Ahh - yeah! Great you had a nice time!!

I'm about to go home! Yippee!

Jeraly - I keep forgetting that you are on UK time. Yes, it's time for you to go home. When I finally get the girls to bed and settle down to my computer at 8:00 p.m. - it's pretty quiet on the UK side. I see that the talk is about work - what do you do and do you like your job? What jobs have you had in the past? What are you planning to do when you get here?

Just striking up conversation...

for anyone still here in the UK that is interested there is a show on tv tonight about 2 people hiring a cheap car in the US and travlling all round the US with the aim of re-discovering the "real" america underneath all the starbucks, mcdonalds etc. They don't want to spend a penny to any of the big US commerical companies.

I would like to do that...sounds like fun!

ooh - what channel and what time!?

As for work - well I want to set up my own jewellery making business I am a qualified teacher but have never got a job as one - by the end of four years of my training I was so disillusioned with the education system...

Grr - why won't Debzy answer me!!! I can't find it in the TV guide!!! It *is* Thursday right?!

I just spoke to Griff and he is about to board his plane to Buffalo!!!! Should take an hour or so!!! He didn't give any details about the POE but I am sure once he gets settled he'll report for himself or give me the details to convey! I am soooooooo excited! I can't believe this day is finally here!!!!!

Awwww. That's so exciting for you! Congratulations!

Ohh Julez!!! You'll be together now!!!! YIPPEE!!!! Don't forget to put your certificate request in

Oh - and that programme is on on Tuesday at 10pm on... oh I can't remember the channel... Saw an advert for it on tv last night too

Ohhhh I'll try to remember to watch that.

It's cold today, but I'm not seeing any signs of snow where I am - wish the weather forecast wouldn't tease me *sulks*

We have...slush on the roads. I think it might be melting hail.

Good morning all!

Haha - here we have glorious sunshine!! It really is true that Brits like to talk about the weather

Yeah - that programme sounds really cool. I normally go to my friend's house on Tuesdays for good ol' d&d but I might be freaking too much and have too much to do so it would be a good excuse to watch it

On a slight other note - I would be really interested in meeting up with fellow roleplayers in my area when I move but I have no idea how to go about it - some 20-30-40 or so old nerdy geek types would be awesome but while I could try and meet these people online, people are spread out enough in the US without meeting a like-minded person in San Fran!!!

Also, my mother wrote to one of her oldest friends (a lady who I've seen about twice in my life, but who always sends our family cards and presents on our birthdays and at Christmas) telling her I was getting married - and the next thing she knows she has a letter back saying how excited this lady is and how she's already saving the money for the air fare!

I wasn't going to invite this lady (although I certainly have NO objection to her coming!) - I wasn't really going to invite anyone from the UK, as I didn't want people to have to fork out money for flights/accommodation, but it seems quite a few are really keen to come!

Anyway, my dad read the letter and realised that since people would genuinely like to attend, he's thinking of providing accommodation for everyone and my mother says that if some of my less well-off friends would like to attend, there's a possibility they could help subsidise people's travel fares.

So my half of the guest list has already tripled in recent days - but so long as people don't feel that they HAVE to come and aren't spending too much money I don't mind at all!

One thing's for certain - we won't be able to squeeze many people into Alex's parents' house, so I'm thinking we're going to hire a place after all. This wedding has gone from 'let's elope' to 'let's invite maybe 10 members of our close family' to 'I guess we're going to have a medium sized do'!

Now I'm going to be fretting over how to make it a really nice affair - we were going to cut lots of corners before but what would do for very close family isn't really going to do for friends and more distant relatives! Fortunately we've had a few offers of help. Apparently my mother's friend is a very good amateur florist and she's offered to do flowers for us as a wedding gift (which would be amazing, only she'd obviously have to arrive in the US a few days prior to the occasion).

I think I'd still have a few home-made chocolate cakes instead of a big traditional cake, though. Tastier and far less expensive! I was thinking maybe my little (10 year old) sister would have fun decorating them with me. Too tacky?

Of my immediate family, my dad and the 10 year old twins will definitely be coming. My other siblings may not be able to attend (two are at university, one's a very busy doctor, so it would entirely depend on the date) and my mother has inner-ear problems which mean she might not be able to fly (has to see a doctor). Unfortunately if she can't fly she may have to bow out, but her friend would videotape it and we might even attempt to have a live video feed for her.

Sorry for rambling...it feels good to write it all down, though! I'm sure my plans will change many, many times in the upcoming months but it helps to have something to occupy my time

I have no idea if this would work in the US - but would there be any university/college roleplaying clubs? I know that Sheffield University has a roleplaying society (because I used to attend) that is open to everyone, not just students. There were quite a few people there in their late 20s or early 30s.

And yes - we do love to talk about the weather! Does that make us dull? I hope not!

Haha - yeah I was thinking of going back to school just so I can find some geeks to hang out with

As for the wedding plans - wow!! Ours went the opposite way! We were going to have about 30 people, now we have almost halved it. It has made thigns a lot cheaper in terms of reception etc but still!!! We decided that we were only going to invite family (with a few exceptions for Jeremy because his family are lame) and we have now invited our wedding planner - she left the company but helped TONS with the initial planning stages

Sounds mad - how many people are you expecting now? I think the cupcake idea could be really cute - you can decorate with the colour your bridesmaids will be wearing - then even if some of them look a little... interesting... they will kinda match with the colour scheme

Let's see...on my side, I can expect around 6-12 family members (unfortunately my grandparents/most of my aunts and uncles, although I am very close to them, won't be able to afford it/won't want to travel long distances), 2-6 of my parents' friends, and 2-4 of my own friends. So anywhere from 10-22 people my side.

On Alex's side...I'm reckoning between 10-30 people (if we invite one relative, we'd have to probably invite them all, and his mother's family is large!).

So...wow, that's between 20-52 people.

I'm not sure how many of the traditions we'll follow. Alex is really, really shy and I certainly don't like being the centre of attention (although I'm a lot better in social circles, so I wouldn't call myself all that shy) which is why we didn't originally want a big do. I think I'd find many of the wedding traditions a little embarrassing. For example, I'm trying to work out how we can possibly avoid my dad/others making speeches/giving toasts! (My dad gave a speech at my brother's 18th last year and I was cringing, it was short and not that bad, but I find things like that so acutely embarrassing!)

So I hadn't even thought about bridesmaids or outfits or anything like that! I wouldn't know how to choose. I know it'd have to be my little sister but would I choose between university friends or high school friends? What if my cousin for whose parents I was a bridesmaid (many years ago) attends?

I think I'm probably better off not having any attendants and avoiding colour schemes. I don't think I'd go for tuxes, either - just ask people to wear smartish suits/outfits.

Looking for something fun/casual but not too tacky, really. Good food is what I'd place as my priority, I think as long as people are well-fed then other little details can be overlooked! Hmm, and since I'd expect a few children to attend it'd probably be an afternoon party.

Thanks for asking questions and being interested - helps me feel better about rambling at you all

So...how many of your friends/family are making it over? I'm actually really looking forward to hearing all about it once you have your ceremony later this month (it is this month, right?!)

P.S. It was snowing literally two minutes ago and now it's sunny. What the hell? Make up your mind, weather!

Haha - had to get the weather comment in!!

YES!!! THIS MONTH OMFG!!!!!! I am kinda freaking a bit but more about immigration than the actual wedding

In terms of numbers - I invited all my "immediate" family - aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings and my two best friends I have known since I was 4/7. One of them isn't coming - big long story you mighg find somewhere in the depths of the July thread!! I am a bit annoyed with her because I think she was just making excuses but oh well. She was going to be my maid of honour. Now I have my other friend (who flies out tomorrow!!) as my maid of honour and Jeremy's sister as my bridesmaid.

My family that are going: Me (duh!), mum, dad and respective partners, two brothers and one of their gfs, mum's parents then obviously my friend and her bf.

Jeremy's family: Him (I hope!), mum, brother, sister, aunt (like I said - they were lame )

We are also having our wedding planner, Heather go as she left the company and we kinda were expecting more people!!!

As for your wedding - you can do whatever you want - it is your day! We are writing our own vows - it might be nice for you and your OH to write your own together to repeat after the minister so there is no pressure. You could even write your own ceremony wording - I have bunches of examples (don't think I deleted them) that I got from my wedding planner and we just adapted our own - our whole ceremony is going to last about 20 minutes

Speeches - we are having four because traditionally it is groom, father of the bride, best man but I would also like my mum's OH to make a speech Maybe you could have your dad and the best man just say a few words - explain you don't want much and for it to take too long and that your OH doesn't really want to say anything either

As for tradition - our wedding is just unique - it is traditional in a sense but we are adapting a lot of things to fit in with what we want which is what it is all about - it has been wonderful having a wedding planner because they helped out so much - it left us with very easy choices to make and now even our timeline for the day has been organised by them - all I am worried about is remembering my vows (I am printing them!) and reding them - that is it - I don't have to worry about when I am doing what or where I am going - it is all on a spreadsheet for me!! Yippee!!!

I can really really recommend a wedding planner - you can explain your situation to them and they might have a load of really good decisions Then when you give them the date of your weddnig they will make sure everything is in place in time - they can help you address your traditions/cake ideas etc - even if you want to make yoru own they might be able to help you with ideas or point you in the direction of pictures I never thought I would have a wedding planner but I am SO glad I have got one now - I wouldn't be without her! AND when we have our legal wedding in the summer we are having her do that one as well - they are THAT good!!

it is coming down freezing rain here...and i was planning on taking my I-129F to the post office first thing this morning i hear some sleet tapping on the windows now too...booooo weather! wondering if i should strap on my ice skates and triple axel over to my destiny... what would you do?

g'morning everyone, it's friday

Yep! He made it! Its so surreal to know that this isn't just a visit! After all the waiting its finally real and it is just so wonderful!!! I'm so happy!

Now where's this certificate of which you speak, Aly???

I hear you! I'm sure you'll sail through immigration with no problem, though!



Sucks when friends can't make it! And that's a nice number; cosy and very family orientated.



Ooh, now that's an idea...if you could pull up an example or two that'd be fantastic! But don't worry if you can't find them; just if they're easily available.

Yes - my dad would probably be hurt if I did away with the speeches altogether but I'm sure he could keep it short and sweet if I asked very nicely.



I love spreadsheets! I love being organised in general really, and making lists. I had fun putting our 129F petition together.

We've already had the offer of a amateur wedding planner's help which I'll probably take up as that would be very useful, especially as I can't be in the US to organise anything anyway (plus I really hate using the phone!) She's one of Alex's mother's friends so she and her family would probably be invited to the wedding too.



I'd put on lots of layers and a warm hat and ruuuuuun to the post office (and probably trip and fall on the way, so perhaps best not to follow my suggestion).



Yay! Wow, it must seem unbelievable. I can't wait until it's my turn!

YAY YAY YAY for Julez and Griff!

So happy for you Julez -- you finally got your man over here. A very, very happy Friday indeed!

Thanks maven! It is just so wonderful!! Now, if only I didn't have to be here at work today. Oh well, at least I have something to look forward to in going home today!

It really does feel so surreal! Its so worth the wait! In fact, it hardly even seems like we were apart. I do hope you have a speedy journey!

Seconded! - it's weird how happy you feel about good news even when you barely know someone just because you completely empathise with what they've gone through, I guess that's what makes this place special.. oh god, next I'll be suggesting a group hug or something *laughing happily*

Hope all goes well for you in the future!

The weather is weird today - first rain, then hail (more promising), and then bright sunshine; not really sure what to make of it.

On the wedding side of things (any excuse to talk about weddings!!!) I'm pretty much not expecting any of my family to fly out there (doesn't seem worth the expense for a half-hour ceremony really, and this is my second wedding too). So we're having Mark's family and only 4 of our friends, which still amounts to about 25 people. I'm not having bridesmaids, but two of the 4 friends are part of the wedding - one is giving me away and the other is the best man - and their womenfolk who are also our friends will be there if I need moral support. I am going to make one of those photo books of the wedding pictures to send to my Mum though, so she can show it off to people and also get a couple of nice prints done of whichever photo makes the two of us look the least gonky.

I know! All the congrats we got when we were approved meant so much to me, and even to the Boy, who calls VJ my "obsession site". And when he got his PhD last week (my god, was it only last Friday?) and everyone sent out their congrats it melted even his stony Yorkshire facade. Hee hee, always makes me laugh when I tell him the VJ posse is rooting for him or me and he smiles...

In other news, I feel like Champion Lardazz this morning -- my breakfast has consisted of one Jammie Dodger, one gigantic blueberry muffin, and a banana muffin that was forced -- FORCED, I tell you! -- upon me by a colleague who made a pan of them last night. I feel beyond pork-style.

Mmm, muffins! Blueberry muffins are the best!

I'm doing better at being healthy recently. Getting my 5-a-day with a little red meat and no dairy (but plenty of calcium in soya).

Hannah - I didn't/don't think it's worth the expense either, but my mother pointed out that the people who do attend will probably make a real holiday of it, and since Alex will be working I'll probably spend a week beforehand with them visiting places and showing them the general area.

julez - thanks! I hope everyone else here does, too!

Still mulling over weddings...now I'm thinking it might be sweet to have my littlest sister as a honorary bridesmaid; she wouldn't really have to do anything but it'd be an excuse for her to dress up and spend some time with me!

Big Congrats to you. I'm so happy for anyone that makes it out the other side of this immigration lark.

Maybe if my boy and I were separated I'd be more inclined to wrestle with these RFE's ....


Hope you guys are enjoying your reunion

Urrg hellish day at work...standing outside for 45 mins in rain wind and fecking freezing temps without a jacket as the 6th floor of our 9 floor building had a wee fire! (well a server overheated and started belching smoke everywhere) 4mins....arrg! This was almost 6 hrs ago, I'm now home but still can't feel warm.

Julez I'm so jealous. I can't wait to be with Nick everyone better keep everything crossed for me on tuesday!


Cupcake wedding cake!....my friend had one..it was amazing. 3 plates with pillars inbetween staked with cupcakes. Saved cutting the cake! Looked amazing and everyone got their own wee cake.

Poiteen -- what's holding you up on the affidavits? I got those bad boys drawn up and turned around in one day (not that I'm bragging... ).

Hahaha - I will get it done later - I promise!! Have to go shopping with mum first, pick up a bottle of wine Will present to you in the July veterans thread when it is done - I just need a request on colour scheme, pictures used, theme etc - I'll do my best to accommodate!!

Oooooh - wedding stuff

Ok - I have things from my wedding planner that might help a bunch of people... I have a breakdown of costs spreadsheet, ceremony wording... I am sure there is other stuff in my wedding folder... I wonder if there would be a good place to post it... Maybe I should start a new topic in the "moving here" thread... what do people reckon?

I just braved the elements...and made the trek in ankle deep slush/ice/water to the post office...our I-129F is on its way to Vermont! WOOT! We're on our way!

Well done!

congratulations!!! (probably the first of many you will receive over next few months)

thanks so much!

Yay!!! Congrats & good luck for a speedy journey!

Your weather sounds just like the wether here in Buffalo! I'm not enjoying the slush - its a mess!

It's awful here too!!!

Similarly stinky in New Haven -- it's been pouring since about 11am.

Don't tell anyone...but I have NOTHING to do today at work...

Hrmmmm well here they have gritted the roads all over - more than they do normally. Wind has picked up and it is freezing but at least it is dry

You guys should move to Florida...was in the upper 70's today...NO SNOW...

no offense but, i hate the south! lol...i'll take the seasons over the bland sameseasonallyearlong. it's a nice place to visit...but...wouldn't want to live there ever again...been there done that! ok...hate is a harsh word...how about strongly dislike??? it's just not right not having seasons...i guess it's just what i'm used to.


edited to say: what seems to be the problem jason? are you into torture or have you been poisoned? care to share?

The only thign I don't like is the blistering hot summers...but that's why air conditioning was invented...so people could live in FL ...don't mind the cold, just wouldn't want to have to deal with it as much as others do...plus I like living about 15 minutes from Disney World...

Ok - I am back on my vow thing again - I have to get them done by Tuesday!!! I can't believe it is so soon!!!

Trying to find a nicer way of saying "look forward to"

anticipating?

We know that word very well, don't we?

http://thesaurus.reference.com/

I'm NOT looking forward to Tuesday. Well I am in someways obviously as good or bad...it will be over.

*repeats mantra*

You will be fine!!!

Hmmm - I don't know - I can't get anticipate to fit in with the vows very well and thesaurus.com doesn't give me anything that really fits either... grrr!! Why is this so hard!!!