Hey guys, I've been following this forum pretty closely since August or so, but never really participated. Any who, I was
FINALLY APPROVED ! 
I was hoping i'd get an approval as a Christmas present but didn't want to get my hopes up, BUT i got it!
As alot of people have said, patience is key throughout all this process. *Hopefully* i'll get my EAD in the mail before NewYear's !
Application recieved by USCIS:
September 17 &sent to California Service Center
Biometrics completed:
September 25
1765 &I821D both approved:
December 22