Verito ~ Luis no tenia su tarjeta de vacunas, pero fue a coger unas vacunas (que son necesarias para viajar), creo que fue al Instituto Nacional de Salud. Al menos va a tener unas, si no todas.
Mija, debemos reunirnos en Lima, que chevere! Luis vive en San Bartolo, pero podemos salir los 4 en Lima! a una discoteca o algo, Ya tu sabes, para celebrarnos...... woohoo!

Kim ~ I'm definetely down to hang out! Look at me, makin' plans with everybody, haha. Look at me, miss social butterfly, I'm making plans to hang out with Verito in Peru too, haha! It's that you guys are the coolest... This forum is awesome, I've met some great people on here I have to tell you. And also, I got my NOA1 April 30, so I technically could be considered a May filer, but there's nobody better than my April friends! I don't even go to the forum! hah

Gaura ~ OMG! You're approved I'm so excited for you!

Thanks you all for being so happy for me With all these good vibes going around Im SURE there will be more approvals this week!!!!!!!

Hehe, funny thing is I planned that once I got my approval I'd have a mini party and crack open all the goodies I havent been eating/drinking since my health kick to get in shape to see my babe (he lives near beaches- that means BIKINIS are in my future- AHH - but tomorrow im off on a lil trip and meeting up with old friends so wanna keep the flat tummy look hehe......however, when I get back im so TOTALLY having a wine/ice cream/deliciously fried chips celebration!

congrats!!! enjoy your trip, you certainly earned it!!!!!!! and can i come to your wine/ice cream celebration, sounds really good to me! haha

Congrats to all new approvals! Still no news here... Checked the USCIS website yesterday, and we hadn't even been touched since June 17. I think Michael will try to get an answer from them when he goes back, though I don't have a lot of faith in his ability to get it. I just wonder when he can start involving his representative... If it is right after the end of the six months, or later?

One thing I can tell you, though (and I hope not to offend anyone), is that I've lost any wish to move to the US. The idea that they took a sizable amount of my money without even inquiring if it had been honestly earned (and it had, every single cent of it), but that I'm not even allowed to live in my own home really hurts me beyond belief. I just wonder what good has done to me having been a decent, honest, hardworking human being for all my life...

Eh? What's all that about, HS?

Well, at the end of May I bought a condo in the US with some savings I had from the sale of another place where I had lived for a number of years in another European country. All the money had been earned through my own work, and I had kept it in a bank for years because of the very high prices of real estate in Italy. I found the perfect opportunity to buy our own home in the US, and I went for it.... Not once was I asked as to where the money came from - they didn't even ask me to send them a copy of my passport or anything. Now I own a condo I have never seen firsthand, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to live there... Apparently, my money was good, but I am not.

Probably I am too dense to understand the implications of US immigration, but I am really so sick and tired of wasting my life like that. I know other people have waited even longer, but that is no comfort at all. I wish it was possible for us to settle here in Italy, but unfortunately it is not so. I have no love for my own country (long story), but this is really so depressing.

Lately,it's been raining with approvals at Vermont and thats great news. For those who are still waiting on their approval,just hang in there and you'll get it soon,,Good luck and God Bless..

Lately,it's been raining with approvals at Vermont and thats great news. For those who are still waiting on their approval,just hang in there and you'll get it soon,,Good luck and God Bless..

I'm so happy for you Gaura, congratulations!

Raff, i've often found myself with the short stick too but I honestly believe that what goes around.... comes around. Be strong, stick to your values, do good unto others and life will shine on you. You can't really compare our lovely Country with our screwed up mortgage lenders right now. They're all going under..and there's good reason for that. I work for several real estate companies and an appraisal office and I can tell you that the fact that you even got a mortgage at this point is shocking to me. It just took me 6 months to refi the house i'm living in and it's a family home! It's not an easy thing to go through right now. Don't lose faith... the US is a great place to live! Sure, some of the gov't agencies need a big overhaul... including immigration...anyone would admit that. But you have said the same things about your own Country. Not to psycho-analyze, but I think maybe you're going through a process of grief and with that often comes anger... it helps to have someone to blame. Believe me, I know ALL about that as i've sure done my share of grieving too. Someone with an NOA1 date right around yours was approved yesterday... did you see that? So perhaps my presumption about an adjuticator or two on vacation is true. It's sad that happens, you're right, but I truly feel it's coming. I so wish I could spend a day with you just hanging out and showing you all the beauty and love that I see in life...even throughout this difficult process. I know you're losing hope and I know all these approvals after you are unfair but it happens to some people, i've seen this for a year now with no rhyme or reason to it. You have got to stay strong and believe it's coming or you're going to make yourself sick. It's wonderful that you purchased real estate..especially right now! I know it doesn't feel that way.. but it really is. It's glorious that you have someone you love deeply to share your life with now. Beauty and wonder await you... this pain you're feeling now will soon be a distant memory!

Hiya rocker man!

Thank you frosty.. i hope you're right!

Gaura, bet you had sweet dreams!

Good morning (or afternoon) to everyone else. I hope today is a good day for all of us!

p.s. Michael can call the USCIS anytime he likes. They may just tell you that you're still within processing times but I'd have him call as soon as he's home and hope he gets hooked up with a personable operator that will give him a clue as to where your case is. If he doesnt... have him call back again later.

Approved!!!!

Actually, we got approved more then a week ago, I was in Orlando so we got to be together for the approval!! Yeii!!! We didn´t actually get to celebrate, though, cause I was working 24/7 as a tour guide for a group of brazilians, but still.

Just a comment: something creepy happened at immigration. I didn´t have any problems, they didn´t ask about the fiancee visa or anything, but last time I was there, the last question I was asked was what I did in Brazil, but it was so informal, the officer was so nice, it felt like he was just making conversation. Anyway, I worked as a teacher and I told him that. Guess what was the firtst thing the officer said when I got there this time: "Hi, teacher". And it was another officer, and even if it wasnt, last time I was there was more than 2 m,onths ago. They had that information on the system!!!!!!!! CREEPY!!!!!!

Anyway, now how long? Are we there yet are we there yet, are we at least almost there yet?????

Kim>>

I know the above comment was not directed to me but it was very re-energizing for me to read as well
because I am in the same boat as Highwaystar....
I can't believe that it has been officially 4 months since my NOA1 was issued....
oh well, I guess I just have to make the best of the time that I have left in Japan to spend with my family!!!
I will miss it once i move to the US. I hope to be able to have thanksgiving dinner in the US though.
Just like Boston, New Hampshire is very pretty in thanksgiving season and I am looking forward to it.
Anyway, you are the best, kim!!

You mean me, right?

Fernanda... I saw you were approved and thought maybe I missed it. Congratualtions! Yes, they keep all that in their system... don't be spooked. Have you visited the portals and read the reviews for Brazil yet? I have no idea how the process works there but that is your best bet to find out how long it takes from here. Congratulations again. Very happy for you.

S&D, I'm so glad my ramblings helped to ease your spirit a bit. It's just honesty really. If there wasn't so many left from your timeframe I might be a little more concerned for you all but there seems to be this small group left from the end of March / early April. I know.. it's so unfair. I don't think I knew you were going to be in New Hampshire. I'm only about 20 minutes from the border. I hope you can get here for fall as it's just breathtaking in New England at that time!

Yes, Damian... I meant you. I used to have this rocker emoticon on my server but I haven't been able to find it. I think about it every time I see your posts though.

Kim>>

I think I am beyond the hardest point now.
I don't even check my account at USCIS website anymore....
I know when they update it, I will receive an email
so there is really no use checking it like every second....
When most of the late March filers were getting approved every day,
it was really frustrating and the toughest and I was losing patience and going crazy!!!!!
But it has just been too long and I just really got sick of the dissappointment to see no update on my case.
I am still planning to have my fiance call USCIS very soon though!!

You seem to be very close to where I will be living in NH ;-)
Our place is only 45min away from Logan and actually I used to
go to a small private college in Boston! That's where I met him!!!!
Although I wanted to live in Boston, my fiance is such a NH guy that needs the nature
and the woods around him! Well, NH is awesome because it is a SALES TAX-FREE state!
Maybe you should come to NH for grocery shopping

S&D ... N.H. is where us MA folks go for expensive things... big party alcohol purchases and where many smokers go for their cigs. I drive a big honkin Eddie Bauer Expedition so it would probably cost me more in gas than i'd spend in groceries! I love Boston too... I had one brother that went to Harvard and one to North Eastern and my ex husband works for Gillette (now P & G) in Southie... so we've spent quite a bit of time there. Russell and I are planning a few days alone there after he arrives in Logan.. although i'm not sure we'll leave the room! (that was for you Suz! :lol) I'm about an hour northwest in Leominster. I'm with your fiance, as much as I like being in the city, I could never live there. It's good being close though!

Oh my goodness!!! When he was living in around Keene, NH years ago,
we would stop in Gardner or Leominster for bathroom or dunkin' donuts coffee on our way to Boston!!
Now his place is near Manchester NH so we are much closer to Boston!
It feels funny to find someone on the internet that knows the area that I know!!!!!

We have the same kind of plan! He is coming to see me in Tokyo in 2 weeks
and I live not too far from the airpot but we booked a hotel room near the airpot for the first night!!
I am sure you will have the beautiful romantic fun moments with Russell!

You will be less than an hour away from me! I was born and raised here in Leominster.... my great grandparents landed here from Sicily and helped build this city. It's a wonderful place to live with strong family roots. Yes, we've done this airport / hotel thing for many... many... many years now. This time it's for good! That is the moment that keeps me going through this difficult process! You will have to make sure you get up to Conway... Bartlet... and into the White Mountains in the fall. It is some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. Do let me know if you make it down here sometime.

Oh yes, I will defenitely let you know when I make it there!!! Hopefully before Thanksgiving!!!!!
I went camping with his dad's family up in the Whilte Mountains 2 years ago!!!!
yeah, the scenery from top of the mountain was just breathtaking, as I remember....
I will be thinking of you and your Italian family next time when we drive by Leominster!

Thank you all for your kind words. Just for the record, though... I didn't take up a mortgage, but paid cash. I'm not a millionaire, but I've lost both my parents, who left me in a reasonably comfortable position. The money I used to buy my condo, however, came entirely from my earnings of about six years spent abroad. This is why it hurts so badly... I poured my hard-earned cash into US coffers just in order to come here to live honestly, pay my taxes, and spend what is left of my life with the man I love. I just wish I knew why we've left behind... Not knowing is so hard, especially in a very precarious situation as mine is now.

Hello Highway
Cheer up. It's going to happen and you will get to live in the condo. The people who sold the condo and accepted your payment aren't the USCIS or the US government so realize it's different processes. It's not a matter of you can take my money but you won't let me live in your country. Don't get angry at everybody please. You will make yourself sick or get an ulcer or get high blood pressure. Perhaps your petition is taking longer because you've lived and worked in more than one country. You often mention there's issues in Italy that you can't elaborate on. Maybe that somehow complicates the screening. Maybe the chunk of cash you transferred to the US to buy property has made the screening take longer. Large money transactions are recorded and reported as part of meeting requirements of the Patriot Act. If the purchase and deed are in your name, then maybe they are checking that out. I don't think they trace how you got the money, they just document the fact that you sent it into the US and bought a house. It's a paper trail at most. All those little extra things, though harmless and honest, have to be checked. So sorry it's taking longer. How very frustrating. Is there anything else you could be focusing on, like getting police certificates from the other country where you lived. Have you looked over all the DS forms? Have you smiled at yourself in the mirror today? Don't let the bas***** get you down. That's a quote from somebody, but I forgot who. Wishing you some sunshine and happiness to fill up your heart.

S&D---same to you....wishing some sunshine and happiness and good news to you.

sounds simple enough... but it's something I do quite a bit to help keep me grounded!

Great advice mama Nich!

There are no issues I can't elaborate on. My problems with my country have nothing to do with the law, and are matters that would be of no interest whatsoever for immigration. I mean, there is no dark secrets in my past that they may unearth. Moreover, I was led to believe that at the petition stage they mainly checked the USC, not the beneficiary's background (that happens rather at the Consulate stage). I did live in more than one country, but always as an employee of the Italian government. This is why I earned enough money to buy a small flat (it was in Finland, btw, where property prices are a fraction of those in Italy).

As regards those certificates, they have a limited validity, and the Finnish one is only valid for three months. It would be completely useless for me to apply for one now, only to see it expire when I finally get to the interview stage. As to the smiling in the mirror, I do it much more often than you may believe, and I'm definitely not giving myself ulcers or anything of the sort. I am just worn down by the heat and the lack of good news. If you can't relate to me or are annoyed by my posts, I can't do anything but apologise.

NOA 2 approved!

I had an RFE on 7/7/08 that was replied to on 7/22/08

I had to request a waiver due to the new IMBRA law of 2006 that stated that if I had more than 2 previous K1's approved or (as in my case) had an approved K1 within the last 2 years, you must request a waiver.

Off to NVC

Good luck all!

You're misunderstanding my intentions. I was just trying to think of anything that might make the processing take a little longer so you didn't think they decided to dislike you or deny you. It was just random brainstorming, and not anything accusatory. I want to encourage you to not give up on it or feel depressed. I was totally depressed and obsessed while waiting for the NOA2. I'm also older like you and know we aren't going to have a lifetime together like the kids on here. I'm trying to relate and encourage, but I know it's hard for you because of the waiting. Again, best of luck.

Congrats!
mine can't be far behind!!

Congratulations!

Don't forget to update your timeline so everyone can share your joy on the stats pages!

Congratulations for the new approvals!!!

Hoping and praying for more before this week ends..

God bless everyone!!1

hahaha... hey we do what we gotta do right? I can imagine what 10 months must have done 2 you guys, heck, I'm frustrated after 4.

I know it's hard, it's hard to read posts when people are depressed or feeling down, I don't know how to console you but, know this, it WILL happen. Sucks that it takes longer for some people, and that's not fair, but no worries, the day will come.

I'm so tired today & I have an exam tomorrow morning that I haven't even studied for yet! So, ehhh, I'm gonna go do that. Have a good night everyone & congrats to all the approvals!!!

I just wanted to thank you again for the support, but at this point I think it would be better for me not to post here again in order to avoid getting others down. I wish you all the best, and hope you're all going to be very happy with your SO's once you get them there. Personally, I don't know what I am going to do. It's clear this NOA2 is not coming any time soon, and I have to look out for myself first of all. If there are any good news, I'll update my timeline in order to help others here. Best of luck to you all, especially to Kim and Russell.

Good Morning Aprilers!

I am at school, I'm supposed to be reviewing for my midterm BUT.....

I just couldn't help myself and checked USCIS and I have a TOUCH! I'm not going to get myself too excited, it could be an RFE, approval, whatever, somebody just checkin out the pics of Luis & I making out (haha just kidding, I have class, I didn't send any raunchy pics).

OK, so I'm excited. Wish me luck I hope something happens TODAY! Woohoo!

Jill ~ If you're not ignoring VJ again, haha, Check USCIS! We have same NOA1 date!

Raff, thanks for your well wishes. I really appreciate it. Just for the record, I really dont think anyone is bothered at all by your frustrations... everyone just has their own way of trying to help you to feel better about all of this. I'm quite sure those still waiting can appreciate your concerns and are happy to know they're not alone. That being said, maybe it would be better for you psychologically to put the focus somewhere else for a bit... at least until that darn approval comes through. BTW I dreamt you got your approval last night ! It was quite funny because I was with you (even tho I have no idea what you look like ) and you were just so relieved and happy ....and giggling at yourself and how frustrated you got with the process! None of it mattered once you had that NOA2! It's a premonition!

So Suz, you think it's those 'home movies' I sent slowing us down?? JK! Ooooo congratulations on your touch!!! I'm all excited for you to hear some good news by the end of the day!

I hope the rest of us hear some good news today as well. We've all been very patient and positive and we deserve to be rewarded!

Megan/Graham... I see you there , did you make it across the pond yet?

It's Graham here!!!

Finally back in the 20th century with this crazy thing called the INTERNET!!!! My brother got connected yesterday!!

Well I'm so happy about being approved and I was even happier when I just called the NVC and they have sent out our package to London on Tuesday. So we are both signed up for tracking on DHL's website. It is currently in Transit to Destination!!!

Good luck to everyone still waiting on their approvals.

Hey Kim!!! Megan isn't here yet, Saturday night she leaves and arrives Sunday morning at 10am. I can't wait!!!

Hi all,
Im semi-lurking this week.. 2 exams, 3 clinical days, a presentation.. etc etc. YUCK
No touch today, as of 1006 eastern time. Lets HOPE.

Jill

Kim ~ LOL. Videos Schmideos. You're too mature for that stuff, haha. That would be funny though if you did send something like that. I mean, what can they say? That's the most bonafide evidence you can have LOL. Actually if USCIS were more up to date with technology I could have probably thought of videotaping Luis' aunt's 90th birthday party I went to in March. We were dancing fools and singing and acting like crazy people kissing every 5 seconds. That may be an idea for proof in the future!

Graham ~ Hi! We miss you over here, your stats and everything. Glad you got the internet. I didn't have the internet for 3 months last year when I was in Puerto Rico and let me tell you I was like a drug feind looking for dope. LOL I would take any chance I got to take advantage of somebody's internet connection. It's scary. I'm glad your package is on it's way to jolly old England! How's that little nugget doing, I mean baby? (When I was pregnant and I saw them on the sono screen I called them nuggets, they looked like nuggets not babies!) haha

Jill ~ I thought maybe we had the same worker at Vermont. I just took my midterm, it was pie. This is nothing like the class I had last summer session. They are 6 week courses so they're super condensed and I though this class was going to be difficult like the last one but the professor is super relaxed. Which works for me!

Raff ~ I was actually thinking about you too, I feel really bad that you are so depressed about this whole process. I wish there were something else we all could do to make you feel better. I think maybe sometimes I'm super optimistic and happy because of my kids, they keep my mind off of things... I start to think if I would be the same way if I were separated from Luis and had no one to distract me. I hope you get approved fast! I want to hear some good news from you!

Desenchantee ~ You have the same NOA1 date as me as well! So let's hope you come next too!

By the way, I just wanted to let you all know you guys are great and it's so fun to talk to you every day!

Ummm errrr ahhhh .... not really!

congrats on the mid-term!

LOL ohh so you have been doing all that Pamela Lee and Paris Hilton stuff, eh? SCANDALOUS, Kim, just scandalous.

So I'm going on a diet! I'm not too excited about it, being that I have to give up my dunkin donuts iced coffee regimen. Any tips for me? I want to look good by the time I get married, lol. By good I don't mean J-Lo good, I mean size 12 good. haha

Kim,

First of all, I thought I recognized that picture in your signature. then I pulled out my copy of "Naughty New Zealand Nighttime Nookie" and there it is on the DVD cover! (that's a joke everyone, Kim didn't sell any of her naughty home movies... that I know of)

Can I ask a technical question? On Igor's page and the K1 stats page. Some couples have no link to a profile or timeline. Some have a profile link but it takes you to the VJ home page and not a profile. Does that have any meaning? Are these people who have removed their profiles?

Thank, and please put me on the mailing list for NNZNN 2.

Joe

hahaha yes, I am a bad...bad girl and I should be punished.

Go visit Getting2Goal and read through the tips. I still use all of them! You dont need to give up DD's just use skim milk ...it will be tough to get used to at first but you will ...and once you do you wont be able to drink cream anymore. For a while I added powdered french vanilla cream to it for just a few more cal's. I was on a coolata kick (tropicana) for a while until I went to the website and found out how many calories they are! Haven't had one since. Same thing with their hot chocolate.

So exercise sets me on course for the day. Just seems that no matter how much I don't want to start..i'm always so pumped when I do and it just sets me up for good choices the rest of the day. Helps relieve a lot of frustration as well! Endophins are awesome! I visit my forums at g2g every day and the people there are just awesome...like all of you. Many have been on this road with me for a decade so they know me and they know when I need a word or two to keep me going. Come post with us anytime! I'm starting a new challenge over there very soon.

Journal your food. See what you're eating.. even though you think you know.. there's something about putting it on paper. No BLT's (bites / licks / tastes) ..those have calories too! Plan out your meals... stay balanced...and eat throughout the day. Fruits and veggies are very important to your body. Choose high fiber.. lower fat foods and don't get stuck in a rut of eating the same things over and over. Most of all... EVERY DAY IS DAY ONE!

Best thing you can do, is do excersises. Make a schedule so you follow it, even if you feel lazy. That alone will change you like night and day.
Best of luck!

omg That's so funny! I can't believe you have that movie!



You do not need to create a profile in order to create a timeline. Usually those folks do not even show active links but when they do you are sent to the VJ homepage. Igor's list has a few quirks in the code I noticed. Still a great service to VJ'ers everywhere!



Will do!

I'm going on a diet too! I am trying to do it now but Gareth is here and he loves his homecooked breakfasts...and I can't help but eat when I cook all that. So I'm gonna try to start soon though. Weight Watchers is great! It works and you don't get hungry. School is starting back in a month and I start a job at movie Gallery part tiem the day after Gareth leaves. It will give me something to do to pass the tiem...and have a bit more money rolling in. And I won't look completely lazy when I do the Support papers. Mom is still co sponsoring though.

Congrats on all the approvals! And Suzy I hope you get approved soon cause my NOA1 is the day after yours...May first...so I could be considered May as well...but I technically "filed" in April...so yeah.

I'm sooo anxious!! I'm ready to get this ball rolling!!

Stephanie

Kim ~ I'm there, consider me a member.

Stephanie ~ I know, I liked weight watchers. The problem is both sides of my family are crazy - have you ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Well I'm not greek, but the mother in that movie is my grandma greekified. Shes actually Italian but you get my jist.
"You want something to eat?" says Grandma
"No thanks." says Suzy
"Ok I'll make you something." says Grandma

I hope you get approved soon Steph!

KornyHiv ~ So I just got a gazelle, someone gave it to me who doesn't use it . I don't have time, money or a babysitter to go to the gym, so I will do that after my kids fall asleep at night or really early in the morning. I also have a track across the street from me. I just have to fit time in. Full time school, full time work & kids is hard. I'm lucky I have enough time to do the basic stuff. Eating well is something I can do, I know I can I just have to try harder to avoid all the crappy junk that is around and start eating better.

I'm going crazy checking the USCIS site. Somebody punch me.

Yes I understand! My grandma did the cooking around here and she cooked a lot!! And Good stuff too! But she just moved so now it's just me, mom and my sis until she goes to school on Aug 9th and Gareth leaves the 11th. So when it's just mom and me, we'll usually eat Smart Ones. So it will be a lot easier! I hope to have lost at least 25 lbs before Gareth gets back for good.

I've turned him into a regular farm boy! A side of bacon and a settin of eggs in the morning and now he's out on the tractor mowing the field! LoL! He likes doing that for some reason! But that's good! My mom told me that I'm the only one in the family that found a good guy...that actually helps around the house and yard.

Oh and we're going to a family reunion this weekend...on my dad's side...Gareth is nervous! He'll like it I think though. Hope he's prepared for all the ohhh Congrats! How did you meet? When is the wedding...ohhh Say something and let me hear your accent! LoL!

Stephanie

Susita, thats great!! The main thing, is that you dont really need to go the gym, unless you want to be really fit.
The track across the street will be great for you. Besides you can do plenty of excersises at home. Believe it or not they can get you fit too. Of course as long as you do them, laziness for most people affects their mind. You dont need much time to do excersises, without knowing you I know you have time to do them. Everyone does!
The main thing is to do them, even if you can do only 10 minutes of a hard workout thats great, do it often because I dont think you want to build muscle, but burn fat.
If you have mind problems take pictures and make a challenge, etc.
I dont want to bother you anymore, but seriously you got time, do a schedule and follow it. A big plus also you got a track across the street. It doesnt matter how little time you got to do them, but how often you do them.

Hey pretty,
CONGRATULATIONSSSSSSSSSSSSS . I am so happy for you that you got your NOA2 finally. As our dates are almost similar , we are hoping that ours must be on its way. I am actually getting really impatient these days. There have been couples who had thier NOA1 dates way after us & have got thier approvals ( I am happy for them though no doubt !!! ), & we are still waiting for ours to come...... I pray to GOD everyday to send our approval as well.

Stay in touch dear & once again wish u a hearty congratulations on your approval & hope your journey ahead has all soeedy approvals.....

Regards,

Amrit & Rob

I reckon next week is going to bring lots of approvals from NOA1's dated around the 20+ margin of April.

Come on ladies and gents, it is time to switch Train , you have been on that NOA1 route for to long!

Yay!

Lovely to see all those April approvals...Means us may filers can get in there

So if you remaining peeps could please get approved and cleared out of VSC, we May-ers would greatly appreciate!

hehe, but seriously Congrats to all the new approvals, and I hope to see the rest of you with that lovely timeline marker dated very soon

<3 <3
Jen