cheese_and_kisses

Have you signed up for any frequent flyer programs? I get notices of fare sales from Qantas periodically. I booked flights this past May for a trip leaving in Oct. LA to Perth round trip for just under $1000.

Good Luck!! :-)

Thank you everybody... You all have been a great help. It appears that the prices change daily, so I will not begin my shopping for tickets until I have the money in hand, which will hopefully be by the end of next month....

Thanks again...

Katrina

Hi Simon and Janet,

My name is Katrina I've been here before a loooooong time ago. Me and my boyfriend have been talking now for 3yrs and I will finally have enough money saved up to go see him in Australia. I'm from Detroit Michigan and I would like to book a flight out to Brisbane Australia. It's been so long since I've been here that I forgot how to post to this forum specifically. But, I found your post and saw that you had just recently purchased a ticket. Please if you could help direct me where I can find a GREAT PRICE like you did, I would greatly appreciate it. It seems every where I look they want anywhere from $1300.00+ for a round trip ticket. Uggg...

PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP WITH WHERE TO GET TICKETS FOR A GOOD PRICE LET ME KNOW.

Thank you,

Katrina

AKA cheese and kisses

Hello Katrina.

I was looking last night at prices and saw that if i booked my ticket today instead of $896 it would be $1578!

I booked my flight through United Airlines, they were having a sale, as was Qantas.

So i'd keep watch on both of those airline sites for sales., because they really do make a huge difference!

Thanks, I'll keep an eye open. However I wont have the money right away. Was your ticket for a round trip?

Visa Approved for myself and the rugrats!! :-)

Woohoo!! Congrats guys.

I booked my trip to see Janet for October 17. A return ticket to Philadelphia was $896 AU through United Airlines!

Hi Simon and Janet,

My name is Katrina I've been here before a loooooong time ago. Me and my boyfriend have been talking now for 3yrs and I will finally have enough money saved up to go see him in Australia. I'm from Detroit Michigan and I would like to book a flight out to Brisbane Australia. It's been so long since I've been here that I forgot how to post to this forum specifically. But, I found your post and saw that you had just recently purchased a ticket. Please if you could help direct me where I can find a GREAT PRICE like you did, I would greatly appreciate it. It seems every where I look they want anywhere from $1300.00+ for a round trip ticket. Uggg...

PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP WITH WHERE TO GET TICKETS FOR A GOOD PRICE LET ME KNOW.

Thank you,

Katrina

AKA cheese and kisses

Hello to all....

It's been a really long time since I've been here a lot of new faces. It's been three years since me and my Australian boyfriend have been talking. It has come time where I will be able to finally afford to fly there in the spring However, I would like to know if anyone can help point me in the right direction for an airline ticket. It seems they are costing anywhere from $1300.00 all the way up towards $2500.00+... And as we all know this entire journey is expensive enough. So please any information on where I can find a moderatly cheap plane ticket would be nice. I would like to not have too many layover since I will be flying alone.

Thank you.. I hope everyone is doing well in their journey's

Cheese and Kisses

In my experience... try getting some prices from some agents rather than online, sometimes they have very good deals. I know I've found a 2300 round trip ticket at 900.00 by talking to an agent in chicago.

When you say agent you do you mean through a travel agency?

Hello to all....

It's been a really long time since I've been here a lot of new faces. It's been three years since me and my Australian boyfriend have been talking. It has come time where I will be able to finally afford to fly there in the spring However, I would like to know if anyone can help point me in the right direction for an airline ticket. It seems they are costing anywhere from $1300.00 all the way up towards $2500.00+... And as we all know this entire journey is expensive enough. So please any information on where I can find a moderatly cheap plane ticket would be nice. I would like to not have too many layover since I will be flying alone.

Thank you.. I hope everyone is doing well in their journey's

Cheese and Kisses

Hello strangers...

Its been a long time since ive been in here but im happy to say Ron and I are working on things and going to try and do this journey..we still have a really really long journey ahead of us and we both are very eager to get it started..Just want to say i'm happy to be back and definately happy to annouce that Ron and I have decided to move forward with this...

Kath dont know if youll remember me or not...but in case you remember a bit about me i was looking for a new job..well I found one...YEAH...its not super deee duper...but its a in improvement from the last one and its a step in the right direction...

Katrina

Hey Rings ang Loke...

Thanks for the job sites...i really appreciate all the help i can get...i knew when i got divorced it was gonna be hard, but ugggg....and help on my resume would be great..dont know if you have yahoo msg maybe would easier to chat and work some things out there or if you have any suggestions on how to communicate im up for anything...anyways i appreciate it heaps ...i have one that i put together right after my divorce i went to a womens center and they helped but not sure why its not attracting any attention...

You guys have been great...this site has been awsome. I feel bad cuz i dont have anything to offer this site yet just kinda come here for support at the moment..but i hope i get to the point where i can help others...

I sometimes get sad when i visit here seeing everyone being where i want.. but, everyone deserves it BIG TIME...all the waiting and hassel phewwwwww....i only hope i get to where everyone is...i just really need to get my bum in gear and start feeling like were moving forward im sure it will help tonz and tonz....

Thanks again for your kind words the both of you.....

Take Care

Katrina

Hello Everyone....

SMILES to everyone thats great news to all that are being approved and getting jobs...

Tears for couples like Ron and I...This hike in prices is not helping us. The money issue is a pain in the arss already and we still havent even been able to arrange the money to have me fly out there yet...arggggg....its gonna take years.....tears.

I've tried to move forward as some you know he was not such a good kiddo when he was younger which doesnt appear that it may be to big of a deal seeing how most of it was done when he was a minor under 18..phewww. I called the court houses and arranged for him to receive his court records so when the time comes he'll have them..

I've been looking for a new job..not going so well Michigan sucks for job hunting right now..ugggs. I hope things start to look up cuz its getting harder to keep that chin up and the eyes from leaking...

I keep mushing forward looking for a new job and Ron keeps trying to save money..so hopefully things start to happen for us too...

I dont think theres much more I can do at this point befoe we even meet for the first time...if anyone has any suggestions on what i can do to keep busy to keep my mind and heart from going nuts im open for suggestions....ahhhh help...

anyways keep smiling everyone..and take care.

katrina

Kath....

Thank you so much for the link to the job site...you are the best. I wish you the best on your second interview..

As for me same ole same ole here..i hope the link to the aussie products has helped some of ya.

Gotta run im running late for work...

Katrina

Hi Rings/Loke...

I see you went to the site i suggested ....if you go back to the site...up into the right hand corner type in cherry ripes in the search bar i found a couple of products related to cherry ripes...now mind you i am still waiting on my first cherry ripe bar, so i dont really know what im looking for.... but when i typed it in...it did pull up a few products named cherry ripe so give it another go..dont know if this is what your looking for but good luck and give-her another try...heheheh

Katrina

Hi Everyone...

Here is a website me and Ron found for ordering Autralian goodies in the USA a bit expensive, but im sure its worth it for you Aussies to have a bit of home....

http://www.aussieproducts.com/products.asp?dept=31

I hope this helps.... there was heaps of stuff on this site..so enjoy.

Take Care

Katrina

Hello Everyone....

Hi Kath...long time no talk.

Have been reading up on how everyones doing everyday..and im so glad to hear everyone is moving along.. and even for those who are at a stand still, just remember back when it all first started and how long ago that was..you all have come so far.

I on the other hand have been pretty down the past few days..it feels as tho i'll never get to see Ron....He's been trying to save up money and i have been trying to sell some things on ebay..arrrg that seem to be going nowhere how frustrating...it just never seems like its going to happen everything is at a stand still till we meet.

I went on a job interview yesterday that had the potential to help our situation tremendously but didnt get...ive been a lil bummed ever since...Our rain storm seems as tho its never gonna end ...I'm trying to not think so much about it and am trying to keep my chin up.....I still get to hear his voice everday and that soothes the soul (for the moment) but giving a big-smack-a-roo on those lips would be great right now....

Anyways everyone keep their smiles on..as i will try and do the same...Remember we all have someone we love and who loves us back.. and that should keep all of our hearts company in the mean time....

Hahahah and speaking of spell check, I meant TOGETHER.... Duh.....

Rings and Loke....

Awwwwwwww why does the waiting seem to take forever but when you have em here it flys by...Argggg...Just remember To enjoy the rainbow, you first have to deal with the rain....and your rainstorm is close to subsiding.....You two will be togehter soon again, don't worry..and not only will you have that rainbow, but the pot of gold at the end of it too....Keep Smiling were all here for you....

Take care and big hugs to you both...

Katrina

Hello Everyone....

Its been a lil while since ive checked in...hahaha funny to see you all talking about the junk food here i send Ron over sour patch kids and gummy life savers and of course the recess cup (peanut butter cups) candy all the time he loves em....

MOONIE about the biscuts and gravy thing my australian man doesnt get it either...cuz biscuts are like cookies over there...hmmmm..he's actually mortified by the thought of it...hahaha ...but we've struck a couple of deals in this house..my daughter told him she'll try the vegemite if he'll try peanut butter and jelly together... and i also said i'll try vegemite if he trys the biscuts and gravy..yummo!!!! He of course feels like were getting the better of the deal but im not sure about that...

No real updates for us yet...I just listed some things on ebay to try and gather up some money for the plane fair...arggg...so frustrating that everything costs sooooo much!! thats what we get for being on opposites ends of the world i suppose....anyways just trying to stay patient till we can gather the money up so we can see each other for the first time...nice to see everyone moving along in their journeys....

Get er done yawll.....

Katrina

cheese and kisses

Hi to all...

Just wanted to know what sorta tests Ron can get done through his regular doc. if any for his medical when he should need one and if so, will it be covered by his medicare? also how long would all this be good for? It seems as if everything has a time line..hahaha arggg ahhhh

Thanks...Katrina

Hiya Everyone...

And Kath I see you...hehehe..By the way thanks for the links, I just wished they spoke clear american haha..I read them off to Ron and he seems to be alot more at ease about it all, I dont know if I will ever, like I said untill hes here, which is still months and months away..arggg. We are trying to prepare our selfs for the journey and learn as much as we can.

He has a Dr.s appointment Tuesday for some other things I told him to inquire about immunizations and blood work and all that crud ive been reading about from everone else dealing with it..again I know all a bit premature as of yet but i'm just one of those types that likes to know and prepare ahead of time hoping that when its time, it will all run a bit smoother..

Weve talked alot this week about how/what journey we want to follow and he said so now what?.. and I just told him ...Just listen to me boy and do what I say..hahahaha..Anyways I gave him a couple of goals this week and so far so good..Wooohoooo...First and most important at this point is just saving up the money to get me over there and mean while why he's doing that I come on here and try to prepare us...

IM SO GLAD I FOUND THIS PLACE ..its been a blessing.

Wow..lots of people getting-er-done...CONGRATS to all.

Katrina

cheese and kisses

WOOOOHOOOO...RINGS and LOKE!!!

Congrats on your smooth arrival into the states......Have a GREAT couple of weeks together you two.

Katrina

cheese and kisses

Hello Everyone...

I'm glad you all are enjoying the PB & J post but what happend to all the Vegemite lovers???? Hahaha!

I do have a question for you all....I know I have talked to some of you in personal messages regarding an issue that can be rather devastating to Rons (my aussie bloke) journey to the US...I am trying to gather some info regarding what type/s of criminal history will affect his admission into the states....Unfortunatley he was a rather bad boy at a young age and most of his history is if from when he was 18 and younger with a drinking and driving charge when he was 21(jail time). Arrrgggg Naughty Ron...Anyways i've looked on the USICS site and it doesnt go into great detail, just more or less what he needs to do (fingerprints sent off to Sydney) and gather (court records). Altho it mentions some things in brief regarding charges/convictions, it doesnt mention a whole lot about it....I'm guessing approval must also be based off how much time has passed and wheather or not they feel like youve been rehabilated (see what I mean, not enough info).... Hes already sent off his fingerprints (thinking that we were going to follow a journey that some ding bat lawyer gave us, anyways a long story..just glad i found this site) .... and we will be looking for any court records for when he will have his interview (when ever that day should arrive)...I know alot of this may seem premature seeings how were not even engaged yet..but its in the works (we've actually discussed what journey we should take and we both seem to agree on us marrying over in Australia) ...I just need to get some sort of answers to this issue...I'm seriously worried it will affect his POE...He is all lax about it seeings how most of his history was before he was 18 but I'M NOT....I need some sort of resolve and I know that I may not get it till he's actually at the POE and they let him thru...Also what about the interview...if they dont think he has a chance of entering the states will they even approve his visa????(I wouldnt think so) OR just leave it up to when he gets to the POE??? I need more details..the information I have found is less than acceptable for feeling satisfied about this issue..Pheww I worked up a hunger with all this worrying....I NEED A PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWHICH...Hahahaha!!!!

Take care to all...

Katrina (cheese and Kisses)

Wooohooooo....

I was happy to report to Mr. Ron over in the land down under that PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY is hit on the forum....I tried telling him that i would win....

Hahaha

Katrina

RINGS....

WAY COOL YOUR GOING TO GET, WELL YOU KNOW!!! LOL...I'M DEFINATELY JEALOUS..BUT HAPPY FOR YA TOO....JUST WANTED TO POP IN AND SAY THANKS FOR THE INFO IN THE PRIVATE MSGS...I TALKED TO RON JUST A LIL BIT AGO AND WE DISSCUSED SOME OF THE OPTIONS WE HAVE AND WE BOTH ARE THINKING GETTING MARRIED OVER THERE IS DEF. THE WAY TO GO FOR US...SO NOW AT LEAST WE HAVE AN IDEA OF WHERE TO START....JUST GOTTA FIND SOME DAMN $$$$$ TO GET ME OVER THERE AND 2 WEEKS WORTH OF WAGES TO COVER MY BUM WHILE IM THERE...AHHH!! I'M JUST GLAD WE ARE DISCUSSING OUR OPTIONS AND ACTUALLY GONNA START MAKING THIS HAPPEN.

OK, OK, WE ALSO DISCUSSED.....

READY FOR THIS..HAHAHA!!!

WHATS BETTER?

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY

OR

VEGGEMITE

WE HAD A GOOD OLE LAUGH ABOUT THAT ONE..I TOLD HIM I WAS GONNA TAKE A POLE ON THE FORUM TO FIND OUT...

SO ANYONE THAT WANTS TO LEAVE THERE COMMENTS ABOUT PB & J OR VEGEMITE..PLEASE DO SO..TRY AND HELP LIGHTEN UP THE INTENSITY AROUND HERE PHEWWWW...AND I'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN ALL THIS STUFF..HAHAHA!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS ALOT HAPPENING THIS WEEK FOR A FEW OF YOU....

AND RINGS...TRUST ME WE ALL CAN RELATE TO THAT MSG UP THERE...HEHEHEHE!

KATRINA.. AKA CHEESE AND KISSES

Paul...

Have a safe flight/s....Just wanted to say thanks again to you for your time and the information you posted.

Katrina...

Thanks,

Paul for the timeline...and woohoo almost there...good luck to you too...

Caroline...yes thank you too..i did get your post..were just looking into things as of now but your info is helpful...

Thanks....Katrina

Hi Katrina,

I GOOGLED QUEENSLAND BIRTHS DEATHS & MARRIAGES WEBSITE,

AND FOUND THIS INFORMATION FOR YOU RE MARRYING IN AUSTRALIA.

http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/bdm/thelegalprocess.html

The legal process

First, a Notice of Intended Marriage form must be completed

by both parties and signed in the presence of a qualified witness,

as specified on the notice.

Your celebrant can witness your signatures.

You must lodge the notice with the authorised celebrant

a minimum of one month and one day prior to the date

you wish to get married

(i.e. if lodged on 25 June the earliest date the marriage

could take place would be 26 July).

The notice is valid for 18 months from the date it is lodged.

Your celebrant will provide you with a

Notice of Intended Marriage form or it can be downloaded here (65kb ).

The services of an authorised celebrant are required to solemnise a marriage.

If you do not wish to be married at the Registry,

authorised celebrants (religious and civil)

are listed at the Commonwealth Attorney General's Department website.

Documents required

by the bride and groom

To complete all of the requirements of the Notice of Intended Marriage,

the celebrant must sight the following documents for the bride and groom:

For persons born in Australia:

• an ORIGINAL birth certificate.
  

For persons born in another country:

• an ORIGINAL birth certificate of that country, OR
  
• an ORIGINAL current passport of another country showing
  
• date and place of birth.
  

In addition, for persons previously married:

• an ORIGINAL decree absolute or divorce certificate, OR
  
• an ORIGINAL death certificate of a deceased spouse.
  

If documentation is not in English an official translation,

in addition to the original document, is required.

Persons authorised to witness the Notice of Intended Marriage

This notice must be signed in the presence of any of the following:

• if a party signs the notice in Australia an authorised celebrant,
  
• a Commissioner for Declarations under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959,
  
• a justice of the peace, a barrister or solicitor, a legally qualified medical practitioner, or a member of the Australian Federal Police
  
• or the police force of a state or territory
  
• if a party signs the notice outside Australia
  
• an Australian Diplomatic Officer, an Australian Consular Officer,
  
• an employee of the Commonwealth authorised under paragraph 3 ©
  
• of the Consular Fees Act 1955, an employee
  
• of the Australian Trade Commission authorised
  
• under paragraph 3 (d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955 or a notary public.
  

http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/bdm/thelegal...legalprocesstop

Marriageable age

The marriageable age is 18 years.

If one party is aged 16 to 18, and not previously married,

it is necessary to obtain:

• parental consent on the required form, and
  
• a court order under section 12 of the Marriage Act 2006.
  

Where both parties are under the age of 18 they cannot marry.

A Notice of Intended Marriage may be lodged prior

to the 18th birthday of a person intending to marry,

Without parental consent and a court order,

But the marriage may not be solemnised without

that authority until that person turns 18.

Witnesses

Two witnesses over the age of 18 must be present at the marriage ceremony.

Interpreter

If the bride or groom is unable to speak English,

an interpreter must be provided.

The interpreter is required to sign a statutory declaration

and certify his/her faithful performance in the role.

To contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)

telephone 131450 (toll free).

Contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Post:

PO Box 15188,

City East Qld 4002

Brisbane residents

phone: 3247 9203

Outside Brisbane

phone: 1300 366 430

International enquiries:

+61.7.3247 9203

Email:

bdm-mail@justice.qld.gov.au

Office hours:

8.30am–4.30pm (Monday–Friday)

The Registry is located at 110 George Street, Brisbane

Please be ready to supply:

• your full name
  
• your postal address
  
• your phone number
  
• reference number (if applicable)
  
• date of birth/death/marriage
  
• location of birth/death/marriage
  

I Hope this helps you and your partner with your future plans.

Cheers

PAUL

WOW PAUL THANKS ALOT FOR ALL THE INFO. I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYONES TIME AND EFFORTS HERE I HOPE IN THE FUTURE I CAN BE AS HELPFUL....

Thanks,

Paul for the timeline...and woohoo almost there...good luck to you too...

Caroline...yes thank you too..i did get your post..were just looking into things as of now but your info is helpful...

Thanks....Katrina