My dear friend:
Here is what I do, maybe it will work for you too...
-Accept the fact that it could easily take another year for you to get your visa. Buffalo is drowning in backlog... I'm thinking Aug of 2012 for myself. Anything sooner and we party.
-Don't let the idea of the PR Visa consume your everyday. Fill your day with work and other activities. Keep busy.
-Develop a plan B, in case buffalo takes an eternity, like those poor folks who applied in 2007 and are still waiting.
-Don't check your Ecas everyday. How about once a week...
-Set sometime to read this board every few days and stop posting on this forum on a daily basis. Becasue if you come here everyday, you will feel good for your friends as their applications move ahead, but the irregularity of processing times among VOs is bound to get you more frustrated.
-Finally, write to Minister Kenney and complain about the discrimination some applicants are experiencing because of their particular VO. Be polite and express your ideas clearly, ask for his assistance... it takes away the powerless feeling you are experiencing and makes you think you have done something to help your case... even if it gets nowhere.
These measures are not perfect, but they do make things easier... at least a little bit for me.
Best,
Cam