Starting to Freak!

I don't know where this thread belongs. . .

I can't believe it came so fast, but my boyfriend (Dan) and I leave Friday for the states, getting (secretly) married on Tuesday the 20th, and hopefully going to the Consulate in NYC on the following Tuesday for my visa!!! 

I thought you could get appointments up to 2 weeks in advance?  Right now you can only get them for the 20th-22.  So does that mean I have to wait until the week before? where did I get the 2 week figure from?  Maybe I'll just keep checking back.

I know this has been answered, but I can't find it-  can anyone recommend a hotel near the Consulate in NY?

My family is starting to freak out- I've been here for 5 months now, I'm going home for 2 weeks and planning on coming back for however long.  As most of you know, its a never ending battle of 'where should we live' and since we're just starting out here. . we're staying for a while.   My family has a hard time with that one I think, they want an exact date so they can begin their countdown. I know it must be hard for them. 

I got guilt trip in particular which gave me anxiety. . .  a letter from my father, reminding me that it is a BIG COMMITMENT, I live SO far away, have I considered everything, big or small wedding, we will still have to 'love, honor and obey,' what if I don't get a job, what if they can't visit, what if Dan never wants to move to the US, what if I can't pay my student loans!?!?!?!?  AHHHHHHH!

I wrote back and set him straight- of course I have considered everything, of course I will get a job, I've been paying my student loans for the past 5 months without help from them and without a job, Dan makes me so happy and would they rather I was dating a jerk from home or was so happy with someone who loves me in England.  Etc. 

This is supposed to be exciting for us! It still is exciting, but it would be more exciting if my family was excited for me instead of panicking over everything.  My mom is more supportive of what we're doing, but is so smothering,  like she's not going to let us out of her sight when we are home. She's even said to people (including my own brothers) who have mentioned to her spending time with us when we're home, that she's 'not willing to share' and 'where we go, she goes.'   I guess that is her guilt-trip style.  More subtle than dad's. . . but still just as effective! 

I have so much stress about the visa and mini-wedding that the letter and everything just adds to it.  I think when anyone gets married they're questioning everything, and its a risk.  It is extra hard not to have the full support of my family.  What hurts the most is that they don't seem to trust me to know what I'm doing.  I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't sure. . .  not to mention,  if it did turn out to be a mistake- my life won't be over!!!

Have any of you had similar experiences? I think I'm having anxiety about going home, and having to say goodbye again, which, will be sad, but nothing compared to saying goodbye to Dan.  :-)

Hey chic!  Long time no talk!  I was wondering where you were.  

I dont have any suggestions as to places near the NY Consulate.  I'll be going to the one in LA. Sorry
Anyway, I can understand about your family.  I've got less three months to go and my moms way of dealing with it is telling everyone that her youngest is moving away.  Then she gets this, "I still can't believe you" look and shakes her head.  Now my dad...who was easier to tell than my mom...well...the real feelings came out the other day on the phone, "Well, sweetie, maybe you shouldn't do this...".  Hmmm...in all honesty, this decision might just be a not so bright idea, but...I'm going to do it, and it takes a hell of a lot more guts to go for it that it does to back down.   

And another thing, I've got thousands in student loans too.  So, I'm in the same boat as you there.  Still trying to figure out how that will go.
My next obstacle is the fiance visa.  So, you stressing about yours, I can understand.  Except you're getting married!  Soon!  How exciting.   I want to see pictures, ok?  And I'm not sure how far apart we'll be living, but we'll definitely need to set up some meetings.

Sorry I wasn't much help!  Look out for my posts though.  I know I'll begin to freak too as it gets closer  

having to say goodbye again, which, will be sad, but nothing compared to saying goodbye to Dan.  :-)

This is what I tell myself.  I'll miss my family, but it'll be so great knowing I wont have to say another goodbye to Craig again.

Let me know how everything goes, ok?  Best of luck and lots of hugs

We stayed at Hotel 31...www.hotel31.com...it's cheap and has very odd wallpaper, but it was close to the consulate (20 blocks is close, right?) and felt safe 

Just got back from NC yesterday...exhausted!  Will send you a big email when my brain is working properly...if I don't email you before you leave, GOOD LUCK and have a HAPPY WEDDING!!!!   

LisaE and I both stayed at The Helmsley Middletowne Hotel.

http://www.1stnewyorkhotels.com/hotels/Helmsley_Middletowne.htm

I used Expedia and got a great rate and they were wonderful on a personal level to me - I had a very sticky situation to say the least and they were great and went out of their way for me.

And it's about 2-3 blocks from the Counsulate!  You step outside, turn right, cross the street, turn left, and the Consulate is on your right a little way down.

Thank you everyone. I am already starting to freak out less! It helps so much to think that many of you have done it and you're still alive!     Kaz, hopefully there will be one more expert by the time you go through it!

I still didn't get my appointment at the consulate, but they are up to the 26th (I want the 27th).  A little progress is still progress!

Thanks again for your hotel suggestions.   

Hey there.  So besides freaking out, you must be excited too!  Trust me, it's fine to freak, I did as well.  Just know that we are all here to help and many of us have been right where you are.  I stalked the appointment page everyday, till I could make one.  Thinking well what if something changes and I miss my chance.  When I look back I know it was silly, but you never know that till you go through it all.  The rest of it is also a piece of cake as well.

My DH and I were at the Le Parker Meridien.  It's gorgeous!!!  The Hotel is located at W 57th Street, a great location and very close to the consulate. 
http://www.parkermeridien.com/main.html
They also have an incredible rest. called Norma's.  Best brunch I've ever had.

Congrats!  Good luck and let us know how it all works out.

I can't stop stalking the appointments page!!! 

I will be so glad when its all done, but it is very very exciting.