Kitty pics!

http://www.new.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=...mp;id=739675434

Lemme know if you can't see them

I can only see one, which I assume is the first one, b/c I don't belong to facebook.

What a cutie though!

Aww - it says that the album should be viewable to all... hmmm lemme look

omg

I WANT A KITTEN TOO!!

what's his name? Did you already say?

Cool - that works - lemme put a few more up...

*spams kitty pics *





Sneak preview of some of the hallowe'en stuff we have as well I had to move it all though cause the little one was going crazy with it!!

Nope - he is currently nameless I am thinking Rex but bet Jeremy won't like it - I am useless at coming up with names! Thought maybe you guys could all help with the pics as inspiration

Awwwww, so cute.

He looks like a little kitty I used to have called Pudding.

Awww

He is adorable but very - climby I also think that the whole "bathroom-being-his-safe-place" has turned more into "where-I-can-get-food-once-I-have-eaten-Daisy's-grown-up-kitty-food" and that his safe place is on my feet, lap, shoulders, neck, chest or wherever else he can dig his spiky little claws!!

Not complaining though - they are both asleep right now so it is nice and peaceful - I am sure that won't last

Awwwww Aly he's adorable. I think he looks like a Casper. My wee boy Oscar has the vet this afternoon. He got into a fight with one of my landladys 4 cats two days ago and got bit on the nose. The bite has gotten infected and now he has a big swollen nose. It looks kinda funny and I keep laughing but I feel really bad. Probably will stop laughing when I get the vet bill.

Anyways...Just read a certain thread and getting really annoyed about people saying I'll be getting my EAD in a couple of weeks or I'm expecting my EAD very soon. GRRRRRRR NO...you have a while to wait yet my dears, just because your biometrics is done doesn't mean your EAD is in the freaking mail....sorry, had to get that off my chest!

Jeremy came up with the name Riley which is really growing on me

As for EAD - it feels weird still to know that I will be able to work here - it is just so strange! None of my cases are showing online still and it is beginning to do my head in I don't care about waiting - I just want to see what is going on (or not as the case may be)

I don't think we could see any of Griff's status online until after his biometrics were done. And, the AP status was never online.

Riley is a cute name for a very cute kitty! I love gray & white kitties.

I had biometrics on Tuesday But still nothing

yep, I can see him as a Riley. I keep meaning to post Oscar pics but keep forgetting to bring some to Nick's parents to upload.

The little bugger keeps jumping into the kitchen bin. I just emptied it because he was rifling around for Daisy's empty food packet but now he is just jumping in the empty bin and playing with the liner!!! I've tried taking him out but he runs right back!

Our cases were updated same day as our biometrics. However its not updated since and looking at it is so frustrating lol. Of course looking at our K1 case right below our AOS and EAD and seeing its still listed as received and pending makes me laugh so i guess its all a wash.


Chris

we put the package in the mail at LAST
we had it all ready by the end of last week but then this annoying little windstorm came along and closed down the post office

and we *gasp* sent it by normal mail
I know, I know... messin' with my LIFE, yet again... I must have a life-wish

our case didn't show up until over a week after the biometrics.
ohwell, we are here, so it doesn't really matter. (other than for feeling finally like a human being who really BELONGS here).

aly, i'm so jealous, i wish i had a kitten!!! (or a cool little dog, or a baby, i'm not picky LOL )

ok, off for the kitchen to cook dinner now.

see you!!

Normal mail?!?!?! But, but, but.... that means now you are doomed! Dooooooomed I tells ye!


Awww - well, is there a reason you can't get any of those? I know you want to move before babies but...

Woman, are you mad???? Don't you realize your whole LIFE is in that envelope????? Once again, throwing caution to the wind.

*shakes head* Mavericks.

Jeremy has five days off starting today - yippee!!!

Dave's had the whole week off, because power is STILL not restored to his building
it doesn't count as sick leave, or holiday, and he got paid for the full 40 hours
we've done loads of clean-up, and been to the movies, and had lie-ins every morning (well, we get up between 7am and 8am, but as we usually get up at 5.30am that feels like midday )

we feel so bad, to actually be enjoying the aftermath of Ike... well, a bit bad

Don't be! I know I would be loving it unashamedly!!!

Hey guys - haven't posted here in ages, but just wanted to pop in and say that we FINALLY have our AOS interview date (Jeraly can update the spreadsheet!!!) YAY!!!! We were never transferred to california so we have to go the actual interview (but I have come to discover - through endless profile searching - that Seattle people seem to rarely get transferred. almost all seem to have gone through the interview at the local office) anyway, we have an interview Oct 24th! I am soooo excited and a bit nervous- the checklist of stuff to bring is overwhelmingly long and I haven't had to gather this stuff up for a while. But at least we are finally at this stage the only bummer is that Matthew's parents arrive from London the day before for a visit, so we will have to find something for them to do that day. anyway - for those of you keeping eyes on timelines, it took 7 1/2 months from the time we filed AOS to the actual interview!

We are happily getting down to 'normal', Matthew has a job he loves, has passed his driver's test and we bought his first car!!! we have been working endlessly on our house and just settling into married bliss every now and then I have to remind myself that this time last year was sooooo painful and hard and we had no idea when NOA2 was coming and all that. I am just still so damn happy he is actually here - and here to stay We are looking forward to getting the greencard so we can travel back to london next spring for a visit....I just keep thinking how strange that will feel! after a year of living between the two countries (I made 9 trips back and forth - a flight almost every month since I was basically living there, but had commitments here I had to show up for!!) to go back and visit and then come home together.....will be totally crazy!!!!

anyhoo - hope everyone is doing well and settling in!

Sara

hi guys!

I envy everbody whose spouse doesn't have to work, and therefore can enjoy a long weekend!
i can't believe the weekend is already over!!!! dang.... my boss is a pain in the neck lately...

anyway, happy for you guys!!!!!

@ aly.... well, the baby option is dependent on money and erics income wouldn't be enough. and to put a newborn into daycare just really isn't what I would want to do. a dog - but what would be do with the dog when we are in europe for nearly a month in december? a cat - eric is highly allergic. he loves to play with them, but after 2h or so he starts to show big time breathing problems and stuff. *sigh* guess it will be my teddy bears and me for a while...

@ sara: welcome back and congratulations to the interview apt!!! the interview is really painless if you prepare and bring the stuff that they put on the list. they didn't even want to see the cert. copy of our marriage license. just financial stuff in both names, and pictures because she was curious.

happy sunday night to everybody!!!!!

Agnes - Hrmmm - well if it is any consolation I know that we were able to put Daisy into a boarding place when we came out to AZ so maybe a dog wouldn't be so bad - cat is a bummer though - my dad has the same problem And I totally agree with you on the baby thing - we need to be making enough money for me to stay at home, or even if I am able to work from home as daycare is expensive and I want us to bring our children up, not someone else

Sara - great news about the interview!! You are sooo lucky to have your own place. I can't wait until we can afford to buy so we can decorate and accessorise with colours other than the gross ones we have here! It could be worse though so I can't really complain - I guess we all have to start somewhere and as this is the first time Jeremy or I have had a place to call our own it isn't so bad

Kitten is currently perched on top of my head (all of his own accord!) Jeremy is taking photos as I type so I will try and put them up soon! Daisy is slowly getting used to him. Today he tried to swat her on the nose(!) and she only miaowed at him instead of trying to bat him back so that is a major improvement! She has sniffed him a couple of times as well but it all has to be on her terms - if he tries to approach her she goes wild!!

Jeremy has two more days off before he has to go back to work and today we have to take the duvet to the laundromat as the little guy pooped in his litter tray last night but stood in it when trying to cover it up and then walked all over the bed. So we were up at like 4.30am mopping the floor and cleaning kitten paws!!! Fun fun!

I'm right now wondering if english Muffin has arrived in Charlotte yet, and if so, how her trip was?

Nice to see you Sara! Glad to see you guys have an interview on the horizon! Good luck!!

Aly, the kitties will settle eventually! Hope you and Jeremy have made the most of his days off. I wish I could take some time off just for us, but its not really possible at the moment. Will take a long weekend in Oct. though, so looking forward to that!

For all of you who want kids but can't have them yet for whatever reason, my advice is just enjoy the time you and your spouse have together. Once you have kids you won't have that alone time together, so enjoy it now while you can!

Yes, I arrived today.

The journey was very long but uneventful. I really don't like driving long distances on highways - I'm just grateful my car has cruise control.

I'm in a hotel until either Thursday or Friday when the movers will be arriving with my stuff so I can relax for a while and chill out. I shall go to my new apartment to pick up the keys tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to that.

Hope everyone is doing well.

well guys, looks like we are moving right along =]

if you check out the updated timeline, you will see why

well it seems that adriano is thinking of heading back to ny since he has had no luck finding work here, and feels very isolated since he can't speak to anyone...so i am supporting him with his decision even though it makes me sad to see him go...i figure that he has sacrificed so much for me by coming here (to america, and then to the middle of nowhere lol) that i can at least be understanding and let him take care of himself a lil...plus, it will allow me to be much more efficient with my studies, because i wont have to worry about rushing home to my husband who is bored out of his mind...looks like we will be back to the long distance thing, although ny-indiana isn't quite as bad as usa-italy/albania...he will be staying with my sister until he gets a place of his own and going back to his old job there, which he loved...im trying to be optimistic, but of course its hard...i cant help but think that this time it will be more difficult in a way, because we have lived together now for 6 months, whereas before we had never really lived together...i just have to tell myself that we got through it before, and we can do it again

Yeah - Daisy jumped onto the bed at 5am this morning which she hasn't done in a while as Riley likes to sleep in between Jeremy and my heads! She jumped between us, miaowed at Riley when he went to sniff her then after standing looking bemused for a while she lay down on my side for five minutes before jumping down and going back to the living room. It means she is forgiving me a little even if she is still unsure about the kitten. And yes, when I said on my side, I meant actually on my ribs

As for kids - I totally understand Julez - especially as Jeremy and I have had comparatively little time just to be "us" throwing a baby in the mix right now would be hard work - we still have a lot of growing together to do as well and the kitten has given us a taste of being up every few hours, cleaning up poop and whatnot!! I am sure babies are much harder work but it has been an interesting test


Yay! Gillian! How are you feeling? Have you spoken to Scott yet? How is he holding up? How are you holding up? It'll be nice to chill out in a hotel for a little while then settle into your new home - a bit of a fresh start and let you get your head straight on things as well a bit - hopefully things will start to pick up for you now


Aww Susie - it is so lovely that you are going to support him even though it is hard for you to see him go. Is there anyway that you can go to NY for work/school as well? If you are working in a research field then it might be something you could look into and will let you see him more often too You're very brave taking a big step like that and if eventually you want to move back to NY then Adriano will hopefully have things all set up there when you move back after school How long do you have to be in Indiana for?

I speak to Scott every day (and email too) and he is doing ok. He got laid off last week and he says that he's started looking for jobs in Charlotte, so things could be looking up soon.

Right now I feel that I need to tread very lightly when it comes to Scott and let him make decisions in his own time rather than rush him. He did tell me before I left that he doesn't consider the marriage completely over at the moment, he just needs some time to sort himself out. He's told me every day since I left that he's really missing me - hopefully we'll be able to work things out before too long.

I went to my new apartment today and it's lovely - I can't wait to move in now. Looks like the movers are arriving on Friday so I can chill out for a few days.

Those are the same positive thoughts that I am trying to keep in my head right now. Thanks for the encouragement Aly!

I am looking into ways that would allow me to conduct research in NY, and I think it might be possible since my research is concerned with language, and particularly comparing how the brain functions with regard to one's native language. I don't know if that makes sense to other people, but NY would essentially provide a great outlet in order to cover a range of different native language populations. I am also in the process of working out some details of teaching a seminar in NY during my spring break in March. It wouldn't allow me much time to see Adriano, because I would be very busy, but it's better than nothing. And yes, we are most likely going to move back to NY once I get my PhD, so hopefully he will have some things set up for us there. I will finish school in either 4 or 5 years, at which time I will promptly high tail it out of Indiana lol. I hope to get a job at a university in NY (Columbia, pleaseeeeeeee lol). We would consider moving back to Italy though, if the opportunity should arise, but that is still up in the air.

Wish us luck!

Hey Susie,
I am soooooo sorry to here Adriano is struggling with the move to Ind. I have thought about you often as you are one of the only of us (that has post here regularly anyway -granted I do read more than I post!!!!) that has a non-english speaking spouse and I can't imagine the added stress that would bring to an already trying process. I know that Matthew has been frustrated from time to time and he only has an accent to contend with! I was a bit heartbroken for you reading that he might move back to NY as we all know how hard it is to be apart. Just wanted to throw my (probably unwanted) 2 cents in! We have just gotten the letter for the greencard interview and the check list of stuff to bring - and the majority of it centers on proving that we actually live together. Is it possible for Adriano to stay in Ind at least until you guys have the greencard? We have to bring evidence like joint bank statements, joint utility bills, lease/housing agreement, credit cards, loans, etc. in both names to document that we do live together. Also the interview questions posted in the AOS guides all focus on proving that we share a household. I would hate for him to go too soon and risk a red-flag for the greencard approval by being in NY. I was also reading through the 'lifting conditions' guide for the next step two years down the road and it does suggest having continued evidence that you live together during the 2 year conditional greencard period - such as statements dated all throughout the 2 years of the evidence above.

I think you are so brave to consider doing the long distance thing again for the next 4-5 years so that you both can do what you need to do and support each other and be happy in both the short and long run. I just wanted to encourage you to research it a bit so that you don't risk jeopardizing his immigration status. Of course you guys have to do what works for you and lots of couples successfully live apart in the short term for work and school and such, but the immigration issue makes it a bit trickier for couples like all of us!

I hope you two are doing well and you are keeping your chin up! I also hope you know this advice is meant in a purely supportive and caring way!

Take care,
Sara

I felt the same way. I also think that Sara gave you some very sound advice & suggestions.

But you do sound like you are looking at the whole situation really positively, and I'm happy to hear that.

Ooooh - well you must post pics when you move in so we can see! Now I want to come visit you!!! Heheh - I have never been to SC so it would be good fun

Nice to hear that Scott is looking for jobs in Charlotte - I just really hope that this whole situation has kinda snapped him... not out of it, but made him realise that his actions could have meant losing you. I know he has a lot on his plate right now but hopefully it will inspire him to seek any help he needs so things will work out best for everyone involved


Sounds like you had the same ideas as me - it's great that you have looked into it all so you can spend as much time in NY as possible

In other news, we have picked up a few more halloween things which is great - I am really looking forward to the party!! And I currently have Daisy on my lap which is a HUGE step forward but because I am sat on the computer chair which is where she has taken to sitting, the kitten is trying to play with my butt by sneaking around and pouncing. Sometimes he gets my butt and if he is round the front or sides he gets Daisy who miaows and swats him - so I am caught in the middle! Fun fun - think I might be shredded by the time Jeremy comes home!!

Aly...I have just aquired kitty number 2. Well pick him up on Monday. Long story about how but it involves a 4 month old playful kitten, 3 week old twins and a terrifed mother. Free kitty and free food for a month. Now I need to think of a name for a totally black male kitten. He's very sleek and shiny.

hi guys!

anybody else watching the gloryful president of this country giving his speach to the nation?

@ susie: I'm so sorry that adriano is considering moving to NY. It must be heartbreaking for you that he is so unhappy in indiana! i'm not sure what to recommend, but the long-distance thing seems very very hard to me! is there any possibility to change universities/ jobs and move somewhere else where both of you are happy?
i'm not sure if the GC interview might be an issue, you don't have to tell them at the interview that you aren't living together. they didn't ask us any questions, they only wanted to see documents that are in both names. but every interview is different.

@ gillian: i'm so happy for you that your appartment is nice and that scott might move to charlotte!!!

@ debz: so jealous, i want a kitten!!!

@ all: i am starting to realize that i might never be able to call this my home and we are considering moving to germany next year. i feel guilty for feeling this way, but the last couple of days i was on the verge of tears 24/7 and i am so homesick that i am afraid of flying home for christmas because i know that i will not get back on the plane.

Agnes, don't feel guilty. You cannot help the way that you feel. If Eric is willing to move to Germany, then that is wonderful. I don't know if you remember me talking about my plans to return to Canada next year with Scott. Everyone on the boards, with good reason, tells me I should wait until Scott is a citizen to make the move back, to give us the most options. That isn't in the cards for us, but I completely understand why people advise it. Likewise, have you thought about this? I know it's an additional couple of years that you would have to stay in the States... but it could be worth it. It just really opens up your options for the future. Well, whatever you do, you know you have friends here on VJ and you can cry to us. I know it's hard to be homesick, and I can't imagine feeling the greater gap (physically and culturally) of being across an ocean.

In our news, Scott's GC has been approved. I was not expecting this so quickly, but we got the email saying the welcome letter has been sent. Scott is so funny. He totally doesn't pay attention to details (if you could call this a detail...) and has pretty much let me handle the whole process with our lawyer. So after I read the email from CRIS and told him, he said to me, "Wow, really? I didn't even know I was getting a green card."

Oh cute!! We can be in the two-kitty club!! Will defo need to see pics Riley is currently chewing on our palm - he is really boisterous this morning!!!


Aww hun - didn't you want to try moving to a different State sometime next year? Will miss you if you go home!!! I did think you would find it hard when you go home for Christmas, but if you make plans for your family to come out and visit you again then maybe it will give you something to look forward to. I have my mum's trip in April to look forward to although it does seem like forever right now And this will be my first Christmas without my family as well so that is also hard as we normally have about 20 of us. I've found pretty cheap tickets but it is unlikely we will be able to afford it unless I get a good job as soon as my EAD arrives

Maybe a new neighbourhood with new people and surroundings will be better? I know where you are right now is a little out of the way(!!!!!) so I don't know if you ever see or speak to your "neighbours" but maybe a closer-knit community will help you settle a bit more. Not only that but moving back East will be closer to home as well Shorter plane flights - woohoo!!!


Oh that is hilarious!! Bless him

Congrats, rae, on Scott's unexpected Green Card!

Thanks Julez! And I probably don't need to say this, but I love the continuation of the muppet theme of your avatar.

Haha...thanks...I'm all pimped out now.

Rae and Scott...Congrats!!

Julez...I'm loving the muppets too. When I was in a band back in Scotland we would walk on stage to muppet theme. I love Animal.

All... I need a name for a totally black, bright green eyed, very sleek kitten (boy). So far favourites are Poe (edgar Allan poe) and Obsidian.

Animal is one of my favorite muppets, too. I also like Gonzo, Beaker and the Swedish Chef.

OMG, reading that back to myself, i realize that I need to get a life!

with regard to your kitty, I'd name him Seamus. I think its a great name for a black cat or dog. But with your choices, I'd go for Poe, just for the sake of simplicity. Obsidian is cool, but a mouthful and what would you call him for short?

Obby?!

How about Raven? It has the Poe reference and is better than Edgar

Ooh, I like Poe, and Raven even more b/c he's black. I like names from literature (my kitty's name is Puck). How about Raskolnikov? I konw, too many syllables.

A friend of mine came up with a good cat name: Chairman Meow.

I love Beaker. I saw someone on Halloween with the most fabulous Beaker costume. The Swedish Chef is a fave too.

It's a bit obvious but I like the name Salem for black cats.

Okay, new topic. As many of you know, I am planning my "real" wedding now. What do you do with people who automatically assume they're invited but you weren't going to invite them? I have this friend; we're really not that close and we only talk occasionally. I emailed her recently and mentioned that Scott and I got married at city hall. She wrote back and said she wishes I had told her b/c she would have come. I will write back to her and tell her not to worry, that in fact none of my friends were there, b/c none of them were invited (which is true). Do you all think it's wrong to simply not mention the fact that I'm planning my real wedding now? I feel really kinda bad about it. But we're figuring out our guest list now and I'm totally seeing how cutting it saves you money. I guess more important than that is that I really just want the people closest to me there, and she is not one of them, yet I am afraid to offend her. *sigh*

You're a closet fan too!? Good name choice!!


I totally had this with my original maid of honour wanting to invite her friend along. I was firm and refused and she got arsey with me about it. At the end of the day, it is *your* wedding so you should do what you want. I personally wouldn't mention the second wedding (if you see her again) and if she finds out eventually through the grapevine, explain that it is only very small so you are only inviting very close family friends and immediate family. You could also bring budget into it as well. Maybe suggest having a bachelorette party and invite her?

I agree with you Aly that it is *my* wedding! I think I will do what I want but I still feel saddled with guilt. I guess another good thing (that I forgot to mention) is she doesn't live anywhere near me; she lives in Virginia. So perhaps not mentioning the second wedding is the best route to go, as it seems like I can most likely get away with her not finding out... Aaah, but I feel like a bad person!! I hate that.

Don't feel bad - I felt bad for the worst time, but at the end of the day, who should have the right to dictate to you who can go to your wedding? Ours being here made it easier, then we just had a big evening reception in the UK where we invited everyone

Maybe you could tell her about the wedding, but really over emphasize how small it will be, due to budget among other things. Family only. If I was going to be economical with the truth on any level it would be how small the wedding will be. That way if she sees any pictures of you on the day, like on facebook or something, it seems less like you were keeping it from her.