Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Congratulations on getting your interview date, Jeraly! Sorry - only just caught up on this thread.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-04-03 06:32:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, Aly! Wow, GEG - you'll probably be the first January filer in the US!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-04-01 05:32:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Congratulations guys! So great to see that UK people continue to be successful! Edited by Alex & Rachel, 12 February 2008 - 06:46 AM.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-02-12 06:45:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Woo! Go debz!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-02-05 06:34:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Yes, good luck debz! I have no doubt that we'll hear good news very soon!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-02-05 04:43:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Congrats! I hope the visa arrives for you soon	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-02-04 10:29:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	QUOTE (barrel_roll @ Jan 24 2008, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Also, to anyone wondering if having your fiancé(e) present at the interview helps, in my case I think it definitely DID. They didn't ask to see any proof of the relationship whatsoever despite us bringing loads of photos and other ####. They didn't even ask to see the letters of intent, oddly. This whole process, medical aside, has been strangely effortless for us. We filed the original I-129F at the end of September, and four months to the day later we've got the visa. Woah, that is speedy! Congrats to you and DD2004!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-01-25 10:14:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Congratulations! But what an experience - that's a lot of questions!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-01-17 16:31:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	Congratulations!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-01-17 12:12:00
United Kingdom	The 2008 United Kingdom Interview Thread!	I figured the dating method I've used for my signature was the safest Great to see so many 'approveds' I can only hope it continues...	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-01-17 11:58:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	I'll dance!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-28 11:45:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (*julez* @ Aug 27 2008, 04:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've had enough with those people in the "What to do tp pass time when you're bored" thread. Idiots. Just needed to vent. I ALMOST posted that the sexual repression must be what was making them so short-tempered and crabby...but best not to go there!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-27 11:42:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Congratulations!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-21 09:10:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Sorry to hear that. I definitely agree that it sounds as if your drink was spiked; how awful! Hopefully he will calm down soon.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-20 11:34:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Ah, apparently you can use the VWP for business purposes, but only: QUOTE For the purpose of the Visa Waiver Program, "business" generally refers to business activities other than the performance of skilled or unskilled labor. Examples of activities that are allowed include: * engaging in international commercial transactions, which do not involve gainful employment in the United States (such as a merchant who takes orders in the U.S. for goods manufactured abroad, or who travels to the U.S. to purchase American-made goods for export from the U.S.); * negotiating contracts; * consulting with business associates; and * participating in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences, or seminars. There are, however, specific visas available for performance artists. Presumably this is what Amy Winehouse would have had to apply for.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-18 07:53:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	I think because she was going to perform and therefore earn money. Doesn't the use of the VWP stipulate that you're not to earn any money while you're over there?	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-18 06:18:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 10 2008, 10:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So I'm feeling lonely tonight. Last night I went out with some friends and today I just cleaned up... now I'm alone in the house and find myself missing my Billy. Just tried watching movies but everything seems so quiet! So just thought I would blab in the off-topic thread. Um... some good news! I was contacted by my psychology professor (Bath Spa University) who asked if I wanted to take part in some research with him and a scientist from the Unviersity of London - I'm so excited and flattered that he asked me! It's about brain differences in homosexuals, and I'm going to make it my dissertation. Aw! I know the lonely feeling - recently moved into my friend's house while she's away. Been spending several evenings alone suddenly after having hung out with my friends nearly every day for a few months. My solution was to watch lots of comedies and groom the cat. That dissertation sounds really interesting, I hope you have fun! QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 10 2008, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone. I'm back from my hols. (Did you know I was gone? ) Had a lovely time... brought back tons of chocolate and food. British Airways lost my luggage in Barcelona and we were stuck trying to find the basics in London. Apparently men's underpants are pretty special at $50 in London. Trying to catch up on everything in VJ now. Welcome back! Sorry to hear about the lost luggage - know from experience that it's absolutely no fun at all. Mmm, chocolate... QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Aug 11 2008, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks for the congrats guys One of the first things we did as a married couple, was go out for ice cream and then went and bought a new bed. I haven't slept so well in a while. Ooh, hurrah for the new bed!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-12 03:56:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	I'm going to be living in a big city and I'm still concerned about getting to make friends. I'll be out on the very edge of the suburbs so few places around, and I don't drive yet. Learning to drive is going to have to be a priority or else it's going to become extremely boring extremely quickly!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-07 03:45:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Good morning, Charles!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-04 08:24:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 3 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Anyways, this morning I was dreaming about getting my period and having stomach cramps... and then I woke up to find that it wasn't a dream. I have work today, as well. My period seems to be every 5 weeks now, and usually quite painful. Does anyone else have this? You have my sympathies! Have you considered going on the pill? I know not everyone wishes to but if you have no objections it can help tremendously with heavy flow and pain. QUOTE (Jeraly @ Aug 3 2008, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I can totally relate to the heat too - it's like 100-110 every day here and right now because I am poorly I can't catch my breath if I am anywhere warm... not too great in the desert I've been bedroom-ridden for the past three days and it is driving me nuts. To top it off, we got a bill for $157 yesterday for a service we never even received and I just flipped. I am sick of not knowing how to handle things here - at home I would have been straight on the phone (as we have 24 helplines there) to sort things out, but here it doesn't work like that. Jeremy informed me yesterday that the $300 taken from us by Bank of America will never get back to us - it just won't. So that pi$$ed me off too - why should companies just be allowed to take money from people? It seems totally unethical yet here it is apparently normal? I just don't get it. That does seem extremely unethical! I'm sorry you've had so many problems thrown at you recently, Aly. English Muffin - I am so sorry to hear what has happened. Good luck with moving on and with moving to a new state, too!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-08-04 05:48:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Eek! Good luck and I hope that you don't barf! Ugh...follow on from that earlier telephone conversation. The guy rang back and my boss was still out of the office so he just chewed my ear off for ten minutes because 'he has to get back to me tomorrow or the complaint will be closed'. The complaint being one that my boss logged more than two months ago. The guy says he rang five days ago but he certainly did not ring me, and in any case, he doesn't really have a right to yell at me for not passing on a message to an absent boss when the first I heard about his response to the complaint was shortly after lunchtime today! And this is supposedly the 'customer service' desk.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-06-10 11:43:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Mm, gotta love the out-sourcing of helplines. Man: Your boss, please. Me: I'm afraid he's out of the office this afternoon. Man: I CALL REGARDING BT COMPLAINT MUST SPEAK WITH YOUR BOSS. Me: Um, I'm afraid he really is out of the office this afternoon. He is at a meeting. Man: He is not in office? Me: No, he is at a meeting. Man: Get him to call me. Can I take your name? Me: Yes, my name is Rachel. Man: Please repeat. Me: Rachel. Man: I'm sorry, how do you spell Rachel. Me: R-A-C-H- Man: R-A-E-H- Me: No, C-H- Man (interrupting): R-A-E-H-C-H, how do you say name please. Me (but you just said it!): It's Rachel and it's R-A-C-H-E-L not E-H- Man (interrupting again): Okay bye.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-06-10 07:10:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Morning Charles! And I wish the same to you. TGIF! Happy belated birthday, maven.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-06-06 07:34:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (rkl57 @ Jun 3 2008, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Jun 3 2008, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Robin -- don't I remember hearing you say you and your husband had this idea for a cheese delivery service on a motorbike? It had a really funny/punny name... Cheesey Rider! Haha, that's awesome! QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jun 3 2008, 07:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have the same problem, but you can get these chewable tablets from Walgreens called lac-taid. You chew one right before you eat dairy and it helps keep you from bloating. I just emailed all the foodies I work with the link...we're all drooling over the cheese restaurant! Ooh, thank you to you and Krikit for the tips! I'll probably look out for those tablets when I move to the US. I've also just thought that another option is to try more sheep and goats cheeses. QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Jun 3 2008, 07:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I also love this from the Caseus website: OUR GOAL IS TO PAMPER YOU WHILE EATING AT CASEUS. ANY REQUEST WILL BE CONSIDERED WITH THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. Now that's what you want to hear!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-06-04 08:19:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	I want to love cheese, but too much dairy makes me so uncomfortable and bloated! However...I think I can afford to have a little cheddar on my vegetable mash tonight. Mm, cheesy mash!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-06-03 12:25:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Haha, that's awesome! Good afternoon. What a miserable day it is here...non-stop rain.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-06-03 10:41:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Congratulations Julez! Funny how weeks can go by and bring nothing but disappointment and then suddenly there's a rush of good news all at once - not that I'm complaining!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-29 12:16:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (Poiteen @ May 23 2008, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Poiteen @ May 23 2008, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Maybe a thread called UK FAQ, with links to wiki pages containing all the relavent info about the above? So it's easy to find, but can be put in a clear format and interlinked too Yes, no??? I say yes. That way people who may not see the wiki otherwise will be directed there, and the wiki pages can be kept up to date whereas the OP of a thread cannot.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-24 18:44:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	It's not just you; I spent ages wondering why a two-year-old thread was still stickied before I noticed people had replied recently to it! I'm not implying in any way that animals or material goods are comparable - not at all! Was just thinking what could be combined. Although thinking about it, a general 'FAQ' sticky that combines information that is unlikely to change anytime soon - such as, a how-to on how to renew your passport, where to download the new police certificate application form, and a link to the list of required vaccinations on the USCIS page might be best? I am happy to make a new thread. I know I come here for information first rather than the wiki. Edited by Alex & Rachel, 23 May 2008 - 11:49 AM.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-23 11:48:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Hmm, could two threads be combined? Say, how to move your pets to the US and shipping in general? If we were to drop one, I'd choose the medical thread as we don't have a similar stickied interview thread, and the OP is quite old.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-23 11:34:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Well, the one thing I can say for the patriotic wedding dress is that it is a flattering cut! And thank you for directing to my attention to uglydress.com - I'd seen that site before, but not before it was redesigned/updated! I love rediscovering old, amusing sites.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-23 11:14:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ May 22 2008, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Alex and Rachel the MOB dress OMG I can´t imagine any mother to wear those. It´s so fancy and sugary and everything Do you know how much fancier the bride´s dress would have to be if MOB was wearing these and the bride would like to stand out a little bit more? Haha, I hadn't thought of that...oh my, she'd have to wear something huuuuge! Now, where was that photo of the bride whose dress was so large she had difficulty fitting into the car - I imagine it'd have to look something like that! Thank you, Kathy - I hope you have a very good weekend, too!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-23 09:15:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Well I missed out on the doggy poo stories, so here's mine (I'll spoiler it for those with delicate constitutions!) Our flatcoat retriever ate socks, too. Was addicted to them for about 6 months. Fortunately they always passed through her without any problems. She's now rid herself completely of that habit and she and her son just stick to eating old, smelly cow pats instead. Yuck! Her son is a bit of a pickle and will eat any food you leave out. One year he ate both my birthday cakes. He was so hyper for the rest of the day. QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 21 2008, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am getting married in a conservatory...so I didn't feel the need to get flowers LOL. I also have a friend who is a amateur photographer, and all she is charging me for is the photo paper and the dark room fees. I would suggest getting some photographer...it would be nice to have something to save for the future. I would try asking around to see if anyone knows an amateur who would like to get the experience under their belt. I found out in Chicago that just hiring an officiant cost on average around $400...which is ridiculous for someone to come say a few words for 20 minutes. Basically Nicky and I are going into the courthouse the day before to have a civil ceremony, and then for the ceremony I'm having one of my closest friends officiate. Nicky even wrote the ceremony himself...I'm rather proud of him! We're just having a MoH and a Best Man for attendants. Not only does it cut on costs, but also it avoids (at least with women) the drama that can go along with picking bridesmaids. Our reception is at a local Irish Pub that has a nice party room in the basement. There is a bar down there and a soundsystem, so Nicky is just loading up his iPod to hook up in there. We're having a finger food buffet type thing, and we're doing a champaign toast and buying 1 round of drinks. As my family is Irish American and his is Scottish, our families and friends could easily bankrupt us booze-wise, so after the first round they have to fend for themselves (although we'll provide free pop and water the whole time). For a dress...for example, go to www.houseofbrides.com . If you go to look at bridesmaid dresses, there are tons that look like wedding dresses and even come in white. Don't ask me why someone would want to dress their bridesmaids in long white dresses but I suppose it happens. Anyways, I got my dress for $250 - basically because it was a bridesmaid dress as opposed to a wedding dress. Actually, this is my dress: http://www.houseofbr...p...=443&page=5 No one (unless I told them) knows that it is really a bridesmaid dress. The really expensive part really was the venue. Though if I had done an outdoor ceremony I would needed to rent a tent (Chicago weather is notoriously fickle) and it would have ended up costing the same. I think it was a little over $1000 altogether. I would see if you know someone who has a nice garden who would be willing to host the ceremony. Other than that if you need advice just PM me. Mine wedding is a month from today... Thank you for this post. Your wedding sounds like it will be lovely! I love the dress, and that site seems to have its wires crossed in general - I mean, they're recommending this for the MOB: http://www.houseofbr...?productid=3691 (I am sure someone's mother would manage to carry it off, but it'd be a very rare person who could do so!) My friend is currently taking a photography course and has offered to take a few photos. I've never liked another photo someone else has taken of me but at the very least it would be prudent to have a few for AOS/proving a valid relationship somewhere down the line! $1000 sounds good to me for a venue and finger food! That's all I'd be asking for, really. Choosing a dress is going to be difficult, I fear. I don't want to particularly stand out but it'd probably be best if I wasn't mistaken for a guest, either. White's not a very slimming colour, and I can't quite decide what's a flattering cut. Ideally I'd like something with long sleeves, but not sleeves that were too see-through (i.e. not lace). I'm thinking a pale coloured dress with a v-neck, 3/4 length-full length sleeves, fitted waist and a tea-length skirt.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-22 07:20:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Work? A job? Oh wait...I do have one of those. Sorry to hear you are feeling down, julez. I really hope that you are able to find a house soon.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-21 08:45:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Good afternoon! QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 20 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The only thing is I wish I would have booked things earlier...I decided to wait until I had graduated from uni (this past December) to start wedding planning. But honestly planning a wedding in 6 months is a tall order...even a relatively simple one like mine and Nicky's! But really most places required only a deposit, and then full payment a month or a few weeks before (as our wedding is a month from tomorrow...the next few weeks are going to be VERY hard on my poor visa card lol). I do feel a bit sad that most of the guests will be from my side of the family, friends and work. Thankfully we only have about 30 - 40 people coming...a manageable number. I guess Nicky and I could always go down to the casino in Joliet and play the slots LOL. Not quite the same as Vegas, but as close as I can get! Yeah; I'm hoping to avoid most of the pit-falls of planning a wedding in six months by sticking to the basics and doing as many things as possible myself. I've cut out everything we don't really need (flowers, photographer, attendants, DJ, etc.) and just need a place to host it, maybe a caterer (unless we go the cold food route) and an officiant. Our guest list is so far at 70-80 people, all of whom invited themselves. I'm hoping that maybe half those people decide they're unable to make it. QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ May 20 2008, 09:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If I had had my druthers, we would have eloped. It's a long story, but my wedding day was a disaster even with just 5 guests and sowed the seeds of discord between my brother and me. Some evening, when I'm tired and emotional (read: drunk), I will post the whole sorry story. Suffice to say that there is no pleasing some people, and you should never hope problems will go away without tending to them sufficiently. I am sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your wedding day. I'm often a little too good at ignoring problems, so I'll take your advice and try to resolve any that I come across.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-21 08:10:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Thank you, guys! I think I'll follow all of your advice and not confirm the date until after I have the visa in hand. Hopefully I'll still be able to give 3-4 months' notice. We're having it over the Christmas holidays as that way most people don't have to book time off work in advance (I was concerned that people would find it stressful being too close to Christmas but apparently that isn't the case). I really, really wish I were doing the Vegas thing too, only for far more selfish reasons. I'm very fortunate to have family and future in-laws who get along very well (most of the time!) - I just don't want a wedding! It's not me and it's something I've never aspired to have. Ah well.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-20 13:39:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Our guests do know the rough date, but yes, I think I shall just have to advise them that it'd be best not to book plane tickets/accommodation until after the visa is in hand. I'm just being asked by Alex's mother to let her know a date as soon as possible so that a venue can be booked. Might be best to wait to book that, too...	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-20 11:07:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Hurrah for karaoke kitty! maven - awesome; now you know you've written a good paper! By the way, when did everyone fix their wedding dates? I know that the best thing to do is to wait to book anywhere until your visa is in hand, but I'm worried about giving guests enough notice. Anyone book a date before having their visa in hand? I have my NoA2 and would like to fix a date in late December.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-20 10:01:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	Woo! Congratulations maven! A few more for good measure!	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-16 07:03:00
United Kingdom	~Off Topic Thread~	QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ May 15 2008, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Poiteen @ May 15 2008, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> so you do actually read the posts then Charles?? I thought you just posted here to keep your post count up i read ot, polls, mena, canada ot thread, uk ot thread, sub-sahara ot thread, k-1 forum, the "divorce" forum, and the russia forum. it's a toss up between mena and russia as to which is more interesting. We're all too much in agreement here. All cosy with our tea and biscuits and duvets.	Alex & Rachel	Female	England	2008-05-15 10:50:00