jkobman

GREAT!!!!

YEA!!!!!!!

How about us guys wearing red underwear? http://www.bonnieshields.com/Shows/CCIGroup.jpg

Sorry, I haven't been on CFL for a while! All is well and I am adjusting to my new status as a husband and (step)father. We have our AOS/Green card interview in April. What "stuff" should I take to document/prove our relationship as husband and wife? BTW - THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL OF THEIR HELP FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS! ALL OF YOU ARE GREAT!!!!! B)

We found woks on eBay, but per the usual, it's hit and miss. The nonstick woks are pretty much useless. Our "nonstick" stuck, peeled and now looks like a train wreck. We have searched and found 2 Asian supermarkets and a few markets nearby (we're south of Wash DC). Also, the regular groceries carry enough decent produce to substitute ably. Thanks for the AceMart site - we may be buying another wok from them.

I was married for 11 yrs. and really never knew my wife. I was divorced for about 17 yrs. and had plenty of time to choose - single and lonely or married and challenged on a daily basis? I chose married and challenged. Everyday, we have to work through something - some easy and some difficult. I am again a husband and again a father. Everyday, I am thankful to God that He sent Sarah and Sam to me. This is the happiest that I have been in my adult life. Lotsa work? Yup? Worth it? YOU BETCHA!

I read several books about China and went to teach English during 2 summers (Zhengzhou and Hefei). WHen I met Sarah on the Internet, things seemed good and got "gooder and gooder." I have not had much difficulty adjusting to Chinese culture, as I spent 2 summers doing that.

Sarah made up labels with Chinese one line and English the next line. An envelope would take 10-14 days Virginia -> Nanjing. Also, each of the larger Chinese Post Office facilities has a section that deals with non-Chinese mailing labels. The speed of delivery often depends on how fast they process and dispatch the letter/pkg.

Sarah and I were married with her Chinese name - Xiao Wen Xia. We went to Soc Sec and got her a card as WenXia Xiao Kobman, and then on to the Virginia DMV with the same name. After she gets her grren card, we will apply for a legal name change to Sarah Xiao Kobman.

Our SSN experience and Virginia ID card were the same as Carl's. Just time consuming. Sarah has the "not authorized for work.." stamped on her SS card. We then went and got her her own bank acct. and also put her on all of my accts. Not hard, just another thing to do. Next is getting my will updated into a Joint Will for Sarah and I.

You can get a quick marraige at the Courthouse, a JP or Vegas. Then have a church wedding. Get the wedding license and the marraige straight, file the paperwork and then get things going on a church wedding. We were married at her sister's (in Calif) in Oct and will have a wedding and reception at our home church in January. Hope that helps.

We stayed at the Shamian Hotel - across the street from the White Swan. Not fancy, but clean and inexpensive (but, I can't remember the cost!!).

I teach HS science in a juvenile detention center - I'm not making this up. It's the best teaching job I have ever had. I taught English for 2 summers in Zhengzhou and Hefei. I developed an interest and appreciation for China. I met Sarah through her sister in California, via the Internet.

I solved lifes great mystery by making a big pile of dirty sox and then burning them - no, actually just wash them all together. Maybe the "burn 'em" scenario makes more sense - dark colored sox are $1 at WalMart, white sox are probably les. Maye Santa will bring some sox! http://www.monarchhosiery.com/ck/ck_pic/sm425.jpg

Come and stay at my house a few days a month. Actually ibuprofen helps with the cramps.

The State Dept will know when the info is entered into the file in GZ. The Consulate will send a letter and the P4 via the Express mail (China Post). As we all know, the time is not predictable - hurry up and wait. Hope all goes well.

...and after you clean the house, replace the toilet seat (no duct tape repairs!) http://www.duct-tape.com/ssc061.jpg

GREAT!!!!!!!!!! http://www.reifarth.de/ecards/images/cartoon5.gif

My wife use to get "angry" and "hungry" mixed up - before dinner she asks "are you angry?"

When I eat cheese (cottage cheese, mozarella, American cheese, etc.), I always get the same reaction from my wife and stepson. They ask: Q: "What is that?" A: "Cheese." Comment: "You like cheese." A: "Yes." Then they laugh - I guess eating cheese is funny to watch. Anyone else had this happen? I have never seen cheese sold in China - except on cheeseburgers or pizza, but I guess I never thought cheese would bring such a strong reaction! http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/n/l/nll127/cheese.gif

My very best undestanding is the DOS uses one linked-up network to access data. IF GZ enters it, DOS in Wash DC will be ale to see whatever was entered.

I THINK you should be able to call a Dr. from the Civil Surgeon list and ask them about vaccinations - maybe? Or maybe the USCIS National Service Center.

...and, as I remember, don't bring any tote bags, briefcases, etc. Hand carry all of your pictures, letters, etc. Security is a big deal.

We arrived early, stood in the line.

I had to submit a tape - VHS format. We were staying at the Shamian Hotel, across from the White Swan. I think the office is on the 2nd floor. We sat in our rom, talked (for about 30-40 minutes - GZ asked for about 15) about a book of photos we had, submitted the tape the next day. All went well. Jeff