Okay

I'm here and alive. We were not granted our fiancee visa due to the fact that we do not have 'original' divorce decrees for our previous marriages (one each). I had called and asked for originals and was told that certified copies was all that they give. Thus, I went to the interview with certified copies. That was not good enough. I explained that I could not get originals and was told, essentially, 'tough shit'. All the other paperwork was in order. So, once we, theoretically, get the original decrees, we mail them in and they send us our visa. But, since we cannot get originals, we do not know what we are going to do. Probably contact an immigration lawyer and ask for help.

I was at first denied entrance to the US, but since we had had the foresight to buy a return ticket, they eventually let me in. I will be returning to Canada on the 27th of January. At that time, I will hopefully have the documents that I need and will be able to get my visa.

I'm tired. All that stress for a year and a half only to not be accepted was really awful. Then the stress of being denied entrance to the US at first. Then the stress of coming home to an apartment that, although Paul did a great job, does not meet my cleanliness standards.

Paul was very sweet today, though. He took me shopping for groceries and essentials and also to Big Lots where we got new dishes! Paul had a small batch of mismatched dishes that he had acquired over the years and so I have always wanted a nice, new set. A day or two before he came to Winnipeg he mentioned that he would rather chuck the dishes than wash them and much to his surprise I said 'sure, just take me out to get new ones when I get there'. So, today we got the cutest, cheapest dishes ever. They were the kind where you buy one piece at a time. so we got 6 large plates (buff coloured with a blue swirl), 6 large bowls (same style) and 6 small plates (solid matching blue). We also couldn't resist getting new silverware to replace the equally mismatched, ancient stuff that we had. So we got a set of 35 knives, forks, spoons etc. All the dishes and silverware equalled $30! Unbelievable, eh? And it looks gorgeous too.

Plus, Paul went out the day before he came up to Canada and bought me a wee Christmas tree, even though I hadn't mentioned once this year how much I wanted one. He's a good man :)

Early Christmas at my parents was lots of fun. Everyone got alone very well, the food was awesome, we got excellent gifts and my family seemed to like the gifts that we got them.

So, all in all, could have gone better but we will take one step at a time again now.