ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Liam and Sam @ May 6 2008, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for the info/tips! The hardest part of posting my resume on monster is figuring out what to name it. Haha. smile.gif The economic situation also gives me anxiety - I have a habit of becoming restless very quick it seems. Or maybe it's due to the Houston weather right now...


Oh, I feel the same way bout the "title" of the online posting. One time, years ago, I changed the heading to say "Look At Me, Look At Me" laughing.gif Got all kinds of crazy hits that didn't apply to me at all!!! You are not alone in the restlessness, I hate when the economy is like this. I'm even heartfelt about Stephen coming here, knowing the job market is tight right now. He keeps telling me he doesn't care what job he gets at first, but that it will be easier to get another one having one to start with!

Houston weather??? I miss Houston weather ... I must be crazy!!!! After living there 6 years, I just got used to the heat & humidity!!!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-06 18:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Well firstly, Happy Birthday!!!!!

I know that feeling, the once a year, haven't accomplished what I want, I think we all do that, meaning reflect back on what are goals were/are and figure out what we hit and what we missed!!!

As for the job ... I've been in advertising research for almost 13 years now. I spent a few years as an analyst, and then moved into research operations, where I've now been stuck for 10+ years. I kind of just fell into it. I do currently telecommute -- I spent a little over one year in the corporate offices back in 1999 and I didn't like the location, and I was searching for a new job, and my boss was onto me, so he worked with department heads to allow me to work from home. I left that company a few years later to work for another advertising research company, and worked in management with them (while telecommuting). Then the fatal turn, 5 years later, the company I first worked for, acquired the company I left them for!!! wacko.gif Anyhow, long and short of it, I do statistical & data programming for clients, to help them determine target markets. And I'm very fortunate that my company believes in telecommuting, and that it doesn't matter where you do it from, as long as you get your work done!

I don't hate it, but don't love, love, love it anymore. I know it like the back of my hand, and it still has exciting moments, but I don't see myself in it for the next 30 years!!!! I'm contemplating a career change, however, that has been put on hold while we go through the immigration process.

Do you have your resume posted online? A lot of recruiters surf monster.com and other career sites looking at resumes. I've always left mine up there and still get hits from time to time. Or have you thought about working with a recruiting agency? I'm sure the job market is tight right now, because of the economic situation, but I would think a government job would be a good match, not that those are always easy to come by. Have you thought about starting in state level government, or even local to get your feet in?
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-06 09:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ May 6 2008, 05:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Amanda+Stephen - I'm with you on taking each day as it comes. good.gif Although I'm not with you on liking wide open spaces! tongue.gif


I don't know, I was born & raised in the big city, moved to North Carolina as a teenager, have lived in NYC and Houston after college, and came back here to NC. We don't want to move out to the boonies wink.gif We just like the countryside there ... we've already both said, has to be within 1 hour (no more) from a relatively large city, although those are few and far between in that part of the country biggrin.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-06 08:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Goodness, I had to read that statement twice .... laughing.gif

You'll be back with him soon!!!!!

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 05 May 2008 - 10:15 PM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-05 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Yes, Washington State or Oregon would be nice also. But we are attracted more to the wide open land in Montana & Wyoming. Nothing is set in stone, impossible to be at this point smile.gif And just because that's where we want to go, doesn't mean that is where we will end up. Just have to take it one day at a time and see what happens!!! smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-05 18:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ May 5 2008, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How far west are you planning to go? smile.gif

I'm hoping Alex and I will be able to stay in California, but the cost of renting here may force us out of state.


Not that far west wink.gif We are planning to move to Montana or Wyoming.
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-05 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Indeed, nice house!! Cost of living used to be low around here, but there has been a huge influx of people moving in, so prices have skyrocketed!!!!

We are only going to stay in this area for a few years ... then move West!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-05 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
I can understand that, I've been re-arranging furniture and cleaning out the closets & dressers -- trying to figure out how to make room for Stephen's stuff!!! laughing.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-03 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Everyone is off and quiet again wink.gif Must be the weekend!!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!!!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-03 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Damian&Kelly @ May 2 2008, 07:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He's been APPROVED!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif


Thank you everyone for your support and good luck wishes good.gif



Woooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooo wink.gif So happy for both of you!!!!!! You'll be together soon!!!! star_smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-02 06:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Damian&Kelly @ May 2 2008, 02:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just sent Damian off to London for his Interview.. gonna be a restless rest of the night! whistling.gif


Hope to hear the good news soon!!!!!!! *hugs*
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-02 05:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (starrynight20 @ May 1 2008, 01:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Been reading the boards for a while, finally thought I'd register. Lea and I filed late December, CSC received application 12/31 and NOA1 1/3. I guess that makes me a January filer.

Big hopes for May good.gif


Welcome to the thread!!!! smile.gif Hope you (and all others waiting!!!) get their NOA2 soon!!!!! star_smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-01 12:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (dbears @ May 1 2008, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i don't know if i am the only one seeing this weird look on the board... all the replies clumped together and only the first line showing.. i don't know if this is a new look or just my computer playing joke on me huh2.gif

Whatever, HAVE A HAPPY MONTH OF MAY EVERYONE! dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif


My laptop did that once when I logged in, and was like huh?? At the top of a thread you are in - there is an "Options" button - down at the bottom of the drop-down - it shows 3 options - choose standard. Unless of course you like the clumped up version wink.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-05-01 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Apr 30 2008, 09:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I put the deposit down on our cake smile.gif

Very simple and small..but I like it!

Since my dress has pink accents, all the roses on the cake will be in pink only...
Is this picture working?


It's pretty!!!! I'm a firm believer in simple makes a much better statement! smile.gif

We are planning a very simple one as well, all square layers, with fresh flowers that match the bouquets & other decorations.
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-30 23:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Apr 29 2008, 09:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's great that you can go to the interview with Stephen! Marco said some of the interview is in English anyways!


I wasn't planning on going, but he asked me to go, said he's bound to be a nervous wreck laughing.gif so I figured, I'll go, and then work from over there again for 1.5 weeks while he gets his stuff all together. He's trying to get it all done in time to fly back home with me .... talk about putting the pressure on himself!!!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-29 21:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
You know Nicole, I hadn't even noticed that until you posted again to correct yourself. It's amazing what the mind comprehends, even in typo english wink.gif My favorite thing is going to be when I'm at the Frankfurt embassy with Stephen, and they are speaking German. I don't speak ANY German, other than Yes & No laughing.gif I am only thankful he does, as he's translated many a things while I was there. Although he likes to play this horrible game, when he drops a card in the mail, he writes to me in English, but the card is in German ... and the last line always says ... can you figure out what it says!! wacko.gif

Gaye - if the tables were turned, and Stephen was the petitioner, I would obviously go through the medical, etc. I just _despise_ doctors, I cannot even begin to expand on that ... I've not had good luck when I have gone to them ... I swear most of the time they are all guessing, or they'll find one thing about you, and blame everything on that! And I agree with Nicole, I'm sure you and the kids will all do fine at the medical. good.gif

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 29 April 2008 - 07:16 PM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-29 19:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
I can only imagine the stress & nerves beneficiaries go through with the medical exams & interviews. I know, I'd be a complete and nervous wreck. Even if I get the common cold, I dread going to the doctor. I'll put it off until it's absolutely necessary laughing.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-29 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Yep, you are one step closer now Sally. And probably glad the medical part is over!!!! I know if I was the beneficiary, I'd be griping constantly, because I don't like doctors at all!!! The only ones I can tolerate are dentists laughing.gif

Hope you get your interview date soon!!!!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-28 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (SusieLuvsPaul @ Apr 28 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HAPPY MONDAY YOU GUYS! Hopefully we all have a good week and hear great things -me trying to be optimistic!-hehe smile.gif



Hope you guys get your interview date soon. That goes for Sally & Jay too!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-28 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

I'm leaving on a business trip in a few hours ... but not all bad, Stephen is coming over to the UK from Germany for the week, so at least I don't have to be buried in work!!!!

I hope everyone waiting for their NOA2 gets them very soon!!

Dawn - I wish Darren (and you) the best of luck on his interview later this week! You'll be together again soon!!! star_smile.gif


On a side note, I bought (well ordered) my dress this morning .... I've been stressing all week (probably about the dress) and then after making the purchase, seemed all the stress just disappeared!!! wacko.gif

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 19 April 2008 - 11:17 AM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-19 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 16 2008, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Amanda, maybe you should also consider a career shift towards being a wedding consultant. i think yo'd be a huge hit star_smile.gif


Hee hee ... it's a possibility ... but for now, I have to keep my current job in continued support of that lovely I-134 Affidavit of Support smile.gif But one day, I am getting out of this field, been in it almost 13 year now, and I've had enough of it laughing.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-16 13:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Apr 15 2008, 08:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

This is perfect! smile.gif


Glad that helped .... there have got to be more out there ... if you need more than that site, let me know, I'll dig some more, or I'll ask Stephen since he's over there ... his abundance of knowledge about clothing in Germany (and Europe in general) is scary at times! smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-16 00:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 15 2008, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you. i will still need to discuss things with Ricky and then I will let you know. But we might end up making plans till after the interview. I can't flood him with everything, it is always one step at a time. unsure.gif The poor guy is not yet done with tax return, he is still rushing right now... see what would have happened had I let him do everything for our I-129F whistling.gif ... right now he has not compiled all the things I would be needing from him and my interview is in a month's time. (When we called the embassy here on April 1, we were offered April 9, April 22, April 29 and whole month of May to pick a date for interview and I had to chose May 21 so he could have plenty of time to compile the needed documents to send me--and it is just I-134 and supporting documents really coz he already have the other stuffs when we sent I-129F and I already have a copy of 98% of I-129F coz I was the one who made it) I am just grateful that he is not the one going to the interview and be filing up all these forms and compiling these documents needed on my end. That would have been more stressful on both of us. wacko.gif Well, he is still my guy and I'm sticking with him and in fairness to him he have other strengths and numerous admirable qualities. luv.gif


Quite understood ... I've taken care of all the paperwork, even his embassy paperwork, because he was afraid of screwing it up somehow. So I filled it out and sent it to him.

Anytime is fine, it is not a bother at all to me. It will actually give me a break from my own crazy planning & worries smile.gif So just hit me up when you start getting your ideas together!!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 19:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Nicole ... here's a link to a site that indicates they have stores in TN and Germany smile.gif There were a handful ... don't know prices/timing, but thought it might help.

http://www.venusbrid...ore_locator.php

I just put in a search for bridesmaid dresses in Germany - and got a bunch of sites back, did a little digging ... dunno, might not be that helpful smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 19:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Apr 15 2008, 07:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am afraid to order her a dress. IF it doesn't fit right, we only have a few days before the wedding.....they'll be betting here like the Wednesday before we are getting married...

There is a dress on alfredangelo that is absolutely perfect, but it seems they aren't in Germany.. BUMMER!

As far as picking the colors....."blue" isn't the same "blue" everywhere.. so I am going to have just settle for "close" I suppose...


I completely understand, I gave up on that battle too ... my best friend lives in Houston, and my other friend lives about 1 hour away. So I have to trust that when I said Navy Blue, they understood wacko.gif

Well what about buy a dress off the rack when she gets here? David's Bridal carries bridesmaid dresses in stock ... I know, because I got one for a wedding days before it happened ... got lucky not needing alterations.

If it's not one battle, it's something else smile.gif

And that stinks about not being in Germany, the site shouldn't say UK/Europe then ... it should just say UK!!!!

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 15 April 2008 - 06:58 PM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 18:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Apr 15 2008, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So here is my latest "wedding" problem...it's not really a problem, just an obstacle I suppose. Marco's sister is going to be in the wedding, along with my sister........well try getting the same color dresses for the girls let alone the same dress! I am on a mission to find a dress that can be ordered in both the US and Germany that matches my color, etc......

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


Well, Alfred Angelo dresses are available in the US, UK & Europe ... www.alfredangelo.com

I was worried about that aspect too, but in the end, I gave my best friend and other female friend who is standing up, the option to choose their dresses. I just told them what color and it had to be floor length. I didn't want to get into the battle of the dresses with either friend. And I want them to be comfortable, so figured easier letting them choose - but that was just my solution to keep everyone happy. But I do get to see the dresses before they buy laughing.gif

Then again, if you know her size, you could order the dress, etc. I am sure there have to be other brands that are sold worldwide ...
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 18:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Apr 15 2008, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Those really are some quite amazing dresses for the price!


Exactly ... and I don't know if it was luck, or what, but the store I went to (it's like in an Outlet area of North Carolina) - they have them for less than the manufacturer suggests ... can't complain about saving some $$ there!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ Apr 15 2008, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They are all lovely, I particulary like the navy inset havent seem them like that before, you will look gorgeous whatever you decide on. biggrin.gif


Alfred Angelo Dresses

That's the brand of the ones with color accents, there are all kinds of different styles!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 15:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Well that is the problem ... laughing.gif I feel comfortable in all 3 of them!!!

All three of these are flattering on me and fit just right. The two with color are by the same manufacturer, infact, they are same dress, just different color & beading detail. The all white one is a different manufacturer, but it's technically same style, and fit just as well.

My original choice before I went to try any on was the one with the full color train. I hadn't really looked at the other color accented one until I was at the bridal shop and tried it on. And I liked it too. So my choices are really between the two color accented dresses. I liked the all white one, but I wasn't planning to wear an all white gown.

So it just comes down to which details I like better ... navy blue train, with navy blue covered buttons down the center of the train, and more beading detail on the navy blue, or the navy blue bust line and navy blue edging on the back, and the white train, which has much more detail on it. The cool thing you can't see in the photo of the color one with the white train (#2) is that the color edging panels run past the edge of the bottom of the dress by about 2 inches, then the train continues past.

I'm leaning towards #2 myself, especially since trying them on ... it's just a tougher decision than I imagined smile.gif

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 15 April 2008 - 03:44 PM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 15:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Ok, here they are:

Where there are colors, if it's not navy blue (on a front or back) it would be navy blue on my dress smile.gif So that applies to two of them, the other one is all white (although I'd probably get that one in ivory or champagne)

Decisions, decisions ......

Attached Files


Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 15 2008, 07:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This will be greatly appreciated Amanda rose.gif .. but maybe just after Stephen's interview... I know you already have your hands full as of now and I would feel guilty if I'd be adding to your stress dear. smile.gif


Not a problem at all. I'm not too stressed at the moment, or should I say today. Now tomorrow, it could all be different, considering yesterday was a panic day!!!! Any my head is spinning about dress choices. I've got it down to 3 dresses, but I can't seem to make the "final" decision!!! Anyone interested in viewing the pics -- I'm willing to take input biggrin.gif I can post the dress pictures .... most everything else has already fallen into place, at least I think it has!

I'll ask my parents too about places around here, let me know what your "ideal" place is, if it's just for you and Ricky and the kids, or others, etc.
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 14 2008, 07:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
here's the rental fees:http://www.hr.duke.e...rental_fees.htm but if you have a friend there, who knows it might be free for you guys. The place looks so serene and beutiful. good.gif

As for spending for the wedding, it first wedding for both of you, you still don't have kids so there is really no worry about spending a little more on it.

For us, this will be my 2nd (though technically the first was deemed null and void from the start, it was like kids play, done at our garage with a minister who had no license to officiate blink.gif ) and I'd be his 4th wife wacko.gif . He's had the big fancy wedding decades ago during his first wedding, he's had a courthouse wedding, and his had a small chapel wedding. So for his 4th (AND DEFINITELY THE LAST, unless I die first) I just want something intimate and memorable for both of us and for our kids: a family wedding where we could also exchange vows with our kids. And I just want God to be a very big part of the wedding since He was the missing element in the past weddings we've been part of.


Well we thought, since we were going to do photos there, we'd just sneak the minister in with us, the civil service we are just doing for government reasons, it would only be us, and my parents (to witness) and the photographer, because Stephen's mother wants some photos of the "official first service". So we wouldn't be renting the facility at all, just take the two minutes standing in the public garden area to say "I do" ... but I'll have to check with my friend to see if we could do that. If not, we'll just be having the civil service at a local park close to home, with my parents and the officiant. In the end, that's just the technical service, the family one in September is much more important to us. There are plenty of pretty public parks around here, or even the Arboretum at NC State University, better yet Pullen Park (close to NC State University) in Raleigh. It's beautiful and has places for the children to play. I believe if you wanted to have a function there it is rentable. I guess it depends on what you are looking for, in terms of outside vs. inside. There's lots offered in this area, in lots of price ranges. I'd be glad to put together information if it would help you smile.gif I am sure you will find something that suits the two of you and accomplishes what you want!

I tried to get away with just having a civil service, but my parents wouldn't have it. And after the planning started, I even said it would be so much easier to go to Vegas, but my mother immediately put an end to that. Being the only daughter has some challenges in the easy department for weddings!!! wacko.gif The other problem is I am the youngest "grandchild" as well, and I come from a rather large family, both my parents each have 5 other siblings, so my extended family goes on and on for miles!!!! When it came down to trying to create a guest list, it kept growing by family members laughing.gif In the end, we will be happy to share it with friends and family.

Do let me know if I can offer any of my knowledge from living here in this area ....




QUOTE (IrieCat @ Apr 14 2008, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAYAYAY! Louis just got an e-mail from the consulate in Barbados! His interview is May 27th!
I am so happy!

So now we will really celebrate when I see him Thrusday!! wooooo!!!!


Yay!!! Congratulations!!! good.gif

QUOTE (KitEEgirl @ Apr 14 2008, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
See what having my SO 5,000 miles away does to me?! I'm going to the hair salon tonight to do something drastic smile.gif

I hope he still likes me when he gets back smile.gif

I'm your quiet, dorky engineer, with, long plain, light brown hair... I'm going to layer and highlight it tonight.. Well here goes nothing. I'll either be unbelievably depressed tonight or pleasantly surprised... wish me luck!


I'm sure it will look fabulous!!!!! star_smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-15 00:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ Apr 14 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thats great that you are going with him to the interview, I wish Jay could but its not possible with the cost and him not being able to get time out of his new job, but hopefully it will be ok.


Funny thing, I hadn't planned on going ... but he asked me to, he said he'll be a nervous wreck, and he thinks me being there is going to help calm him. Might be possible that I could calm him laughing.gif but I think it will be good to be there as well, good experience and then we'll both know smile.gif

I've been contemplating a career change and now after this experience, I'm wondering if I shouldn't think about immigration law!!! huh.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-14 10:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Thanks Sally! I feel like I'm spending more time out of the country than at home lately!!! I have to be in the UK next week for business (and Stephen is coming over since it's 1.5 hour plane ride). Then come home for two weeks, and then go back to Germany, because I'm going to the interview with him. I feel like everything is going so super fast, my head is spinning!!!!

Then add in to the head spinning ... I went dress shopping for the first time this weekend ... what an experience, there are so many to pick from!!!! I think I've got the dresses down to a pick from the top 3 choices. wacko.gif And I have to make a decision in the next few weeks ..... if it's not paperwork and interviews, it's details about wedding planning .....
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-14 10:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
I never looked up the price of Duke Garden, I have a friend who has a year-round pass to there. I'll have to re-check with him if there are any fees to have a civil ceremony there wacko.gif

The other place is not cheap cheap, but it's a first wedding/marriage for both of us, so we decided to go a little into debt for the family ceremony. I'll PM you with the information Gaye. I might be able to help you with some other ideas in this area too smile.gif My family has run a home-based catering business for almost 20 years, so I've seen a handful of places for weddings around here. Not sure I know them all off the top-of-my head, but I'm sure if you told me what you were looking for, I might be able to think of something.

And you are right, it's being with the person you love that is important, not the actual ceremony/reception, etc. We didn't want to pay a lot of money at first thought, then we said, how many more times are we going to do this? So we both decided to just do it this way and be done with it the way we want it, now rather than later.

On a side note, we got his interview date .... Tuesday, May 13th ... only a month away ....... star_smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-14 07:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (SusieLuvsPaul @ Apr 11 2008, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what type of wedding are you having when you guys come on the visa? Will you just use town hall and a have a bigger wedding later on? or having a small wedding only when you get together with close friends and family? I was thinking just town hall but now i'm thinking i really would like a small one for just family and a few close friends at the beach during sunset with a jp. And coming home and having a cookout it would be in july sometime. What do you guys think? I just want it to be a lil more special than town hall and married within 10 mins in a regular old building u know? what are your thoughts on this?


We are having a civil service within in the first month he gets here, but not at the courthouse. We are currently planning at Duke Gardens here in North Carolina. We are then following that up with a renewal of our vows & reception for family and friends to attend in September. We'll be doing this one at a local hotel with an outside terrace over a lake. The ceremony will be on the terrace overlooking the lake, and the reception will be about 20 feet away underneath a tent.

I just did my first in-store dress shopping yesterday after having spent a while looking in magazines and online. There are so many dresses to pick from, now I've got my top three list and just have to decide in the next few weeks. Time is slipping away so fast already ....

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-13 19:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (greeneyedgirlfl @ Apr 10 2008, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whoever is first, I can't wait to see the January 08 filers thread on the Moving Here and Your New Life In America forum!!!


Definitely agreed ... Wasn't trying to make any sore spots about who has their interview first, I'm just excited to see that those of us who filed in January are starting to have interviews!!!

It's not been as long as probably most of us had thought, but I'm grateful to be in the same month as all of you. I've been overwhelmed numerous times by the care & support offered amongst us. It's a blessing to be able to share this process with people who understand.

Best wishes to everyone who has their interviews coming up this month!!!! I'm already on pins and needles about getting the interview date. As for Stephen, he got 3 "jabs" today at the doctor ... boosters to catch up on vaccinations. He's got two more he has to get, but the doc said to come back in 3 weeks for those. And he's just downright worried about having this interview ... he went into a panic when he got the envelope I sent him with all the Packet 3 documents, so I can only imagine how he's going to be the day before the interview wacko.gif

And I know we'll all be watching for that new thread .... it's an exciting time for all of us!!!! star_smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-10 21:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Slight correction y'all wink.gif

Dawn & Darren will be the first interview we know of within the January filers circle for the UK. But Nicole and Marco, his interview is next week in Frankfurt!!

We emailed the embassy in Frankfurt today, so hopefully we'll have an interview date tomorrow or early next week!!! smile.gif
Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-10 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
Welcome back Dawn! Hope you had a great time!!!! I am sure you miss him already!! It was hard for me to leave last Sunday, but I know we'll see each other again soon!

Congratulations on the interview date!!! good.gif

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 05 April 2008 - 08:24 PM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-04-05 20:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjanuary filers!
QUOTE (Cecile and Bryan @ Mar 28 2008, 08:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Breadfruit looks good! I wonder what it tastes like.

I'm going to miss French bread crying.gif
And also the chocolate doesn't look as good in the US. But French bread is going to be the worst part crying.gif


Well in the bigger cities in the US you can find good french bread ... when I used to live in Chicago, it was staple. But moving to North Carolina, I've only found one smaller chain market that makes decent french bread ... anyhow, the point being, you can find it, just have to hunt it down!!!

As for the chocolate, I must agree ... after having been in the UK many times for business and now Germany -- the "sweets" and chocolate are way better over here -- so maybe it's a good thing he's coming to the US ... I don't need all the options in that department, at least not available to me on a daily basis!!!!!

But you know what I would die for in the US ... some Cornish Pasties .... everytime I am in the UK, have to get that smile.gif

And Irie is right ... you can find decent chocolate in the states, just have to go to a specialty store, or high-end store. World Market has some of the common European chocolates, and some upscale. There is also a smaller market chain "The Fresh Market" they have European chocolates and sweets year round.

Edited by Amanda+Stephen, 28 March 2008 - 12:23 PM.

Amanda+StephenFemaleScotland2008-03-28 12:20:00