woogietail

Good morning ladies

We got more bad news last night. Tony's uncle died on Monday evening It was his dad's brother and he was pretty close to him growing up. I feel so bad for Tony. He wants to go down to JA for the funeral and to be with his dad and his family. We really can't afford it right now. The cheapest airfare I could find is $531 which isn't that bad for last minute, but we're still broke from our last trip I can't tell him NO, because I know if the situation were reversed I would want to be there for my family. He is supposed to decide today what he's going to do. Please keep us in your thoughts.

Well I just got off the phone with Adrian he fianlly got his promotion so as of tomorrow he will start working as a bar server...that means more $$$$$$$

CONGRATS Adrian on the promotion Also, CONGRATS to Lake on the new job Good luck guys.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Squitto,

Could you schedule an InfoPass appointment for this type of situation?

Good question. I don't know. Actually, I don't even know what an infopass appointment is

Ms. Squitto,

I believe the InfoPass allows you to make an appointment to meet with someone from immigration who should be able to help with some of the complex situations that come up. Check out the information on the website and see if you think InfoPass will help. If so, you should be able to make an appointment via the website.

https://infopass.uscis.gov/info_en.php

Lee

That's correct. Every district office operates differently so it's better to make an appointment with your local office than calling USICS - in most cases.

We had an InfoPass appointment this morning to check on Damien's case. A little bit of good news, Damien's file was returned to USCIS from FBI (or whoever does the security clearance) yesterday so now we just have to wait for his approval. Wish us luck.

Wishing you luck, luck, luck, luck

Hello all from Sunny JA. We went to the embassy this morning, and picked up the appointment packet. Got a Medical appontment for the 31st. Of course the packet mentions payment for the Immigrant Visa which was already made to the NVC as well as the Affidavit of support that was also submitted to the NVC. I guess it will all work out.

That's great Eric. Hopefully the payment issue won't get screwed up like Squitto's did. It will definitely all work out. How's your daughter liking NG?

Well I just got off the phone with Adrian he fianlly got his promotion so as of tomorrow he will start working as a bar server...that means more $$$$$$$

Congrats to Adrian! Tell him to serve himself a drink to celebrate.

Well I just got off the phone with Adrian he fianlly got his promotion so as of tomorrow he will start working as a bar server...that means more $$$$$$$

That's great, congrats Adrian.

Hey all,

Just wanted to share the good news, Lake just got a call and they offered him the job! Wow, his very first interview and he gets a job. I am jealous, I have been to hundreds and never hired when looking first time.

He starts on Thursday, its a manufacturing job, hopefully he doesnt hate it, he has always done mostly outside work up til now, and he really loves planting, gardening, landscaping, but I was just popping in apps anywhere, but NOT landscaping jobs, cuz I wanted him to go to class during the day and those all happened to be day jobs. Anyhow, we will see how it goes, pay is pretty good for someone just starting off in the States...

Congrats on your new job, Lake.

I F*CKING HATE THE USCIS

I JUST GOT A REJECTION NOTICE IN THE MAIL STATING THAT MY FEE WAS INCORRECT FOR THE EAD. THESE STUPID IDIOTS IN CHICAGO CAN'T EVEN READ. FIRSTLY, WE SUBMITTED THE AOS, EAD AND AP FORMS AT THE SAME TIME. I ATTACHED EACH CHECK ($395, $180 AND $170 RESPECTIVELY) TO ITS CORRESPONDING FORM. SO WHEN I CHECK MY BANK ACCOUNT THIS MORNING I NOTICED THAT ONLY THE CHECK FOR $395 AND $180 HAVE BEEN CASHED. BUT WHEN I GET HOME AND CHECK THE MAIL I HAVE NOA'S FOR THE AOS AND AP.

THEY CASHED THE CHECK FOR $180 (EAD) BUT SENT ME AN NOA FOR MY AP. BUT SENT ME A REJECTION NOTICE FOR MY EAD AND RETURNED THE CHECK FOR $170 TO ME TELLING ME THAT THE FEE IS WRONG

JEEZ....IF IT'S NOT ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER

God! They really are stupid and I bet when you contact them, they won't be able to figure out what they did.

I will not allow this to get me down. Even though it's frustrating as it can possibly be

I called the National Customer Service number this morning, after pressing numerous buttons in an attempt to speak with a live human being, I sat on hold for 25 minutes only be told absolutely nothing. I drafted a letter, made copies of all my NOA's, rejection notice, copies of cancelled checks and the original ap check for $170. It's going right back to the PO this afternoon. I swear I can't wait to be done with the USCIS....All this money and they STILL can't get it right. The rep on the phone was so nasty and unhelpful. I don't even see the point of having a customer service line. All the info they give you you can get from the automated system

Good morning!

Although you spoke to a person, I doubt that they were alive

Good morning everyone

It's the first day of spring and it was only 25 degrees on my way in to work this morning Doesn't feel like spring to me!

Squitto - sorry to hear about your AOS/EAD/AP confusion

Popcorn - don't be too hard on yourself - with all that paperwork to fill out, people are bound to make mistakes Can you try calling them?

Where is everybody else? It was awfully quiet in here yesterday.

I'm here today and will be on and off all day, since it is sleeting, snowing and raining here, what a wonderful spring day!!!

I F*CKING HATE THE USCIS

I JUST GOT A REJECTION NOTICE IN THE MAIL STATING THAT MY FEE WAS INCORRECT FOR THE EAD. THESE STUPID IDIOTS IN CHICAGO CAN'T EVEN READ. FIRSTLY, WE SUBMITTED THE AOS, EAD AND AP FORMS AT THE SAME TIME. I ATTACHED EACH CHECK ($395, $180 AND $170 RESPECTIVELY) TO ITS CORRESPONDING FORM. SO WHEN I CHECK MY BANK ACCOUNT THIS MORNING I NOTICED THAT ONLY THE CHECK FOR $395 AND $180 HAVE BEEN CASHED. BUT WHEN I GET HOME AND CHECK THE MAIL I HAVE NOA'S FOR THE AOS AND AP.

THEY CASHED THE CHECK FOR $180 (EAD) BUT SENT ME AN NOA FOR MY AP. BUT SENT ME A REJECTION NOTICE FOR MY EAD AND RETURNED THE CHECK FOR $170 TO ME TELLING ME THAT THE FEE IS WRONG

JEEZ....IF IT'S NOT ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER

God! They really are stupid and I bet when you contact them, they won't be able to figure out what they did.

Hello Everyone

Happy MONDAY MORNING!!

I have good and bad news. GOOD NEWS. Rohan picked up his paket 4 today . I scheduled his medical they said the earliest is April 6, but his interview is April 13, is than enough time? hmmm

Bad News

Rohan was trying to earn some extra money (to help with the expenses) by doing some painting at church. He fell off a ladder and broke his left hand . My baby is in sooo much pain. The thing with the hospital is that if you dont have the money they wont treat u. So he went to the hospintal for 1000 they gave him an injection 2000 more thosand just to register him, then they said his hand is broke and SENT HIM HOME , and said if you want to see the bone specialist come back Thurdsay and it will be 20,000. He is in PAIN, how can u send someone home with a broken bone, is beyond me. . Not just that look at that kind of money we already were short of money and I have no support to help me financaily with all the expenses. I just found out 335 US for Visa form 100us to paymaster 200 for physical and this does not touch his plane ticket. hugggghhhh. Well what to do. Please pray for Rohan to get well soon

THANKS

So sorry to hear about this. I can't believe that they sent him home w/o setting it. Won't it be to late to set it when he goes back?

YAY!!! We got an approval email for our EAD today. Says we were approved on 3/16 - Michael is soooo excited

Congratulations!!

Good Morning VJers

Anthony is registering for his GED class today. Still no news on EAD/AOS. Anthony is upbeat and hopeful. I guess I'm the nervous one in the family.

That's great. How long will it take. Nervous is not the word for it, I go beyond being nervous about things.

Congrats, Michael.

1 1/2 hours to the nearest mall . I relocated about 1 1/2 years ago and I want to move again because it takes about 15-20 minutes to get to nearest malls/shopping areas, whereas where I lived before the mall was only about 5 minutes away; and I could hit 3 Walmart's and 2 Target's within a 10 mile radius and they were on my way home from work to boot!! When people come to my house and if I open my closets I say: "My name is Michele, and I am a shopaholic". They get the idea.

Yeah, I couldn't deal with that either - 1 1/2 hours to the nearest mall? I have 2 huge malls within 15 minutes of me and also 2 Targets, 1 Walmart, 3 Meijers, etc.. within 10-15 minutes. I could never live in a rural area. I would go nuts

I already have plus I'm not working. I was a social worker for 25 yrs. I just applied for a bartending job, either I'll work myself to death or drink myself to death, anything to alleviate the boredom.

Okay, everyone I have finally gotten everything back and am ready to begin this process. I just have one question to find out whether this will be a problem. I have changed my name on all of my documents to my first name, maiden name and last name. When I sent the paperwork to have my passport changed, it was sent back with my first name, middle name, and married name. Will this be a problem since all of my other id's and documents use my maiden name as my middle but the passport uses my real middle name. I am planning on mailing everything first thing Monday a.m.

Aside from your passport, are the other "documents" that you're talking about legal documents or are they forms or other non-legal items? If there are any legal changes to your name send in copies of those documents/passports with your application; here in Connecticut we have to have legal name changes(marriage, divorce if you change your name back to your maiden name, or legal name changes) recorded in the town we live in. For my application I would be sending a copy of my passport, my divorce decree, and my legal name change after my divorce. Of course since you're married you would have to send your CMC too. Hopefully they will "get it" but you never know.

The papers that I was talking about was drivers license, credit cards, bank account. Everything has my maiden name as my middle name except for my passport. Well hopefully, this will work. Thanks.

Well seems like we are all SHOPAHOLICS here...I think we need to start Shopaholics Anonymous!!!

Rhonda, I am the same way if I go to a store or mall I always buy "something"..even if i dont need it...and i LOVE the clerance rack..I cannot pass up a good deal...well ya'll have me beat on the shoes I have about 50+ pairs...I usually give mine to my supervisor when I am tired of them or decide I dont like them

I am also used to getting a pedicure every 2 weeks, but I have cut that out in order to save money, plus I have not been wearing any open toed shoes lately so it has not mattered that much

Adrian is also a big time shopper, but he just bought a dang $200 cell phone that he did not need (we got in a argument about this) so he better not buy anything else for a while....But we made a deal that since he paid so much for the phone I can splurge and get my hair straightened which is $100

I am sooooo bad also about shopping. Since I've not been working, I have been QVCing and HSNing it up like there's no tomorrow. Not to many stores here, nearest mall is 1 1/2 hours away. My retirement is no where near what I was making so now I'm getting scared about having spent so much. Just went today to furniture store and bought bedroom set. Hopefully, this has cured me, because I had to transfer money from my car savings. After I got home, I had a big wake up call.

Good morning everybody

I am unhappy because I'm at work and I really didn't want to work today I need 2 days off from this place to relax and get things done around the house. To top it off my boss waited until 2:00 yesterday afternoon to tell me that I had to come in today! Talk about short notice.

Hopefully some of you will check in today so I won't be on here all alone Joanna, are you working today girl? Holla

You're not alone

I just have one question to find out whether this will be a problem. I have changed my name on all of my documents to my first name, maiden name and married name. When I sent the paperwork to have my passport changed, it was sent back with my first name, middle name, and married name. Will this be a problem since all of my other id's and documents use my maiden name as my middle but the passport uses my real middle name. I am planning on mailing the I-130 first thing Monday a.m.

Okay, everyone I have finally gotten everything back and am ready to begin this process. I just have one question to find out whether this will be a problem. I have changed my name on all of my documents to my first name, maiden name and last name. When I sent the paperwork to have my passport changed, it was sent back with my first name, middle name, and married name. Will this be a problem since all of my other id's and documents use my maiden name as my middle but the passport uses my real middle name. I am planning on mailing everything first thing Monday a.m.

Just got off the phone with the Embassy. NIckiesha has an Interview on April 7th. Now if I can just extend my stay that long... It's a couple days longer than I have vacation time left.

Congrats!! Can you afford to take vacation time w/o pay?

AGGGHHHHHHHHHHH I got an interview date, this has got to be a record in processing time. I filed January 30, just March 7. DS 230 dropped off, And my interview is APRIL 13TH Less than 3 months after filing, this seems like a record.

Congrats

Hi Minfay,

Saw your e-mail -- Jamaica is anything but Fantasy Island. There are ladies and gentlemen with real needs, real desires and genuine interests of the heart. It's a two-way street-life and love, crossing a broken yellow line can be either good or bad. It depends on how long you have been with the person and know the person. You can live with a person 50 years and still never get to know that person. In six months you can know the person better than in that 50 years what they will or will not do, morally speaking. As you said, once you are happy nothing else matters. Time is a virtue.

/s/

Anthony

Ann -- maybe I didn't really clarify (enough) what I was saying. You are right, there are people there with real needs, I am not disputing that.

The point I was trying to make is -- before and during this process there are not many people who have the $$$$$ to be able to travel to Jamaica every other weekend to be with their significant other to be able to spend real quality time with them. And many people do not have the luxury to be able to "live" with their significant others in their homes and be a true part of their "real" lives -- they have to stay in hotels (and such).

That was the point that I was trying to get to. Jamaica is a place that I go on vacation. It just happens to also be the place where I met the love of my life -- who, by the way, only made $40.00 a week US and lived in a 10 x 10 room with no indoor plumbing. Yeah, we stayed at the Hilton everytime I went to visit -- to him, that was Fantasy Island. To me, it was too.

Real life happens when they land at that airport in the States and it all becomes way too real. I went to wash my truck the other day -- Roy had never been in an automatic car wash before. He had never been on an escalator before. He never had spinach dip, mint chocolate ice cream, cheese popcorn, pop tarts or fish sticks before. Did I know any of this before he got here -- no. Does it matter -- no. BUT, if we had the opportunity to not be "stuck" on that island I think his transition here would be much easier.

That being said, I think I know Roy better than any other man I was ever in a realtionship with. Being forced to spend quality time with him when I visited was priceless to me. Talking on the phone -- I listened to every word he said......I never took anything for granted -- and neither did he.

Now I will really shut up. Sorry!!

It's a culture shock, no doubt. It goes both ways. In 2002 While living and working in Jamaica (Montego Bay) I had a disagreement with the upper management of the company I work for and quit. One would have thought I'd go back to the US. But no, I had been seeing my wife for a couple months, I wasn't about to leave something I thought could turn into something real someday. I stayed in JA, and shared the 10 by 10 room with the wife. There was a community kitchen and bathroom with running water (actually it only ran about an hour a day and you never knew when). I stayed a few months, I was able to take the Fantasy out of Jamaica I guess. When the money ran out and I had to come back to the US, we married before I left. I did what ws discussed in earlier posts, took a job beneath me when I came back because the money was needed. Started off flipping burgers at McDonalds, then digging holes with Illeagal Mexicans.

I guess I went off on a tangent, back on topic, I was not happy living in JA, I love to visit. It's a different life. From relations with the neighbors, the street parties, route taxis, everything they know is gone. It's going to be a shock. On top of that the current K-1 process puts people in a postion where they can't work for untold months.

Of course there is the expectations of an immigrant coming to the US. Most underdeveloped countries think the US is a paradise, everyone is rich. The reaction to reality can sometimes create problems.

Seeing the second round of forms most are going through here, I wonder if the decrease in processing time for the I-130's present an easier to live with option. Within 2 weeks of landing in the US, you are mailed the GC and SS card. Start working almost immediately. From what I have been seeing here the inabilty to work is one of the biggest frustrations.

I better stop ranting... Have a good night.

You're right, it does go both ways. Trevor has asked me many times about forgetting about this process and just moving to JA. It's was an option at that time since I'm retired, not so much now because I'm helping my Mom out. But then, it was really hard to try to explain to him why I could never live there. It's even harder trying to explain the differences between here and there. Even though he saids that he knows everyone here is not rich, I truly think that he still believes it.

Hi Minfay,

Saw your e-mail -- Jamaica is anything but Fantasy Island. There are ladies and gentlemen with real needs, real desires and genuine interests of the heart. It's a two-way street-life and love, crossing a broken yellow line can be either good or bad. It depends on how long you have been with the person and know the person. You can live with a person 50 years and still never get to know that person. In six months you can know the person better than in that 50 years what they will or will not do, morally speaking. As you said, once you are happy nothing else matters. Time is a virtue.

/s/

Anthony

Ann -- maybe I didn't really clarify (enough) what I was saying. You are right, there are people there with real needs, I am not disputing that.

The point I was trying to make is -- before and during this process there are not many people who have the $$$$$ to be able to travel to Jamaica every other weekend to be with their significant other to be able to spend real quality time with them. And many people do not have the luxury to be able to "live" with their significant others in their homes and be a true part of their "real" lives -- they have to stay in hotels (and such).

That was the point that I was trying to get to. Jamaica is a place that I go on vacation. It just happens to also be the place where I met the love of my life -- who, by the way, only made $40.00 a week US and lived in a 10 x 10 room with no indoor plumbing. Yeah, we stayed at the Hilton everytime I went to visit -- to him, that was Fantasy Island. To me, it was too.

Real life happens when they land at that airport in the States and it all becomes way too real. I went to wash my truck the other day -- Roy had never been in an automatic car wash before. He had never been on an escalator before. He never had spinach dip, mint chocolate ice cream, cheese popcorn, pop tarts or fish sticks before. Did I know any of this before he got here -- no. Does it matter -- no. BUT, if we had the opportunity to not be

"stuck" on that island I think his transition here would be much easier.

That being said, I think I know Roy better than any other man I was ever in a realtionship with. Being forced to spend quality time with him when I visited was priceless to me. Talking on the phone -- I listened to every word he said......I never took anything for granted -- and neither did he.

Now I will really shut up. Sorry!!

REFLECTIONS

Never be afraid of this tomorrow of having he/she near

There are trials, errors in any formula to have the proper doses of love

To find the one who cares God knows if tomorrow he/she will be Dear

We started friends now my heart always wants you near

At times we are all afraid, what really made us afraid

Was it something we saw or something that was said?

Imagine no heaven, even with John Lennon dead--that was a lot he said

Online visa journey you ladies/gents do so much--still so much to be done

Tears, fears, distraught is just the start to obtain the love of your heart

Love is always compared to a rose--to me so delicate a touch could harm it

So strong--nothing can hurt it

I talk this truth--my heart has been to and from seeking happiness

Found hurt and pain--at times refused to go on and then I remember Solomon

He knew what love really is--love nor -knowledge nor wisdom is in the grave

No one sees the heart but God

Madness is in the heart of love

For the living know that they will die but the dead know not anything

For in life there is hope--for a living dog is better than a dead lion

Live joyfully with the person of your life for the time is short

Tomorrow, the last time we checked was not promised to us

Yet optimistically we all made plans

Be not afraid of tomorrow

Live life and be happy

by Anthony Henry

March 16, 2006

To All VJers:

So eloquently put

Hello everyone else, I am going to do my bridal registry today at Bed Bath and Beyond, I dont need too much but there are a few things we could use, my friend is throwing me a bridal shower at the end of April, she wants to have it before Adrian gets here so I dont have to leave him alone, while I go have a party.

So will chat later, Joanna

I love Bed, Bath, & Beyond! We registered at Kohl's (which I don't think you have in FL) and Target. Tony went to the Bridal Shower with me and helped me open the gifts Everyone wanted to meet him anyways. We had the shower 1 month after he got here and the wedding 1 month after the shower. NONE of it was planned until after he arrived in the U.S.!!! My mom is GOOD! We were just going to get married by a judge or something but my parents wanted me to have a "real" wedding with a shower and everything. It was small (about 30 people) but really nice.

No one could've said it better than you and Ann. I definitely couldn't.

Have fun registering - it's like shopping without spending any money Let us know when you're registered so I can go on-line and see what you want

Well I am back from registering at Bed Bath and Beyond, I only registered for about 20 things and the most expensive thing was only $34.99 , I dont really need to much as I have been established in my apartment for years now. The main thing I was going to register for was bath towels, but they had some nice ones for 40% off so I just went ahead and bought them ....and Rhonda yes we have a Kohl's here in Florida but there is not one near me, my parents have one near them. But I know what you mean I keep telling my parents we will just go to the court house and get married, but they are not having it, they said I have to have a wedding, so it will be about 50-60 people....Me and my parents have an appointment next friday to go check out one of the Doubletree Hotels here....we will have the ceremoney and reception at the same place, and more then likely it will be at a hotel, it is just easier for out of town guests.

So, we are doing the full blown wedding thing also, I already know the florist, DJ and photographer I am going to use, I just need to find a place to have the wedding and a bakery for the cake....Mom also says that I have to have a traditional wedding cake and a grooms cake (who does grooms cakes anymore?? )...but the grooms cake will be a Jamaican black fruit cake from one of the caribbean bakeries we have here...

anyway enough about wedding #######...hope everyone has a great weekend, I of course will be at work

Until later, Joanna

Jamie -- I agree with everthing that Ann said....she has very valid points.

Why do people break up? I think it's because the process is soooo stressful and it really does take it's toll. I really don't think people change their minds so fast -- I think it's an ongoing process. Not many of us had the "luxury" of being able to spend LOTS of quality time with or fiancees. You think you know them. You hope you know them. But you just really don't know until you are living together.

Why do people wait? Probably two reasons. One, you know you are having problems and hope that when you get through the process everything will be "perfect" -- OR -- You (the USC) was totally being used and now that the "process" is done the "real" person (that you thought you loved and went through all this bullshit for) comes out. That would be the person who was using you for the GC.

Regarding the LDR -- I have said it before and I will say it again. Jamaica is Fantasy Island. Nothing that happens there is what happens in real life. When you bring them into "your" life everything becomes real. It's not a fantasy anymore. This is when you really need to be strong. Going through the whole K-1 process (up until the interview is over) is a piece of cake compared to what happens when they get to America. I think that goes for anyone coming from any country in which "them" obtaining a Tourist Visa is impossible thus making a visit to you impossible.

I don't know about you but I did all the work for this. And I am still doing all the work for this. Sometimes (and I will admit it), I get home and I am bitter that I was working all day and he was sitting around watching TV. I am tired when I get home and he wants to talk because he has been home alone all day. Talking to him on the phone was much less stressful and (at times) much more fun that what "real life" has become.

NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG -- I don't regret anything. I am happier than a pig in ###### that he is finally here, we are married and getting on with our lives. But, no relationship is easy and I just think that on a whole the LDR's are tested much more than any other relationship.

Sorry, I'm done now. See what you did, Jamie!!

I tried to reply to this before but it went into space somewhere, anyway I don't think anybody could have answered this better than you and Ann. You hit on all the right points.

Looks like a few of us will be in Jamaica within the next few weeks-from what I can recount:

Jill (ChrisineJames) [are you packed yet?]

Kelly? (luvtravelin)

Michele (Jamaica to CT)

Dru (woogietail)

Eric (eric_drewey)

Jax (BelwinMills)

anybody else?

...adding Tenika to the list

Where's everyone staying? I'll be in Mobay. I think a couple of you will be in Negril the same week I'm in JA.

I will be staying at the Knutsford in New Kingston. This is a work trip, with hopes of an Interview before I leave, odds are against me there, but they said they'd try. Maybe I'll come back a little late with my wife..

That would be great, hoping like mad that it happens that way

Looks like a few of us will be in Jamaica within the next few weeks-from what I can recount:

Jill (ChrisineJames) [are you packed yet?]

Kelly? (luvtravelin)

Michele (Jamaica to CT)

Dru (woogietail)

Eric (eric_drewey)

Jax (BelwinMills)

anybody else?

...adding Tenika to the list

Where's everyone staying? I'll be in Mobay. I think a couple of you will be in Negril the same week I'm in JA.

I'll be in Negril, wanted to do Ochi this time but Trevor couldn't get off from work, so it's back to Negril.

OOOOHHHHH my goodness I cannot believe it, I e-mailed the Embassy this morning before I left work and I just looked at my e-mail and they already e-mailed me back, I have e-mailed them 2 other times and never recieved a responce. Anyway I am happy that I got a responce they said that they are processing our case and should assign Adrian a May 2005 interview date soon....

Anyway I gotta get ready for work now...will chat later.

Joanna

Helping you hope for a May date soon

Good afternoon.

David passed the written test We were not worried about the drivers exam..she said he passed with flying colors.

We have one certified copy....It's been working fine, most places just copy it and return the original.

School is out of the question for us right now, When we get the work permit or green card which evers first..we'll work on getting a job that offers tuition renburstment(MSP) My job has a Cooperate Academy they offer different heath care degree's you can have the fees for school payroll deducted and get your money back when you pass the classes. The bad part is he would have to start off from the bottom... mantinence, dietary, or housekeeping. It's just an option. I'm really worried about finding a job that he will like doing. He said is hot picky but we'll soon see.

Congrats to Dave

Hey Kelly,

Are you going to JA in April, what date do you know yet?

Hey Dru,

I don't know if I'm definitely going or not. Soccer was the issue, but now it alllll depends on Craig. Our case "expires" on April 15th....and if he stays true to his word, he's working on the stuff that HE needs to get done to help finish up this part of it.

There is a travel agent trip to Negril on April 24th for 3 nights...it's $199.00 includes everything --hotel, airfare and all meals. I just need to work on who would watch my son.

I'm soooo flippin busy with the travel business and soccer and the part-time temp job has offered me a permanent part-time with VERY flexible (come and go) hours....that I just don't have enough time in the day to get everything done.

I haven't replied on this new site yet...I hope I did it right?!

Don't worry I never get this thing right. Hope everything comes together and falls in place for you. The reason I asked about April is that I will be in Negril 4/19-4/26, thought I might run into you. The 3 night deal sounds wonderful, oh to be that lucky.

I read this in the Detroit newspaper today. It's from a couple who used to be island travel consultants (arranging trips to the Caribbean) and now they spend much of their free time in St. Lucia. I thought it was kinda interesting.

Nine Vacation-enhancing suggestions:

Leave Perfect at home:

The best way to ruin your vacation is to expect it to be perfect. Your attitude will determine how wonderful it turns out.

Expect to have an adventure:

Travel is an adventure and the unexpected often is the best part of a trip.

Get away from the capital:

In many countries, the capital is often the least representative area of the country. Our best experiences generally came in the countryside where the scenery is often dramatic and the people less hurried.

Give yourself an opportunity to meet the people:

Culturally different experiences often produce the best memories. When you get out and about you'll generally find the locals very friendly; they'll help you experience the uniqueness of their lives.

Eat out:The culinary experience is often most ordinary at the hotel. Take a chance and go out to local places, even if you paid for an all-inclusive. Meals at independent restaurants can be truly extraordinary and memorable.

Ask questions:

Sometimes you'll get pat answers but sometimes you'll get amazing information. People love to talk about their lives - let them share it with you. And they're usually proud of their country - encourage them to share its history.

Stay safe:

Don't pick up strangers or let yourself be picked up by strangers. You wouldn't do it at home, don't do it away. It's more difficult to assess people outside your home country, so when in doubt, don't.

Avoid places you wouldn't go at home:

For example, bars late on Saturday night, when drinking is heavy, are not a good idea. Expect a warm reception if you're buying drinks. But trouble may be just the next drink away.

Don't leave your brain at home:

That's what it comes down to - think about what you're doing and keep yourself safe.

Another tip they had was to "keep your sense of humor". "Some of those annoying and unpleasant things become precious stories when you get home".

This is great, really enjoyed this

Here is a question for today.....

How many copies of your Certified Marriage Certificate did you initially request?

I told Trevor to try to get 4, they only the minister 2.

Good Afternoon,

Today is a much better day than it was yesterday..How about my man was jacked yesterday.He was'nt hurt or anything Thank God.These young boys are crazy,and it was in the daytime.Leo was so pissed.I was pissed.and to top it off it happened when he was on his way to the police station to report mysons bike being stolen,so we think they were watching him or something.

Here he's somewhere trying to do something postive and all this bulls!#$ happens.WHATDAF!*$

He was really upset because my sons bike was stolen along with my new mp3 player,but I told him too let that go .Those things can be replaced.He feels so disrespected.Yesterday was crazy as hell.

Sorry to hear about this. Very, very happy that he was unharmed.

I am just going on with my life because I am happy and that is all that matters!!!!

Amen to that!!!!

The Forrester's are sitting here having a glass of wine before bed. David just finished playing in a soccer match, they won, so he feeling good. He attempted to take the written test for the driver's permit last week but missed passing it by two. He was devistated, he is so hard on himself.

Conrats Jamie & Andre I'm so happy for you, you'all so deserve it!!

Welcome back Rhonda and Shemonya, Rhonda we were in Purta Plata (MSp), I kinda got sick myself, we stayed at the Riu last year, the resort was nice, but we were not feelin the Island. Shemonya I'm glad you guys enjoyed yourselves.

I miss Jamacia

MsQ. congrats on getting your ASO in the mail, I wish I could say the same, we descided to wait until I get off orrientation at my new job so that I can focus on doing it right. Right now I'm am just too busy.

Hey Mrs P. how ya doin?

Welcome Tonika.

Hey Eric.

Congrats Joanna!!!

going to catch up

Leo failed it the first time too,and of course he was pouting all week.I tell you he was determined to pass the next week.He had a big cheesy smile when he came out of the testing office.

I'm taking a moment to breathe from work (can't catch up) and soccer practice. I wasn't staying out there in the windy cold weather. I hear ya about this crazy weather. I wore shorts yesterday --it was 85 degrees and have long pants and winter coat on today.....nuts !

Rhonda -- alot of my clients have stayed at Secrets (I had a group of 82 people stay there last year and the only complaint that I received was the waves were to big...like "I" had anything to do with that), but I sell tons and tons of Punta Cana. Other popular resorts that I sell alot of is Sunscape and the Iberostar properties--mostly Iberostar Bavaro or Iberostar Dominicana or the RIU properties. I have a small group going to the Ocean Blue in May.

Ann- Our field just got changed today (about 2 hours ago) because the field conditions are unplayable at the original field and now we are playing at Atlee High School #4 on Atlee Station Road in Mechanicsville, but I have to register the team in Glen Allen Friday night and we'll (me and my son) are going to be staying at the Sheraton in Richmond. I got an awesome travel agent rate of $39/night!! The team is staying at the Marriott downtown at $125/night. Being that my son is a guest player, we don't have to stay with the team. Next weekend we'll be in Manassas, but I'll be staying with friends in Lorton/Mason Neck. We have an 8:15am next Sunday, so I'm booking most of the team to spend Saturday night --in the Manassas area.

Are you familiar with where we're playing? We play at 9:30am (playing a team from New Jersey) and 3:30pm (playing a team from North Carolina) on Saturday and Sunday's games depends on how we do on Saturday, so I have no idea on the times yet. This tournament is huge, it's called the Jefferson Cup.

That would be very cool to meet up!!

Shemonya, I will touch base soon....I promise.

Dag Ten, I hope he's okay !!! That sucks when people feel the need to have to steal a kids bike!! I gotta remind my son alllll of the time to bring his bike in. We live in the front of the apartment...and ya never know.

Gotta run since I have some time to myself to play catchup !!

Have a great rest of the day/evening.

Kelly

Hey Kelly,

Are you going to JA in April, what date do you know yet?

Hi Ann,

What kind of car did you get. Trevor and I are ok. He's a little ticked at me for not getting my divorce decree sooner. As soon as it comes I will be filing.

I got a Hyundia Sonata. It is not my Honda which I have always bought. My niece sold me hers because she could not afford it. She is going to college and working. The car drives well and is newer (2006) than my 92 Honda Accord. Trevor should know that good things come to those that wait!

Hope you are having a nice day.

Hey Ann I see you down there. Well I'm off to do more school work.