have been crappy lately! But I think I would rather have no touches than get all excited over one and then have it taken away. sad.gif BOO!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 08:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I'm really confused..

last night when I signed in, we had a touch for 11/02.. and this morning it's gone back to showing 08/19 which was the last one we got. I checked the name and everything, it was all good.

Does this mean it was a problem with the system? sad.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 07:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
181 on Igor. smile.gif

HAPPY BIRTHDAY H.D!

What are you going to do with your day?

Edited by Gemmie, 16 November 2008 - 07:00 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 06:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
How funny!

Ah well, I guess I'll leave the NOA1 in.. counting down to POE in my head now that it's close enough anyways.

Congrats on your tickets, Mia.. I've never seen Areosmith but I'm sure you'll have a great time.


















edit - WE WERE TOUCHED! Showing as November 2nd.

laughing.gif

I know it doesn't matter hugely, but feels great..

Edited by Gemmie, 15 November 2008 - 03:34 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-15 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (maliciant @ Nov 15 2008, 03:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is the reason for the fighting possibly a case of you don't have anything else to talk about so nitpicking something minor makes for a fight (which of course then the fight itself becomes something to talk about)? To me, there just doesn't seem to be a lot of things you can fight about in a long distance relationship where everything worth while is out of your control (no one can make the NOA2 move faster for example). I can understand Gemmie having a bit of a fight about the graduation thing, but in general, I just can't think of a good reason to fight, what am I missing here, am I just doing it wrong?!?

The usual fight starters I'd think would involve a difference of opinion on how to raise children (which seems less likely since I don't think many have shared biological children at this point... and not living together so at this point it'd seem a little too controlling to want to take too much responsibility in that regard anyway).

Not living together yet, which rules out about a billion things to fight over, including money (and of course at this point raising children, biologically yours or not becomes real and not just theory, everyone is affected by the decisions made).

The only thing I can think of left is behaviors that are a huge issue for one or the other, ie alcoholism or gambling or some other addiction that'll obviously be a problem in the future anyway.

Anyway, in the end I'm not really much for arguing, and definitely not the kicking screaming throwing skillets flavor, of course if no one is kicking screaming or throwing skillets, it doesn't really seem like it's an arguement to me even if both sides keep trying to prove their point to the other person (and I can be guilty of this... but generally if I'm that adamant about something it's important and I'm right haha...).


We've been speaking everyday for almost 6 years... you're going to have a few fights there.

Well I'm not going to go into detail about what we fight about but some actually are important issues about the future. It might not be about the house we're currently living in together or about the children we're now raising, but there are still other things to consider when entering a marriage. Sometimes he pisses me off for procrastinating on that job-hunt he's supposed to be getting done, and sometimes I piss him off for taking out my frustration on him. tongue.gif Minor things that we still try to address for the future. We're extremely future-orientated, everyday we talk about our future and where we want to be, encourage each other about when this is going to happen.

In person, we hardly ever fight. When we do, it's usually because of a bad mood and isn't serious. The fact that we hold onto each other in times where we're having to endure things that most couples never have to, I think is something quite amazing and sets us apart from everyone around me that I know.

I believe that when couples fight, it's about; 1- the source and 2- how they handle it. We handle our disagreements in a healthy way, in that sometimes we need time to calm down, we always always apologise to each other and resolve conflicts straight away, talk about where it came from, we always end with a resolution for the future and saying that we love each other. smile.gif



The weekend? I'm doing some house chores today and then my friend is coming over.. then tomorrow we're going out for an English roast. biggrin.gif mmmmmmmmm!!

Edited by Gemmie, 15 November 2008 - 09:10 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-15 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
...

Ridiculous.

What excuse will they have for you next..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-14 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Sara, thanks for the kind words, of course I shouldn't complain about the timeline when there are people such as yourself who have been waiting so long.. and wasn't really, just another observation about the odd things going on with Igor and timelines. I'm expecting my NOA2 around the end of December.

I'm the one moving to the US, he's already there. smile.gif I'm hoping to visit him in 4 weeks if I can get through POE, otherwise I don't know when I'll next get to see him since I'm moving next summer. But I'll take your advice still, there are loads of websites to look at for wedding dresses and locations, and even shopping for a surprise gift would be a nice way to help ease the stress a little. The problem is control.. none of us have control over our applications (or Donna with her kids), and a lot of the problems I'm facing now I have little control over too, which drives me crazy.

I love that everyone here understands what it's like. My friend called me a moment ago and told me that her boyfriend has planned a surprise dinner for her tonight all because he misses her and hasn't seen her in 2 DAYS! tongue.gif And another friend works away from home for 2 days a week and tells me how much she misses her partner, I only wish we had to be apart for just 2 days. We're doing really well!

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Friday night! It's Children in Need here in the UK, a charity fundraising night.. so I'm going out for a few drinks and dancing. Hopefully that'll be nice and take my mind off things.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-14 14:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Me and my fiance had some more fighting again today. crying.gif It's my fault really, I have a lot of stress right now what with my university work in its final year and being harder than ever, worrying about POE, graduation ceremony, finances, have lost contact with a dear friend because of people with bad communication, and of course next year's visa process and when I'll be able to see my fiance before July... I took it all out on him, got snappy about him being quiet and then more when he tried to help. He decided to leave and now I feel awful about how I treated him, but I'm going out tonight with my friends so can't fix it. sad.gif

*sigh*.. he deserves a medal for putting up with me in a mood.

My timeline has moved back too, and is now showing the end of January.. (??!!) Used to be middle of December. Oh well.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-14 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
3 MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF NOA1!!

kicking.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-14 07:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (Donna-marie @ Nov 13 2008, 09:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yes the court case is about the children we were divorced like 3 years ago


Oh I understood you divorced already, I just wanted to compare it with cases that are here often. People having to wait so long because of their ex. And wasn't sure if you were wanting to bring both children to the US.

Try and hang in there.. as much as it doesn't seem so right now, you're all on your way.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-13 17:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I know it must feel that he's still controlling you Donna, but think of it this way; many many people on here have had to wait a long time for their ex to sign divorce papers so that they can finally apply for their visa and be with the person they love. You and your fiance have applied to be together, and there's nothing he can do about that now. After April, this will be over. Are you hoping to bring your children to the US? This is probably the biggest hurdle you'll have to escape your ex for good, hang in there.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-13 16:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
As long as the flights won't be too expensive what with AOS and everything else (so probably not August since I would've just got there laughing.gif ), that sounds good. I'll be in MA, so not too far from you, Mara. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-13 15:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Donna, does that mean you won't be leaving the UK until the court has decided about your kids?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-13 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Mara - That would be awesome to meet up in the US next year, I really want to be able to make some friends and you're more mine than Bill's, since he never comes on here! tongue.gif

Maliciant - I've decided to just go with the flow and see how things go. As you say, we can't really guarantee that things will end up in the expected timeframe anyway so I'll wait a while longer to see how that turns out, plus to see if I can find a place to stay for the extra few weeks. If not, I'll make other plans. It comes down to; is my ceremony important enough to me to wait an extra 3-6 weeks? Hmm..

HD - I think you could get your black belt in America, do you get a certificate or something to show how far you've gone?

Dani - The K1 seemed the better option for us as we had a year left to gain a visa.. 1- We were engaged and I was happy with that. We didn't want a rushed wedding just so we could quickly apply for a spouse visa, we wanted to plan and do everything in our own time. 2 - Have you seen all of those threads and timelines by the spousal visa applicants?? I feel sorry for their wait. It seems to be pretty much a year, but a lot of them have had problems and are waiting longer. Many of them haven't seen their spouse in such a long time due to not being able to get past the border once married. I know that it's a tough shoot when you're engaged too, but we figured that it's a lot easier. I've told the border officer three times now that I want to see my fiance and have been lucky enough to have that granted. Many UK wives haven't been so lucky. 3 - I don't mind having to wait a few months to work once I get there.

Hope everyone is having a happy Thursday.. it's raining a lot here so I might work from home. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-13 06:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
biggrin.gif

Editing to say that I'm feeling better now.. we had a huge talk about a lot of things bothering me, and I think I might be ready to carry on with the heavy plate of decisions and waiting now!

Edited by Gemmie, 12 November 2008 - 02:12 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-12 14:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Yeah, I don't check Igor, or even the USCIS site anymore... it makes the situation worse. I try to keep busy with talking with my SO and working on my projects... all I care about is that my approval should be around December-January, so that's when I'll start preparing for the NOA2. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-12 13:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Thank you for the wise words. It really does help hearing others' perspectives.

That's what it comes down to, whether I feel it's worth swallowing some pride and sleeping on a sofa at my dad's house for a few weeks, to have that awesome memory of graduating all together. I think he'll offer to sleep on the sofa and let me have his bed instead, but it doesn't feel right. Not only do I need some privacy, but he's a 61 year old man and deserves his own bed. At the moment, I'm going to keep all of this in mind and around February, see if I can find somewhere to stay for that time. If not, I'll prepare for a substitute such as a celebration party. In the meantime, I'll try to relax about it. I need to focus on schoolwork, and not taking out my stresses on my SO.

Thanks again. And good luck with your petition, this is your month. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-10 12:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Aww, we've been fighting too lately.

All the stresses coming out. tongue.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-10 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (maliciant @ Nov 10 2008, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Becoming a psychologist in america is not that difficult I don't think, something along the lines of 2 years of college, basically as I understand it, psychologists aren't a licensed profession, and having any kind of schooling/training is uh... optional. Becoming a psychiatrist on the other hand, is a full on medical doctor, requires 6 - 8 years of school, and I know one girl who was in the middle of her residency, there are times where she'll be working 100 hour shifts for months at a time (only a slight bump up from the 60 hour shifts she normally worked). All that and most american's don't know the difference (or that there is one) between a psychologist and a psychiatrist! Either way though living in the country without a license will be rough, you'll definitely want to work on that as soon as possible especially if he's very far out.

And another july filer approval showed up on igor's last night on CSC... I think it's official now, july is getting worked on!


Yeah, I've often gotten the "you want to be a shrink" line over there, and have to explain that psychiatrist and psychologist, and even psychotherapist, are all different things.

It's incredibly difficult to get registered in America. A lot of people think they can get a degree in psych and not much else, but you'll find you won't be able to practise until you're in your late 20's at least. In the UK you can get a Masters (there are specialised subjects) plus experience, and eventually get accredited as part of the British Psychological Society. Then you're allowed to research independently or continue studying for a further degree. In the U.S, you have to have a PhD or similar doctorate degree to become licensed as a practising psychologist (with the American Psychological Association). I've never seen any option over there for how to become a Research Psychologist.

I think a lot of it has to do with the content.. US degrees aren't as difficult as ones in the UK (at least I've heard that from exchange students, international teachers, and by looking at the course content) but are prolonged over more years.

I've looked at schools in Massachusetts and they're all very expensive. the ones that aren't don't seem too challenging or to lead anywhere as a professional researcher.


Thanks for the advice Donna, I think you're right, only we can make the decision. Well, only me really. I need to decide if my few hours of graduation is worth an extra 3-6 weeks of waiting. My dad has rented my room out to a lodger for the money, and I refuse to go back and sleep on the sofa for all that time. My friends are all moving back home too, and unless I find a place to stay with them, it might be easier to throw a celebration party and leave for the US.

Hope everyone is doing well, glad to see that July filers are being processed. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-10 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I just stayed in all weekend, watching DVDs and talking things through with Bill.

I'm not having a good week, but another issue came up.

I thought my graduation was at the end of June... only I found out recently that my graduation ceremony is on July 20th... I don't want to miss my ceremony as I've been working hard for these years and have made some fantastic friends, it would be a shame if I didn't get to graduate with them. But my house contract runs out on 1st July so that was when I had planned on moving to the U.S.

We're trying to decide if it's worth waiting possibly almost 2 months extra on top of our longer wait, just so that I can have my graduation ceremony... that means looking for somewhere to stay and trying to come up with the money. Or whether I should just leave when my exams are finished and I have my degree (May/June) and have a farewell party with my friends instead.


My fiance is also feeling bad and responsible for me having to make all of these hard decisions about things. Obviously he appreciates that I'm leaving everything behind to be with him.

I won't be able to get around on my own for a long time as I haven't had driving lessons yet and he lives in the countryside. Earlier in the week we had talked about how much harder it is to become a psychologist in the U.S, and it's a lot more expensive to go to school there too. I've had amazing opportunities here in the U.K (I've started to dig my heels into real research with British psychologists) and if things were different, perhaps I could have gone on with this. My family and friends are sad that I'm leaving, which makes me sad to see/hear. Now he finds that I might have to leave before my graduation ceremony. Nothing has really changed on his side of things, he's still living with his parents and looking for a full-time job, marriage is the only change he's making.

Of course I have told him that I'm doing this to be together, that we deserve a chance to finally live our lives together after all these years of being apart... but he still feels responsible. He's promised to do everything he can for me once we're together... teach me to drive, help me get a job, look at graduate school with me... so that's nice to plan for both of us. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-10 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
You know I really feel lucky to be from the UK at times like these.. 3000 miles suddenly doesn't seem as far, and 16 hours travel doesn't seem that long. I really admire you guys. Then again, this distance is still too far to be away from the person you love, I envy the few Canadians that can drive across the border every other weekend.

I'm having a pretty bad week, also... worried about a lot of things. It's my last year of school and I can see other students worrying about their dissertation or their work. Meanwhile, I'm worrying about that, *plus* this international situation. I envy them for having their boyfriends right here with them, and for having a family home to go back to. I feel bad for envying them, but I can't help it.

I can't wait for this struggle to pay off and for the day where we're holding each other at the airport after 6/7 years of communication, after 4 years of visits, and saying "we did it".

Stay strong guys..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-09 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Number 230.. cool!

Oh, and 'The Butterfly Effect' and 'Eternal Sunhine of the Spotless Mind' = amazing movies!

Edited by Gemmie, 08 November 2008 - 01:24 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-08 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I'm not going to delay my interview, I'll have it whenever they give me one upon sending Packet 3.. I'll be within the 6 months and definitely be out of here in July, so want to get the visa ready as soon as possible. I just know that I have a little more time to be flexible if something went wrong such as a long NOA2 wait, or at the NVC, or AP. I know that none of us can tell if something will go wrong, but I actually won't have anywhere to live after July, and 100% need it by then. We wanted to be smart and plan. We don't want to be one of those couples that expect it to be done by a certain date and then have to cancel wedding dates and get stressed out because it's longer than they thought.

smile.gif

Congratulations on your NOA2 StinkyMonkey, you deserve that one after the 5 month wait!

Michelle, please look at the guides and if you have any concerns, ask people in the Regional forums as it's more specific to your consulate/country after this petition stage. Good luck!

So what is everyone doing today? I was going to be going to a Firework and Bonfire event tonight (it's an annual holiday in the UK) but I think it's been cancelled because of the rain storm expected in Ireland / South West. Booo!!

Oh well, I'll be staying in with a DVD and some food, and of course the phone. smile.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 08 November 2008 - 08:43 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-08 08:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Maliciant, I think what you say is true.. people in the past have posted that the month you're in that is being processed is the hardest, because the anticipation kills you. After waiting for months and months, you're just tired and begin to see the others get approved, etc.

Of course, I'm hoping that Sara is first in line.. I would happily knock an extra month or two off my NOA2 for you to get yours that much earlier, seeing as I can live with being a little more flexible time-wise, and you deserve to be reunited with Perviz NOW! Just as long as I knew that I'd be getting mine too.. tongue.gif

Ugh, American immigration is an awful and sometimes inhumane process, and I like to inform people of that whenever I can, to reduce the misconception a little that it's so easy..

Nevermind AF's, one more week and we're halfway through November too! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-07 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Yes! I sometimes try to sleep facing away from him because I know my mouth will fall open, but he always catches it. blush.gif

Foundation.. I get oily skin too, but don't know if there's a specific foundation for that? I used to use Rimmel London, but could never quite find the perfect shade. They were either too pale or too dark for my skin. Now I use Maybelline New York (Dream Matte Mousse) in Sand shade, the mousse is so nice because it all blends in better than the liquid ones! It's so soft and fits my colour just right.

I have heard that Clinique is really good though. (but expensive)

I get Tea Tree Oil face masks from the Body Shop to help with blemished or oily skin. You can get a wash too, or the mask that you use once a week. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-07 08:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I missed you too, Dani, stay with us!

I know what you mean about needing to spoil yourself, HD. The Body Shop... gorgeous!! Their products are so amazing and all natural, my Japanese friend has a discount card that I can use, she gets her Japanese body spray there. The only thing I don't like is when you're browsing the shop for just a little while, and someone comes up to you and asks you all about your skin and hair problems, to try and find the right thing. I'm insecure, don't look at my face when I'm telling you about my problems!! tongue.gif

Snoring, girls? Well I don't have a snoring problem, but I do fall asleep with my mouth wide open, and it's so embarassing!! Bill thinks it's adorable though and does impressions of me when I'm teasing him. mad.gif

Yes, 35 days.. I have POE denial at the back of my mind, so I'm trying to keep busy and not worry about it. My best friend told me today that if I do get turned back, I'm welcome to spend Christmas with her. But I really want to give it my best and get past security one last time! Please keep me in your thoughts on December 11th, guys and girls! And then you'll be with your loves soon...

Happy Friday!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-07 07:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
What's kimchi? smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-06 14:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (SoInLove16 @ Nov 6 2008, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Holy #######, I go to sleep and I miss a page of activity in here! sheesh!

Gemmie and I are alike in the weight category, our metabolisms are through the roof!


dancin5hr.gif

Ahh the list of things to prepare for when seeing the SO...

I used to prepare all kinds of things when meeting him; facial scrubs, new clothes, hair colour, manicures, make-up, etc... used to cost me a fortune, as well as the flight tickets! He always told me that I didn't need to do those things because he thinks I'm always beautiful, without effort. On the last few trips, I've just been getting what's needed and not worrying so much about how I look. I still take care of myself and make a bit more effort when I know I'm going to see him, but I don't feel the need to buy a huge batch of new clothes or cosmetics anymore. smile.gif It's kinda nice.

I'm having Chicken Korma tonight... curry is my favourite food!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-06 13:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
You know, I have to admit, I never really knew anything about the Phillipines before I started my journey. Now, whenever I hear the word Filipino, I'll always think of you and the others, HD. smile.gif

About the weight gain/loss, I'm another one who finds it almost impossible to gain weight. I'm 98-103 lbs right now, and my height is 5'5-5'6. I've always been a small size, and Americans make a huge deal out of it whenever I go over. It's my metabolism, I just burn food off quickly.

Happy nearly-end-of-the-week!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-06 08:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Silly question but do you still have a Christmas tree, Mara? You're missing all the pretty snow and stuff!!

My timeline is always moving, just moved back a week... it doesn't mean much at all, just that others have joined/added their timelines or whatever. I'm just telling myself that it'll come around 10th - 31st December somewhere. smile.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 05 November 2008 - 04:17 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-05 16:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
It must be strange having December/Christmas in the Summer... tongue.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-05 16:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I disagree with the last part, reading these forums is a perfectly healthy thing to do. wink.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 05 November 2008 - 04:06 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-05 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Hey, just popped in to see that everyone is getting sick! Come on guys, give your immune system a kick up the ###, it needs to stay strong!

Seriously though, stress-related problems is completely normal.

Have you all heard of the Fight or Flight mechanism? Most people know about this, it's one of the things you learn about in first year of psychology, how the body deals with stress. It goes into Alert (responding to the anxiety), then Resistence (attempting to fight off the stress via all of those body changes you're experiencing, faster heartbeat, feeling sick in the stomach, headaches, insomnia, etc) and then eventually Exhaustion. This is where your immune system is down from all the high levels of stress that your body is trying to fight off. It makes you feel tired, "empty", anxious, and prone to illness.

There's nothing that can make your stress go away because we don't have control over the immigration process, but you can make it easier to deal with.... eat healthily, get lots of rest/sleep, exercise, learn how to handle "attacks" that you get to recognise... treat yourself on your bad days, and make the most out of the good days. Remind yourself that you have a large support group ready to help, and that each week is one step closer.

Certain foods boost levels of serotonin (happy chemicals) such as chocolate and bananas..

Also, this is a personal tip, but rather than stressing yourselves out further by constantly checking Igor and the USCIS site, remind yourself that you're unlikely to see anything until December. I don't check for updates everyday because the status is the same, and of course I expect that because July is only just getting started! smile.gif

Until then, you might as well take it easy and keep yourself busy doing pleasant things that you enjoy.

Keep up the optimism, guys and girls!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-05 14:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Great news Mara, here's hoping Chris gets some good news this time!!

Welcome to AF Seb/Terri, someone got approved from the end of July yesterday so you could be up very soon!

Looking around these boards really makes me relieved that I filed for the K1 now (even though it's 10 months in advance).. some people have been waiting 6 months+ to get a NOA2, others stuck at the NVC in processing, others having problems with the consulate such as getting their medical done in enough time... so many things can go wrong with this process and it makes me realise we made the right decision with planning and applying with a lot of time... I can safely say that I will be moving to be with my fiance next June or July because by then I'm pretty certain I'll have everything done and have the visa.

I'm off out now to have lunch with my housemates and get on with some writing. smile.gif Happy Monday, guys!

Edited by Gemmie, 03 November 2008 - 07:53 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-03 07:53:00