June 2019 AOS Filers

[TrickorTea 59]

19 hours ago, theafons said:

 

Guys, what about seeing places and exploring, travelling? What about books, online courses, museums, parks, home workouts, going to the gym, parks, going for a walk? 

Dont you have any hobbies? Gardening, plants, I don’t know, but there are things to enjoy in this life for some period of time to avoid getting depressed or bored.

 

You don’t have to be going to school or college to study something. You can volunteer at the church, help people or learn a new language in the meantime..

 

I don't know about you, but not everyone has the financial means to be able to travel and go explore

I'd love to go and do things on my own, but my husband is our only source of income, we live in Seattle and it's very, very expensive. (We're paying 1.5k$ a month for a studio) I didn't choose to be in such an expensive area, and honestly I wanna move out to another state because this is very stressful and I can't even work yet.

 

Even though most of us do have hobbies, I think it comes down to the routine of having a job, a social life because of said job, and being out and about because you feel like you're actually doing something and contributing to society. 

 

We can only do so much volunteering, and spending time on our hobbies before it gets old real fast... Especially when you've been used to being completely independent financially for so long and have to rely solely on someone else to get by.

 

I'm not being mean by any means, but everyone experiences things differently! Everyone has their own struggles and there's more than one way to deal with it than one blanket solution

[EandS2019 387]

9 minutes ago, TrickorTea said:

 

I don't know about you, but not everyone has the financial means to be able to travel and go explore

I'd love to go and do things on my own, but my husband is our only source of income, we live in Seattle and it's very, very expensive. (We're paying 1.5k$ a month for a studio) I didn't choose to be in such an expensive area, and honestly I wanna move out to another state because this is very stressful and I can't even work yet.

 

Even though most of us do have hobbies, I think it comes down to the routine of having a job, a social life because of said job, and being out and about because you feel like you're actually doing something and contributing to society. 

 

We can only do so much volunteering, and spending time on our hobbies before it gets old real fast... Especially when you've been used to being completely independent financially for so long and have to rely solely on someone else to get by.

 

I'm not being mean by any means, but everyone experiences things differently! Everyone has their own struggles and there's more than one way to deal with it than one blanket solution

I know just how you feel. I was in a GIANT rut, feeling awful and lonely. Today is the first day for me that things have really begun to look up, because I finally found somewhere I belong. I hope that all of you find this soon too (and you will) but it takes so much time.

[TrickorTea 59]

I'm glad to know that things are looking up for you!!

Some days are definitely harder than others, but despite all of this, I know I won't give up!

[Symphonyx2 49]

4 minutes ago, TrickorTea said:

 

I don't know about you, but not everyone has the financial means to be able to travel and go explore

I'd love to go and do things on my own, but my husband is our only source of income, we live in Seattle and it's very, very expensive. (We're paying 1.5k$ a month for a studio) I didn't choose to be in such an expensive area, and honestly I wanna move out to another state because this is very stressful and I can't even work yet.

 

Even though most of us do have hobbies, I think it comes down to the routine of having a job, a social life because of said job, and being out and about because you feel like you're actually doing something and contributing to society. 

 

We can only do so much volunteering, and spending time on our hobbies before it gets old real fast... Especially when you've been used to being completely independent financially for so long and have to rely solely on someone else to get by.

 

I'm not being mean by any means, but everyone experiences things differently! Everyone has their own struggles and there's more than one way to deal with it than one blanket solution

My husband would 100% agree with your statements.  He has always worked and provided for himself, and for a long time for me and our son.  Being down to one income... he's at his wits end and just wants to contribute to society!  He was taking our son for long walks but it is too hot in Texas right now to have the baby out.  

 

I will say that our house is always clean and dinner is cooked when I get home from work - which I appreciate so much!  I may be sad when he is able to work 😂  Spoiled rotten!  

[AmandaandChayne 734]

A friend in the same state with same noa1 date got ready for interview this morning then interview scheduled this afternoon. 

We are in Oklahoma. No change on mine 

[Eric&Mirella 367]

55 minutes ago, TrickorTea said:

 

I don't know about you, but not everyone has the financial means to be able to travel and go explore

I'd love to go and do things on my own, but my husband is our only source of income, we live in Seattle and it's very, very expensive. (We're paying 1.5k$ a month for a studio) I didn't choose to be in such an expensive area, and honestly I wanna move out to another state because this is very stressful and I can't even work yet.

 

Even though most of us do have hobbies, I think it comes down to the routine of having a job, a social life because of said job, and being out and about because you feel like you're actually doing something and contributing to society. 

 

We can only do so much volunteering, and spending time on our hobbies before it gets old real fast... Especially when you've been used to being completely independent financially for so long and have to rely solely on someone else to get by.

 

I'm not being mean by any means, but everyone experiences things differently! Everyone has their own struggles and there's more than one way to deal with it than one blanket solution

I agree 100% with this. I’m in San Diego and there’s plenty things to do but at a cost. If I tried to go to sea world,Belmont park, the zoo, or just going downtown to balboa park I’d be spending easily $200 in just a few hours. The closest gym to my home(that i can walk to) is  $120/month.  Going to beaches will cost me at least $100 just in Uber rides.  Not trying to be negative, but depending on the are little hobbies can become  pricey hobbies easily.  

 

This is the first time in 10 years that I’m not being financially independent and is  making me feel frustrated. I hope I can find something soon that I love and that won’t drain our account lol. 

[beloved_dingo 1,939]

52 minutes ago, Symphonyx2 said:

My husband would 100% agree with your statements.  He has always worked and provided for himself, and for a long time for me and our son.  Being down to one income... he's at his wits end and just wants to contribute to society!  He was taking our son for long walks but it is too hot in Texas right now to have the baby out.  

 

I will say that our house is always clean and dinner is cooked when I get home from work - which I appreciate so much!  I may be sad when he is able to work 😂  Spoiled rotten!  

My husband would second this as well. He's been such a good sport about everything so far, but I know he feels like he isn't contributing (which isn't even true - contributing is more than money after all). I worry about the EAD taking longer than expected because I know if this goes on for more than a couple more months it's going to become especially tough.

We moved to a new apartment last weekend and he was so excited to move the heavy stuff and be "useful". It was quite endearing tbh 😂

[MeghanK 625]

Got the "ready for interview" today.  So excited to enjoy the anxiety and anticipation that comes along with not knowing if my interview will be scheduled tomorrow, or 2 years from now  

[dr01d3k4 21]

2 hours ago, TrickorTea said:

 

I don't know about you, but not everyone has the financial means to be able to travel and go explore

I'd love to go and do things on my own, but my husband is our only source of income, we live in Seattle and it's very, very expensive. (We're paying 1.5k$ a month for a studio) I didn't choose to be in such an expensive area, and honestly I wanna move out to another state because this is very stressful and I can't even work yet.

 

Even though most of us do have hobbies, I think it comes down to the routine of having a job, a social life because of said job, and being out and about because you feel like you're actually doing something and contributing to society. 

 

We can only do so much volunteering, and spending time on our hobbies before it gets old real fast... Especially when you've been used to being completely independent financially for so long and have to rely solely on someone else to get by.

 

I'm not being mean by any means, but everyone experiences things differently! Everyone has their own struggles and there's more than one way to deal with it than one blanket solution

Wife and I live in the SF bay area: our rent is $1700 for a very small place, and despite my wife getting promoted to manager at her store (and talks about becoming regional manager), her boss is so cheap and gives the tiniest raises.

 

Before we filed for AOS, we lived comfortably on my income as a programmer (over $100k), but I've had to leave that job since Nov 2018 and now we don't have the budget to do anything. Doesn't help that we thought I'd be back at work months ago so we've gone through our savings. Most of the time I leave the house it's to go to Trader Joe's, take my laptop to the library to have a change of scenery, or go sit at Coyote Point beach and watch the planes land at SFO (I'm a transport nerd). Also ironically, once I'm back at work our expenses could be lower as my job provides breakfast, lunch and a free train pass.

 

Our local humane society does accept volunteers, but only if you can guarantee you'll be free for a whole year, so at the time I didn't apply cause I was only supposed to be unemployed for a few months.

[AmandaandChayne 734]

1 hour ago, MeghanK said:

Got the "ready for interview" today.  So excited to enjoy the anxiety and anticipation that comes along with not knowing if my interview will be scheduled tomorrow, or 2 years from now  

I’m very happy for you!! My Oklahoma friend got the same this morning then interview scheduled this afternoon. 

[lightson 74]

31 minutes ago, dr01d3k4 said:

Wife and I live in the SF bay area: our rent is $1700 for a very small place, and despite my wife getting promoted to manager at her store (and talks about becoming regional manager), her boss is so cheap and gives the tiniest raises.

 

Before we filed for AOS, we lived comfortably on my income as a programmer (over $100k), but I've had to leave that job since Nov 2018 and now we don't have the budget to do anything. Doesn't help that we thought I'd be back at work months ago so we've gone through our savings. Most of the time I leave the house it's to go to Trader Joe's, take my laptop to the library to have a change of scenery, or go sit at Coyote Point beach and watch the planes land at SFO (I'm a transport nerd). Also ironically, once I'm back at work our expenses could be lower as my job provides breakfast, lunch and a free train pass.

 

Our local humane society does accept volunteers, but only if you can guarantee you'll be free for a whole year, so at the time I didn't apply cause I was only supposed to be unemployed for a few months.

I love Trader Joe's! That place makes us super happy every time my wife and I go there. You could also try to foster pets, humane societies generally provide all the food they need. 
What were your two RFEs for? Did you try expediting your EAD?

[dr01d3k4 21]

2 minutes ago, BlueGatorGamer said:

I love Trader Joe's! That place makes us super happy every time my wife and I go there. You could also try to foster pets, humane societies generally provide all the food they need. 
What were your two RFEs for? Did you try expediting your EAD?

Yeah Trader Joe's is really nice, even if I have to take the train there (neither of us drive). It's much better than the Safeway that's a 5 minute walk from us.

 

Our place is way too small for pets, and I'm not sure if pets are allowed. We plan to move out next year and get a cat and dog though .

 

The first RFE was for more proof of financials (so we got a joint sponsor) and my DS-2019 from my J1 visa. The second was for proof of citizenship of our joint sponsor. I've asked my lawyer about expediting, but he's very reluctant to. We're now also massively out of processing times being October filers. Our last update was back in July, they ignored our first service request and the second hasn't gone anywhere.

[Sarah G 167]

This morning my status updated to 'ready for interview' and then a few hours later, 'interview scheduled'!! Watching mailbox like a hawk now for my notice so I'll know when my interview is! 

 

As for hobbies, I took up penpalling again. It's cheap and offers some form of socialising. I decorate the envelopes with stickers like a little kid 😂 it works for me and has given me something to do. I also do a lot of cooking and trying new recipes, especially things from home that I used to buy ready-made. It's been fun trying to do things from scratch. 

[Eric&Mirella 367]

28 minutes ago, Sarah G said:

This morning my status updated to 'ready for interview' and then a few hours later, 'interview scheduled'!! Watching mailbox like a hawk now for my notice so I'll know when my interview is! 

 

As for hobbies, I took up penpalling again. It's cheap and offers some form of socialising. I decorate the envelopes with stickers like a little kid 😂 it works for me and has given me something to do. I also do a lot of cooking and trying new recipes, especially things from home that I used to buy ready-made. It's been fun trying to do things from scratch. 

That's awesome news!! Congratulations!

Edited September 6, 2019 by Eric&Mirella

[Joyoussinger 1,417]

4 hours ago, beloved_dingo said:

My husband would second this as well. He's been such a good sport about everything so far, but I know he feels like he isn't contributing (which isn't even true - contributing is more than money after all). I worry about the EAD taking longer than expected because I know if this goes on for more than a couple more months it's going to become especially tough.

We moved to a new apartment last weekend and he was so excited to move the heavy stuff and be "useful". It was quite endearing tbh 😂

My husband has been wonderful with the time he has to spend not working. He has fixed so many things in this over 100 year old house and the garden has never been more beautiful! Even though he can't work, yet, we both feel we are contributing to our life together.