OMG We're Moving!

So.. this is what moving everything is like!

All my life I've lived in just one house - the one where I grew up in the Philippines. We had it remodeled when I was around 14 but it had always been my home sweet home. I moved out when I was 16 to live in Dasmariñas, where I was taking up my college studies but every weekend I still went home to home. When I started working, I lived in several apartments but they were all temporary, weekends I'd still go home to Cavite City and I never really brought all my things with me whenever I lived elsewhere.

Hansy Pansy the Big Puppy

Hello lovelies!

Finally, I'm going to blog about my Big Puppy

Hansy Pansy!! ❤

Hans is our not-so-small-anymore baby puppy that we adopted when I got here. When I arrived, I was alone at home while Alex Bear worked on night shift. It was really lonely and after about two weeks, Alex Bear finally decided to get a puppy!!

Gossip on Immediate Struggles - I Don't Wanna Lose My Dog!

Sssshhhh... Do you like gossip??

No? Well, actually, neither do I.

Oh, you do? Uhm... well... Okay, so this is just a short novel. A real life one, I guess. I wouldn't really say that this is a gossip - it's just a little peak into my life's reality. As I've said before, nothing is really glamorous as it seems - and even the sweetest moments have their heart piercing seconds.

It all started in the city of Oshkosh, where Honey Bear (me) have recently moved from the Philippines. Everything was amazing - the people were kind and nice, the place was not too crowded and just perfect for a simple and quiet life.

Until one day... we got a dog. And it changed everything.

Touchdown : The Arrival

Touchdown.

The Honey Bear has landed.

On October 2, 2015 I arrived at the O'Hare International Airport at around 3pm. This was it!! I was finally going to see my Polar Bear. I would get to hug, touch and kiss him. This was it, finally!!

⌈Read my journey on KimiGoesPlaces : Hello USA!! My 22-Hour Journey with ANA Air⌋

When I got off the plane, the first thing that I tried to do was contact Alex Bear, but my phone wouldn't connect to the airport internet and for some reason, my phone that was on roaming wouldn't connect to their telecom services either.

Okay, that was total desperation!!

Yeah, I have to admit, I was really scared. So many things popped in my head - what if I don't see him? What if he's waiting elsewhere? What if he gets so worried? I'm generally a very carefree person - but when it comes to my Bear, I worry a lot. Ah, this reminds me of my mom. Now I understand when she worries about me. I used to think that it was exaggerated but I guess I now realize what's it's like. Or maybe I'm just getting old? NOOOOO!!

Anyways, after going through immigration, I hired porter services to assist me because I had three huge luggage bags (yes, the biggest ones allowed which btw were overweight - well, I knew about that), a big box (extra luggage - the amazing balikbayan box! perfect for moving), my camera bag, my backpack, and my purse. Hey no judging, I was moving across the globe LOL!

When I was finally outside the busy area, I think it's the waiting area, I scanned around but I didn't find Alex Bear or his dad anywhere. I was starting to get nervous, but just like most of my trips, I kept calm and looked for a phone booth. I finally saw one across the place and walked towards it.

While I was getting my credit card, someone poked my shoulders.

OMG! My BEAR!!!

Source : www.kimigoesplaces.com

I cried. Many cry. Such cry. Wow.

Catching Up : CFO Seminar Process

Ready for the final step?

I know that it can be really stressful for both you and your beau when you start the visa application process. The thing is - you still need to secure the CFO sticker and certificate even after  you get your visa. Come to think of it, it's all worth it right? You'll finally be with the love of your life!

The whole process was really stressful for both Alex Bear and me - there's the part where you need to secure all the documents from both of you; the waiting game; and the approval/denial of your petition/visa or CFO.

Yes, your CFO sticker or certificate!

It may not be part of the visa but it plays a significant role in your immigration.

Catching Up : The K1 Visa Interview Experience + Approval

The judgement day

August 6, 2015 - the long awaited interview. After all the struggles and the time spent waiting, we've finally arrived to the point where it will be decided.

Alex Bear and I were pretty sure that I will pass it - but then anything can go wrong. They might ask for additional documents (and who knows what they might come up with!), they might think this and that... the possibilities of "what if's" were endless... but the time has come.

Source: www.globalnation.inquirer.net

Catching Up : Scrapbooking for My K1 Interview

Mode : Backtracking

Ref my previous blog - I'm back and yay! It's time to catch up in sharing updates, tips and experiences from my visa application, travel and settling in the USA.

The moment of truth has come. I was about to have my interview and all my documents are ready! Okay, "kind of" rather.

Well, everything was ready until I decided to make something special - a nice scrapbook!

During this time, I had just started posting charms and kawaii jewelry on my Starr&Sparkle Shoppe. I was also experimenting in decorating boxes and many other random stuff using quality clay. With only three days left I challenged myself.

Make a kawaii scrapbook!

And a scrapbook I made ^.^

Hibernating Honey Bear ^.^

Hello lovelies!

❆ It's winter time!! ❆

I know it's been so long since my last entry and I know I should've posted things as they happened. However, due to certain circumstances, I wasn't able to do that. Let's just say I've hibernated for a while. I'd still love to let you know what's been up so here are some few stuff I'd like to share :3

Leaving the Philippines was a big challenge. It wasn't like working in another country for a few years. It wasn't like going to college and be able to go home every few months. It definitely wasn't like any of my trips where I would be gone for a week or two - indulging in a memorable vacation.

This time, I was leaving for good.

It's hard to fathom leaving the country that I've always loved. Despite all the flaws you may have heard or know about it, it will always be my homeland. It was never in my plan to leave forever and settle in a different country, let alone it being halfway across the globe. Coming back for a week or two vacation every two years will feel so different now.

Meeting Good Ole Friends

Before I left, there was one thing I have to do - meet most of the people that matter to me. I know it's impossible to get them all together, consider that there's a bunch of good friends. But I had to see some of my closest loves!

It was very bittersweet, but I was so happy I was able to see them again.

From the amazing people who loved me for who I was despite my flaws way back the time that I was still getting to know myself; to the people who took care of me and treated me like a baby when I first started working; up to the person who loved me when I was at my worst.

I know there are so much more to thank and I should've seen, but I just didn't have the time (and funds omg!). But yeah, this was the time when I was off to meet many people - because I would miss them so much!