ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Exciting!

How are you shipping your stuff?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 14:45:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Marty J @ May 6 2009, 06:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ May 6 2009, 03:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's fine to book a return ticket, isn't it, guys? Obviously they're cheaper than a single, and I can tell POE that if I'm questioned?


Just to point out that return flights are not always cheaper than a single.

I have been keeping an eye on the price of flights for months, and I haven't once found a cheaper return. I guess it must depend on your route and travel dates.

I ended up booking one-way from Dublin to Tulsa for £260.


Wow, bargain!

I ended up getting London-Boston (return) for £359 as the singles were above 500. My bank balance is not happy with me, but I am. smile.gif

Aww I wish we could have sat together monkeyjuice! I do remember 5002 being called though. And noticing that there seemed to be 10 minutes between the 5000's and 10 seconds between the non-immigrants! Aw well, I'm glad we both had successful days!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 12:56:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Did I??

I was probably thinking "I wish I was standing there instead" and losing the will to live. laughing.gif

Did you also sit next to me / near me at some point?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 12:47:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Yeah that was me!

I looked out for you too, but just had no idea what you looked like! Everytime a 5000 number was called, I wondered if it was you. How did you recognise me? laughing.gif

Congrats on the visa, I bet you felt so happy when handed the pink slip!

MARM, I hope everything gets sorted out very soon. You have a lot going on with this process and really deserve t oget your passport ASAP (and hopefully no AP either!). Keep us updated of course.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 12:38:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Tickets booked, then. dancin5hr.gif

5.5 weeks to go. I feel so torn between happiness and sadness, and as I was telling people the other day, I never thought I would feel that way; I thought it would just be happiness. I never imagined I would really feel so guilty / upset over the prospect of moving, but that visa really hits home and makes it real. Hearing the CO say "good luck in the U.S" gave me such a feeling of "oh God, this happening"..

Good luck on the upcoming interviews! How are you feeling MARM and mrs. sdp?

Edited by Gemmie, 06 May 2009 - 09:39 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 09:38:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
It's fine to book a return ticket, isn't it, guys? Obviously they're cheaper than a single, and I can tell POE that if I'm questioned?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 09:10:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Phew.. wink.gif

Thanks!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-05 18:06:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
smile.gif That feels good.

Oh yeah, I was kinda a naughty girl.. the brown envelope was already unsticking itself, and I was curious, so I peeked. It should be fine if I just stick it back up, right?

He told me to keep it in my luggage.. but I thought I was supposed to give it in at POE??
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-05 17:21:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Damian P @ May 5 2009, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone heard from Gemmie yet?


APPROVED!!

dancin5hr.gif

I waited FIVE HOURS and it was bloody awful (especially because I had just travelled for 4 and a half hours to get there). Everyone is right, the waiting is the worst part.

I was number 5019 (arrived at 8:40) so had a few hours to wait until I got to give in my documents (he only wanted the 134 and tax returns, after all of the worry and print-outs..).. he took my fingerprints and asked me some questions about our relationship at that window, so I thought that might be the interview. But I was told to go back and wait for some more. When it came to the interview, I got the nice American guy too; he was very friendly, and we just chatted about how Bill and I met, his employment situation, wedding plans.. when I plan on leaving. And then I asked if I was supposed to take my passport back and he said "Nah we're going to hold onto that so that we can put your visa in it. smile.gif " and wished me luck in the U.S.

I was delighted.. tried to keep my cool though. wink.gif

I texted Bill with "bad news.." just so I could give him the bittersweet pleasure of being approved. I know it's mean, but it had to be done..

Congrats Monkeyjuice!!

Edited by Gemmie, 05 May 2009 - 04:57 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-05 16:55:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
I'm nervous too, MJ. I wish you all the luck!! I hope we both come back with good news..

I can't believe the interview is here already. Even though it's been a long wait, at the same time, this is it!

I'm leaving at 4:30am from Bath.. I'm looking for directions from Victoria, though I imagine it's really easy. And I assume this Gould Pharmacy is really close and obvious?

I am SO nervous now. I know it's supposed to be a piece of cake, but I'm still scared, picturing worse-case scenarios and what-not. I'm sure MJ is the same? unsure.gif

I hope I'm able to read a book while I wait. whistling.gif

See you tomorrow, guys!!

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-04 15:39:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ May 3 2009, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So you've got a co-sponsor. Well they should move on to them if fiance's wages aren't enough. And what they put may be the main factor, so good chance with your talking and the co-sponsor it may be just fine.

QUOTE
So we unticked it and deleted it.
?? Is it unticked or does it say "do not"? Unticked is good cause you can tick it before you go.
I agree about the specifics and the way it is written. It's like maybe something a co-sponsor or an unrelated sponsor would put....like handing out an allowance to a kid...a specific amount. To me it doesn't apply to a spouse. These one-size-fits-all forms with multiple situation uses can get weird trying to decide what to put. Just out-logic them....well my co-sponsor covers, so does it matter still....do you really want me to spend $70 to get a new form overnight when you know I'm going to be covered...etc. I didn't want to freak you out, just a little heads up so you can work out some rebuttal in your mind. And charm them from the get-go before they get to that so they'll be more on your side... smile.gif


Yeah, Bill's mother is our co-sponsor and she ticked "do intend" and added "room and board". Bill actually ticked "do not intend".

I agree completely; I'll try to act all cute and polite from the beginning, I'm just worried I won't be able to hear anything (as many people said in the reviews) and won't get a chance to respond to them. Nothing I can do about it now though, so I'll just see what happens. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-04 05:51:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Damn.. we originally put "room and board, general care, utilities, etc for the duration of her stay in the U.S" but thought that wasn't too specific (since the co-sponsor had already put 'room and board')... everything else seemed unsaid; if he's signing a form saying he'll support me financially and make sure I'm not a burden, why would he have to list everything?

So we unticked it and deleted it.

I really hope this isn't going to be a problem. I'll try and explain to them if they bring it up that he'll support me generally, but the form asked for specifics, and I really really hope they'll let me off. sad.gif If not, I'll have Bill FedEx over a new copy overnight.

Thanks Nick,

Edited by Gemmie, 03 May 2009 - 11:16 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-03 11:16:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Thanks MJ.

Good luck to you too, might end up sitting next to you!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-03 07:17:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
You and me both, Monkeyjuice!

Very nervous.. keep thinking about the big day. As soon as someone asks me "so have you got your visa now?", it all starts up again! I'm nervous about all the forms as it seems the smallest mistake can lead to a blue slip. On the 134, Bill ticked "I do not intend to make specific contributions" and I've recently read that someone had to re-do the form and send it in..

I have to admit, I haven't really had an obsession with checking paperwork because I know I'll OCD about it for hours, so I've just made sure that everything is OK and tucked it away safely for Tuesday morning. I'm doing the relationship evidence folder today, and tomorrow I'm making copies of everything.

One question; our NOA2 was granted on January 2nd, and our interview is May 2nd, so exactly 4 months away... is our NOA2 still valid?? Do I just take the hard copy in case?

Thanks for the wishes, guys.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-03 06:33:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Yay, congrats on the 2 May approvals so far! biggrin.gif

Bet it feels amazing!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-02 04:10:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Ellie-and-David @ May 1 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ May 1 2009, 05:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guys, I was going to go to Bristol today to get the US sized passport photos, but I saw that they only re-size, they don't take the picture and then re-size..

Is it true that Gould's Pharmacy do this? Or would it be too much of a risk to get there on the day and do it??

EDIT - nevermind, they can do them in Bristol. smile.gif


Hi Gemmie

Where abouts in Bristol can you get the photo's done? I work there and could do with getting them ahead of time. Is it anywhere near Cabot's Circus??

Ellie


Snappy Snaps is in the mini shopping area on Whiteladies Road - you know near Cotham Hill / Clifton? I google-mapped it but the bus driver didn't stop when I pressed the bell and ended up taking me all the way to the station, so I had no idea where to go. The travel office was closed, so I called Bill to give me directions on the phone; an American giving me directions in Bristol!


Cost me £7 (good times) for two AWFUL looking passport photos (bad times). sad.gif She kept telling me to move every inch of hair back so I look like A TURNIP!


Congrats on the visa news and appointments, guy and girl!!

Edited by Gemmie, 01 May 2009 - 02:35 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 14:35:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Guys, I was going to go to Bristol today to get the US sized passport photos, but I saw that they only re-size, they don't take the picture and then re-size..

Is it true that Gould's Pharmacy do this? Or would it be too much of a risk to get there on the day and do it??

EDIT - nevermind, they can do them in Bristol. smile.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 01 May 2009 - 05:33 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 05:31:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
I understand that.. we had to wait 2 years before filing because I was in university (and then the third year of waiting for the visa process). But it went quicker than I expected. biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 05:02:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
CONGRATS MAGPIE!!

You must be over the actual moon..

I'll be excited for you on May 25th. biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 04:33:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Good luck, Kat&Allie!! smile.gif And Juni&Mike!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-29 03:15:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE
Alix dad who is the co-sponsor miss understood Q11 and put i do not intend instead of i do intend


Oh no!

Our co-sponsor said "do intend" and specificed room and board for a few months, but my fiance said "do not intend" as it asked for 'specific contributions' and duration etc.. considering the text on the form says that the sponsor is agreeing to generally support me, I didn't think we MUST tick that box?? sad.gif

We also only have a birth certificate as proof of US citizenship for the co-sponsor. Since when did they ask for passports only?

Edited by Gemmie, 28 April 2009 - 02:50 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-28 14:50:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Congratulations, guys!

What was wrong with the 134 if you don't mind me asking? Just to stop any possible delays..

Why do they need driving license and passport? We only have a birth certificate for the co-sponsor, if that will suffice..

Sorry to hear that you and Tom are no longer together, Laura. I'm glad to hear that you're putting things into perspective and getting your life back after waiting so long. Having a nice new flat will be really good for you.


GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-28 09:03:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
I find it hard to believe that May interviews are gone. Maybe this is another case of someone having misinformation? If not, I suggest the same as monkeyjuice; tell them about your travel/wedding dates. The Embassy tries to be flexible for everyone. I put my POE date as middle of June and no date for wedding, and I was luckily granted a May interview.

Also, I've been reading the reviews. It seems that everyone arrives WAY early (like, 7-7:30am); it specifically says on the letter to arrive within 30 minutes of the interview, no earlier.. my bus gets to London at 7:45am and I'm hoping to jump on a tube and get there - did I make a mistake there? It looks like people queue for a really long time and I'm worried I won't make the top of the line by 9??
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-28 04:44:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
PS - Everyone with upcoming interviews should try booking with National Express soon.

I got a return with insurance for just £3 (from Bath to London)!! biggrin.gif There are £1 funfare tickets.

Edited by Gemmie, 20 April 2009 - 04:03 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-20 04:02:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Congrats!!!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-20 03:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
My interview date is the same as Monkeyjuice!

May 5th - 9am!!! ohmy.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-16 08:26:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
We're moving next week to Rhode Island (North Smithfield). :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-22 09:29:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
Thanks. Enjoy your time together. smile.gif

Yeah we're both living in MA now (in Middleboro). We've been up to Salem though, which is by Peabody, right? It was lovely up there but very expensive.

We get our British things from a shop in Plymouth but obviously it's a bit out of the way for you out north.

I'll keep an eye on your journey and we'll plan something when he's all settled.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-04 19:27:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
I'm an hour south of Boston and would love to meet up with you guys. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-04 11:13:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
I'll be moving to Massachusetts. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-29 06:08:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
:luv: :luv: :luv:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-16 11:05:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
Sooooo... I come back from the weekend and see that the boards are once again overcome by the Censorship Protection Force. Funny how a thread where several people insult Western genitals is allowed to carry on for 40-odd pages, but one post referencing a hand-job is scrapped. I know that was a couple of years ago, but still. I think I'll report posts made by Gary or Slim in the future because they offend my feminist feelings.

Anyway, I had to get that out since the b!tch thread is engaged right now. I'd also like to add that the word censorship is annoying. B!tch isn't even a bad word.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-16 10:15:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
My husband is a Brit at heart now, too. He uses the lingo, obsesses over the comedy shows, pines after the food, and even has a bit of an accent when he says certain things. Those being swear-words, but who am I to judge where he got that from? :whistle:

Edited by Gemmie, 10 June 2010 - 03:50 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-10 15:49:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
My best friend (who doesn't want children) suggests watching Supernanny whenever you get tempted. :D
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-09 13:04:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
:lol:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-09 12:30:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*

I totally see where you're coming from, and I've been told the same on more than one occasion. I dunno, maybe the moms can weigh in on how different it is after birth, I dunno if it'll be any different or more than what I'm expecting....but the theory above kinda reminds me of my brain surgery. While I knew it was gonna be bad, and the doc warned me in advance how hard it was, I had no conception of what it was going to be like....and I've said on more than one occasion since 'omG, if you haven't gone through it, you have no idea' because it was soooooooooo much more than I had bargained for...like, beforehand, my brain couldn't have ever even comprehended the levels of pain and weirdness that I felt.

So I guess I am just trying to not be a hypocrite and show a possible other side to the coin. Maybe for those women who say these things, it was that profound of a difference, so they feel like they're being helpful?

That last comment tho? That mom needs knocking out.


Yeah, I definitely see where you're coming from. I've heard from a few girls that even though they knew it would hurt and they were scared, that nothing could've prepared them for what they experienced. They told me that I couldn't even imagine it, but the best they could do was to tell me to picture the worst period pains I've ever had, and then multiply it by 1000. :wacko: This has added to my complete fear of childbirth and I'm not even pregnant. One of them then told me not to be scared because she went in not knowing that, and preferred it that way. The damage has been done, sweetheart!

I guess when my time comes, I'll find myself trying not to say things to expecting women.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-09 12:20:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
That's my favourite movie.

Not because of the tight leggings and Mini Bowie. :whistle:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-09 11:48:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
Yeah. And what you said about getting the impression that they hope you have a bad experience too... the same people I just talked about, they know someone now who is pregnant. She found out she was expecting a boy and they laughed about it, because they (wrongly) believe that she'll have a harder labour, and she had it 'too easy' with her girl last time. Really? Who would wish a horrible birth experience on someone else? Please get over yourself.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-08 12:22:00
United Kingdom2005 - 2007 UK Filers *Only*
I totally get the Facebook updates from new mothers. Everything from "Up at 4am again" to "She's got hiccups, awww". And over the months, you get every single update possible from a new tooth to a new syllable spoken.

While we're talking about annoying advice and comments though, I'd just like to say that just because I haven't HAD a child yet, I can understand at least the concept of the unbelievable, unconditional love for your child. I may not feel that way yet, but I can fathom how it must feel, and look forward to feeling that one day. I pretty much want to pummel the heads of people that tell me I can't possibly understand what it's like to love until I have a child. My brother and his girlfriend had their first baby last year, and all I was hearing about afterwards was how I could NEVER know what it was like, not until my time comes... and how I can't imagine carrying and pushing out a baby until my time comes. And although I get their point, it's highly annoying to be told that my thoughts (even when I'm trying to empathize and agree with them) are irrelevant until I've given birth. Just to let you know how annoying they can be, one time we were discussing them having a second baby soon, and I had said to her "so soon? you're a stronger woman than I am" and was promptly told "well yes, you haven't given birth"... :angry:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-08 11:29:00
United KingdomLong time!
Posted Image

:D (L)

Mio (top) "standing" on Mayu (bottom). They are actually very close, but I love this photo.

Edited by Gemmie, 01 July 2012 - 11:10 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-01 11:09:00