wendie and sam

Hi guys!! Sorry I've been such a slacker lately!!

Every time I get logged out of VJ it takes me weeks before I log back in, and I was traveling for work so apologies for being away.

I was so happy to see so much pink on the Decemberite list!! that's awesome. Sam and I just got our approval last night, late around 10pm!! woohoo!! So Dizzy make us pink too!

Love you guys!! (off to search for what the hell to do next!)

Wendie

I'll tell you my horror story if you tell me yours!

When I was 7, my mom let me and my 2-yr old sister open a present on Christmas Eve. When I saw the shape of that Cabbage Patch Kid box, I got so excited I almost peed my pants. But nope, the Cabbage Patch went to the 2-yr old. I got a stuffed porcupine on roller skates wearing a sailor suit. My dreams were crushed. What was I supposed to do with a roller skating, sailing porcupine?

So a few days later, I flew to my Nana's and Pap's for Christmas part 2, and once again, out came two presents. One was obviously a Cabbage Patch, but I didn't know what the other one was. My Nana gave me the choice of presents but refused to tell me what was in the other one. It took me 2 hours to decide to go with the Cabbage Patch because what if the other box was THE MOST AWESOME PRESENT IN THE WORLD? Even after I picked the Cabbage Patch, she still wouldn't tell me what was in the other box. I had to wait two weeks until I got home and my sister opened it. It was a bride Barbie with a bunch of clothes my Nana made for it. Glad I went with the Cabbage Patch Kid.

After that kind of trauma, I vowed never again to be caught off guard. Ever since then, I've been a present-peaker. I even peak at presents that I know aren't mine...I just can't stand not knowing. And that is why this visa experience has been the most stressful event of my life...I just want to know when things are going to happen and what the outcome will be, is that too much to ask?

HAHAH this story made me laugh so hard!! sorry I've been MIA, I had two back to back all-day meetings and not computer access, ack! so horrible... no VJ and no decemberite thread and no good news about the NOA2 VSC approvalss for the decemberite family! yay! hope mine comes soon!!

So I do have to admit, I have been a long time present spoiler!! hahaha... My nephew who is 8 years younger than I stole my glory as a kid and got all the good presents, kinda like your sister Bec! haha... So one Christmas I was determined to see if he got what he wanted and if I got what I wanted, cuz if my mom ripped me off yet again by being a proud grandma and getting him a better present than I... I was totally gonna run away (to the front yard).

I ended up getting a purse (which I didn't like) and some clothes (which were lame looking back at them now in pictures) but my Nephew got those wrestling buddy dolls that you throw around and jump on from the early 1990s..which was what he wanted. So I ran away to the front yard for about a few hours, then realized I could make their lives more miserable by going back into the house and proceeded to torture my nephew for 10+ more years after this incident. (The famous one was putting gum in his hair while he took a nap and claiming he fell asleep with gum he smuggled from his mom's purse)

I Have to admit, I was a very mean little kid to my nephew, but he got all the good presents!! Anyway, the brat in me always spoils presents for myself...then I feel bad after. But I also hate not knowing...I can't tell you guys how many times I looked in Sam's luggage for an engagement ring before he actually bought one and proposed. hahaha... I don't know what I would have done if I spoiled that surprise for myself...but I totally looked! haha..

Sorry for being MIA for 2 days, glad everyone's still here and celebrating the NOA2s. woohoo... go team!

Happy earth day guys!!

I can't concentrate at work at all. After reading that a few people got mail notices before or on the same day as their text/email notice, I actually took a 1/2 day off yesterday to wait by my mailbox...for nothing. This is driving me nuts! I'm the type of person who STILL looks for Christmas presents in my parents closet or sneaks down to unwrap and rewrap the ones under the tree (I know, it's terrible but it was triggered by an unfortunate Cabbage Patch Kid incident when I was 7). I JUST CAN'T STAND NOT KNOWING WHEN WE WILL BE APPROVED!!!

hahahah seriously bec? you stayed home? really? hahahaha.. that's hilarious!! (sorry I'm laughing at your misfortune of a wasted 1/2 day off with no NOA2). I think it's like watching water boil... it never boils when you're watching!!

OK so about that unfortunate cabbage patch kid incident... I think I had a similar experience. Maybe we should start a support group for traumatized children who ruin presents for themselves due to presents received in childhood...

LOL I'm getting spanked for ....

[#10271] You have sent the maximum number of private messages per day that the administrator allows. If you have not posted on the forums then you may start up to two (2) Personal Conversations per day. Once you make any post on the forums (we suggest an introduction topic) then this restriction is lifted and you may immediately start additional Personal Conversations.

Mari in morning

+ +

Mari writing you all emails

= Mari torturing Bec, Wendles, Diz , Marcia and Christine

(them) + (me) lol

VJ Admin & Mari

(Me) + (them) = < ME being spanked! lol

HAHHAHAH that was the cutest use of emoticons ever!! LOL... I just discovered the "show all" button which gies me the cute ones you used... I always wondered about where people got some of these emoticons!! haha.. VJ is so full of random things if you click all the weird links...

For some reason I can't see Dizzy's charts within the body of her posts... My computer must be a little 'challenged' or maybe I don't have the ability to see pictures in posts?? Anyway, so weird! I want to see all the pink and green too!

@ Carrie: Yeah for Reilly coming to visit and I agree with Becs on his coming home with an extra luggage. Does he use one carrier for flights yet? If not, he (or you) can sign up at the particular airlines you will use on their website. If you sign in for Credit Card as Bec mentioned you get a free red velvet cake milage and loads of perks for future trips! Now just curious, are you going to be watching the Royal Wedding?

@ Bec: GREAT INFORMATION!!!! Thanks for posting this and btw, when you're on this side of the country... (what state are you in?) anyway, if & when you are here in CA., its Me and You sistah, we're going to have 'snacks' ... lol he he. <<< just as red as that little devil.

@ Diz: OMG YOU have outdone yourself on the Timeline! See, this is why we are really indebted to your brilliant and invaluable knowledge. WE LOVE YOU DIZZERS .. The Future MRS. LOXY! *Mr Loxy, we love you too for supporting Diz and helping with the Timeline too. Thank You.

@ Sun: I still like this name better than your 'real name' and did you get my email today?

@ Decemberite Family from VSC:

How can we ALL help with the "encouraging' to positively move VSC along? I want to see PINK on that chart and I was thinking this morning aside from the Tweets, is there another media we can use to say, "Thank you for considering and approving our case files in advance" kind of letter in hardcopy? I would be more than happy to do more than an email on behalf of the Decemberite Family. The way I see it is this is a way to serve another. There is a joy in that alone.

So my thoughts are if each one of us CSC filer's picks 2 of you from VCS --- we write a brief statement for example,

" On behalf of my very good friends , Wendie & Sam, I THANK YOU VSC STAFF in Advance for considering their case file for approval as their wedding is approaching and we are very much looking forward to sharing that day with them...etc... "

Sincerely,

Mari

If anyone of our Decemberite Family would like to join in and 'serve' another, please let's see what happens and just do it! (Nike says that right? "Just Do It" is theirs? kewl. lol Anyway, what's your thoughts please?

Love to you all,

Mari

AWWW Mari, I feel so honored you'd send an email for little ol me (and Sam) haha..

I think VSC is picking up, no idea how it happened though. I wish whatever made them change directions was known so we could do more of it and quick so Decemberites can see their NOA2s by May.

MICHAEL AND I GOT APPROVED TODAY TOO.........I am sooooo excited and still shaking!!

YAY Lise!! ok so my premature congratulations the other day just meant you were next in line...i have no idea how i thought you were already approved. Either way, congrats!! I'm so happy for you! yay!!

So many decemberites got their NOA2s today!! woohoo December!! So happy for all of you in the family, hope you're all running thorough the next steps super fast as examples for those of us at VSC. We are all watching you guys to see how fast and smooth the rest of the journey can be.

@Shawn- hahah Mari and her slipper!! hahahahaha.. I can see her chasing K with her slipper and him saying "but Mari, I come to San Francisco to give you loving..." hahahaha.... the Mari and Kadir cartoon in my head is so amusing.

love you guys!!

Woohoo... still super excited about your big news!!

OMG DECEMBERITE FAMILY!!!!!

I was about to get in the shower, I missed K's call cuz I did not hear it ring. I figure, I'd call him back if signal permits... no big deal. A text comes through saying they made a decision. OK now I'm nervous & praying [in shower] please do not be a RFE I can't take anymore LORD! Please.. it's Holy Week! LOL LOL... me yanno... . I made myself calm down and when I finally checked the uscis site, then it said they mailed our Approval on April 13, 2011. I checked my email and then I got this:

WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WAC#########

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity

On April 13, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results

listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current

processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check Processing Times.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

I can't get a hold of K! omg omg omg now I am going to puke I'm so nervous to tell him

... lol .... :dance: He can finally come home to Adana! Yeah!!!!!

Mari

Woohoo congratulations Mari our fearless ring leader!! This is fantastic news! Don't puke while on the phone with K!!! (happy dance!)

Dipu and I have been “arguing” for weeks over this recipe stuff. He doesn’t understand why anyone would use a recipe…a cook should just cook. And if he were going to turn in a recipe, it would be for cheeseburgers because that’s what he loves. Sooooo, I’m turning in two of my favorite Indian dishes and my Dipu’s favorite too

Chicken Tikka Masala

Butter Chicken (Indian Chicken in Tomato Cream Sauce)

Cajun Burgers

Yumm yumm and yumm!!! OMG these are by far my favorite recipes yet!! I love tikka masala and butter chicken, and the burgers are definitely going to be at my next BBQ.. Well done Bec!

I'm so happy to see so many CSC NOA2approvals for the Decemberite family. Your joy truly inspires those of us at VSC that the end is near for our Decembrite group!! Thanks for keeping us updated and warm wishes as you continue on your journey!

As for me, life went on this weekend with the fitness challenge, I ran 8 miles Friday and another 3 on Sunday. Marine Corps Marathon countdown is at the 6th month mark so it's time to take my training into high gear!! Although I'm still doing a very slow run/jog, I'm very excited to be nearing the double digits in miles so early in my trianing. And my skirts are fitting fantastic!!

I also did some crazed wedding shopping this weekend. I found the most beatiful custom made ring bearer's pillows on ETSY this weekend. I highly recommend this artisan to anyone who wants a unique and beautiful pillow. Check out mine: Wendie's ring bearer pillow

I did get my moroccan lanterns and received my sample invitation papers from Cards and Pockets and the Envelope Mall. I do have to say the sample colors are absolutely awesome and I would definitely recommending ordering some samples from these vendors if you're interested in partial DIY invitations. Although the Cards and pockets samples are a bit expensive

Anyway, have a good day folks, hopefully with VSC moving onto October/November we'll be seeing VSC December NOA2s soon!!!

I'm sure it wasn't helpful, but I begged the VSC operator to give me a way to find out if my file has been lost while on the phone today. I've contacted my senators and congressman, but I think their too busy with budget issues right now. And they will all go on vacation soon right?

No lie, they told me to wait 26 more days before asking again about my status. They refuse to correct the mistake in the computer system, and he refuesd to let me talk to anyone else at the service center. It's like screaming against a brick wall with no one on the other side.

Good luck everyone.

Wow that really sucks!! I'm sorry to hear that! (not that my sorrow will get you NOA2 faster..)

But it appears VSC did have some movement in the past 2 days, they are even approving November applications. Seems crazy that you should be waiting 26 more days for a an answer when your NOA1 is dated in September.

At least they could have reassured you that your application box isn't lost.

WOW Talk about never taking for granted anytime you get to 'see or talk with' your groom/ bride....

OMG I am in HAPPY TEARS!!!!

I just got to see Kadir on the WEBCAM for the first time in 7.5 mos since he's been on AF base in Iraq!!!! He looks a little bit fuller in the face... all that American food I guess. I just couldn't believe my eyes... he's so so handsome.

Really missing each other now more than ever. This is very different from the rest of you who get to see your Askim everyday on cam. Military doesn't allow civie contractors for security purposes. OMG I have never been so so grateful for just those few minutes today.

I am now in la la land....

Kadir Askimsin... when you do get to read this one day... I love you.

Mari

WOOOhooo!!! Congrats girl!! I hope you guys got your virtual mack on!! (evil laugh!)

OK so about those lamps- I'm going to be in cali in May, I can go pick them up from the warehouse... alternatively I wonder if Kristin's will be cuter and worth the shipping?? JK!! I you Mari!

Bambi!! Congratulations ssebo & nnyabo!!

Hello everyone!!

I just wanted to tell you all that I thank you so much for huge help!

Today, I had my interview and my visa is approved:)

POE, AOS, EAD... a lot more to go, and I would like to thank you again in advance for your support!

Arigato!!!

Super duper awesome, fantastic and uplifting!! Congratulations!!!!

@Mari- you're hilarious with the deals! I love it... I need about 6-8 lanterns!! I wanted small and medium sized... I'll check the link today

@Kristin- Thanks sweetie!! If Mari's link turns out to be a bust (sorry M!) I'll definitely be all over $3 lanterns... although shipping would suck. haha.

@Nikolacolada- "gringa prices" I love it!! I try to fake my spanglish with a good accent so I don't get those...but in the end when they ask if I was born in the US or Mexico... I get the look of death and the gringa price. haha.. Instead of cake you can do something else that might hold up better on that horrible ferry ride!! What about cookies (frosted with your logo) or cake pops??? They are all the rage in the wedding world and you could bring them with you from the US, freeze them or refrigerate until the wedding...and they should hold up well. You can probably reserach what bakeries can do in Cancun and see if there is a cake alternative.

OK so I realized my "henna cake" idea might have been misinterpreted.. I was thinking of getting a cake that has mhendi designs on it... not actual henna...since I don't think henna would taste good. haha... check the link if you're intereseted...Henna inspired cake

I am having my friend design our own "henna inspired" logo so that will be on the cake... I'm also thinking of doing the fake cake thing.. basically it saves you money, they decorate fake cakes with fondant and have one layer for cutting. the real cake that is served is in the kitchen and is a sheet cake. This supposed to be cheaper since some venues charge a cake cutting fee due to the tedious task of taking apart a wedding cake. Just a small tip.

Have a great day guys!!

-wendie wedding diva

wow...this is one thread I don't think I expected.

AL- all the same, none of us know either of your situations. Although I haven't always agreed with your posts, you and everyone on here deserve happy lives full of love, kindness and respect. I hope you find that in your future.

There is something to be said about keeping your relationship in real life private and off the message boards... I hope we can appreciate respecting people's privacy and not getting involved or judgmental about things we aren't directly involved in.

Christine! Of course we're hangin' out... didn't you see the AOS name? "DECEMBERITE FAMILY DIGS: AOS and BEYOND" ... means, for a long while! You know how long it takes after we do that thing and the steps after that? So no worries OK? We gonna see all our pics if we post 'em on our thread.

K and I are having small wedding and like Wendles, we're incorporating his Turkish culture; Turk /Morrocan lanterns on the tables, belly dancer (his side) and a hula dancer (my side) and Turk food at the rehearsal party, Yankee plated dinner at the reception. I've been looking at the save the date /invites styles...really can't find what I'm looking for yet though. I'd like some Mediterranean Iznik kind of flowery design on our wedding cake done up in gold on white... this is an Iznik flower pattern / design pic:

probably cost me a fortune for a bakery to do that. Unless I keep watching Cake Boss and figure out a way to get a stencil from Turkey and have my bakery copy by airbrushing on the artwork onto the fondant. I do not like the taste of fondant; like a yucky waxy bland thick paste! ach. I had it at a friend's wedding and it was gross. This is what I get as I have a love for frosting and I took a big ugly mouthful... omg, I couldn't spit it out! LOL LOL LOL Maybe it was just their baker's fault.

Other than that Turkish traditions: they do your henna party, they tie a red ribbon on your waist at your reception (youth, present and mature blessing in your life), they dance -- a lot to traditional music, and they always bless the bride and groom with the 2 kiss each cheek thing when they present the bride with gold jewelry or the groom with money; no gifts like toasters from registries.

Love ya!

Mari

OMG Mari I was just watching amazing wedding cakes while working from home today and thinking the same thing.. my henna cake is gonna cost a fortune!! (good thing my mommy said she'd buy it for me!) ha..

So if you find a good deal on the Moroccan lanterns can you send me a message?? I've been looking for them but each one I find is like 15-40 dollars and I really don't want to pay that much. Maybe Kadir can bring us some!? haha.. I tried looking for wholesalers... still nothing.

It's a Facebook thing...when you agree with something someone has written, you can "Like" it. I think this site needs it, although, on some forums, a "Dislike" button would get a lot more action.

I crack myself up.

OHH there totally is a "like" button on VJ!! If you notice at the bottom of each post there is a gree + symbol in the bottom right corner along with a number box. When you push the green plus symbol (and are logged in) it will change the number from 0 to 1 or 2 or 3... depending on how many likes you can have.

Although I'm not clear what the limit is, since I found that button I've been liking posts left and right..the other day it said I got to my "like limit" and had to wait till the next day to continue liking stuff. hahaha... I broke the like button on VJ. classic.

We're going to do the courthouse thing to make sure that we follow the rules of the visa, but we're not going to have any type of party or anything until May when we'll have our "real" wedding in Mexico so that his family can be there too.

I've been trying to find Mexican customs (Emilio doesn't know any lol... men!) but I think it's probably going to be pretty "American" in terms of customs. We're trying to figure out how to incorporate both languages into the ceremony though so that both families can understand what's going on. AND since the wedding is going to be in Mexico we're not registering anywhere because we don't want people to have to lug down gifts, and we don't want to have to lug them back into the US after the wedding!

We're avoiding sending out any type of announcement for the civil ceremony in the U.S. because I want as many people as possible to come to the "wedding" in Mexico and I just feel like if they have a chance to acknowledge it beforehand and not have to travel to Mexico, they won't come lol But we did send out "save the month" cards since we don't have an exact date picked out yet, I wanted to give everyone as much time as possible to plan a vacation to Cancun.

I think there are a lot of small details you can incorporate, like the colorful ribbons sewn into your 'undergarments' or the 13 gold coins thing. I'm not sure where these come from but you can google Mexican wedding customs and they should be there somewhere. One I don't like is the Lasso of the bride, that one seems a bit barbaric to me, I haven't seen anyone do this in real life but definitely on random telemundo shows. (LOL)

Alternatively, even though it is a little kid thing, I've had friends do a pinata at their wedding for the kids, grown ups also like money and candy so it could be for all ages? If you're not having kids maybe you can do a pinata filled with alcoholic chocolates?

A friend recently had a 'hacienda' style wedding and mariachis were a definite crowd pleaser. They also did cacti for center pieces and had maracas on each table, so instead of hitting the glass when we wanted them to kiss we shook the maracas. That was fun.

Since you'll be in Mexico, Mexican food of course- wedding cookies, bunuelos and tequila are all in order! Maybe you could have a tequila connoisseur bar- you can get a variety of amazing flavored tequilas for reasonable prices in Cancun.

Also, for destination weddings never underestimate the powers of the welcome bag! Welcome bags for your out of town guests are great ways to give info on local attractions and to incorporate unique give aways (even post cards are good favors for destination weddings!)

Hope you find some meaningful ways to incorporate both your cultures.

Hey y'all!

So... after we all get our NOA2s... can we still try to come back here and post wedding pics and go through AOS together? I might not be super-active, but I love having this group, and would love to see pictures of all the fantastic weddings that we'll be having in the next... well... 6-8 months? Or less, for some of us?

Also, is anyone else planning on eloping at the courthouse or with a justice of the peace, then having a big ceremony later? How American are your wedding plans? How much of the immigrant spouse's culture are you bringing into the wedding? Have you

registered yet?

My sister and I are TOTALLY different. She's getting married in December (after a 2-year long engagement!)... and registered at a few fancy stores. Solid silver silverware?! For REAL?! I didn't know you COULD buy a knife-fork-spoon set for $495! Ha. So, yeah, I don't know if we are going to register or not, but if we do, it certainly won't be like THAT!

Also, any etiquette advice for an elopement-with-a-"real"-wedding-later? Do we send out announcements for engagement? Saying we've eloped and will have a party later? Hmm. This is complicated.

Anyway, I just said goodbye to my fiance this morning. Back to LDR.

Peace!

k

I think a lot of us want to stay in touch! We'll have to somehow keep our Decemberite K-1 name.

We aren't doing the courthouse thing (unfortunately for our bank accounts!) since my fiance is very Catholic, we are doing a very traditional Catholic wedding. That's one example of incorporating his culture, since I'm not Catholic. hehe. We are doing a full "American" wedding, but little touches of various cultures will be thrown in. Since we met in Africa our favors will be fair trade chocolates from Ghana. Since he's a British citizen we'll be doing a tea hour, with baklava (for his Iraqi side). We're also naming our tables after places we've traveled together and having pictures of us on the tables that were taken at those places. Overall the theme is sort of Moroccan/Indian because I like henna and Moroccan lanterns, but where we can we are incorporating our cultures. I haven't figured out how to incorporate my Mexican-American side yet... hehe.

About the gifts, I read somewhere that the "proper etiquette" for court/civil ceremony weddings and gifts is to register and give that info to whoever asks for it, but only those who ask. Alternatively if you are having a reception at a later date you can wait until that time to register and put the information on your wedding website. Most etiquette websites say absolutely don't include the registry info on the invitation... you can include it as an insert or on the website.

In terms of your engagement announcement, you can send an email version if you just want folks to know you're engaged. I wouldn't send out anything saying you'll be having a party later until you actually get married and start planning it. What if you decide after getting married you don't want a reception, or it just doesn't work out financially? It's better to just announce the party or celebration when you're telling people to actually keep the date on their calendar (and when you have a date).

In your case, I would definitely send an announcement after your civil ceremony to let people know your fiance is here and you're hitched! At that time you could send something to say "we hope you can join us for a celebration of our union at a future date", or actually give them the date if you have it.

All this wedding etiquette makes me crazy... it was a headache to figure out what to put on our invites since we're paying for our wedding, not our parents. But when in doubt.. google it!

First I would like to thank everyone for the congratulations! I am still on cloud 9 to know that we have passed the first hurdle with an approval. Now we are preparing for the next step.

Thanks for the contribution to our recipe collection, and thank Mark's sister too!

It was exciting to see so many NOA2 on the VJ site today and even the RFE for Lee & Jenni Bee...your NOA2 will be here sooner than you know it after sending the evidence requested!

Have an awesome day everyone!The sun is shining!!

Lise

Ahh did I miss your NOA2 announcement??? DOH!! I'm so excited for you guys!! Congratulations!!

I had my first NOA2 related dream yesterday, it was funny... I must have been dreaming about you guys and your NOA2 and not mine. haha. either way... glad you got it!! Thanks for all that you're doing putting the cookbook together!! You deserve that NOA2!

FITNESS CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS

How's it going? We are now 1 month into our Fitness Challenge. At a Month into your fitness regime you should begin to feel / see the following changes in your body and mood:

• Increased Energy Levels at Night
  
• Waking up less groggy
  
• Sleeping longer
  
• Muscles begin to form and harden typically more noticeable in the upper arms and thighs
  
• Driven to healthier eating habits because of direct correlation with how you feel during your work out
  
• Stairs are easier to climb
  
• Items that are high are easier to reach (if you've been stretching!)
  
• Routine is beginning to kick in - you feel guilty if you don't do something active vs feeling happily lazy
  
• You can begin to run longer distances, bike longer distances, hold yoga poses longer, or walk longer distances before feeling fatigued
  

Hopefully you are feeling at least a few of these changes in your body! Wait til you see what you should be feeling at Month 2!!! Only 2.5 more months to the end of June, folks. That is when we all should be seeing NOA2. That's less than 3 months until things start moving a little faster and you're getting closer to being reunited. Get FIT! Stay positive

xo.Diz

Don't forget, your clothes should start to fit better or looser!!

I had to go spring clothing shopping last week cuz I lost one dress/pant size! Insane, I'm super happy! Go fitness challenge!

I think you are right. They are outsourcing the Border Patrol in the Tea Party proposal.

hahah they must not realize contractors charge crazy overhead rates and end up costing 20-200% more than a federal worker. *sigh*

woohoo, congratulations!! hope the next phase of your journey goes quickly!

are government employees "more special" than all the other private sector employees who have been permanently furloughed from their job during the past 2 years?

at least your furlough will be a temporary short term thing.

Wow, it's not that government workers are any more special than anyone else. I work with thousands of educators across the US who have been receiving pink slips for the past 2 years. The government funded program that I manage has helped keep a small fraction of those educators in a job for the next 4 years. If I'm not at my post doing my job and ensuring that taxpayer money is used correctly... many of those workers might receive pink slips again this year. I don't want that at all... I want to keep those folks working just like I want to keep myself working.

It's frustrating for us within the government who come in every day, do our jobs, realize the importance of helping communities across this country and have a genuine commitment to doing our job... and then not being allowed to do our jobs just because congress can't get over a ideological differences.

We're not special, but most of us want to continue working for the American people, that's what public service is all about. Others choose to follow money in the private sector or do good in the non-profit sector, many of us choose to serve our nation in the civil service or armed forces. No matter what your career choice, if you have a job... you should be allowed to come to work and do it.

I have a mortgage and financial obligations just like anyone else... we're not special, we are still human though.

I'm sorry for being out-of-touch, but why the discussion of removing some from this list? Even though I don't post much, I do monitor the posts daily via a compilation email that is sent to me. Also, one reason I don't come on much is because the discussion is not solely about visas. It has morphed into recipes, fitness, and other items not necessarily related to the original intent of this message board. I'm not filing a complaint; however, it is quite challenging for me (I'm also studying for an MBA) to sort through the posts to find something related to touches, NOA2, interviews, etc. in a timely fashion.

That kind of does sound like a complaint though?? We are bored and tired of waiting and always discussing the same topic... no NOA2 for any of us, wow this sucks, blah blah. Recipes, fitness, etc. keeps us motivated to remember there is more to life than this stupid process, and kind of help us feel like we're part of a community who understands and appreciates each others diversity and perspectives. I'm not complaining about your complaint, but just saying... looking to this group for only info on NOA2 updates is a pretty limiting perspective on the info that you might find helpful from this group.

On another related subject, I wasn't planning to post this anywhere else except for our little Decemberite family to read...

I received the "unofficial" furlough notice for government workers this evening. Looks like the government shutdown is pretty close to a sure thing, at least agencies are finally trying to get info out to workers. The bad thing is our applications will probably be delayed even further. Although, I read on the Washington Post that most embassy functions will continue, but I'm not sure if that is going to mean interviews will continue or not since they aren't really related to safety and security which is the major function determining if workers will continue on the job or not. So much conflicting info out there...

Once we get real legit info from inside the govt. I'll keep you guys informed, the news is certainly not to be trusted at this point... but then again neither is congress or my boss for that matter. (LOL!)

xoxo I heart you guys, thanks for all the entertaining stories, recipes, etc. I appreciate all the support, kindness, knowledge and positive energy you guys bring into my life.