Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
United Kingdom	To the Brits - do you think everything here in the US is too sweet?	I have to laugh because in the UK, I could eat what I want (even go to the chippy once a week), and generally lose weight, but here I have to really really watch what I eat. It's insane Its because of the damn High Fructose Corn Syrup in everything, rather than using sugar like they do in the UK. Its way sweeter than sugar and it also turns off the part of your brain that tells you its full. Sadly its used in everything here, so its hard to avoid. I can't actually take the stuff in high quantities (HFCS), as it gives me stomach pains. If I drink a non-diet soda in this country, I'm literally doubled over in pain 30 mins later, and yet in the UK I have no problem. In fact I tend to drink a lot of Coke in the UK, because I love it but can't drink it over here. I have to stick to diet sodas. It also raises your insulin levels to ridiculous levels and increases the risk of diabetes...... but hey, that's not a fun subject!! I'm not in the USA yet but my fiance has told me about the corn syrup. Also, he thinks I will find food too salty over there as I don't have much salt in my food here. It will be interesting though, I'm looking forward to trying some new things. When I first saw this thread heading, I thought it was "too sweet" like "way cool man" !! *LOL* Then it was about sugar, which made me laugh.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-04 16:02:00
United Kingdom	Brits in the USA	Somehow, I posted this using my wife's login - but this is actually me, Londonspod As promised, I've volunteered to open and run a new thread from the 'Brits in the USA' thread to keep just one list up-to-date. This thread is a list of all us Brits who are moving or have moved to the USA with our SO's, list alphabetically by state. If for any reason I have missed off your name now, please accept my apologies as I've tried to go through the list completely to make sure everyone who was on it in the previous thread is still on it. If your new to this thread and would like your name added, please send post a message on here with your VJ name, your real name if you would like people to know it, the name of whoever your SO is that you are with in the US(and if they are on VJ they're name on here too)and where in the US you are, by city and state. Also, if both you and your SO are VJ'ers, please state which of you is the UK citizen and which of you is the US citizen. If you aren't yet in the US but moving there soon and you would like people to know when, just put the month of when you are moving there too(I will assume that it is this year unless you state otherwise). I will add anyone who isn't on the list and has asked to be added to it and re-post it once a week(I will try for twice a week, but it depends on the time I have). So here is the up-to-date list: ALABAMA: Shari (& British hubby, Keith) - Birmingham, Alabama Miranda and James (another future British hubby!) - Huntsville, Alabama Welshcookie - Mobile, Alabama (eventually) ARIZONA: BlueRaiderUK - Michael & Ashley - Mesa, AZ ARKANSAS: SpriteyStace (Stacy & Paul) - Stuttgart, Arkansas CALIFORNIA: Ladybutterfly444 - San Diego, California lynzm22 (lynsey and Jason)- Lancaster, California Daisy - hubby is north of Palmdale, California Perfect - South Orange County, CA ddchucksgirl - northwest Lost Angeles, CA robinklake - Myself and UK fiance are in sunny Santa Monica, CA! Purple Hibiscus - Huntington Beach, CA. Els and Brian-Riverside, CA Englishsammy (Sam (not there yet!) and Roshon) - Fresno (Woohoo laughing.gif ), CA Andrew(AFQuaid) & Fiona - Stockton CA Liam4Lisa - Ventura County, CA COLORADO: Ladybird216 - Western Colorado Boiler - Boulder County, Colorado Cmltdg (Tiffany - US & Caspian - UK) Aurora, Colorado CONNECTICUT: Jayke(USA) & hubby(UK) - Connecticut Bradfordplip - Time split between SE Michigan & NE Connecticut nickels&dimes - Connecticut (Nickels=Sheril UKC & Scott USC) FLORIDA: Kerry - Central Florida Munchkins (Val and Alan ) - Jacksonville Florida -to be with daughter and family atothelkini (Alan, N.Ireland) - Tallahassee, Florida missyandneil - Orlando, Florida Kate, Josh & bump - Tallahassee LisaD - (newly engaged!) - Lisa Daytona Bch FL, David Sunderland... Lawrencetoland - Josie and Damian - Orlando, FL and Astoria, NY lynnd227-Lynn (from New Jersey) and Liam (from Northern Ireland) to Palm Beach County GEORGIA: Crazy Brit - Covington, Georgia Matti_n_Kelli: Hiram, Georgia IDAHO: MeandMyGeordie - Sher (USC) & Steve (Newcastle upon Tyne) South Central Idaho, Twin Falls ILLINOIS: pj1959us (hubby David)---central Illinois Luv2teach77 (And her handsome british Husband ) - Trenton, Southwest Illinois (Near Missouri border) JJM8081(British fiance Joe)--Chicago suburbs poppy33usa - just on the illinois side of the illinois/missouri border in the st louis metro area jpkeswim - Southwest, Illinois near St. Louis Missouri Crisscat - (Sharri & Neil ) Southern IL 65 miles southeast of St Louis MO and not far from alot of you here in IL LOL Yorkie - Chicago, Illinois Frances (Yorkshire hubster, VJ username falcozappa) - Chicago Circus-of-Power(Paul and Catherine) Central IL morning75-Jim(Somerset, UK) and Amy-Hopedale, Illinois INDIANA: Annelizabeth - Southern Indiana Andy(uk) Patricia - Near Indy, Indiana Baileyj - Southwest Indiana IOWA Ktun - Kate (originally from London) & hubby Craig. Iowa/Nebraska borders, 2 minutes over the bridge from Omaha Nebraska. KENTUCKY: Itsmeitsmeitsree! (Billy and Becky) - Lexington, Kentucky MAINE: clmarsh (Christina & Chris): Portland, Maine MARYLAND: Terry & Jeannine.... Towson, Maryland MASSACHUETTS: matanddanni-Southampton,MA Kezzie - Boston MA MICHIGAN: Bradfordplip - Time split between SE Michigan & NE Connecticut euro (Amanda) & Mark(USC)..Brownstown (near Detroit) sanctifyer - somewhere near detroit in mid 2006 badbabe113 - Rockwood Michigan (near detroit) David(alias Scotty)Scotland to Livingstone County to be with Bess lizaanne (USC) & Simon (Brit) - Detroit area -one of these days, if this process ever ends Charlie76 - Michigan, Detroit area mary&tom - Southeastern Michigan Alison and Scott - Otsego in Plainwell, Michigan Colin(Keigwyn UK) and Lisa - Escanaba way up in the UP MINNESOTA: Chrissy25 - Southern Minnesota britsngrits - Twin Cities of MN - Paul-Peterborough JayJay - Minnesota Lake, near Mankato about 2 and a half hours away from the twin cities Tucker (Minneapolis) and Fiona (St. Boswells, Scotland) - Twin Cities MrsDarby (Twin Cities) and Oliver (Worcester England) We are married and living in the Twin Cities MISSOURI: DaniChristine - Dani (USA) and Anthony (Northern Ireland) Rosie420 - Waynesville, MO (Right in the middle!) MONTANA: wherezdabearz - John (USA) and Alison (UK) hope to be living together in Missoula (that's where da bearz are...) from end of Jan 2006 techgirl - Terry (USA) and Davo (UK)- Flathead Lake (western MT) NEW JERSEY: Gemma12nEl - Bergen County New Jersey VisagirlNJ - My fiance will be moving to Hudson County, NJ in APril Jodyangel - South Jersey GimyGirl(USA) & SO(UK) [Location not known at this time, to be updated] NEW YORK: Louandmikek3 - Long Island, New York (Louise, UK and Mike, US) DavidUK- Manhattan, New York Gwen75 - Manhattan, New York Shakysgirl- Russell (UK) and Patricia (US)- upstate NY Donna(dmd01708) Oneida County, Upstate New York Estella76 - Marie (US) and Adam (UK) - Queens, NY Peachbythebeach - Me (US) Hubby (UK) - Long Island crashandcari - Crash (UK) and Cari (USA) - Brooklyn, NY ljwinquist(Laura - USA) & Ian(Leicester,UK) - Lockport, NY NORTH CAROLINA: Jo1973 - Durham, North Carolina saturn5man (Neil) - Near Raleigh, North Carolina Jaylen Brit(UK) and LenJayUS (US) - Lenior, North Carolina (from this year) mullensgirl (UK) Chris (USC) Eventually Jacksonville NC ajames79-Franklin, NC and BigChris(who never posts) Yorkshire UK D&B (Dipen & Bindu, London UK) Dipen - Charlotte, NC & Bindu still in UK hoping to be in Charlotte soon! OHIO: TenderCats (hubby) - Ohio Widge - NE Ohio Helen - Columbus OH martinleach-Martin (St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK) to Westerville Londonspod (Anthony - UK), Cat07758 (Caitlin - US, NJ) & Baby Brianna - Hoping to be in Toledo, OH by July 06! Linababe - Lina (UK) moving to David (Columbus, Ohio) sassasdave - David (Gateshead to Westerville) OKLAHOMA: Sukie175 (Sarah) - Gage, NW OK (near Woodward) OREGON: Pam & Dave, Portland OR ZZZZZZ (aka Pam & Dave) Portland OR/ Southminster UK blandas - Move from Loughborough (just south of Nottingham) to Oregon. PENNSYLVANIA: Broma25 - Bucks County, Pennsylvania Britjohn- Delaware County, Pennsylvania (near Delaware border) cheeky^Wolf - (Helen will be there soon) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pumpkinsnook - Berks Co, Pennsylvania (arriving 17th August - 13 days and counting!) Antone and Lyanthya - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Abby(PAX) and Ewen - Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania (likely moving to NYC, NY in the summer of 06) Helen (soon to be in Pittsburgh, PA) & Dave (USC) bettenan (Bette & Richard) Beautiful Bucks County, PA SOUTH CAROLINA: zenaelarabi - (Oxfordshire to Columbia SC) pink_cloud-Charleston, South Carolina TENNESSEE: govols- (Karen & Tony-from England)-Middle Tennessee TracyTN (and future hubby ChasUK) - Nashville, TN Memphis - Mike Wooten future wife Adele (mrsw2b UK) TEXAS: Geordieluvr (aka Andria and her Geordie Peter) - Richardson, Texas medicjeff (wife Jane from the UK) Austin, Texas Melo (aka Anita from London) & Paul now in Odessa, Texas moving to Houston, Texas silent whispers - San Antonio, Texas tamarae (Shawna & Ciaran from the UK, arriving soon) - Lubbock, TX Tex'n'Brit(Sheila- UK) & Hubby(Kyle - USA) - Ovilla, near Dallas, TX UTAH: HuffyTheSlayer - Salt Lake City, UT VERMONT: Lou - Central Vermont VIRGINIA: naiku - Northern Virginia (whenver this process is finished) mijkij (also NoVA) Litlemo (aka Ally - Geordie,,, Greg - USC) MrsBeer:30- N.Virginia KikiDoug - (Kiki, from England...Doug, from the USA) - living in the very SW corner of Virginia! WASHINGTON: arwensun1965 - Kent, WA samantha_lou - Vancouver, WA Alana (US) & Ewan (Scotland) in Des Moines, Washington...... torpedo_bob, Camas,Washington WEST VIRGINIA: Margyw- West Virginia rebeccajo (and robertwesley - Wes) irishman & southern gal in West Virginia Girona40 - Curt (USC) and Glenys, Michael and Sarah (UK) WISCONSIN: Michelle(USC)andCraig(England)...northern Wisconsin...border of UP of Michigan Badgerbabe - Green Bay, Wisconsin SteveLaura/LauraSteve - from London, UK to Milwaukee, WI Moonlite-just north of Milwaukee AllSerene-near Milwaukee I think? Mellie(and Scott)-near Milwaukee Nicola&Matthew - West WI on the boarders of MN And ME *LOL* Moving to Nashville Tennessee to be with lovely Chris! Jacqui	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-04 15:52:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	For white men married to African women	I recently asked African women on a previous post about an issue that I have with my white husband. I am a Nigerian women with thick (course?) hair. It is normal hair for most Nigerian women. My husband, however, seems to be fixated on long, silky hair like many Ethiopian and Somali women (and even Hispanic) have in our city (Minneapolis). He makes me put on a wig to cover up my natural hair. Nothing else will suffice: no relaxer, no twists, no natural look. Just the wig. I, as I said on the other topic post, am furious. I would like an honest answer from white men married to African women: Is our hair an issue to you or is my husband being absolutely unreasonable. Please be honest, because I don't want to keeping perceiving him as being ashamed of me if it is something that many white men may have an issue about. I am hurt and confused and looking for perspectives from women and men. Thank you. Goodness me!!! What century is he living in? WHY did he marry you? More importantly, what can you make HIM wear to cover up his appalling attitude? It's up to you what you do, obviously, however, this attack on your self-esteem is cruel and demeaning. Mental cruelty IS abuse and you would be wise to sort this out before he picks the next fault to make you paranoid about. Whether he "prefers" long silky hair is irrelevant. I prefer long hair on a man, however, the man I LOVE (not just lust after) is completely BALD!!! I wouldn't expect him to wear a wig because 1) it's not hair I fall in love with and 2) IT'S INSANE!!!!!!! Think about what you get from your marriage. If you can cope with it, fine - but believe me, there are plenty of men out there who would love you and your hair if you decide he's not worth it. I suppose he must be the most hansome man in the world to be making such judgements and demands ... yes??? I hope all goes well with you and PLEASE don't let this destroy your self-esteem. This problem is all about HIM and not you. Your story made me very angry, I am glad to hear it makes you feel the same and hope you NEVER LISTEN TO HIS IGNORANT #######!! JD x	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-17 05:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	No Notice from NVC	K1 visas are never in the automated system so your experience is fairly normal. Good to hear your petition has been forwarded - you should receive a letter from the NVC indicating this as well. Splendid!	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-17 08:41:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	No Notice from NVC	I have just telephoned the NVC and spoken to someone having heard nothing since NOA 2. Also, the automated service had no record of our case number. Anyway, a very nice woman said that our application had been forwarded to the embassy in London on the 15th, so if you are having no luck with the automated service and it's been a while, it's worth speaking to someone. JD	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-17 08:33:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	February Filers Goin To NVC	I decided to start this topic so february filers can track progress of other february filers with the NVC status. I was approved on May 9, but i'm sure it hasn't been sent yet. I hear your supposed to wait 2 weeks before U call. Anyone else hear anything??? Hi, We were approved on 1st May and it's not there yet!! I did read someone elses post who said they had been told it was taking appx 3 weeks at the moment. I'll start to panic on Monday then!	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-15 16:21:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-102 application timing	Hi Did anyone find out what the process for I-102 is? I have just had my application approved but i don't know what else has to happen from here - my I-94 was stolen and I am hoping to get this ASAP. Thanks for any info :-)	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-12-21 15:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	what happens now!!??	"You may have to file a fresh I-129F and follow all the rules this time. This process has zero tolerance for error." Is this some kind of sick joke? I hope it is... but still... I did open the envelope I wasnt suppose to open - so something might and should happen because of all the rules etc.... or am I wrong? I am just worried and scared that I destroyed something good now. Stupid me! Pleaase STOP beating yourself up over this!! We all make mistakes and this can be rectified as others have said. Don't allow it to mess up what should be a really happy moment for you. ENJOY your good news, go and get it resealed and CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm certainly not going to give you a hard time for something like opening an envelope and I would hope, unless there is anyone on here who has NEVER done anything a bit daft, no-one else will either. Good luck and I hope all goes well for you. (once again, I re-iterate - ENJOY, CELEBRATE!!! PARTY!!!) xxxxx	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-21 05:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	How does my fiance request a police record from the UK?	Well, Marlon I am sure has not requested his police record from the time that he lived in England. I keep mentioning it to him. So what I would like to know is how he would go about doing this? Is there a website? Thanks! Trying to reply one more time! Go here http://www.met.polic...on/faq.htm#time This is directly from the US embassy: HOW TO OBTAIN A POLICE CERT FROM THE UK: "you are required to obtain a statement from the National Identification Service, Subject Access Office, Room 331, New Scotland Yard, Broadway, London, SW1 0BG. In order to obtain the required statement, you should apply to your local police station, where you will be given the application forms. When completing the application form, the applicable category is "prosecution/conviction history". There is a 10 pound fee. The local police will submit your application to the National ID service and the response to the application will be sent directly to you. The national ID service does not accept application from individual applicants; the request must be made through your local police. Under the legislation, if will take at least 40 days to receive this document." I'm not sure how you could get one if you aren't in the UK but I'm sure there is information about this online. Maybe even the New Scotland Yard office website would have information on this. Our police cert took 22 days from application to receive, just for reference. If you can't find any information online then just Scotland Yard and they can tell you how to do it, I'm sure. Good Luck Hi Did you get your police cert before receiving your NOA 2 etc?Or is it better to wait until all the forms arrive? Thanks JD	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-18 06:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Emailing US Embassy London	Thanks for all your info - putting the LND number in the subject line didn't help at all ;-/ I suppose I'll just have to wait and hope that the package has reached them! Cheers	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-15 15:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Emailing US Embassy London	Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before - I wanted to post it before I go out. I have tried to email the embassy as it states on Visajourney embassy info page " E-mail is definitely the best way to contact London if necessary. " My emails are returned with the message "Your e-mail was deleted without being read. " Is this normal? Thanks JD	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-08 10:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Just had my medical	Why would you feel you had to hide your Bra???? its just an item of clothing, I am sure everyone there has seen a Bra at some time in there life.... would you hide a bikini top too if you were carrying that?? Kez Well, not everyone feels the same way - do they Kez? I didn't like it and would have appreciated being informed of where I was going next. You don't feel that way so - good for you! RE part of the process: Unfortunately, yes it is and were it not so important I would have walked out. I think it's a shame that this means people can treat you how they want to. I know if I worked somewhere people had no choice but to attend to be with their loved ones I would be very friendly and sensitive to the process. I would have been before going through it myself, but then I've always workied in caring professions and not money making ones. I also got a bit sick of the doctor regularly slagging off the NHS when my NHS doctor is fantastic and always apologises when she is running late etc and listens to me. Anyway, enough said, I really just wanted to warn the privacy conscious amongst us, of which I am sure I'm not the only one. Onwards and upards then ;-) Good luck to eveyone yet to go for the medical and interview. Immigrants are put through medical checks in order to protect the US public from infectious diseases and also to ensure that the immigrant is healthy, i.e. is not likely to become a public charge due to serious illness, or to protect the US public from people with dangerous mental health problems, drug addictions, alcohol addiction, etc. These checks aren't for you at all...they're for us, and they're important. You may find it degrading, but it is essential and it's only fair for everyone to be put through them. There are so few physicians doing the checks probably because it's a nice little earner and a guaranteed source of revenue for whoever does them. Also, the technical instructions for conducting the checks are so precise that it's probably mandatory to be trained or even certified by the CDC or other arm of the US government to do them. As for the NHS vs private debate...the US government has nothing to do with that. Private physicians here in the UK usually go private because they have attitude about the NHS so I wouldn't expect them to have many good things to say about it. However, for the physician to SHARE those opinions with you is extremely unprofessional. I don't remember disputing the "need", only the attitude. Just because someone has to do something I don't see why it means those carrying out the procedure aren't caring and friendly about it. I seem to be repeating this over and over so this is really the last time I'll make the point. I am also very conscious of the fact that this is actually a 2-way process. I am sure the US government won't be refusing what could be a considerable amount of taxes I will be paying once I am there. Whilst I appreciate the privilege of admission on a visa, it's not exclusively to benefit me, I'll be paying my dues, believe me!	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-18 08:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Just had my medical	Why would you feel you had to hide your Bra???? its just an item of clothing, I am sure everyone there has seen a Bra at some time in there life.... would you hide a bikini top too if you were carrying that?? Kez Well, not everyone feels the same way - do they Kez? I didn't like it and would have appreciated being informed of where I was going next. You don't feel that way so - good for you! RE part of the process: Unfortunately, yes it is and were it not so important I would have walked out. I think it's a shame that this means people can treat you how they want to. I know if I worked somewhere people had no choice but to attend to be with their loved ones I would be very friendly and sensitive to the process. I would have been before going through it myself, but then I've always workied in caring professions and not money making ones. I also got a bit sick of the doctor regularly slagging off the NHS when my NHS doctor is fantastic and always apologises when she is running late etc and listens to me. Anyway, enough said, I really just wanted to warn the privacy conscious amongst us, of which I am sure I'm not the only one. Onwards and upards then ;-) Good luck to eveyone yet to go for the medical and interview.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-15 15:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Just had my medical	I had my medical yesterday which went OK (as far as I know) but was the most bizarre experience. I felf a bit like a heifer being herded from one place to the next, but hey, it's done now. It was at Bentinck Mansions (:-/) and I did feel that as everyone there was paying, (for me £200), that they should really have been on time! My appointment was 1-30pm and they collected be for round 1 (x-ray) at 1-50pm. This took 5 minutes. Next, I was told to keep my robe on and bring my top and bra with me. I was taken into a room which was almost full! I quickly hid my bra as there were men and children running around. I wish I had been warned that this is where I was going but they hadn't told me. I thought I was being taken to see the Doctor. I sat and waited....and waited.....and waited.....etc Eventually, I was called to see the doctor who was very matter of fact and asked lots of questions. Blood taken, "bits" looked at (WHAT is that about? It's just a "look" literally - I felt somewhat violated!!) Anyway, it was relatively painless but mildly dehumanising experience. I know it's for immigration but it could be a little more ... well, warm really. And faster - in all, I was there nealry 2 hours and was seen for appx 20 minutes in total so take a good book and HIDE YOUR BRA ;-) Edited by Uzume, 15 June 2007 - 03:39 AM.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-15 03:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Packet 4 RECEIVED TODAY!	Thanks folks - yes, it really is exciting - the final (ish - apart from AOS) hurdle is in sight and our "fingers crossed" plans will soon become firm and binding ones :-) This is the best feeling so far, only to be topped by the feeling of getting the visa in my hand I imagine. WOO HOO HOO HOO! I can't sleep I'm so excited. It's 3am and I've got that hungover without drinking feeling BBFN (looking forward to hearing about your interview date blspicer - good luck with that).	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-23 21:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Packet 4 RECEIVED TODAY!	Received in the mail, 31st August - how exciting is THAT?? Anyone else going to US Embassy in London that day? GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE! I'm so excited that I can't spill praperly iny moar! Hahahaha xxx Edited by Uzume, 23 June 2007 - 07:22 AM.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-23 07:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Are friends allowed??	I want to take my friend with me for moral support when I go for my interview - is this allowed? Thanks JD	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-23 08:51:00
Canada	Why did you choose the US?	I've seen this question asked for VJers from everywhere, but I'm wondering what factors led Canada/US couples to decide to live in the US instead of Canada. Of course some factors to consider will be the same for all couples. But like some other countries, Canada shares with the US the same language (well, most of Canada does), a culture that's similar in many ways, and the same standard of living more or less. Most Canadians have probably travelled in the US, and we get US TV, so there's less for us to get used to. Most of us aren't deciding on the language or continent, just which side of the border to live on (and all the changes that either decision brings). My fiance was prepared to move to Canada to be with me. But when we took the emotion out of the equation (we both love our own countries), it made more sense for me to move to the US. I'm self-employed and work at the computer, so I can continue doing the same work almost anywhere that has an Internet connection. I earn most of my income in USD already. And he has a closer connection with his family, where he lives, than I do with mine. Since you're here at VJ, you decided to live in the US. How did you make that decision? Or if you've lived in Canada together or plan to later, how did you decide that? Well, I'm not there yet.... but whilst in the long term it makes more sense for us to live in the UK, for now the USA is the more practical choice. I am somewhat nervous about it, living overseas is quite a daunting prospect and I will be leaving my family, including my son, behind and some amazing and close friends who I have known for about 20 years or so. However, it is an adventure and I can come home if it is unbearable. I'm looking forward to my new life... with some trepidation and excitement in equal measure.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-02 04:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Dec/Jan/Feb filers CSC	Hi Folks, I'm just trying to keep up to speed! CSC site says it's still doing September K1s but have Dec and Jan filers started to receive NOA 2s yet? I've seen a couple who seem to have but how many more? Also, any Feb filers had more than one touch lately? Thanks - good luck and I hope all's going well for you all. JD	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-06 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	February 07 NOA 1ers - CSC Centre	Hi.... We had the NOA1 on 5th Feb and our file has only been touched once (8th Feb) - anyone else had more luck than us??? It would be great to hear from Feb NOA1 CSC folk. Good luck to everyone, it's good to hear about how you're all getting on. JD & WCH x :-) I sent mine n on Feb 2, it was received on Feb 7, and official notice sent out Feb 12...last touch Feb 15. Welcome to the wonderful world of CSC! If CSC is *that* overworked, perhaps they should transfer some of the workload to VSC! WOW!! That is EXACTLY what my fiance and I say when we discuss this rather HUGE discrepancy between VSC and CSC! I'm sure we're not the only ones though It does seem a little strange that we can all see this and the US government can't ... hmmmmm Good luck folks and don't foget to keep me posted of your progress - I'll be soooo happy when you all start to get moving. And when Chris and I do, of course :-) xxx	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-23 18:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	February 07 NOA 1ers - CSC Centre	Hi.... We had the NOA1 on 5th Feb and our file has only been touched once (8th Feb) - anyone else had more luck than us??? It would be great to hear from Feb NOA1 CSC folk. Good luck to everyone, it's good to hear about how you're all getting on. JD & WCH x :-)	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-20 15:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	CSC Processing speed	My expected NOA2 date has changed from 1st of May to 6th May, however, that would, I imagine be based on several months of stats. It may be speeding up a bit, (maybe the surf's bad!) but I wouldn't get too excited if i were you.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-05 05:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Got my visa	I got a phone call thursday morning that my visa was ready and I could come pick it up in the afternoon. It was a very emotional moment, I was about to plan a visit to Clara, but knowing that once again I'd have to return made us both sad, and then this phone call lifted all the sadness in one bright stroke. When I arrived thursday afternoon the embassy was closed ... a new ambassador had been appointed and he wanted to hold a meeting, so they were exceptionally closed earlier. When I came back to the car, someone had hit the door. Also the parking meter stole my money by an error in the machinery and took 5 € for one hour parking. Luckily the car has full insurance, but I went home without visa after driving for hours in heavy traffic and with a big bulb in the door of a new car. I felt like crying again Then friday morning, I went by train, I entered, and they just handed it over to me without any more questions. The brown enveloppe has ink stamps in the back with transparent tape over it. Is that the way they seal it? I havent touched it, but I'm concerned if that will be accepted at PoE ... it looks amateuristic with the tape beiing a little loose at the end of the enveloppe. This is the first time i see it, so I'm not sure if this is how its supposed to be or not. I'm leaving in 18 days, on may 8. I'm finally getting also a little scared for the big unknown ... but im also very excited. CONGRATULATIONS....... Wow, must be an amazing feeling, I'm excited for you!! B)	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-21 05:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	APPROVED MAY 1ST WHOOPEE	Thanks everyone sooooo much. (raymaga - 'tis done ... )	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-02 10:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	APPROVED MAY 1ST WHOOPEE	Hi all, I just got my email from CRIS to say our application was approved on 1st May ...... I can't believe it, what excitement after months of waiting. Good luck everyone.... this should give you fellow Feb filers some hope. Love to all JD xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Edited by Uzume, 02 May 2007 - 10:06 AM.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-02 10:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA 2 landia....it feels soo good :D	I woke up to our NOA2 notice!!!! congratulations!!!!! What an excellent way to start the day x	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-04 05:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	TWO APPROVAL EMAILS RIGHT NOW	i'm already bawling . . ... . CONGRATULATIONSSSSSS	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-04 05:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	sweet celebration	Congrats for your NOA2 ! Go CSC faster faster ! Love the CSC survivor pic... *LOL* made me smile Congratulations too... !	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-06-06 09:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	K1 RECEIVED	Congratulations! My boyfriend and I have been waiting quite a long time as well, and he's British. Based off the other timelines, I thought this would go much quicker. Was there anything that slowed you two down? Any advice? [/quote] Hi, I thought I'd replied to this but I couldn't see it anywhere so ..... I don't think anything slowed us particularly, 6-7 months does appear to be an average processing time via CSC. I did receive my visa 1 week late as I had to submit one additional piece of information re income. Good luck to you, I hope you hear something soon. I understand how frustrating it can be. Best wishes JD :-)	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-09-22 18:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	K1 RECEIVED	I finally received my visa WOO HOO! I'm over the moon!!! We can finally be together - it's so exciting GOOD LUCK to all of you still waiting.... there is light at the end of the tunnel	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-09-14 14:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	January Filers	Hi We filed in Jan, NOA1 Feb 5th but nothing seems to have happebed since.... should we have seen some movement by now? What about "touches"? The USCIS site has just said "received and pending" since 5th Feb. Many thanks folks, this is soooo frustrating and we're only a month or so in (since received at least). Good luck to everyone, I hope you're getting everything sorted. JD x	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-17 05:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	February Filers CSC, NSC, TSC	I agree! How I WISH I were vermont, but I'm not and a little piece of my dies when I see a fellow february filer getting packet 3 or 4 (hehe very little piece, but hey, I want to be dramatic! ) SO, anyone else obsessively checking Jan filers to see if anyone over there has an approval yet??? Hi YES... OBSESSIVE CHECKING GOING ON!!! Hahaha... sorry, but I am getting a little manic and check every day for something...ANYTHING to have changed. CSC- STOP SURFIN' AND LOOKING "KEWL" ...... process our files dagnammit!! Good luck and I hope no more little pieces of you die..... that would be very sad Keep us posted.... JD x	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-20 16:00:00
Middle East and North Africa	Converstation btwn Muslim student and Professor	I just hate the arrogance and smugness of these kinds of things as if it "proves" anything at all! Firstly, if a Professor was having this discussion I very much doubt he would be so awe struck at a student debating the issue but would relish the chance to openly debate it, it's not Professors who do not want to debate the issue but the fanatical religious zealots! Secondly, it only proves that religion is an individual choice. Having faith in God does not prove God exists, however, one can "see" how evolution has altered and still alters life in order to adapt to environments by all the proof just laying around in the earth and in museums. Finally, most atheists I have met are quite happy for religious people to believe in whatever they choose to. Their choices are not "anti" anyone at all. The same cannot, however, be said for some of the religious people atheists come into contact with, who appear to feel they have the right to demand full explanations about the whys and wherefores of atheist thinking with NO real answers to their own beliefs except "blind faith". Edited by Uzume, 01 May 2007 - 02:15 AM.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-01 02:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	Converstation btwn Muslim student and Professor	An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, the Almighty. He asks one of his new Muslim students to stand and..... Professor: You are a Muslim, aren't you, son? Student : Yes, sir. Prof: So you believe in God? Student : Absolutely, sir. Prof: Is God good? Student : Sure. Prof: Is God all-powerful? Student : Yes. Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm? (Student is silent.) Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is God good? Student :Yes. Prof: Is Satan good? Student : No. Prof: Where does Satan come from? Student : From...God... Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world? Student : Yes. Prof:! Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct? Student : Yes. Prof: So who created evil? (Student does not answer.) Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they? Student :Yes, sir. Prof: So, who created them? (Student has no answer.) Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God? Student: No, sir. Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God? Student : No , sir. Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter? Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't. Prof: Yet you still believe in Him? Student : Yes. Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son? Student : Nothing. I only have my faith. Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has. Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat? Prof: Yes. Student : And is there such a thing as cold? Prof: Yes. Student : No sir. There isn't (The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.) Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it. (There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.) Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness? Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness? Student : You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness, darker, wouldn't you? Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man? Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed. Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how? Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved (Student is from a monkey?) Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do. Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir? (The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.) Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher? (The class is in uproar.) Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain? (The class breaks out into laughter.) Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it?.....No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir? (The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.) Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son. Student : That is it sir.. The link between man & God is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive. So, as they are BOTH correct, what is everyone fighting about??	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-30 09:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Online case status?	Hi, I received my NOA1 from VSC on the 3rd January 2007. Just thinking of registering to the online case status. My wife has petitioned for me, so is it possible for me to register or my wife has to register. I read through some of the forums and I keep seeing "Touched" on some of the timelines. What does this mean and how do you know when you casr hase been "touched"? Thanks Hi, I'm with you - if someone could let us know about this whle "touched" thing it would be very useful. Where does it show this? Do they have to have actually done something for this to show or can they literally just brush past it on their way to the coffee machine? Than ks for your help JD x	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-17 05:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it worth applyng for removal of conditions/ IR-1 green card?	Hi Trinket Thanks for the information, I'll look into that. It sounds really positive actually. Regards Jacqui	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2009-07-07 17:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it worth applyng for removal of conditions/ IR-1 green card?	Quick P.S - I realise i have not added that the plan is for my Husband to join me and apply for a visa to live in the UK. Will this automatically void anything I do with my removal of conditions?	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2009-06-20 16:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it worth applyng for removal of conditions/ IR-1 green card?	Hi I am considering spending a year or 2 back in the UK due to family issues. I want to come back after that but my 2 year green card expires the exact month I plan to travel back. Is it worth me applying for the removal of conditions and receiving my IR-1 green card or will it be void anyway if I leave the country for 1-2 years? Thanks for your help. Edited by Uzume, 20 June 2009 - 03:52 PM.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2009-06-20 15:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	CSC Processing	Thanks for all your responses and ideas..... Does anyone know WHY my case was sent to California when my fiance lives in Tennessee? Is there a system to the referrals or is it quotas? It seems a little odd that it wasn't sent to Texas for processing. Cheers guys, it's good to hear about your experiences. x	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-15 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	CSC Processing	Hi - I am sick of looking at the CSC site with the same month and date for processing staring back at me - and SO happy to have found this site. What a great idea and much needed support. The visa application process can feel like such a lonely road to travel at times. Sometimes I feel like I have an imaginary friend rather than a fiance. ;-) Does anyone know just how useful the CSC processing list is? How often is it updated etc? Apologies if this is an ancient question but I am new to this and it feels so good to have people to ask these things. GOOD LUCK to all of you who are in the same boat (uh-hem....please excuse the travel pun..... I thank you), it's great to hear how you're all progressing and lets me know that there really IS something happening in California apart from surfing and looking "kewl". Take care JD x Edited by Uzume, 15 March 2007 - 07:48 AM.	Uzume	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-15 07:47:00