Just to let you guys know!

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   thisisoliposted 14 years ago

   Hey!
   
   I have finally made it across the Atlantic and now I just getting ready to spend my first day in the big city, which will involve exciting things such as getting the water turned on, and buying furniture.I am liking the look of this city soon though, and I may finally get a picture to replace the one on my profile (which is a few years old now!)
   
   Things I have noticed about America so far include
   
   Baseball pitches always seem to come in fours
   The water tastes funny
   The sizes of meals in tapas bars are lightly larger than the european counterparts, I can't confirm if the rumors of all meals being larger is true just yet, but I will let you know when I find out and/or am dying of diabetes and gout.
   The baths are made for midgets, which is funny because my parents got a specially large bath imported from America.
   It gets quite warm
   Everyone in America seems to be friendly apart from the women who work behind desks in Airport I am not sure if this is because the job turns them sour, or the job attracts sour, but the glare I got for asking if my baggage was being transferred on to the next flight, or if I had to go and pick it up and check it in just resolved any possibility of global warming occurring in the near future.
   
   I will give a more fulsome update when I have a few more things sorted!

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      SwampDonkeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Welcome to America!    What city are you in?   My friend Hokey says to tell you hi also. 

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         thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Tell him thanks!
         
         I am in Austin, Texas, it's looking good so far.

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            SwampDonkeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Been there many times. Austin is a very cool city! 

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            Padrinoposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Watch out for small planes.

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               thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               I don't think I can get a job in the IRS with my visa status

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                  Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Are you kidding? You could probably become head of the IRS with no visa and ten years of unpaid taxes. Just say something shockingly inappropriate on tape somewhere and the obama administration will contact you with an offer in no time.

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                     MyWebsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Sadly this is the real truth.

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                     starme77posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Hey, don't blame the IRS - I'm Studying to be licensed by them , they actually are not the bad bad thing people say they are. they acutally do good things,

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            donotfearposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            
            A very busy city. I lived there briefly in 1976. Being Texan born, I'll always consider Texas my home. Welcome! Drive northeast to the Red River to experience humidity beyond belief, buffalo gnats, mosquitoes, water moccasins, and various other critters. Oh!!!  Those hard shelled things you see as road kill, those are armadillos. You'll be seeing lots of those!
            

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               luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               They imigrated from South america.

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      alexandriaruthkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Welcome to America thisisoli, I know you will enjoy it here, TACOS< try Mexican foods and Asian foods, there are Chinese restaurants everywhere -- they are not as big hehe!

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      Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      "The water tastes funny"
      
      Oh man, you didn't drink the water did you?
      
      ...I mean...um, nevermind, nevermind...Welcome!

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      Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      "Baseball pitches always seem to come in fours"
      
      
      Don't call them baseball "pitches" or you will confuse people.
      
      Also, don't say "flat" "lorry" "fag" or "Bob's your uncle" unless you've got some time on your hands to explain

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         thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I am planning to teach the entire state how to speak Yorkshire, it seems a lot easier than changing my own way of speaking.
         
         I went to get coffee for me and my fiancee at the hotel this morning, and I asked the woman if they served coffee, she said 'we sure do' I asked if they had soy milk for my fiancee and she said "we sure don't"
         
         I had to bite my tongue from saying 'Well im sure gonna go back to my room now'

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            Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Well, to be fair, does every hotel in the UK have soy milk on hand?

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            Padrinoposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You would probably come closer to finding soy milk in Austin than anywhere else in Texas.

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               Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               They have actual cows in Texas and no one knows how to milk the soybeans.

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                  luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Don't pay any attention to those oil-pumping thingies, they're just there for looks.
                  
                  
                  Welcome
                  Teri

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                  rmcrayneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  
                  
                  
                  
                  Oli we have Whole Foods and Sun Harvest "Health Food Stores" in Texas.  But you don't need to go to them for soy milk.  The HEB grocery chain usually has soy, almond and rice milk.
                  
                  Most of the WalMarts have Culligan reverse osmosis water dispensers.  Personally, I have sworn off flouride and avoid it when possible.  Only RO and distillation can remove flouride.

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      cosetteposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      welcome to America! i was born in Houston. here's a cowboy hat to go with those boots.
      
      
      
      if you and your lovely bride ever wanna see Arizona, hit me up!

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   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Welcome to America, then.. 
   
   (The airport people aren't the only ones who have turned sour, so get ready for a lot more like they are.  )  Then again, there's a lot of friendliness too. 
   
   I'm guessing you may be writing a Hub about your impressions?

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      thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I might do!
      
      The next few months might be pretty hectic though!

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      IntimatEvolutionposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm with Lisa, Welcome to America!

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   Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

   Sounds like a grand adventure so far. (Buy a water-filtering pitcher).

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      thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Haha we have received one of those as an early wedding present, going to have to get it unpacked!

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I use one of those and they are fantastic!

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      winsletposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey, you are right i have some idea about water filter, More and more people are turning to flavored carbonated water due to its amazing refreshing taste and huge health benefits as is has no added sugar, colors, preservatives, sweeteners, fruit concentrate or calories. Some of the many great fruit flavors that can be purchased include black currant, apple, lemon and blueberry and many more.

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   Betty Reidposted 14 years ago

   Welcome to the U.S.  Just to warn you: not all cities are as friendly as Austin.

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      thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you!
      
      I have heard that life would have been different had I moved to Houston!

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      rmcrayneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      True!  Even compared to San Antonio, only 2 hours away!  I was in Austin last weekend with my brother.  He remarked how much friendlier everyone in Austin was.

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   manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

   Well a Big Texas "How do you do?"...then from one of the friendliest parts of America.
   
   Welcome to our fair country. There are a lot of good people here...and a lot of "not-so-nice"...as with all countries. Here's to ya' meeting all of the good ones! (I know...What's up with all the dang midget-size bath tubs?)

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      thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      As a man who is a good 6'4 I can say there is a lot wrong with the midget sized bathtubs

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         tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         What a piece of a man !!!
         
         

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         Lisa HWposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I think it may be because a lot of Americans are shower-takers?   (Or else, midgets, of course.    )

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   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   how exciting for you. welcome to the United States! 
   I hope they treat you well in Austin. 
   
   it will be fun to read your updates and observations. keep us posted.
   
   now, first on the agenda...
   

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      thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm going to get some with spurs!

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         Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Have you shot at anything yet?

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      Crazdwriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      My dad has a pair like that...they are ostrich boots!

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   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   there you go!

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   Daniel Carterposted 14 years ago

   Glad you arrived safely. The transitions can be a little rough at first, but it sounds like once you get past the airport, you'll taste real life in Texas and enjoy it for the most part. As for the baths, switch to a jacuzzi for two. I have one of those in my home that I only get to go to once in a while, but I LOVE it! Of course, that may not be an immediate option for you, but nevertheless, I enjoy mine when  I get the chance!
   
   Hope settling in is enjoyable!

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   Ladybird33posted 14 years ago

   Welcome, American is a great, great place to be!!! Yes, airports, staffing obviously is hard, because they are all sour regardless of which airport you go to...not to be negative.  But at least they have a job. 
   Anyway, you are in a beautiful city, enjoy it and my best to you!

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    Nelle Hoxieposted 14 years ago

    Welcome Thisisoli. You'll love Austin and Texas. Woderful place with wonderful people.

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    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to the US!  I'm sure your transition will be smooth

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    TheGlassSpiderposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to America, oli; I hope you have a great time and that people take good care of you.
    
    Interesting...I thought the showers and baths in the UK were made for midgets; how strange.
    
    Yes-all the serving sizes are probably bigger.
    
    I'm with Rochelle, get yourself a water filter/pitcher.
    
    A good grocery store (or Whole Foods) will have soy milk for your fiance.
    
    Good luck teaching the Texans to speak Yorkshire!!

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    StormRyderposted 14 years ago

    Oil you made it!!
    Happy to have you here my friend!!

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    Lynda Garyposted 14 years ago

    Welcome!
    
    The thing about the US is that EVERY city is different.  Our diversity is what defines us. 
    
    Small bathtubs?  Hmmm.  Must be a peculiarity of your particular hotel. 
    
    Bad water?  Yeah, that happens in the bigger cities. Where I live, the water is as clean, safe, and fresh as anywhere on the planet.  No filter needed.
    
    Yeah: Airport clerks are like that EVERYWHERE. LOL
    
    They carry guns in Texas, don't they?  That would make me uncomfortable.
    
    When's the wedding?

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    MyWebsposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to America Oli. I'm sure you will like Austin much better than Houston. I have lived in Houston twice and it has too way too much crime. Especially after hurricane Katrina when many of the worst people from New Orleans ended up relocated to Houston.

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    And Oli Welcome to America! You'll get use to the water but like someone said yes get a water filter it'll help you get use to the water

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    figmentposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to America and my home state.  You'll love Austin, but it will be NOTHING like home.

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    ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to the U.S., Oli.  Glad you made it safely.  I'm guessing you've got public water where you are... often tastes funny to me.  I've always lived out in the country and had private, or "well" water.  Some people hate it, but I love it.
    
    Anyway, good luck gettin' all them Texans to switch over to your vernacular!

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    gracenotesposted 14 years ago

    Oli,
    Welcome to my great state!  I am hoping you'll write a hub or two about your impressions of America.
    
    The economic trends in Austin were just featured in a recent issue of Time magazine.  I don't see how you could have picked any better city.

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    wordscribe41posted 14 years ago

    Welcome, Oli!  By the way, not all Americans talk as funny as them Texans!!!     
    
    On a serious note, you couldn't have come to a friendlier place. You'll feel at home in no time.  You must be exhausted...

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       figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       LOL

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    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to America Oli!

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    Lecieposted 14 years ago

    welcome oli...hope the economic and political problems don't get you down. whatever you do....(whispers)don't go hmo(medical care)

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    habeeposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to the US of A, Oli!! come see the beautiful state of georgia!

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    Ohmaposted 14 years ago

    Welcome Oli and Pa. is nice too! my Husband says it is a lot like Germany.

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    Rafiniposted 14 years ago

    Welcome Oli!  While it's true Texans talk funny, so do New Yorkers and many other southerners - but at least you wont have to deal with snow!

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       Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Everyone talks funny except Bostonians

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    KCC Big Countryposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to Texas, Oli!  My husband came over from England on the QM2 exactly 3 years ago tomorrow.  We married in May 2007.  We are on the last bit of the permanent status paperwork to remove the 2 yr conditional part. 
    
    We live just about an hour to an hour and a half north of you.  We're practically neighbors in Texas terms.

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    _cheryl_posted 14 years ago

    Welcom Oli!...just wait, it'll get much warmer soon!

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    Miekaposted 14 years ago

    Good luck Oli! That is some life changing stuff you have going on, and it sounds fun!!

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    Faybe Bayposted 14 years ago

    Welcome Oli, and have a great time here in America.

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    theherbivorehippiposted 14 years ago

    Hey!!!  Welcome!! I used to live in Texas!  Watch out for the super-sized bugs...lol...especially the spiders. haha. Texas is beautiful though..you will love it!

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    thisisoliposted 14 years ago

    Haha not seen any spiders yet, thank god.
    
    A big thank you to everyone though, I have been incredibly busy sorting out our new apartment, and have even managed to survive Ikea on Good Friday.
    
    KCC, I hope you are excited, they really do not make this process easy in the least!

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       KCC Big Countryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Oli, I couldn't agree more! After spending over 4 years on this process and thousands of dollars, I now understand why there are so many "illegals".  To do it legally, is time-consuming and expensive. 
       
       We got caught in a price increase on one of our forms.  When I mailed it cost $395, but I accidently sent $397 (long story), and they rejected it, and it took them 2 wks to send it back.  I turned it around the same day with a new check and it missed the date by 1 day.  They made us pay the new fee which was now $1098.   We tried fighting it for about 6 months.  It did nothing but delay everything.  *sigh*
       
       You can apply for your social security card now. You won't be able to get your Texas Driver's license until you have at least 6 months left on your VISA.  Well, as you know, the K-1 visa only has 3 months left on it once you get here.  So, until you file for that change of status after getting married, you can't even try to get your license.  You can drive a year here on your UK license.  Speaking of which, have you tried to drive here yet?  Took my hubby awhile to remember to stay on the right side of the road. I can't even imagine trying to drive in the UK. I'd have a wreck the first day.
       
       Best of luck to you and the bride to be.  When is the wedding?

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          thisisoliposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Haha I have not tried to drive yet, and now that I have made it in to the country I will still be looking at a $1000+ fee for filing for a change of status, they really dno't make this cheap!
          
          We had so much stress going through the fiancée visa process that we have decided to get some kind of legal help in finishing off the rest of this process.  Although again, that is still dependant on the cost.
          
          Righ tnow I am looking forward to a few days of relaxation, could be another week till I see htat though, the missus has a million and one jobs for me to do!

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             Sab Ohposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             It can be a time-consuming, $-consuming, patience-consuming process for sure! That is one of the biggest reasons what illegals do is so wrong.

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    Justine76posted 14 years ago

    congrats on finally getting over here oli!! I hope all is well. Take care and try to have fun

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    wyanjenposted 14 years ago

    oli, welcome to the US.
    
    I hope you get adjusted well.
    I'm imagining your accent, in the state of Texas...
    phew. That's a lot of funny sounding English. Do me a favor - if you decide to switch to an American accent, don't pick Texan.
    
    Massachusetts people have a cool accent. Chicago is good (ChiCAHgo) Maine too. ayuh!
    Sorry Texans, I'm just kidding. A little. I don't like New Jersey either.
    
    If you want to learn the perfect American accent, and the only one that's right , come on over to Detroit.
    
    
    
    

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       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       HAHAHA!!!!
       
       I like English accents.

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          wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Me too.
          I'll bet when oli says "rubber baby buggy bumpers" he sounds sophisticated and regal.
          
          http://www.youtube.com/user/montypython … QFKtI6gn9Y

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             Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

             your my hero!!

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                wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                
                
                I get the Argument Clinic stuck in my head sometimes, spending time in the forums

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                   Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                   no you dont.

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                      wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      yes I do

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                         Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                         Ive got to get going, pretend I bonked you on the head...catch ya' later!!

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                            wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                            
                            
                            Take it easy Justine
                            Happy Easter if you celebrate
                            

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                               Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                               does a crazy familly get together count? you too!! have a good one.

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    Susana Sposted 14 years ago

    Hey great news Oli! Here's to a great life for you and your finacee!
    
    (P.S. when you have a minute check out Sunforges new 60 Day challenge)

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    ChristinaScibonaposted 14 years ago

    What a trip that had to have been!  I am glad you made it okay...you sure did pick a hot state to live in!  I visited Texas-San Antonio a long time ago and I all I can remember is the BIG bugs and the HEAT!  Have fun and best of luck!

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    KCC Big Countryposted 14 years ago

    We got a letter extending his conditional status and to expect a letter regarding his biometrics appointment.  So, I'm hoping they only granted the extension in case THEY went past his Jun 5th deadline before it expires.  Otherwise, he should just be granted his non-conditional permanent residency since we've more than fulfulled the 2 yr requirement.  We'll actually be married 3 years in May. 
    
    I'll be interested in hearing all the things you find fascinating here in Texas.

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