ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
Tonight I'm making beef taco skillet - this is SO good!

1 lb. ground beef (or substitute 1 package of soy crumbles as I do for a healthier veg option)
1 can Campbell's Tomato soup (reduced sodium)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
6 flour tortillas cut into 1 inch pieces

Cook beef until well browned, pour off fat.
stir in soup, salsa, water, tortillas. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 min. Stir and top with cheese.

I also add corn, onions and peppers.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-18 10:36:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Jul 17 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Tonight we are going to Becco http://www.becco-nyc.com/

It's one of Lidia's restaurants! Can you tell we love eating at chef's we see on tv's restaurants!


YAY I went there with my Dad and stepmom in Dec! It's SO good! They give you these breadsticks at the table that you'll be unable to stop eating! And the portions are family size, SO GOOD! Enjoy smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-17 16:46:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
Making quesadillas with cheese, onions and peppers and nachos too biggrin.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-17 13:11:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
QUOTE (autumnchik @ Jul 16 2009, 09:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And I have to say .... I think we are going to the first fair of the season on Saturday (I am ridiculously enamored with fairs and am going to try to go to as many as I can this summer and early fall). Of course, fairs = yummy and incredibly bad for you food!!! I want fried dough SOOOO badly. Up here in NH, people eat their fried dough with cinnamon and sugar or maple syrup. I grew up in CT, and tomato sauce on fried dough was the way to go. At fairs here, the fried dough vendors usually ask me if I am from CT when I ask for sauce, and not everyone has it sad.gif So cross your fingers that I get my sauce this weekend!!!


MMMM! That sounds like a Canadian Beaver Tail luv.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-16 20:29:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jul 16 2009, 08:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Jul 15 2009, 10:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My KD tasted like #######. I think I put too much milk in it, was all slimy ew.


People like my Kraft Dinner - someone said to me once, wow this is good, what do you do - well, I actually measure the milk laughing.gif


laughing.gif Now that's a good idea! I never measure, I just throw everything in there
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-16 08:59:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
My KD tasted like #######. I think I put too much milk in it, was all slimy ew.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-15 21:57:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (bowflex @ Aug 13 2009, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 13 2009, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well the 'crossing their fingers' comment - I meant that figuratively. However, if you are saying the oath and not truly believing it - well you get my drift.

Personally, I don't think that saying the oath and not meaning it is in any way disrespectful to people who have died in wars - that's stretching it a bit in my opinion - however, it is interesting that so many have a different take on what that oath actually stands for.

Oh I definitely knew you weren't saying it literally but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's been done in the past. That's just sort of a blatant way of showing you don't really care what you're doing that it'd bother me.

I actually don't even really compare the actual oath to showing respect for soldiers and really just the American people. I'm more speaking of those who will take the oath but really have no interest or desire to become an American citizen. I get very defensive sometimes on these types of issues just because of what I saw my wife's family go through for all those years while trying to take that very oath and feel that they're part of this country. Whenever I read that someone simply moved to the United States because their SO had a better job than they did or something when they're already living in a country comparable to the US, it kind of frustrates me. I know it's exactly 100% not my business but that doesn't keep my illogical feelings from coming in LOL.

I view the spousal visa as sometimes being misused as some couples use it to be together for a few years and then fully plan on moving away once someone retires or something like that. Granted it's completely legal and most people don't have a problem with it, but I do. My wife's family moved away from their country to give their kids a better life and a brighter future and deserved a spot in the USA probably more than most of us do just for that reason. I'm not trying to start a debate or a fight, just wanted to clarify where I come from smile.gif

I only post these kinds of feelings in the Canada Forum because I fully know that everyone here reads these kinds of things and actually thinks about it instead of just ripping it apart. Plus you guys help me understand the country that my in-laws are now living in much better and keep me updated on new Tim Horton news as well LOL.


I understand what you're saying, but... what if it's true? (the bolded part). Canada is at least equal to the US in many ways, so what's wrong with moving here just to be with your SO? You make it sound wrong to move here from Canada because of the reasons I decided to move here. Obviously it wasn't to get to a better life, because Canada is equal or better (IMO). What's wrong with living here for a few years and then moving back to Canada? Just because we move here, we need to stay forever?

JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-13 10:36:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (littlepoem @ Aug 12 2009, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I want to say thanks to everyone that got involved in this discussion. It gave me a lot to think about. I wonder if I could say the oath with my fingers crossed behind my back. Somehow that seems unfair lol....however, it made me think about someone from another country taking the Canadian oath and not meaning it, that would probably tick me off....hehe...

Kathryn all the best to you!!! Congrats, you will do great!


Well you could do what Flames did, and wear a piece of Canadian clothing when taking the oath!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 13:20:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (Naked_Smurf @ Aug 12 2009, 01:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Aug 12 2009, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rob, so if you and Mel do decide to eventually move to Canada, and Mel decides to take the oath so one day you can move back to the US and she sees it as more of a convenience than anything else, you'll disagree with your wife becoming a US Citizen?


We've had this discussion and she will remain a permanent resident because she feels that Canada is and always will be her home, and where he heart is. If we move to Canada, and I am faced with the situation, I don't know what my decision would be, but I would not take the citizenship oath for superior health insurance tongue.gif


I feel that way too, but will still become a citizen here because to me, it's just on paper. Sorry, but that's just the way I feel. My husband has no problems with that and completely understands where I'm coming from, he sees it as a convenience for me as well
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 12:37:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
Rob, so if you and Mel do decide to eventually move to Canada, and Mel decides to take the oath so one day you can move back to the US and she sees it as more of a convenience than anything else, you'll disagree with your wife becoming a US Citizen?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 12:30:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (Naked_Smurf @ Aug 12 2009, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But in any oath of citizenship, they are asking you to place your allegiance to that country first. Doing so with no intent to actually do that, to gain access to services or employment is disrespectful to the citizens of that country.

QUOTE (JillA @ Aug 12 2009, 10:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think that everyone's reason to be or not to become a US citizen is a deeply personal choice, with many different reasons for and against. I don't think any of them are wrong, because it is personal. To each his/her own!


If you're not going to take the oath seriously, then I think there is something wrong with it. There is a huge difference between being a citizen and a permanent resident. Nothing wrong with remaining a permanent resident, that is your choice. But, there are clear expectations deliniated in the oath of citizenship.


So I have to take the quote "bear arms" seriously? I find that part of the oath ridiculous, to be honest
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 12:04:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
I think that everyone's reason to be or not to become a US citizen is a deeply personal choice, with many different reasons for and against. I don't think any of them are wrong, because it is personal. To each his/her own!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 12:00:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
Good luck at your interview Kathryn, be sure to let us know how it goes! So do you actually become a citizen on Thursday or is that later?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 20:51:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
Like the Treble, one of the reasons I will eventually, most likely, become a citizen here is so I can vote.... that is extremely important to me. Also, in the future my husband and I may move to Canada and I wouldn't want to lose my permanent residence here. Finally, we plan on having children and I'd like to have US citizenship as my kids will. But, it won't bother me because I'm 100% Canadian, always will be and the US citizenship will be on paper only, pretty much. It's more for logistical purposes than anything, I know who I am smile.gif Oh and I don't ever want to deal with USCIS again when that time comes either laughing.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 19:06:00
CanadaExchange Rates
QUOTE (CDAgirlMI @ Jun 2 2009, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hell Yeah!
I'm hoping it goes to $1.10 + like last year!! Today it's at $0.92. Only last week or the week before it was at $0.86.

The question though is how much? Did any of you who already moved, move your ENTIRE savings/funds? I'm talking money, not including RRSP's. Or did you leave any money in Canada?


I left quite a bit in my Cnd account. I would have literally lost thousands if I transferred it when I moved. So I'm keeping it safe and sound there until it's worth the transfer
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-02 18:49:00
CanadaExchange Rates
Yeah my Dad told me that yesterday, the dollar should be at par again soon. I am waiting patiently to transfer all the $$ in my Cnd bank account! The day it goes to an excellent rate I'm transferring the whole amount!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-02 17:07:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (KnJ @ Oct 9 2009, 05:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
PEACHEY!!! YAY!

One lady wouldn't give me the date my P3 was logged, just that it was "July" which I thought was very strange.

I just called, I thought they'd left me in hold purgatory because it went past 5pm.. anyway I got through, and still no interview. I think I'm "next" in line.

My voodoo magic is currently set for Montreal to email me on Monday to tell me my date.

Geez I hope they didn't just make a policy that they aren't divulging interview dates on the phone or by email. That would suck.


Montreal will be closed on Monday, for Thanksgiving! Lucky buggers get Can and US holidays
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-09 16:22:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (dutchmatt @ Oct 1 2009, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danu @ Oct 1 2009, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Oct 1 2009, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danu @ Oct 1 2009, 03:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Oct 1 2009, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another question: I got a response from the Consulate about the photos for DS 156. Operator 5 said, "You can attach it". I'm not sure if that means I should attach it or I can just bring them with me to the interview. So I fired another e-mail to clarify.

Did anyone attach photos to the DS 156 they sent in in response to P3? Thanks.

Tina


I didnt have to send in the 156, but I didnt send any photos with my packet.


It's all very confusing because on one page under photographs, it does say two photos will be requested at the interview. I'm assuming that those are for the two copies of DS 156 they wanted. Therefore if we attached it, we won't need to bring it with us to the interview because they already have it?


Unless it takes forever to get the interview and they require you to get new photos done...


How can you be required to take new photos? How would they know when they were taken?

Either way, photos are NOT "required" in the P3. However, I am sure if they were sent in that would be fine too. Entirely up to you.


Most photo places stamp the date on the back, that's how they'd know when they were taken
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 15:22:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Yes you do say the medical is obtained, because you will have it when you go for the interview. Even if you don't actually have the police cert, med results, you still say you do.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 12:26:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Oct 1 2009, 07:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danu @ Oct 1 2009, 03:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I just realized my NOA2 expires on the 7th. I know its no need to panic but I emailed them to request the extension just incase (I know that they usually extend the NOA2's automatically but hell, I dont trust them)



Mine was way expired by the time I had my interview and I never did anything and they automatically extended it, no worries.


Yeah that's totally normal, mine was over a year ago and it expired too.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 08:55:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Well the positive side of moving back in with the 'rents is how much money you'll save... I gave my notice for July 1 of last year, moved in with my Mom for a bit over 4 months, then moved here with quite a nice stash saved away!! If I had still be paying $1050 a month in rent, plus all my bills, I would have moved with little to no savings!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-29 18:03:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 29 2009, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I sadly can't get it month by month.
It's either a year contract or nothing.
I really dont want to have to move back home after being by myself for 7 months sad.gif


What province are you in?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-29 17:49:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Sep 29 2009, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Still waiting for packet 3...it was mailed Sept 25, but it's still not here. Doesn't it only take regular mail 2-3 days from Montreal to Toronto?? unsure.gif

Tina


Not really.... Since Sept. 25 was a Friday, depending what time it was mailed it could have only actually gone out yesterday.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-29 12:51:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
It's definitely annoying not knowing... my boss and co-workers would literally ask me weekly "when is your interview, when are you moving" and they didn't believe it when I said "I don't know!" It's like they just don't get it.... no one does, unless you're in this situation!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-23 19:01:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Sep 22 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A co-worker of mine asked me today if I had picked out a date for my last day (i.e. When I'm quitting). As if I have a choice!!

But that brings up a point... I plan to move IMMEDIATELY after getting my visa. I was hoping to have some time between the interview and the move date, but now I don't think I will, given that it's taking SO F'ING LONG for Montreal to book interviews. I want to move in January ideally, so there's not much choice... anyways... Now I'm concerned about when to actually quit. Cause it's not like I can say I'm going to quit, have them find a replacement, and then be like 'oops, I failed, I need my job back'. lol I also don't want to be like 'ok yes, I'm officially quitting now, because I got my visa'... wacko.gif


Can you give 2 weeks notice (the standard) as soon as you are back to work from your interview? When you say immediately, do you mean the day after?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-22 18:47:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Spoom @ Sep 22 2009, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Argh. This whole waiting game is making me depressed.

My fiancée's parents want to send out the invitations now, and I'm faced with either telling them to go ahead or telling them to wait... they're convinced, however, that I'll have the interview in time and that we're just making a big deal out of nothing. I think they have much more faith in the American government than I do.

DoS won't tell me anything now other than "no interview date set". They refuse to give estimates.


That's a tough one... USCIS clearly tells us NOT to make any wedding/moving plans until we have the visa in hand.... you never know what type of delays or issues can come up at the interview. Not trying to worry you, but that's why I didn't plan the wedding ahead of time... the fear of sending out invites and then being rejected at the interview or having a late interview just made me bag the whole thing. Can you at least wait until you have the date before sending out the invites?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-22 16:09:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (domegirl1978 @ Sep 9 2009, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Called DOS just onw. GOT MY INTERVIEW DATE. I'm going on Sept. 28th, 2009 at 8AM in Montreal. They told me my packet 4 was sent out yesterday so I should get it next week. Only leaves me with about 2 weeks to make sure I have everything after that. I'll make a new post once I get the packet 4 just to make sure with all of you guys that I have everything I need.

So call DOS everybody. Maybe you have a date too. I hope so. Good luck to all! kicking.gif


That's so exciting, congrats! And nice to see them handing out dates again!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-09 09:08:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Aug 19 2009, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all... this is the first time I've poked my head in here... I guess I'll be waiting for an interview in Montreal soon. They just received our case today (I think... according to when NVC said they sent our case, and tracking on the DHL website thingie). Don't have packet 3 yet, so still a few steps in between before an interview can be scheduled, but still thought I'd say hi.

Is it REALLY a 5-7 month wait!??!?! I almost threw the phone across the room when I heard that on the menu when I called Montreal today. lol


No Ahsen, don't worry it's not... they always give that timeframe out as "worst case" scenario and also I guess so people don't bug them for a date.... but you'll have one before that!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-19 16:21:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Congrats Inky!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-10 16:50:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Inky @ Jul 20 2009, 03:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
how can you still be denyed entry if you have a valid legal K-1 visa? Iv never heard of this.


They mean denied entry before being issued a visa... going to the US as a regular visitor
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-20 14:45:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Toronto Guy @ Jul 9 2009, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone from the Wednesday interviews been able to track their visa yet on Canadapost? Ours is still non-existent.


Usually it's not trackable until it's in your mailbox. Mine never showed up on CP website, even after I got it!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-09 20:01:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
What peeves me off the most is that this is not something one would normally do. It's the first time for all of us, and like SO SORRY if I don't put the right paper first under the slot, I've never done it before! You think they'd be more freaking patient and understanding, gosh.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-09 15:50:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Amber: What a bloody b1tch!! I hate people like that. Don't take your miserable mood and attitude on others. GRRRR well at least you were approved smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-09 12:52:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Congrats Kristin! That's wonderful news! Small world it is. I was suprised too to see the interviewer in regular clothes, but like Krikit said, it is just a normal office! Then once you get through the POE, you won't be able to relax until TOGUY gets his Green Card laughing.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-08 15:24:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (hapycloud @ Jun 21 2009, 09:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey all!! So my fiance and I decided to book a hotel in Montreal (even though he lives outside Montreal) for the interview. Reason being: they are freaking closing the bridge near his house and there is goign to be a huge detour to get into the city so he said lets just be safe than sorry don't want to be stressed out super early in the morning on the way to the interview.

So anyways, my question is this: If check out time is at noon, should we check out before we go to the consulate? We were hoping to just check out after the interview. If worse case scenario it is getting close to the check out time I (the USC) could just leave to go check out. What do you all think? Any guidance would be appreciated. I think we are going to be out of there before 11, but I am nervous about it.


I think you'll be fine to check out after the interview, to be safe ask for a late checkout! Most if not all hotels offer a late check out. As long as you go early (before 7am) you should be out by 10!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-21 21:10:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (tprtgurl @ Jun 16 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

The Montreal Consulate was to receive my packet 3 on April 29th/09. I checked with Canada Post and it was apparently received successfully but when I called the Department of State each week afterward they said "the Consulate never received my Packet 3" and eventually on June 09th, they've resent it to me...my only concern is that I am now going to be put to the back of the line for an interview. Has anyone else here had this happen to them? Any suggestions as to what I should do next?

Thanks,

Jessica


Resend it ASAP!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-16 11:36:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Jun 15 2009, 12:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Jun 15 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Jun 15 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Jun 15 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Jun 15 2009, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,

I just read from a post somewhere that Packet 4 asks you to find your parents' marriage certificate?? Does the Montreal consulate ask for that? Just want to make sure that this doesn't surprise me. Thank you!

Tina


Parents marriage cert? No way! They don't ask for that


Oh, thank God! I read that the embassy in Bogota requires that, but I'm glad the Canadian US consulate doesn't.


That would be so wierd if they needed that. What if your parents were never married, what if you were estranged from them, etc. There is no way you could control obtaining your parents marriage cert!


I know, but it's true:

http://bogota.usemba...ntment_temp.pdf

It makes me so glad that I don't live there.


Oh wow, me too! I don't have a baptismal certificate either. I see you need to provide that as well
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-15 11:14:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Jun 15 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Jun 15 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Jun 15 2009, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,

I just read from a post somewhere that Packet 4 asks you to find your parents' marriage certificate?? Does the Montreal consulate ask for that? Just want to make sure that this doesn't surprise me. Thank you!

Tina


Parents marriage cert? No way! They don't ask for that


Oh, thank God! I read that the embassy in Bogota requires that, but I'm glad the Canadian US consulate doesn't.


That would be so wierd if they needed that. What if your parents were never married, what if you were estranged from them, etc. There is no way you could control obtaining your parents marriage cert!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-15 11:04:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Jun 15 2009, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,

I just read from a post somewhere that Packet 4 asks you to find your parents' marriage certificate?? Does the Montreal consulate ask for that? Just want to make sure that this doesn't surprise me. Thank you!

Tina


Parents marriage cert? No way! They don't ask for that
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-15 10:58:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (ruby_mtl @ Jun 12 2009, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yay for all of US getting a July interview!!!! That's right i said it US Just called DOS after seeing all these May people with interview and mine is July 31st!!! YAY!!!!

It's gonna be a busy day for me as I'm leaving for Toronto for carnival on that day, but hey! I'm still happy!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


OMG YAY!! So exciting!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-12 10:26:00