OrionM31

Can't wait to get into the tax information. And the SSN stuff as well. Especially since it is that time of year once again! <sigh> Phil and Connie

The interview was anti-climatic. They more or less asked three questions: Where I lived How we met How many times I came to see her They also wanted to see a picture, and my wife supplied one to them. I was worried a bit over the fact that they might issue her a K1 instead of a K3. But my worries were unfounded. So now it is time to get the tickets to hong kong and either send in my Passport to the travel agent or go to Chicago to take care of it myself, but I don't really want to miss a day of work since I will need all the days I can for the trip. <sigh> Oh well, if you consider Gas, Parking and food, it works out to be the same. I was planning on flying out the 24th of Sept. and coming home on the 6th of October Out of O'hare. The cheapest tickets so far have been through Fly China at 664. I will keep you all posted for updates as they come. And yes, I did not start the "Christmas story" but I put the finishing touches on it. Perhaps this Christmas it will be time once again for Belsnickle to come out again. Phil

It's been a very long time since I have posted here. I thought I would update the "old timers" here. As the topic says, my wife will go in for her interview on Monday. She is very excited about it. I on the other hand might start pulling out my hair. I am like the grasshopper, I have always had trouble saving money. Now that I have a Chinese wife, I would hope it will get easier, it is just getting over the first hump that will be a problem. I also have to make room for her. My wife had told me that she would want me to come out there at the end of September early October so that her and I could visit Hong Kong before she would leave with me. My wife is an optimist, whereas I am a pessimist. (it's only do to the fact that I know my luck, but don't know hers) I am concerned that she will not get her VISA right away and any money I would spend on two round trip tickets would be wasted. Well that is about it. Just thought I would let you all know where we are in all this mess. I first applied for the VISA at the end of last July and Early August, so I guess we are more or less on time as far as the Governments time table goes. I do know that there are some out there that had a very long time to wait for their final approval. I just hope I am not one of them!

Well, I got news the other day that there have been some people on 001 that are making fun of my Lao Po's name. It seems that her name if said in another manner means "breast". somones Lao Gong mentioned it on the board and now my wife is a little angry. <sigh> I feel like I am back in grade school again. Can't people just be adults? Sheesh! Phil & Ru Fang

We had the same problem. My wife finally called about her paperwork and they said that they never received it. So she had me write a letter to them that she could Fax to them personally. I will tell her about this problem and maybe the next batch of forms she can get correct address or deliver them personally. Philip & Ru Fang

I have been selling, of all things, Patches on E-bay. <chuckles> I also sell pins as well. My wife aranges to buy the items, then ships them, or holds onto them until I come over there to pick them up. This isn't what you would call a "quick proffit" business, but it is something that can be done at home, and once my wife is over here, she can do that business while I am working until she gets her work permit. Last time I had made close to 150 dollars from selling patches one time. (this is proffit, taking in all the costs involved) Phil

Now I know why my wife and her family were surprised when I fixed the toilet and washer when I was over last. The fixes were very minor (hose clamp for the washer and a pair of pliers and good old muscle to fix the problem with the toilet. There are a lot of things that American men know that maybe the normal Chinese man wouldn't. This makes us valuable to our new families! <smile> I always thought it was the job of the man to be able to fix stuff that was broken in the home anyway. Phil

:rofl: That was good. Phil

Ahhh, Now it all becomes clear. As far as framing it for the mantle, I think it would be a bit creepy... "dear, I have an X-ray of my heart so you can know where you are inside me all the time. " "Ohhh!!! How romantic!"

What the heck are the X-rays for anyway? To prove you do have a heart? <chuckles> I wondered why I was X-rayed when we went through the process of getting our Marriage Cert. I am just curious. Phil

I wouldn't mind going to Denver. I can always drive my wife and I from where I live and she can see some great scenery on the way there. And we can all stay at Jon's house! <KIDDING!!! We couldn't all stay there, there wouldn't be enough room unless we were stacked like wood or somthing. <chuckles> > Phil

I myself never seen the point of posting news articles that have nothing remotely to do with what this place is about. It's about asking questions about Visa requirements and China/Russia/US Husbands/wives/boyfriends/girlfriends. It has nothing to do with somebody wearing a shirt and getting kicked out of a mall! I can read about that elsewhere. Just my two cents. Phil

I think it should be a large city that has a hub for international travelers in case anyone overseas wishes to come as well. This would make it easier for them to come and find cheaper flights. Just my two Yuan Phil

When I was in China, I had taken my Palm IIIc with me to use for storing information and I also had picture of the family on it as well that I could show my wife and her family. I of course had games on there as well and my nephews almost drained the unit playing Bejewled. There are PDA's available, but they can run just as expensive as the ones here in the US. Also, they do not yet have the Palms available in mainland China, they sell them in Hong Kong though. (I was looking for a charging unit for my Palm, and found that the only place that has them in the region was in Hong Kong.) Phil

My wife had let me know that your girlfriend had gotten her Visa finally. I am very happy to hear about that and hope that you and your new beloved will enjoy life together. Take care my friend! Philip & Ru Fang

Most major airports will deal with American currency but I always found it easier to exchange it and use local currency. This avoids problems with the stores "conversion rates" being lower then they should be. (they have to pay someone to convert it.) Most of the things in Tokyo will be 1 dollar = 100 yen. This is a good base for figuring out if something is more expencive then it should be. Although most airports are expencive anyway. Remember not to go through the Immigration area. You are going onto a connecting flight and shouldn't have to. (this also avoids the heafty "airport tax") Unless of course, you have time to kill and want to explore, or just want to get your Passport stamped so you can show friends and family that "yes, you have been there!" Phil

Hey Jon, I hope your girlfriends' daughter liked what I brought over for her. And now, if I am not going over to GZ and you are I will ask my wife if there is anything she needs. <chuckles> Phil & Ru Fang

Hm!! I guess I will just go and do that! Thanks! Phil

What if you file Electronically? I guess I can get copies of my files from the IRS, but I just want to make sure myself what is needed. Phil

Just thought I would let you all know that I am in Korea waiting for my connecting flight to GZ. It's been quite a wile since I have seen my wife and I plan to take full advantage of that. Got all the gifts in my carry-on. Geese is it heavy! I will check in from time to time to see how everything is going. Phil

I remember wining a bubble gum blowing contest at the county fair. How about that? :blink: Phil

I still see Sir Owen going up to the gate bellowing, "Let my family go!" <chuckles> Phil

Too bad I am leaving on that same day to return to America. I would have liked to meet you both. Alas! There will be other chances I am sure. Phil

Maybe someone was opening a new store in the area. During my stay in May in GZ I heard someone set off a string of firecrackers. (I am of course refering to the ones that look like the wreath you put on your door during christmas) I told my wife, "It's not new years? What's going on?" She said, "New store open." <sigh> Wake me up at 8 o'clock in the morning. Phil

I think number 10 should be number one. IF we had the latest and greatest, we could do all the rest easier. Phil