That is great news Darlene...I know how great it feels to see that CRIS e-mail!!!

It took about 5 days to arrive from teh time we got the notice, However, ours was returned by the post office so we had to make a special infopass apppointment in San Francisco and ask them to expedite the mailing of it again.......

i know i shouldn't be worried but we haven't been touched in 2 weeks...and on the 3rd the uscis tried to send us something and our dumb ### post office sent it back....we called and they said it could take up to 40 to get back....i am lossing my mind cause i want to know what it is....and when you call the uscis they have no clue...i really hate this..

Hey My Likkle Friend.....Do you remember that this same thing happened to Duane and me. The damn post office sent back his EAD card. We made an infopass appointment and they expedited the re-mailing of it.......they won't even tell you if it was approved yet?? That is weird......call em and give em hell............

Jonesie and Sonshyne-

I know you both are local in the Bay Area so I wanted to invite you out to a Jamaican Reggae DJ clash at Karribean City in Oakland on Friday May 4. It is located on Webster St. near Lake Merritt (nice area). Duane is the MC so the show should be great. He MC'd the Phantom Mojah concert a few weeks ago at the same place and it was unbelievable!!! Not sure if you are interested but I wanted to invite you since it feels like being back in Jamaica......

Depends on how my belly is feeling...I wanted to see Damian and Stephen on Sunday but I have been so tired But we ladies should definitely hook up and at least do lunch or an early dinner if we don't all go to the show!

Your tiredness will pass. Once you hit the 3 month mark you will notice a big difference. The baby is taking so much from you now. Hang in there.

The Visa showed up today, Nickiesha will be able to make her flight tomorrow.

That is such great news. Congratulations to the both of you. Wow. this has been a long time coming. Wishing her a safe journey....

Congrats!!!!

Today has been particulary very hard for me. Im doing my best to try to compose myselft at work without bursting into tears. I just cant understand. I prayed & waited for this for so long. I am at a loss. I am at a loss, I am at a loss.

CONGRATS to you 2 Eric !!! Wow, what a great way to start off your weekend, huh??

TGIF !!

Congrats Eric!!




Oh TB it's going to be alright..

I know this is very very hard for you ....just try to stay busy...work, taking your son out and doing *fun* things for the 2 of you.

Just remember, it's ALLLLL 'bout Karma and he WILL get what's coming to him !!!!!!!!

I swear Im trying to change my thought pattern. But I was so consumed with him & this whole process. There is nothing I can do. He wont call me. He couldnt event tell me that he ever loved me the last time he screamed at me on the phone earlier this week. He calls from Private #'s. He yells at his mother & cousin who tried to talk to him. Im sick to my stomach. Ive thought about calling this chick but what good does that do, I dont even know how in depth their relationship truly was......but what good does that do---he is in charge of his own decisions, he packed, caught a flight & left . No one made him. I had so many dreams. We had so many dreams, i thought. He begged me to hang in there with him & so I did, he gets here & quits on me. I tabulated everything it came up to over 8k in 8 months. He didnt risk nor lose a dime. How could he quit on me?

I can't say i know how you feel. God knows we all need to say a special prayer for God to lift this from your heart. I hope you understand you did nothing wrong . You fell in love and thats not a crime, the crime was he couldn't love you as much . But we do and we are here for you.

WELL ITS ABOUT TIME SOME GOOD THINGS BEGIN COMING UR WAY. BUT NOW ITS COMIN TO MY SIDE. SEAN WENT TO THE EMBASSY TODAY AND WAS TOLD HE CAME ON THE WRONG DATE. BUT THIS IS THE DATE WE GOT. I WAS SUSPICIUOS ABOUT IT BEING ON A FRI. NOW HE GOTTA GO BACK ON MAY 15

Go figure, they probably provided the wrong date. They can't do anything right there. I think it's the fact that most of them are Jamaicans, stuck in Jamaica... so they don't care about the lucky ones that get to leave.

There are quite a few of them that would have lost their jobs had they been working for me at one of our Jamaica centers.

Oh, Texas.......My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Having been through this whole process, I know exactly what you went through to get him here. While we had less expense in JA, I made 14 trips in as many months and incurred visa associated expenses. Then, enduring the whole process, I can imagine your trials, tribulations, hopes, and dreams. I would be devestated as I can feel in your words you are.

I have nothing wise to say to you that will console you right now. Just know that you truly are in my thoughts and prayers and if I can do anything at all for you, please hollar.

TexasBound I cannot imagine how you feel at this moment.
Just remember you did nothing wrong. Except fall in love.
Hug your little boy and hold him close.
When I divorced my first husband my son was 4 1/2 month old and he was my rock.
If I did not have him I would have lost my mind.
Time heals...I know you don't want to hear it.
Hang in there.

That is so true. My little one is a Godsend. He brings me daisys from the yard & kisses me good morning everyday. We didnt get off routine even when you know who was here. He has my full attention now & this weekend we will bake a "Happy Cake" together.

Congrats Eric...I know you have been though a lot finally get to this day so I am so happy for both of you!!! I feel like I knwo you since I came to VJ just about the time that you left back for Jamaica and eveyone was wondering what happeded to you. I heard about you often in POSTS because everyone missed you!!! Glad to see you are back and good things are happening.......

Texas......I can't imagine your sadness or heavy heart but please remember that time heals......

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I am work both Saturday and Sunday. Need some vacation money.

Aw, I'm jealous. I already miss the Bay area so much and now you guys are linking up. Who lives in Los Angeles?

Congrats!!!!!

Me too Darlene...overtime on both days......Duane in the Best Man (or as he says: "Best Yute" ) at a wedding next weekend in Dallas Texas so we are heading down to Texas for 3 days and we need some money for Jamaica....can't believe it has been since July that we went back.....it is kinda crazy to think that 2 years prior to last July, I was in Jamaica every month and now it has been almost 1 year and NO Jamaica.......things certainly do change after they arrive........HUH????

It has been fun chatting back with everyone the last few days....Duane caught me yesterday and said...."Oh no, you back chatting to all dem women.....you love chat in person and you love chat in writing..." Crazy guy!!!

So happy to hear!!!!!! Bet you can't quite believe it!!

Congrats Eric!! Welcome home Nickiesha!!

SO ERIC EVEN THOUGH YOU BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR THIS MOMENT AND YOU BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH ARE YOU STILL HAVING THE FIRST DAY JITTERS FOR WHEN SHE ACTUALLY STEPS OFF THAT PLANE? WHAT ABOUT GETTING THE HOUSE CLEANED UP? THE CLOSET READY FOR HER STUFF? SHARING THE BATHROOM SINK....LOL GET READY BUDDY.

We've lived together in Jamaica, so it's really only the culture shook I'm worried about.

Even her flight has gone the way of issues. They held her up in immigration so long that she missed her flight to Indy. Now she's flying to dallas, and then to indy. Will be here 11pm.

So she's fillanally landed so the visa side is over.

Eric, I'm really glad that things have finally come to a happy ending for you. As the corny saying goes, today is the first day of the rest of your life.


Texas Bound, there are no words. Nothing that can express how pissed and sad I am, we are, about what has happened. Certainly none that will make it not hurt. Just know that we're here and that you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Congrats Eric and all the best !!

Sounds like fun What time does it start?? I will try to make it if it's an evening show. I'm off work at 1:00.

Jonesie that sounds like a plan. I'm gonna have to made a trip to Alameda to drop off somethings that was sent back from JA. I'm not sure when I'll be making the trip..... But I'll keep you posted.

Hang in there, the sickness will soon go away

Texas I am so sorry that you have to go thru this. Let the tears flow, that is the first step to healing

Congrats to you and your wife This was long time coming

Please tell me that goes for me too??

I'm 20 weeks today and STILL sick
Ankles have started swelling up, and if I walk at anything but a snail's pace, I get out of breath and my stomach starts tightening

Not to mention I get exhausted just BEING out

I don't know what you ladies exercise routine was before the pregnancy but you should try yoga. They have yoga for pregnant women. This will help you blood flow, and cut down on all that exhaustion, swelling, and sickness! If you are only 20 weeks then you should nip it in the bud NOW, before it gets worse as your pregnancy progresses. Check out yoga centers around your town for the classes. I guarantee you will feel 100 times better.

I have even seen my girlfriends take water areboic classes for pregant momies. They say it works and they feel so light.

Texasbound - may you heal and God be with you during this time. Hold in there tommorrow and the next days will being to get brighter. My thoughts and prayers go to you during this healing time !!

Texas Bound, im sorry to that you are going through this. keep your head up things will get better. all the best to you.

It is an evening show. The last show they did ended around 4:30am. It woudl be nice for all of us to link up some time. I am across the Bay but we head to Oakland frequently to get groceries at Arts Jamaican Market.

Jax, are you going to JA for the interview? Only a few more days-are you packed and ready yet?

Yes I am going on Tuesday to Kingston. I am sorda packed not fully yet. I am praying I recieve my packages tommorow for all my friends who order items. At least theyare all paying me back . No gifts at all for no one I put my foot down. Okay I lied I got Dwains mom a pair of shoes but she said she was going to pay me. I won't be taken her money because we won't be seeing her for a year and half. When I drop my girlfriend off at the train station tonight I will start packing.

If we get approved Dwain will fly in on May 30th.

Thanks for asking Michele!!! How is everything going for you?


PS I will post info after the interview Dwain insit on bring our lab top to the hotel.

Nope, not at all NO questions asked. I don't think I'd do it if Tony wasn't with me though. Then they might say something!

Ok, WHY NOT? We stayed there for 4 nights in August and we really liked it. No problem. What happened to you there?

What about the (morning) sickness? I've been feeling soooo yucky these past few days! And I have a horrible cold on top of that!!

I'm so sorry Each day that passes, you will get stronger and stronger. It will just take time. I know that's the last thing you want to hear right now, but it's true. Time heals all wounds. You can come on here for support any time you want Or just to vent, cuss, holla, or tear him to shreads!!

Me too Mine started on Wednesday and it really hit me hard the last 2 days I will die if this lasts another 13 weeks Good luck to you Aliengirl.

Good luck. Have a safe trip. And yes, tell us all the details

Welcome Jengles!!

Me and hubby stayed at Rooms for 4 nights in August. I posted a review on Tripadvisor.com if anyone wants to read it. (It should be listed as Aug. 2006 from Detroit, MI). We really liked it. It's right on the beach, the rooms are nice and clean - we had a balcony w/ ocean view, A/C, nice big king-sized bed, cable TV, theres even an ice machine down the hall rare in other JA hotels we've stayed at!! There's a small pool w/ swim-up bar and nice showers to rinse off chlorine, sand, salt.... The property is guarded so there's no riff-raff running around the grounds. There's a guard at the beach entrance 24/7 to make sure the locals don't come onto the property via the beach.

Now, if I had to mention the negatives: there is no elevator so if you're on the 2nd or 3rd floor, you will have to go up and down the stairs a bit. The bathroom gets a bit warm since the A/C doesn't reach in there very well. The water in the shower is very low pressure - typical in JA. Also, the drinks and food and a little bit pricey but you can eat out since you are right in the middle of everything. We even brought food back a few times and ate by the pool - no problem. And the beach can get quite crowded (especially on weekends) because it is a public beach.

I'm anxious to see why jamaicagyaldat said NOT to stay there

Hi guys... I just wanted to drop in and see how everyone else was doing...Eric, I'm so glad that your wife finally made it...it gives me some sliver of hope that maybe things will work out for me and my fiance...speaking of which...I'm really here to vent....so bear with me...

I knew this whole denial thing was going to be hard on us. I knew to expect rough times, and in a sense, some form of change in our relationship, but I just wasn't prepared to what extent. Honestly, the last couple of months have been the most emotionally and mentally taxing I have ever experienced in my lifetime...I would never wish this kind of turmoil on my worst enemy. I know that we both still very much want to be together and we have every intention on getting married...its just the fact that we really won't be able to be together for another 3 years...what's making it even more difficult is the fact that a few of his friends have gotten married lately, and a couple of my friends have recently become mothers and are doing the whole family thing, and it's just been like, "why can't this be me?" "when will we ever get to experience this happiness?" We both have gone through great lengths to try not to let this whole thing affect how we are with each other, but for as much as we try, it doesn't seem to be working...We haven't been able to see each other for months because I work full time, am a full-time graduate student, and am completing my graduate internship now--20+ hours a week! On top of that, I will be relocating in June to NC, so I haven't had the time, energy, or $$ to go and see him...He always says that he understands why I can't come, but I know it bothers him when he asks when is the next time I'm coming, and all I can give him is an "i don't know"...his whole demeanor becomes so sad, which makes me feel even worse....lately, I've been afraid to call him (although I do and vice versa) because I never know how our conversation is going to end up...there's been yelling and crying and so many apologies, not because anyone has done anything in particular to one another, but just because we are so fed up with this whole thing. I know that God will not give you any more than you can bear, but honestly, I'm not sure if that's true. I talked to him this morning, and for once, it seemed like I had my baby back. He got moved to a permanent position at work and he feels really good about it, so hopefully this will make him feel a little better. A lot of our yelling has been a result of a lot of BS with the way things are going for him at work--how they make him work for weeks at a time b4 giving him a day off, how when it's time to get paid, there's always something mysteriously wrong with the computer system and they can't get their money on that day and so on....I know how frustrating that can be, an unfortunately there's nothing that I can do for him...which drives me even more crazy and leads to me feeling frustrated and sometimes lashing out as well...I don't know...I just feel like I'm in the middle of craziness at this point. I asked him if he thought we should push the wedding back, and he asked "what for?" He was like, if we did that, he felt like he would just die, because there's nothing else that he wants more. And I believe him...His mother even called me to tell me how down he's been and she was wondering what was going on...she's worried about him...and his best friend called the other night to check on me, and to tell me that he was doing his best to take care of him...I just wish that I could be with him right now and support him and hold him and let him know how much I love him...I tell him as much as I can, but sometimes you just need to "feel" the warmth of that person next to you....Sorry for making this so long, but I just needed someone to talk to...Thanks for listening (or not! lol) You guys have a great day

Tamisha