ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomThe 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Maria~n~Dane @ Jan 28 2008, 11:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 28 2008, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jan 28 2008, 05:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 28 2008, 08:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Debz! You MUST stop fretting!!! You will be approved and on your way in no time!!!



haha..me stop fretting. I will when it's over!!!! 8 days and counting


How are things with your fiance? Has he found a job in GI? I don't know his educational background, but if he hasn't found anything yet have you guys thought of moving out to Lincoln/Omaha?


we are seriously considering omaha.


You wouldnt catch me living in Omaha, debz tongue.gif, laughing.gif bad enough driving through it for my AOS interview, that was a nightmare, worse than Glasgow ever was helpsmilie.gif

Gid luck to ye innocent.gif


Hahaha...funny you should say that! When I was back home last weekend (in the miserable cold nonetheless) I was tooling around Omaha like it was nothing and my poor fiance had his "driving on American roads" self esteem quashed. He said he thinks our system is too confusing, though to be fair I find the British roads to be an absolute mystery. The poor thing won't be starting out driving in Nebraska either...will be learning in downtown Chicago!


QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 28 2008, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Maria~n~Dane @ Jan 28 2008, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You wouldnt catch me living in Omaha, debz tongue.gif, laughing.gif bad enough driving through it for my AOS interview, that was a nightmare, worse than Glasgow ever was helpsmilie.gif

Gid luck to ye innocent.gif



Worse than M8 at rush hour between Govan and Kingston Bridge? Worse than the Glasgow 1 way grid system that changes over night? surely not possible!!!!!

Only reason we are considering omaha is for job options I'd rather not as I'm not a city girl at all. Born and brought up in arsendofnowhere and love it.


At least Omaha isn't far from the arsendofnowhere lol. You're not far at all from Blair where DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is...one of my favorite places to go in NE. And of course only a few hours drive will take you to the Sandhills.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-28 13:15:00
United KingdomThe 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 28 2008, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jan 28 2008, 05:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 28 2008, 08:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Debz! You MUST stop fretting!!! You will be approved and on your way in no time!!!



haha..me stop fretting. I will when it's over!!!! 8 days and counting


How are things with your fiance? Has he found a job in GI? I don't know his educational background, but if he hasn't found anything yet have you guys thought of moving out to Lincoln/Omaha?


we are seriously considering omaha.


I used to work for First National Bank of Omaha. They treat their employees very well, and they are one of the largest employers in the state. Also Gallup has their huge new campus out by the Qwest Center, and the friends that I have that work for them love it.

Housing out on the west side of town is pretty reasonable too. Though you would certainly have to get a car to get around. At least in downtown you could probably make do without one for a while.

But honestly that is why I got the hella out of NE. The job market there just isn't in great shape right now.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-28 13:12:00
United KingdomThe 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 28 2008, 08:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Debz! You MUST stop fretting!!! You will be approved and on your way in no time!!!



haha..me stop fretting. I will when it's over!!!! 8 days and counting


How are things with your fiance? Has he found a job in GI? I don't know his educational background, but if he hasn't found anything yet have you guys thought of moving out to Lincoln/Omaha?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-28 12:19:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Dec 22 2008, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just had to call home, cos I was doing christmas cards (i know they'll be late, but I'm sending them anyway) and I couldn't remember the name of one of my cousins! Oh lord, I've been away from home a while.


My mom has 87 first cousins...so if you have as many as she does I wouldn't feel too bad for not remembering their names!

However, I only have 5 first cousins...you can certainly tell my mom was a baby boomer!

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-23 09:51:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
That was very interesting! However, the music was distracting, as it is the soundtrack from The Last of the Mohicans! It made me think of hot Daniel Day Lewis on Madeleine Stowe during a fortress seige action.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-19 17:59:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Well, Shane MacGowan I think is the exception that proves the rule, though he could go either way as British or Irish




QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Dec 18 2008, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ta da! I finally got a pic of my Xmas tree uploaded. Here it is in all its glory.


Please to note authentic 1970s wood panelling and AWESOME mocha brown carpet.


SWEET!!! Too bad that carpet wasn't shag.

I once used to babysit these kids and every once in a while I'd have to watch them at the grandparents house. Not only was their den in the basement wood paneled but one wall had a wallpaper mural of Mt. St Helens (or some other Rocky Mountain/Sierra peak). 70's-tastic! All that was missing was a framed photo of Tom Selleck


ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-19 11:43:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Dec 18 2008, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Dec 18 2008, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Dec 18 2008, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have just got off the phone with a snooty French #######. I love it when Europeans think they know more about "the world" than us provincial American rubes as she attempted to explain how the Hong Kong television market works. She got everything wrong and I corrected her (nicely), she condescendingly told me that since HK was part of the "Democratic Republic of China" (sic) it was all the same and controlled out of Beijing. Something in me flipped and I had to smack her down - but what would I know? I'm just a dumb American who only lived and worked there for a year and helped set up a department there. I must learn to defer to my European betters.


I love it when Europeans tell you what it's REALLY like in America when they've only been once or twice and have gleaned much of their info from telly or films, and then proceed to tell you that as an American, you can't really know what it's like in America because you're prejudiced. Riiiiiiiiight.



I love this too. I especially enjoy the lectures on what people in "middle America" are like.


Well you know all we do is eat cows n' corn and go to ho'downs on the weekends! And y'know we have 2 "teef" (teeth) to share around the family. What are dem things called shoes?


QUOTE (StillThePrettiest @ Dec 18 2008, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
fewer than you'd think, actually wink.gif
mostly it's 'crikey!' and things of that nature wink.gif

however, I had an experience on the weekend that I've only ever heard about - I thought it was too cliched to ever happen, but I was wrong!

I was standing outside the supermarket waiting for Dave to bring the car over, and a guy started talking to me... I'd only said a few words when he said 'so, you from London?' to which I had to explain that sort of, but no; I'd been living there but am really from Australia (a VERY COMMONLY REQUIRED explanation in my life here wink.gif )... he then smiled knowingly, nodded, and said 'oh, Australia... Arnold Schwarzenegger, yeah?'

laughing.gif

I have to admit I wasn't able to keep myself from laughing... he didn't say much more after that laughing.gif


That's brilliant...straight out of Dumb & Dumber!



ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-18 16:11:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Dec 17 2008, 08:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I liked the random green-eyed dog laughing.gif

We're waiting until Christmas Day to open our presents from my mum although I can guess what some of them are biggrin.gif She is putting money into my UK account though for the most part, as is my gran so when the exchange rate is a bit better then we will move it over or just have a shopping spree when we visit next biggrin.gif Looking forward to the cheese though - there is only going to be me Jeremy and his aunt so the evening buffet will be a bit redundant but some of the cheese will be laid out biggrin.gif Then Jeremy has work the next day so I will spend all day drinking beer and eating leftovers while playing with my presents... if I have anything that is at least mildly entertaining!!!

On another note, we are having Indian tonight - hoping to sweat this cold out of me. Voice is on and off which is interesting... My cat is aware of my dire need of cuddles and has been very affectionate these past couple of days. Of course, the kitten is being the complete opposite trying to climb into the laundry hamper, attack anything in sight and generally be a PITA laughing.gif


Getting Lamb Vindaloo?

I'm excited for my birthday next week...I won a $100 gift certificate to a very posh hotel that just opened up here a few months back and we're using it to eat in their extremely posh Japanese restaurant. They have Kobe beef on the menu...however it is $18 an ounce (minimum 4 oz) and I don't really feel like using all my gift certificate on one small cut of meat no matter how delicious it is.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-18 10:59:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
####### that didn't post right!


ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-17 20:58:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Dec 17 2008, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not sure what cheese it is yet, but guessing cheddar and white stilton/apricot - they are in Christmas paper biggrin.gif

As for being out of the fridge - sure, it keeps just fine and it's not exactly hot anywhere right now - I doubt it was sent across in a heated compartment and if it was and looks moldy then we'll just have to cut our losses biggrin.gif But cheese is best at room temperature anyway - I am sure it will be fine smile.gif

Nicky got laid off already? Damn - that sucks sad.gif I know friends in the UK have lost their jobs as well - seems to be the way things are going... makes you wonder why they spend time and money advertising, hiring and training people only to let them go mad.gif


I'm not sure why either...I'm guessing that they have it budgeted in the first place for the extra help and when sales/financials come in they freak out and let people go.

I think the cheese should be fine...after all, most artisan cheeses are kept cool but not cold. Some are even kept in semi warm rooms.

I watch too much foodie tv.

I just opened the presents from Nicky's parents...we got his and her Guinness PJ's and tons of chocolates and M&S shortbread. However, my favorite was our rugby jerseys...though Nicky got a Scottish one and I got an Irish ones. Next time those teams have a match we'll make sure to go out to a pub dressed in our respective jerseys.

Anyone need a laugh tonight?


Edited by ginger1981, 17 December 2008 - 08:55 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-17 20:52:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
While all y'all were having lovely tapas and sangria, I was enjoying my weekend baking away. I made frosted sugar cookies, chocolate covered peanut butter balls, almond shortbread fingers, holiday M&M cookies, and chocolate covered pretzels. I've ate so many cookies in the past 4 days I've been on a perpetual sugar high.

QUOTE (Poiteen @ Dec 12 2008, 03:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yay for Bruce!! kicking.gif biggrin.gif , and double yay for him also going on auditions.

The car is in the shop. The heater was leaking. I filled the coolant tank with water and drove to the shop, it was empty by the time I got there. They're going to simply bypass the heater (just the one that sends the hot air in to the car cabin) and so bypass the leak. Hopefully I didn't do any other damage while the car was running hot. It will cost $100 and I gotta go pick it up shortly. I reaalllllly hope the gasket is still there and doing ok.

P.S I hate cars.


$100 isn't bad at all, though that is cold comfort for having to fork out cash that you need for other stuff!


QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Dec 12 2008, 04:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ginger -- I just wanted to say I LOVE your story! Awesome, pure genius.


My best ideas come to me when I'm intoxicated innocent.gif


QUOTE (weedebz @ Dec 14 2008, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
oh well diddums to both of you. It's been 4F here today...yes that's right freaking 4F (that's -16C in real numbers)


Now that is what I call shorts weather! Though I don't mind the cold as much as the icy wind of death that screeches across the plains.

Monday night it snowed so much it looks like Frosty crapped all over the city of Chicago. I hate having to wear 30 layers of clothing just walking to the train station. It seems like the hems of my pants can never stay clean. At least it keeps the dry cleaners in business.


QUOTE (Poiteen @ Dec 16 2008, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm afraid i might have influenced the get together in the direction of somber, because I've just found out that my job is in jeopardy. Maybe as early as a month from now, I'll be back on the job hunting trail. Depressing. I'm trying to stay positive, and check in with the people that I've met since I moved here. Trying to stay positive.

p.s. just realised that i typed 'trying to stay positive' twice. See - I'm trying!


Nicky got laid off from his job at Wal-Mart...#######. He's enrolling in school starting January in a CNA course (Certified Nurse Assistant) which hopefully, will get him a job and a decent start until he can either find a better job or go back to school for something else.


QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Dec 17 2008, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am SO liking the Clay Aiken idea for the Jaguar-themed living room suite. Hmmmm... My embroidery skills are teh suck, but I maybe I can knit Clay antimacassars for each one. And maybe a giant Clay collage for above the mantelpiece! idea9dv.gif


Are antimacassars seat covers? That would be brilliant....every time you drove your car you could be sitting on Clay's lap! Sensational!

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-17 20:29:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Dec 11 2008, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
almost everyone I work with is getting sick, grrr. I do not want a cold, here in the mildest winter I have ever experienced. No, no, no. (but I think one's coming on)

Also, who knows about cars around here? My car is making funny noises and it sounds like something is moving around under the bonnet, and I can feel it on the brake pedal. I only feel it when I'm stopped at a red light, it might be doing it the rest of the time, I just don't notice cos it's louder when I'm moving and there's other vibrations going on. Any suggestions?


I wish I could help! If I ever became president I would order schools to give classes in auto maintenance.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-11 14:09:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Dec 10 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm trying to decide if Blagojevich reminds me most of the Kennedy nephew who got accused of rape in the early 90s or one of the Menedez brothers


Totally a Menendez. Just thank god Blagojevich doesn't have a twin!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-10 15:07:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
People that I'm close to I will write a longer message. But people that I write cards to out of duty I just sign it.

I do have a funny Blagojevich story. This past St. Patrick's day I was at the big parade downtown. Anyways, all your big politicials show up and march around...for example Mayor Daly (who is probably just as corrupt but leagues smarter than Blagojevich). So I had snuck in a big bottle of Bailey's and was taking swigs of it as the pipes and drums and leprechaun shaped balloons went by...slowly getting more and more wasted as the parade went on.

Then I spotted some guys in the parade walking along the fence in front of me. I then spotted a huge mink like furry critter...and I knew it was Blagojevich marching in the parade. He was walking near the fence and whenever he saw a baby he would come up to the kid and its mom and kiss it.

I kid you not, the guy that wanted to deny funding to the Children's Hospital was kissing babies in true corrupt politician fashion.

Now, every high ranking politician has a cadre of body guards protecting them in situations such as the parade. Most of the time they are clean cut and rather serious looking men. Instead of such All-American types, he had what I would best describe as a "gaggle of goombas" surrounding him. These guys could have been pulled straight from the Sopranos...and I have no doubts that these guys were likely in some way connected to the mob.

So, being quite full of liquid courage at this point I decide to be a complete and utter smartass. As Blagojevich was about ready to kiss the baby directly in front of me, I yelled:

"BLAGOJEVICH, I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN!!!"

The crowd around me started roaring with laughter...everyone in this state knows that he is a crook and I can't think of one positive thing I've ever heard about him. Basically, he has no fans. The governor looked up at me and shot me the look of death while I pointed and laughed along with the crowd, and he then shuffled off, deflated, with his clutch of cons.


Me, shortly before insulting the govenor of the State of Illinois

So yeah, that is my Blagojevich story!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-10 13:41:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
I like the idea of a venting thread as I have plenty to vent about...especially seeing the guv'nr of our fair state of Illinois is about the most corrupt politician in the history of the US. In a way, it's entirely comical...the guy has been under investigation by the feds for the past 3 years and uses his OWN PHONE to make calls saying how he is selling Obama's Senate seat? And that is just the tip of the iceberg...trying to get the editorial staff of the Chicago Tribune fired since they often write bad press about him...denying a Children's Hospital 8 million in state aide because the director of the hospital wouldn't contribute $50k to his campaign fund...wanting to use Obama to get his wife a job as a lobbyist in DC. The laundry list goes on and on...

Plus, the guy has seriously bad hair. It looks like a mink residing on top of his head.

But in better news Nicky got accepted to one of the Chicago City College's and is taking placement tests today. Hopefully he won't have to contribute to Blagojevich's campaign fund to get into all the classes he wants to get into!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-10 12:31:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (English Muffin @ May 31 2008, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 31 2008, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I love how we are all dorks on here in some way or another :-D


You speak for yourself! laughing.gif tongue.gif


My mom basically was like "who meets their husband/wife online?" Well, apparently lots of other people! She still buys into the old "anyone you meet online will kill you and put you in an oil barrel in a remote location."
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-31 21:42:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
I love how we are all dorks on here in some way or another :-D
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-31 10:22:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (ericdraven @ Feb 7 2008, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well I met my better half when I was teaching dancing in Texas. I used to teach her and it was Ballroom, latin and country for adults.


I've always heard that the only reason guys take dance lessons is to meet women haha. Although you must have some natural talent and ambition to teach!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 19:36:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Feb 6 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That would be interesting to see, Ginger. I've been curious about that myself, because other than military or school or trips abroad, it would have been difficult for so many people from around the world to meet.

Stu and I met online on some forums for general gaming. I thought he was one of those pervy gaming nerds at first and told him that I would avoid him, but you can see how that worked out. He's still a pervy gaming nerd though ph34r.gif


Hmmm...if I weren't such a lazy ####### or perhaps still in school I'd do some serious research. And in the past few years too there has been a lot less stigma of meeting people online.

My favorite line in Revenge of the Nerds goes something along the lines of:

Hot sorority chick: I didn't think nerds would be so good in bed
Lewis: Jocks only think about sports, nerds only think about sex.

laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 13:41:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
I would be curious to see how many more I-129F's are filed now as opposed to 10 years ago, with the internet age and all. My paternal grandmother came over from England as a war-bride, so I imagine most of the I-129F's were filed by military in the past? Would be an interesting topic to do research on!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 13:03:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Feb 6 2008, 07:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Alex and I met online on some forums - also terribly boring! (A more lengthy answer is in my profile).

I love the story, ginger! Now that's something interesting you definitely don't mind telling family and friends!


Pretty much all my friends saw it happen actually LOL. It's really something once you see you never can forget!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 10:02:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 5 2008, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So how is it they we all came to meet our fiance(e)s/Spouses from the US/UK? I'm thinking a lot of people met online, but I bet just as many hadn't. I met must husband at a party when I was a student in Manchester.


By the way...greetings from Wrigleyville. I go out to Arlington Heights once a month or so to see a friend, and we always eat at Fuego, which is the best Mexican food I've ever had this side of the border (well, considering it is b/c I've never been south of the border :-p)
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 00:29:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
I met Nicky on a message board for Doves (the Manc band) who we are both huge fans of. We are also huge fans of the band U2, and he mentioned on the board he was basically coming over to the US for a bunch of shows. I messaged him and asked if he was coming to the show in Omaha, Nebraska (I'm originally from Nebraska and only moved up to Chicago a couple years ago) and at the time he wasn't, but changed his mind (he was originally going to go to the shows before and after Omaha). So we made an arrangement...if he gave me his presale code, I would get the tickets for us. So did that, he came over for the show and stayed with me (and about 6 other U2 buddies of mine) in my apartment in Lincoln. That also happened to be a few days before my birthday, so I had a birthday party at a local restaurant and later drinks at a martini bar called Doc's.

Now, what happened next just proves that Nicky is indeed truly in love with me!

So we were drinking and doing shots, and my friends wanted me to demonstrate a certain flaming shot called "The Statue of Liberty." Basically, you take a shot of rumplemintz, dip your finger in the shot....light your finger on fire, then take the shot. Once you have the shot down your gullet you put your finger in your mouth to put out the flame. Theoretically, this is all supposed to happen so fast that only the alcohol on your finger burns, and not your flesh.

So anyways, a bunch of us all thought it would be a good idea to make the Brit do the "Statue of Liberty." So Nicky nervously dips his finger in the shot, lights his finger on fire...and goes to take the shot. Now, instead of it ALL going down his gullet he splashes some of the booze on his face, and when he goes to put out his flaming finger he accidently lights his face on fire.

I'm not kidding you, poor Nicky had a flaming face.

To my embarrassment (and my friends embarrassment) we were all so shocked we sat there like idiots with our mouths open for a few seconds, including my friend who is a trauma nurse. One of my other friends (who happened to be an ex-flame...pun not intended) had his wits about him, looked around the table for water...and seeing that it was all booze decided to blow out his face. He just leaned over and "pfff pfff pfff" and put Nicky's face out.

Thankfully, other than a small bit on his cheek it was alcohol that burned, and my trauma nurse friend stepped into action.

As you can imagine, I felt BAD about it, and after he left we lost touch for a while. However, a few months later I was planning a backpacking trip to Europe and I got back in touch with Nicky, and we started talking about backpacking Scotland and Ireland. After leaving Paris I met up with him in Newcastle, and we finally had our first kiss several days later in Glasgow. And from there on out it is history.

So anyways, that is the long winded...and fiery version of us first meeting!

Edited by ginger1981, 05 February 2008 - 11:43 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 23:40:00
United KingdomPassed medical...
QUOTE (Thomas F @ Jul 11 2008, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jul 11 2008, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, the best medical ever...though I would have been concerned if Nicky found out he was pregnant after his tongue.gif


Supposedly the only thing more exciting one could find out is that their potential spouse isn't what they claimed. In the medical thread there is news that the doctors find a dozen or so imposters every year. The drop-the-pants test is meant to find that one out. Milena didn't mention that part of her test, but I'm assuming it protocal was followed.

To be clear, we had to go our GP to have the pregnancy test....Bentwick doesn't do pregnancy tests. And by the way, I don't recommend this method of taking the medical, as it could have led to a serious delay had we not been lucky with a really really kind GP and nurses.


Well congradulations...you certainly will have a busy next several months!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-11 10:49:00
United KingdomPassed medical...
Wow, the best medical ever...though I would have been concerned if Nicky found out he was pregnant after his tongue.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-11 10:20:00
United KingdomThree weeks to go!
Sometimes it gets so exciting you can hardly contain yourself. I remember at times I would randomly break out in dance when it got close to one of Nicky's trips or when he moved here jest.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-11 11:08:00
United KingdomOtherway round
I'm so sorry to hear about your denial. However, I'm wondering why he got rejected if he is making above the threshold now. My last year's tax returns certainly wouldn't have worked as I was still in school and working only part time. I got a letter from my current employer stating my salary and position in the company and sent that along with several of my most recent paystubs.

I'm not clear on the rules here as it is something I haven't had to bother with but can you petition again if you provide more evidence of his current salary?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-10 10:37:00
United KingdomChicago Brit Meetup - Friday, July 18
QUOTE (Mags @ Jul 12 2008, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There are a lot of members on VJ who are in Chicago and not from the UK. You should consider making this a whole VJ thing - could be fun! biggrin.gif


I just happened to post this one b/c it is an already established group. But yeah...I'd be happy into looking into organizing a visa journey particular group.

I'm wondering if on this board we could have a discussion on meetups? Unless I've missed it that could be a good way of advertising and arranging local expat meet-ups and have it all in one easy to find place.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-13 11:27:00
United KingdomChicago Brit Meetup - Friday, July 18
QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Jul 11 2008, 03:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since we're not sure exactly when Stu is going to be here, we'll have to pass on this one, but if there's ever another one, we'd love to go! Especially since we're not that far from Chicago.
I hope everyone has fun though! good.gif

-Shan


Are you in the quad cities?

Yeah they seem to be pretty good about having monthly meet-ups. Would love to see you and Stu in the future.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-12 09:42:00
United KingdomChicago Brit Meetup - Friday, July 18
http://brit.meetup.com/50/

Sign up here for the Chicago Brit Meetup next Friday, July 18 at Rock Bottom Brewery on State and Grand. Apparently the basement is reserved for the get-together.

Nicky and myself do plan on attending kicking.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-11 15:21:00
United KingdomSorry It's been so silent
J'adore Paris!

No worries...just enjoy yourself. :-)
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-13 12:01:00
United KingdomCan the USC call the embassy?
QUOTE (boohbah @ Jul 15 2008, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
they usually send out the packet 3 right away (3-5 days), no?


Took them about two weeks to send my P3.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-15 07:47:00
United KingdomPlease help... I am so confused
QUOTE (Think~Pink @ Jul 11 2008, 08:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone for the advice and good wishes..it does mean a lot.

TBH, it's not just about the wedding day..there are a lot of other factors involved which we have taken into account to come to the decision we have. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but we have weighed up all of our options, even to the point of bringing the wedding forward and getting married in a registry office if we could.

The choice we have made is the only way forward for us in our particular circumstances. I agree it maybe isn't the best of choices, but we are both aware of the consequences. We don't want to be apart any more than we have to, but there is no other option that fits all of our circumstances.

There is no way we can get married any sooner, even just a quick wedding, as it simply isn't feasible for either of us to travel either here or there..not so soon, (unless money was no object..then it wouldn't matter).

I do appreciate all of the advice you have given us, it has been invaluable, but unfortunately for us, we are going to have to do it the long way round...yes it sucks, but we have no choice.

Thanks again all smile.gif


I do wish you best. I really hope that you weighed things carefully...of course every situation is different, so I cannot make a judgement. However, I hope you have taken away in this thread that when it comes to international marriage, unfortunatly you can't do things necessarily in the way you like. I would have loved our wedding day to have been the official day...to be honest, if it weren't for living so far apart and missing each other I would have wanted to wait another year or so to get married (to make sure we had plenty of money saved up instead of charging it to my visa). But alas, that is the way it worked out but I'm still extraordinarily happy.

I hope if you continue w/ your original plan it works out. and that the process goes faster than expected heart.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-11 10:46:00
United KingdomPlease help... I am so confused
I dunno if you have yet...but have you put down any deposits for the wedding yet? If you haven't you need not stress out so much. Also, it is advisable to be aware that the process does cost a good chunk of money. Everyone's situation is different but I know for a good many of us it wasn't easy paying all the fees. I would keep that in mind before putting any more money towards a June 09 wedding.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-08 09:44:00
United KingdomI simply can't believe this!
I don't think it is going to help going about criticizing this guy.

Best wishes to you. Has he taken the drug test yet? How did it come out?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-22 16:41:00
United KingdomI simply can't believe this!
Go to GNC or Vitamin World type places and get Golden Seals. It is some herbal supplement that cleans out your system.

It works...believe me on that one!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-21 15:09:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 23 2008, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jul 23 2008, 02:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 23 2008, 01:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jul 22 2008, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 21 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone. I just spoke to Toby and he siad it's going to be about $250 a month to add me to his work insurance, which is what he plans on doing - but although I know that's a lot less than other people pay. I just find that so obscene when i'm used to freebies on the NHS.

Here recently i've been to the doctors 5 times (in a 3 week period) because I kept getting tingling in my arms and legs - after a multitude of blood tests - the diagnosis is anxiety and stress brought about my all the hassle of emigrating. Not depression I hasten to add!! No treatment necessary - the doc just told me to try and 'chill out'.. HA!!!

*edit - my spelling is shocking!


Is that $250 in addition to what he is already paying or is that for coverage for the entire family now? Also, how good is the coverage b/c it still seems like a lot to me.


He said it's JUST for me, but the deductible is only $500, and it covers dental too. Is that a lot?


I pay $130 per month for Nicky and myself and our deductable is $250 for eligible in network services and 100% for preventitive care. Neither of us had to submit to any medicals.

Allied is our carrier, and it could be my company hammered out a good deal with them. But for the other 2 major companies I have worked for the benefits have been similar. The only thing I can think of is did they have you submit a medical listing any pre-existing conditions (for example, if you have Multiple Scerosis that would explain such a high monthly rate).


I don't have any pre existing medical conditions that I am aware of, what made you say MS I wonder, is it because I said I had tingling limbs?


No, I was just using MS as an example of a pre-existing condition that might warrant the company declining...or giving a very high rate - on coverage.

Really, it's good you have insurance now which is what really matters. But I would encourage you and your husband to look over the policy carefully.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-24 08:44:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 23 2008, 01:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jul 22 2008, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 21 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone. I just spoke to Toby and he siad it's going to be about $250 a month to add me to his work insurance, which is what he plans on doing - but although I know that's a lot less than other people pay. I just find that so obscene when i'm used to freebies on the NHS.

Here recently i've been to the doctors 5 times (in a 3 week period) because I kept getting tingling in my arms and legs - after a multitude of blood tests - the diagnosis is anxiety and stress brought about my all the hassle of emigrating. Not depression I hasten to add!! No treatment necessary - the doc just told me to try and 'chill out'.. HA!!!

*edit - my spelling is shocking!


Is that $250 in addition to what he is already paying or is that for coverage for the entire family now? Also, how good is the coverage b/c it still seems like a lot to me.


He said it's JUST for me, but the deductible is only $500, and it covers dental too. Is that a lot?


I pay $130 per month for Nicky and myself and our deductable is $250 for eligible in network services and 100% for preventitive care. Neither of us had to submit to any medicals.

Allied is our carrier, and it could be my company hammered out a good deal with them. But for the other 2 major companies I have worked for the benefits have been similar. The only thing I can think of is did they have you submit a medical listing any pre-existing conditions (for example, if you have Multiple Scerosis that would explain such a high monthly rate).
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-23 08:56:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 21 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone. I just spoke to Toby and he siad it's going to be about $250 a month to add me to his work insurance, which is what he plans on doing - but although I know that's a lot less than other people pay. I just find that so obscene when i'm used to freebies on the NHS.

Here recently i've been to the doctors 5 times (in a 3 week period) because I kept getting tingling in my arms and legs - after a multitude of blood tests - the diagnosis is anxiety and stress brought about my all the hassle of emigrating. Not depression I hasten to add!! No treatment necessary - the doc just told me to try and 'chill out'.. HA!!!

*edit - my spelling is shocking!


Is that $250 in addition to what he is already paying or is that for coverage for the entire family now? Also, how good is the coverage b/c it still seems like a lot to me.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-22 06:51:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
Hmmm...it could just be the company I work for but I didn't need to give any medical information to get Nicky covered.

In the past several months I lost 30 lbs through weight watchers...it was an excellent program that emphasized portion control instead of cutting out certain foods (especially sweets...my downfall ;-). I know a lot of people reacted quite negatively (and to be fair the person who posted about weight loss perhaps didn't approach the subject in the best way) but it will impact your life in many more positive ways than just being eligible for insurance. The confidence you gain from taking control of that aspect of your life will help you in other areas too.

Anyways, I just noticed how old this thread is and I wish you the best with your insurance endeavors!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-21 15:58:00