onwa

I remember the joyous shouts at 2 am--it was nice because the games were live. You can always borrow a bigger monitor if you wanted to get a more TV like screen.

Thanks for posting the website. I was just coming here to ask what it was. We used this last time (for the Africa Nations Cup) and it was awesome.

Kia

Has anyone heard from Molly and Stephen, Mandolinlv or Optimystic?

I tried contacting Optimystic when I moved to Portland but didn't get a response. Since I've been here since the beginning of '05, I guess I'm an old timer. I'm doing well. Going on our third year of marriage and everything is pretty good.

Besangin again you had me in tears. Hilarious but real. Nothing like a glass of wine and Besangin post. What a night?

Happy Holidays Everyone.

Girl you know I'm tellin' the truth, and folks may hate on me but they know I'm tellin' the truth too! Even about the DING DING!!!! OOOOOOO It's getting HOT in here!!!!!!!

Did -I- say- that?

Thanks for the replies !

I found a chart on the IRS website:

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html#d0e459

According to this chart, I won't have to file because my gross income doesn't reach the amount that requires me to file.

That's a relief.

You might want to file anyway. All federal taxes that you paid will be refunded to you. I did this in college, even though I technically didn't have to file. I wanted my $75.

I remember using this site as a resource a lot:

http://www.eslcafe.com/

Thanks! That's a pretty comprehensive site.

Tonight I meet with a Burundi woman and her family. I am to teach her English. The organization I am volunteering for has not given me any resources that I will actually use (I am not speaking about HIV/and pap smears) on my first couple of visits.

How does one go about teaching English to an adult. Where are there good resources? (on the internet) I'm looking--but nothing so far) Thanks. Kia

Well, the party was .............................boring. Why am I suprised. However, I did good schmoozing (thanks to my 2 acting classes I took in college) and I looked fabulous (so I have some good pictures). We arrived late and left early. i wonder if my boss is going to talk to me today about it. She looked pissed we were leaving so early. Oh well.

My work party is this Saturday. We will have a private room and catered food at a bowling alley. After dinner, we get to bowl 2 games. There will be be probably 40 people there, the sales staff, the office girls and the installers. Hightlight of the night: We get our Christmas bonuses that night during bowling!

The following Saturday, I am going to Chicago for dinner at either the Pump Room or Petterino's with a few of my coworkers. After dinner, we will walk on Michigan Ave and see the windows decorated at Macy's. Then, we have another party in the store on the 20th with a gift exchange and food.

Have a great holiday ya'll.

Jackie

edited to add: Last years party didn't go all that well. This year, I am going solo. I'm gonna hug whomever I flippin want to hug.

That sounds awesome! And have yourself a good hug-athon!

We had last year's party at our president's home. Lots of fancy type of food that wasn't eaten much, lots of alcohol that was drunk a great deal, a poker table, a Roulette table, and gift cards. Our IT director was the bartender, and she fixed me this really strong green apple margarita.

This year's party will be held next Sat at the IT director's home. I think it's gonna be more of the same, except there will be a craps table added to the festivities.

These company parties are pretty fun ... until everyone starts getting drunk. It's a bit weird to see company management get toasted and rambunctious.

That sounds like my husband's party last year, with all the games. It was alot of fun and we stayed the night in the Hilton where the party was hosted.

Hubby's a fancy thing tomorrow night at an art museum - sit down dinner with spouses....

Ours in next week on the studio lot, no spouses but it should be good anyhow! I heard last year's was set up like a carnival with cotton candy & food & whatnot....

That sounds like fun!

We're having ours this coming Sunday night. This will be my first with this company of about 38 people and their spouses. A few years ago, I went to one by myself...just broke up with my then girlfriend and found the free bar liberating (I rarely drink and never hard liquor). I had about 4 or 5 Long Island Iced Teas...my friends had to drive me home and then, shamefully, my then 13 year old son watched his Dad get really ill from the alcohol.

This year, there's a free bar, but I'll stop myself at 2 drinks.

Yeah, I don't drink; but part of me is hoping someone else will overindulge and do something crazy. (well not puke). Have fun at your party this year!

There was the time when I put my head in the punch bowl, but I don't like to talk about it.

Do you have a pic?

My work Xmas party is tonight. This is the first time I've been to one. There only 15 people in this office (plus all the spouses). I wish I was a pro at the business schmoozing. But I guess I can practice tonight.

Do you guys go to these things? Have any memorable experiences?

Hugging Lion

Cool Video. Hope the link works.

I lived in Hawaii for about 8 years. It can take awhile to get used to the different culture there, which does revolve around food and family.

I have the best friends in Hawaii and I'm willing to share. Most of them are originally from the mainland. They are great at both easy and intellectual conversations and like to do both indoor and outdoor things, and are just genuinely the nicest people I have ever met. PM me if you want more details to go and hang out with them. I can be a "friend broker'!

I'm here in Portland. But I'm too shy to meet anyone. Have a great stay though!

The only real problem here is not knowing if he is scamming you are not. Its not a big deal to "be the husband" if its just for a short bit. Or even forever. I don't really care who earns more in the family, as long as we are both happy in our jobs. For the record, after only being here just over 2 years, my husband earns more than me and we bought a beautiful house together. It was difficult financially until he got his Work Permit. But it was so worth it.

Welcome to VJ! It might be faster to get your K1 through South Africa. Probably doesn't matter which passport you use. But South Africa, when we went through, gave out interview one week after receiving packet 4 and issues visas on the same day. I've heard that the British consulate can take 3 or 4 months to get in--because they have more people going through.

Princess Bride

Dirty Dancing

Moll Flanders (the one with the same chick as in Princess Bride)

The Last Mohican

The BBC 5 hour version of Pride and Prejudice

Anne of green Gables

ooh good one! I just recently ordered that on Amazon! A great addition to any movie library!

Yeah, I think I spent $60 for the 6 video special edition way back when it first came out. I can't believe how many times I've watched it. Much better then the new one that had Kiera Knightley in it.

Princess Bride

Dirty Dancing

Moll Flanders (the one with the same chick as in Princess Bride)

The Last Mohican

The BBC 5 hour version of Pride and Prejudice

Anne of green Gables

Welcome to Visajourney!

I think you will find that only the Lagos embassy processes K1 visas. Be prepared to learn lessons in patience. May your journey be blessed.

Kia

MY fiance had a student visa when he went through South Africa; everything was fine. Feel blessed that you don't have to go through Nigeria.

WOW i know i havent been in here for a while but how long has it been since he left ???? WHY ???? he did help a lot !!!

i think someone annoyed him a bit too much.

REALLY !!!!!!................. dang , well cant we kick the persone that annoyed him and bring him back !!!! j/k ...PLEASE MD COME BACK !!!!!!

I Quit still posts. He just posted today.

Well its just too bad that he doesn't continue to give SSA advice, it was supurb

He still gives SSA advice, if you go to the 'Working & Traveling prior to getting a Green Card' section, you will see all his recent ssa advice. His advice really helped me at that stage so I'm happy he still is helping people.

WOW i know i havent been in here for a while but how long has it been since he left ???? WHY ???? he did help a lot !!!

i think someone annoyed him a bit too much.

REALLY !!!!!!................. dang , well cant we kick the persone that annoyed him and bring him back !!!! j/k ...PLEASE MD COME BACK !!!!!!

I Quit still posts. He just posted today.