Ok so not all of us have made it yet... In fact we are waiting on the first of our July veterans to cross the pond on Thursday (17th if I am correct!). But this is where it's at!!

Obviously we have all moved at different speeds throughout the process, with different service centres processing cases, RFEs, delayed processing times, difference in embassy efficiency... We are such a huge group and get on so well though that it would be a pity to lose touch as we join our respective AOS threads etc...

Instead of clogging up the K-1 forum (as by the time this gets really underway we won't be K-1ers anymore!!) I thought that a move to a cosy place where we can vent, share our experiences and support each other through the next steps of our journey was in order

So pull up a bean bag and let rip! Let us know how you're settling in, how AOS is treating you and anything else - you know what we're like!! We don't shut up!!

Ok - I'll stop ranting about this now

*pulls up a squashy, soft yellow orange bean bag - the colour of sunshine *

So what happens to the July filers from Canada? Do they have to make a special trip so they can cross the pond too? I'm just curious....

Although Natasha, Vika and I should arrive in the USA during the first week of March, she informs me that this is a period of holiday in Russia (her description of this holiday and the time of year causes me to equate this to Lent) and that it is considered improper to get married during this period (which is for all of March and April). Consequently, she has selected May 9 as our wedding day. We're not planning anything elaborate - just a judge, 4 or 5 family members and close friends, and a park somewhere in the city. This date may change depending on availability of the judge but we will see. Natasha only wishes to be married in a church one time, and we plan on having a church wedding with all of her family in attendance in Russia during our first return trip, which will hopefully be in 2009.

My own experience during these last few weeks is one of extreme stress. So much to do in getting everything as ready as is possible for Natasha and Vika, so much to pay for, so many changes to be made. It's a good stress, but it sometimes still boils over. I agree completely with Natasha - it will be wonderful when this is all over and she is here. Of course, there is still much to do after she arrives (can anyone spell AOS?), but her point is well taken. It's one thing to deal with the stresses of the visa process while thousands of miles apart, and it will be quite another when we stand arm in arm.

I think you said you'll be in the LA area? Quite a trek from the middle where I live, but my oldest daughter lives in northern California and I have driven (quickly) by LA a time or two. I wish you luck, and success, and happiness!

Haha - yeah the Canadians have to de-tour via the UK Although it was in reference to Gillian who is actually lfying across from the UK and actually crossing the pond

Can totally relate to the stress - planning wedding, worrying about getting through immigration next month, interview, medical, life upheaval - need I go on? It is really taking its toll at the moment and I feel totally exhausted and tired and drained - I can't wait for things to settle down and move and also to find out how it was for Gillian! I am so excited for her!

Oh - and you never claimed a bean bag!!

*indicates vaguely in the direction of a huge pile of vacant bean bags*

How silly of me! I think something in a nice medium green, the color of spring grass, for me please!

Ahh - spring grass and sunshine - what a great combo!! Of course I'm not sure I'll get the spring grass in SoCal... maybe burnt straw... lots of sunshine though!!

*claims the purple bean bag*

so this is our new home...hopefully in 8-9 weeks I'll be writing on here from my new home.

That sounds dangerously close to a recursion loop! Be sure to leave a trail of breadcrumbs or something so you don't get lost.

Isn't that exciting though?! AND we have a new home here with beanbags!! It's just to lure us stragglers in when the majority of us have moved

I think I'll take the burnt-orange bean bag

hello all! I don't expect to leave the UK for a couple of months yet, and I'll only get to the US aprroximately a month after that, but I'll happily hang out here with the rest of you

I'll take the bean bag that looks like a giant M&M....


Chris

Glad I found you guys! I added this thread to my watched list so I can find you later when I am able to join you. It's kinda hard right now. I read your posts to lift my spirits and give me hope that someday I'll be in your situation but I don't really have much to add atm and don't want to bring anybody down.
I can't wait to join you when the time comes!


Edit: Can somebody save me a black beanbag with metalic rainbow sparkly mickey ears all over it!!

I would like to join too - please wait for me and save the big black furry bean bag chair for me.

woah! these are some seriously funky bean-bags here! we July filers got style

I'll be here one day too!

one day SOON

I'll save you one of the cushiest bean-bags, and I'll hold off making the smoothies (pineapple + kiwi + nectarine + coconut rum ) until you and a-jeanne and all the others get here

Hey - none of us are really here yet - Gillian will be the first and we can't leave her all on her own here so we have to keep her company! You guys - pull up your desired bean bags and don't be shy - we're all friends here and we won't leave anyone out no matter how long things take *hugs*

And yeah - I didn't really look through the bean bags before picking one... now I am jealous of all the funky styles!!! Ah well - this yellow one will have to do until I find a better one

I am sorry.

I do not like bean bag chairs.

You can find me off to the side in my comfortable, ergonomic Aeron chair.

Can I have a big 'Union Jack' bean bag please? Something familiar from home will help me to settle in.

Only two days to go now!!

Gillian

Yay!! Of course you can!!!



Rae/Scott - you can have one of those weirdy chairs if you want... as long as you disguise it as a beanbag

Just the job!!

Gillian

I couldn't find one that looked any squashier

We should all change our avvies to our respective beanbags

there I have a purple beanbag sofa. AHHHHH lazy bliss.

*kicks off shoes and lies back*

I finally made it over here to this thread! Though I'm not a huge fan of the beanbag chair, I'd like something in a leopard print, preferably not vinyl! Hate getting all stuck to the vinyl!

Griff booked is flights last night and will be amking his way across the pond on the 31st of January! I really can't believe its finally happening!

*grabs the dark red bean bag*
chai tea latte anybody?

man, i need to do my german taxes before i leave. i would have completely forgotten about that. BUT: i will get ALL my taxes back!!!!!!!!!! YAI!!!!!

I did my taxes the other day too - no idea how much I'll get back though.

Gillian

For Julez...
For Agnes... ok - dark red was pretty hard to find - you might be able to find better

What POE is Griff coming through Julez? I'll update the spreadsheet

Nice pick Aly! Looks pretty comfy!

Griff is entering via JFK....not for the EAD, but simply cos it was the cheapest!

Bargain! Let us know how the EAD thing goes - there seems to be a lot of speculation about that!!!

On another note - apparently the DOS database is down!! How am I going to check if my file arrived at the embassy or not?!?!?!?!

carrier pigeon

I hear it's what they're spending all the raised fees on...

Damn... but that will take longer than CSC!!!

I’ll soon be on my way!!

I fly out in the morning at 11am from Manchester Airport (thankfully not Heathrow, which is experience a few delays today!).

I’m currently very comfortably ensconced in the Radisson SAS at the airport with a glass of Chardonnay by my side. I wanted Zinfandel in honour of Debz and Aly but the mini-bar didn’t have any.

I’m paying £159 for one night here (without breakfast) and I’m drinking from the mini-bar – but you only emigrate once!!

Anyway, I will post on here once I’m Stateside and have an internet connection. Our new home will have it on Tuesday afternoon but I’m hoping the hotel we’re in this weekend will also have it.

I am drinking a toast to all the July Filers of 2007 and wish you all the very best of luck for the future.

Speak to you all again very soon.

Gillian

OHHHHH Gillian!!! I am SOOOO EXCITED for you!!! Fair play on the wine and swanky room - you're right - we all deserve a treat!!! Now I need to talk Jeremy into doing that - but we are going to have so many expenses when I first move out I don't think we are going to have time to revel in it!!!

Thank you so much for your kind wishes and I CAN'T WAIT to hear from you when you get to the other side And remember - we want wedding pics!!

*almost in tears like a saddo*

Congratulations Gillian! Enjoy your night and have a safe flight! And, of course, a very happy reunion with your husband to be! I'm so happy for you! *hugs*

oh, it's so exciting! the first little chickie to leave the nest

(I know Marta already went but I think she was a June filer, wasn't she...?)


have a GREAT flight, Gillian! excellent good fortune to not be flying out of Heathrow, as you say

new life begins -




NOW

hmm... guess, I will join you all in March. Yeah. Looks like the waiting period continues.

So...ummm...*invited* guest checking in. I have my invitation...ah...er...somewhere...I think I left it in the car. Hope that's cool. Brought my own beanbag chair though, sorry for all the spillage, looks like I'll need to duct tape that little bit too. Heh, can hardly see the actual bean bag for all the duct tape at this point.

Anyway, just wanted to wish Gillian a wonderful bon voyage, and an early "Welcome to the USA!" England's loss is certainly our gain and we're happy to have you here.

I am new here but I just received my NOA2 on 1/8/08 woohoo.....Anyone have a red beanbag?????....GO DAWGS!!!!

I-129F Sent : 2007-07-27
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-08-16
I-129F RFE(s) : 2007-12-17
RFE Reply(s) : 2007-12-28
I-129F NOA2 : 2008-01-08

Aww mox, you're such a sweetie! And always welcome with the July filers of 2007!!!

Defo - as we all make the move Stateside... EEP!!! Also (prolly already mentioned) I got accepted for Amex so can have a credit card when I move out there Can't wait to hear from Gillian...

Moxie - we're talking about a drive up to Portland when I moev over so we'll have to stop by and meet up - maybe Nadya will be with you then as well

Tried to find a duct-taped bean bag but couldn't

Aw shucks, thanks!


Oh cool! I was hoping she'd be out her sometime in April or May (and at one time, when CSC were really cooking with gas I thought March might even be a stretchy possibility) but unless CSC really gets their collective asses in gear it's looking more like summer now. Either way it would be fun to meet up as you guys drive through!

Well we won't be driving up til around the beginning/middle of July which is why I said!! It all depends on finances though - I would *love* to go on a road trip up to Portland but I'll have just moved over, jeremy would have to take unpaid leave (more of:P), we'll have just started renting, we'll be wanting to take more time and money to get legally married in Vegas... PLUS we wanted to arrange a July Filers meet-up (again - most welcome ) at some point too - hopefully Vegas then we can get married and meet up at the same time

Lots of what ifs but Jeremy is good at figuring all that stuff out - he know what money we will have - I won't have much to speak of and what I do bring over I want to use for a mortgage eventually Wonder how Gillian is doing..

Jeremy updated the story on our website as well - just editing it now

Actually I can't be bothered - I'll do it tomorrow...

Citibank stuff arrived as well but no Amex card yet - boo!! I want to find out my credit limit! I have NO idea what my credit rating is

YEY new router working but now the problem is power...it keeps going on and off. Joys of having gale force wind living in the arse-end-of-nowhere on the banks of the river at the bottom of a valley (wind tunnel). Official wind speed 65-70mph...valley wind speed anything up to 80mph. River already flooded other side and rising rapidly so probably gonna need to go help rents move the valuables upstairs soon. Anyways, just had a homemade healthy lamb curry. Now chilling out whilst my zinfandel breathes for a while. Low cal humous and low carb mini breadsticks stashed for munchies later. I'm able to fit in my "skinny jeans" you know the pair of jeans that every female has in their wardrobe that don't actually fit but you aim for them...well I got back in them this week. I'm back to the size I was when I was 19!!!!

Ahhh! So envious!! I am totally off the wagon at the moment - am stress eating which is never a good sign I figure once I move I can get into a better routine... I was a size 8 when I was 19 then my metabolism died so now I'm just flabby - it's gross and I hate it - got down to a 10/12 couple years ago but I just have no motivation at the moment - even my impending wedding hasn't helped. I don't know what is wrong with me

I'm sat here drinking wine, eating houmous and watching futurama. I'm waiting on a call from my bro or his girlfriend (hopefully his fiancee by the time he calls) He's popping the question over a meal in London tonight. Then we need to start investigating UK visas as she is south african only here on a year by year employment type visa.

Eww

I had a random e-mail from someone who saw my site asking about family based immigration!!! I wasn't too sure what they were after but I pointed them in the direction of here

Have wine, just had Chinese (ok so 3 1/2 chicken balls and 1/4 portion of egg fried rice) and will poss nibble on some walkers sensations... also have carrot sticks (I buckled - they looked yummy - hopefully they will be sweeter and not so dry as the last ones), low fat houmous (plain, lemon & coriander and rocket), low fat creme fraiche... think that is it... oh - and dried apricots and _{turkish delight} I am so shattered tonight and I am so stressed and run down at the moment. My skin is awful, my diet is terrible and I am generally feeling pretty crappy. Can't even get excited about my wedding as am still terrified I won't be let into the country

My houmous is lemon and coriander too. I've found the best carrot sticks are from morrisons. Tesco's are dry, asda's are just plain awful and sommerfield never seem to have them.

and my dear Alyson.....you are talking to the QUEEN of stress here. No one can do stress like I can. My skin is a mess my hair is dull, I break out in tears for no reason and I lose weight and don't sleep!!!

Damn - I wish stress made me lose weight I am turning into a fat blob and I swear I will never fit into my dress... I am hoping when I move that I can get into a decent routine of exercise and eating, join a gym... I m ean it's not like I'll have anything better to do for a while!!!

Have Asda carrot sticks - last time they were from Tesco... hoping Asda ones are better... can't remember where I got the ones I liked last time... thought it was Asda... we'll see

mmmmm houmous!!!!!

So I wont be the one moving, but I will bring a notepad and scribble notes to take back to Bhushan. And ofcourse for anything you all need. Is there a bean bag thats big enough to fit the two of us but also small enough??

Debz, I'll bet I can stress more than you! Actually, when I stress I eat more and sleep more. I'm like Aly in that when I get my Phil here, we can work on loosing weight and working out in the gym when he gets here. He goes to the gym almost daily and each evening he rides his bicycle 17 miles and on the weekends he takes the 25 mile route. I keep telling him that I can send 20# over to him and he can loose it for me.

He's a good eater but doesn't enjoy food much. He is more the type that looks at food as fuel and nothing else. Well, I am a regular Betty Crocker and when he gets here, he will have his own challenge - my cooking. I am hoping to put some weight on him.

I have bought a 3 month membership for me and my daughters as a Christmas gift (to go along with the bathing suits I bought them). We use the pool and hot tub all the time. I just have to motivate myself to hop on the treadmill...