LAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

[CareBear 18]

Sorry to read that your trip back to Oz wont be under the happiest of terms Vanessa. Dealing with the deteriorating health of a parent no matter what age is a difficult and emotionally charged thing - biggest hugs that at least time with your family and forward planning will lessen the pain should anything happen in the future.

I'm particulary mindful of the situation today myself as am having dinner with my own dad tonight after not having seen him for 2 1/2 years. He only lives in Melbourne whilst I live in QLD but life got busy and I kept putting visits off until time totally got away from me. He's here for 3 days for a real estate conference but has been battling cancer issues the last 12 months and all I can think about right now is is this the last time I'll see him. Im hopeful that he'll live forever, tough old boy that he is

[Bacon 0]

So sorry Breezie and Vanessa. Though that's the same reason why we're trying to get Ham his AP since his Grandma's health hasn't been that great lately. They're actually moving her closer and into an assisted home since the family is worried over her living by herself.

I just wish we could submit the paperwork for it all. We can't afford yet to submit his AOS paperwork. Between family issues that are costing us money and bills we're still three or four hundred short on paying for it. We need him working so we can afford it but he can't work until we get it

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I just wish we could submit the paperwork for it all. We can't afford yet to submit his AOS paperwork. Between family issues that are costing us money and bills we're still three or four hundred short on paying for it. We need him working so we can afford it but he can't work until we get it

Ahh yes, the age old conundrum. Same with me. I have the ability to work of course in terms of legality, but I need a car/truck to GET to work. We need to save for the truck which is hard to do since I'm not working and tony's income pays the bills. Vicious cycle but we're getting there as I'm sure you are too. Can you loan the extra from family and/or friends?

[andrea4prez 1]

HI!

guys, ? please help. I have some baby clothes my cousin from Rydalmere NSW ordered here in California and wants me to ship it to her since its cheaper (what she said). IS fedex or UPS best company to use? and cheaper too? or can I go regular post office here? Please help.

thanks!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I have some baby clothes my cousin from Rydalmere NSW ordered here in California and wants me to ship it to her since its cheaper (what she said). IS fedex or UPS best company to use? and cheaper too? or can I go regular post office here? Please help.

You can use USPS, or UPS or FedEx. it's completely up to you. The items will still get there. I recommend USPS as my husband thought it was cheaper

[andrea4prez 1]

You can use USPS, or UPS or FedEx. it's completely up to you. The items will still get there. I recommend USPS as my husband thought it was cheaper

Is it expensive to ship from US to AU? The clothes are really not heavy though and she doesnt care if it ships there after a long time hehe

[TerriandEric 4]

I have shipped to AUS from here using USPS and found it to be not too bad in pricing. It all depends on weight. Also the local post office told us if it can fit in a satchel it works out a little cheaper too as opposed to a bulky box. You can add tracking to it too -- I always do so I can keep track of it.

[TerriandEric 4]

Ness -- I am sorry for what oyu are going through -- we have discussed it at length and you know I am right here anytime you need me to be *hugs*

Bacon, I understand all too well the AOS predicament. We put mine & Beks on a credit card & are slowly paying it off...we did it that way so at least I will have it to then look for work. What is driving me insane at present is the jobs being advertised all over town that I cant apply for because I dont have my EAD or my GC ARRGGHH!!

All is well here otherwise...Bek returns to school in 2 weeks YAY! I have spent more time baking & cooking over the last 4 months then I ever have...but the food I have been making is so good!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts. In regards to my question about ID, I emailed TSA (as suggested by my airline) and here is their response:

"Thank you for your email regarding identification (ID) requirements at the security screening checkpoint. Specifically, you are concerned that the name on your boarding pass does not match the name on your ID.

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) identity verification policy requires all adult passengers to provide a Federal or State Government-issued photo ID for inspection before entering the security checkpoint. These IDs must contain the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature.

Passengers who do not have an ID that (1) meets these requirements and (2) bears their name as it appears on their boarding pass should bring whatever IDs or documents they have available. For example, passengers who have legally changed their name or prefer to use their middle name can present documents such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, or social security cards. There is no set list of what forms of alternative IDs or documents are acceptable. However, the information on one of the items should bear the name of the passenger as it appears on their boarding pass along with other identification information.

If a passenger is unable to present an ID or documents that display their name as it appears on their boarding pass (including passengers who have entered misspelled names or nicknames), or if TSA has questions about the ID presented, the passenger may be asked to assist TSA in the identity verification process. Under this process, TSA may ask the passenger to complete a Certification of Identity form, which requests the passenger's name and current address, and may ask additional questions of the passenger to confirm his or her identity. If we are able to confirm the passenger's identity, the passenger will be cleared to enter the screening checkpoint. However, the individual may be subject to additional screening. If we are unable to confirm the passenger's identity, TSA will deny the passenger entry into the security checkpoint.

Additionally, all persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. Information regarding this topic is available from U. S. Customs & Border Patrol by phone at (877) 287-8667 and via the web at

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/air_travel/documents_needed.xml "

So you can see that my Greencard fulfils the government issued ID requirements, otherwise I will have my birth and wedding certificates as back-ups. I've booked my flight for the 1st Sept and I wish I could start packing (except we're currently living out of suitcases anyway :S) so I know I won't forget things (like presents) but I still have time.

**fingers crossed** settlement on our house goes ahead as planned this Friday!!

[andrea4prez 1]

thanks!!!!! appreciate it

I have shipped to AUS from here using USPS and found it to be not too bad in pricing. It all depends on weight. Also the local post office told us if it can fit in a satchel it works out a little cheaper too as opposed to a bulky box. You can add tracking to it too -- I always do so I can keep track of it.

[Tristan n Isolde 2]

Aus is a rabies free country but its a requirement that Texas (dont die laughing but my dog is called Texas, is 7 1/2 years old and now I'm marrying a Texan - oh the irony) has a rabies shot before he enters the US. That and proof that he has had his annual vaccinations was the only thing needed for him.

The pet handler that is transporting him is attending to the shot prior to him flying - they pick him up from mums house 2 days after I fly out, transport him to Brisbane, fly him to Sydney where he overnights, has the rabies shot and a final health check over, next day he flies to San Francisco where he clears customs and dependent on the time of day will either fly straight through to Dallas that night or the next morning. Not a cheap exercise @ A$2400 but I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and just cannot bear to be parted from him.

um oh wow, so you can't get there shots and everything and have them come with you on your flight. Same thing with my man, he has had her for a long time, loves her to death.

[Tristan n Isolde 2]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Just got an email saying that they recieved the approved petition in Sydney, omg omg omg hehe. How long will it take for him to get the stuff in the mail. He doesn't have access to a printer so the whole downloading and printing thing might not work to well for him, SO HAPPY

[CareBear 18]

I'm not sure if I could or couldnt - I felt with 2 flights to get back to Texas, the 13 hours to LAX and then another 3 hours to Dallas plus the 5 hour layover in between and dealing with POE etc it was easier for me to hand him over to an agent who takes care of the collection from the house and the delivery to Dallas - their quote included everything including the crate and was one stop shopping.

I know one of the other VJers recently did it with a cat where the animal travelled with her and that was around $1000 I think from memory but this way was peace of mind to me (just a massive hole in the budget) lol.

V Australia whom I'm flying Brisbane to LAX with do have a section re pets on their page but they dont accept bookings direct. However they do have a page with a list of pet handlers they recommend if thats worth looking at to get a quote.

Oh and I relooked at my quote again after answering you - its not a mandatory requirement for all states that your pet has the rabies shot but since Texas is going into a kennel for 10 days at Xmas where it is a requirement then I'll still go ahead and get it done by JetPets.

And congrats on the approved petition reaching Sydney - one step closer.

He doesnt get anything in the snail mail - all of the forms have to be downloaded online and printed out.

Edited August 18, 2010 by CareBear

[Tristan n Isolde 2]

I'm not sure if I could or couldnt - I felt with 2 flights to get back to Texas, the 13 hours to LAX and then another 3 hours to Dallas plus the 5 hour layover in between and dealing with POE etc it was easier for me to hand him over to an agent who takes care of the collection from the house and the delivery to Dallas - their quote included everything including the crate and was one stop shopping.

I know one of the other VJers recently did it with a cat where the animal travelled with her and that was around $1000 I think from memory but this way was peace of mind to me (just a massive hole in the budget) lol.

V Australia whom I'm flying Brisbane to LAX with do have a section re pets on their page but they dont accept bookings direct. However they do have a page with a list of pet handlers they recommend if thats worth looking at to get a quote.

Oh and I relooked at my quote again after answering you - its not a mandatory requirement for all states that your pet has the rabies shot but since Texas is going into a kennel for 10 days at Xmas where it is a requirement then I'll still go ahead and get it done by JetPets.

And congrats on the approved petition reaching Sydney - one step closer.

ok cool, i will look it over, he will be flying from Adelaide, to Sydney to LAX and that is where I will get him. I will try to pick around on some info on what he needs to get done for her. I will also look on V's site. I liked flying Quantas better, but V is cheaper.

[Tristan n Isolde 2]

ok cool, i will look it over, he will be flying from Adelaide, to Sydney to LAX and that is where I will get him. I will try to pick around on some info on what he needs to get done for her. I will also look on V's site. I liked flying Quantas better, but V is cheaper.

...oh and I guess I will be printing and expressing all these forms to him, just gives him more time to sort his stuff out I guess.....still super happy. NOA1 to NOA2 was the worst wait ever, so this isn't really all that bad.