Thomas-n-Elena

I dont think the Trans Sib is a major terrorist target, but I could be wrong at least that is what my wife tells me all the time.

Your wife tells you that the Trans Sib is a major terrorist target? Wow, I never knew.

There have been lots of terrorist attacks in Russia by Chechens. The Moscow subway was bombed, an airliner was hijacked, and the Moscow-Petersburg train was bombed. There was also Beslan. This is just off the top of my head.

Is that just the stuff you did? You seem to know a lot about these attacks. Can you explain your whereabouts on the days in question?

Back in my Saudi Arabia days, I practically lived on Turkish coffee. That stuff will kick your teeth in, and when I got back to the States, drinking normal coffee was like drinking weak tea. Took many months to get over the withdrawal shakes.

I never used to be able to drink coffee at all. One cup and I was shaky, sweating, etc. In the last year my tolerance is WAY up Wonder what the cause of THAT might be

Hmmmm...you inherited a coffee bean planation?

You are using caffeine to get over you meth addiction?

I'll never tell

Oh I see now we're keeping secrets from each other. What happened to our relationship, you used to tell us everything. I just dont know you anymore!!

There's still an updraft!

I always forget about the updraft, and of course you can always "accidentally" drop something and have to pick it up.

Oh look! A penny!

And um, that's just not right!

Ditto

It may not be right but it certainly isnt wrong and it feels soooo good

:yes:

We also went through education credential evaluation with a couple of different agencies. When it is time to do it, there are a number of people on this site who can give advice. WES is the agency that is probably most commonly recommended by those who are having FSU documents evaluated.

But this is one area where I would advise the OP not to get too far ahead of himself; especially since he hasn't made any mention of university transcripts or of his fiancee having any desire to continue her education in the US or to work in a field which would require any credential evaluations.

Many colleges, universities and employers will set their own guidelines and procedures on where and how to have these evaluations done. Some universities will do the evaluations themselves without using any outside agency. Many will say it simply needs to be "an accredited agency", others will name one or two specific agencies that MUST do the evaluation for them.

But for now, I would advise the OP to try to stay focused on the K-1 process. I know that occasionally the mind starts to wander and wonder about things that you'll have to deal with in the future. Let's get the visa process started first.... and then we can start worrying about the rest of your lives! You'll have PLENTY of time to worry about this (and MANY other things) while you're waiting for your NOA2!

My two cents.

First the receipts arent necessary, believe me we had a bunch too. They are definitely more concerned with proof of conversations, emails, text messages etc.

As far as the evaluation goes, hold off until things get settled. My wife is a licensed dentist, after she gets here, have fun exploring and showing her the sights. When things calm down then start thinking about the education. Pick the university you wife would like to attend, find out what their requirements are then your wife will need to take a TOEFL exam(Test of english as a foreign language) these are required by every accredited university in the US, her transcripts will need to be evaluated by ECE(most university go with them). Then you can fill out applications and get the transcripts sent wherever. Take some time you will be filling out marriage licenses, AOS paperwork and all that stuff. Set the education to the side and enjoy each other first.

My advice get yourself a nice Camo apron and do some barbecueing, and for gosh sakes get a gun and eat some pie.

Welcome we are here if you need us, some of us are just more here than others.

The first time I went to Belarus I bought a new Samsonite suitcase (in black of course). There were no less than ten other chemodani exactly like mine on the last leg of the flight, and as a sick joke most of the luggage tags were torn off. A large group of us passengers stood at the baggage claim scratching our heads and not talking, as we didn't all speak the same language. My traveling companions laughed their a$$es off. Eventually I got the right bag.

The next time I flew into Minsk, I wished my only trouble was finding my bag ion the conveyor. It was sent to Istanbul by mistake, and took three days to get back. No explanation at all. All the claims paperwork was done by hand, with multiple carbons. Thought I woke up in the 1960s

The last time I arrived in Minsk, my bag rotated around the conveyor belt for hours and hours alone without my presence. I was stuck at the visa booth as they searched in vain for the proof of my visa; I had a visa in my passport that was correct, but somehow, they did not have me on some list they kept at the desk. Eventually, they got tired of me and sent me on my way; my bag was so happy to see me

The last time I didnt go to Minsk, I forgot to pack my bag, which was good since I didnt go. But when I didnt arrive I was detained while they finshed the inside of terminal 3 which I didnt realize was a reality and nicer to fly to than the congested Domodedovo. The hard part was finding my bag on the conveyor but it was days before I realized I wasnt there and my bag was never packed but I carried on, lucky for me it wasnt too heavy. I had to walk most of the way from the visa booth to the airport where I was detained again for arriving at a destination I wasnt supposed to. Later when I purchased my ticket and got off the airplane the flight attendant asked me if I would like to get married because she wanted a visa card. I told her I have mastercard and amex but no visa. We laughed as she handed over her Target card and we went to purchase items to go into the bag that I forgot to pack. When we arrived at the mall that wasnt, we looked for the Target store which wasnt to be built for 10 years. By the time we got back we were late and detained again until I was served a kosher meal that I didnt order on a flight I didnt take to and airport Ive never been to which lost a bag I never packed. We then had a cup of coffee and laughed our a$$es off.

That is too funny as I was "detained" there for arriving 1 hr early. Everyone was on the take. I had a young molice that escorted me upstairs to pay my fine at a window. I handed the girl the money and she informed me I hadn't paid the fee to pay the fine. Of course I began to explain in a very loud voice that "...alot of Americans like you Russians but when you do something like this!!" He was apologizing and she offered to lower the fee to 40 rubs. Inside I was laughing my a** off.

I stayed up till midnight on the upper most level drinking coffee with a Vietmanese national who had been detained too. Then at the stroke of midnight my pumpkin burst and I was kicked back out into the main terminal and told to be more careful in the future.

The next morning I went to the ticket window to purchase a new connector flight and was quoted 11500 rubs. I walked away scratching my head but after 50 feet I turned back around to make the purchase. The woman behind the window was gone so I went to another woman. Her price was 5500 rubs, which I quickly paid for.

Those cab drivers were vultures. There was an accident between terminal 3 and the main. They wanted $100 to take me there. I was so adamate but I really didn't want to pay for a third ticket to Khabarovsk. Still, American and stubborn go hand-in-hand. When the bus finally turned the corner I gave them a real good look and made it to the terminal just as they were calling the flight B)

That experince in Moscow has to have been the grandest adventure I've had in years

huh?

It looks like english, reads like english but it makes no sense, spelling not withstanding. Slim you speak some gibberish can you translate?

Back in my Saudi Arabia days, I practically lived on Turkish coffee. That stuff will kick your teeth in, and when I got back to the States, drinking normal coffee was like drinking weak tea. Took many months to get over the withdrawal shakes.

I never used to be able to drink coffee at all. One cup and I was shaky, sweating, etc. In the last year my tolerance is WAY up Wonder what the cause of THAT might be

Hmmmm...you inherited a coffee bean planation?

You are using caffeine to get over you meth addiction?

My wife's Russian International Passport expires in January 2010. She was told on another forum that the law changed and now she would have to visit the embassy in person twice (once to apply for it and another to pick it up!). We live in Maine and the closest embassy is in NYC! That means it will take 2 round trips at about 1100 miles each and 12 hours!

Does someone know the answer to this? It just doesn't make sense that you could not do everything by mail...

Mike

Is your wife Ukrainian or Russian?

Each country has its own rules. For Ukraine you have to be registered IN UKRIANE as a permanent US resident in order to have the US Consulate for Ukraine handle it AT ALL. Otherwise, you go back to Ukraine to have it done. We have not done this as if Alla regiters her permanent residency HERE in Ukraine, our property taxes in Ukraine will triple. Better to renew the passport on a return visit.

If the Russian consulate tells you this, then it is true and I assure you, they DO NOT care that it is 12 hours, 6000 miles....blah, blah, blah. Call the consulate, their number is on their website.

Yes definitely check with the consulate/embassy, if they say you have to do it there then ask them how if the passport has expired?

Back in my Saudi Arabia days, I practically lived on Turkish coffee. That stuff will kick your teeth in, and when I got back to the States, drinking normal coffee was like drinking weak tea. Took many months to get over the withdrawal shakes.

I never used to be able to drink coffee at all. One cup and I was shaky, sweating, etc. In the last year my tolerance is WAY up Wonder what the cause of THAT might be

I had one cup of coffee from birth to 36 yrs old, now I drink some almost every day, my wife introduced me to it so I will blame her, but I love her anyway.

There's still an updraft!

I always forget about the updraft, and of course you can always "accidentally" drop something and have to pick it up.

Oh look! A penny!

And um, that's just not right!

Ditto

It may not be right but it certainly isnt wrong and it feels soooo good

:yes:

Is there a reason you're concerned about this? Are there rumors of layoffs at your job or something? Or are you looking for something to fret about?

Mox, I am already looking for a new job, reason why I want to understand how important it is too keep the current job, in case they decide to send me packing before I find a new one. There were layoffs already, and I have been warned. Meanwhile, I am trying to understand the consequences of every option.

So as far as the I-129F goes, they are going to want to see the affidavit of support, a letter from your employer and last years taxes. They're not going to call your employer or otherwise verify your employment, which means that if you get the letter from your employer August 4 and are laid off August 5, you're still going to have everything she needs to be approved at the interview. You'll need to get it all sorted before AOS, but you're golden for the interview. That's the reason if I asked if you're just fretting. Get the letter right now, and if you find a new job before the interview you can always get a letter from them too and send them both in.

You spake the truth brother Mox

Jon Stewart was asked at a panel interview, a college kid was saying that his dad thought he should watch something else to get informed about current events than the Daily Show.

Stewart's reply is if you watch the Daily Show and you get the jokes, then you are informed. If you think it is serious news reporting you are either an idiot or a Fox News employee.

Huh. Stewart doesn't usually repeat himself in the same sentence.

Whats a little ambiguity between friends in an interview. I think anyone who watchs CNN,Fox New, MSNBC or broadcast news and thinks they are getting the unbiased truth is doomed to devolve into a knuckledragging, mastadon eating, cave living, fire discovering Neanderthal!

I'm a huuuuuge Johnny Cash fan, but have to say I dig Wall of Voodoo's Ring of Fire remake. Huge Dixie Chicks fan too...they're what the modern sound of country music should be, not this Garth Brooks et al #######.

True Garth Brooks is #######. I just never listened to country. My mother was into folk music, Arlo guthrie, Peter Paul and Mary, Kingston Trio, Simon and Garfunkel, I grew up listening to that, I also like Bob Dylan, and lots of other things. Genre was not my thing it was more about the artist. I have a wide array of Industrial, Punk, Folk, Classical, Rock, New Wave and various music that defies classification but that is what makes it good.

I have no right idea about Russian passport renewal and their rules....Any suggestions and thoughts will be helpful to me...

Waiting for reply......

Go to the Russian embassy website. http://www.russianembassy.org/

All the information is here, but in Russian.

And you can always call and ask.

What kind of job do you have?

Just some economic information from someone who is currently unemployed:

Housing took us into this economic downturn and housing will bring us out. The past three months housing has improved better than the estimates- good news but dont get too excited. Manufacturing will be the next to recover about 6-9 months- look in the first 1/4 next year and in the next 12-18 months unemployment numbers will start to get better. If you do loose your job, keep a positive attitude and be active. You will find a new job, being proactive is good because you are ahead of the people who are just sitting around waiting to get laid off.

As far as immigration goes, you can only wait and see, Is there someone who can co-sponsor if necessary? Get them lined up now and getting their paperwork together to avoid more delays. Other than that you can only wait.

I have no right idea about Russian passport renewal and their rules....Any suggestions and thoughts will be helpful to me...

Waiting for reply......

Read the guides, search posts you will find plenty of information there. If you have specific questions go ahead and ask.

I like to give 'em more than just the tip.

that's my favorite game!

amber!!!

sorry

Never apologize! if you like to play games thats fine.

sometimes the wife likes to watch the husband RUBBINONEOUT. just sayin.

Never thought about that but I suppose I could ask.

You folks have obviously been exposed to the diarrhea that passes for country music these days. You need to pick yourself up some Johnny Cash, or some Dixie Chicks. You need to sit yourself down to some Hank Williams, Hank Williams Junior, Waylon Jennings, Ernest Tubb, Dolly Parton, and...yes...Elvis Presley.

My stepfather would blare some old country when we went road tripping in the summer. I could stomach most of it; it was reyy descent stuff. I am not generally a fan of country music; but I can be bothered to listen to some of the 'old' stuff every now and then.

I will give credit to some of the older country, wont listen to it intentionally but I do see how you can like Johnny Cash(that and Wall of Voodoo's remake of ring of fire rocks), no dixie chicks, hank williams possible jr not really, Jennings, Tubb and Parton sure. I dont know if I would put Elvis into country but I can see the point.

I didnt mention it before but if you like Ministry that the other iterations are cool too Revolting Cocks (Beers,Steers, and Queers), Nitzer Ebb. I liked most of it just to hang out and get wierd too.

There's still an updraft!

I always forget about the updraft, and of course you can always "accidentally" drop something and have to pick it up.

Oh look! A penny!

And um, that's just not right!

Ditto

It may not be right but it certainly isnt wrong and it feels soooo good

Probably the best source of news these days is, sadly enough, The Daily Show.

I thought I was the only person who thought that

Your not alone, I believe that only the highly intelligent and truly informed get their news from the Daily Show and Colbert Report.

Ive tried guys but my wife is not ready to make a pie just yet.

You haven't tried your wife's pie yet? You should, you might like it. And she will enjoy the fact you are eating it.

No if you read my wife is not ready to make a pie, not that she doesnt possess one, of that I partake on a regular basis. And oh how she enjoys it when I do.

No accounting for taste. Each to his/her own.

I admit I have a very eclectic taste in music, art too. I like the opera, I also like Ministry. My wife only wants to listen to Dire Straits and the Scorpions, I am trying to slowly introduce her to new stuff, like Poe, things she might like but she is not big into music. She likes stuff from the 80's but I cant figure out why she was 14 when they ended. I have no issue with people liking whatever they like just dont make me listen to country, you can I just dont want to hear it.

There's still an updraft!

I always forget about the updraft, and of course you can always "accidentally" drop something and have to pick it up.

I like to give 'em more than just the tip.

Dont give them too much then they wont cut the grass or trim the bush