The "BIG" move

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

Thanks for the "heads up", Nanook...for amoment there I thought I had done something said something terribly wrong and was being censored, or I was losing my mind... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[7777]

Re: The "BIG" move

me hear bout the shortcuts before, because that happened with a fence around her property tht my mom built when she wasnt there, and the fence was so badly done, because of some missing ingredient, that she had to knock it back down, and rebuilt again..
A total loss of good money, but when u tell her to stay and watch it a jamaica, she never listened and always talking bout her job a foreign wha she have to go back to..... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70392-silly.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70388-shameonyou.gif[/img]

but

the short cut of the bricks and the not filling it up....
dat deh, is a new one me never heard of... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70402-thinking.gif[/img] me a tink cus she put on couple of bedrooms, new expanded kitchen, a new bathroom and a wash room with hotwater heater, washingmachine outlets, and two concrete wash basins..
aye sah....the stuff bulders will do when u noh around....
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/70361-embarassed.gif[/img]

[Hush Darlin]

Re: The "BIG" move

JJ I am enjoying the move with you so please please continue
good luck girl

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

Finally, I was on my way to really “living” in my own home a Yaad. I moved down on Aug. 3rd, with some beads, mosquito netting for my bed and a few other incidentials (sp.?)…

The house I bought was furnished with pretty much the basic necessities, so I did not have a big problem assimilating myself into the surroundings…I knew I had someone competent running things and the construction was an exciting adventure for me.

I had brought down a variety of seeds with me, since I had big plans to do a large veg,. Garden, because of the amount of space I had available to me….I love Italian cuisine, so knew I had to have lots of tomatoes and basil as a staple…I had also brought with me, corn, green beans, watercress, and had bought callaloo and pumpkin seeds there…..I’d saved seeds from bell peppers and honeydew, bought from the local “veg. man, and planted them.

The callaloo grew extremely well, and I got several crops from it, until some insect started to invade, and the quantity was more than I could handle, so I gave the last crop away.

The corn and green beans did not make it from the git-go because of insects. The pumpkin was growing like crazy for awhile, along with the honeydew, and then mysteriously disappeared almost overnight….again,…those pesky insects!!…

At the time, I was trying to deal with all insect problems with an organic pest solution that I had brought with me from the States…either I was not diligent enough with it, or these insects were resistant to it, or there were just too many!!!…my tomatoes seemed to be doing pretty well and basil was flourishing!…

After Wilma hit S. Fla., and I lost contact with my 19 yr. Old son, I decided I must make a trip back to S. Fl., unannounced…The destruction I witnessed was unbelievable!!..I arrived about 1 ½ weeks after the hurricane had struck and still had no power where I lived…was not restored until about 4 days after I got there….my son was O.K. & had been staying at a friends house, who had had their power restored….finally found him at his work place…he was very surprised to see me!

I stayed for about 2 ½ weeks to straighten out “tings” and bought supplies, mostly food to take back with me.

When I returned, the morning glories that I had planted and so lovingly nurtured were completely bare of leaves, along with a beautiful grapevine, that I had trained along the top of the fence!…however, the morning-glories were blooming profusely sans leaves, so, all was not lost. The tomatoes were starting to show signs of a big, green tomato worm, so I decided the only choice was the dreaded “malathion”…This was also used to save a quantity of new bougainvilla plants I had planted along my front fence, since they had suffered also from the “worm” invasion.

I settled back into the routine of my life that I loved a Yaad…creating jewelry, supervisizing construction, and making numerous trips to Mobay to search for materials .One thing I have to interject here is that, if one does not choose to go to Kingston, (which I have NO desire to do), there is a serious lack of choice of quality materials available in Ja….by that, I mean decorating items, like ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, fabrics, quality bedding & towels, etc….I’m very picky, and look for the best quality at the best price, so I became very frustrated, since I was trying to create a five star guest house with minimal choices!

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

I guess I haven’t really gotton into the drawbacks of living a Yaad yet…again, I will say, life is “sweet” in Ja. for me, but….

I will procrastinate for days about making a phone call to any of the utility companys, because I know that I will be put on hold for longer than I can handle.

When I am searching for some kind of decorative fixture, like floor or wall tiles, I know it will take many trips to many places to find ANYTHING that I like, and sometimes I find nothing, hence the BIG shopping treks in Fl…

I have emailed my customs broker about duty and he has informed me that most new items shipped attract a duty of 43%…so that means I better do some damn good shopping to offset the duty charges, and keep in mind, I’m trying to decorate 2 floors of house, 5 rooms, and 2 bathrooms!…this is not an easy task….I am trying to stay within budget.

It looks like I will be sewing the (100% linen) drapes and the shower curtains, out of the designer remnants that I found, plus 2 futon covers and mucho throw pillows, if I can ever find a place that sells the blank pillows for a decent price!…right now, the only place I’ve found sells them for more than the price of good bed pillows,…$12-$15…that’s outrageous!!!…need to search more tomorrow.

I’ve bought several Indonesian pieces that can be used as bedside table bases, but will have to find a place in Ja. where I can get some round,glass tops…probably will have to pay an arm & a leg for them…

I’m so used to shopping yard/tag sales in the US, to get quality, unique furniture and decorating items that I’m somewhat lost here, since I really don’t know my way around in the part of S. Fl. that I live…thank God for Home Goods, Marshalls and Home Depot!!

What I really want, is to be a good hostess, with a place that has so much ambiance that folks want to come back to stay here….I’m a good cook, so probably would have an option for meals if desired….the sea is just a short walk, and is beautiful and mostly deserted, and the grounds are beautiful and tranquil (and fully fenced)

I feel that this will be a place that would be great for honeymooners, families, and folks who just want to get away from it all, for R&R, with no hassles.

Wha uno tink bout dis?….

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

The next segment was actually supposed to come before the one you just read, but I messed up....I think you can still get the drift... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

During the time I have spent in Ja., the positives far out weigh the negatives….

I am spending time with a true soulmate whose love encompasses me…He accepts and loves me for who I am and I do the same….life is sweet!!…I am doing what I feel I do best and that I am the best at,…being creative!, in the jewelry that I make and also in decorating my beautiful guest house….AND landscaping the yard, planting lovely, tropical flowers and a vegetable garden that will help me to create wonderful meals for myself and visiting guests!

I have adopted 2 kitties to replace the 2 I had to leave in the US. (in good homes, of course)…That is another story in itself…Ja. kitties are another breed…mine, who were maybe 6 weeks old, and just taken from their mother, were absolutely terrified when I turned them loose in my house…hid under things for 2 days, and then climbed up the screen on my bedroom window (in the dead of night), and managed to squeeze through a little 3” space at the top, to freedom!…I thought I would never see them again, but they did get hungry in a day or so, and came back for food. In the space of 2 weeks I had con vinced them that they should become my pets and stay to enjoy the ride!..through much subtle stroking and kindness on my part, they decided to become very loving and are now, always in the yard, either sleeping peacefully or tearing things up!…I also have a following of 1 daddy, 1 baby-mother and 3 kittens who frequent the yard for food…only the father, who came with the house, is tame enough to pet. The mother always hisses at me, even though I’m usually the one to feed her….the babies are looking to their mother for direction, so also hiss, if I get too near, unless they are so engrossed in eating, that they forget and allow me to pet them, which is very seldom. I guess “once a bushcat, always a bushcat.” I didn’t get close enough to them before they reached that crucial 8 week birthday.

I now have a garden that is not only beautiful, but producing quantities of good tomatoes!, my favorite!…construction on the addition is soon to be completed, with the exception of the windows, which were special order & imported, so have to wait til the end of Feb. for installation, along with the grills, that have to be made to match the panes in the windows….

I have been shopping like a maniac, since I’ve been here, in S. Fla., trying to find the absolute BEST, UNIQUE & QUALITY furnishings & fixtures for the best price!…and that is something I’ve always been good at. I really want this guesthouse to encompass visitors with a certain ambiance that they will not forget….and then, of course, that unspoiled beach is just minutes away, to enjoy at ones leisure. I truly want to make this villa rental a memorable experience!

[wedinjamaica]

Re: The "BIG" move

Ja Jewel..........

That was the best!!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img] I would love to visit your guest house in '06. Would you PM me with details if you are renting to guests at this time.

I loved your story. You have described some major hardships but your personality shines through in your assessment of your experience.

You seem to be a very postive person with realistic expectations and very well suited to living in Jamaica. I would also love to see your jewelry.

You are living my dream. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

Blessing to you.

[trelawnysmall]

Re: The "BIG" move

Are you back on the Island yet??
Please link me when you have a chance. I am working alot in Negril, but would love to link with you.

[Seveen]

Re: The "BIG" move

thank you for sharing - i'm in the process of streamlining my belongings so i can get out of here also - not sure where i'm headed - what an adventure

pure [img]/forums/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] to you

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

LIFE is an adventure & I'm really just trying to make the best of it!...and I really AM living my dream!! and lovin' it! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/bannana_purple.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img]

Thanks so much, you guys, for taking the time to read my story & make comments.

wedinjamaica & trelawny small, check your pm's and best of luck to you, seveen on whichever direction you decide to take!!

[n.c.rootswoman]

Re: The "BIG" move

Were all really enjoying this thread and its a top notch
place here to network. Cant wait to see where you stand now. Decorating your own place in JA...Ahhh how great is that!

[Nanook]

Re: The "BIG" move

Love it! Best of luck! Don't be a stranger, keep it touch with us!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[Jah_Mamma]

Re: The "BIG" move

Loving your story. Thank you for sharing. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: The "BIG" move

People have asked me, since I’ve been here in S. Fl. , if I’m happy to be here…they seem to be taken aback when I say “no”….my stress level is higher because of the timeline. I’m having to deal with the “financial aid-college” issue with my son, which means “tax” issues, and this whole shipping thing, which is a major nightmare!….so, I tell them that I’d much rather be at home in Jamaica.

Maybe , by the looks of some of the last few posts, I haven’t been really clear about my location right now…I’m in a 1 room (not 1 bedroom), but I ROOM apartment, that I’ve been sharing with son, since my last arrival in South Fl., Dec. 15th. I’m surrounded by 5 foot tall stacks of boxes, with a tiny path between rows to allow for people passage, as we speak!

It actually took me an hour today to “make” a box to ship some bamboo blinds….have never seen them in Ja. (why, I don’t know), but do know that I need them to complete the addition and give it that “tropical” feel that I’m trying looking for.

Because of lack of space in the apt., I’ve had to “make” my boxes outside in the hot sun & then take things outside, pack there & take the completed boxes back into the apt.
It has been a real experience, to say the least, (backbreaking, at times), accomplishing this task…I’m having to separate the NEW items I just bought to furnish the addition &
Pack them separately from the 17 boxes of my own furnishings that were just delivered this a.m. from the storage company. Most of those boxes have to be reopened and checked for contents, since I have to make a listing of contents for customs. I’ve had to pack & move many times in my life, but dis ya one a de bomb!!…honestly hope it is the last one!!

I’ve reserved a U-Haul for next Mon. when I will load up all boxes (will probably end up at about 30+ boxes) and deliver them to the shipping co. Unfortunately, I really know very few peeps in this area, (none with trucks), so the U-Haul was my only option, but it will work.

I’ll be on my flight back “home” on the 11th…doesn’t give me too much time left to do my remaining tasks (and sleep too), but it can & will be done.

Upon my return, the 2 biggest tasks on my “to do” list, are doing all the interior painting in the addition (unless I get totally overwhelmed & have to enlist the aid of “Skenger”, a sweet, little Rastaman, who is doing the exterior painting), and also start making jewely like mad!…need to have some of those $ start coming back in!!

I have some ideas of painting “techniques” that I would like to experiment with to give these walls an interesting look, but I tend to fill my plate with more than I can handle, at times, so may run out of steam before I’m finished.

As I’m working on the shopping, packing, & shipping detail here in Fl., the addition is coming close to completion (from what I hear) and my man in Ja. is working on cleaning up all the construction debris littering the yard and then leveling out the yard with “fill” and topsoil, since there were several areas that took a ‘dip” and created problems when it rained a lot, as it did in Nov. this year.

Because we had to “special” order the windows, they will not be delivered and installed until end of Feb and then we can proceed to having the grills installed….then there’s the bamboo furniture that I’m determined to build with my man to complete that “tropical” feel that I’m trying to achieve….I checked out the bamboo furniture factory in Ja. online & was stunned by the prices!!…really quite unaffordable for my partner & I to outfit 6 rooms of this project…so, I figured if I printed out some of the designs from the net, with all the bamboo that grows a Yaad, my man (who is an experienced carpenter) and I, who is good at design & finishing, MUST be able to at least build the beds!!…again, sometimes I expect more from myself than I’m realistically able to accomplish, but that is the plan!!

So, realistically speaking, I figure rentals will be available in April of this year!!!! Yay!…just the feeling of accomplishment I know I will feel, when this is all completed will be a joy…to be able to walk through all those rooms, with the breeze blowing and that lovely seaview, from the windows, and just look around and say “yup, I really did it this time!”

I did find my digital camera, so promise all you peeps out there that want to have a look, that I will try to get some good shots & post them here when construction is totally finished….