C&C

1 hour ago, Captain Ewok said:

Thank you!!

Well I would say this is a bug, plus I really need some assistance from VJ.  Multiple emails not working:

I have been trying to close my VJ account.  I can't find any place to do it, and although I have emailed tech support repeatedly, all I keep getting is ticket opened, ticket closed, with no substantive information on how to close, or that it has been closed, and... well clearly, my account is still open.  

And there is no phone number to call any person to get this addressed.  And I can't get into the "ticket" to see what they've written and to "add a comment" as is supposed to be possible.

HELP!!!!

FYI on a couple things, then a question.

Hubby's interview was this past Friday, and he got the visa in the mail today - only 3 business days. He lives in Toronto.

Yesterday, I also received a second reply from an assistant to Mary Marshall (I had written one letter, then another, then one saying hey thanks for getting on it finally) This letter seemed to be a reply to my thank you letter. As in a previous consulate reply, this one quibbled with my statement which I have repeated in all my letters that they clearly had "stopped" scheduling interviews for CRs/IRs, .... although more recently started rescheduling of course and got all of us caught up as of last month anyway - that's what I thanked them for. The keep saying they never "stopped" or "stalled" scheduling our pile, the scheduling is just complicated - of course so complicated they can't explain it exactly.

Anyway the key thing I wanted to share is that this letter seemed to primarily point to their having "cleared their backlog of those who were documentarily qualified" (I interpret that to mean case complete at NVC) and that they are now notifiying those eligible of their interviews "at least 2 months in advance". They didn't specifically say "and we are committed to maintining this response time" but it certainly feels as though at this moment they would like to continue to be able to say this. Anyway I hope this holds for the rest of you who are getting your cases complete right about now. And I hope the case complete time wom't become a problem.

Now, to my question. Can anyone recall from any past conversations here or provide a link to one, on, after hubby passes through the border:

1. what he needs to do if anything and how long it takes to get the green card which I guess is a separate piece that allows him to work? Or does he get that at the border.

2. what he needs to do to follow up or reapply for that darned SSN # which of course he already did on the DS 230 I guess it was... I've heard that can sometimes not be reliable and its worth it apply again or contact SSA or something -- again, when and how?

Thanks in advance and congratulations to all those who saw progress, big or small, on their case over the past month or two. I really think that's the most critical thing customers of the immigration process want to see.

C

Interview report from Montreal. Took place Friday morning Nov 30. Sorry trailmix somewhere along way I said the 27th but shoudl have said 30th. Appointment at 7:45 am

Day prior we scoped out the route from hotel and peeked head in door to talk to security man about how soon we needed to get there. It's so darned cold in Montreal a ce moment and the place doesn't open till 7:30 so we weren't really into getting there early. Guy said it won't be thursday or tuesday when its extra busy so don't worry. 7:45 isn't actually an appointment, they just don't want people getting there all at once. It's really a window 7:30 to 11 am. Apparently most people come, leave to do somthing with their bag, then come back... oops getting a head of myself.

Next morning, got there on time, saw lots of people grasping bits of documents unsafely in the wind... once got to line found you can't take a bag in -- that means the briefcase you are bringing all your stuff in! Obviously no one else realized that either. some people went to a locker nearby to plug their bag, we walked across the street to the parking lot and gave the attendant $20 to hold our bag - we like the bag. another guy just placed his outside but hidden adn hopefully it was still there when he got back out. One couple already had everything in a plastic bag. I asked how they knew about that but they didn't seem to understand me.

Process... wait in line just inside door for very slow security process. Haven't been searched that closely in a long time. They take stuff they feel is dangerous and you can get it when you come out. Security guys are very good... don't let you stay in a spot one second longer than you are supposed too, very in control of the situation, very onto the protocol. kind of freaks you out at points but they are doing their job. signs say no physical or verbal abuse will be tolerated, and we're very sure they would indeed not tolerate it. so don't get upset while your in line, K?

Go up elevator to 19th floor, to a first window. Lady at that window gave us a number and made sure we had our express post envelope. Back to sit down and watch the screen for numbers coming up.

Waited for about an hour for our number to come up, then went down a hall to a window. There a guy reviews our file with us there, asks us a few questions -- really all around making sure all the file is in order. Gave him some updated forms and documentation. now that I've moved to US my domicile and finances all posed no issues. Although we sent change of address forms when we moved, current addresses were not on the original 230 so we had to rewrite those sections after clerk used his cool eraser strip pen the clerk had. Provided the medical report (they did't need the x - ray - only woudl have needed it for documentation of issues, had the report said there was a problem). Yes, we brought the more up to date police reports - here they are, sir.

We go back to sit down, I think while guy double checked all the paperwork. Got called back up maybe 15 to 20 minutes later for hubby to get fingerprinted. He was nervous and didn't seem to easily get the pressure right but finally all fingers and thumbs get printed.

We go back to sit down for another half hour. We see people getting called to the closed door interview rooms, some going who came in later than us, others waiting a longer time. There was one older couple with a central european accent who seemed to be having a lot of trouble, spending lots of time at a window explaining things. Seemed like they were hurt by having longer, more complicated lives and maybe not having been as aware and ####### and prepared. Overheard bits of others' conversations like (have you even been in trouble with the law? -"yes") Thinking, I guess we're pretty lucky.

So anyway finally we get called up finally for the interview and yes it's like a little cramped closet. The entire conversation was pretty much... friendly hello, you can hang your stuff up there, you must be so and so and so and so, how long have you been married... ha ha we seem to not be sure if its 6 or 7 years ... What's hubby's line of work and what's he planning on doing.... will get something in his line of work he says mentioning a couple of employers in the area. In a surprised sort of voice... well, everything is in order... you clearly did your homework (as if normally this is not the case?). Ok, you'll get the visa in a week or two. any questions? Have a nice day.

All very easy, just time consuming. Everyone very very nice. We think that my being there while not necessary made a big difference in how smoothly the morning went.

Wished we had planned to leave the next day. It was too darned cold in Montreal to be outside very long so not much sightseeing. Walked underground most of the way to the fine arts museum and enjoyed some of the exhibits there. Had a nice stay at hotel XIX siecle. got a $119 a nite deal and the rooms are very comfortable and lovely but not ostentatious, like the whole place - small bar, comforable sitting room in lobby, informal friendly staff. Easy few blocks walk to consulate. Would definitely stay there again.

That was it! now planning the last phase of hubby's move down here... by christmas - yea!

yallerthebest

gee, i guess djc got an interview?

Hi,

Trying to prep for IR1 interview in Montreal.

Not finding many IR1/CR1 reviews.... most on started threads are Ks. and when I look in the "reviews" place, each time I click on the continuation to see the rest of teh story for an IR/CR inteviews, it takes me to some other interview, always K, and never the one before or after the review listed I was looking for. Is there another way to get int?

I'm mainly wanting to know...

1. our appointment letter says they have all our docs, just bring up to date photos and medical stuff. REally? Should we get/bring second originals of everything anyway? Seems overkill to me. They SAY they have these things.

2. what are the questions they'll ask you? heck we are married 6 years. so far for the CR and K spouse interviews I'm seeing a lot of: how did you meet, give me more detail on that, why move to states, what are your work plans. Anything else you have heard asked a lot?

I noticed the comments elsewhere on bringing an expresspost envelope for them to mail your visa. why didn't they say that in the interview letter?

any other things to bring / prepare for?

I rented a uhaul and the truck was practically brand new. They had told me that they use the better trucks for longer distance. Had no problems .. and it cost me $470 one way from Hamilton, ON to Cleveland OH (14' truck with a full car hauler) and only about $120 in gas (and gas was high at that point). I was more than pleased.

sounds like you got an excellent deal from uHaul and if the truck was nice, great. The estimate we got from Uhaul for toronto to Texas was about $4K and from Penske from Buffalo to Texas, just $1600 so we took that, plus in our case the trucks were nicer.

Yes, you can rent a truck across the border in teh US, bring back to Canada to load up, then get on the road.

Proof? Wh Does this apply to IR's? Just checking.... we've been married 6 years and together about 8 .... they've got the marriage certificate.... we sent them a "story" of how we met I think last year with the original documents.

Do you think we need to bring other "proof"? If so what kind?

The citizen ship process was quite quick once I put in the application. dont' have the record, but agree it was a bout a year, maybe a bit longer

Woo-hoo. Just got home and my hubby's interview letter came as well. Somehow it makes it seem more real!

The one I got, actually to my hubby, talked about family members listed on the next page who are supposed to come too, but all it shows is hubby, I think that's normal but... just checking... I can go to the interview too, right?

If you're close to the border and have other options, do NOT DO UHAUL!!!

Uhaul sucks -- we've had a horrible experence on teh move from US to Canada, then in Ontario from one home to another, then horrible for a family member from a state to state in teh US. U haul trucks are old, not inspected, have serious things wrong with them (the worst was no brake lights in one case) they can't guaranteea reservation so you make plans then have to wait or go to another city, they use local shady small time contractors who dont' give a c...p, they sell you ridiculously overpriced packing productes... etc. and they are twice as expensive as penske -- basically like a lot of other big service companies in Canada with no real competetion they totally gouge canadians .... anyway....

for our move to teh states recently we checked out the options anyway, looked at the local uhaul trucks and they looked the same sucky junk as always then examined Penske online. Took a chance. Went across the border to Buffalo, got the truck and came back to toronto with it, loaded up then got one the road. one extra days hassle but half the price and MUCH MUCH MUCH nicer trucks - really, brand spanking new, and professional service like you just can't get with uhaul.

thank you, Penske, NONNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOO uhaul

Its your choice, but personally I find it easier just to keep the name I've already got all my records and documents in then change the name later. If this is your first marriage and you are on the fence and if by chance hubby doesn't care either... just keep your maiden name. I wish I had the first time round, wouldn't be in this mess now.

strong fairies guess it won't be long now fer the rest of y'all

That's wonderful Mumsie, CoMelly, CaliMark, and Misty. STill wondering abut DJC. Trail I think you might have good news soon Then there are the K3s watiing a while... not too many left who are overdue!

What' the deal with all these fairies

Just made a reservation at Hotel XIX Siecle

$117 a nite plus fees for 4 nights – other than La Tour, no farther than any other place and a much nicer hotel for not a lot more, located in old Montreal and a good price for one of the nicer old hotels there. will let ya know how it is though other on line reviews seem pretty good

YEA!!! Congrats to everyone else also getting their slots. I am SOOO Relieved and excited for everyone! DJC??? Midalake?

To answer your question trailmix about the domicile issue. It was before we submitted the last forms 864 and 230 that we investigated the issue and decided we had to be safe to show I had reestablished domicile.

The only thing I would do over again is to have gotten a very good, experienced lawyer, although how you know for sure you have one is a barrier. What we could have used is advice on the quickest and best visa strategy and information on actual immigration processes and interpretations. One thing we have all learned through the process that we did not know at the outset is that key issues are not captured in print or available from those at the call centers who can do nothing but regurgitate published information. They can’t clarify vague or conflicting statements, interpret grey areas, or tell you how the rules apply to your situation.

I had moved to Canada in 2000, because of my now hubby although I got an employment authorization to get there quick. While I continued to maintain a bank account with a teeny bit of money in the US, voted by absentee ballot, had all my family ties in the US, and continued to file a US tax return every year, we still felt this combination of factors was not a sure thing for me to prove that my move to Canada was only “temporary”. I had been living continuously in Canada for 6 years, married my now husband there, became a permanent resident and then a Citizen of Canada. For this purpose, we felt, I could not prove that I had maintained domicile in the US. Perhaps an experienced lawyer might have said that’s good enough, but we didn’t think we needed a lawyer and questioning of immigration staff, such as it was, did nothing to contradict the conclusion I just stated.

If you cannot show that your absence from the US was temporary, you have to “re-establish” domicile, or proof that you are again a resident of the US. Whether I have or haven’t is in the interpretation of the immigration official at the time of my husband’s interview in Montreal. If at the time of that interview I cannot not show that I have re-established domicile, we could lose and have to start over. Solid signs of having res-established domicile, which you might show in combination although the first one we viewed as key for us are: getting a job in the US, having signed a lease, having made arrangements to give up residence in Canada, or having enrolled kids in school in the US.

We were really unsure for a long time about what risk we wanted to tolerate and guessing the timeline. We didn’t want the risk of getting the interview and me having no job in the US yet. So we waited to submit the 230 and 864 till I got a written job offer that I accepted. We felt comfortable with that – but… this was with the assumption that it was going to be 2 or 3 months until the interview. The processing times for each piece of mail/form until this time had been very quick and the published information suggested that one should hear something about one’s interview roughly 6 to 8 weeks after case complete date.

So that’s why we did what we did.

Oh and by the way, one thing we have i common with Glady is simultaneous receipt and submissionor m of 230 and I864 forms. I'm not sure if we have a slightly different process for somereason? also, our case # is a MTL 2006 case number, in the 600's ....

That's what I was thinking Liz!!

Did you apply in 2006 C&C?

the fairy dust was obviously the trick!!!

Yes, we received our instructions to file the last paperwork about this in 2006 -- I forget which forms it was we received then, but it's when we got the domicile checklist... we didn't realize I'd have to repatriate to US to show domicile and that we'd have to be separated.... that threw us for a bit loop and we took about 9 months to get used to that idea and prepared our career and home affairs for the transition.

Holy Friggin Cow and The ENTIRE Herd of MOO.

I hope you stick around, because if I don't get a date this month, I need all the addresses you sent letters to. Your letter worked, mine were ignored.

Can you do me a big favor and call the automated line? Tell me if it says, "Sent to consulate sometime," or if it still says "case completed?"

Just called the line and it says the same that it always has... case complete data and if it's been more than 8 weeks past that and you have received nothing you press 0 to get to the operator. I seem to recall from a post I read quite a while ago that it takes a while for them to update the autotelephone system - you have to call and talk to them. Cmon..... do it, you might be surprised!

Oh and by the way, one thing we have i common with Glady is simultaneous receipt and submissionor m of 230 and I864 forms. I'm not sure if we have a slightly different process for somereason? also, our case # is a MTL 2006 case number, in the 600's ....

Well I have some extremely good news from our camp....

Called today and heard that hubby's interview is November 30th. Also today, I received a reply from NVC inquiry saying the same. The NVC reply was actually ATTACHED to (included) the letter I sent a couple of weeks to everyone I could think of, with copy emailed to "NVS Supervisor" at the NVC inquiry. I had also mailed this letter, my second, to the Montreal consul general and antoher official there (I had previously sent them a letter), to two officials at the state department, and to my two senators one of whom I had also previously mailed.

In addition, last week I received two letters, one on Monday from one of my Senators indicating he was making inquiries to the State Department and would let me know later, and another later in the week, a detailed two page letter from the Montreal Consul General, addressing my specific remarks, i.e. not at all the canned response that you get from NVC or Montreal email people. The letter said what you would imagine... things are complicated, we have been backlogged, we are handling many types of visas and doing our best to balance and prioritize them as best we can etc. The significant things though I heard in the letter were

(1) this backlog due to staffing is related to the passport backlog issue although I don't see how that necessarily follows - I don't see that what's involved and who's involved in processing passports necessarily can be interchangeable with what and who is involved in doing interviews of visa applicants, but what do I know

(2) that the waiting time is currently about 6 months till one receives notification of one's interview date. The letter said that the earliest we are likely to (and this was unclear) hear of a date/get a date is early December. We looked at the letter and thought hard about what it said over the weekend and thought well, I guess it won't be till the new year at least till we get the interview.

Then boom, a few days later, today, voila, we have the interview date. OF course we will never know, but my feeling is the likelihood that my letters made a difference is better than 50/50 chance.

OK, so, I sure hope we haven't taken up any body else's interview slot who was in line before us just because we are the squeakiest wheel. So, come on DJC and others in April and May, this may be your week too. Call. And if it isn't your week, I'd highly recommend a similar blanket letter campaign.

C&C

I sure wish this forum would let you edit your posts more than 30 seconds after you've finished.

I don't know if this is reliable info but the comparative table shown and the DCF comments fit what I think I've been hearing here so far:

http://www.***removed***/visas/kvisa/

This is all really convincing me to go the K3 route.

If I were doing it over again I would definitely consider that, although if you look closely, natb, right now the K3s are usually waiting much longer than the fiance K1 folks, and often as long as CRs & IRs, so if you're married already, I'm not sure that K3 route is necessarily a better bet.

What I still don't understand at all is the DCF option, but it seems that it might be a way to go too.

Others might have a clearer assessment to offer or links to other forum places with helpful info.

Like last month about this time.... monday, they said call Friday. today, they said call next Friday

Is Ogalalla anything like Toronto?

Um … no. Wow are you moving there? Its a lovely place if you like open skies and peace and have had enough urbanity in your life. Ogallala is a nice town. It’s better than a Toronto suburb for sure. I hope you like rural Nebraskans – they are very conservative but very civil and committed -- very community oriented, fairly religious although I doubt you’ll find a gold curved roof anywhere, very hard working people, not a lot of complainers. Make a commitment to the community. Be prepared it is extremely white although that may be changing with Mexican immigrant patterns, my guess is something like 90% or more white, mostly German/Czech extraction (hence the size of the Cornhuskers defensive line – go black shirts!!!!!!!) Some easterner urbanites I who visited while I lived there had actual what is it, agoraphobia? - totally freaked out at the open sky. It would be a fabulous place to settle if it were warmer and had some work for me -- thinking about sandhills and the antelope and buffalo... do enjoy it when you get there if that’s where you’re going.

The Treble, your comments are gentle and wise. Thanks. I severely offended another here and am sorry but can’t seem to edit my response now. Guess I’ll just have to live with being an ugly American that can’t shut her mouth. Just haven’t learned yet. Practice for this week: <PINCH> (Gulp) “ Actually, I’d really like to know what you think.”

I am truly floored by hearing everyone’s histories – truly touching and thanks for sharing!

That day we realized how 2 people, completely different backgrounds, different countries, different language, can be completely similar and understand each other. I mean the peanut butter thing sounds silly, but that was just the first of hundreds of similarities we found between each other overtime.....We just complete each other perfectly. Since then I believe in soulmates. We had 1 chance in a million to find each other, I could have walked in that game 5 min later and never met him, we could have been in different factions or different servers, or we could have completely ignored each other because they are so many people in there. But it was meant to be.

Amen, and thank you al Gore.

In closing... I'd just like to leave with this one thought/question: My fiancee and I end up arguing far more often when we're apart (such as when we're using Instant Messengers or talking on the phone) versus when we're together in person. When we're physically together, we rarely disagree or have any serious issues. I was just wondering if things work out this way for anyone else here and if anyone has any idea why it might be this way?

It is very tough being apart. We have a really hard time sometimes. My husband isn’t a big talker in the first place and trying to communicate at a distance is harder. When you’re both stressed and alone and miss each other so much it’s just not easy. But it will be okay.

FYI

I received a reply today from the first US Senator I wrote to initially on September 15th, just 20 days ago, I think that's not a bad response time. I since copied him on the letter I wrote all the people who are in charge of our lives right now. All Sen. Cornyn's letter said was that he had contacted officials at Department of State to request a response to my concerns, and that he would let me know the result. It made me feel better.

Today's new young NVC thing on the phone today told me to call next week about November. Dare I hope?

I'm thrilled to see hubby visiting this weekend for Canadian thanksgiving, and no with the valuable time I 'm not making turkey -- besides it's too hot in Texas to cook a bird in the oven for hours and -- I'm not even sure my apartment oven works, or that I want to see... want to keep the temporary feeling of this apartment life.

Do you think Montreal Consulate folks get both US and Canadian civic holidays off?

C&C

Guess I'm late in coming to this one but I haven't laughed so hard since this immigration thing started.

I appreciate all perspectives here… you’re all right! I have kind of mixed take that some of you might share. It is one of a thoroughly progressively raised American who lived 7 years in Canada after living in several places in the US with family all over and specifically growing up in the deep south university town, then living in the conservative plains of Nebraska, oh and have “lived” for semesters in London and Paris and vacationed other places…. Ok I think that’s enough for background.

Canada vs. US discussions are terribly fun so why not a few simplistic but fun statements to start … Tim Horton’s coffee is good for American coffee, timbits are no better than muchkins, hockey is still dumb and stupidly violent I can’t believe you “good” Canadians tolerate it (even though I know a little more about it now), I am so happy to be back in a US college football town where my silly professional gladiator “students” are better than yours, CBC TV is great but US public radio is better, poutine is disgusting, Gulf coast oysters and smoked mullet delish, this hour has 22 mins and Air farce are mostly lame although they have their moments but Rick Mercer is an absolute genius he has a lot in common with Seinfeld down deap may that how rest in peace, clubbing baby seals = clubbing other hockey players, my peccadillo “it depends on what your definition of the word is is” is no worse than your “da proof is da proof is da proof”, etc. Ceasars are gross can’t you make a proper bloody mary?????

Living in Canada makes you constantly compare and the Canadians are constantly doing it themselves which is soooo friggin tiresome but hey I’m on the bandwagon. VJ Troll kind of hits it on the head in some ways in a black sarcasm kind of way – I think I might explain it better…. What Kathryn says is extremely typical of a certain kind of Canadian opinion of themselves and America/Americans – what she says I am sympathetic to in many ways, but always sounded also a bit smug and whiney in my ears…. though I never told my close Canadian friends that.

I was raised to be skeptical of any kind of flag waving or stereotyping of others, groups, countries etc. I was excited to move to Canada which I thought would be more progressive and sophisticated than the deep south and conservative plains of America where I’d spent most of my adult life. Turns out Canada IS authentically more progressive in terms of public opinion – the average is more tolerant than the US -- reflected in things as diverse as recent provincial laws allowing gay marriage or at least civil union equality, strong mat leave rights, public health insurance (which is great although it’s not a perfect system either), or the concept that you can be a red Tory – hard to find a political place when you are that. But it’s hardly a socialist country (as right wingers in the US like to say just to scare people) just a little more progressive a democratic republic than the US is all. It’s really not that different than Vermont, Michigan, and Oregon. But I have been so disappointed at the provincialism I found in Canada – I guess, like anywhere else – most people are not very informed about other places, and there is a knee jerk we are better ism because people seem to need that to feel validated for some reason. Unfortunately for the American in Canada, you encounter this stereotypical anti-Americanism, even from otherwise educated, self-aware Canadians who actually vacation in America. I was educated about US history and its role in the world and made aware of America’s strengths and what it has given and does give the world, as well as its not so nice qualities and contributions. I was educated about nationalism and conflict and misperception and skapegoatism and how it leads to all kinds of nastiness some harmless and some not so in history – in all our countries and cultures. I found after a few years that living in Canada made me reactionarily proud to be an American in ways I never was ever before, and never felt in visiting other countries where they don’t have a national self-esteem problem like Canada. I just got sick of hearing ridiculous negative generalizations about “America” and “Americans” that weren’t true of me or my family or any of my friends that I grew up with or my co-workers or congregations, etc., against ridiculously rosy contrasting generalizations of “good” Canada is. I could have been happy staying in Canada, but I just feel comfortable back in the US and the south where American nationalism is old news and not so terrible, “conservatism” is sometimes disturbing but isn’t the horrific devil either, and where culture and communities are just as caring and vibrant and interesting as you can find anywhere, and where you can find modest, individualistic, live and let live people and colourful cultures of your choice to participate in. People who didn’t grow up in a southern city don’t know how great it is (despite things we still need to work on to make our communities and our great country better). I think my Canadian husband who is very individualistic, idealistic, modest and live and let live will be very comfortable as a southern American in a great funky city like Austin, Texas. In conclusion, Weird Al Yankovic pretty much hit it on the head with the “Canadian Idiot” track. If anything I said resonates for you and you haven’t heard it – download it for your player – it’s hilarious.

Truly, the only differences I believe I’ve seen – maybe -- first hand between Canadians and Americans and it’s so slight a difference its only a hypothesis - Canadians are in general more socially progressive, Americans are a touch more individualistic/libertarian (which isn’t necessarily all bad in case you don’t remember it’s a critical ingredient of democracy), Canadians a little more passive and accepting of structure/hierarchy, Americans a little more willing to take risks, call a spade a spade and use a swear word while they’re at it, while Canadians will perhaps be a little more civil and keep their opinions to the themselves. Both have great people, great wilderness, and in the big cultural history picture, same basic history although different paths as Kathryn noted, and some different cultures layered in with the basic colonial brit foundation, depending on the region. In most places in Canada, culturally it’s quite like Nebraska – or Vermont, or Michigan, or Oregon.

But, what I will miss about being a Torontonian is:

• Algonquin park

• Subways and trolleys

• Working and socializing in diverse ethnic social groups where my blond hair is unusual and there are all shades and kinks of hair and skin tones and facial shapes, and no one is in a majority or minority we are all just a neat mix of people with lots of different perspectives

• Working in organizations where women are equal to men or even dominate high positions

• Long summer evenings

• Making about $15 K more than I do now – esp. now with the exchange rate -- why didn’t we wait another month before changing the money from the house sale??? This move has cost us probably $25 K if you add it all up, but we still believe it’s worth it.

C&C