Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (awaterlily @ Jun 6 2008, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Uhhh, I've now seen it all. Paris Hilton belly dances at the 2008 Miss Turkey pageant Thanks for posting awaterlily. It was interesting to watch. Hope you and your family and precious little one are all well!!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-06-06 23:32:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (Merk @ Jun 5 2008, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> First CONGRATS to Kennyandhandan for getting their VISA!!!!!!! And I want to let everyone we got our VISA too!!!!! He will be here on the 17th!!!!!!!!! A Big Congratulations and Tebrikler!! Wow, that is wonderful that he will be here in only 10 days!!!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-06-06 23:19:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (kennyandhandan @ Jun 3 2008, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Jun 3 2008, 09:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good luck to Kenny & Handan whose interview is/was today! Thanks a lot, Julia. It went well and Handan's visa was approved TEBRIKLER!!! Very happy for you both!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-06-05 16:58:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (Merk @ Apr 30 2008, 06:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Apr 30 2008, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good luck to Merk whose interview is/was today! Hope you have good news! Insallah! Mina - how are you doing? Are you still planning a trip to Turkey? I hope your husband is coming home to you soon! Thank you Juliaferno-- As far as he was able to tell me the interview went ok, but he got a green slip. my guess is a RFE. They told him as soon as he gets the papers send them with his passport. So I don't know yet. But they did not flat out say no so I guess that is the upside. But the papers went out this afternoon so hopefully he will get them Wed. so not sure Merk, I am so happy that you had your interview and once the other documents you need to send are received, your love will be on his way to you!! Best wishes!!! Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-05-03 13:30:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (mina76 @ May 3 2008, 12:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Apr 30 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mina - how are you doing? Are you still planning a trip to Turkey? I hope your husband is coming home to you soon! Hi Julia, I am doing well thanks, just trying to stay busy as usual and hanging out on VJ has helped a bit to distract me from missing my husband so much! I am sorry though that I have not been coming to the Turkish forum much since it has been so quiet here, not much activity has been going on much with our little group I sure hope to see some approvals soon! I see you are getting ready to send in your packet3 to the embassy or have you send it already? Eitherway I hope you get your interview date soon! Still looking into flights to Turkey for June, our 3rd Anniversary is coming up soon and I want to be able to go in June even if I get there a few days late, hopefully! Anyway I better go and text both Debra and Wendy, I am so behind and need to catch up with everyone! Let me know if you hear anything soon, Good Luck!!! Mina Hi Mina, I am so glad you are planning to go to Turkey in June. What wonderful news!! Still nothing for Yilmaz and I. I hope we hear something by next month. That will be 10 months, so I am hoping to hear by then. I know you know how hard it is to be away from your love, and I am sick and tired of my life being on hold!! Big Hugs to you!! Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-05-03 13:27:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Apr 25 2008, 10:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Selam! I have more questions for all of your experienced Ankara embassy people I am a bit confused as to what Onur should submit with packet 3 and what he should bring to the interview. 1. It looks as if he must submit form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) with Packet 3, but should he also submit my and my co-sponsor's supporting evidence, including copies of tax returns, bank statements, etc? I've read posts where it seems as if people at other embassies bring this information to the interview. 2. Should he submit our original birth certificates with Packet 3, or bring them to the interview? 3. Evidence of relationship. Packet 3 or interview? Cok tesekkur ederim, as always, for your help! ~ Julia Hi Julia, Yilmaz and I submitted all that information with Packet 3. It is important to make an exact copy of what you are sending so you will have it for reference. (I, of course, didn't make an exact copy, but it is highly recommended). Best wishes on your interview. I think everything will go great!!! Ciao, Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-04-25 12:00:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (awaterlily @ Mar 26 2008, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> With the I-130 (cr1/ir1), the embassy will send the agent the last packet, which provides instructions, including request for medical exam. Exam are completed by an approved doctor. Your immigrant spouse needs to bring two recent photos and his up-to-date passport to the med exam. At the interview, he'll need to bring the interview letter and passport and as much supporting documents you can put together such as photos of you two together, copies of letters, cards, emails, chats and from family members sent or addressed to the two of you, who can attest to the validity of your relationship. Get to the embassy early. Wait times vary. Interviews can last from 10 minutes up to an hour. Depending on the interviewer and if they have any extra questions or concerns. Sometimes they ask odd questions, so be prepared. They may ask the same questions multiple times but using different wording. Remember, their job is to protect American interests and make sure there is no evidence of visa fraud. You can contact the embassy via email with questions, too. Ankara embassy visa info found here VJ member interview reviews found here Good luck! QUOTE (Merk @ Mar 25 2008, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone.... I am asking if anyone has information on the interview process in Turkey. After the Embassey gets the packet do they call or send papers telling S.O. what to bring? what to do before the interview. Also can I call them from the US and ask about an interview date? I am so glad you responded to Merk's question also. Yours was so clear and well organized. Hope you are doing well. Did your precious little angel enjoy Easter?	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-03-26 15:00:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (Merk @ Mar 25 2008, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone.... I am asking if anyone has information on the interview process in Turkey. After the Embassey gets the packet do they call or send papers telling S.O. what to bring? what to do before the interview. Also can I call them from the US and ask about an interview date? Hi Merk, The Embassy will send your SO a packet with instructions. He will have to get a physical (from an approved doctor, the doctors will be in the packet). He should receive two packets. A packet with a checklist and instructions and then after he sends some of that information back he should receive another packet with the interview date. I know that Yilmaz and I did not call the embassy. Yilmaz just waited for his packets. However, I know that some people didn't receive the last packet before the interview. You can download the papers that would be in packet four on the embassy website. You can also check to see if you have received an interview date on the embassy website. You can look for your case number (it should start with ANK or something like that, and then your number), on the list they put up (and update weekly usually) to see when your interview date is. Let me know if you have any other questions, and I will try and remember or find out the information (it has been almost a year since Yilmaz's interview). Hope everyone had a happy Easter. Spring is here (Mutlu Bahar!!) Hi Mina - I hope you are doing well and keeping busy to pass the time until you and your hubby are together again. Love to all, Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-03-26 06:48:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (mina76 @ Mar 18 2008, 10:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Everyone, Please excuse me if I cry a little here, but I guess this is where I should be when my husband has to go away for a little while to take care of his mother in Turkey again and be with others who are also missing their loved ones I just got home now from dropping off my husband at the airport and it's always just so hard to separate, even if it is temporary as everyone here knows very well how that can be when they have to also leave their loved ones for a while too. It was an unexpect trip for my husband because his mother is not well and it's hard for my husband to have to suddenly leave everything to go back I just hope that she will get well soon and I hope to see my husband back home soon too. For now I wish to be here with everyone and keep myself busy with my work as it is starting to get busy now until I am with my darling husband again Hi Mina, I am sorry that you have to be separated once again. I hope his mother feels better soon, so you will be back in each other arms. My thoughts are with you. Hugs, Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-03-18 22:19:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Mar 14 2008, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just wanted to share our good news with everyone - Our petition was approved yesterday and our NOA2 is in the mail! NVC and Ankara, here we come! TEBRIKLER!!!! QUOTE (awaterlily @ Mar 14 2008, 05:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sounds like your time is getting closer. GL and KUP QUOTE (wendya @ Mar 12 2008, 09:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No word from Athens. I did find out that they are working on June and July. Yilmaz dropped our waiver off at the Ankara Embassy on August 16, so maybe we will hear something in a couple of months. Hand to God, I hope it is good news when we do hear!!! Wendy Now it is time for a crash diet!!!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-03-14 19:15:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Mar 12 2008, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Julia...hope you'll have a great time in Turkey! What city(ies) will you be visiting? We are returning for a visit next week also (March 20-27) and will be spending time with Ozzy's family in Istanbul as well as Antakya. I remember just this time last year we were going thru the K1 process and it all seemed like such an unlikely possibility. I guess I really didn't completely believe it would happen for us until Ozzy stepped off the plane this past September...so just keep the faith, you'll get there too Wendy...how have you been? Any word out of Athens? Thanks for sharing that cookbook Awaterlily! It sounds great. Even though Ozzy does most of the cooking at our house these days (I am working semi-full time and doing my nursing clinicals in the evenings and he is just home more than I am right now)...I guess it would be nice if I learned how to make some Turkish dishes other than coban salatesi Congrats to everyone who has received recent approvals! We're keeping our fingers crossed for Ozzy's green card approval...we should be hearing from USCIS any day now... Take Care All, Tanya Hi Tanya, Ozzy, and everyone. No word from Athens. I did find out that they are working on June and July. Yilmaz dropped our waiver off at the Ankara Embassy on August 16, so maybe we will hear something in a couple of months. Hand to God, I hope it is good news when we do hear!!! I am so happy for everyone. It seems like things are moving along for all of you. It is so nice to hear. I wish you all continued success and peace. Love, Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-03-12 20:31:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (mina76 @ Feb 21 2008, 05:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Feb 21 2008, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Feb 21 2008, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mmmmm yes, hamsi! I first tried them in a restaurant in Instanbul and loved them! We actually found them (frozen) in a Turkish market in Peterson, NJ (that town has the most awesome Turkish/Middle Eastern section with many markets, halal butchers, barber shops, restaurants, etc!!) and cooked them at home! You can eat them just like french fries - heads, bones and all. It took a while for my kids to work up the nerve to eat fish heads, but they loved them too. That was the dinner when I started to pour some milk for everyone and got a panicked look and quick advice that you can't drink milk with fish (or it could end badly for you)! Am I the only one here who doesn't like hamsi? It's a big joke among me and my fiance's family because one of the first times I visited them they served hamsi and kept loading them on my plate, and ofcourse, wanting to make a good impression and be a polite guest, I ate them all. My father was also with me, who does not like fish at all, and he was creating "little fishy sandwiches" as he explained, in order to get them down. It was pretty funny. I didn't tell my fiance until several months later how I really felt about hamsi and he got a kick out of it, telling me he didn't like it either. Don't feel too bad about it Julia, because I also didn't care much for them either! The thought of also eating the heads was gross enough for me that I made faces just seeing my mother in law eat them right in front of my face with so much gusto! and all my husband did was laughed Don't think I want to tried them again cause once was enough for me! So how is Everyone else doing these days? Greetings and Blessings to Everyone! Mina Hi Mina. How are you? Everything is same for me. Still waiting. Hi Tanya, so happy that you got the military service sorted!! Tebrikler. Merhaba Julie. Nice to see you. Yes, the little fishes are a little gross. And I know what you mean. Yilmaz's sister was creating a nice little pile that she gave me, and I bravely ate them. I too really don't like fish either. Only Lobster, shrimp and scallops. That is about the extent of my fish eating. So, I too was shocked to see a whole fish, but trying to be a good and polite guest, I too bravely ate them. It wasn't as bad as I feared, but I wouldn't choose to eat them again. iyi gunler everyone!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-02-25 22:36:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (awaterlily @ Feb 14 2008, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My husband had the biometrics appointment this morning. Got there abt. 15-20 minutes early. Lobby was empty. They took him in immediately - we never even sat down. Finished in abt. 15 minutes! !!! That is wonderful news!!!! Tebrikler!! QUOTE (mina76 @ Feb 14 2008, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would like to wish all the Turkish/American couples a Happy Valentine's Day! Thank you Mina!! Happy Valentine's to you too!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-02-15 16:45:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (awaterlily @ Jan 24 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> something's wrong with this board tonight..i keep trying to respond to posts and it won't let me! to respond to wendya: are you referring to the little fish that are abt 3 in long? from the Black Sea? They're delicious! Yes, they are the ones!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-01-25 14:43:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (wendya @ Jan 24 2008, 07:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (awaterlily @ Jan 21 2008, 11:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Merrhaba merk - I noticed the timeline in your sig....of course w/o knowing details, I'm surprised your i-129 was rejected and not transferred to the correct service ctr. Otherwise, Good stuff in re to your touches ( i-130?)! Keep us posted. wendya - welcome back! pleased to hear you had such memorable trip. I didn't realize you had been apart for a year. Ouch! Sounds like your trip was much needed and def overdue. Thanks Awaterlily. Yes, it was much too long of a separation!!! Tebrikler on your NOA!!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2008-01-24 19:50:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Bebek Mehmet is cok guzel!! Very handsome. Merk, congrats on your wonderful happenings! Mina, Hi!! So glad to see you. I have not been on the computer much. Hope you are well. Tanya, any baby news yet? Best wishes to everyone	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-09-21 15:13:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Aug 22 2009, 02:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi everyone...I'm still hanging in here. There's some kind of problem with my laptop( overly sensitive mouse pad I think) and I have tried numerous times to post and have been unable to...I'll write a big paragraph and just as I'm about to post, the whole thing disappears...VERY frustrating!! Giving it one more try... Julia, do you mean Onur needs a new Turkish passport? Ozzy needs one too. His expires in December. I would imagine it could be gotten at the Turkish embassy, but I'm not sure. Its something we need to check into as well. Wendy, congrats to Yilmaz's sister! I wish I were giving birth this week! I'm so tired of being pregnant!!! Erika...try not to be so depressed. I think the sooner you stop stressing about it, the sooner it will happen for you. Sometimes it just takes time. My advice is just relax and enjoy your husband...build some memories, just the 2 of you... and sooner or later, you'll be pleasantly surprised You know what they say about a watched pot... Well, nursing school is starting back up this week (my last semester!) and with the baby due soon, things are getting ready to get really "interesting" around my house!! Take care everyone! Tanya Hi Tanya!! Good to see you post I know how frusting the problem you were having with your computer is. That happened to me before when I was trying to send an e-mail. I would write this big paragraph and "boom" would lose it all when I tried to send! Glad yours finally went through! Thanks for the congrats for Yilmaz's sister. It was so funny, Yilmaz called the day she went into the hospital and she heard other mothers giving birth. She got so scared, she told the doctor to give her a cecerian. Now in America, they wouldn't do that, but in Turkey, they did. I have been thinking about you! When in September are you due? Good luck with nursing school (wow, you are a wonder woman!). Enjoy the rest of the summer (boy it flew by!) Hugs, Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-08-23 20:28:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Aug 12 2009, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Jul 30 2009, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Jul 29 2009, 11:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Tanya - how long has Ozzy been able to postpone for? I take it this hasn't caused a problem for him when he has returned to Turkey to visit? What are your long term plans - will he have to do his military service or pay that hefty fee at some point? Hi Julia, Ozzy was able to postpone his military for 2 years at a time. We are getting ready to have to do it again this coming fall/winter for 2 more years. He has had absolutely no problem visiting Turkey in the meantime, although we had a tense moment during this last trip when soldiers stopped our bus and asked to see everyone's ID! I remembered at that moment that I had forgotten to bring his postponement papers and had visions of them hauling him off the bus and away from me for god knows how long! Fortunately all was well tho... I think his longterm plans are to naturalize and that will relieve him of his obligation completely (if I understand it correctly)...although he also talks about the day when we move back to Turkey together permanenty...so I'm not sure how it's all going to end up. As far as I know though, the only way to get out of both doing the service and paying the fee is to change his citizenship. Oh, and congratulations on your new job BTW!! Tanya Thanks for the info, Tanya! I wonder if there is a limit on how many times you are able to postpone. Onur will need to get a new visa sometime before next spring as well - his original is only valid for 2 years (and it cost 200 lira or something crazy like that!) Does anyone know if he can get a new Turkish visa at a Turkish consulate here? How is everyone doing? It has been so quiet here lately! I hope that means everyone is busy enjoying summer Onur got his Advanced Parole documents in the mail yesterday - maybe we'll take a trip up to Canada just to celebrate - it's only 3 hours away! Hoping this means his EAD card is coming soon. How are all of the expecting mommies doing? Anyone getting close? Wendy & Erika - how are your hubbies doing? Stay in touch! Hi Julia and Onur! We are doing okay. Still adjusting to everything (we have our good days and our bad days) Congrats on Onur's EAD. I bet he can't wait to start working! I know I hate the way Yilmaz acts when he is not working! He is so depressed! We have our Bio on Wednesday and then I am hoping to eat at a Turkish Restaurant in the city afterward. (maybe that will cheer him up!) Thanks for asking how we were doing. Best luck to you and Onur and to everyone else. Tanya, how are you doing? How are you feeling? Yilmaz's sister will be giving birth this week we think. Take care everyone! Hugs to ALL!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-08-17 08:45:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Jul 21 2009, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just wanted to share my good news - I got a job teaching 2nd grade! It's at the same school where I did my graduate internship all year. I am very excited! Now we are just waiting for Onur's EAD so he can start working! He's soooo ready. TEBRIKLER Julia!! I know, so is Yilmaz!! Edited by wendya, 28 July 2009 - 06:01 AM.	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-07-28 06:00:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Jul 13 2009, 05:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (wendya @ Jul 13 2009, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well, Yilmaz and I sent our AOS papers via FedEx yesterday. They should receive tomorrow morning Almost made the biggest error, I was sitting at my desk at work and thinking about the money I needed to deposit to cover the cost of AOS and realized the check was still in my purse!!!!! I frantically called FedEx and luckily the package had not been picked up! I rushed down and was able to put the check in before it was picked up today! Thank the Lord!!!!!! I prayed all the way back to the office thanking God I was able to advert this catastrophe!! Lately I don't know where my head has been! Hope everyone is doing well Haha well glad you realized it and all is well The AOS process is stressful & expensive enough! Should go MUCH faster and easier than the visa tho ?n?allah (and at least you are together while you're waiting)! Best Wishes Tanya You are right, at least we are together How long did it take for your AOS? Did you and Ozzy have to go to an interview?	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-07-14 10:33:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Well, Yilmaz and I sent our AOS papers via FedEx yesterday. They should receive tomorrow morning Almost made the biggest error, I was sitting at my desk at work and thinking about the money I needed to deposit to cover the cost of AOS and realized the check was still in my purse!!!!! I frantically called FedEx and luckily the package had not been picked up! I rushed down and was able to put the check in before it was picked up today! Thank the Lord!!!!!! I prayed all the way back to the office thanking God I was able to advert this catastrophe!! Lately I don't know where my head has been! Hope everyone is doing well Edited by wendya, 13 July 2009 - 12:15 PM.	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-07-13 12:14:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Jul 4 2009, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Wendy! Great to hear from you...I hope your heel is better soon! Yes, I definitely want to do dinner soon. I am not due until September so we have time but my belly is getting so big its starting to restrict my ability to eat very much at the same time, which was a bit frustrating in Turkey when I wanted to put away as much delicious food as I could! I found myself completely stuffed way before I was done tasting things... Do you have any pics from your wedding to share? I bet it was gorgeous!! So it sounds like Yilmaz is working already? Thats awesome!! By the way, I loved your solution to the BO discussion! Who could resist a hot bath ready and waiting? And no need to risk hurt feelings, etc....how perfect! Well I got around to posting some of the pics from my trip. Here are some from my digital camera. We brought a couple disposable waterproof cameras too that I still need to get developed and ended up taking pics with our phones one day when my camera battery suddenly went dead, but these are most of them http://viewmorepics....albumId=2792677 Also, there was a photographer at our hotel and he took us to a nearby park one evening and did a little photo shoot with us in the park and on the beach. The pics were cheap...only 5 lira each (no sitting fee)...but Ozzy struck a deal with him and we got all 150 or so pics on disc for only 125 lira! Here are some of the better ones.... http://viewmorepics....albumId=2789120 Tanya Your pictures are cok, cok, guzel!!! What a lovely couple you make and Tanya, you look FANTASTIC!!! Thank you for posting	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-07-06 18:56:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Jun 11 2009, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wendy? I forgot to ask about you You must be in either heaven or hell to not write so long...lol You still in orgasmic bliss after Hawaii or? Totally off topic: How do we get our guys to wear deodorant regularly? Anyone have luck? I know the norm in America is to wear deodorant almost obsessively, but can we have some middle ground? I realized today, after being largely unsuccessful in this department, that I often find myself trying to rush home when out together before "this" becomes problematic....lol Hi Erika and Everyone Wow, it has been long since I last posted. Boy, it has been a roller coaster, with all the thrill, excitement and fear (and some apprehension) included!! Yilmaz and I are adjusting to married life (sometimes I think him better than me). But all in all things are good. I still have not sent in the AOS papers. I was waiting for our Marriage certificate from Hawaii. They had originally said that it could take up to four months to receive!! So of course I paid extra to have it expedited, and low and behold a week after I received the expedited copy, the other arrived!! Boy this process is so expensive. Then of course we were having money issues. I have an old VW convertible bug that I drive on occasion, so until Yilmaz finds a vehicle he can afford, he is using my 2004 VW convertible bug. I had to get the engine overhauled on the older car (cok para!!) and now the back window on the newer car is broken in the down position!! It never ends! I have also been having some issues with my foot. I have a severe pain in the heel. It started before we left for Hawaii and it has continued (you think I would go to the doctor!!). I have it wrapped right now and it is feeling better, but I am limping everywhere! I just want to feel good again!! (and get back to the gym, which is much needed!!) As for the deodorant issue, when we were dating, he always used deodorant, but I noticed that when he came back, he wasn't. So I bought him some and wrote a note, " spray". He has been pretty good about using it! When he comes home from a hard day of working, I have the washer already filled up, and I have a nice hot bath ready for him. This way I know he will be good and clean and nice smelling. Sibel - I am so sorry to hear of your frustration and disappointment!! I wish there was more that we could all do to ease your pain!!! Our prayers are with you Julia - congratulations on your marriage and sending in your AOS papers!!! How is the job search going? Erika - do you have any pictures to post from you trip? How is everything else going with you guys? Camistanbul - continued luck on the job searching. What wonderful news of the Turkish community you have found. That should make things more comfortable for Okan. kenny and handan - Congrats on the Green Card! My prayers are with you for your loss Hi Debra and Candemir Tanya - Welcome back home!! I know how hard travel can be for people who are not pregnant (my ankles swell every time I have a long flight - especially when I go to Hawaii!). I hope you can get some much needed rest. (But I know a mother's work is never done and this is hard to do!) So happy to hear you had a wonderful trip! Would love to see pictures. If you are up to it, maybe a weekend soon we can get together for dinner (before you have the baby, when is your due date again?) Well I am going to try and tackle the AOS papers. (I need to get them sent out soon!!) Happy 4th of July to Everyone!!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-07-03 14:56:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Erika, Great to see you post!! I loved your recounting of your interview! Hope all is well with you and Hamit! Oh, by the way, Yilmaz snors too and hogs the covers!! He also takes up most of the bed!! And right now, he is sick!!! We leave in 5 days! I hope I don't get sick too!! Boy men are babies when they are sick!!! Hugs to you too! Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-05-12 20:39:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (miamiwife @ May 8 2009, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Wendy! Well it sounds like you are going to have a fabulous wedding in Hawaii! How exciting! Please post photos or describe all the details, leis, sunsets, wave height--you name it! I am still waiting. I will be heading to Turkey this summer to see the husband, I just need to try to find a plane ticket and a place for my kitty. Hi Sibel I hope you are right and everything goes well and is fabulous! I do love Hawaii and I hope Yilmaz loves it just as much as I do I will let everyone know how everything goes. I hope and pray for your good news soon!! I am glad that you are going to Turkey, I think it will be good for you both If I lived closer, I would watch your kitty! I love animals and often watch friends and co-workers animals when they go on vacation. Have a wonderful, safe trip to Turkey!! Big Hugs, Wendy QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ May 11 2009, 02:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ May 11 2009, 06:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I SEE YOU TANYA! BOO! LOL I am getting ready for work, but yea he is snoring again and yea he steals covers too. You must be getting close to your trip right? Hows pregnancy going? You enjoy being a domestic goddess so far? You are having a boy or? OK enough questions I gotta go put on my face and tackle some patients today....and poo Hey Erika, yeah I am enjoying the domest?c goddess deal a lot It used to be my dream to be a stay at home mom but unfortunately I never found myself a r?ch man LOL so I eventually gave up on that and decided I m?ght as well have a career...so I guess I get to live the dream for a few months It hasnt even been a week yet and my laundry ?s caught up (for the f?rst t?me ?n...god knows how long) and my house has never been so clean! Im even cooking again on a regular basis...Ozzys pretty happy about that...I think he was starting to wonder if I would ever start cooking again, poor man.... Yeah our tr?p will be June 16-30....I cant wa?t!! Just hope I dont get too is much bigger before then or Im afra?d that long plane r?de ?s go?ng to be REALLY uncomfortable..... The pregnancy is going perfectly now that the morning sickness is over....we had an ultrasound last week and it looks like a baby GIRL Well have fun in poo-ville haha! Tanya Oh Tanya, a little girl!! How wonderful!! Do you have any names picked out yet? Will it be Turkish or American or both? Your trip is only a month away!! I bet you are getting excited! Well enjoy your time home and I hope you continue to feel great!! Hugs and best wishes, Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-05-12 20:37:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Merhaba Herkes!! Congratulations to everyone! Sibel, how are things going? Tanya, how are you enjoying your time off Julia, how are things going with you? Erika, where are you? Well, Yilmaz and I will be leaving for Hawaii on May 18. We will marry on the beach in Oahu on May 21. Then a couple of days later we will leave for the island of Maui. I just need to book some side trips and then everything will be complete. We got Yilmaz's SS # and he is waiting for them to send his card in the mail. Hopefully when we return from Hawaii, we will be able to find him a job! I think he is getting bored and I know the extra money would come in handy Well, in another 1/2 hour I will be done work and we will be going to look for our wedding bands. I have to also have the wedding dress I bought on Tuesday pressed and steamed and ready for travel. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Love and hugs to all, Wendy and Yilmaz	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-05-08 15:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (kennyandhandan @ Apr 18 2009, 04:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ErikaAndHamit, It was explained to me at our local office that in order to be issued an SSN as a K1 visa holder, it must be applied for after entering the country but before marriage. After getting married the K1 visa no longer applies and you have to wait until the EAD card is received. We found that out too late because we were already married when we went to the office to apply for the SSN. Sure enough, we took my wife's EAD card to the office the same day she received it and we weren't there more than 10 minutes before the SSN was ordered. We were kicking ourselves for like 5 months for not visiting the Social Security office first Wow, this is valuable information!! Thank you for sharing it! I know what one of our first stops will be after Yilmaz arrives Well, I am off to pick him up at the airport! Have a great day everyone	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-04-18 04:18:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Hi Julia, I forgot to mention good luck to you in the job search or move, whatever you decide to do Have a wonderful weekend!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-04-17 03:17:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Filiz, Congratulations!!! I am sorry you are feeling sick Tanya, I am glad you continue to feel better and are looking forward to your trip to Turkey. It sounds wonderful!! Thank you both for the good wishes! I can't believe I will see him in just 2 days!!! Erika, sorry to hear you have not been well!! I hope you are feeling better soon, we are all anxious to hear your stories and see your pictures!! Sibel, I agree with Filiz, when you are preoccupied with something else, what you have been waiting for seems to come faster. I am glad you enjoyed your vacation, just what you needed. You are in all our prayers!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend Love, Wendy and Yilmaz	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-04-16 15:25:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Apr 7 2009, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Mar 31 2009, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We are here in America now! We got an apartment and are getting everything together and organized. We are enjoying our time together and I don't work until the 17th. We are getting married on the 2nd and that is about it for now. My children totally are happy for us. Everything is so fantabulous and went so smoothly I still don't believe it. I know I still have to write about our experience, but I have so much to do and will fill you in asap! Yes, we MUST get together when Sibel and Muhammet are together. We are waiting with you Sibel! Congrats awaterlily! How's everyone? Congrats you two lovebirds!! And I know you must be crazy busy, but pls update us soon! I for one am dying to hear about your trip (& wedding!) !! Tanya PS: Wendy, just another week & a half!!! Hi Tanya! Yes, I can't believe it and I still have so much to do! I am really excited about seeing him! It has been 16 months since we last saw each other! Funny thing is, he probably thinks I lost weight. Won't he be surprised!! I talked to him today and he was shopping with his sister and he asked me my ring size. I told him the U.S. size, but I don't know the Turkish equivalent. How are you feeling? Hugs, Wendy (and Yilmaz) Edited by wendya, 08 April 2009 - 02:45 PM.	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-04-08 14:43:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (awaterlily @ Mar 31 2009, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey all - just want to share that my husband had his Naturalization interview and Oath ceremeony earlier today. He's now an American citizen!!! I'm sooooooo freakin' happy we are DONE with immigration! Cok Tebrikler!!!!! Wonderful news!! Much Love and Happiness to you both	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-31 15:22:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	I just got off the phone with Yilmaz and he is coming on April 18th!!!! I think I am still going to get the hotel by the airport. Wow, I have so much to do!!!! I am very excited (and nervous!). Have a great weekend everyone	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-28 08:04:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Mar 27 2009, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE This damned cough is never going to get better with all the smoking I am around OMG I so know what you mean! All the indoor smoking is the *one and only* thing I really can't stand about being in Turkey. Does Hamit smoke? How about everyone else's SO? Ozzy smoked like a chimney before (and for awhile after) he got here and saw nothing wrong with doing it indoors, in bed, or in front of me or the kids...and my lease at the time specifically prohibited smoking in the house. The moment he was added to my health insurance, I got him to the Dr. and got him a prescription for Chantix...worked like a charm, but he starts up again every time we go back to Turkey for a visit...grrrr. All that peer pressure I guess... Actually I'm pretty sure he sneaks one or a couple here when I'm not around too....but as long as it's not wafting in my face, I don't complain...much. Almost everyone in Yilmaz's family smokes. The only ones that don't are Yilmaz, his mother and his one sister. His one sister even makes her husband go outside when he wants to smoke. I am so thankful that Yilmaz doesn't smoke, because it makes me very sick and gives me bad headaches!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-27 19:05:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Thanks Tanya!!! But the best laid plans...... These may change yet again!! Erika and Hamit, Yeah!!! Now you don't have to worry and can hopefully get some rest on the plane ride home!! Take care, safe trip!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-26 15:55:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Mar 25 2009, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Tanya - I do the same thing with Spanish and Turkish. I studied Spanish for 7 years, and I find myself mixing the two languages in my head...whatever word comes to me first! There are actually some Spanish and Turkish words that are similar, like Mesa and Masa (Table) and Bano / Banyo (Bathroom). That always makes it easier for me to remember the Turkish word. BayanAltun - Congrats on the interview date! I know it is a long wait, but it will come soon enough. Use the next two months to get ready for his arrival! Wendy - Congrats to you and Yilmaz on receiving his visa! Now it really is official. I had so much to do before Onur got here...shopping, cleaning, etc. I wanted everything to be perfect! Of course it only stayed that way for the first week or so We adopted our first baby a few days ago...a rescue dog! We think she is a bulldog/boxer mix. She is about a year old and is a huge sweetie. We named her Nazar Now we are one big happy family: me, Onur, our cat and our dog...and the cat and dog are already getting along! Congratulations on your addition to your family!! Many happy years! I know what you mean about wanting everything perfect! I have been writting myself notes of things to get and do! I also wanted him to wait until May, because I can't take off work this month and I want him to arrive on a Friday, and I will pick him up at the JFK airport. JKF is about 2 1/2 hours away from me (and that is with good traffic) so add another hour. I am going to book a hotel by the airport and take their shuttle over and then we will take it back and stay overnight and drive back the next day. I was a little worried about actually driving into JFK airport and finding parking and the right terminal. This way the shuttle can drop me off at the right location and pick us up. At least this is the plan. Best wishes	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-25 18:25:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	congratulations BayanAltun on your interview date!! Hi Erika! I am sorry to hear about your cough! Soon you will be home and have the medicine you need! I am sure Hamit will get his visa tomorrow. Yilmaz got his today! He jokingly said he was buying his airline ticket for tomorrow! I am glad he is joking, because I have much cleaning and preparing to do for the Kings arrival!!! Safe trip home Erika!!! Can't wait to see your pictures and hear your stories	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-25 15:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Mar 22 2009, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wendy! D?d Y?lmaz get h?s v?sa yet? we are st?ll wa?t?ng for ours to come. There was a lot of people ?n the embassy because of damned Obama cancell?ng a lot of peoples appo?ntments. I hope ?t comes before we leave on the 28th? There wa sl?ke 30-50 people ?ns?de. I wonder ?f UPS w?ll take 10 b?ll?on years Anyhow, st?ll enjoy?ng Batman and the culture. So d?fferent from the USA. I want to wr?te more,but you never know when a guest w?ll arrr?ve or the electr?c w?ll go out. W?ll wr?te more when were at home. Congrats to everyone and S?bel I am st?ll pray?ng for you! Er?ka and Ham?t Hi Erika, So good to hear from you. No, no visa yet, but I am thinking maybe Tuesday. So glad to hear you are enjoying your time in Turkey. Can't wait to hear everything when you get back home. Talk to you soon!! ~Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-22 08:18:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (Mina76 @ Mar 21 2009, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (wendya @ Mar 18 2009, 07:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Everyone, I just got off the phone with Yilmaz and he has received his visa to come to the U.S.!!!! Finally, this leg of the journey is over. I know we have more ahead, but at least he will be here!! I hope Erika and Hamit have wonderful news to post too!!! Thanks for all your continued support!!! It really means a lot!! OMG Wendy this is the best news yet!!! I am now so happy for you and Yilmaz to finally be finished with this AP nonsense!!! So when will Yilmaz come back to the USA??? At least this time when the AOS process comes up, you will both be together when you start the filing procedure! Much love to you both! Mina, thank you so much!! It is always so good to see you post. You are always so upbeat and uplifting for everyone and I, as I am sure the other too, really appreciate you!!! We are still working out the details for Yilmaz coming to the U.S. We have changed (or I should say I have changed) the POE several times. First JFK and then I thought Phila. would be better because it is closer to me. Now it is back to JFK. I am hoping to drive up on a Friday afternoon, meet him at the airport, check into a hotel by the airport and then drive back the next day. I just don't want to do all that driving in one day. It is a long trip for me. Close to 3 hours one way. I used to have to drive into Manhattan when my sister was modeling for Wilimina models and I dreaded the drive. But I have never driven to JFK and I am a little aprehensive. But, I know I can do it!!! Thanks again for you well wishes and support!! Love you!!! ~Wendy	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-21 11:05:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Mar 20 2009, 07:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone!! I am here ?n Batman and YES we have our v?sa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wendy, I seen Y?lmaz, but I was busy try?ng to keep Ham?t from be?ng nervous. I w?ll tell you everyth?ng later!! Love you all! Er?ka and Ham?t Congratulations Erika and Hamit!!!! I am so, so Happy for you two!! I can't wait to hear everything!!! Safe trip home!! Thanks awaterlily for your well wishes too!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-20 06:54:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (miamiwife @ Mar 18 2009, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Congratulations Wendy and Yilmaz! Wendy, I think you have gotten through the biggest hurdle, the rest is at least in your two hands. Filiz--I am still here, just nothing new to share and not feeling well. I hope all is going well in your new life! Julia--Thanks for always listening to me Thanks everybody for your encouraging words. Some day. Thanks Sibel That is what I said today, we still have a lot to accomplish but at least this part can be done together. I pray for you everyday!!	wendya	Female	Turkey	2009-03-18 19:39:00