Mum says she doesn't want to stay in a right dump and she has found a B&B for £85 - Barry's House or Tony's House or something...?

It's ok - my mum is on it!! She found the marble arch inn under your instruction!! Thanks!!!!

Feel slightly less stressed now and Jeremy is online so I can tell him at last!!

For 85 quid you can do better than a B&B... Hmmmm.... I'm leaving work in 15 mins (full leg waxing -- OW!!!) but let's see what I can come up with...

Haha - my mum just read the review and has changed her mind about Tony;s House

Gotta motor, unfortunately. Keep looking!!! And yes, we'll organise later for our Tuesday meet-up... StP, aren't you coming to this or out with me and Poiteen on Saturday?

Ok - well I am staying here:

http://www.berjayaedenparkhotel.co.uk/

Mum found a twin room for £76

can probably do Tuesday; not Saturday unfortunately as I already have a party

I mean, I already have a party

so I can't come out on Saturday

Yay!! Tuesday party!!! I could prolly use some wine to numb my terrifying feary-nerves so would be grand So we have Maven, StP, Poiteen... any other takers?!

I just can't believe I have my name up on the list now... next thing I hope will be the big red approved!! I really really hope... Oh gods why does this have to be so terrifying?! Or more to the point, why do I have to be so terrified about something that isn't terrifying?!

ok.. i called DoS today... they show receiving Kris' packet 3 <cheer> then she goes.. "oh and he's eligible for an interview"... um.. ok.. that means what?? they will get him his stuff fast or what? LOL she couldn't answer that. <shakes head>

Yay! Eligible for an interview means you should be hearing very, very shortly -- the docs are in order and he's next in the queue.



Tuesday party = AWESOME. Please note that you must keep me from getting rat-arsed as I am meeting up with my ex-husband on Tuesday night and I don't want to be wrecked...

Oh that's what it means? COOL! Can't say i'm surprised on the paperwork being in order.. we are both beyond OCD through this whole process. He had everything ready to go even before getting the blasted packet LOL God to get his interview date soon would be amazing!

Now if only i could party with you guys!!!

Also found out my employer will probably be hiring by the time he gets here as well!

That's cool! So Kris might be able to get a job there?

Moved planning for Tueday to spontaneous meet-up thread

OMGWTFBBQ I am so nervous!!!!! Very excited as well though but there is such a mish mash of emotions that I am all over the place!

Congratulations on getting your interview date, Jeraly!

Sorry - only just caught up on this thread.

Hurrah!

I know - I can't quite believe it is so soon - it is really surreal... It's all taken so long and there have been so many ups and downs that I can't believe that this time next week I should have a yay or nay!!!

Yep... we are hoping to get him in to the company i'm with. He knows the business and could easily do this position (or my old one that is LOL) The pay is good, benefits are great and we could ride together back and forth each day.

It's funny.... the lady at the DoS told me i could call back next week to see if they've updated him with an interview date but um.. ya.. like i'm gonna wait that long LOL.. They will be hearing from me tomorrow again! hehe.

We are truly hoping for an early interview date and it seems quite possible. If so then getting him here in June will happen and if all goes well a wedding date of June 10th!! heh

Sounds great! I wouldn't really want to work where Jeremy does but I am hoping to get a job on the res where he works so we can share lifts - we won't be able to afford two cars at first And public transport isn't all that great

Can't Kris call the Embassy? Or does it not work like that? I was just minding my own business in work and mum texted me to tell me I had a letter from the Embassy and did I want her to open it!?

he could call the embassy but they charge a ton per minute.. i get the same info calling the DoS and no charge there LOL (love cell phones!!) we will only have 1 car as well for awhile. Besides.. this work is very easy... very stable.. and no real stress.. so it will be good for him.

I figure.. i will 'try' and hold off calling them till tomorrow.. though i make no promises.... hehe

Sounds ideal! Where do you work? Think you can get me a job too!?!?

LOL you'd have to move to Texas!!!! But its office work for a HUGE Insurance Broker.

Robyn I just looked at your banner and wow, less than 50 days since you filed and already you're about to have the interview. Thats fab!

Wow... yeah that is fast.. I think I lost count of my days

*checks spreadsheet*

264 days by the time I have my interview

Is there any problem giving the address of a hotel (or friend) for the visa to be sent to? I don't think we will be living in our apartment by the time the interview rolls around. We'll be all packed up and waiting to hop the first plane out after the visa is approved!!!

Thanks for any insight.

Thomas

WOW, you have some insane amounts of patience!

Eh, other people have been waiting longer. Besides - it's taught me many lessons in patience, understanding, empathy... It's made me and my relationship stronger. Ok so it sucks and I would have liked things to have moved quicker but I wouldn't change anything... maybe

Then maybe that is because I have no way to so I might as well be happy with the cards I was dealt and play my hand as best I can

This is true, and i'm slowly learning this. at the moment i'm beating myself because i know that as soon as that packet 3 comes i'll want to send it back the next day, but my SO hasn't filed his taxes for 2007 yet, or got his tax transcripts - so if they scheduled me a really fast interview. I would be stuffed.

Patience....where can I buy some?? lol

Hi,
I am applying at the London Embassy. I had my medical yesterday and i sent my IV-15 checklist to the embassy last week by royal mail special delivery. The royal mail tracking says it is at their PO BOX awaiting delivery/collection but its been there for nearly a week now, any advice?

It acn take up to a month to get packet 4 - I wouldn't worry just yet - check out some other people's timelines I'm sure you'll hear something in the next week or two

I never had patience and it took me a long time to get my head around it - I still have impatient days of course But I figured I could either be miserable or happy... being frustrated and impatient sure makes for a longer-seeming wait

Good call! I am trying to stay upbeat now about the process. The only thing that really gets to me is mising my SO - and I know we're all in the same boat there!

My theory on it is we both knew what we were getting ourselves into 2 1/2 years ago and we still chose to make a go of it - we've been in a long distance relationship for that long and filed last July after getting engaged Christmas 2006. I must say I missed him more at first because I had never been in a relationship where I couldn't see my OH but it has got easier to be apart... until recently...

Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel it is harder and harder to be without him - especially knowing that being with him is going to be so bittersweet - I am giving up everything I know and love and I will miss my friends and family. But we need to do this and I know that whatever happens, wherever we live, however we settle, we will at least be together

It's strange because when I met Toby I had no idea it would come to this.....I didnt even think of getting married, but I wouldn't have guessed it was so complicated. It aint like you see in the movies!!! Either way - we have been doing this for 3 years now too, and I suppose ultimately it is the fact that I can see light at the end of the tunnel that makes it so much harder to keep waiting. You have a wonderfully matuire outlook on it all though!

Haha - I never used to be like this - this whole process as hard as it has been has made me into more of a fighter - things always came easy to me before this and so having to finish uni and go through a visa process... then when I moev we aren't going to have any money either which I am not used to... there are lots of challenges ahead but keeping my feet on the ground helps to see that things will work out...

Of course you don't see me crying in bed at midnight talking to Jeremy about how we can't afford to do anything like go visit my family or pay for AOS or get a bed etc

Well that makes me feel a little bit less neurotic about things then. Money isn't our problem - it's more the fact that my mum refuses to come to the wedding, and has stated she will never visit. So essentially she has forced me to chose between her and Toby. I chose Toby. So all the time I am still here, she takes her chances to remind me that I am 'leaving' her behind etc, etc.....

oh, Saffyre, that's awful

my mum and dad haven't even met Dave yet (they're in Aus, and I'm in London ), but they've been SO supportive... I know that's invaluable

when she says the 'leaving' thing, can you not just keep reminding her that she's invited any time? if she says she won't come, can't you just say 'well, that's YOUR choice, not mine, and it's making me very sad'?

I hate when people try to guilt you into changing your mind on something

Ouch - why on earth would she want to do that? That must be so hard Maybe she will come around in time? My family have been pretty supportive although I am sure there were skeptics initially


Ironic thing is my mum does this all the time - but it is kind of in the "fine, *I'll* do it then" way - if I am going to do somthing for her but it is not right this minute and she gets narky... thing is I just ignore it now It's generally when she has had a bad day

That's exactly what I tell her - that she'll always be welcome. But she insists that she is far too afraid of flying (which is not true because she goes on holiday every year)

It's annoying me, but I try to just brush over it if I can

My sister was really against my moving away to America at first too... right up until she spent some time in Mark's company and realised that he was a good guy! But she really laid on the guilt there for a while *sighs*.

My Mum's really cool about it although I know she'll miss me as much as I'll miss her - but we're going to fly her out to visit at least once every other year and keep in touch online and I'll write lots of letters and send photos and stuff too.

I'm sure Saffyre's Mum will come round eventually - just keep the lines of communication open!

Ahh mothers!! They all have their issues I suppose. She'll either get over it or she wont - it's not going to change my mind.



My dad and brother are both super cool about it - they support me 100% so I don't feel too bad

I know people who've had their stuff delivered to them at work, so the main thing is that you're there to sign for the package upon delivery.

Its hard not to have the support of your family. My husband had a similar problem, in that his adult children said that if he moved to the US to marry me that they'd have nothing to do with them. As you can see, he moved anyway. But there was a lot of emotional struggle over it. At the end of the day, though, you realize your fiance is your life partner, the one who'll be there watching the telly with you, and going out to dinner, etc. Its the natural progression of life. Its too bad some family members are so selfish that they can just be happy that you are happy. For my husband, its been nearly 2 years since his son and daughter have talked to him. Though, they still see fit to cash the Christmas and Birthday checks he sends.

Anyhow, I hope you can get your mom to come around.

Full respect to your husband for continuing to send the money when they haven't seen fit to contact him and thank him for his generosity.

I do think my mum is being incredibly selfish - but ultimately, when I was faced with the choice, there was no choice. I love Toby and my life is with him....

oh Julez

these stories distress me so much... I'm so glad you were able to make it all work anyway, even though I know it can't be easy at times

and you're so right - this is your life partner; unless they're abusive or in some other way horrible NO ONE has any right to try to stop you being together, and certainly no right to try to make you feel guilty about it... when they do that, they basically want to run their life, and part of yours as well; it's just not on

That is so very sad.

My mother has never flown in her life; she has ear problems but is having that re-tested (they banned her from flying in the 70s) and she is also very scared of the thought of flying, but she is making an effort to attend my wedding and this thread is reminding me that I should give her an extra big thank you hug when I next see her.

Re. Patience...I'm not sure that any one of us has more patience than the others; we just do what we have to do. Thanks to visa processing times/monetary constraints/arranging a wedding around when family and friends' holiday times I'm expecting a whole year will have gone by by the time I next see Alex, but that is something that is beyond my control and I just have to endure it.

I had my passport delivered at work and it was no problem

if I hadn't been there I could have left my bank card or some other form of ID for a colleague to sign in my stead... thankfully, that wasn't necessary

Wow a year? I feel bad for complaining now - I only saw Toby 3 weeks ago! It's the knowledge of future waiting that sends me crazy!!

Rachel - I hope you're mom is given the all clear to fly!!

i can has interview? Alasdair will be going under the gun on April 28th. Yippee!!!!

Now, am I mistaken or do some people seem to get their visa on the same day and some seem to get it sent to them?

Keep the updates coming!!!

January 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Malia & Tom (Tom_g), jmrb, Dazzler, walkies_a, julez & Griff, English Muffin, Stephen & Amber, Chris & Amy, Shorty & Nilz, NikkisPrecious, Randy & Maggie(Mustang-sally), ddkm, Gwen666, Teachmehistory, Jeff & Bev (Wellywench), Shadow42 (Andrew & Robin), Chelsea & Ed (edchels), DD2004, Barrel_roll

February 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
C and J (Cheryl & Josh), Tinkerbelle, weedebz, nacampbell (Neil & Annie), kdancer, GlenandLisa, Lil-Lost-Girl, lostpup, jodinjames, Janaus, Courtney, Gareth's Girl, ericdraven

March 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Bforbarree, StillthePrettiest, toshtishtash, londonuk, pkscotus, lisalu100, Darren&Laura, tomsandi, DonnaB, ladyynara, babblesgirl, zoobuffalo and KJC,

• bunsk2007..........................................2008-02-11 ????????????
• Sad Eyes............................................2008-02-25 Stuck in AP - hopefully not for long!
• piqqulet..............................................2008-02-29 ???????????
• GeordieLover.......................................2008-04-01
• ajeanne.............................................2008-04-07
• jeraly................................................2008-04-09
• thejoz/thesquozenone..........................2008-04-10
• Chorley80..........................................2008-04-22
• greeneyedgirlfl....................................2008-04-25
• AtlantiCat..........................................2008-04-28
• NickyMcMillan.....................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Everyone has their visa hand delivered to them via courier. There is no same day visa issuance at the embassy.

Yep... we've been extremely surprised by how fast things have moved for us. Luck of the draw, great preperation.. who the heck knows but i'm greatful!!!

Patience is something i generally have in abundance.. EXCEPT when it comes to wanting Kris here ASAP! LOL

Congratulations Geordie Lover!!!

January 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Malia & Tom (Tom_g), jmrb, Dazzler, walkies_a, julez & Griff, English Muffin, Stephen & Amber, Chris & Amy, Shorty & Nilz, NikkisPrecious, Randy & Maggie(Mustang-sally), ddkm, Gwen666, Teachmehistory, Jeff & Bev (Wellywench), Shadow42 (Andrew & Robin), Chelsea & Ed (edchels), DD2004, Barrel_roll

February 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
C and J (Cheryl & Josh), Tinkerbelle, weedebz, nacampbell (Neil & Annie), kdancer, GlenandLisa, Lil-Lost-Girl, lostpup, jodinjames, Janaus, Courtney, Gareth's Girl, ericdraven

March 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Bforbarree, StillthePrettiest, toshtishtash, londonuk, pkscotus, lisalu100, Darren&Laura, tomsandi, DonnaB, ladyynara, babblesgirl, zoobuffalo and KJC,

• bunsk2007..........................................2008-02-11 ????????????
• Sad Eyes............................................2008-02-25 Stuck in AP - hopefully not for long!
• piqqulet..............................................2008-02-29 ???????????
• GeordieLover.......................................2008-04-01 APPROVED!!!!
• ajeanne.............................................2008-04-07
• jeraly................................................2008-04-09
• thejoz/thesquozenone..........................2008-04-10
• Chorley80..........................................2008-04-22
• greeneyedgirlfl....................................2008-04-25
• AtlantiCat..........................................2008-04-28
• NickyMcMillan.....................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Congrats!!

Has anyone heard from Sad Eyes re the AP?

Sad Eyes reported in a few weeks ago, saying they'd made no progress. Hopefully soon!