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[This message has been edited by doombug]

I'd sent my wife in Peru a Valentine's "Care Package" on the 1st of February, hoping that it'd get there in time.  Well, it arrived today, two days late.  But she was aware that it was en route, so no biggie.

The package included:

Infusium shampoo (impossible to find in Lima)
Olay skin cream w/SPF 15 (she's a skin cream addict)
Aquafresh Extreme Clean, toothpaste (it's da bomb!)
100-count bottle of ibuprofen (for those female cramps & headaches)
Half-pound bag of pistacios
10-15 packets of Jelly Belly, jelly beans
Gift-wrapped box of assorted bon-bons
Valentine's day greeting card
CD's of Myriam Hernandez, Madonna, and No Doubt
DVD's of "Herald and Kumar Go to White Castle," and Josh Groban, "Live at the Greek"
One ATM card (I'm kicking iKobo to the curb)
One Target Visa card (inscribed w/ her new surname)
Finally,  about two-soles worth of pocket change that might get her half a taxi ride

She text-messaged to my email:  "Gracias mi amor por tu regalo! No te imaginas lo feliz que me haces con tus detalles. Soy muy feliz comtigo mi amor!"  

It may seem like overkill to some of you, but I wanted to make sure that for at least this ONE special day of the new year, she can set aside the thoughts of another boring work day, of concerns for her family, of any doubts and pessimism, and just glow for a bit.

I'm whipped!

Peace out!

... in response to Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005

Wow, Senor. You are a "detail" man. No wonder she loves you! I am sure she deserves it and you clearly deserve her. All the best!

... in response to Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by utopiacowboy on Feb 17, 2005

Thanks!  

Peruanas are awesome!

... in response to Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005

Doombug,
I have two questions.  Were you worried that your wife's goody bag would be ripped off by someone in the Peruvian postal service?  Also, how long before the Mrs. gets to come State side?  Are you waiting on a K-3?  Best of luck.

                         OkieMan

... in response to Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by OkieMan on Feb 17, 2005

I mailed in my petition application (I-130) on 12/21/04, and the California Service Center of USCIS approved it on 2/2/05.   Her approved petition is probably now at the National Visa Center, awaiting more fees & applications before it is forwarded to the embassy in Lima.  I'm ultimately going for the CR-1 visa, which will make her pretty much a resident alien before she even gets to the States.

I suspect she'll be here in less than 6 months.  But since I'm trying to bring her two children, this will probably delay the wait even further.  Lots more fees and applications.

Believe it or not, I just have blind faith in the postal system.  Whether here, or abroad.  I've never had a problem with mailing or receiving packages/parcels.  

Her "goody bag" was actually a sturdy "goody box."  Tightly sealed, shock proofed, very non-descript, nothing enticing.

... in response to Re: Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005

Regarding her kids, you filed I-130s for them too, I hope. The kids can piggyback on a K-1 (K-2) or K-3 (K-4) but they can't piggyback on a CR-1.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "detalles&q..., posted by utopiacowboy on Feb 17, 2005

Yeah, I've been reading up on the CR-1 the past few months, off and on.  My wife sent me their translated/certified birth certificates a week ago, so when they arrive, I'm going to send an I-130 for each to the CSC.  

$185 each!  And later on, huge fees for the NVC processing.    

My only concern is how to eventually have all three petitions merged later on down the road.  Heck, it might not even be a concern or common practice.  If my wife gets her interview, and a subsequent visa, I suspect she can just sit by until her childrens' interviews.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "detall..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005

If the CSC acts on their petitions quickly, it is possible to get them together either at the NVC or at the embassy. It is one of the few times that they are receptive to expediting things because it only makes sense to have them all together.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "de..., posted by utopiacowboy on Feb 18, 2005

Do you know of any formal way of notifying them that they should all be merged/linked together?

Thanks.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Speaking of &quo..., posted by doombug on Feb 18, 2005

You can kind of control this yourself. Once your wife's I-130 petition goes to the National Visa Center, they will send you an Agent of Choice form. You can delay sending this back to give the kids I-130s time to catch up. Hopefully, after those get approved you could notify the National Visa Center then to group them together.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Speaking of ..., posted by utopiacowboy on Feb 18, 2005

Oops, I recall you suggesting that about two weeks ago.

Sorry for apparently asking the same question twice now, hehe.

... in response to Re: Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005

So, on top of everything else, you are step-father? Please keep us posted on that progress as well.  Best of luck.

                              OkieMan

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "detalles&q..., posted by OkieMan on Feb 17, 2005

Yeah!  A step-father of two!  It may be looked upon as a negative by some, but when my wife comes here, the difficulty of adjusting to a new country will be tempered by the fact that they'll all be together to distract each other.  

The daughter is AWESOME!  She wears glasses--which makes her look bookish, has much darker skin than her mother and me, is very wise for her age, clownish at times, and extremely un-spoiled.

I haven't met the son yet.  He lives with his papi.  My last novia's son was about his age, was very spoiled, and very demanding about seeing his father.  I'm hoping my wife's son is at least a little less demonic.

... in response to Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005


Say DB,

Did the ATM & Visa cards arrived safely?  I'd be a little careful about sending plastic depending on the shipper.

On a related security note: I had both my MC & Visa information stolen by some young clown recently with mostly small charges run up in Miami.  They had actually made a new card as the purchases were swiped transactions.  I am very careful about receipts and such, but I think the card information was lifted somehow in Medellin.  I wonder if it's always best to use money for transactions rather than plastic to avoid this in the future while in SA.

... in response to Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

I have sent an ATM card to my namorada.  It arrived safely through FedEx.  She has used it once and the arrangement is very convenient for the both of us.

The media reported today (and yesterday) that an information company based in Georgia sold the financial data for 100,000 people to a fraudulent financial institution.  They are being contacted to close all their accounts and credit cards and alert their banks to any loan requests in their names.  In addition, the post office is being notified because the thieves work by re-routing their targets' mail by changing their addresses.

Talk about organized crime!!!!

... in response to Re: Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by Brazilophile on Feb 17, 2005

[This message has been edited by pablo]

Yes, I caught the same report.  Reminds me of when hackers got into Western Union and got a hold of their equally large customer base.  Even though it's easy to get fraudulent charges reversed by your credit card institution, identity theft is no small matter.  

Credit card companies rarely go after thieves who use stolen credit card information.  I had my wallet stolen a couple years back and the thief ran up a few thousand that evening.  I reported it to my card company and even after that the thief was able to charge another two grand before the stolen information was inputted into the system.  Then I received an anonymous call a week later from a relative of the thief identifying the guy and I thought we now got this little SOB.  I reported it to the police and was amazed at their response.  They told me it was not a crime against me but against the credit card company and if they weren't interested in prosecuting I couldn't do anything about it! What about my wallet?  Ha! as if they had time to drop by and pay that crook a visit.

All a thief needs is a SSN and he can set up an identity in another state ruining your credit taking much time, effort and money to rectify.  I placed a credit hold with the three major credit reporting outfits, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to prevent a credit application being made but that is only valid for six months I believe.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "detalles&q..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

Now, that kind of story almost makes you want to turn to a life of crime.  Right now, I could use some "free" money.    I mean if the law enforcement people don't give a flip, what chance do we have?  Oh well; back to the salt mines!

                      OkieMan

... in response to Re: Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

Yep, all arrived intact.  Haven't had a problem mailing or receiving parcels to Peru.  I think a lot of the negative press/opinion about SA mail problems are more exagerrated than need be.  Some basic precautions go a long way.

I used a sturdy package, completely sealed, and stuffed with those styro-corns.

Credit card fraud is a lot easier to have reversed nowadays.  I've had it happen to me before here in the States, and the police/CC companies cracked down quick, and made it relatively painless.

... in response to Speaking of "detalles"..., posted by doombug on Feb 17, 2005


"Advil" proved very, very, very popular with the women in my ladies family. During my visits several LARGE bottles of "Advil" always accompanied me....lol

... in response to Re: Speaking of "ibuprofen"..., posted by Hoda on Feb 17, 2005

Hoda,
Can't they get Advil or other pain medication in LA?  I guess I thought those type of over the counter things were easily available.  What other types of "everyday" things do the ladies like?
 
                          OkieMan

... in response to Re: Speaking of "ibuprofen"..., posted by Hoda on Feb 17, 2005

I hardly ever use the stuff, but I recall on occasion my wife mentioning some of the aches typical among women.

I'm going to keep Advil in mind for the next package I send her.

Thanks.

... in response to Re: Speaking of "ibuprofen"..., posted by Hoda on Feb 17, 2005


Advil was the one requested item I bring with me as a gift when I went on my trip to Argentina.  They have ibuprofin there but Advil, that highly coveted remedy, was not available.  You should have seen their eyes when I gave them two large 500 count bottles of the stuff.

... in response to Re: Re: Speaking of "ibuprofen"..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

Pablo,
I just asked Hoda the same basic question I am about to ask you.  What is so special about Advil?  I mean compared to what the latinas have available?  Is Advil more expensive there?  I was not aware of this situation.  Every one seems to be talking about cheaper stuff available in Colombia or wherever, so I just didn't think about it.  I also almost never need Advil, or aspirin, or other meds like that. Naturally, I can understand about the extra problems ladies go through.  By the way, what is your opinion on candy, or other sweet gift items?  I seem to remember some time ago someone suggesting that we take Hershey candy bars.  Well, when I went to Cali last year, I went to several stores, like in the malls, etc.  They did not seem to be hurting for inventory.  Now, I must admit, I am not a huge fan of Hershey candy, but it's ok.  I am more of a Snickers  guy.  But, I don't eat a lot of candy anyhow.  So, I am trying to find out these little tidbits of information, like this Advil thing, candy bars, whatever.  Please give all of us more info; if you know about it.

                        OkieMan

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "ibuprofen&..., posted by OkieMan on Feb 17, 2005

[This message has been edited by pablo]

I asked my friend in Argentina whether ibuprofen was available there and she replied it was just not the brand name Advil.  To her, Advil worked much better than the generic brand and that's what counted as she sure appreciated the gift.  I went to Costco and bought two of the largest bottles they had and it only put me out a few dollars.  I remember buying some Advil in Colombia but it was expensive.

Regarding the chocolate, forget the Hersheys and Snickers as they have them in Colombia.  If you want to bring some chocolate for your lady choose one of the more expensive lines of chocolate like Godiva or similar.  They have a Colombia manufacture of chocolate called Jet which is fair and mostly into the milk variety.  Other imported chocolates are available in Colombia so it's more the thought that counts.

Most imported things are expensive.  A real treat for most Colombians are pistachios.  Again that 2 or 3 pound bag Costco sells would bring a big smile to a pistachio lover yet is easy on the budget.

For a more personal gift with a higher price tag think Navajo jewerly to bring your lady friend.  Seems the Latinas appreciate native American art.

What else...perhaps NiMh (nickel metal hydride) batteries with a charger would be a practical gift as I never saw them there and if they are available would be more expensive.  Nice perfume is always a winner.  A flip phone cell phone (unlocked sim card) that works on their frequencies is a cool gift.

Be careful Santa about showering a lady too soon with gifts.  You don't want to set a precendent as a GGGG (gullible gringo gift giver).

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "ibupro..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

[This message has been edited by DavidMN]

I have a friend in Bogota and once I asked her if she wanted me to bring anything from the U.S.

She replied along the lines of "I have a lot of hair and I burn up three blow dryers a year at $40,000 pesos each." Now maybe she didn't plan/budget very well and should have gotten a better quality one to begin with, but I brought her a decent one and it's still ticking.

I was reminded of this story because of you, Pablo, and your tale of the woman in Oregon with hair down to here knees. I think she did a cartwheel in the grocery store...just for you! Is that really true or is that what you WANTED to happen? ;-)

David

... in response to Re: gifts - hairdryers?, posted by DavidMN on Feb 17, 2005

[This message has been edited by pablo]

Hi David,

Moi, embellish the truth?  Tisk, tisk!

That story about the American Latina who did the hands free cartwheel at the grocery store is the God's honest truth.  It really was something to see her knee length hair extended out from her body only in the opposite direction.  She must have been in excellent shape because she didn't skip a beat walking down that food aisle.  

The year before last for Halloween she was dressed up as Pocahontas with two long black braids cascading down each side of her body.  Spectacular!  She must of thought I was some hair fetish freak (alright, I admit it) and didn't give me the time of day after our first conversation.  

In Colombia thankfully when you compliment a woman like that they accept it and appreciate your noticing and taking the time to stop and talk.  In fact, there was another woman with gorgeous waist length hair accompanied with her daughter that I met one day in the produce section at that same grocery store.  As is my usual custom, I compliment a woman who has long hair.  As we passed each other going in opposite directions I told her how beautiful her long hair was to which she graciously replied, thank you.  A few steps away I heard this loud giggling coming from them both.  I turned around and asked why they were laughing and the mother said her young daughter had just let her hair down from a bun hoping I'd give her a compliment as well.  

I couldn't help but notice her accent.  Guess where she was from...yep, Colombia.

... in response to Re: Re: gifts - hairdryers?, posted by pablo on Feb 18, 2005

"I turned around and asked why she they were laughing and the mother said her young daughter had just let her hair down from a bun hoping I'd give her a compliment as well."

What an awesome example of a healthy, light-hearted encounter.  No baggage, no griping or insinuation.  

Congratulations on maintaining the courage to grant some deserving women of the world a little compliment once in a while.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Speaking of "ibupro..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

Yeah, I hear you.  I have already  bought some inexpensive items for her. I am keeping them in my closet until my trip.  I talking about nice but cheap jewelry, a purse, and a few other "trinkets".  I have no intention of buying any high ticket items for her, especially early on.  I am definitely of the opinion that I want to see how things go at first.  If things go well, then it would be a progressive matter of helping her out.  Believe me, I don't have any desire to get taken for a ride.... well, I do want a ride, just not that kind.  ha ha

                              OkieMan

... in response to Re: Re: Speaking of "ibuprofen"..., posted by pablo on Feb 17, 2005

Another endorsement for Advil!?  WOW!!

This stuff must be really popular among the women of the world.

What's the appeal with the stuff??  Does it contain ingredients other than ibuprofen?