Hockey Night in Jamaica

Last night was the season premiere of a program I have grown to love in the past couple of years: HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA!! Yes, I get CBC in Jamaica, thanks Goodness, so I can watch my Maple Leafs. The official start of the season happened on Wednesday, but b/c my team lost, (Let's not dwell on that 4-1 loss) I'm glad that they waited until Last Night to broadcast.
Toronto 6 - 0 Ottawa What a great game! A good start to the season.

In case you didn't know, HNIC is back in it's regular time slot: Saturday Nights starting at 6:30 pm ET

GO LEAFS GO!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UG!

OK, so the Cake looks like it went through an Earthquake, But UG didn't care! We just cut it up before serving all the guests, and it tasted Just as good as if it didn't have the Ultimate Crater.Oh, it's a Strawberry Shortcake if you were interested.

UG loved his Birthday Gift: A Tilley Hat! He doesn't even remember when i measured his head to order the correct size. It's now his Official Fishing Hat!

A Bomb Scare at the Airport!

WHOA! I just heard that there was a bomb scare at the airport...on our little island! I don't have all the details, but I'll post them once I speak with my contacts....CRAZY!

Fishing Tournament

Yesterday marked the end of the Fishing Tournament at the MoBay Yacht Club. It ended with the Kid's Fishing Tournament. I did not attend this year,but here are a couple photos from last year.

Not Just Sailing & Snorkeling

Last week Island Dreamer caught a Marlin! The Captain claimed that it was around 150 Lbs. UG thinks it was more like 95 Lbs. but I know it was at least 6' long!

The guests onboard that morning tour were also fortunate enough to see whales.

Hurricane Ernesto

Whew!....For a while, it looked like it would be lock down on the island. But there seemed to be plenty of Jamaicans praying for Ernesto to ignore us. I'm sorry that Haiti ended up with the bigger brunt of the storm, & Florida needs to watch out now. All my prayers are for my family & friends in Florida, scattered all over the state. Make sure you have all your supplies. Usually, if you are prepared, nothing happens. And if you aren't prepared.....DEEP DOO-DOO!

Looking outside the window right now. The sun is brightly shining, and there is a slight breeze. You would never know that there is a raging storm just to the East of us.

If your weather channel hasn't been keeping you up to date on the impending doom, here are a couple of websites to visit:Weather Underground or Intellicast
For either of these websites, select the Tropical or Cyclone Activity for info on storms forming/brewing in either the Atlantic of Pacific.

I'm usually at the airport at this time on a Sunday. The threat of this storm delayed the British Charter that I work for to tomorrow. which is when their other flight is coming in too. it's going to be a nightmare checking in these 2 flights practically at the same time. they have 350-360 passengers each! The Sunday Flight flies to London Gatwick & the Monday Flight heads to Manchester. I think I'll go home and go to bed now so that I have the energy to deal with tomorrow's chaos...that's how Ernesto is affecting me without even coming close to me!!! But I can deal with it.

Thanks to everyone who were praying very hard. It worked

Love Laura

Give them an Inch, They Take a Mile

Sometime it doesn’t pay to be nice. Earlier last week, 5 people went on our tour and had a Great time. They were part of a wedding party staying in Trelawny. The bride and groom were in that group of 5. So they told everyone else who was there for the wedding to go on the tour because it was awesome. That’s great for us. The Numbers kept growing until we had over 40 people in that group. Even before we got so many people, we had decided that the Bride & Groom would go free and we would give them a couple of our T-shirts. We actually ended up giving 4 complimentary passes.

Apparently they had a Great time again, despite the rain that started falling during the tour. So Great a Time, that when the tour ended and the boat docked, they refused to get off. They wanted an extra hour. When our dispatcher told them that they could not extend the tour, as it would not be possible to arrange for transportation, well, a few of the Drunkards got belligerent and started shouting that “this was a RIP-OFF!!”

Our dispatcher had to call the office for help. The group's Tour Rep at the Hotel needed to speak with them to 1)calm them down, 2)reason with them, and 3)most importantly, get them off the boat & on to the bus to go back to their Hotel.

That's why some people shouldn't drink. That whole "Jekyll & Hyde" effect.

A Saturday Morning Nap

The Week-ends seem to be busier than the regular work week. I guess if you are tired enough, a wheelbarrow is the perfect bed.

A SLICE OF JAMAICAN-NORTH AMERICAN REALITY

An old couple in Jamaica was puzzled when the coffin of their dead relative arrived from Foreign. The corpse was so tightly squeezed inside the coffin that her face was practically touching the glass cover. When they opened the coffin, they found a letter pinned to her chest, which read:

Dear Mama and Papa:

Mi a sen yu wha lef a Puncie fi di funeral down deh inna Jamaica. Sarry she mi couldn't mek di funeral cause a seh di expenses dem too high.
Yu wi find inside a di coffin, unda Puncie body:

12 can a Bully Beef
12 bottle a Posner Shampoo
12 bottle a Posner Conditioner
12 bottle a Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion and
12 tube a Colgate toothpaste

Pon Puncie body is a brand new pair a Nike (size 8) fi Keefa. Unda Puncie head is four pair a Nike fi Boysie son dem. Puncie a wear six Fubu t-shirt - one is fi Trevor and di rest fi im son dem. Puncie a wear one dozen Wonder Bras (a fi mi favorite), jus divide dem mongst the likkle gal dem inna di district. Di two dozen Victoria Secret underwear dem dat Puncie have on is fi mi nieces and mi
cousin dem.

Puncie also have on eight Levi pants, tek one fi yuhself and give di rest of dem to di likkle boy boy dem whey work pon Papa truck.

Di Swiss diamond watch yu did ask mi fa is on Puncie's left wrist and di tings dem wha yu did sen come beg mi for Mama (di earrings, ring and
chain), dem is where dem suppose fi wear pon Puncie body, please tek dem before anybody come fi view di body. I hope yu get everything alright.

Di damn politician dem mek yu haffe thief all kina way fi get in yu likkle tings dem.

God bless yu and keep yu,
Your loving daughter,
Babsie

P.S. Mi a beg yu find a dress fi Puncie bury inna.

Back to the regularly scheduled Blog...

Yay! I'm back online!
This is what I wanted to post yesterday, but couldn't. I'll explain why after:

Tropical Storm Chris has formed just over the Virgin Islands, and has Florida &/or Cuba in his sights. There is potential that Chris could gather strength and turn into a Hurricane. Jamaica, of course will probably get lots of rain if it stays closer to Cuba. If you want to follow the storm’s development more closely, click here or here. Hurricane Season 2006 started off a bit slowly, but looks like it’s now underway. That reminds me, I had better go catch some water.

6 Days until my Birthday.

SO! I have come to the realization that I have an addiction to the internet. There was a power flicker on Tuesday, and I lost access to my e-mail & the internet....I thought I was going to DIE! Of course, there was a lot of lightening that day, and the phone lines were down in certain areas. Needless to say, I couldn't get through to Tech Support. I couldn't get through to my Dealer...I was cut off, and going insane from the withdrawal. But all is well now. HM fixed everything & I am back online, but it has made me aware that I should consider limiting my time on the computer, using it only when necessary.....Naahhh!

5 Days until my Birthday

HAPPY EMANCIPATION DAY!

It's a public holiday in Jamaica. Of course, being in tourism, we have to work. Still, I hope those who are celebrating enjoy the day.

I was searching for information to help explain why Jamaica is celebrating. All I could find was an article from 2002.

Also:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUNTIE LORAIN! Sorry I couldn't be there to help celebrate.
Have a great day!

Running on Empty

OK, on days like this, I like Garfield's theory of staying in bed until Monday is over.

I don't know why, but I only got 2 hours of sleep (between 5-7am). My eyes are at half-mast and it feels like I have 5 pounds of sand in each eyeball.

Oh well, I guess we all have to suffer through these types of days every once in a while.

A few things that happened since I last posted:

1. AD is in TO for a few weeks.

2. My Friend & former co-worker has taken off for Japan to Teach English. Bon Voyage & Bonne Chance, Franco!

3. AL & UV celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversay on Sat. It was a Spanish Theme, & from the photos my Mom sent to me, Red & Yellow was the colour scheme. I missed it b/c it happened in Canada. But I wish them all the happiness & love that has so far been a part of their marriage these past 30 years. I was born on their wedding day & my Grandfather was their MC. PS-I LOVE the Ring!

4. I started my Birthday countdown: 8 days until the Big Milestone

5. It was my 4th Sunday on the job at the airport, yesterday. Alright, I'm pretty sure that almost everyone here has been on an international flight at least once in their lives. "They" tell you to be at the airport to check-in 21/2-3 hours ahead of your departure time...Which is printed on your ticket. The Check-in Counter closes ONE HOUR before Departure. For a good reason, too. Bags have to be checked & then loaded onto the plane. I'm pretty sure that manifests have to be printed as well. Why do some travellers think that they can leisurely saunter up to the counter at ONE HOUR before departure and expect to get on the flight? Especially when it's more than 2 people in their group, probably has a baby & all the baby parephenalia AND their luggage is Over the weight limit. To process this, it takes T-I-M-E. And some of those AJAS agents aren't the quickest, sharpest, or friendliest people to deal with, when all they want is to close down & go to lunch. We all have Travel Horror stories, but I'm now seeing the other side of it, & I have to say it: Sometimes they bring it on themselves. Can't seem to go through life without Drama & Strife.

But I will always love my Dad's theory of what a particular airline's Motto is: "We're Not Happy, 'Til You're NOT Happy"

Because of the afore-mentioned lack of sleep, I can't think of anything else to say, & I have to re-read and fix all the typos, before posting. So signing off, for now.

Jamaican Driving Tips

So Unca D is visiting me for a week, & he rented a car to get around the island. The Rental company gave him a copy of their Driving Tips:

1. Drive on the left
2. Keep to the left around corners
3. Beware of Trucks & Buses stopping suddenly
4. Blow your horn often
5. Caution over Humps
6. Beware of Potholes
7. Beware animals crossing
8. Use your indicators
9. Beware, many drivers Don't use indicators
10. Hang back, don't be in a hurry to overtake
11. Slow down:50kmph in town/80kmph on Hwy
12. Careful in the rain - many roads become slippery

My Favourites are #4, #6 & #9.

You know, this is something that should be given out to the locals...but then again, we wouldn't have a problem if most people got their Driver's License legally, rather than buying them.

As for the Potholes, I think that there is a law (Jamaican or Cosmic) somewhere saying that there can never be less than 50 Potholes on a stretch of road at any given time, and they must all be within a foot of each other. No sooner is one pothole filled, when you drop into another that wasn't there 5 seconds ago. OK, gotta run & check the air in my Tyres.

Reggae Sumfest

I can't believe that I forgot to mention that Montego Bay has been taken over by all who are attending this year's Festival. Apart from DanceHall night, International Night is the most popular, with this year's guests including: Missy Elliott, 50 cent, Rihanna & others. I think it's taking place on Saturday, the last night of the Festival.

www.reggaesumfest.com

Jamaican Grammar Lesson #1

RASS is the Jamaican all-purpose word; it can be used in any sentence.

Greeting - How di RASS yuh do
Fraud - yu too RASS tief!
Dismay - RASS!
Trouble - oh RASS!
Aggression - watch yuh RASS self!
Disgust - cho RASS!
Confusion - wah di RASS a gwaan!
Incompetence - a wah di RASS yuh a do ...yuh RASS IDIOT!
Lost - weh di RASS we deh!
Pleasure - it nice nuh RASS!
Retaliation - yuh RASS-claat
Shock/disbelief- kiss mi RASS!

1.RASS is a good way to finish a sentence that lacks excitement
Tek it bak tu RASS!
Gimmi bak tu RASS!

2.RASS can be used in biology
Look pan di gal RASS!

3.It can be used as a warning of future trouble
Cover yuh RASS!

4.It can ward off unwanted sexual advances
Mi nah gi yuh mi numba yuh ugly RASS!
Move yuh RASS from mi to RASS

5.It can describe extreme pain
It hot nuh RASS!
Mi granny gi mi some RASS lick!

6.It can describe size
Yuh foot dem big nuh RASS!
Him have a RASS mouth deh!

As you can see RASS is the Jamaican all-purpose word. Use it as often as yuh RASS feel!

Mi Dun To RASS!

Thanks to M.S. for sending me this e-mail. I couldn't have said it better myself

Keeping Up with Current Events

OK,

one of my relatives asked to hear more about the government.

"dabldoya" , I don't know who you are, yet, but you (& anyone else who is interested) can always click on the "Jamaica Gleaner" or "Jamaica Observer" links found on the right. You can read the articles online, and then form your own opinion.

Week End Wapnins

I'll have to Blog later about the "Jamaican Movie Experience". All I will say right now is that I loved the movie. Someone has to tell me what happened after the credits, though. I did NOT get to see what happened. Grrr

Saturday, July 15, 2006 4:15 PM - The power goes out.....An Island Wide Blackout. That lasted for hours. It's a good thing that my evening plans included a backyard BBQ. When I got home around 10:00 PM, the power was back in my area. Some people didn't get it back until around 2:00 AM!

Here's what they are saying about it right now:

http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&story=26337

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060716/lead/lead5.html

Word on the street, though, is that the JPS employees were upset because they weren't informed of the sale before it was made public.They decided to protest by shutting down the Island...so they are punishing the the wrong people. That's a rumour, so I'll keep you informed as I get confirmation.

The dinner was very nice, even without electricity. Great conversation, so we didn't miss the lack of music & everything was going on the BBQ anyway, we just had to get it working. Apparently the propane tank had too much air in it, so U.G. had to purge the tank before it could be used. Of course, A.D. ended up grilling all the food, standing over the heat. She's sure she lost 10 Lbs. We do appreciate it. Dinner was delicious! Great Food, Great Company, Great Conversation.

On Sunday, it was my 2nd day at the airport. Other than the big crowds & heat, nothing very exciting happened while I was there.

MOVIES!

OK,

Forgive me, But I'm SO excited to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (PotC:DMC) this evening. I know that it opened a couple weeks ago for those of you still in the 1st World, but I had to (im)patiently wait for it's arrival here (ironically, in the Caribbean).

I've already heard great reviews, which is a bonus, but I have to be honest, even if it got horrible reviews, I would still go to see it. I loved the first one, I like all the actors in it & it's an Adventure! It's along the same genre as The Mummy & The Mummy Returns. For the most part, I'm the only critic I trust. Of course, if my firends told me not to see a certain movie because of all the blood, guts, & gore, I would listen to them, b/c they already know that I can't stomach that stuff. (Hey, the first time I saw Jurassic Park, it was with my eyes closed)

...OK, this is starting to sound too serious. PotC:DMC Tonight!!! Oh, & I already know that I have to stay & watch after the credits. Hopefully it will be more satisfying than X-Men III: The Last Stand's little extra. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but too short.

OK, so those are my plans for Friday night. What about you?

getting his message across

The other day, we saw this car in the office parking lot. According to one of my co-workers, his friend is a mechanic, and had fixed something on this car, but the car's owner had not paid him for the service. So the Mechanic chained up the tyres and left this note on the car. If you can't see the photo very well, it says:

notice
MI WANT
Mi Money

by 3:00pm TodAy

or wrecker or police

go come fi it

This past Saturday

Hi All! As this is my first post, I'lll start with something simple.

On Saturday, I was going through a fast-food Drive Thru and there were a few cars ahead of me. So as we keep inching up, inching up, I'm just relaxing behind the wheel, checking my manicure, when the man in the car in front of me gets out, and looks at the back of his car. He's rubbing it along the back, as if I had hit him!

So he starts walking towards me (a clear indication that I'm NOT kissing his bumper). I was thinking to myself, "He's not going to accuse me of Rear-Ending his car, is he?"

Well, I didn't give him a chance. I rolled down my window half-way & I barked, "WHAT!? You think I hit you?! There's no way I hit you! Look how far away I am!"

And I rolled my window back up & went back to inspecting my manicure. The man stood there for a couple seconds (stunned that I would go on the attack, I guess) and then turned around and went back into his car. I took down his License plate & the make of his car, just in case he decided to make more trouble. Also, I could clearly see his License Plate from where I was sitting, indicating that I was not invading his car's personal space.

When I related what happened to my co-workers (the whole reason I was in that Drive-Thru to begin with) they told me that it happens alot, and the man probably thought he could get a way with intimidating a young woman. Unlucky for him, I've been taking ATTITUDE lessons for the past year.