I think it depends on who does it. Bro' has done a few and seen some guys who are artists and some butchers (male and female), one guy was an azzhole on top of everything else. It depends on the doctor's skills and whether or not he or she gives a sh*t about the patient.

Nausea always makes me...nauseous , not as much as that pun though. Sounds like you are otherwise feeling much better, won't be much longer until lil' Declan pops his head out to say hello.

Oooh good memory Mumsie ... I am impressed!!!

As for the episiotomy ... I have been told in my prenatal classes that currently it is preferable to allow a woman to "tear" rather than have the episiotomy because, with tearing, it heals more naturally. I had a friend who had an episiotomy with her first child and tore with the second. She said she was in MUCH more pain after tearing, and took longer to recover.

Personally, I would love to avoid either, but I just don't think that is humanly possible.

Who the F*ck protests the Dalai Lama (not Dolly Lama, Da-Lai Lama)? College Republicans, why don't they show their support for the War and enlist already. I love TV and really want to see next month's PPV, Ladee Heather vs. Ann Coulter steel catch match. Guess who I'm betting on.

Oh man, I know. I was quite to see that the protest was along the tune of "Tibet IS PART OF China". uh-oh, freedom of speech/spew.
This is the first time I ever hear of "college republicans"... closes to it was the real weird Larouchies who sing outside my Hall

By the way, you can all watch the Dalai Lama webcast on: http://uwtv.org/dalailama/

Why, thank you. It's nice to be appreciated but having a good memory sometimes can be a curse. The tearing versus cutting debate has been going on for a while but latest craze is the designer (low transverse) c-section. I don't know if that's an option for you, but it will allow future vaginal deliveries.

I had no idea that the Chinese Consulate could afford to let so many staff have the day off. I guess there were no secrets to steal from the military-industrial complex now that Boeing lost that Air Force contract.

Thanks! I already knew the technical details, but I was looking for some firsthand information!

As for the "College Republicans" and protests against the Dalai Lama, well... that's just dumb. I tend to be conservative-minded on a number of issues, but I neither refer to myself as Republican or Democrat. I don't like the two parties since they're often too extreme.

If I had to catogorize my political beliefs, I'd say I'm socially liberal overall, but conservative on fiscal matters and certain domestic/foreign policies. Needless to say, this mindset doesn't correspond to being a Republican or a Democrat, both of which demand that members see things as they do (i.e. black-and-white, and I don't mean in a racial context).

Gawd it has been so long since I posted on the vent. I think the last time I did, it was on page 60 lol. Anyways, I needed to vent to someone, I think everyone here in my house is tried of me venting on them lol. I went to the SSA office for the 4th time this morning. I still cant get a SSN. My son can though. How ironic is that? My EAD card is still "pending" on their computers. Went for an InfoPass appt yesterday and they can't understand why I cant get a SSN. My EAD was obviously approved, because they sent me a card, so they gave me a form to give to the SSA office. I wasn't going to do that. SSA has to fill it out, mail it to Washington and I have to wait up to 8 weeks just for them to say, "oh yes, her card is valid". I called DHS again this afternoon and had a really nice guy on the phone. He said my card is valid and that there must be a problem with SSA's programs. I think there is a problem with the staff as well. I told the DHS officer that I'm pregnant, I need to be on my husband insurance before the end of the month and it takes up to 2 weeks to get the damn SS cards in the mail. How in the world am I going to pull this off? I'm going back to the SSA again Thursday and I figured if my son's EAD card was valid today, that maybe mine will be good tomorrow. If that makes any sense.It's frustrating and this is stress that I don't need to have while being pregnant.

Ok, I think I got it all out lol.

Mary

SSN nighmare.... it seam common that a lot of people go through thoses.....

Here, i'm just gonna be a jerk.... and again express myself ! lol
ok here it goes....

I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT ! I CAN'T WAIT !
and
I MISS HIM !!!!!!!!!!!

You CAN wait honey!!! It won't be long now!!!

lol... what about... i don't want to wait ??? hahaha !

Unfortunately, we all have to babe!!!!
Smiles, not much longer now!!!

I am seriously out of patience with USCIS. I have had my fill of seeing people who filed months after me get their NOA-2 while I spam my USCIS log in looking for an update.

I am just sitting here waiting for them to update their processing times. If I see a jump in times to right before my submission date (Oct 2007), then I sit and wait more. If they update and the date doesn't budge or only moves a few days, I file a request for a Congressional inquiry with my senator. If the new posted date is beyond my Oct date, then I file a request for inquiry.

I really feel for you. When Mom changed from AOS to consular processing (they screwed up and I ended up spending $185.00) it took almost a year to get back on track. Keep your chin up and keep b*tchin', the one thing USCIS doesn't want is people checking up on them.

I officially retired, after a years leave of absence, the 5th of February. Now my old employer wants me to tesitfy in court case about a previous client. The days are the first three days that I'm in Toronto. Told them I couldn't do it. They're really upset, and so I told them I could testify by phone if need be (after they tried to pressure me into rearranging my vacation). So now they're going in front of the judge Thursday to see if he'll allow that. They're sending me the file as well, so I have to literally spend all day waiting around for this damn thing. The defence lawyer demands to know why I can't be there, and will want 2 HOURS on cross with me???? WTF???
I sent a nasty email back to the Prosecutor telling them I'm not obligated to do anything. I'm retired. I wasn't subpeoned. I got up this morning after a fitful sleep, and a headache all night. I left this stress back in Canada. I don't want it back!!!!

I had one for my first child at an army hospital in NB. The attending physician did it before the freezing took. Either that or he didn't freeze it properly. All I know is that I screamed 3 times when he sliced into me 3 times. Ba$tard. The healing process was horrible. I nearly went insane. Let's just say I had a lot of baths.

With my second child there was not time for an episiotomy. My son was born 2 months premature.... the placenta had torn from the vaginal wall (Abruptio placentae). I was hemorraghing and my son had his life's supply cut off, so we were both in danger. They prepped me for a caesarian but I started delivering before they could do it. He was quite small so there was no tearing and no episiotomy to recover from, thank God.

There you go. How's that for gory?


The nerve! I hope they decide on Plan B, Carla. Who needs that kind of aggravation? Sheesh.

We are finally confirmed to be at VSC for the ajudication of our I601, we got the I-797C NOA yesterday in the mail. It would seem that it had been sitting in Montreal for the past few months as VSC states it received the application on April 7th. It doesn't say much or anything of interest but it does give us a new receipt number which should allow us to follow our progress over the coming months. I think this notice is a confirmation that they have been paid as the only notation is: Notice Type: Receipt Notice - Fee Previously Collected. This doesn't mention the ???212()()() so my guess is that my test results came back clean leaving them not a leg to stand on. This notice would make our official countdown date start on April 8, 2008.

Y'all have a good day now.

WHOOOO! That is AWESOME, Ron! Congratulations!

Well, that doesn't seem too gory to me (I've eaten lunch while disecting brains and other organs), but I know if my wife read it, she'd definitely think twice about having kids.

Oh, you mean I could have been more graphic? Darn.

OMG YAY!!!!!!! Congrats Ron and Sharon!!!!

I had it done with all 4 of my kids my Doctor was great. He didnt even let me see the needle they use for that cause I hate needles ( had natural child birth just to avoid the needles). Other then a bit sore the next day from the bruising i was fine. Now my ex on the other had said the doctor had something like tin snips and was not a pretty sight.

Danielle

Ugh. I had natural childbirth for both of mine too. I recommend the epidural.

Thank you Kriket and you also Laura and Nick, This is the best news we have had since last August, that is before the interview.

Ron

Does that mean you get a new interview at montreal?????

Cuz I can move you up the list!! =)

Hi Liz, thank you for asking, we don’t yet have a date just acknowledgement of their getting our application. At this moment all is left in the hands of God and USCIS as to whether there is a second interview at Montreal.

I’m not sure if moving us up would be necessary right now, perhaps at a later date if we are advised we have been approved. Right now I think the list is a list of approvals which is giving good vibes to those who check it, why cast a shadow on everything by resurrecting the past.

In one way we are redoing the process, from initial application to interview it took 11 months. Now that Montreal has finally forwarded our application and documentation to Vermont, the 8 to 12 months or 12 to 18 months waiting period starts effective April 7^th since that is when they received what they required.

Remind me not to come to your house for a BBQ. I hope this is part of some educational program or employment and not some Dahmer-esque hobby. BTW, did you apply for your diener's club card yet?

Freaking fantastic dear dear friends!!!!
Bren and I think of you often, and keep you in our prayers!!! Seems like a good thing this notification. Please don't abandon us, you are most loved in here!!!

How's Sharon's family? Do tell.



WTF?!?!?!

Tell them to grab their witness list and stick it where the sun don't shine. Indeed, you are not obligated. Now.... if they are willing to pitch in for ALL your travel arrangements (airfare, hotel, bla bla) maybe it could save a bunch of money sister

I assume that you're an affiant or at least a witness to something. If it's a case of being deposed or discovery by opposing counsel then there should be no problem with doing it in a telephone conference. My advice is the following, enjoy your vacation and screw them! If they want you to be available to be cross-examined then your azzhole of an ex-boss or the defendant's counsel can pay for another trip to Toronto and your lost wages from your new job. The law is simple, you need to pay for reasonable expenses for a witness testimony if they need to travel and their lost wages. That doesn't change if it's a criminal or civil matter. You've agreed to look at the file but I would try to avoid it as best you can. Cheap b*stards are trying to get get away without compensating you for your inconvenience. SUbpoena or not they have to pay for it.
I am so sorry that this is upsetting you, but f*ck them. If they really want you, they can try to extradite you (I'd love to see them try it) or fly you here on their dime. Your vacation time is your own.

Sorry you posted before I could Sis, but I agree with you on how Carla should respond to their request. By law they HAVE TO PAY Carla's expenses since she's not in Toronto.

Just to add to what my Sister has already posted (we tend to think alike). As time has passed and one beneficiary after another has been approved and moved on, there was always a thought in the back of my mind, what about poor Ron stuck in purgatory. What about poor Ron? His poor wife and her family, how are they holding up under the strain. Will he even get justice? I am cautiously optimistic but I think it is fair to say, today is the day when poor Ron starts to become fortunate Ron. Congratulations hardly seems appropriate under the circumstances. But I'll proffer it anyways. Con-f*ckin-gratulations. It won't be too long before you'll say, IV at last, IV at last, Thank God Almighty, IV at last. (with apologies to MLK)

I was just wondering Krikit, do you have red hair by any chance. Certain folks with red haired folks have high resistance to the effects of anesthetics, so I'm just wondering. I can't speak about all army doctors but most tend not to be too gentle in their technique.

You are indeed lucky with number two son. Mom also had a placental abruption with 'lil bro. She's a small gal and even though 'lil bro was two months premature, he was already 8lbs. Mom was already a bit anemic but was hemorrhaging very heavily and the OB/GYN said enough is enough, c-section time. In those days, it was the classic longitudinal one. She took forever to heal after that, years and years of Fergon pills.

Big 'bro had a placenta previa patient that took 48 hours. He was there the whole time, I think it took 12 pints of blood. Yikes!!!!!

Hi Len and Bren, the news is the best we have had in a long time and it arrived when needed, thank you both for the prayers, as you can see they brought good results. It seems that Sharon's mother has taken a turn for the better and may be around for longer than previously thought. Sharon yesterday was ordered to take a 14 day leave from work, this past year has been hard on her in so many ways that it is a wonder she didn't pack up and disappear. I'm doing fine and could be better if my dr. would just leave me alone. I'm not leaving here at all, this is home, but I will continue to post when there is something to say about our journey. I am not yet ready to post as I have in the past, too many mixed emotions still loose.

I can imagine the mixed emotions brother. Good to know that Sharon's mom is improving. Tell that girl that we love you all.

Thanks IR5formumsie, thank you for the congratulation that was fantastic. What was given to us was definately needed and got here at the right time, it was needed by both of us. We didn't lose faith or hope, they haven't broken us just bent us a bit, but as the willow we go the way the winds blow but remain rooted in our love for each other.

That was during one of my neurological classes. The one thing I dislike about dealing with dead bodies (brains and all) is the smell. Don't bother mentioning formaldehyde, that smells terrible too!. Even after washing well, it still lasts for a while.

Try orange peels. I knew a guy who claimed that it was the only thing that worked. I've heard of wearing triple gloves. That might work, I've never had the luxury of having one pair of gloves that fit, let alone three. I hated the muscles, once they're cut open they dry out, so that the next time you slice them, it is like cutting leather. The organs are just as bad. The lungs are the worst. The formaldehyde emulsifies the fat so it becomes yellowy, slimy goop. Which reminds me, I think I'll have steak for dinner.

I'm glad that you haven't let your relationship be defined by the aribtrary whims of some mindless beareaucrat whose dream in life is to be a breathalyzer. When Pop was in AP, I wasn't that worried because he doesn't worry that much about these things. These wasn't a sense of immediacy, "it'll come" was his refrain. With you I always felt bad about the whole thing. The fact that you had the decency to share your feelings during these very short days and long nights certainly was not lost on me. As a human being I couldn't help but be moved and now feel honoured to revel in the dawn of this time of providence, this time of mercy, this age of Fortunate Ron. Fortune favours the prepared mind and you are most certainly prepared. Please post when you feel the need, we will always pay homage to your silent dignity and unwavering resolve by reading them with the same.

I'm feeling very sad tonight.
It's getting harder and harder to be away from Nick.
We just saw each other a few weeks ago and just the knowledge that we are so close to our interview, it's even more sucky.
I miss him. I miss everything.
I want to just come home at the end of the day and him be there.
We aren't fighting or anything but there is a lot of crying and impatience and just overall sadness.
I can see how some people break up right near the end cause the excitement can turn to stress and frustration and they can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can see how some would find it the hardest at the end.
It's almost harder than the beginning!!!!

I'm tired of webcams. I'm tired of talking to him on the phone and the computer.

I want my interview. I want my life to start!!! I want my Nicholas!!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent, just ignore it if you want but I had to get it out....I know how some people hate to see whiny posts...lol

I know how you feel... time goes by so fast once you do finally make the move.. just yesterday, Oliver said something to me like "you know you've been living here for 6 months"...

and right away, I said, "no I haven't"

and then he counted it out for me and I was amazed!
I've been here already for just over 5 months.....

Focus on making as much money as humanly possible right now!!

That's how I made it!

LOL that's what I'm doing.
Every penny is going into my ING account...lol

Thanks Liz.
Congrats on almost 6 months!!!

and keep checking the spreadsheet

and PM'ing me with all the updates you come across to keep you busy =)

I'm so happy to hear your news Ron!! Thoughts and prayers are sent your way to a successful journey!! Give Sharon my best. Glad to hear her Mom is doing better!
Let the countdown begin!



Oh Laura. HUGS for you! I too had a more difficult time nearing the end of this part of my journey as well. I was just so TIRED, if that makes sense? We actually spent more time away from the computer...I couldn't handled the webcamming anymore...it broke my heart and I usually ended up in tears not being able to touch Gene. We spoke on the phone everynight, probably not as long as we were used to as well. You'll not believe it now, but six months from now, this will be just a memory...honest.

I have red highlights! My grandmother was a red-head. Does that count? lol

Wow! I can't believe your brother was 8 lbs at 7 months! Who knows what he would have been at 9! *shudder*


This doesn't have anything to do with that court case and the hiding of dead bodies, does it?

I agree with Carla, Laura. It does get harder towards the end. It's like everything is building to a crescendo. By the time I got to the interview I could barely hold it together. It's almost over, sweetie. Every single minute brings you closer. Hugs.

Thanks Carla!
You made me feel better.
I can't wait till it's all a memory.
Thanks for being here. *hugs*



Thanks Krikit *hugs*

I know exactly how you feel Laura. I haven't seen Jeremy since January!! I can't stand it anymore.
I miss him so much and the end is near but it seems so far away still. Not knowing when the interview will be is extremely difficult for me. There's so much planning that needs to be done for it. It's going to be a huge trip for me and I have kids, pets and work to figure out for while I'm gone. I just moved to a new house too, so my life is in disarray. This is one of those days where I feel like I don't know how much more of this I can take. I want our life together NOW. I've waited more than long enough and I'm sick of it. I'm sick of feeling punished for doing things the right way too.

I'm done venting now. Just had to get that out.

Liz has given you super advice Lau dear. If you try to keep as busy as possible these months - heck, get a 2nd job even- you can apply all that $$$$ to a nice savings account.

You'll be with comrade Nikolai soon sweets; I know it

I'm tired of waiting too. Its been since Jan since we saw each other we dont even have web cams. We had our interview in march and i was fine with the wait up till then, even when i knew we would not get the visas that day cause i didnt have that dang court paper that ive been fighting for since last summer. Yup i was all prepared for a bit a bit longer but know its been a month since they got that dam stupid piece of paper that tells them the exact thing i told them. and still they havent gotten off their butts to send me back my passprts with the visas in em. The last email i sent them they told me the consul would review my file soon thats it and that was over a week ago now.

I've been sick for a month think its the stress hitting me hard. I got pneumonia then had a reaction the the first meds they put me on then it took my family doctor 4 days to get back to me and change what i was on.Then i ended up in the hospital Tuesday night cause i cant breath i'm asthmatic too. Spent 5 hours there getting treatment after treatment and then chest xrays and find out the meds my doctor switched me too are useless for pnuemonia so i get another one and now things are getting harder to give me since i'm allegic to 2 kinds they like to use.

So ya i'm freaking out. My house is sold, i'm outta here on the 30th, I have 4 kids 1 dog 2cats a hamster and a bird to deal with moving somewhere temp if we dont get our visas soon plus on top of that we still got to get that troup to Arkansas from the Sault 2 days trip freaking out time has set in really really big time. I'm on the verge of crying 24/7 oh ya and on top of all that, ive never been anywhere in my life i live 30mins from where i grew up. Every thing has me freaked out at the moment I dont even want to think obout how my kids are going to adjust to schools that have houndreds of other kids in them the school they are in now has less then a 100 and thats jk to grade 8 the older 2 in highshool will be going from a couple houndred to over a 1000 ya mommy is freaking out ive goone so far as to researching home schooling. I'm going to be no wait I have already lost my mind. I just want to scream yell and cry. Its the not knowing thats killing me now the wait till now has been fine my troup kepted me busy but now they are annoyed about still being here and are ready to go.

Ok going to stop now cause I will just keep thinking of more stuff to freak me out. Oh ya really sorry about the typos and grammer stuff i suck at it on a good day.

Danielle