Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

[jawi876 2]

My ex would only speak in proper English when I first met him and he was still in Jamaica, no matter how much I begged him not to. I wanted to learn patwah in the worst way, and I wanted him to teach me. Well poop on me because as soon as he touched US soil nothing but pure patois in the last 5 years. He said that he didn't want to loose it and start twanging. My sister to this day cannot figure out what he is saying to her. Him and my brother would sit and talk for hours on end...just for my brother to whisper in my ear later that he didn't have a clue what he was saying yeah too. LOL

I will only speak proper English when I am around those I know won't understand. Many push and prod, but to me it makes no sense to do it for their entertainment. Now around Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals, I let it fly....But if they tick me off, they'll get all the entertainment they can stand

It was not entertainment for me...I just really wanted to learn and understand. I feel so at home in Jamaica...but I was clueless because I couldn't understand it at all. Then, one day I was walking through Ochi, and it was like my ears popped. I was turning in all directions...hearing and understanding all conversations. I know people wondered why the strange tourist girl was staring and smiling and nodding like a new born fool. I understand it pretty well now...but I am not brave enough to actually test my own ability to speak it (unless of course I get upset...then it will come tumbling out in bits of regular English...Ebonics and patois) LOL kikikikiki

I've never wanted a Jamaican to entertain me...and I don't buy into the whole it's so sexy (unless of course it is Beenie Man, Capleton or Vybz Kartel). Vybz could lyrics me anytime anytime...with his lizard looking self. Love him the same way still.

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

BTW, for those who might want to know, total cost of having the baby via cesarean section including three night hospital stay was $17, 132.36 :o

[jawi876 2]

BTW, for those who might want to know, total cost of having the baby via cesarean section including three night hospital stay was $17, 132.36 :o

I think I rounded up to $20,000 right? Dang. That is steep!

[JA Tam 7]

My ex would only speak in proper English when I first met him and he was still in Jamaica, no matter how much I begged him not to. I wanted to learn patwah in the worst way, and I wanted him to teach me. Well poop on me because as soon as he touched US soil nothing but pure patois in the last 5 years. He said that he didn't want to loose it and start twanging. My sister to this day cannot figure out what he is saying to her. Him and my brother would sit and talk for hours on end...just for my brother to whisper in my ear later that he didn't have a clue what he was saying yeah too. LOL

I will only speak proper English when I am around those I know won't understand. Many push and prod, but to me it makes no sense to do it for their entertainment. Now around Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals, I let it fly....But if they tick me off, they'll get all the entertainment they can stand

It was not entertainment for me...I just really wanted to learn and understand. I feel so at home in Jamaica...but I was clueless because I couldn't understand it at all. Then, one day I was walking through Ochi, and it was like my ears popped. I was turning in all directions...hearing and understanding all conversations. I know people wondered why the strange tourist girl was staring and smiling and nodding like a new born fool. I understand it pretty well now...but I am not brave enough to actually test my own ability to speak it (unless of course I get upset...then it will come tumbling out in bits of regular English...Ebonics and patois) LOL kikikikiki

I've never wanted a Jamaican to entertain me...and I don't buy into the whole it's so sexy (unless of course it is Beenie Man, Capleton or Vybz Kartel). Vybz could lyrics me anytime anytime...with his lizard looking self. Love him the same way still.

The funniest thing is, I can't speak to someone who I know won't understand it in the dialect unless I'm cussin them out. It just won't come out, just feels so forced. I don't know why

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

BTW, for those who might want to know, total cost of having the baby via cesarean section including three night hospital stay was $17, 132.36 :o

I think I rounded up to $20,000 right? Dang. That is steep!

Yes, but I guess I thought we were talking WORST case scenario, not just a 'routine' delivery!!

[JA Tam 7]

BTW, for those who might want to know, total cost of having the baby via cesarean section including three night hospital stay was $17, 132.36 :o

I could put that down on paying off my student loans or buying a car. Whoa...that's a lot of money!!!

[^KK^ 3]

Thanks God for my health insurance. No baby here right now. But good to know my insurance will cover. $20,000!!!!!!!!!!!! The baby better become a multmillionaire and take care of me and their father.

[nyseness 0]

Yuh dyam right...again!! Preach, Preach Sis! I would move home inna heartbeat if I couldda live inna JA deh life I live 'ere! I always seh I would LOVE fi send mi pickney dem to school inna JA. Believe it on not, it is a much better educational system den the one here!

We've had this discussion on here before and I totally disagree with you. What are you basing this off of? You can get an education ONLY IF you can afford to pay for school, pay for books, pay for uniforms, and pay to get to and from school. Here in the U.S. education is free to everyone. Not to mention, the standards are a lot different. My husband went up through 10th grade and can barely read and write. Here, you wouldn't even get past 2nd grade without these basic skills.

Hey Rhonda,

I hear what you are saying about paying for school in JA. You are correct, that part is totally unfair! However, I am talking about the structure and curriculum taught in JA. Children are taught more at a younger age for example, Physics, Calculus, Biology re started in their equivalent of 6th & 7th grade, in the prep schools. Where as, here that is not even touched upon til 11th & 12th...if you’re lucky! That's why Americans are falling so far behind the world because we don't push our youngsters to develop these tools early enough so the gather a real understanding of how to utilize and master them once in college.

I am a Dean of Academic Advisement at a University here on Long Island, and I seriously can't tell you how many times I have had International Students (including West Indians) come to me and say the Physics/Calc classes are too easy and they learned this 4 years ago back home in high school! Meanwhile many of my U.S. students are coming in and telling me that they just can't keep up with what is being taught because they were not adequately prepared for College-Level course during their primary education.

So again, yes I agree with you when it comes to the equality of all Jamaican children receiving an education, that MUST be corrected and the playing field be made leveled. However, when it comes to what is being taught in the classrooms in JA. I still believe we could learn something!

P.S.- I actually pay $7000 a year in school taxes for my children to attend the public school in my district. So, free is not always so 'free'.

Blessings and respect,

Gill

I agree w/you Gill. I sent my daughter down for a few yrs so I could finish college. The stuff she was learning in Primary school was't taught to her here until she reached 3rd grade. A big difference!!!

I think each indivisual has a different POV on this topic b/c it all boils down to the location of the school.

[jawi876 2]

My ex would only speak in proper English when I first met him and he was still in Jamaica, no matter how much I begged him not to. I wanted to learn patwah in the worst way, and I wanted him to teach me. Well poop on me because as soon as he touched US soil nothing but pure patois in the last 5 years. He said that he didn't want to loose it and start twanging. My sister to this day cannot figure out what he is saying to her. Him and my brother would sit and talk for hours on end...just for my brother to whisper in my ear later that he didn't have a clue what he was saying yeah too. LOL

I will only speak proper English when I am around those I know won't understand. Many push and prod, but to me it makes no sense to do it for their entertainment. Now around Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals, I let it fly....But if they tick me off, they'll get all the entertainment they can stand

It was not entertainment for me...I just really wanted to learn and understand. I feel so at home in Jamaica...but I was clueless because I couldn't understand it at all. Then, one day I was walking through Ochi, and it was like my ears popped. I was turning in all directions...hearing and understanding all conversations. I know people wondered why the strange tourist girl was staring and smiling and nodding like a new born fool. I understand it pretty well now...but I am not brave enough to actually test my own ability to speak it (unless of course I get upset...then it will come tumbling out in bits of regular English...Ebonics and patois) LOL kikikikiki

I've never wanted a Jamaican to entertain me...and I don't buy into the whole it's so sexy (unless of course it is Beenie Man, Capleton or Vybz Kartel). Vybz could lyrics me anytime anytime...with his lizard looking self. Love him the same way still.

The funniest thing is, I can't speak to someone who I know won't understand it in the dialect unless I'm cussin them out. It just won't come out, just feels so forced. I don't know why

I understand the reasoning truthfully. It's hard to converse with someone that is nodding in acknowledgement and responding correctly to you but they are using correct English. I had to learn how to understand rather quickly when my ex got here like I said earlier. So, I had a very good understanding by the time I met my sweetie. We have known each other for 3 years now...and for the first year and half...nothing but proper English. He said that it was natural instinct from schooling. When the teacher addressed you in school with proper English you better not respond in patois! I also don't think he was quite convinced until he heard me sing along to an entire Vbyz Kartel song. Oh and after our first and only HUGE argument.

[nyseness 0]

Has anyone ordered copies of Jamaican Birth Certificate online? How long does it take? And how much does it cost? The website doesn't tell me much.

I'm gearing up for AOS. We forgot to get copies. B)

ok ladies i am stressing out about this...not sure what to do...what the right answer is....i called my insurance to see what is all included as i will need to start seeing a dr. pretty soon and they said maternity is NOT covered...it is a al' a cart option that i didn't pick when i signed up for it...well duh of course i didn't wasn't planning on getting preggo....so they said i could add it but it wouldn't cover this current pregnacy...so what do i do....i have been told to look into state funded programs...but will that effect mike and his AOS...i started filling out a application online but stopped when it started asking questions abot mike and who sponsered him blah blah blah....

so my next thought was if i couldn't do that i came across a maternity card...it is not insurance but will give you a discounted price and can save you up to 60%....

or should i maybe cancel my half of the insurance and get another plan that will cover me? i am just not sure what to do i need to bounce these thoughts off of you ladies......

You might want to speak to a medicaid rep but I dont think that will be a problem. It's not like your receiving food stamps or cash. It's a Medicaid/Medical card and you should be able to recv that even if you work esp if you're pregnant. What about your local clinics or hospitals. I know here where I live they have two hospital and both have family clinics in them. While I was pregnant w/my daughter I was registered w/one of them and my copays (per doctor visit) and the birth was on a pay scale based on my income.

I don't know about that one. I tried to sign up for Medicaid when I was let go from my job while pregnant with my oldest child. Because they gave me some severence pay, I wasn't eligible for the Medicaid. They kept insisting on offering me food stamps, which I didn't want; but refused the Medicaid, which I needed. It was maddening.

If you aren't happy with that card plan you signed up for, talk to a social worker. They are pretty good at giving you all options available to you and helping you sign up for things.

I think every state is different. Here in IL you are quicker to get Medicaid then food stamps or cash.

I used to audit Medicare and Medicaid...let's just say...there were many holes in the process.

Ain't that the truth..

[finesse 3]

We got the visa today!!!!!!!!!

Finesse-KK yours is on the way

Congrats!!!!!!! I know you are so excited!!!

[Forever Young 1]

We got the visa today!!!!!!!!!

Finesse-KK yours is on the way

WOOOOOO-HOOOOOO!!!!!!! Congrats!!!! FINALLY!!!!!

[SweetSugahDumplin 0]

looks like we are not supposed to call anymore:( and they did tell me that the last time i spoke to someone there

Contact Information

142 Old Hope Rd., Kingston 6, Jamaica

The preferred method of communicating with the Visa Unit is by e-mail.

NIV inquiries: consularkingst@state.gov

IV inquiries: kingstonivinfo@state.gov.

Hours of Operation

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., except for holidays

Information and Inquiries

The preferred method of communicating with the Immigrant Visa Unit is by e-mail. Please send e-mail inquiries to kingstonivinfo@state.gov.

Information can be provided in person by appointment only. To make an appointment for information window services, please e-mail kingstonivinfo@state.gov.

[JA Tam 7]

My ex would only speak in proper English when I first met him and he was still in Jamaica, no matter how much I begged him not to. I wanted to learn patwah in the worst way, and I wanted him to teach me. Well poop on me because as soon as he touched US soil nothing but pure patois in the last 5 years. He said that he didn't want to loose it and start twanging. My sister to this day cannot figure out what he is saying to her. Him and my brother would sit and talk for hours on end...just for my brother to whisper in my ear later that he didn't have a clue what he was saying yeah too. LOL

I will only speak proper English when I am around those I know won't understand. Many push and prod, but to me it makes no sense to do it for their entertainment. Now around Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals, I let it fly....But if they tick me off, they'll get all the entertainment they can stand

It was not entertainment for me...I just really wanted to learn and understand. I feel so at home in Jamaica...but I was clueless because I couldn't understand it at all. Then, one day I was walking through Ochi, and it was like my ears popped. I was turning in all directions...hearing and understanding all conversations. I know people wondered why the strange tourist girl was staring and smiling and nodding like a new born fool. I understand it pretty well now...but I am not brave enough to actually test my own ability to speak it (unless of course I get upset...then it will come tumbling out in bits of regular English...Ebonics and patois) LOL kikikikiki

I've never wanted a Jamaican to entertain me...and I don't buy into the whole it's so sexy (unless of course it is Beenie Man, Capleton or Vybz Kartel). Vybz could lyrics me anytime anytime...with his lizard looking self. Love him the same way still.

The funniest thing is, I can't speak to someone who I know won't understand it in the dialect unless I'm cussin them out. It just won't come out, just feels so forced. I don't know why

I understand the reasoning truthfully. It's hard to converse with someone that is nodding in acknowledgement and responding correctly to you but they are using correct English. I had to learn how to understand rather quickly when my ex got here like I said earlier. So, I had a very good understanding by the time I met my sweetie. We have known each other for 3 years now...and for the first year and half...nothing but proper English. He said that it was natural instinct from schooling. When the teacher addressed you in school with proper English you better not respond in patois! I also don't think he was quite convinced until he heard me sing along to an entire Vbyz Kartel song. Oh and after our first and only HUGE argument.

You probably scared him when you gave him a sound cussing in patois

[JA Tam 7]

looks like we are not supposed to call anymore:( and they did tell me that the last time i spoke to someone there

Contact Information

142 Old Hope Rd., Kingston 6, Jamaica

The preferred method of communicating with the Visa Unit is by e-mail.

NIV inquiries: consularkingst@state.gov

IV inquiries: kingstonivinfo@state.gov.

Hours of Operation

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., except for holidays

Information and Inquiries

The preferred method of communicating with the Immigrant Visa Unit is by e-mail. Please send e-mail inquiries to kingstonivinfo@state.gov.

Information can be provided in person by appointment only. To make an appointment for information window services, please e-mail kingstonivinfo@state.gov.

Yeah, they are totally discouraging it. Thing is, it takes about a week or so to finally hear from them by email. They send the following auto response: The Visa Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston has received your e-mailinquiry. We regret that we are unable to send a personal reply to eachinquiry due to the large volume of communication we re`ceive daily. Inour experience, almost all inquiries can be answered by informationalready available on the following government websites or help-lines(phone numbers are U.S. numbers unless otherwise noted). Please read the following information carefully. If, following a reviewof all the information provided, you still need further assistance withan immigrant visa case pending at U.S. Embassy Kingston, please send ane-mail to kingstonivinfo@state.gov with "2nd Inquiry" and your case number in the subject line.

Edited September 13, 2007 by JA Tam