LIFE OF A JAMAICAN GIRL

Where am I now...

2024-10-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

So much has changed since my last post expect for my love for this beautiful island "JAMAICA". A living in the USA has made me love this island even more.

Just sitting on the beach with my toes in the sand, enjoying the most orangish sunset and be able to go in the backyard and pick the most delicious fruits. On my last visit I got to see some many family members and friends I haven't seen in years and the memories just all kept flooding in.. amazing memories. Those that will help me keep me happy whenever I am in a low point in life.

My Heartbeat

2019-06-17T14:53:00.002-07:00

Today marks three year since I was blessed with me son. At times I would just sit and watch him play or simple just watching the television. Then he would glance at me for a couple seconds with a big smile on his face as if he knew I was watching him all this time. I love hearing him singing one of his favorite songs like Baa Baa Black Sheep out of the blue as he taps his foot. The way he would run to the door and start jumping when he hears his dad opening the door. He would wake up and then put his teddy bear in his bed all wrapped up nicely and say " Teddy in bed" as he follows it with a laughter. I love him so much and cannot imagine a day without even the day when I chooses not to obey not one of my requests.

Happy Birthday My Prince.... mommy loves you lots...

2018-07-25T11:33:00.002-07:00

Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Result Release Dates

Stress Stress and More Stress

2018-04-11T09:48:00.002-07:00

Life is full with many changes and as such the will always be stress related to these change.
So it is for us to figure out and develop our means of deal with the various stresses... life throws our way.
For me just going my the beach and take a walk barefooted. Feel the sand between my toes , the wind in my face and the smell of the sea seems to wash away alot. Going through some of my worst days person could spot me sitting in the sands at night just looking out at the sea

Below are some good read on ways to relive stress.

1. https://us.ditchthelabel.org/101-ultimate-ways-chill-reduce-stress/
2. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/your-health-your-wealth/meditation_129963?profile=1373
3. https://cmbm.org/blog/5-ways-relieve-stress/

Do remember that everyone goes through and each in his/her own way..
So keep strong!!

Summer Jobs 2018

2018-03-21T12:10:00.003-07:00

Applications NOW OPEN for Summer Employment for BCIC Jamaica

Visit :https://www.interns.icdgroup.net/

Applications NOW OPEN for Summer Employment!

Please send your applications to Human Resource Specialist
Jamaica Energy Partners
Wikip Place, Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston
Deadline: May 18, 2018 Email: hr@jamenergy.com

Apply now to the HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme at any NYS/ HEART office or visit nysjamaica.org.
Application Deadline: April 13, 2018.

Petrojam Summer and Graduate Internship Programme
http://www.petrojam.com/jobs

Be Thankful for All Your Blessings

2018-03-21T07:38:00.001-07:00

Many times as we venture through life. We come across many obstacles that will deter you from taking the next step. But I say to you, trouble will always come but let them not allow you to achieve your goals ..... Just say to yourself I can to it followed by your next steps.
There are days when I get up in the morning and just feel like just going back into my bed and never getting up. As I scroll through the days, weeks, months and years of my life and what the future might have in store for me..But at that point I snap back and start to thinking about all the blessing I have experience throughout days, weeks, months and years of my life and what the future might have in store for me.. Hope and faith is a power ingredient in our journey through life. Many times we forget to be thankful for all our blessing allowing the small setbacks or big ones to push us too far back. So take back your life, remember it is your life and make the difference, take the chance and continue counting every blessing as you keep on the road to the better... greater you

Here are some quotes for you :

"When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” – Tecumseh

“Never take anything for granted.” – Benjamin Disraeli

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” – Henry Ward Beecher

“I’ve started to look at life differently. When you’re thanking God for every little you – every meal, every time you wake up, every time you take a sip of water – you can’t help but be more thankful for life itself, for the unlikely and miraculous fact that you exist at all.” – A.J. Jacobs

“Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that thankfulness is indeed a virtue.” – William Bennett

“I’m thankful I grew up the way I did. It made me a hard worker and insightful to other people’s lives.” – Rachel Roy

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhart

Summer Activities Jamaica 2017

2017-06-14T09:24:00.003-07:00

With the summer quickly approaching here are some ideas for summer activities in Jamaica.

1. GC Foster Summer Camp
July 10-27, 2017
$3,000.00 per week
Website: http://www.gcfostercollege.edu.jm/index.php/student-services/announcements/437-summer-camp-2017

2. IYF World Camp 2017
June 16-19 2017
$8,000.00 Dorm Style/$6,000.00 Camp Style
Website: http://www.iyfjamaica.com/worldcamp/

3. Moorlands Summer Camp
Various dates for various age group
$30,000.00 9-12 Girls and Boys/ $35,000.00 Co-Ed camps plus $2,000.00 registration
Website: http://www.moorlandscamp.com/summer-camps

4.Summer Robotics Camp Online
July 3-14 2017
$19,900.00
Website: kimroybailey.com

5. Aquaworx Session ( Swimming Only)
July 3-28 & Aug 8-25
$5,500 per week
website: aquaworx.weebly.com

6. Just of Teens (Introduction to TV Production and Voice & Speech)
July 3-28, 2017
Website: http://mti.edu.jm/

7.Kaleidoscope – Children 4-11 Years & Artscope – Teens
July 03-28, 2017
$18,500.00
http://emc.edu.jm/continuingeducation/programmes/summer-school/

Jamaica Public Service (JPS) taxes late fee charges!!

2017-05-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am the person who always pays bills on time so for the first time I ended up paying my Jamaica Public Service bill late . To my surprise their late fee attracts GCT.

So normally I would benefit a JMD$250 credit for early payment. Now I will have an additional cost of $291.25 ( $250 for late charge and 41.25 for GCT on that late charge).

I was soooooo shock when I opened my account this morning...

But is this right?

Revised Rates - Fees for Chairmen and Members of the Boards of Public Bodies-JAMAICA

2017-05-29T12:37:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered what the payment to board members of the various public bodies in Jamaica?

My search lead me to the Ministry of Finance.
Click on the link below:

Fees of Chairmen & Members

Airports Authority of Jamaica Board

Jamaica Tourist Board

Rain Rain and More Rain

2017-05-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

The rain came pouring down from Saturday night the 13th May 2017.It kept going and going, due to the rain the usual Sunday garage collection didn't occur. So it was indoor all day.......
Monday morning it was still raining but off I went to work. Then about 9 am I got a call from my mom my son was vomiting. So I rushed home and took him to the doctor. The doctors office had lots of patients for we had to wait as well it showed signs of the rain that fell all weekend ...with water spot along the floor covered with paper. By the time I was finished with the doctor and the pharmacy it was too late to head back to work . So ended up staying at home with my son who didn't want to leave my arms.
Then came the rain again Monday night and woke up to it on Tuesday morning. Listen and watch the news and heard about the storm system. So I got ran a sat staring outside for it to break long enough for me to head to the bus stop. Once I noticed it wasn't felling as hard I headed out to the bus stop.
So section of the sidewalks and road had water coverage so I had to get my shoe a little wet.
The umbrella at times seems like it wasn't much help. Heading towards the bus stop at one point I had to be walking in the road and looking back to watch the oncoming traffic. The bus stop has only a small roof so many people were all together trying not to get wet by the rain. After a good while at the bus stop and no bus in sight and decided to head back home....
Watching the news and seeing the damage done my this system I was very happy to stay home... warm and dry>>>

Clearing the Barrel

2017-05-11T11:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I had the experience of clearing a barrel here in Jamaica. After been told the barrel was coming I when searching the internet for steps and found this link on the Jamaica Custom House website (https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/article/customs-house-%E2%80%94-steps-clearing-barrel).
The barrel took more that 3 weeks to get here from it USA address and I was told it was because of where it was coming from. I was happy to get the call that it was here and applied for the time from work and source transportation.
Even after mapping out my journey on google map, getting to the shipping company was a little hard that I thought with all the one way street of Kingston Wharf area. That's when I found out their are persons who make a living helping persons finding there way around. So I got shipping documents from the shipping agent and pay the relevant handling and/or freight charges then heading off to warehouse with a " tour guide" on board. We parked in a parking area close to the building and I walked to the gate.
I showed the shipping documents to the security personnel at the warehouse who directed me to the cashier when I made payment of storage. Then was directed to waiting area, at the entrance gave the paperwork to the security at the desk that pass it to the warehouse and I was told I could have a seat. Here I was sitting and waiting on my name to be call. While been entertained by the other customer conversation with the custom personnel. Especially a gentleman who was complaining about the large sum he need to pay for two used TVs and the cost being more that 5 times what the TVs actually cost.
My name to called for me to enter the warehouse and stand next to my barrel and await instruction from the customs. To be told by customs they are unable to process as the barrel is only labelled at the top and not the base. Therefore I will have to get a letter from the shipping company.I called to inform the shipping company and was told there was a cost for the letter. I went back to the shipping company , paid the fee for the letter and back to customs. They requested for me to empty the barrel for they to check the items.
After the barrel was repackaged it was back to the waiting room to waiting your name to be called again.You are then given the paperwork to go to the cashier. After the cashier the section where you a given a gate pass. Followed by us driving through the security gate with a security check. After parking I walked up the steps with the paperwork , joined a line to enter a office where they manual copy information from the paperwork as well as the driver licence for the driver of the vehicle. Then the paperwork is sent into the warehouse and the barrel is placed on a pallet and checked. Thinking this was the end, nope. Join another line into any office where the paperwork is collected and a slip handed back to you. Then I pointed out the barrel to the fork lift operator who brought it to the car. Follow by another security check and departure.
My overall view is there are a lot of steps and a some view manual process that could be revamped.

Read Across Jamaica

2017-05-09T09:10:00.003-07:00

Read Across Jamaica 2017 is under theme" LITERACY MATTERS - READ ALOUDS PROMOTE
COLLABORATION AND CONFIDENCE IN CHILDREN"

Therefore today, May 09, 2017, the entire island of Jamaica is promoting reading with Read Across Jamaica as the pilot.

Read Across Jamaica is an international literacy program formed to foster a love of reading in children in Jamaica and the Diaspora. Since 2003 we have been collecting and distributing books to schools in Jamaica and engaging young people in literacy activities during our yearly trips to the island.

Literacy opens doors and creates opportunities. Access to education is key to helping young people develop and realize their goals and providing books is a vehicle to accomplish them. Our goal is to help Jamaica achieve a 100% literacy rate for its students.

Can you remember reading your first book?
Pick up a book today and let us start reading for a brighter future....

Visit them online at www.ReadAcrossJamaica.com and LIKE their Facebook page: ReadAcrossJA and Twitter:@ReadJamaica

Welcome May

2017-05-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

Errol " Honey Boy" Martin

2017-04-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

On August 24, 2012 here in Jamaica,They have said over and over again never to scatter rose after a person has passed on.
Everyday for the past three years living in Kingston and passing by his house he was always there greet me with a smile.
I knew him but yet I didn't as my life activties didn't allow me to. He would greet you each morning as you pass and each evening as you return from a hard days works. Other day you would see him walking pass the gate with crane in hand take a nice stroll.So I was so sadden to hear of his pasting.
I can remember during mango season get some really nice ones which I used to make juice.

Here is some of his songs:

Dad is home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NataH-CMpEs

Dreader than dread
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFJn88hvgmg&feature=related

If you were mine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9zUXDeIw5o

The Weekend Begin

2017-04-28T09:49:00.002-07:00

The weekend starts off with changes in my plans for the dentist for my six months clean and topping up of my bus card of public bus system JUTC. However I am going to make the best of it and ensure I get some fruits from the market......

So let the weekend begin..

Many Changes!!

2017-03-07T11:04:00.002-08:00

I haven't written any post in a very long time and a lot has changed since then.
With the most important being the addition of my son to my family.
Having a child can change your life so much....
So at this time I want to start planning for his future

Soo here I go....

Good Morning Kingston, Jamaica

2015-09-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Every day on route to work in the mornings I have always marveled at how beautiful, creative and lively nature is. Yet,we failed to appreciate the beauty we hold within our hands,this land we call "JAMAICA". As look through my bus window rolling over the bridge from Portmore to Kingston staring at a fisherman's boat riding the waves out to sea with the flocks of birds hovering over and the back drop of the Kingston pier. Ships all a deck waiting on their turn ready to be unloaded. Yes, I do see you too Mr Sun peeking through the mountains as I shield my eyes from the glare . Kingston, in the early morning has such a peaceful soul. Compared to the hustle and bustle of a midday shopping in the town. Driving through the town all the shops are closed except for those serving breakfast to patrons heading off to work. Fruit vendors with their carts laden with each color of the rainbow. I see the orange, bananas, pineapple, mangoes...... and I could go on forever.
So I say GOOD MORNING KINGSTON!!! and have a great day

BEST JAMAICAN POLICE "PULL OVER"

2015-02-20T10:33:00.003-08:00

After purchasing a meal in Spanish Town and heading back to Kingston. Upon crossing the bridge near the hospital, we were pulled over by the cops. You could just imagine the look on my face, knowing all I wanted to do was go to bed after the long road trip to Montego Bay. Not having a clue this was gonna be the best interaction I have ever had with Jamaican cops.
We pull over to the side and an officer came up to ask us to come over a bit more as he wouldn't want us to get side swiped by any oncoming traffic. Then an Inspector came over to my window to explain it was just a routine check while a Constable did the same explanation to the driver then asked for his document. So at this point I was so surprise as compared to all previous encounters where the officers were very rude.
Then they requested for the driver to step out of the car and open the trunk . So after seeing the beach items in the trunk a conversation begin to include how was the visit to the beach. And after stating we were coming all the way from Montego Bay the others were told to quicken the process.
Afterwards they carefully directed us back until the main road. So I say well done Jamaica Constabulary Force you got a passing grade for this encounter!!!!!

CHAMPS 2014

2014-04-08T12:17:00.001-07:00

The ISSA Boys & Girl Athletics Championships known widely as CHAMPS for most persons for 2014 was fulled with so much energy and as a first time attendee. I loved every second, I was seated in the section slated as " KC stand". This areas was filled with the purple and white the colors the Kingston College .

The excitement among these fans you would have sworn the were the leader and winners of the championship. The winners for the boys was Calabar High School and for the girls Edwin Allen High School. Kingston College placed second in the boys group.

To end the three days of events saw the fireworks brightening up the night sky was the icing on the cake.
So CHAMPS 2015, I will be there.......

Pharrell Williams Jamaica Happy

2014-02-07T07:52:00.001-08:00

New Year

2014-01-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

At the start of a new year many persons see this time as a fresh start for all the new dreams and goals. And we start to compile our list of all we want to accomplish within the year and look back at all we didn't get to done in the previous year. Some persons may think that this is a waste of time. But isn't it good to evaluate your life every now and again, to see if you are where we want to be. Remember we hold our future and we can be anything we want to be. Yes, many will be saying I am too optimistic, so what!!!
I am living my life the way I want to live it!!!
We all want the house, the car, the husband/wife, the kids or just simply to be able to living comfortably and not just hand to mouth. But in our pursue for all these valuables let us not forget ours. I am not saying to disadvantage yourself and take care of ours. Helping ours doesn't only means cash.As there are many persons who just want a listening ear or just to know that someone care and or believe in them. Giving them the push to do their best. Remember we are not all the same but unique in our own little ways.

So a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all

Enjoy every single moment.
The good, bad, beautiful, ugly,
inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments.
And Thank GOD through it all
http://newyearsmswishes.com/beautiful-words-for-new-year-2014.html

Tori Kelly - Dear No One (Official Video)

2013-12-03T10:46:00.001-08:00

35 Questions .........?

2013-09-18T12:22:00.002-07:00

A recent Forbes article dated 17 September 2013 entitled “35 Questions That Will Change Your Life by Jason Nazar”, however of all the questions the following stood out for me and I decide to talk on the topic.

1. What are your values and are you being true to them? Write down the 3 most important aspects of each of these areas: family, romantic relationships, friends, work, health, sex and spirituality. These are your values. When we don’t act congruently with what we value, symptoms of discomfort arise.

Family

My family is a pretty large one as my dad was a bit of a rolling stone. So it is a great possible there are relatives out there I may have never met before. The only time either side of my family gets together is for a wedding or a funeral. I grow up with my mom and two sisters of which I am the oldest of the three kids. I have always tried to be the best example for them. I believe family is a very important part of any individual and wish mine was much closer. Thus when I do start my own family I want it to be very tight knitted. I think that might be one reason I want to make sure I get it right, as I don’t plan on going down the aisle more than once. That’s if any man ever decide they are will to be my husband for the rest of my days on earth. I am not looking for a mister prefect but I need to have something to work with so we can meet each other half way. I have always said I would have any kids but I’ve been thinking lately that I might be changing my mind about that one.

Romantic Relationships

In my current status I would never say I am in a romantic relationship but yet I would love to have one. And again the doubt I have in myself, starts rearing its ugly head. Who would ever want to be involved with you? Men are only looking for one thing and one thing only. You are not pretty enough to have someone be seen with you and they are come rolling in……. But then I remind myself that I am a very special girl who is wonderfully made and any man would be lucky to have me. If he treats me good I will treat him even better.

Friends

There are times when I think I have no friends at all and to be totally honest. I think this is true. I have persons in my life that I share information. But there is no one I can think of that can say they know everything there is about me. There are persons who may believe they do and then try to tell me what I will and cannot do. But they are so wrong. As a little child growing up I was never the one to be surround by an entourage. I have always been known to keep to myself. Some may call me anti-social but I beg to disagree. I simply see where it was easier to keep out of troubles way. I hope this has not affected me forming any future healthy friendship.

Work

I work in a job that was chosen for me and not chosen by me based on what life throws at me. However I tried to do my best but there are days it just seems like it doesn’t matter you giving your best it is never be enough. But I will never give up. I have paid myself thru college to achieve my Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and looking forward to do my Masters with the only limit being the funds for this next step. Over my years of working I have worked in three organizations and the boss that stood out the most is Pat Hewan who was the finical controller at the time I was working at Sandals Montego Bay. This lady saw the passion and determination which I posed and was willing to work with it. I am a very fast learner and as such I am up to learning and try any new thing/ program/ gadget.

Health

If anyone was to ask me about my health I would say I am in great health except I would love to lose a couple pounds. I was look over the years when I was “slim” and hope to get back there. But with my sweet tooth that will be a difficult task

Sex

I am a very adventurous person as it comes to sex and a very curious person. I think there is a lot out there I can learn but it not like when you were growing up you had anyone to direct you. Sex was a ‘no no’ subject in many houses. So when you grow up and for some they never got to grow up we are dumped into the wide ocean and we either swim or sink. So throughout my life it has been a trial and error phase.

Spirituality

I am a strong believer that there is a God and that he sees our every move. But am I the only one when sitting in church can feel like every word the pastor says is about you. And to know you want to live right but is harder than it seems.

To read more on the article you can use the below link.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonnazar/2013/09/05/35-questions-that-will-change-your-life/#!

The English Problem

2013-09-13T09:27:00.003-07:00

From as far back as can remember I have always had an issue with the English language. I was never the one to sit down and read a novel, I would rather watch the movie. Or to write a really long paragraph or even a book about any subject. But I have decided I need to make more of an effort and start reading and writing more as well as just to simply slow down.... As a lecture from Stanford University,Kristin Sainani, says" Good writing can be learned" and " revision is more important that the first draft".
So I have asked my co worker for novels so I can get start working on my reading skills. Next is the writing skills, so you will be see a lot more postings from me about every and anything..

Tarrus Riley - NEVER LEAVE I - Official Music Video

2013-09-06T14:03:00.001-07:00