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Jared and May

The 25 Day Shuffle & Share

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

So maybe it's just me but the PI boards have been a little dull as of late.. I was hoping to maybe kick off a fun thread..

So today is officially 25 days before I pick May up at JFK and to say I'm excited would be an understatement. I wanted to share some of the things I've done to prep for her arrival and ask others to share their stories about picking their significant others up at the airport for the first time..

  1. Cleaned the whole house
  2. Made tons of room for her in our closet
  3. Order The Filipino Channel & AT&T U-Verse
  4. Made a shopping list of some foods to pick up the day before she arrives
  5. Arranged things she sent back with me from my last trip (women's products in bathroom)
  6. Bought a 25 lb bag of rice :rofl:

So what did you guys/girls do? What are some other helpful things to ease the homesickness? I've been living by myself for about 4 years now so the condo has plenty of room for

Also how awesome was the airport pickup/drive home..? I'd love to read some stories... B-)

AOS Timeline

08-Sep-2010 Married
28-Sep-2010 Mailed AOS packet via Express Mail
29-Sep-2010 Received @ Chicago Lockbox
18-Oct-2010 Received 797C NOA for Biometrics appointment
22-Oct 2010 Biometrics appointment (orig sched for 10/28)
29-Oct 2010 RFE (missing signature)
03-Nov Received RFE @ Chicago Lockbox
17-Nov Case transferred to California
24-Nov "Touched" Now being processed at USCIS office
30-Nov "Touched again"
03-Dec May calls Senator Joe Courtney's office for help getting EAD/AP approved
15-Dec Received AP in mail, no notification via e-mail/txt website doesn't show approval
16-Dec EAD Approved (SMS/E-mail) USCIS indicates it was approved yesterday?
18-Dec EAD Card arrived in mail
25-Mar 2011 GC Arrived

31-May 2013 10yr GC approved

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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline

1. buy some aroma candles for the bedroom, bathroom... the entire house.

2. buy some "energy" drink :whistle:

3. buy a "tabo" :lol:

11/05/09 - Sent I-130 for mother via snail mail

11/13/09 - Received NOA1

03/05/10 - Received NOA2

03/11/10 - Case entered into NVC system, MNL case # assigned

03/18/10 - Sent DS3032 via E-mail

03/24/10 - DS3032 entered into NVC system

03/25/10 - Received IV Fee bill by E-mail, PAID both IV and AOS Fees on-line

03/26/10 - AOS Bill showed as PAID (still waiting for 2009 Tax Transcript from IRS)

03/29/10 - IV Bill showed as PAID (still waiting for mother's documents from the Philippines)

04/09/10 - Sent AOS Package by snail mail

04/12/10 - NVC received AOS package

04/19/10 - Sent IV Package by snail mail

04/21/10 - NVC received IV package

04/28/10 - AOS accepted (received checklist re:IV package even if NVC received it already)

05/03/10 - Sign In FAILED!!!!!!!!!!!

05/05/10 - AVR message: "CASE COMPLETED ON 05/04/10"

05/12/10 - Received interview letter via e-mail

05/17-18/10 - Medical Exam

06/16/10 - Interview Appointment @ the Embassy (Canceled because of sputum and culture test, 2 months waiting)

08/05/10 - New Interview Appointment

08/07/10 - Visa delivered 2 days after interview

08/27/10 - LAX P.O.E.

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I promised mine a trip to Disneyland

April 24, 2010: Married in Butuan City
May 23, 2010: Submitted I-130
May 28, 2010: NOA-1 Received
October 19, 2010: NOA-2 Received
October 26, 2010: Case Number Assigned
October 28, 2010: IIN Received
November 3, 2010: AOS paid
November 5, 2010: AOS status "PAID". Sent AOS packet
November 6, 2010: DS-3032 email received. Emailed DS-3032
November 8, 2010: IV paid, DS-3032 accepted
November 10, 2010: IV status "PAID". Sent IV packet
November 15, 2010: IV received at NVC
November 22, 2010: False Checklist for missing DS-230
November 29, 2010: AOS + IV entered into system
December 4, 2010: SIF, Case Completed
December 6, 2010: Interview Scheduled
December 27-28, 2010: Passed Physical
January 6, 2011: Interview @ 0830 Approved
January 14, 2011: Visa received
January 31, 2011: CFO seminar completed
February 11, 2011: POE- LAX

Removal of Conditions
January 8, 2013: Mailed I-751
January 10,2013: NOA1
February 6, 2013: Biometrics Appoint.

June 4, 2013: Received I-797 NOA removal of conditions
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ordinarily he was insane, but he had lucid moments when he was merely stupid.

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

1. buy some aroma candles for the bedroom, bathroom... the entire house.

2. buy some "energy" drink :whistle:

3. buy a "tabo" :lol:

OMG, the "tabo" suggestion turned into a hilarious discussion this morning with May.. LOL i didn't know anything about it until I Googled it.. :rofl: :rofl:

The candles is a great idea, salamat po! :thumbs: :thumbs:

AOS Timeline

08-Sep-2010 Married
28-Sep-2010 Mailed AOS packet via Express Mail
29-Sep-2010 Received @ Chicago Lockbox
18-Oct-2010 Received 797C NOA for Biometrics appointment
22-Oct 2010 Biometrics appointment (orig sched for 10/28)
29-Oct 2010 RFE (missing signature)
03-Nov Received RFE @ Chicago Lockbox
17-Nov Case transferred to California
24-Nov "Touched" Now being processed at USCIS office
30-Nov "Touched again"
03-Dec May calls Senator Joe Courtney's office for help getting EAD/AP approved
15-Dec Received AP in mail, no notification via e-mail/txt website doesn't show approval
16-Dec EAD Approved (SMS/E-mail) USCIS indicates it was approved yesterday?
18-Dec EAD Card arrived in mail
25-Mar 2011 GC Arrived

31-May 2013 10yr GC approved

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buy a datu puti suka & toyo (soy sauce & vinegar) so she can cook chicken or pork adobo the next day since you already bought the rice :lol:

03.14.2011 -------I-751 sent overnight

03.15.2011 -------package says "Delivered"

03.30.2011 -------ASC Appointment Notice Received

04.22.2011 -------Biometrics Appointment

08.29.2011--------APPROVED! GC RECEIVED!

I'm the wife of an American Soldier;

I'm the hope that lives within him after storm clouded days.

The freedom from war that gives wings to his heart,

May they reach across the miles and bind our hearts together

against all that we must face in this world.

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2. buy some "energy" drink :whistle:

:lol: Thank you, Mr. Obvious!

...and don't forget to...

1. Put up a clothes line in the back yard so she has somewhere to dry her freshly-washed clothes. :)

2. Buy a barbecue or a camp stove so she will cook her tuyo outside!!! :dead:

3. Start saving up for your phone bill. :o

4. Make room in the bathroom for her girlie stuff...lots of room! :P

5. Buy her a camera because she will want to take pictures of everything...and I mean everything! :)

6. Put three more blankets on the bed...even if it's 70 degrees already. :rolleyes:

7. Get another dresser so she has room for her fifty sleeveless tops. :lol:

8. Make sure you know where every Filipino restaurant and Asian grocery store in town is located. :yes:

9. Start checking out driving schools. You guys know what I'm talking about. :whistle:

10. Place a couple of large bouquets of freshly-cut flowers in the home. :thumbs:

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Get her a Cell Phone to start...

Forget about finding where things are. She will rearrange the house daily:wacko:

Double up that 25lb bag of Rice. Just kidding...:whistle:

Don't forget the Rice Cooker....

Yes, you will have to have the Tabo... Or else plan on sleeping on the couch!:innocent:

Plan on spending at least 3 days teaching her how to use all the appliances. It was the fun part for me.:P

As Tahoma mentioned, Driving School unless you have nerves of steel and a life time prescription of any anti-anxiety Medication..:unsure:

An understanding ear and plenty of tissues when she is feeling homesick. This will come to pass in time... Promise!!

The drive home from the airport will bring out all of your emotions. She will be extremely tired from the flight, but she will not complain. You will have to basically force her to lie down and get some rest. You both will spend many hours catching up on time lost. It really fascinated me watching Ruchie looking at everything driving home from the airport... It was priceless.....

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:lol: Thank you, Mr. Obvious!

...and don't forget to...

Those were so funny because they are all true.

My wife all ready asked about the clothes line. I told her I have a dryer that does it. She said no, clothes have to be air dried to come out right. She doesn't seem to faithful about the washer doing a good job either. Probably will have to buy some big buckets for her.

April 24, 2010: Married in Butuan City
May 23, 2010: Submitted I-130
May 28, 2010: NOA-1 Received
October 19, 2010: NOA-2 Received
October 26, 2010: Case Number Assigned
October 28, 2010: IIN Received
November 3, 2010: AOS paid
November 5, 2010: AOS status "PAID". Sent AOS packet
November 6, 2010: DS-3032 email received. Emailed DS-3032
November 8, 2010: IV paid, DS-3032 accepted
November 10, 2010: IV status "PAID". Sent IV packet
November 15, 2010: IV received at NVC
November 22, 2010: False Checklist for missing DS-230
November 29, 2010: AOS + IV entered into system
December 4, 2010: SIF, Case Completed
December 6, 2010: Interview Scheduled
December 27-28, 2010: Passed Physical
January 6, 2011: Interview @ 0830 Approved
January 14, 2011: Visa received
January 31, 2011: CFO seminar completed
February 11, 2011: POE- LAX

Removal of Conditions
January 8, 2013: Mailed I-751
January 10,2013: NOA1
February 6, 2013: Biometrics Appoint.

June 4, 2013: Received I-797 NOA removal of conditions
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ordinarily he was insane, but he had lucid moments when he was merely stupid.

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My wife all ready asked about the clothes line. I told her I have a dryer that does it. She said no, clothes have to be air dried to come out right. She doesn't seem to faithful about the washer doing a good job either. Probably will have to buy some big buckets for her.

:lol: I'm glad I wasn't alone on that one!

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Get her a Cell Phone to start...

Forget about finding where things are. She will rearrange the house daily. :wacko:

Plan on spending at least 3 days teaching her how to use all the appliances. It was the fun part for me.:P

As Tahoma mentioned, Driving School unless you have nerves of steel and a life time prescription of any anti-anxiety Medication..:unsure:

^ I'm glad I'm not alone on these things. :lol:

The drive home from the airport will bring out all of your emotions. She will be extremely tired from the flight, but she will not complain. You will have to basically force her to lie down and get some rest. You both will spend many hours catching up on time lost. It really fascinated me watching Ruchie looking at everything driving home from the airport... It was priceless.....

^ The morning my wife arrived, there was the tiniest dusting of snow on the ground. It was the first she had ever experienced. She was fascinated by it and she still talks about it to this day!

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Jarad, thank for starting the thread and great advice from everyone so far. I am working in Singapore for the next few weeks while Abby is selling alot of her things getting ready for the move. We are hoping that my work will alow me to take her and her son back to USA all together around the first of Aug. But here are some of the things i have done to prepare:

1. buy 25 pound bag of rice also.

2. looked at rice cookers but decidied it would be best for Abby to buy, as I am sure i would not get the best size and style.

3. Made room for her clothes, I already have taken some of her clothes on previous trips.

4. still checking on the Tabo"wink.gif

5. luckily already have clothes line.

6. trying to prepare for wedding!

7. still have a couple of surprises also that i wont list as Abby also reads VJ!

Paul

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

My May's interview is in a week with her projected POE 6 weeks later.

I appreciate some of the ideas here but it makes me realize I am no where near ready.

Space in the closet? Crud! There isn't enough room for my stuff! Time to box stuff up. :lol:

Adam & May

----------------K1 Journey---------------

02/01/2010 - Sent I-129F sent to CSC Express Mail

02/03/2010 - Date on NOA1

02/09/2010 - NOA1 Hardcopy arrived in mail

03/18/2010 - NOA2 approval mailed by CSC (per USCIS.org)43 Days from NOA1

03/23/2010 - NOA2 Hardcopy Received

06/18/2010 - Interview Passed PINK!!!! PINK!!!! PINK!!!! PINK!!!! PINK!!!!

07/02/2010 - Visa received!

07/03/2010 & 07/05/2010 - PRISM Seminar & CFO Sticker (We are all set

08/08/2010 - May's POE Detroit, MI USA

09/24/2010 - Received SSN Card

10/08/2010 - Wedding

----------------AOS Journey---------------

12/07/2010 - Submitted AOS/EAD Package

12/14/2010 - NOA1 Received

12/27/2010 - Biometrics Completed

01/20/2011 - AOS Transfered to CSC

01/26/2011 - AOS Received by CSC

02/16/2011 - EAD Approved

N/A - AOS Appointment

02/22/2011 - AOS Appproved

02/26/2011 - EAD Card Received

02/27/2011 - Green Card Received

01/19/2013 - Mailed I-751

##/##/2013 - NOA1 Received

##/##/2013 - BIometrics Appointment

##/##/2013 - Interview

##/##/2013 - 10 Year Green Card Issued

FV%20US%20-%20Reg.jpg

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with the "tabo" thing just tell them to bring their own tabo its much cheaper back home 10-15 pesos only compare to the tabo online $2-$3 and tell them to bring their own manicure/pedicure set

03.14.2011 -------I-751 sent overnight

03.15.2011 -------package says "Delivered"

03.30.2011 -------ASC Appointment Notice Received

04.22.2011 -------Biometrics Appointment

08.29.2011--------APPROVED! GC RECEIVED!

I'm the wife of an American Soldier;

I'm the hope that lives within him after storm clouded days.

The freedom from war that gives wings to his heart,

May they reach across the miles and bind our hearts together

against all that we must face in this world.

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Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

Wow, I'm loving all the responses.. :rofl:

OK so to add a bit, because I've realized that I left a few things out..

  1. I've got a brand new rice cooker that I've tried out twice.. hehe
  2. I already got her an iPhone, but she's selling it to a friend to get the new one!!
  3. I know where most of the Asian marketa are :thumbs:
  4. She has my digital camera, I left it with her so she could take pics with her friends & family before she leaves.. I also ended up getting a DSLR because I started to notice how many pics we'd take on a trip.. LOL

@Tahoma - the flowers is a great idea, I'm going to do that..

@Daruma - The driving school ought to be interesting.. She already knows how to drive, but I'm not entirely sure what that means.. LOL I have an 04 Nissan Pathfinder which is what she'll be practicing on.. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.. I figure I'll let her take me for a spin one early morning, and depending on how much damage she does, I'll enroll her with Sears driving school.. :rofl:

AOS Timeline

08-Sep-2010 Married
28-Sep-2010 Mailed AOS packet via Express Mail
29-Sep-2010 Received @ Chicago Lockbox
18-Oct-2010 Received 797C NOA for Biometrics appointment
22-Oct 2010 Biometrics appointment (orig sched for 10/28)
29-Oct 2010 RFE (missing signature)
03-Nov Received RFE @ Chicago Lockbox
17-Nov Case transferred to California
24-Nov "Touched" Now being processed at USCIS office
30-Nov "Touched again"
03-Dec May calls Senator Joe Courtney's office for help getting EAD/AP approved
15-Dec Received AP in mail, no notification via e-mail/txt website doesn't show approval
16-Dec EAD Approved (SMS/E-mail) USCIS indicates it was approved yesterday?
18-Dec EAD Card arrived in mail
25-Mar 2011 GC Arrived

31-May 2013 10yr GC approved

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