Filing in March

[erintoronto 0]

ana and aleena, (and anyone else who isn't feeling their best)

i am sorry you're both feeling down about the process. it certainly isn't easy to stay positive at times but i find staying positive is what makes the process easier for me. i find the days when i'm really down and sad, the minutes and seconds drag by. i don't know when i'll see david again, and i don't even know when i'll talk to him again. such is life. so many of the good things are unpredictable but i believe they happen as they do for a reason.

i am doing my best to keep as busy as i can and living my life one day at a time... but most importantly, i am doing all i can to be patient and stay positive. sitting around and feeling sad doesn't get me anywhere... it just makes me feel worse. crying on the phone to david because we can't be together right now doesn't get me to him any faster and it doesn't help him feel reassured or loved.

because of my own financial situation, i know that i will not be able to move until next february or march (unless some sort of miracle happens, and i'm not doubting that it might, i'm just remaining realistic). i'm confident that david and i will have worked through our K1 process by that time, and i will have my visa in-hand. in fact, i'm pretty sure that by christmas i'll have it and then i'll just be preparing to start my life there... with him. so i have another (roughly) 9 months to do my best to be happy, treat myself well and live my life. my life will change so much once i move that i should really take the time to enjoy what i have now.

i'm not saying that we can't have our down days, i'm just saying that when i work to keep things in perspective, knowing that there is an end to the process, i feel much better.

my workload exploded this week. it went from being a bit batty to being completely unrealistic and unmanageable. i was told yesterday afternoon that one of my projects, an 84 page magazine, had to be completely designed with layout complete by 5pm on friday. yes, tomorrow! i don't even have all the content yet!!! of course, they agreed that i could work all weekend if i needed to. i had a few minutes yesterday when i thought i was going to have a complete meltdown but i sat down at my desk and looked at what i needed to do and decided to refocus. i know i can do a fantastic job. i've done far more complicated projects before. sure, i might not make the deadline but i am doing my best.

i guess that's also how i'm looking at the K1 process and a few other things in my life. as long as i can keep focused and keep positive, i know i can do it.

i know you all can, too!

so, that said, i'm going to get back to work so i can hopefully get a little sleep tonight.

much love,

erin

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Hello??? It's gone awfully quiet in this little corner of VJ.

I hope it's because everyone got real busy with their lives and quit obsessing on NOA2 and the likes. Just checked Igor's list and VSC isn't putting much forth this week that helps our friends. Guess I need to vibe~~~ them some more. In truth, the VJ people on the list are just a tiny little speck of the cases they handle. Think of all the poor folks that don't know about VJ. They don't have anybody to rant with.

Things are going ok for me, not much to complain about but the heat. I think it was around 93F today. (That's 33-34C for those who don't do Fahrenheit) I'm having to water to keep my flowers from drying up. They have a tough time and by mid summer usually give up and perish.

I've been catching up with friends, laundry, etc. It was lots more fun being away for 2 weeks. I was spoiled and pampered....so nice! Nick treats me like royalty when I go see him. When he comes here, I always seem to have a room to be painted or something to repair. Poor guy. I can't think of any projects that need doing, so maybe he'll be lucky and get to rest when he comes in 5 weeks. He's never been here in July, so we'll see how he takes to the heat. Hope he doesn't change his mind and call the immigration off.

Where is Bex these days? Did you get your Packet 3 yet? Ours made it back to the embassy. Gosh it feels so much better this side of the NOA2. I can't wait for ya'll still waiting to see what I mean. Your stress will be so much lighter as you make progress. It's just being in that hell hole of not knowing how long things are going to take that makes you crazy.

Good luck everybody on whatever you're wishing for most today.

[jmmr 0]

HELLO!! I am also a March Filer. It began March 18, 2008! Good luck to everybody! I'm hoping to keep sharing and reading everyone elese's posts here LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH!! Reading through all these forums make me feel so much better. I felt like i had no idea what to expect, and this site helps a ton!

*I live in WA

*Fiance is in Mexico

*Filing for K1

*WAITING WAITING WAITING

OOPS I Forgot to add that i filed through california

[BexandAlan 0]

Hi Guys! Happy Friday.

I'm back at work now so am totally shattered all the time and I'm super miserable. Oh well fingers crossed I will only have about 10 weeks of this left and then I will be all finished over here.

I'm so sorry that there are still some of you waiting! I am sending all my good vibes to VSC. It is cake day after all (one good thing about being back in the office) so maybe they will be more inclined to work when the pastries start getting passed around. Perhaps we should send them some cheesecake or something, I imagine you are good at baking Nic (??) can't you rustle something up?

I went and picked up my wedding dress on Tuesday but am too scared to try it on because I know it wont fit at the moment ... she says looking longingly at her white chocolate muffin... I went back to weight watchers this week too, I've only put on 2lbs over the 4 week exams period though so was quite happy to hear that. I'm just lacking a bit of motivation at the moment. Its this disgusting weather, I can't believe its almost June it feels like Feb outside.

Erin I hope your getting somewhere with your Magazine, sounds like your going to be working hard today.

Aleena - When are you coming over here? The weather is nasty can you bring some sunshine with you please. I'll be in a much better frame of mind to good vibe VSC for you so everyone’s a winner.

Nic, I don't have P3 yet, it won't be long though hopefully. I sent off for my police report yesterday and have filled in all the forms ready to send it back. I need to make a Dr's appointment so I can get some letters for the medical and then I will book that. Would like to get that all cleared early. Alan is being surprisingly conscientious about all the stuff he needs to send me. We haven't been able to speak much this week and he is always more considerate when he has had a few days off from me nagging

Hi Jmmr and any other new posters. I hope everyone is well

Have a lovely weekend

Lots of Love

Bex xxx

[tuty 0]

HELLO!! I am also a March Filer. It began March 18, 2008! Good luck to everybody! I'm hoping to keep sharing and reading everyone elese's posts here LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH!! Reading through all these forums make me feel so much better. I felt like i had no idea what to expect, and this site helps a ton!

*I live in WA

*Fiance is in Mexico

*Filing for K1

*WAITING WAITING WAITING

OOPS I Forgot to add that i filed through california

BIENVENIDOs!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

HELLO!! I am also a March Filer. It began March 18, 2008! Good luck to everybody! I'm hoping to keep sharing and reading everyone elese's posts here LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH!! Reading through all these forums make me feel so much better. I felt like i had no idea what to expect, and this site helps a ton!

*I live in WA

*Fiance is in Mexico

*Filing for K1

*WAITING WAITING WAITING

OOPS I Forgot to add that i filed through california

Hello jmmr. Welcome to March Madness.

Erin is a CSC too. Good to have another. You will have a bit of a wait since they are only about half through January at CSC. They do seem to be moving on along with 12 VJ approvals this week last time I looked. VSC has done 1 VJer this week and I was so sure Aleena would be lucky this week.

[erintoronto 0]

Erin I hope your getting somewhere with your Magazine, sounds like your going to be working hard today.

oh gosh, that's an understatement. i'm working 14+ hour days with no breaks and likely won't have any time off this weekend. i just had a hissy fit in the washroom at work though, so i'm feeling better

i hope to catch up with you all soon! i hate having 'responsibilities' and 'priorities' sometimes. enjoy the weekend and i will live vicariously through you and all the fun stuff you're doing

hugs,

erin

[stevi1123 0]

Erin I hope your getting somewhere with your Magazine, sounds like your going to be working hard today.

oh gosh, that's an understatement. i'm working 14+ hour days with no breaks and likely won't have any time off this weekend. i just had a hissy fit in the washroom at work though, so i'm feeling better

i hope to catch up with you all soon! i hate having 'responsibilities' and 'priorities' sometimes. enjoy the weekend and i will live vicariously through you and all the fun stuff you're doing

hugs,

erin

Hey Erin,

I am praying that you breeze through the weekend deadline, with a fantastic outcome. You have a gift with your ability of writing. I really thank you for sharing your journey so openly with all of us. This is a really therapeutic and cathartic place to be. Everyone contributes to the whole and it is so comforting to read about shared experiences during this visa process. May we all be blessed thru it all....

[jmmr 0]

Thanks everyone for the welcome! I surely hope we start to get some NOA2's pretty soon! I'm missing my honey. I have a VERY busy schedule as well. It's actually quite helpful keeping busy because it makes the time seem like it's faster. I have a couple questions. After we recieve the NOA2...what happens after that? I am aware that we both go through seperate interviews and get a physical exam..but i have read on other posts about packages and touches and what not...well... Can someone fill me in on what to expect after the NOA2? Also...about how soon after i recieve it will he be able to come to the US. What i want the most is him here with me... the paperwork I got a good handle on...I just want his company. Thanks everyone!

[jmmr 0]

I have yet another question!!!!!!!!!!! I haven't gotten any touches... or updates since March 26 (mine started March 18). Should I try calling or contacting CSC???? Much Love to everyone!

[felnfrank 0]

goodluck guys!

[tuty 0]

goodluck guys!

This is so funny! Me and Donnie checked some videos about the K1 visa on youtube, and I think we so yours? By the way, very informative

[tuty 0]

Hi Erin,

Im sorry you have to work during the weekend, but I do have the feeling that you love your job, and that you will have everything under control.I myself have lots of papers and exams to check....hmmmmm

Im doing okay, at least trying to keep possitive. When I thing about the time that has passed since our application, I realize that is only 3 months...this is funny, but I got the feeling that before applying time ran faster! This three months have been more tedious than the entire year spend online with Donnie. I also came to realize that I wont be there with him soon, it will probably take a year or so...you know, because the document Im missing.

I have 20 days left to teach and then Im off for more than 2 months. Donnie will be here around July 15th, and he will be staying for about 2 weeks.

I dont know if I told you this before guys, but I like to paint using oil color, yes true, Im not Vermeer but I really enjoy it. I think I will do some painting during the summer, and I will keep the jewelry issue developing. I cant believe how much fun I had beading! Yesterday we made a new purchase in Ebay and won a GREAT auction...so...more beads on the way.

I will wait with the medical till Donnie comes, I just dont like to go alone and the clinic is in Tel Aviv which is far from where I live.

ENJOY THE WEEKEND GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited May 31, 2008 by tuty

[tuty 0]

Hi there!

I can tell you whats going on right now for us... After getting our NOA 2, they sent it to the Visa Center and then to Jerusalem ( which is the where my visa is being processed). I got packet 3 very fast...out of nowhere, it was waiting for me under the door one morning. In the packet 3 I found:

* A letter explaining that somebody had filled an petition for K! in my name.

* A non immigrant visa application form

* An immigrant visa application form

* A fiancee visa application form.

* A list of approved doctors where you can ddo the medical.

* Forms( including vaccinations) to be filled in by doctor.

* Afidavit of support form and instruction letter regarding documents needed.

*hmmmmmm....I think thats it.

I never heard of Donnie having bto go to any interview though....

What I did was fill in the Fiancee Visa Application form and send it inmediately to the consulate. In the meanwhile Im gathering all the necessary papers. The NOA 2 expires after 4 months. For us it will expire on August 2nd, and we wont be ready then. So Donnie is going to send a notarized letter asking for an extension. Generally speaking this isnt necesary, however, every country and every consulate act differently....and better safe than sorry...

Hope it helps! Tuty

[erintoronto 0]

steph - cathartic and therapeutic. yes! it's nice to be able to share our feelings, ideas and opinions in this space. it's a comfort knowing we're all on similar paths in our lives and in love.

powerblessings to all of us.

welcome jmmr! i'm not entirely sure of the process after the NOA2 beyond what can be found on this page. seems it's off to NVC, then on the consulate where there is a package 3 and package 4 involved along with the interview. i like how the flow charts make it all seem so simple. tuty just offered some great information on her experience so that might help you

also glad to have you here as another CSC filer. oh! and i haven't had any touches since mid-march. i don't think it's a good or bad thing to have touches on your file. most touches are likely just them moving paperwork from room to room anyway. so hang in there. i know a few people who didn't have any touches throughout the process and they're happily married and together in the US now

tuty - i do like my job, but i love what i'm doing right now. i went to school for creative writing (which wound up being a general english degree when i realized how competitive and negative the creative writing program was... people crying in every class due to criticism? no thanks!) and then got a diploma in graphic design. being able to do layout for an 84 page magazine all on my own is exciting. just wish i was able to be a little more creative with it. i'm an aspiring photographer, too, so it always frustrates me when people send in awful photos. wish i had the time to take photos of everyone and everything for the magazine. but i need to be realistic!

anyhow, once this crunch time has ended i will likely not have any other major stress here until i leave early in 2009, plus i'll never have to design this magazine again. that's very positive and exciting to look forward like that.

i'm really curious about your jewellry and painting. when you talk about the different types of beads and materials you're using... well, it sounds wonderful. maybe you'll be able to share some photos with us sometime?

i better get back to work. if i can stay focused today, i will likely be able to take tomorrow off... and do laundry! and get some groceries!

hugs,

erin