Is anybody out there?

I am new to this site and want to make the most out of connecting with fellow Yankee's who have navigated their way here across the pond and have integrated into British life. I have been in the UK since March 2012. I was married in May of 2012. I have started the spouse visa application in order to work but for the most part I feel like I am in limbo. I must say it is quite strange not to know what to do with myself considering in the states I lead a go go go lifestyle. For awhile the sabbatical I told myself I was on was great however as each day passes, I am getting anxious to do more. I found out I am unable to volunteer with my marriage visa so I am basically out of options on how to get involved over here. If anyone has any suggestions please send them my way. If anyone feels like sharing their experiences, I say go for it. If anyone just wants to air some thoughts about living in GB, I say they are certainly welcome as well. Hope to hear from someone so I know there are helpful Yankee's out there.

I came to the UK on fiance visa in March of 2012! 

We're getting married on Saturday ( ) and applying in person for FLR(M) soon after. Not being able to work or volunteer is really starting to get to me now. Initially, it was ok because I had just graduated from college and had been going to school full-time and working full-time, so I tried to look at it as a much needed break. Now I just feel lazy and purposeless. 

One thing that has helped is keeping my days structured. I do the same things at the same time most days like I would if I had a daily routine because of a job. Otherwise, I feel like I might just spend my whole life in front of the computer.  Another thing that has helped is going for walks to keep active. I've also been fake job searching and tailoring my CV for those fake jobs just to keep practicing and be in that kind of mindset. Lastly, I keep telling myself that this is only temporary. Eventually, I'll be able to work and when I do find a job, I'll miss being a lady of leisure.

Hi Istrano27, Congrats on your wedding and good luck to PlainPearl for Saturday!  Hope the weather behaves for you!  I can't offer much in the way of visa advise, I've been married to my Brit for 34 years and in the days I arrived they would just stamp the visa in one's passport so it was all very easy.  I feel for you being in limbo, I still feel like that sometimes and I've lived here for 26 years!  Its true you have to give your days alot of structure and set up projects.  Doing anything spontaneously often doesn't work out.  Are you in London?

Hello ladies! Thank you so much for responding to my post. It is great to get some feedback from the both of you. PlainPearl I hope you have a sensational wedding this Saturday. My thoughts are with you to have the day you have been hoping for. Enjoy every moment because it passes so quickly. I was married in Oxford in May and it went too fast but was beautiful. I like you have been trying to keep myself to a daily schedule of some sort. I have also been job hunting while I await for my passport to come back. I sent it off to have my passport changed to my married name before applying for my spouse visa. I think you have it right to apply in person for a spouse visa. I am going to mail mine in to save the 300 pounds of going to see someone. I would also have to travel to get to a center where I would be able to do it in person so the 500 pounds compared to the 800 with travel is what suits me best. I do wish you the best with your process and please do keep in the loop to how it all goes for you.

SusiO, hello there and thank you as well for responding. Congratulation on being married for 34 years! That is certainly something to celebrate! I am comforted by your words of saying there are times when you still feel out of sorts even after all these years. Yes the times have changed and it no longer takes just a stamp in one's passport book but what can one do when the main goal is to be with the one you love. I am located in Oxford so I am not to far from London. I would love to know if there are ever meet ups or events to attend. I think it would also be good for my husband who is a brit to meet with other men or women who have married someone from abroad.

Thank you again for the responses. All the best to the both of you! 

Welcome - not in UK yet but will be joining the rest of you in one short month!

Good Afternoon!  I'm shocked at the cost of your visas!  I, too, am interested in meet-ups in London or somewhere down south.  I'm also not far from Oxford so if you get very lonely and don't mind meeting up with an "oldie" I'd be happy to. Are there American/Expat groups in Oxford?

Hi GeordieWife!  Where will you be located when you move?

I would say by her nickname...Geordiewife...probably moving to Newcastle? Home of the "Geordie's".  lol

I'm in Banbury now, and would also be keen to know if there are people in the Oxfordshire area meeting up.

I feel quite in limbo as well, even though I've had my ILR for years.  My situation was a bit odd though--I homeschooled my kids for a few years, and since they've been back at school it's been hard to figure out what to do with myself.  I think transitions tend to send most people into a spin of some kind--fortunately humans also tend to adapt.

Is there a section in this forum where people can arrange meet-ups? I'm brand new here, but you all seem so nice. I'm in Southampton but I'd be willing to take a bus and/or train to get to London or somewhere near London for a meet-up. Is there any place to organize it?

Is there a section in this forum where people can arrange meet-ups?

There's a Meetings and Events board here http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?board=20.0

Hi sorry have been away from the boards for a few weeks, where does the time go?  We leave in 6 days! 

And yes headed to Newcastle - I am married to a Geordie!