It has been so long since I have written a blog! So much has happened since I wrote last. In the last two weeks, I have been to Montreal and back, moved from a 2 bedroom apartment that I share with my mom to a one bedroom that she moved into. (I am currently sleeping on a mattress in the living room). But let me break it all down. Let's start with the Montreal trip.
Jim and I had arranged to take flights to get us to Toronto (me coming from Windsor, Jim coming from Minneapolis) and then getting on a connecting flight together to Montreal. After a downpour the morning we left, the skies cleared and both Jim and I arrived safely in Toronto. Once we got there, we were just about to board our plane to Montreal when they announced that there was a mechanical problem and the plane was not usable. They explained that another plane was available but we would be delayed. This gave Jim and I more time to catch up and relax before our flight, but it also meant we wouldn't be getting to Montreal until very late.
Once we arrived in Montreal, we hopped in a cab and made it to our hotel in no time. Montreal is predominantly a French speaking city and even though French is one of Canada's official languages and I took it in school as a child, I was worried my VERY rusty French would be a problem. Luckily, because Montreal is also such a tourist area, we had no problem at all. It was really cool though, to still be in Canada and have people all around me speaking a language I barely understand.
Anyway, we awoke bright and early the next day to get the most out of our only full day in Montreal. We headed to Notre Dame Basilica in the heart of 'old Montreal'. This church was the most beautiful church I have ever seen. The artwork and the sculptures were breathtaking. After we spent some time visiting and praying in the church, we headed to the rest of Old Montreal. As we walked on the cobblestone streets, it was extremely hard for me to feel like I was still in North America. Montreal has a very European feel to it. It was very beautiful. After a day of walking, touring and eating poutine (fries covered in gravy and cheese curds-invented in Montreal) we headed back to the hotel via the subway system for a nap. We managed to get back just in time because it started to rain. We decided, because of the weather to just eat at the restaurant at the hotel. We had a nice leisurely dinner and then decided to just call it a night since we had to be up bright and early for our interview in the morning.
The interview was scheduled for 8 a.m., but everything I have read said to be there as early as possible. I decided we needed to get there for 6:45a.m. We did manage to arrive by that time, and to our surprise there were two people already there. After waiting for 45 minutes (and Jim complaining he didn't get to eat breakfast!) we were let in the building. As they let us in we had to go through security and we then had to wait by and elevator to go up to the 19th floor. They packed the elevator full of people, but we still managed to be the third people out of the elevator. We were given a number and were told to go and wait. We got C3, and we were actually called to our window first. At the first window we had to give them a bunch of forms that we brought along. (My passport, medical, my long form birth certificate, my police clearance, the forms Jim filled out proving he could support me etc.) After we were done at that window we had to sit back down for our actual interview. We waited about 30 minutes and were called to another window, but more secluded. We were sworn in and asked the following questions:
1. (to Jim) I assume you are the petitioner? What do you do for a living?
2. Where do you live?
3. (to me) What do you do for a living?
4. Where do you live?
5. How did you meet? (we told them online) What website?
6. When did you meet online? When did you meet in person and where?
7. (to me) Have you ever been to Minnesota?
8. Have you ever had any trouble crossing the border?
9. Ever any trouble with the law?
And that was pretty much it. The interviewer typed a bunch of things into his computer and told us we were approved and gave me a "Welcome to the USA" letter. We were so excited! We were walking out of the consulate by 9:30. We decided to celebrate by getting some food :) We had to fly home at 5 p.m. that day, so we only really had a chance to eat and explore a bit more. We flew back to Toronto and parted ways. We will be SOOO happy when we don't have to say goodbye to each other anymore!
Two days after returning home, my mom and I moved out of our apartment. We managed to move on the hottest day of the year. I swear it was 120 degrees outside. We managed to get in to her new place and try to get settled, but it took over a week to get phone, internet and cable. So talking to Jim this past week has been a challenge. But yesterday, on my birthday I finally got the ability to use the internet at home!
Today, I received my passport back with my visa printed on it! It is official! I am good to move to the USA and get married! All of the months of uncertainty are over and now I can just focus on marrying the most amazing man ever!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Le coeur de Montreal....
Today is my day off from work. Good thing, because today is when I have to do the bulk of my packing. Nope, not my packing to go to Montreal for my interview, but to move forever. You see, my mom is moving from our two bedroom apartment to a cute little one bedroom apartment. She got the apartment July 1st, and we have this one until July 31st, so I had plenty of time to slowly get rid of my belongings.
Then, we started to look at all of our weekends coming up. We have something going on every single weekend except this coming one. So, we decided to get the help we needed to move, we were moving on the 7th. The problem is, we decided this just last weekend. I leave tomorrow for Montreal until Thursday. So, although I have done little bits of packing the bulk of it has to be done today. It will be some tight quarters for a couple months in the one bedroom apartment but that is ok.
It is really hard to part with some of my stuff, but when you are moving 12 hours away, you can't bring every pair of jeans that don't quite fit anymore but you hope against hope they will one day. Lots of my clothes will be donated to those less fortunate so I feel good that someone will be wearing them!
I have been so busy with this move, I haven't really had time to be nervous or stress over Montreal. This is probably a blessing in disguise. Jim is coming with me, so we will be able to have one full day of sightseeing. Doesn't sound like a lot, but since neither of us have been to Montreal before, it is better than not seeing any of it at all. My interview on Thursday is at 8 a.m. I belong to a website called visa journey and it is basically a message board type place and people who are going through the same thing can share tips and information. Everyone on that site says you need to get there to wait in line by 6:45 a.m. We got a hotel that is a short walk to the consulate, so we will be getting up bright and early on Thursday for sure. They schedule a lot of people in the same time period so if you don't arrive early you could be waiting a very long time. Pray for us, that everything goes smoothly and we get approved.
I remember when we first started this process after getting engaged going to Montreal seemed SO far off in the distance, and now it is about to be here! I can't believe it! Time has flown!!! With only 89 days left to the wedding it is about to fly even faster!
Oh, and by the way, the title of this blog means "The heart of Montreal". :)
Then, we started to look at all of our weekends coming up. We have something going on every single weekend except this coming one. So, we decided to get the help we needed to move, we were moving on the 7th. The problem is, we decided this just last weekend. I leave tomorrow for Montreal until Thursday. So, although I have done little bits of packing the bulk of it has to be done today. It will be some tight quarters for a couple months in the one bedroom apartment but that is ok.
It is really hard to part with some of my stuff, but when you are moving 12 hours away, you can't bring every pair of jeans that don't quite fit anymore but you hope against hope they will one day. Lots of my clothes will be donated to those less fortunate so I feel good that someone will be wearing them!
I have been so busy with this move, I haven't really had time to be nervous or stress over Montreal. This is probably a blessing in disguise. Jim is coming with me, so we will be able to have one full day of sightseeing. Doesn't sound like a lot, but since neither of us have been to Montreal before, it is better than not seeing any of it at all. My interview on Thursday is at 8 a.m. I belong to a website called visa journey and it is basically a message board type place and people who are going through the same thing can share tips and information. Everyone on that site says you need to get there to wait in line by 6:45 a.m. We got a hotel that is a short walk to the consulate, so we will be getting up bright and early on Thursday for sure. They schedule a lot of people in the same time period so if you don't arrive early you could be waiting a very long time. Pray for us, that everything goes smoothly and we get approved.
I remember when we first started this process after getting engaged going to Montreal seemed SO far off in the distance, and now it is about to be here! I can't believe it! Time has flown!!! With only 89 days left to the wedding it is about to fly even faster!
Oh, and by the way, the title of this blog means "The heart of Montreal". :)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Busy....
I have been so busy lately, I haven't even had time to update my blog! You know I must be busy if I don't have time for this! Among other things, I have been hard at work trying to get all my thank you notes done for my last bridal shower.
In the past few weeks, I can feel the wedding getting closer. So many things that were so far off in the future only a little while ago, have come to pass already. I am going to blink and our wedding day will be here.
One of the things that seemed so far away, was Jim's brother's wedding. Well, it has already taken place! Justin and Hedda got married on June 16th in Union Springs, NY. I remember when they first told us about the date of their wedding. I was unsure if I was going to be able to be there because of all the visa proceedings. As luck would have it, we were able to purposely delay our interview in Montreal, so I could be sure I was able to attend their wedding.
What a great wedding weekend they had! I had never been to New York state before and the area we were in was absolutely beautiful. They got married in a little church right on one of the Finger Lakes and they had their outdoor reception on the lawn of their uncles property right on the lake. It was a beautiful day and Hedda looked fabulous! (Justin looked good too, but it really is all about how the bride looks on a wedding day, right?) What I loved about their wedding was that it totally was a reflection of who they are. They are both very artistic and creative and it showed in their wedding.
People have asked me if it is weird to have our weddings so close together, but it is really not. For one, our weddings will be nothing alike, except for the fact that they will both happen in a Catholic Church. But that is where the similarity ends. Like Justin and Hedda, I think our wedding will be a good reflection of who Jim and I are as people and as a couple. You will have to wait to hear about all the details though. :)
These past weeks, I have also been busy addressing wedding invitations. With all the trouble with the medical, I am not allowing myself to mail them out until I hear the words "You are approved" in Montreal, but they are all set and ready to go! I remember thinking months ago what it would feel like to be addressing the invitations. I thought for sure it would be a wonderful experience.Well, frankly, it took a long time and my back hurt from sitting so long on a hard chair! I am excited though, to find out who will be able to come and join us on our special day.
Also, I currently live with my mom and with my impending move, she was looking to get a one bedroom apartment for herself. Well, the perfect apartment came up and she is moving in sooner than expected. (I will bunk on her sofabed for a couple months). But because it is sooner than expected, I have 2 weeks to pack all my stuff! In the midst of those two weeks, I have to go to Montreal for 3 days to get my visa! So, all of my spare time in the next little while will be filled with boxes, garbage bags, and goodwill donations. I will be happy when this is over for sure! I am planning on taking only what I absolutely need with me to Minnesota so lots of downsizing will be taking place. I tend to be one who holds onto things for their sentimental value, but I won't be able to do that now.
These next few weeks will surely fly by as I try to get everything done! I hope I don't stress too much!
In the past few weeks, I can feel the wedding getting closer. So many things that were so far off in the future only a little while ago, have come to pass already. I am going to blink and our wedding day will be here.
One of the things that seemed so far away, was Jim's brother's wedding. Well, it has already taken place! Justin and Hedda got married on June 16th in Union Springs, NY. I remember when they first told us about the date of their wedding. I was unsure if I was going to be able to be there because of all the visa proceedings. As luck would have it, we were able to purposely delay our interview in Montreal, so I could be sure I was able to attend their wedding.
What a great wedding weekend they had! I had never been to New York state before and the area we were in was absolutely beautiful. They got married in a little church right on one of the Finger Lakes and they had their outdoor reception on the lawn of their uncles property right on the lake. It was a beautiful day and Hedda looked fabulous! (Justin looked good too, but it really is all about how the bride looks on a wedding day, right?) What I loved about their wedding was that it totally was a reflection of who they are. They are both very artistic and creative and it showed in their wedding.
People have asked me if it is weird to have our weddings so close together, but it is really not. For one, our weddings will be nothing alike, except for the fact that they will both happen in a Catholic Church. But that is where the similarity ends. Like Justin and Hedda, I think our wedding will be a good reflection of who Jim and I are as people and as a couple. You will have to wait to hear about all the details though. :)
These past weeks, I have also been busy addressing wedding invitations. With all the trouble with the medical, I am not allowing myself to mail them out until I hear the words "You are approved" in Montreal, but they are all set and ready to go! I remember thinking months ago what it would feel like to be addressing the invitations. I thought for sure it would be a wonderful experience.Well, frankly, it took a long time and my back hurt from sitting so long on a hard chair! I am excited though, to find out who will be able to come and join us on our special day.
Also, I currently live with my mom and with my impending move, she was looking to get a one bedroom apartment for herself. Well, the perfect apartment came up and she is moving in sooner than expected. (I will bunk on her sofabed for a couple months). But because it is sooner than expected, I have 2 weeks to pack all my stuff! In the midst of those two weeks, I have to go to Montreal for 3 days to get my visa! So, all of my spare time in the next little while will be filled with boxes, garbage bags, and goodwill donations. I will be happy when this is over for sure! I am planning on taking only what I absolutely need with me to Minnesota so lots of downsizing will be taking place. I tend to be one who holds onto things for their sentimental value, but I won't be able to do that now.
These next few weeks will surely fly by as I try to get everything done! I hope I don't stress too much!
Friday, June 8, 2012
My Heart is Overwhelmed...
On Wednesday night, my parish ladies association (Catholic Women's League) held a bridal shower for me. When I was first told of this idea, I was amazed that they would want to do this for me (and Jim). The committee consisted of the two secretaries at the church who are members of the league, and another member of the CWL. Because I work with two of them on a daily basis, as the event drew near, my office door got closed by them more and more and there were more and more secrets floating around.
Now, I am the curious type. If there is something to be known, I want to know it. So all of this secrecy was driving me crazy! Part of me was a little nervous about the surprises that were in store.
So, as Wednesday night rolled around I was getting really excited to see what would come about at this shower. Over 60 ladies had RSVP'd that they were coming. I couldn't believe it! The evening began with mass, and then proceeded onto a potluck dinner. I love potluck dinners! There is always the BEST food at them. This one was no exception. There was so much food! And the desserts were amazing as well!
After that the gift opening began. I opened a few of the bigger gifts first. The whole CWL chipped in and got me my pots and pans! The office staff got us luggage! I was so overwhelmed. Then, I looked at the gift table and there were two whole tables packed with gifts. All of the ladies got us little kitchen gadgets, things everyone needs. I got everything from dish towels, to a kitchen clock, to a knives, to funnels and measuring cups. The ladies were also asked to bring their favorite recipes. So, now I have no excuse for not cooking! There are SO many good recipes! I can't wait to try them all.
The highlight of the night was two men from the parish who came dressed in Adam and Eve aprons (well they other things on too!). I never laughed so hard in my life and I think all of the ladies enjoyed the entertainment too!
I was overcome with emotion at the end of the night. I couldn't believe that all these ladies came out to honor me and they were all so generous! They welcomed me with open arms almost 5 years ago, and they continue to shower me with love and good wishes. I am going to miss all of them so much! What a wonderful cluster of parishes I work in!
Now, I am the curious type. If there is something to be known, I want to know it. So all of this secrecy was driving me crazy! Part of me was a little nervous about the surprises that were in store.
So, as Wednesday night rolled around I was getting really excited to see what would come about at this shower. Over 60 ladies had RSVP'd that they were coming. I couldn't believe it! The evening began with mass, and then proceeded onto a potluck dinner. I love potluck dinners! There is always the BEST food at them. This one was no exception. There was so much food! And the desserts were amazing as well!
After that the gift opening began. I opened a few of the bigger gifts first. The whole CWL chipped in and got me my pots and pans! The office staff got us luggage! I was so overwhelmed. Then, I looked at the gift table and there were two whole tables packed with gifts. All of the ladies got us little kitchen gadgets, things everyone needs. I got everything from dish towels, to a kitchen clock, to a knives, to funnels and measuring cups. The ladies were also asked to bring their favorite recipes. So, now I have no excuse for not cooking! There are SO many good recipes! I can't wait to try them all.
The highlight of the night was two men from the parish who came dressed in Adam and Eve aprons (well they other things on too!). I never laughed so hard in my life and I think all of the ladies enjoyed the entertainment too!
I was overcome with emotion at the end of the night. I couldn't believe that all these ladies came out to honor me and they were all so generous! They welcomed me with open arms almost 5 years ago, and they continue to shower me with love and good wishes. I am going to miss all of them so much! What a wonderful cluster of parishes I work in!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Hallelujah....
Good news! I am cleared for my medical! After not one, not two, but three trips to Toronto for x-rays I have in my hands a clear medical that I have to take with me to the interview in Montreal in July. I am so grateful that I decided to do my medical early. Usually, people will schedule them within a week or two of their interview. I somehow had the foresight to do this one early. I have now found out that apparently I was getting over a chest cold or pneumonia and that is what they were seeing in my chest x-ray. I had a sore throat when I went the first time, but nothing felt like it was in the chest to me. But, thanks be to God, I am ok and there is nothing seriously wrong with me and I have the approved medical.
Last weekend, Jim came down and we went to our Engaged Encounter weekend. What a great weekend it was. Luckily, almost all of it was review for Jim and I. When you never see each other in person and all you can do is talk on skype, a lot of issues already get discussed! But we had a great weekend. It was great to affirm why we are getting married, what values and morals we believe in and hold dear, and what things we hope to pass on to our children one day.
It also affirmed for me why I am marrying Jim. He and I are on the same page on almost everything and I have truly never met a more charitable, generous, honorable man. I left the weekend with a profound realization that I am the luckiest girl in the world! :) I was also happy that Jim was able to come with me to Toronto for this last chest x-ray that finally got me cleared for the medical.
My other good news, is that we found a new photographer. After our last photographer bailed on the engagement photos, I started a hunt for a new one. After repeated attempts to get ahold of our old photographer, we sent her a registered letter letting her know we would no longer need her services (she still has not responded to any emails or called us back). It almost seems providential in a way, because the new photographers pictures are even BETTER than hers were. We connected right away and when I had inquired about our date and if he still had it available he just had a cancellation the week before for that date!
I am so grateful to God for all He has done for us. Hallelujah!
Last weekend, Jim came down and we went to our Engaged Encounter weekend. What a great weekend it was. Luckily, almost all of it was review for Jim and I. When you never see each other in person and all you can do is talk on skype, a lot of issues already get discussed! But we had a great weekend. It was great to affirm why we are getting married, what values and morals we believe in and hold dear, and what things we hope to pass on to our children one day.
It also affirmed for me why I am marrying Jim. He and I are on the same page on almost everything and I have truly never met a more charitable, generous, honorable man. I left the weekend with a profound realization that I am the luckiest girl in the world! :) I was also happy that Jim was able to come with me to Toronto for this last chest x-ray that finally got me cleared for the medical.
My other good news, is that we found a new photographer. After our last photographer bailed on the engagement photos, I started a hunt for a new one. After repeated attempts to get ahold of our old photographer, we sent her a registered letter letting her know we would no longer need her services (she still has not responded to any emails or called us back). It almost seems providential in a way, because the new photographers pictures are even BETTER than hers were. We connected right away and when I had inquired about our date and if he still had it available he just had a cancellation the week before for that date!
I am so grateful to God for all He has done for us. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Shower me with your love...
This past weekend, my mom, sister and I headed to the Chicago area for the joint bridal shower Jim's mom and sister were throwing me and Jim's brother's fiance. We had a great time! This was just the distraction I needed. You see, the medical fiasco is still ongoing. I need to go back to Toronto in a week for EVEN MORE chest x-rays. I am still worried that this could ruin our wedding, but this weekend I chose not to dwell on that.
After some shopping along the way, we arrived at our hotel late Friday night. We were all tired, but awoke on Saturday ready for a full day. Jim drove down from Minnesota Friday as well, and he came to pick us up to go and pick out the tuxes for the wedding. This process was pretty easy. We quickly decided what we wanted and I am confident all the guys in our wedding party (and Jim too!) will look great on our wedding day.
Next, we went to the hotel where we will be holding our reception to meet with the new wedding coordinator they have. We picked chair covers, and got any last minute questions we had for her taken care of. Then, it was on to lunch. We ate at the restaurant where we will be having our rehearsal dinner. We will be having some great deep dish pizza so we needed to sample it, of course.
After that, we headed to church. Jim and I had to get all of our forms taken care of for the wedding. We also needed witnesses to attest to our competancy to be married. My mom and sister were my witnesses and Jim's parents were his. The priest led us all into a 'holding room' and called each of our witnesses in one by one. Then, Jim and I got to go together but of course were seperated for the big questions. After we were done with all the paperwork, we headed for dinner. We went to the Olive Garden. It was yummy!
After a long day, we were all exhausted so we made sure to get some good rest for the events of the following day. I awoke Sunday morning very early to head to my hair and makeup trial. I was excited about this! I wanted to see what they would do with both of these. I know that my hair is going to continue to grow, so the hairstyle I had that day, was not necessarily the same hairstyle I would have on my wedding day. This was actually a good thing, since besides the shower, we had arranged to get our engagement photos done on Sunday as well. My hair and makeup was actually done pretty quickly. Both took just a little over an hour. I headed back to the hotel and got ready for the shower, then my mom, sis and I headed to the restaurant where the shower was to take place.
I loved the shower! This was my first ever shower! It was so much fun and so much thought was put into it. It was so nice of Jim's mom and sister to put so much time and effort into the shower. It was great to be able to share this shower with Hedda, as well. It was also great that my friend Claudia from Catholic Match was able to come. I hadn't seen her in awhile so it was great to catch up. Jim and I received so many wonderful gifts and it was so overwhelming to know how many people love and support us.
After the shower, we got ready for our engagement photos. Our photographer was supposed to meet us at 6 p.m. and even though we waited for over an hour she never showed up. I was really upset. Luckily once we returned to Jim's parents house, Jim's brother mentioned he has a great camera and would snap some photographs if we wanted. They ended up looking really good. We decided instead of trying to find another photographer at a later date to just go with these pics. Here are a few of them:
After some shopping along the way, we arrived at our hotel late Friday night. We were all tired, but awoke on Saturday ready for a full day. Jim drove down from Minnesota Friday as well, and he came to pick us up to go and pick out the tuxes for the wedding. This process was pretty easy. We quickly decided what we wanted and I am confident all the guys in our wedding party (and Jim too!) will look great on our wedding day.
Next, we went to the hotel where we will be holding our reception to meet with the new wedding coordinator they have. We picked chair covers, and got any last minute questions we had for her taken care of. Then, it was on to lunch. We ate at the restaurant where we will be having our rehearsal dinner. We will be having some great deep dish pizza so we needed to sample it, of course.
After that, we headed to church. Jim and I had to get all of our forms taken care of for the wedding. We also needed witnesses to attest to our competancy to be married. My mom and sister were my witnesses and Jim's parents were his. The priest led us all into a 'holding room' and called each of our witnesses in one by one. Then, Jim and I got to go together but of course were seperated for the big questions. After we were done with all the paperwork, we headed for dinner. We went to the Olive Garden. It was yummy!
After a long day, we were all exhausted so we made sure to get some good rest for the events of the following day. I awoke Sunday morning very early to head to my hair and makeup trial. I was excited about this! I wanted to see what they would do with both of these. I know that my hair is going to continue to grow, so the hairstyle I had that day, was not necessarily the same hairstyle I would have on my wedding day. This was actually a good thing, since besides the shower, we had arranged to get our engagement photos done on Sunday as well. My hair and makeup was actually done pretty quickly. Both took just a little over an hour. I headed back to the hotel and got ready for the shower, then my mom, sis and I headed to the restaurant where the shower was to take place.
I loved the shower! This was my first ever shower! It was so much fun and so much thought was put into it. It was so nice of Jim's mom and sister to put so much time and effort into the shower. It was great to be able to share this shower with Hedda, as well. It was also great that my friend Claudia from Catholic Match was able to come. I hadn't seen her in awhile so it was great to catch up. Jim and I received so many wonderful gifts and it was so overwhelming to know how many people love and support us.
After the shower, we got ready for our engagement photos. Our photographer was supposed to meet us at 6 p.m. and even though we waited for over an hour she never showed up. I was really upset. Luckily once we returned to Jim's parents house, Jim's brother mentioned he has a great camera and would snap some photographs if we wanted. They ended up looking really good. We decided instead of trying to find another photographer at a later date to just go with these pics. Here are a few of them:
All in all, even despite the little snafu with the photographer, we had a great weekend! Stay tuned for even better pics taken at this photo shoot in the near future! :)
Friday, May 11, 2012
Doctor, Doctor....
Last weekend I headed to Toronto for my medical that is required for immigration. I still find it crazy that I had to go all the way to Toronto for a medical, but c'est la vie. My mom and I headed up to Toronto Sunday afternoon. My appointment was scheduled for anytime between 7:30 and 9 a.m. on Monday. We got a hotel that was about a 10 minute walk to the medical building. We had a pretty uneventful drive to Toronto and the traffic was manageable and we made great time. We got there in less than 4 hours. We ate dinner at the Pickle Barrel restaurant (my mom loves this place!) and then we checked into our hotel. The hotel was not a 5 star by any means, but it served its purpose.
Once we were settled, we took the 10 minute walk to go and find the building where I needed to go early the next morning. We found it easily. We relaxed in the hotel room and aside from a toilet overflowing and having to move to a new room, it was a nice uneventful evening. I set my alarm for 6:15 a.m. Thanks to the visajourney site I belong to, I knew that if you get there before 7:30 they will process you early. I was up and ready to walk out the door by 6:55 a.m. After the short 10 minute walk, I arrived at the building. Almost immediately a woman came up to the door and asked what I was there for. I told her my medical for immigration. A guy walked up as she was talking and she asked him the same question. She is the receptionist for the doctors office and told us to follow her upstairs. We went in and since I was the first one at the door she started processing me. I handed over my passport, my passport photos my 350 bucks (300 for medical and 50 for them to courier it to me!!) signed some forms and then she brought me to an exam room. She told me the nurse would be in soon to take my vitals (height, weight, blood pressure etc.) Almost immediately the nurse arrived. She was really nice. She had me sign another form. She then told me the doctor would be in shortly. At 7:30 the doctor came in and he was very nice. He had me sign some more forms, looked over my vaccination records to make sure they were up to date (they were!) and gave me back my passport that I gave the receptionist. He asked me some basic questions like "Do have any chronic illnesses?", "Do you smoke?", "Do you take any medications on a regular basis?", "Have you had any major surgery?", "How is your mental health?" etc. Then he checked my throat, glands, and breathing. He made small talk while he was doing all this asking me where I was moving to in the US and why I was moving there (they do medicals for people doing many different types of visas). He congraulated me on my upcoming nuptials and told me the nurse would be back in shortly. She came back in and told me to go back to the waiting room where they would call me shortly for blood work.
The blood work is to make sure I don't have any STD's I think. I got called in fairly quickly and the lady had no trouble finding a vein. I then had to sign another form. After that, I had to go check in with the front desk and they gave me a map to the place I had to go for the chest x-ray. It was literally around the corner. I got there at 7:55 a.m. and they don't open until 8:00a.m. I waited the 5 minutes and was called in shortly thereafter. It was an easy x-ray and I was done and walking back to the hotel by 8:20 a.m. I stopped at Starbucks on the way back and was still back in the hotel by 8:30!
My mom and I then checked out, went for breakfast then headed to IKEA! :) While we didn't buy much, I managed to mentally purchase all the items that I thought would look nice in Jim's house. It is going to look great when I am done with it! :)We then headed back home. After a quick stop at a little country store my mom wanted to stop at, we were home by 4:30. I was glad my mom was able to come with me. It felt more like a vacation than a chore. We had a great time!
Unfortunately, the very next day, they doctors office called me. They told me that I need to repeat some chest x-rays before they could sign off on the medical. Even more unfortunately, I have to go back to Toronto to do them. So, this Monday I am heading back. I am not going to lie. I am worried. They won't sign off on the medical unless everything is ok with the medical. They are mostly looking for TB, but if they were to find something else I would need to prove it was nothing before they could sign off. My big worry now is that if it is something else, then all of that proving could take months! Months that I don't have to the wedding! So in essence, our wedding timeline could be in jeopardy. I am praying they will take these new views, see nothing and I will get the medical in the mail by the end of the week. I would appreciate some prayers if you could spare them, that all will be well. I will keep you all posted.
Once we were settled, we took the 10 minute walk to go and find the building where I needed to go early the next morning. We found it easily. We relaxed in the hotel room and aside from a toilet overflowing and having to move to a new room, it was a nice uneventful evening. I set my alarm for 6:15 a.m. Thanks to the visajourney site I belong to, I knew that if you get there before 7:30 they will process you early. I was up and ready to walk out the door by 6:55 a.m. After the short 10 minute walk, I arrived at the building. Almost immediately a woman came up to the door and asked what I was there for. I told her my medical for immigration. A guy walked up as she was talking and she asked him the same question. She is the receptionist for the doctors office and told us to follow her upstairs. We went in and since I was the first one at the door she started processing me. I handed over my passport, my passport photos my 350 bucks (300 for medical and 50 for them to courier it to me!!) signed some forms and then she brought me to an exam room. She told me the nurse would be in soon to take my vitals (height, weight, blood pressure etc.) Almost immediately the nurse arrived. She was really nice. She had me sign another form. She then told me the doctor would be in shortly. At 7:30 the doctor came in and he was very nice. He had me sign some more forms, looked over my vaccination records to make sure they were up to date (they were!) and gave me back my passport that I gave the receptionist. He asked me some basic questions like "Do have any chronic illnesses?", "Do you smoke?", "Do you take any medications on a regular basis?", "Have you had any major surgery?", "How is your mental health?" etc. Then he checked my throat, glands, and breathing. He made small talk while he was doing all this asking me where I was moving to in the US and why I was moving there (they do medicals for people doing many different types of visas). He congraulated me on my upcoming nuptials and told me the nurse would be back in shortly. She came back in and told me to go back to the waiting room where they would call me shortly for blood work.
The blood work is to make sure I don't have any STD's I think. I got called in fairly quickly and the lady had no trouble finding a vein. I then had to sign another form. After that, I had to go check in with the front desk and they gave me a map to the place I had to go for the chest x-ray. It was literally around the corner. I got there at 7:55 a.m. and they don't open until 8:00a.m. I waited the 5 minutes and was called in shortly thereafter. It was an easy x-ray and I was done and walking back to the hotel by 8:20 a.m. I stopped at Starbucks on the way back and was still back in the hotel by 8:30!
My mom and I then checked out, went for breakfast then headed to IKEA! :) While we didn't buy much, I managed to mentally purchase all the items that I thought would look nice in Jim's house. It is going to look great when I am done with it! :)We then headed back home. After a quick stop at a little country store my mom wanted to stop at, we were home by 4:30. I was glad my mom was able to come with me. It felt more like a vacation than a chore. We had a great time!
Unfortunately, the very next day, they doctors office called me. They told me that I need to repeat some chest x-rays before they could sign off on the medical. Even more unfortunately, I have to go back to Toronto to do them. So, this Monday I am heading back. I am not going to lie. I am worried. They won't sign off on the medical unless everything is ok with the medical. They are mostly looking for TB, but if they were to find something else I would need to prove it was nothing before they could sign off. My big worry now is that if it is something else, then all of that proving could take months! Months that I don't have to the wedding! So in essence, our wedding timeline could be in jeopardy. I am praying they will take these new views, see nothing and I will get the medical in the mail by the end of the week. I would appreciate some prayers if you could spare them, that all will be well. I will keep you all posted.
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