With all the rash of engagements there are more than a few guys here waiting for their Russian dream brides to arrive.  There is some things to do other than prepare your K-1 package and find the best airfare from Warsaw.

Prepare your bachelor dump er, pad:
Do the necessary things you have been putting off.  Like painting, cleaning and organizing.  A special note to organization: get rid of all ex-girlfriend photos and correspondence.  I know of a guy that didn't and he paid dearly for this for a longer time than it was worth.  If you MUST hang on to the memories, just know that sooner or later your Russian wife will find them and you will have some long (and very uninteresting) conversations about your ex-whatevers.  As for getting Russian TV installed, I am against it at first.  I think having the option NOT to watch American TV is too tempting and she may rely on it as a crutch.  Even though watching American TV will not raise her IQ level, it will help greatly with her English skills.  "Feminize" a room for her.  If you have an extra bathroom, make it "her" bathroom.  Throw out the reading material you have stacked next to the crapper and go buy a silk flower arraignment for the counter.  While shopping for the flower arraignment also buy her an industrial size hair dryer, a good hair brush, a nice "girly" bathroom set (soap dish, water glass ect).  Think about new towels, rug and shower curtain too.  Stock this bathroom with feminine products like Tampons, liquid bath soap (with a scrubby), lotions, women's razor, women's shaving cream ect.  A gift basket from Victoria's secret or Body Works will cover more ground in this area than you realize.  Of course you should wear your most manly outfit while doing this or the store clerks may think you are gay.  LOL.

Scouting the territory-
Search out a local Russian/ Eastern European food store.  Much the same as the TV thing above, this store can be used for some comfort food occasionally, not as a steady diet.  There is nothing more settling than a glass of Kefir after a stressful day.  Usually, the little Russian markets also carry Russian tapes and CD's.  Also check for a local Orthodox church if your lady is religious and of that faith.

Things to research-
Find out what your state's driving laws are concerning foreign drivers or new drivers.  While doing this also inquire if your area provides the written test in Russian.  CA does.  If they do, ask if they have a driving manual written in Russian.  Washington does.  Check out the requirements to add your wife (and child) to your health and auto insurance.  Check out your local laws on what is required to get married.  

Prepare yourself mentally-
Get ready to have some rely on you for EVERYTHING 24/7.  Think about how your woman will fill her days while you are at work.  She won't have the luxury of knowing anything in the beginning and housework will not do it.  Think about activities that she can do by herself.  As much as you love her, you both will want a break from each other every now and then.  ESL classes are great for this.  Check your local college or adult education for ESL classes.  Prepare to pay big bucks for the college sponsored classes though.  Foreign tuition is high and I think the ESL classes are a profit center for them.  While on the subject of education, have your lady get a certified (and sealed) copy of her college transcript if she is going to continue her education here.
Get ready for the ride of your life!
Any other ideas from the married guys are welcome.
KenC

... in response to Get ready guys!!, posted by KenC on Jun 12, 2002

...and even after arrival, do something every day to neat up the place. Frame her prize pictures etc. etc.

Karl

... in response to Get ready guys!!, posted by KenC on Jun 12, 2002

Ken,

I agree with everything you say except "feminizing" her bathroom, and picking out lotions, razors etc..  I think most of these women would really enjoy doing this them selves, picking out what they want, as their tastes are certainly miles from ours.. and many of these things are pretty personal items anyway..  It could be a lot of fun for them to pick out these things themselves..

Later

... in response to Re: Re: Get ready guys!!, posted by KenC on Jun 12, 2002

Ken,

I can see doing a few things but I would much rather support her in choosing things she may like..  As I said, women's tastes are far different than most men's..

Just me..

... in response to Re: Re: Get ready guys!!, posted by MarkInTx on Jun 12, 2002

smile

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Get ready guys!!, posted by KenC on Jun 12, 2002

She will probaly bring a few... and if not... I doubt a guy (or least I am speaking for myself... doesnt have much experience picking out tampons... quite a few different kinds and sizes etc... ) so my advice is to try to get her involved as soon as possible with friends..who can help her out with this ... unfortunately she may have to take "potluck" for a month or so if she doesnt have any friends or family to advise her... like I said before I doubt most men will be able to pick out the right one that meets her needs... I remember my wife asking me questions the first month about them while we were at the supermarket... and while I could explain some of the english terms to her... and she bought some ... she got her russian friend to help her the next week who had been in the country for3 years... frankly I wasnt embarassed and she wasnt embarassed... we arent teenagers anymore are we? but there are many different kinds of these things and most men dont have a clue about them until their wife shows them which one is best for them..

... in response to Mark, you can always use them for X-mas ..., posted by Oscar on Jun 12, 2002

OK Oscar...

You need to take a step back from your computer and breathe deeply...

Yuuuck! That one was bad...

... in response to Re: Get ready guys!!, posted by Oscar on Jun 12, 2002

and besides it gives you one of the many Kodak moments when you take her to the local supermarket and other stores and she is amazed at all the different choices she has in hair spray, soaps, food etc...  the look on her face will be priceless to you... enjoy it....

Keith