Yardies a home and a farrin (Part 22)

[*JG* 2]

Ain't that the truth Sus, I learn so much from you ladies, you have been there and bless us with your knowledge so we can better approach these issues. What JG said this morning was so poignant and trust me I take everything to heart. I'm new to the marriage thing and it's not always easy and it's definitely a learning process and I am so thankful that I have all of you as a support system!

Thanks for posting about Western Union Money gram is doing the same thing Thanks God cause I have to send $$$ tonight and those fees are steep....

Ditto!

Finesse girl we don't file till 2011 but I jsut mentioned that I already started the paperwork and making sure I have everything ready when the time comes. Listening to all of the AOS horror stories prompted me to be proactive!

Thanks for Sharing Dada Real Talk Sis!

WOW Sus that is really scary how damaging coddling can be......

Speaking of Western Union........I got one of those fishing emails today asking me to log on and verify information. It is very obviously not coming from Western Union. I did just report it to them though. Be very careful.

[Mrs. Palmer 5]

Hey Folks! Just checking in---it's been a LONG time!! Congratulations to Bunz on the approval and to MsSheka on your case moving along--it soon come girl! Quick update: Gregory and I are still adjusting to our new way of life together. (I've decided to say "we're" adjusting instead of "his" adjustment cause it's been trying for both of us). We've had a lot of good times, and we continue to have our days, but overall things continue to go better than I had hoped for. What's definitely started to help now is the fact that he is finding stuff to do on his own. A couple of months ago I signed him up for a competitive soccer league because he LOVES to play and misses doing so. Well, he was picked up by a team and their first practice was last weekend! He was like a kid in a candy store--grinning like a cheshire cat from ear to ear! What's even better is that the coach told him that he was the best player on the team, and then proceeded to send out a mass email to the team members saying this very thing and how far my husband and the rest of the team will be able to go in the league this year! Not that he needs this add'l stroking of the ego, but it was good for him and I was proud). So he's doing that on weekends, and games will begin at the end of Feb. He's already enrolled in the GED program at the community college, and is in class 4 days a week. He's managed to navigate the bus system to some degree by himself, which has also been helpful and I think makes him feel more independent. Still not working (but filling out tons of applications), but lo and behold a few minutes ago a message was left on the phone from a manager at PetSmart asking him to call to set up an interview for next week!!!! We just filled that application out last nite, and while it is not the "perfect" job, it's something to hopefully get him started and build up his resume here in the states!! I hope that something comes through soon, because it has definitely been tough. Keep us in your prayers!

[phillyfashionista 8]

Just thought I'd go off topic for a minute and give a shoutout to the Maritime Administration for the following news release. My company operates 11 Maritime Admininstration vessels (ships) and only one of ours (so far) will be going out to Haiti to assist:

Maritime Administration Prepares Five Ships For Duty

Today U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced that the Department’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) is sending five ships to assist with relief efforts in Haiti. Gopher State, Petersburg, Huakai, Cornhusker State and Cape May are being prepared to sail to the Caribbean Ocean from different parts of the United States. All are owned or controlled by MARAD, and will be crewed by civilian U.S. merchant mariners.

“Sending these ships will help those on the front line of this effort save as many lives in Haiti as possible,” said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “These ships will add crucial capabilities by supporting operations to move large volumes of people and cargo.”

“Once again the U.S. Merchant Marine is answering the call for assistance, as it has done since our Nation began,” said Acting Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda. “These ships and skilled crews are ideally suited to assist in Haiti by providing unique capabilities. One cargo ship can carry as much as 400 fully loaded cargo planes.”

M/V Huakai is a new high-speed ferry capable of speeds of nearly 40 knots in the open ocean. Petersburg, Cornhusker State, Cape May and Gopher State are part of MARAD’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF), which includes a total of forty-nine ships at ports around the country. Additional details on the RRF, and Petersburg, Cape May, Cornhusker State and Gopher State can be found at: http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/RRF_FLEET_PAMPHLET.pdf

The Maritime Administration is unique in its worldwide capabilities, maintaining fleets and expertise in support of the US military and emergency operations. Its mission is to promote the development of the American maritime industry, including its workforce. The agency also operates the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

FACT SHEET ON MARAD SHIPS

M/V Huakai is a new high-speed passenger and vehicle ferry capable of speeds of nearly 40 knots in the open ocean. It was obtained by the Maritime Administration when a Hawaiian ferry company failed and abandoned it. Since late last week it has been undergoing preparations in Norfolk, VA.

MV Gopher State is a TACS crane ship based in Norfolk, VA. The crane ships were designed to provide the capability to load and unload containers and other cargo in ports where facilities are badly damaged or nonexistent. Their most notable features are the three independent twin-boom pedestal-mounted rotating hydraulic deck cranes. These crane ships can also carry containers, small barges, or landing craft, and recent exercises have proven their capability to discharge container ships far from any port, which enhances their military usefulness. RRF crane ships bear the nicknames of states in the United States: the Gopher State honors Minnesota.

MV Cornhusker State is also a TACS crane ship based in Norfolk, VA. The Cornhusker State honors Nebraska. It previously served in Haiti during Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in 1994.

OPDS Petersburg is an Offshore Petroleum Discharge System tanker based in Alameda, CA. It has been specially modified to deliver petroleum products to military forces in areas where port facilities are damaged or non-existent. Within 48 hours of arrival on station, OPDS can be installed and commence pumping 1.2 million gallons per day from up to four miles off shore and at water depths down to 200 feet. If the ship is moored within two nautical miles of the shore, two different products may be pumped simultaneously through two separate conduits.

The SS Cape May is a Norfolk, VA-based sea barge clipper class (SEABEE) vessel, so that its characteristic cargo is barges, as well as sections of causeway, and other materials used by the Construction Battalions (Seabees) of the U.S. Navy. SEABEEs are militarily useful vessels capable of lifting outsized objects, such as 90-foot causeway sections or 110-foot Coast Guard patrol boats. Their most notable feature is the 2,000-ton submersible elevator at the stern. SEABEE ships are unique because of their ability to carry a vast array of military cargo. SEABEE barges, causeway sections, and lighterage comprise the usual cargo; SEABEE barges can carry bulk and containerized cargo. Each barge has a capacity of 834 long tons.

During the Haitian crisis in 1994, a total of 15 MARAD ships were activated for operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. In 2005, nine Maritime Administration ships supported support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The ships provided meals and shelter for workers, emergency response teams and longshoremen, providing about 83,000 berths and 270,000 meals over 6 months.

Wonderful news!

HeYYYYY Yardies!

I missed you guys. Ivan and I got back from wedding/honeymoon on Wednesday night and it has taken me a few days to get back on track. Thank you for all of your wonderful comments on my pics. And thanks to JaQ for coming to the wedding. All is well on my end, just trying to get AOS paperwork in order. I hope to mail everything off next week, including that gigantic money order

So what's new??? Dada aka "tha scribe" I need an update!!!

Hey Char the pics were fabulous, can't wait to see Honey moon pics

Good luck with AOS

[*JG* 2]

Thats good.. I like how you said showers (plural)

Yeah, that didn't slip by me either.

[MRStee 19]

That is very cool! See, now I'm not totally sure what you do, but it sounds like you really like your job & NOW you'll have even more satisfaction from being able to really be a part of the aid!

I used to like it but over the years things have changed about it, but yes Im getting satisfaction on the Haiti part!

Quick update: Hubby just called from down in the lobby of my work. He LOVED it & wanted to say sorry about yesterday for having attitude & that the class was great! I'm heading out for a little celebratory lunch across the street at Chevy's with him! TTYL!

Have fun with hubby, sometimes we know whats best for our mates and just want the best for them. Persistance paid off. Enjoy your classes Lehi!!!

[MRStee 19]

Hey Folks! Just checking in---it's been a LONG time!! Congratulations to Bunz on the approval and to MsSheka on your case moving along--it soon come girl! Quick update: Gregory and I are still adjusting to our new way of life together. (I've decided to say "we're" adjusting instead of "his" adjustment cause it's been trying for both of us). We've had a lot of good times, and we continue to have our days, but overall things continue to go better than I had hoped for. What's definitely started to help now is the fact that he is finding stuff to do on his own. A couple of months ago I signed him up for a competitive soccer league because he LOVES to play and misses doing so. Well, he was picked up by a team and their first practice was last weekend! He was like a kid in a candy store--grinning like a cheshire cat from ear to ear! What's even better is that the coach told him that he was the best player on the team, and then proceeded to send out a mass email to the team members saying this very thing and how far my husband and the rest of the team will be able to go in the league this year! Not that he needs this add'l stroking of the ego, but it was good for him and I was proud). So he's doing that on weekends, and games will begin at the end of Feb. He's already enrolled in the GED program at the community college, and is in class 4 days a week. He's managed to navigate the bus system to some degree by himself, which has also been helpful and I think makes him feel more independent. Still not working (but filling out tons of applications), but lo and behold a few minutes ago a message was left on the phone from a manager at PetSmart asking him to call to set up an interview for next week!!!! We just filled that application out last nite, and while it is not the "perfect" job, it's something to hopefully get him started and build up his resume here in the states!! I hope that something comes through soon, because it has definitely been tough. Keep us in your prayers!

Mrs Palmer great news.. congrats to you and Gregory

[LadyC 1]

Hey Folks! Just checking in---it's been a LONG time!! Congratulations to Bunz on the approval and to MsSheka on your case moving along--it soon come girl! Quick update: Gregory and I are still adjusting to our new way of life together. (I've decided to say "we're" adjusting instead of "his" adjustment cause it's been trying for both of us). We've had a lot of good times, and we continue to have our days, but overall things continue to go better than I had hoped for. What's definitely started to help now is the fact that he is finding stuff to do on his own. A couple of months ago I signed him up for a competitive soccer league because he LOVES to play and misses doing so. Well, he was picked up by a team and their first practice was last weekend! He was like a kid in a candy store--grinning like a cheshire cat from ear to ear! What's even better is that the coach told him that he was the best player on the team, and then proceeded to send out a mass email to the team members saying this very thing and how far my husband and the rest of the team will be able to go in the league this year! Not that he needs this add'l stroking of the ego, but it was good for him and I was proud). So he's doing that on weekends, and games will begin at the end of Feb. He's already enrolled in the GED program at the community college, and is in class 4 days a week. He's managed to navigate the bus system to some degree by himself, which has also been helpful and I think makes him feel more independent. Still not working (but filling out tons of applications), but lo and behold a few minutes ago a message was left on the phone from a manager at PetSmart asking him to call to set up an interview for next week!!!! We just filled that application out last nite, and while it is not the "perfect" job, it's something to hopefully get him started and build up his resume here in the states!! I hope that something comes through soon, because it has definitely been tough. Keep us in your prayers!

Hi Mrs. Palmer thanks for the update. Im glad everything is going well. Tell hubby good luck with the interview

[*JG* 2]

Well, ladies, I am about to start the ball rolling on something I should've probably done long ago.

For about a year now, I have been stalked via the internet, friends of friends, and just this week, I found out people have found out where I moved to 7 months ago and are now driving by my house frequently. I am getting a little sick of constantly having to deal with this. And I'm getting tired of the words being spouted. So, I have a grade school friend of mine who is a police sargent. I have been chatting with him all day on FB about how someone could've gotten my address. First of all, I KNOW who is behind it. And, her friend is a court reporter who has friends who are lawyers, policemen, the daughter of our city tax collector, and a car dealer. We talked all day about who has access to what information.

Long story, short, I called the Regional Justice Information Center and asked them to run a search on ME and see who accessed my information recently and for what reason they gave. I have to call and make a police report for them to do that search. I called police department and tomorrow, when I am home all day, I will call non-emergency number, have a car come out, and I will start the ball rolling with that report.

I am not sure where I go with the information after this. I have actually been keeping a journal of dates, times, etc. for over a year now of her antics. And, I have a CD of taped conversations where she threatens me, my job, and now this drive by #######. So, whether I go for the restraining order or not, I don't. I do know my reason for not thus far....why make anything worse, just can't get any worse IMO. So, we will see. I do know I want to know who gave out this information and if disciplinary action is in order, I want it done.

So, wish me luck and I will keep you all informed. Right now, I'm feeling better that I can actually do something about it.

Sus, this does have to do with what I talked to you about earlier.

[MRStee 19]

Lady C, I will call you over the weekend

[NatPatBen 3]

Congratulations MsSheka on the Visa arrival & BUNZ on the approval!!!!

We are going to get all dressed up in fancy dresses and go for Pizza!

...

Saturday night Motor Booty again... gotta love disco!

Sunday my brother is taking T to the movies and she is bringing me to BINGO... now get this... if you win, you get sex toys! Its sex toy party bingo! HAHAHA!

That's precious: fancy dresses & pizza. What is Motor Booty? Who is taking you to Bingo? Tierra?

Damn....I pay $400 for my entire house.

WHAT!!! How so?

Interesting quiz:

I scored 5.

I know I have tendencies to be controlling, so I have to ACTIVELY guard my tongue. For example, yesterday I saw something Steven charged on the credit card and was HEATED. But I waited until an appropriate time, smiled at him, took both of his hands in mine, told him I loved him. Then I calmly stated what I saw on my daily check of the credit card charges and asked him why he made the purchase. Then I told him how much "we" as a "household" spent on that item in only 20 days of the month, and how if we continue spending at that pace, we won't be able to afford our family goals.

I never raised my voice & didn't prolong the conversation. I didn't bring in the other 100000 things I thought to say to make my point. Afterward, I told him I loved him & we moved on to some other activity. That took some serious restraint.

[Chiney*Eyes 0]

Hey everyone!! I have a quick question, my fiance received his Interview letter. There is a paragraph on the bottom under his Case #, Name and preference category. It says "Traveling Applicants" under that it lists his daughters name with her bday and a ©. Do they normally list the children.

On the paperwork we listed his daughter - where is said list ALL children. And where it asked if anyone was accompanying you to the US we put n/a. Just curious if this is normal that they list their children or do they think I am filing for her as well? And will they ask for anything on her at the Interview? Thanks everyone!!

hi that is normal..and they may ask you abotu his daughter but not to worry its typical

Hi Chiney *Eyes!

Hey Den how are yah

Finesse honaayyyy hope u feel better soon..just rest up and get ready fi push

[phillyfashionista 8]

LOL! Well, she's not so easy...she's (rather was, she has since kicked him out) making him pay about $400 a month rent too. He put up with it because now he needs to go to a shelter. One day, Lehi was sick of her giving him a hard time & told her to leave him alone & that she had a belly that flapped way over (but in Jamaican...LOL) & she hated him even more after that! I've never seen her but apparently she's not that desirable! LOL!

Tuck in yuh Belly?

Welcome back Char! Glad you had a nice honeymoon!

Mrstee, YAY Maritimers!

Philly, I CAN'T watch the movies! I know I'll get caught up but then I have to watch my back so the boss doesn't sneak up on me & catch me so, none for me.

LOL it's ok I know all about the Crypt Keepers trying to hold you down LOL I can't get enough of the drama of these movies and Mrs Tee is hooked LOL

Yes and I just heard about the portable hospitals.. Im so impressed! Ive been with these folks for almost 22 years now.. It's a wonderful unique industry... Im in the purchasing department so we will be supplying the materials they need..finally I feel a little part of the Haiti mission...

Hey everyone...Long time no "write to"... ...I see a lot of new names wow...this forum just keep growing and growing...

As most of you know i had my baby girl Hailey...she is a little over 3mths now...she is a gem if i do say so myself... ...doesn't cry much and sleeps through the night (starting at 2mos)...she laughs a lot and is always smiling...I'm going to post a pic on my facebook...haven't been on that either...but will post a pic there for ya'll to see her...

Philly i saw your message on facebook via my cell phone but my cell phone is acting up so couldn't reply...my mom has a sister who is still in Haiti with her 3 kids...she is ok but they are sleeping on the streets because they are too scared to sleep in their house since they are still having tremors...my mom wants to try to get her kids over here...so she wanted me to see if there is anything out there that will allow family members of american citizens for urgent visas for loved ones in haiti...let me know if you know anything about that...

Adjustment update: Me and hubby are still going strong...he is still working at his job and still working on my nerve...sometimes...but all in all we are happy...he is planning to go to JA in April cause his brother in Canada is throwing a party in JA and wants him to come down with him...He wants to bring the baby but not sure if i feel comfortable yet with him traveling down there by himself with her...especially since he is going to do a lot of running around...his mom could watch her...but still...to me she is still too young...

Hey Mamma, good to hear from you, you were on my mind! I am sorry to hear about your Aunt and cousins. I got word that most of my family members went to St.Marc because the houses are gone. We are still waiting to hear from others, its been 2 weeks I just don't know...... I know there are alot of exceptions being made for Haitians surrounding immigration. I pray I can bring some family and it not take 10 years . Can't wait to see pics of the baby and glad to hear you are Hubby are going strong

i keep joking with hubby telling him he can dump me now (once LOC is done)....but he nah get di joke

[Chiney*Eyes 0]

Congratz Bunz!!!

[phillyfashionista 8]

Quick update: Hubby just called from down in the lobby of my work. He LOVED it & wanted to say sorry about yesterday for having attitude & that the class was great! I'm heading out for a little celebratory lunch across the street at Chevy's with him! TTYL!

I am so happy to hear Ells that is awesome news I know it made your day!

I just went back to work on maternity leave this Jan and we are planning a family trip in Dec so I don't want to do both...Idk...will see cause hubby does want me to go and his brother is buying his ticket so we just have to worry about mine and baby is free...i guess its still up in the air...

I'll put a couple of the baby pics on facebook 2night...

I'm happy ur hubby likes his school...hubby was doing the library thing but had to stop because of work...i do want him to go back but want to look for more of a school setting cause the library to me was kinda slow paced...the college around me has AL classes too and its free ( ) but there is a waiting list...i help him at home so he is ok for now but its really not enough...hubby needs a little push himself...he's the type if he sees you are not stressing it he won't stress it either even if its suppose to benefit him...

I hope he moves up on the waiting list I know how important edcuation is for all of us! Can' wait to see the pics

Yep. And, I sent in a ridiculous amount of stuff. We were approved without interview.

Wow that's what i'm talking about!

Speaking of Western Union........I got one of those fishing emails today asking me to log on and verify information. It is very obviously not coming from Western Union. I did just report it to them though. Be very careful.

Oh yeah I always am, I never click on those types of emails! DELETE is my friend LOL but good looking out

Hey Folks! Just checking in---it's been a LONG time!! Congratulations to Bunz on the approval and to MsSheka on your case moving along--it soon come girl! Quick update: Gregory and I are still adjusting to our new way of life together. (I've decided to say "we're" adjusting instead of "his" adjustment cause it's been trying for both of us). We've had a lot of good times, and we continue to have our days, but overall things continue to go better than I had hoped for. What's definitely started to help now is the fact that he is finding stuff to do on his own. A couple of months ago I signed him up for a competitive soccer league because he LOVES to play and misses doing so. Well, he was picked up by a team and their first practice was last weekend! He was like a kid in a candy store--grinning like a cheshire cat from ear to ear! What's even better is that the coach told him that he was the best player on the team, and then proceeded to send out a mass email to the team members saying this very thing and how far my husband and the rest of the team will be able to go in the league this year! Not that he needs this add'l stroking of the ego, but it was good for him and I was proud). So he's doing that on weekends, and games will begin at the end of Feb. He's already enrolled in the GED program at the community college, and is in class 4 days a week. He's managed to navigate the bus system to some degree by himself, which has also been helpful and I think makes him feel more independent. Still not working (but filling out tons of applications), but lo and behold a few minutes ago a message was left on the phone from a manager at PetSmart asking him to call to set up an interview for next week!!!! We just filled that application out last nite, and while it is not the "perfect" job, it's something to hopefully get him started and build up his resume here in the states!! I hope that something comes through soon, because it has definitely been tough. Keep us in your prayers!

Hey Mrs P, thanks for the update chica glad to hear all is well good luck I hope you get good news about the Gig

[NatPatBen 3]

I have to say........I LOVE you all. Sus, just gave me a little hope. Sometimes that's all it takes! Thanks, girls

We can tell, from the # of jumping out at us from under your avatar.

Quick update: Hubby just called from down in the lobby of my work. He LOVED it & wanted to say sorry about yesterday for having attitude & that the class was great! I'm heading out for a little celebratory lunch across the street at Chevy's with him! TTYL!

That's great news.

long story...but yes, we are having 2

Who's throwing them?

Well, ladies, I am about to start the ball rolling on something I should've probably done long ago...

WOW @ this person. That's good that you are putting an end to her shenanigans.