One year later

[groovlstk]

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary of my wife's arrival in the US. It's been an amazing year, I wouldn't even know where to start in trying to describe how my life has changed in this time. Usually at this time of year I do a Taking Stock evening with a good bottle of scotch, but this year I'd have to take an entire week off and still  probably wouldn't make it past August 

For you guys in the search phase, don't lose hope; use your head, be persistent, and most of all never settle for anything less than the woman of your dreams.

For the OMBs who patiently answered my questions when I first arrived and pulled me back to earth when I mistakenly thought I had it all figured out after a few trips, you have my undying gratitude.

Merry Christmas and best wishes to all RWDers in the New Year!

[bgreed]

Congrats Groov  sure doesn't seem like a year since you announced your wifes arrival here.

[Markus]

Hey Groovy,

you will see that it just keeps getting better and better. Of course there will be disagreements, but where there is more than 2 people together in any situation, there will be disagreements. With spouses, and of course I'm speaking mainly about RW spouses, you work though it and move on.

I just had a buddy retire from work who has been married to a RW for about 13-15 years. She gave him a surprise party. Later, he told me how lucky he and I were for having RW wives. He is correct. I really don't know how one's love can grow, but mine just keeps on keeping on. Take care,

Mark

[Daveman]

Congrats on the one year mark, Groov. I saw the website you created.. beautiful lady, and from everything I read here, a great guy and mentor...

For you guys in the search phase, don't lose hope; use your head, be persistent, and most of all never settle for anything less than the woman of your dreams.

Amen... settling kills us..

Happy holidays to you both...

Dave

[USCFAN]

Congrats Groov 


... and as one of those guys in the 'search' phase ... thanks for the encouragement

I hope your words are true 

[Gator]

Groov,

Thanks for staying around and continuing to share your insights, when I know you have plenty to do elsewhere.

[Turboguy]

Congratulations Groov.   I do miss those awsome TR's you used to write.   I think no one has ever matched those.   VWRW and I want to congratulate you on the one year acheivement and I hope you are still posting and I am still reading when the 20 year mark arrives.

[Simoni]

Congratulations Groov.   I do miss those awsome TR's you used to write.   I think no one has ever matched those.   

First, I'll agree with Turbo.  Groove's Trip Reports stand above any every written here in terms of heart, authenticity and writing style.

I'm glad the trips culminated in a wonderful match. Congrats, Mark!

~Si & Marina

[IAmZon]

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary of my wife's arrival in the US. It's been an amazing year, I wouldn't even know where to start in trying to describe how my life has changed in this time. Usually at this time of year I do a Taking Stock evening with a good bottle of scotch, but this year I'd have to take an entire week off and still  probably wouldn't make it past August 

Groove - you still gotta try.  Pretend it is a trip report with 50% less efforrt.

I'll try to help:

1, What about your first year was the most pleasantly surprising?
2, What about your year was the most unpleasant?

Inquiring minds want to know ..

Congrats and Merry Xmas

[Jazzyclassy]

Merry Christmas and congratulations

[Photo Guy]

Yeah-   M  E  R  R  Y    C  H  R  I  S  T  M  A  S  !  !     to both of you

and congrats.  Please continue with your fantastic writing, whether it's
a novel or whatever. And best wishes for her career!

[Voyageur]

Congrats, Groove - may each year bring you more and more happiness.

[KenC]

Groovster,
Congrats and Merry Christmas to you both.

It is because of people like you that RWD is such a special place.  I know that I never try to miss a post you make and am thankful for your continued contributions here.  Your fantastic writing skills are only surpassed by your good judgement and ability to give GREAT advice.

All the best to you and your sweetie in this holiday season.
KenC
(I am kind of planning on a NY trip this year with Lena and would love to hook up with you for dinner or drinks)

[Son of Clyde]

Best of luck Groov and many more happy years together. Hope you can make a similar post in 20 years proving that RW/AM marriages do work. Hope you had a great holiday.

[groovlstk]

Thanks for the good wishes and Happy New Year to everyone!

1, What about your first year was the most pleasantly surprising?
2, What about your year was the most unpleasant?

Riv, to answer your questions:

Most pleasantly surprising was how easily my wife adapted to life here. It was certainly not easy but I thought it would be more difficult. I think one thing that helped was that we did everything together - not so much out of necessity but because we genuinely love to be together. She was also able to phone home as often as she wanted, as I kept her calling card balance paid. Her need to phone her family tapered off after a few months and now she does it about once per week.

Most unpleasant thing would be the way so many people wanted to take advantage of her. Everyone from the doc who gave her the required inoculations her first month here, to Russian/Ukrainian expats we had to deal with at ESL schools, to employers who offered her a job w/no vacation time or benefits, to the metrosexuals and ghetto trash who hit on her when she rides the subway alone, it seems I spent a lot of time protecting her from elements I never suspected would be problems and I was completely unprepared for it. I'll tell you one thing: I would NOT want to be a new immigrant in the NYC area if I didn't have someone watching my back.

Ken, my wife and I would be thrilled to meet you and Lena, please keep me posted on when you plan to visit.

We did a Christmas tree tour of Manhattan on Christmas eve and had a blast! We started at Rockefeller Center, then took the subway to Bryant Park, then to the Macy's window display, then on to Wall St. and the NY Stock Exchange, and finally to a waterfront park near our home.

Happy New Year to everyone!

[Alyona]

Happy Anniversary to you both!

Alyona

[2tallbill]

Congratulations Groove,

I like others, would enjoy reading about the continued adventures of Groove while
navigating the perilous seas of Marriage around the Islands of New York. Maybe your insights
might help others on this journey while entertaining the rest. Your past T/Rs have been very
beneficial to me on my quest.

UdAchi v NOvom Godoo! (good luck in the New Year)


Take care,

Bill