RK_and_Inday

Public safety? I wouldn't feel any less safe if this thread remained open.
Not to worry though...threads this length generally veer quite a bit off-topic and eventually burn themselves out. In the meantime, I vote to let people have some fun with it.

Fede&Kendra--Hi, I am the USC petitioner (RK). From my own experience, hope I can add to the assurances that all should turn out OK for you. Notice the timeline below my signature. I, too, like you did not initially send in a GS-1145 plus I made error on the check. As you can see, weeks later I did get a response. I corrected check, used GS-1145 this time, (re)sent package using delivery confirmation. Heard back in a few days this time. All has turned out OK so far. Just waiting now. Yes, the waiting seems like forever. I empathize. Here is wishing you may find some answers and comfort here in the experiences of others and here is wishing you continuing success on your own Visa Journey. --RK

Ray-J, Dave & Alyona, Reymets10, Anthony&Jessica --Big giant CONGRATULATIONS to all on NOA2 receipt!!! Continuing good luck and wishes everyone else will hear the same good news soon! --RK and Inday

OP - There are large time difference (13+ hrs) between me & my fiance also: no offence taken; we understand the frustrations and empathize. Also, we understand your desire to add variety to the "just talking" aspects of a long distance relationship. So here are a few ideas that I and my fiance have used and do use succesfully to pass the time with each other and for each other in addition to the "regular" phone conversations:
I. Using telephone:
--reading books together. Good choices for us have been those with collections short stories or articles. We will each take a turn reading to each other. We also have found good books or articles on relationship building--initiates a different type of (and constructive) discussion/thoughts. Poetry books/poems also are very good, and can be quite romantic.
--Playing games with each other that work by voice. "20 questions" is good example and we usually use interesting object around or near our respective homes. Leads to some interesting sharing and laughter. You can think of other such games I am sure.
--Playing board type games (e.g., chess, checkers, backgammon). Often requires two boards but sure is fun. Also, playing certain games you can get away with using one board/setup.
--Playing trivia games are quite suitable and is another example of where no game boards are needed.
--Bible study or some other learning topic. We obtained several Q&A guidebooks (reading the topic then answer the questions) for several Bible-oriented topics and for several other subjects as well. Choose some topic you both would like to learn more about. There are literally thousands of possibilities.
--My fiance has started small home business and asks me for input/ideas/planning. This helps us both pass the time in a different kind of way. Plus building income is a bonus!
--I try to be clever/original and take my fiance on audio-based phone dates. For one example, I found pre-recorded sounds of ocean waves, sea gulls, ship horn, and other beach sounds. For the actual date, I "picked up" my fiance at home and we "went" to the beach [me playing the pre-recorded sounds in appropriate order], "walked" along the seashore, "saw" the tidepools and other scenery {I had to describe some], listened to a guy playing guitar on the beach. I also played some romantic songs. And so on. My fiance said it was one of the best dates ever been on!! I also used this same idea once to take my fiance on a helicopter ride over some of my country's famous landmarks and another time to go on a picnic and listen to a concert in the park. Anyway, you get the idea--you just have to be a little creative.
II. Using computer
--webcam (though still talking or chatting still makes huge diffeerence).
--in conjunction with or as alternative to webcam, online games especially that two can play. There are a *ton* of such online games available.
--explore together virtual worlds such as Second Life (see secondlife.com), Kaneva, Entropia Universe, Smallworlds, etcetera
--I have searched internet to find webcams for various places in my country or near my hometown; I send these webcam links to my fiance to enjoy. If you or fiance can find webcam near to your respective residences, one of you can go to the webcam area and wave a hello to the other at pre-appointed time. Kind of corny, I know, but it certainly adds to the variety and fun
--I send weblinks to my fiance which describe and have images/photos of various places around my hometown & area. Helps fiance familiarize with area where will be together hopefully not to long from now.
--with digital camera, take pictures & videos of home town/neighborhood/area & send to fiance
--email, of course. This cuts down on phone costs. Plus can use to exchange recipes, send digital videos, web link topics, anything in addition to the usual "talking"." I have made a virtual vacation for fiance by sending theme location images of certain places. Also, recipe exchange idea can be combined with watch movie at the same time idea which other posters shared. Just make same recipe at respective residences and "share" both a dinner and a movie some evening.
--look up ideas for long distance relationships on the internet. You will find many, many good ideas.
OK, we hope this gives you enough ideas to use and also to inspire some of your own ideas. These ideas have helped me and my fiance endure multiple years of a a very long distance relationship. We hope these ideas will help to reduce some of your frustrations/stresses.
Best Regards,
RK & Inday