August 12, 2012

• 21/04/08 ~ I PASSED!!! I PASSED!!! ROFLMFAO!!!

  
  
  

  Hi Guys!!!

  I just checked the Pearson Vue website for my unofficial results...
  
  "The Pearson VUE Testing service has recorded your unofficial results as shown below. The Board of Nursing to which you applied for licensure will mail your official results to you within approximately four weeks of your exam date. Please note that a passing result alone does not authorize you to practice as a licensed nurse.

  Exam Date:	Thu, 17 Apr 2008 at 11:00 AM
  Candidate:	Susan Linley
  NCLEX ID:	21008823
  Registration #:	222261107
  Exam:	NCLEX-RN: The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
  Grade:	pass

  WOOHOOOO!!!

  You wouldn't believe how absolutely buzzing I am!! My mate Shari from work was with me on the phone while I logged in for the result ~ I think I near deafened her with my screams!!

  A Massive Thank You to all you guys ~ you've been with me every step of the way, supporting me and spurring me on ~ and I love you for it!
  You're the best!!

  *Muah!!*
  

  
  

   

  60 Comments

  delete reply wrathofkublakhan wrote on Apr 21, '08 c-c-c-c-congrats!

  Comment deleted at the request of the author.

  delete reply peemee1 wrote on Apr 21, '08 ABSOFUCKINLUTELY FANTASMAGORICAL !!!!

  delete reply utroukx wrote on Apr 21, '08 CONGRATULATIONS!!!! i knew you'd do it! *hugs*

  delete reply cyndie1030 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Congrats, Sue!!! I had no doubt in my mind you would pass and I'm so happy for you!!

  delete reply blisssfully wrote on Apr 21, '08 YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAY YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYAY YAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAY YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  delete reply blisssfully wrote on Apr 21, '08 I'll see YOU in Ohio!!!!! Congratulations Sue, what a fantastic, splendiforus, happy feelings you must be having!!!!!!! I am tickled soooooo tickled for you!!!! Congratulations again!!!!!!

  delete reply prkkwalker wrote on Apr 21, '08 YAY!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!! PARTY ON!!!!! (((huggles)))

  delete reply naarta wrote on Apr 21, '08 WTG Sue I am so happy for you. You have worked so hard for this, won't be long now will it.

  delete reply yetanotherguy13 wrote on Apr 21, '08 YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!

  delete reply fatwizard wrote on Apr 21, '08 Oh What wonderful news. We was a rooting fer ya girly. What an accomplishment. You be a hero, A legend in Your own Mind. Way to go buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  delete reply eccentricmare wrote on Apr 21, '08 Celebration on tap now!!!! Enjoy!!!! I knew you could do it!!!!!!

  delete reply finneganswhacked wrote on Apr 21, '08 Well done Sue! Well done!

  delete reply welshdoug wrote on Apr 21, '08 WOO-HOO! Now for my LGV driving test...........

  delete reply wildminx wrote on Apr 21, '08 Hey Sue! Of course you passed! You worked like a dog! CONGRATULATIONS AND SMOOTH SAILING AHEAD!!! XO

  delete reply battygoth wrote on Apr 21, '08, edited on Apr 21, '08 see knew you could do it ........WELL DONE We can celebrate when you come to nunny now ... gotta see ya while i can now do you think there will be time for me to come to "pool" again before you go stateside hugs and WELL DONE AGAIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  delete reply jgaryhillstudio wrote on Apr 21, '08 congrats sue big step up now

  delete reply skyerider wrote on Apr 21, '08 I had NO doubt, and I actually have tears in my eyes. *HUG*

  delete reply frootbat31 wrote on Apr 21, '08 SQUEEE!!!

  delete reply mykebodean wrote on Apr 21, '08 WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Sue.

  delete reply 360flibble wrote on Apr 21, '08 Yaaaaaaaaaay !!!! You the Mouse ! Well done babes ! Biggest Flibble Hugggggsssss : ) xx

  delete reply yetanotherguy13 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Party at Sue's place! I'll bring dip!

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 WOOHOO!! PARTY!! Okay, I'll pop the cork and dig out my best mugs!

  delete reply yetanotherguy13 wrote on Apr 21, '08 What the heck are champers/???

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Champagne!! Good grief Guy!

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Et voila ~ I knew these would come in handy!

  delete reply libertyjack wrote on Apr 21, '08 You fookin' beauty!!!!!! brilliant news babe...I'm so made up for you..... Sexy Comments & Profile Graphics Well done babes!!!!!!

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Thanks Andy! Thank you everyone!

  delete reply skyerider wrote on Apr 21, '08

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Hehehehe! A moment on the lips...! Hi Ari!

  delete reply skyerider wrote on Apr 21, '08 glitter-graphics.com

  delete reply skyerider wrote on Apr 21, '08 Gotta have cake and ice cream!

  delete reply keeblet wrote on Apr 21, '08 Congratulations Sue!!!! Job Well Done!!!!!!!

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Hey Keebs! *muah!* That icecream looks too good to be true ~ I might swop my jim jams for my bikini and dive right in!

  delete reply wigglebottom wrote on Apr 21, '08 Congratulations SUE ! Way to go Mousey! Now this test was the NCLEX or something like that right? So you can be a Nurse any where in the world and on Mars too... I think you deserve a great night out and then come home to a nice Bubble bath! LOL

  delete reply naarta wrote on Apr 21, '08 I brought some good tunes and my Hearty congratulations Sue

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 21, '08 Jerry, meet Rita. Rita, meet Jerry. Thanks you guys! I'm about to head off for that bubble bath before I head to bed ~ icecream makes your sheets sticky! I'll be listening to your tunes while I soak, Rita. What a great day this has been!

  delete reply ohkate wrote on Apr 21, '08, edited on Apr 21, '08 Congratulations!!!

  delete reply murka2006 wrote on Apr 21, '08 how great in here...what a PARTY Mousie...once again my congratulations!!! you are The Bestesssssssss...I think I better come back with something... I am VERY HAPPY FOR YOU Mousie...it is a great NEW begining for sure!!!

  delete reply truemaskedwabbit wrote on Apr 21, '08, edited on Apr 21, '08 Woooot woooot you're the bestest sis in law CONGRATULATIONS huuugs and squishes and squashie tight huuuugs luvs ya Profile Graphics - hitupmyspot.com Profile Graphics - hitupmyspot.com

  delete reply fairnessaskenb wrote on Apr 21, '08 Impressive. Now what do you do for a followup and/or a second act?

  delete reply emmm1 wrote on Apr 21, '08 WOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!! Much congratulations to ya. Biggest hugs ever !

  delete reply dudgeoh wrote on Apr 21, '08 YAY! Told'cha!

  delete reply sanitizer wrote on Apr 21, '08 §Ahhhh, wonderful news Sue! Congratulations and best wishes for continued success in your chosen field, you are an an asset to nursing and it doesn't matter where you work. So proud of you.§

  delete reply chickendudevinster wrote on Apr 21, '08 hot dang

  delete reply coolranch wrote on Apr 21, '08 That is so awesome! Big Congrats!

  delete reply fotofriday wrote on Apr 21, '08 Grins..I did my NCLEX a few years ago..but I feel your buzz, and Im thrilled!! Well done... *slurps her champagne*

  delete reply peemee1 wrote on Apr 22, '08 Heres my offering...goes great with Champagne, lager,wine,spirits,coffe,tea....Oh Hell it goes well at a patrteeeeeeeeee.....

  delete reply battygoth wrote on Apr 22, '08 so many peeps were routing for ya Sue .... as always i missed the party doh!

  delete reply jadedlady wrote on Apr 22, '08 MyHotComments CONGRATS!!!!! I brought my guitar,gotta have music at a party!

  delete reply willardandsimon wrote on Apr 22, '08 great news!!!! Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com

  delete reply pixiemadness wrote on Apr 22, '08 OMG OMG OMG!!!!!! You must be walking on pure air...We knew you'd do it mouse Awwwwwww im so dam pleased for you girl......Now if ya don't mind (i want to finish my cake) *smoochies* xxxxx Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com

  delete reply missdarla wrote on Apr 22, '08

  delete reply hiddencupboard wrote on Apr 22, '08 Yay! Well done Sue!

  delete reply nicolame wrote on Apr 22, '08 SEE I AM AM AM AM PSYCHIC!!! I KNEW IT!!! WOO HOO YAY GO YOU GO YOU!!! CONGRATS MY MAMMA LLAMA!!! LOVE YOU!!!

  delete reply cloudthatsraining wrote on Apr 23, '08 HEY!!! great news!!! so happy to know it went well!!! Congrats sweetie I knew you could make it *muah*

  delete reply x4real wrote on Apr 23, '08 *sneaks in... puts a sparkling tiara on yer head....* YOU RULE BABY! WAY TO GO! the US needs all the GREAT nurses we can get!

  delete reply themouse2 wrote on Apr 24, '08 HEY, I just found you (again!)

  delete reply shen1hui4 wrote on Apr 25, '08 Knew you could do it. Never had a doubt You sped right through it This RN's got clout She'll pack up her bags And look to the skies America & her true love Clear in her eyes Biggest Congrats (late, but heartfelt!) - Cheri.....

  delete reply jammygirl11 wrote on Apr 28, '08 Congratulations to the Smartest Nurse!!!

  • 11:45 pm
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• 19/04/08 - Mouse goes to London to Visit the Queen - oh, and to sit a little test along the way.

  

  Hi Guys!

  Well, I'm back! And I've got so much to tell you, and so much to show you! (If you don't immediately groan and wander off to mow your lawn, grab a coffee and get comfy, hehe!)  I've taken so many photos over the last couple of days that rather than embed them all here, I've sorted them into separate albums that you can access by clicking on the red links. I hope this helps those of you with slower PCs. See how I think about you? (Actually, it was Shane's idea ~ I can't take the credit. See how he thinks about you?)

  Wednesday 16th April.

  The journey down to London  on the Megabus was uneventful ~ 5 hours passed away pretty quickly and I enjoyed watching the sun playing hide and seek with the clouds. Susette came with me for moral support.  Once I landed in London it was time to find my way to the hostel on the Underground; I'd been dreading it! But it was GREAT ~ the Underground is so easy to use and the sign posting as clear as can be. I was there within 20 minutes!

  There's not much to say about the Piccadily Backpackers Hostel itself ~ it was basic (very basic), no hot water in the showers, and 139 steps to climb up to my room on the 7th floor because the lift wasn't working. But hey~ho ~ for £56 a night, slap bang in the heart of London, I couldn't grumble.

   

   

  Well, not much!

  After I'd dumped my bags I went out to have a wander around and get my bearings. I couldn't believe just how 'right in the middle' of it all I was! Piccadily Circus and the Statue of Eros just 30 seconds walk away! FANTASTIC!

   

    

   

  I'd taken a map with me with directions on how to get from Piccadily to the Pearson Vue office in High Holborn for the exam, and managed to find my way in 35 minutes ~ and didn't get lost once.   There was plenty to see on the way there and back ~ I walked through theatreland. I've never seen so many different theatres in one place! After stopping off for something to eat on the way back, there was just time for a chat with Shane in the hostel cybercafe, before sitting one last practice test and hitting the sack at 11pm.

   

    

  Thursday, 17th April

  The morning of the exam on Thursday was brighter and clearer and promised to be a nice day. I was up way too early and couldn't sit still, so again I headed out for a mooch around before making my way back to High Holborn. Here are a few more photos of statues and stuff I found along the way, including one of Franklin, commemorating his part in the discovery of the North West Passage.

  NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT BIT!!

   

   

  
  I arrived at Pearson Vue's offices at 10am, a full hour early, and I admit I was as nervous as a mouse in a room full of cats!  I thought my heart was going to thud out of my body, and I was glad I'd taken my friend Eric's advice and had a good breakfast, plus a couple of chunks of chocolate, on the way. I gave in my details and my Authorisation to Test, and expected to spend an hour running backwards and forwards to the toilet...

  But! I had the obligatory photo taken for security and my biographic fingerprint, and was taken straight  into the exam room! Omigod!! I was off and away within 5 minutes of arriving!

  It was weird though, how once I was in front of the computer and had read through the instructions, my nerves settled immediately once the test proper began. It was just like being back at home, sitting another practice test to add to the hundreds I'd already done. I read the questions slowly , took my time instead of rushing just to get through it, and only keeping a cursory eye on the clock.

  As I've mentioned before, the computer 'knows' how well (or otherwise) you're doing, and will give anything from 75 questions minimum, to 265 maximum.  I'd fully expected to do at least 150 or so. So I was totally gobsmacked  when the computer stopped my test after 75 questions!!! It completely threw me!! I just sat there gawping at the monitor for a couple of minutes thinking "wtf??!! "  A glance at the clock showed that just over an hour had passed. I couldn't believe it! All those tables I'd learned ~ Erikson's stages of development; the cranial nerves; vaccination schedules; fetal heart monitoring ~ not a single question on any of them! I almost felt cheated!  But there you go ~ it was over, just like that.

  Okay. Here's what I'm thinking. I've studied my arse off for over 6 months. Yes, I've carried on a full~time job; I've still kept in touch with you guys on Multiply; I've spent hours chatting with Shane. But I'm sure that I couldn't have done so abysmally badly that the computer just sighed and gave up on me after 75 questions. So ~ I'm quietly confident ~ that I must have passed!  I almost daren't say it aloud! Until I get my official results from the Ohio State Board of Nursing, I just can't be 100% sure. All I can do now is wait and see. I keep going back to the thought that I can't have failed, just like that. And I'll feel like a right prat if I have!

  BACK TO THE FUN STUFF!!

  Right! It's 11.15am and I'm free! Bloody hell! I've got the whole day to spend! What am I going to do?! First thing's first ~ a stiff drink at the nearest pub after the exam! After a large JD & coke, a phonecall to Eric, and a chat with the barman for directions, I was back on the Underground and headed for Camden Market as I'd promised myself. Woohooo!

   

    

  
  

  The sun was shining brightly, Camden was just as good as I'd remembered it,  and has bounced back well from the fire in February. It was bustling, colourful, smelt wonderful  with all the incense, and I just loved  it! The only thing which would have made it even more enjoyable would have been Batty Goth there to share it with me! I treated myself to a gorgeous silver ring shaped like a flower with shell inserts for the petals, and a few packets of joss sticks. Considering the high I was on, I was remarkable reserved in my spending!

  Originally, after Camden, I'd planned on going back to the hostel. But that was before I unexpectedly had the whole day to spend! So I decided to stop and have a look at Covent Garden and Leicester Square as well. Leicester Square had the most wonderful statue dedicated to Edith Cavell ~ I was so impressed and touched that I had to go look her up on the net, I'd never heard of her. Shame on me. Here's the Wiki link,
  and here's the one to the Edith Cavell website.

  Hopping around from place to place on the Underground was so easy! I didn't quite know where to head next! So I just meandered around Leicester Square, thinking that if I got lost I could always get to an Underground station and find my way back to Piccadilly with no trouble. I walked on down the road, and all of a sudden, in front of me, was.....
  TRAFALGAR SQUARE!!

    

   

   

  I couldn't believe it! All I could keep saying was "omigod! omigod! omigod!" I spent an hour or so there, and of course took loads of photos! If you only follow one of these links, this is The One.

  And the day just got better!  I glanced down one of the streets leading off Trafalgar Square and in the distance I could see....

  BIG BEN!! Omigod omigod omigod!!

  It looked miles away, but what the hell! I wasn't going to miss this!So off I marched, being lucky enough to catch some of the goings on with the Horse Guards along the way...
  

      

  Unfortunately both my memory was suddenly full and my batteries suddenly flat while I was filming it, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised, eh? Here are the shots I took of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament,after I'd bought new batteries and memory card.

  After Big Ben (yes, there's more!) I carried on walking back up Whitehall, so I could get some shots  of the Cenotaph, Downing Street, the Milennium Eye, and a nice friendly policeman. I passed by the Horse Guards Arch, and decided to have a nosey down there. I walked across the Horse Guards Parade Ground, and on into St. James' Park.  Beautiful!

  And, to top it all!  ~

  When I came out the other side, I found myself on The Mall! And when I looked to my left, right down at the very bottom, I saw.....

  BUCKINGHAM PALACE!! OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD!!

    

   

   

  You couldn't imagine how completely blown away  I was! Here's a little video clip...

    

    and here's one of the Canada Memorial, which was in the grounds just off to the side of the Palace...

    

    And, of course, the rest of the photos from Buck Palace onwards...

  What a simply perfect day! By the time I got got back to Piccadily my legs were killing me, my feet were so sore I could hardly take another step, and I'd been out experiencing the sights and sounds of London for over seven hours. And loved every minute!

  Yesterday it was time to pack up my bags, check out of the hostel, and head back to Victoria Station to catch the bus home. Before leaving I had a bit of time to kill again and took a walk back to Trafalgar Square for a last look around, and a visit to the National Gallery.

  And one last video clip!

     

    I love Trafalgar Square! It was the most perfect way to end my visit to London. I've had a couple of days of totally unexpected pleasure and fun, and enjoyed every minute of it.

  All I need now is to get a 'Pass' on my NCLEX for the icing on the cake!

  
  
  

  • 11:38 pm
  • Comments Off

• April 15th, 2008 ~ The Final Countdown!

  Hi Guys!

  Well, like the title says, it's the final countdown before I go down to London to sit my NCLEX exam. (omigod)

  Today is the last day of intense study (woohooo!!), then tomorrow morning I'll be on the Megabus at 8.30am and starting the 5 hour journey to The Smoke! It would've been quicker, and probably a lot more comfortable! to take the train... but the Megabus is awesome ~ a simple double decker bus with no frills whatsoever, but ~ only £1.00 each way!! And the money I've saved by booking that has meant that I was able to book a double room to myself at the Backpackers' Hostel in Piccadilly, London ~ great!  So tomorrow once I land, I'll be able to plug in my laptop, connect to their wireless service, and do some last minute revision in peace. Or spend the evening on Skype with Shane, panicking and wondering what the hell I think I'm doing.... hehe...

  The exam is 11.00am Thursday, and the venue is only just over a mile away from the hostel. So rather than trust London transport and the more than likely traffic jams, I'm going to set out early and walk. I've already printed off my maps and directions, so hopefully there's little chance of getting lost. I hope! It looks pretty straightforward, but my sense of direction has never been that good ~ after over 20 years in Liverpool I still get lost in St John's Market!

  The exam itself is anything from 75 to 265 questions, and takes as long as it takes for the computer to decide you've passed ~ or failed. Up to a maximum of 6 hours! Bloody hell! I'm hoping to be out of there much quicker than that ~ I sat a practice test of 265 yesterday, and it took two hours. That's more like it! But obviously, on Thursday I'll be taking all the time I need.... no rushing!

  If I do get out before dark, I'll be heading for Camden Market ~ yayy!! It looks like a stone's throw from the test centre, and I fully intend to reward myself with a good mooch around! I love Camden, and it's over 10 years since I was last there so I'm really looking forward to that.

  So, I'm going to be logging off Multiply in a couple of minutes and getting my head into one last day of test~taking, and won't be back on 'til after I get home on Friday evening. Really! I mean it!

  You guys have fun, and play nice! And I'll be catching up with you and your blogs over the weekend. In the meantime ~

  wish me luck!
  I might need it!

  
  
  
  

  • 11:35 pm
  • Comments Off

• September 11, 2009 ~ 8 years on, 1 year on.

  

   

  Shane and I celebrate our 1st Wedding Anniversary today, September 11, 2009. The date 9/11 is known world over for the terrible events that happened in 2001 ~ the terrorist attacks on the United States which left almost 3000 people dead and over 6000 injured.

   

  When I first blogged about our wedding plans a couple of days beforehand, an eyebrow or two were raised regarding the date... did we really want our wedding to be associated with the same day as one which holds such awful memories of those events?

   

  At the time, we were so excited about getting married that the date we were given by the Ohio County Courthouse in West Virginia ~ which was the earliest available ~ didn't enter my head. All I knew was that after all this time, finally, I was in America with Shane and we were about to do what we'd been planning and waiting for for over two years. It was only after the ceremony that the date, 9/11, fell into place in my brain and I realised that our anniversary was forever going to be synonymous with the day of the attacks. 

   

  When I say that I had a tumult of emotions going on, you can bet that's an understatement. If I had had a choice, I wouldn't have used it for a wedding on 11th September. A day earlier, a day later... no problem. But 9/11, no. But too late, and we were married on that date.

   

  I have a very very good friend here on Multiply, Kaz, the EccentricMare, who is an American living in England. I was lucky enough to spend a day with her and her daughter not long before I flew out and emigrated, and will always remember it with fondness as one of fun and laughs and good advice about "crossing the pond". She commented on our wedding announcement blog, and the words she wrote filled my heart with such gratitude that I'll never be able to thank her enough for it. I'm sure she won't mind me repeating her comment here:

   

  "Why not? Phoenix rise from flames. I was on a plane Sept 11 - heading for Boston about the time it all kicked off - I have respect for the day and the memories but it would be a travesty to stop doing anything on that day. In fact, during the next few weeks of that appointed day - in France and in the UK - I experienced a kind of world wide community spirit that was unprecedented.

  Here you have two folks from two different countries uniting on the same day the those two countries showed a unity that has been unprecedented. I think it's a great celebration of the GOOD part of humanity and it's a good sign for the future. "

   

   

  There's not much more to add to that.  Except to say that I no longer regret, or have uncomfortable thoughts, about the fact that I celebrate the anniversary of my marriage to Shane on this day. It will never make me think any less than I always did about the horrific events that happened eight years ago, or any less aware of how much suffering to so many people was brought about by them. It was a terrible, atrocious day in 2001 and I'll never forget it. But at the same time, I am celebrating ~ my love for my husband, and my love for my new life. And thank you to all of you good friends who have shared the last couple of years with us and supported our journey ~ I love you all to absolute pieces.

   

  I'm extremely proud to be an Englishwoman. I'm also extremely proud to be an Englishwoman living in this wonderful, beautiful country, America.

   

  

  ~*~*~

   

   

  28 Comments

  delete reply photographicpassions wrote on Sep 11, '09 Good post.

  delete reply utroukx1 wrote on Sep 11, '09 a beautiful post, sue. i hope you had a wonderful anniversary. *hugs*

  delete reply emmm1 wrote on Sep 11, '09 Beautiful post Sue. Bless you both. Happy anniversary.

  delete reply keir32 wrote on Sep 11, '09 Have a great anniversary, Sue! - Make it your day

  delete reply yetanotherguy13 wrote on Sep 11, '09 You gave me shivers with this Sue.

  delete reply ladysabrina64068 wrote on Sep 11, '09 Thank you, Sue, for bringing JOY to this day...

  delete reply emmm1 wrote on Sep 11, '09 ladysabrina64068 said Thank you, Sue, for bringing JOY to this day... AMEN to that !

  delete reply booboosoo wrote on Sep 11, '09 Like I always say "Don't let the bastards get you down. Then they win." If we continue to only MOURN on this date, they win. We must not give it so much significance that it overshadows everything else. It would make that *^#$%)!^ more important than wedding anniversaries, birthdays before '01 and babies born on 9/11. We can, will and have, risen above. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MY DEAR FRIEND!!!!!! XOXOXOOXOOXOOXOX

  delete reply octoberwitch wrote on Sep 11, '09 My 2nd oldest daughter is born on 9/11 back in 1983, before it was an infamous date. She always remembers how her 18th birthday became horribly famous.

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Sep 11, '09 Thanks to you all for these comments, I'm smiling from ear to ear! And Kay... wish your daughter a Happy Birthday for me and tell her to enjoy it. *hug*

  delete reply mezzapa wrote on Sep 11, '09 Congrats Mousey ole buddy. One of my pals mom is going to be 80 today. So it's a day in infamy but aren't they all. I put out me flag this mornin. Yes I hear you enjoying your maters all the way down here in Okiehomey. Smack smack yum yum, damn the luck. But we have next year to dream about.

  delete reply guyinsanfrancisco wrote on Sep 11, '09 Your marriage on 9-11 is like the young seedlings in spring after a fire in the forest. The promise of a new hope and future. Over time your sensibilities will change much as Ling's have, and mine have being part of her family. Strange thing is, you will still be you, but a bit different, even better for the experience. Take Care & Happy Anniversary! Guy

  delete reply booboosoo wrote on Sep 11, '09 guyinsanfrancisco said Your marriage on 9-11 is like the young seedlings in spring after a fire in the forest. The promise of a new hope and future. PERFECT way to put this! Thanks Guy!

  delete reply kungfoolmuggers wrote on Sep 11, '09 Happy anniversary, Mousie, may you both enjoy many more together!

  delete reply themouse2 wrote on Sep 11, '09 well said that woman...

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Sep 11, '09 themouse2 said well said that woman... Kaz? Yes indeed. She made so much difference to me when she said what she did. She's brilliant.

  delete reply dudgeoh wrote on Sep 12, '09 Hope you had a great anniversary. *s*

  Comment deleted at the request of the author.

  delete reply fairnessaskenb wrote on Sep 12, '09 It is important to add "good" anniversaries to that date so that over the years much more good comes from that "day that will live in Infamy" to quote Roosevelt on another blemished date, 12/7/41. Happy anniversary to you blokes.

  delete reply guyinsanfrancisco wrote on Sep 12, '09, edited on Oct 3, '10 The RAGE at the assault on our country by most will be passed on by biology for several generation just like Pearl Harbor. When it starts to fade, their elders will instruct them. A few years ago I instructed my Chinese nephews about Imperialist Japan of the early 1900's. Starting with the Nanjing Massacre, through Crimes Against Humanity to Chinese and American POW. Today Japan is a strong democracy and friend of the US and freedom, but that wasn't always so. Her people today warm, decent, respectful of life, yet blind to the atrocities of their grandparents. So it will be with 9-11. The indignity of removing your shoes at an airport and feeling like you were inside a prison came with the thugs who brought death to our people of every race, color, and faith. The financial burden of paying for the additional security, and the further loss of treasure and posterity chasing the rats, and cockroaches who inflicted this on us through every crack and crevice. Loss of life by America's best of friends, especially the Brits is equally as painful. Never Again!

  delete reply eccentricmare wrote on Sep 13, '09 Hugs and best wishes for many more years to you both Sorry I'm late. I was occupied on that day with a few other things. Imagine my surprise to realise I was mentioned AND quoted. *chuckle* don't you go making me famous now.... (shakes the finger) (grin)

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Sep 13, '09 eccentricmare said Hugs and best wishes for many more years to you both Sorry I'm late. I was occupied on that day with a few other things. Imagine my surprise to realise I was mentioned AND quoted. *chuckle* don't you go making me famous now.... (shakes the finger) (grin) *grins and hugs*

  delete reply soldier85 wrote on Apr 12, '10 I will admit that the horrors of 9/11 are just unmentionable, but look at it this way, you got married in the 11th september, and millions of people go about their daily business on that day, they might be aware of hat happened in the back of their head on this day, but they treat it like any other. You however, have a good reason to celebrate that day, the day that you were married to Shane, and besides, the United States and the United Kingdom became unified on this day, not only that, but the very day the United States and United Kingdom are unified, 8 years later, a citizen of the United States marries a citizen of the United Kingdom, now that, is the ultimate union for you!

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Apr 12, '10 Thank you Martin! *Hugs*

  delete reply guyinsanfrancisco wrote on Apr 12, '10, edited on Apr 12, '10 Indeed! A new US family member is always an auspicious occasion. Bet your hubby is finding out assimilation works BOTH ways. he he he! My ancestors fought in George Washington's Army when the US & Brits had a little spat. After 20 wonderful years of marriage, I speak Mandarin Chinese, and even read and write a bit. Take Care, Guy

  delete reply truemaskedwabbit wrote on Oct 3, '10, edited on Oct 3, '10 There's not much more to add to that. Except to say that I no longer regret, or have uncomfortable thoughts, about the fact that I celebrate the anniversary of my marriage to Shane on this day. It will never make me think any less than I always did about the horrific events that happened eight years ago, or any less aware of how much suffering to so many people was brought about by them. It was a terrible, atrocious day in 2001 and I'll never forget it. But at the same time, I am celebrating ~ my love for my husband, and my love for my new life. And thank you to all of you good friends who have shared the last couple of years with us and supported our journey ~ I love you all to absolute pieces. Well said Sue. In truth I’ve never connected the two independent activities on that date. Just as I didn’t connect babies born on that date, doctors delivering babies, performing surgery, and so on, on that date. Finding cures and/or vaccines for diseases on that date. As horrific and unforgettable 9/11/2001 will remain, what separates a civilized nation from one that lingers on ancient grievances and/or ideology based on hate, is to let live, let go and move on. You owe no apologies, no explanations. Your love towards each other that you and Shane share is proof that a heart filled with love, inner strength overcomes obstacles and outweighs burdened down hatred everytime. I love you both huuuugs.

  delete reply truemaskedwabbit wrote on Oct 3, '10 And ….. Happy Belated Anniversary to you both!!!!! Now, smack me in the back of the head. Love and hugs sis-in-law.

  • 11:23 pm
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• My Favourite Photo. :)

  

  • 11:18 pm
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• September 12th, 2008 ~ Hello from Mr & Mrs Varner. :):)

  

  Hi Guys!!
  
  We did it!
  As of 10.30am yesterday we are officially Mr & Mrs Shane Varner.

  We didn't get any photos of the ceremony itself, but Shane DID film it on his laptop.... right now we're having trouble uploading the vid to Photobucket for posting here on my blog - net access here at the tree farm is via his cellcard only and it's having trouble with the video file. But we should get it up and running in the next couple of days when we visit the library.

  We did take a few photos afterwards though... Shane took me to Salt Fork, a HUGE state park here in Ohio and one of his favourite places. We took a walk along Morgan's Knob Trail, and enjoyed a relaxing couple of hours with the woods to ourselves...

  "Come on in" my husband said,

  

  So I did. You can use your imagination from now on....

  
  

  
  And afterwards, we headed back out...

  

  Since then we've been here at the tree farm, spending a bit of time with Shane's parents and doing a bit of housekeeping around our camper. I'm LOVING it here! The peace and tranquility after two years in the old bloody apartment of mine back in Liverpool is simply wonderful! It's been raining all morning, but there's a tarp shelter over the camper and I'm sat here outside typing this, listening to the crickets and birds and keeping an eye open for deer running past - I've seen two already, awesome!

  That's about it for now... we're off doing a bit of grocery shopping and stuff later, so I'll wind this up and say 'bye for now!
  
  Mrs Varner, signing off!

  

  • 11:15 pm
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• October 11th, '11 ~ I'm very glad I have a blog :)

   

  I realised just yesterday that it's time for me to renew my Green Card. When you get your first one after coming here to marry an American citizen, it's a 2 year one with "conditions" attached, and I now have to apply to have those "conditions" lifted, before being issued with a 10 year Card. Basically, USCIS (United States Customs and Immigration Services) want to make sure that me and Shane are still married, living together as man and wife, and that I didn't just get Shane to marry me so I could grab my Green Card and bugger off to live my own life. 

   

  We have to show proof of our "joint" life, such as joint tax returns (check!), insurance policies in both names (car and truck - check!), joint bank account statements (check!), joint utility bills ... erm.... joint rental or mortgage payments... erm.... 

   

  With living rent free on the family tree farm, we have none of the rental/mortgage stuff. And Pops just gives us a copy of the bills for the electricity we use for the camper and the Maple Trailer, which are in his name, and we pay him what we owe.

   

  But I BLOG. And unlike the very specific scientific blogging Shane used to do, I blog about my mundane, day-to-day, blah blah life here on the tree farm with Shane. Ta Da!! Social blogging, about being married to Shane and our regular lives. Yay!! So I'm going to pick and choose several blogs, including the comments from YOU guys that make it genuine, and send some of them to USCIS too. I can't think of any better way, "unofficially", to show that we are indeed an old, boring married couple and I'm not off somewhere else being Susan Varner in name only. 

   

  I'm looking forward to rummaging around my own blog page for suitable "evidence". It's going to be fun.

   

  p.s... It's going to cost me $590. Anyone fancy starting a kitty??!

   

   

   

   

  34 Comments

  delete reply bonnymom wrote on Oct 12, '11 Oh my! We never had that issue, because we were both "damn foreigners" when we got here! I wish you the best of good fortune with this, sweetie! *hugs*

  delete reply tapewormz wrote on Oct 12, '11 you may want to stay away from my blog...

  delete reply trixyschaos wrote on Oct 12, '11 holy crap we're all gonna be investigated and then deported!!!

  delete reply ajaxofsalamis wrote on Oct 12, '11 You should be able to apply for permanent citizenship now.

  delete reply ajaxofsalamis wrote on Oct 12, '11 mousepotato66 said Anyone fancy starting a kitty??! Cats give me gas.

  delete reply bonnymom wrote on Oct 12, '11 ajaxofsalamis said Cats give me gas. *rolls eyes @ the bird*

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Oct 12, '11 bonnymom said Oh my! We never had that issue, because we were both "damn foreigners" when we got here! I wish you the best of good fortune with this, sweetie! *hugs* Thanks Teri... I know it's going to be just fine. Got a list of blogs as long as my arm already, lol!

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Oct 12, '11 tapewormz said you may want to stay away from my blog... No shit, Sherlock! Actually... I don't know. Would show what a "diverse" set of friends we have...

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Oct 12, '11 ajaxofsalamis said You should be able to apply for permanent citizenship now. You have to be here 5 or 10 years for application for citizenship Ajax... a Multiply friend of mine, "Dudge", from Wales originally, just got his. Way to go Dudge! But to be honest, I'm not really all that bothered. I'm English through and through, and the way I see it the only benefit I'd gain would be the right to vote. Unless me and Shane ever have children, which at my age looks doubtful, I don't really see the need.

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Oct 12, '11 bonnymom said *rolls eyes @ the bird* I know THAT feeling.

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Oct 12, '11 trixyschaos said holy crap we're all gonna be investigated and then deported!!! Hahahaha Trixy!! Shane actually said today that with me having my SS# and working solidly the last year, he doesn't think they'd bat an eyelid, or look into things further, if I didn't renew. But I say fuck that! I like to above board, 100% - I don't want ANYTHING coming to bite me on the arse 10 years down the line!

  delete reply ajaxofsalamis wrote on Oct 12, '11 mousepotato66 said You have to be here 5 or 10 years for application for citizenship Ajax I thought it was two, but it must be five.

  delete reply ajaxofsalamis wrote on Oct 12, '11 mousepotato66 said I'm English through and through And what's that ever done for ya? Half the time you can't even hardly speak English. P

  edit delete reply mousepotato66 wrote on Oct 12, '11 ajaxofsalamis said And what's that ever done for ya? Half the time you can't even hardly speak English. P It's "you". Not "ya". Bloody American. *Hugs the silly bird*

  delete reply dudgeoh wrote on Oct 12, '11 mousepotato66 said It's going to cost me $590. Anyone fancy starting a kitty? Oh, I so know how you feel. If you have a PayPal account you can get the code for a Donate button...

  delete reply dudgeoh wrote on Oct 12, '11 mousepotato66 said You have to be here 5 or 10 years for application for citizenship Ajax... a Multiply friend of mine, "Dudge", from Wales originally, just got his. Way to go Dudge! Its only three, if you're married to a US Citizen, iirc. Unless they changed it. I just took ten years because I'm a procrastinator! *lol* And until I renounce the Queen etc., I'm essentially a dual-citizen, considered British in Britain and American everywhere else.

  delete reply keir32 wrote on Oct 12, '11 I think it's the same in the UK now, Sue. Seems it's all paperwork these days - paperwork that YOU have to do! :-/ Never just a "form" it's like a friggin novel you have to fill in these days... Have a good one! xx

  delete reply keir32 wrote on Oct 12, '11 ooooh p.s. I'll donate $5 for you to get a bloody hair cut LMAO!!!

  delete reply chelleyj wrote on Oct 12, '11, edited on Oct 12, '11 i just had to renew Julius' permanent resident card... it was only 50 bux tho... thank GOD it wasnt 500+!! sheesh! we've been married almost 9 years now time sure flies. good luck tater!

  delete reply yetanotherguy13 wrote on Oct 12, '11 Ask them if they know why you're called Tater Tot.

  delete reply pattym1957 wrote on Oct 12, '11 Good luck, hope we get to keep you !!

  delete reply mystydragons wrote on Oct 12, '11 I have a friend that got married to what she thought was the love of her life. once he got that 10 yr card he did bugger off and they had a kid. Can you believe it? I know that isn't you at all. I will pray everything goes smoothly for you.

  delete reply mezzapa wrote on Oct 12, '11 I didn't knw Shane was an Injun, so where is his greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen card?

  delete reply mezzapa wrote on Oct 12, '11 I'll bet I is the only injun U know.

  delete reply mezzapa wrote on Oct 12, '11 50,000000000000 to one

  delete reply david4bp wrote on Oct 12, '11 so, you gonna show 'em your first post talkin 'bout shane? the one where you said you saw him listed as 'friendly american sex slave' via craig's list? if so, might wanna leave out some of the details re his 'audition'... just send 'em the part about how the rugged bidness blossomed into a sweet romance....

  delete reply keir32 wrote on Oct 12, '11, edited on Oct 12, '11 hey wait, this is getting shown to an official? Cool! *** Flips the bird to Obama *** LOL ...Sorry that had to be done!

  delete reply jerseyjenn wrote on Oct 12, '11 best of luck to you Mouse, i'm happy you'll be with us for another 10 years

  delete reply gregers wrote on Oct 12, '11 Good luck, Mousie... can't do much about starting a kitty, my two kitties are eating me out of house and home... but I luvs them!!

  delete reply mezzapa wrote on Oct 12, '11 I member that

  delete reply cassierenee wrote on Oct 12, '11 I'm so glad you have a blog too!

  delete reply thisismeow wrote on Oct 12, '11 Best of luck Mousie!! xoxoxo I can imagine some of the tree farm blogs and making maple syrup blogs might boggle them a bit. lol!

  delete reply auntbee46 wrote on Oct 12, '11 I'm glad you have a blog too! Good luck Cuz!

  
  

  delete reply leece9767 wrote on Oct 14, '11 Blogging certainly has it's advantages!

  • 11:07 pm
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• March 10th, '10 ~ Lookie what I got!

  ~*~*~

  

   

   

   

  • 11:01 pm
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• 06/09/2008 ~ mouse is IN America!

  I'm home.
  Enough said.
  Shane is gorgeous
  Catch you soon guys - we got some catching up to do....

  • 10:51 pm
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• 10/07/08 ~ You know that catchphrase of mine?

  

  ... "Look out Ohio, Mousie's on a Mission"?

  I got to the Embassy about 8:15am, and after the security checks etc spent an hour and a half waiting to be seen, ticket #5011 in my hot little hand. The first desk I got called to was just to check over paperwork and such, and the lady dealing with that put the fear of god into me when she said that Shane's Affidavit of Support might not be enough as it had no tax returns or invoices with it. You know that feeling you get when something nasty happens ~ you feel the blood drain out of your face and your whole body goes cold? That was me. I thought I was going to faint.

  But she sent me back to the waiting area and said I'd have to see what the interviewing Officer made of it. So I waited a bit longer, chewing my fingers and desperate for a cigarette, before getting called to another window. (It was weird ~ I'd expected a big room with a desk, me on one side and two interrogators on the other, something like the Spanish Inquisition; but it was just a load of cubicles. A bit like being at the Post Office really...) The Officer was another lady ~ smiley and cheerful, and just so pleasant! She asked only a few questions ~ How did we meet? How long was it before we met in person? Any children? ~ and I just started waffling on as I do, giggling and grinning and talking ten to the dozen. After only about five minutes she put her hand up and said...

  "Okay, I can see this is genuine!... your visa will be approved ~ and good luck with your new life in America!"

  My mouth stopped a second, blurted out "oh my god, thank you! Thank you!" and I promptly burst into tears.

  I'm still quite emotional now ~ it's been a hell of a long time coming, and now all that's left is to book my flight, hand in my notice at work, and get packing! I've just spent a couple of hours on Skype with Shane since getting back from London, and we're going ahead with the date we've discussed already...
  
  from Saturday September 6th, just 8 weeks and 1 day away, my new catchphrase will be a simple

  "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"

  I'm headed for bed. What a day it's been ~ I'm knackered!
  Goodnight guys, and thank YOU, too! Your support is simply awesome and I love you all for it.
  *MUAH!*
  

  • 10:47 pm
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