"Stand by Me"

"When the night has come,and the land is dark.I will not be afraid,
Stand by Me". Fear has a very ugly side,and the darkness is over whelming at times.
I have recently made a couple of posts about my past.This post is about "Me",My past and present
life in the States and Thailand.I have given much thought over the last couple of days about just "Who has stood by me".
    Time as measured in years,is hard to define,at least for me.
   My "Posts" about Friends long gone haunt me everyday of my life.
 I keep wondering just what might have been,if I had made different life choice's.
  My ever present thoughts of the "Wrong Choices" made in my past years have dealt me many crushing blows.
 Everybody regrets past failures at some point in their life(if they really care).
 As a adult in my"Golden Years",I "Own" all my past,the good and bad.
   As children (at least  most of us),were taught that friendship was a "Gift from God",and  if we were lucky,they(friends) could be counted on one hand.
 Whoever told me ,was very correct!
       My early life was difficult to say the least.I spent my first 18 years living in foster homes,boarding schools(Google "Briscoe Memorial School,Kent Washington") and with my mother(six years).
 I worked two jobs as a high school student,live at the YMCA during my senior year(I was 18 at that time) managed to set school records in track /cross-country and maintain a B+ GPA.
   My early years brought me close to three boys my age(Dave E.,Steve H, Steve M.).
    If they had not been there for me during 8-12 grades,none of the above would have happened.
 My friends "Stood by Me".
 As I grew away from them and move on in my adult life,other friends came and went.
       This is where my "Wrong Choices" began.
I have no real idea how or why I went "South",but it was on a very fast fright train of self abuse.
  Everything I held dear in life(friends,family,self respect) went out the window.
 From age 19 to 36(Feb. 09 1986),I was a case of "Self will run riot".
 The quantities of drugs,booze,petty crime and loss of self respect was rampant.
  My only "Friend" was my "Dog" (Dogs),just could not "Man Up" to what was real,and what was utterly false.
     Again,this brings me to "Who stood by Me".
Dave,Kim,Faith,Chuck,Tim,Fred all "Stood by Me",only to be run over by out of control self indulgence on my part.
 I was lost.
 The resulting reward for my inability to "Stand by my friends" & family during this crucible of drugs & booze was "Standing Alone".
   Really,I can't fault any of my friends for giving up on me.
      So,what happened to change my life?
I,like many others found the bottom of the gutter.
  My friends were long gone by that time(1986).
    If any of my readers have been where I have been,then you know just what kind of pile of crap I was living in.
    How hard is it to start over?
I can honestly say it was/has been a very long and hard road.
 My rewards for learning to live clean & sober
have been many.
 Twenty seven years have come and gone since that day(02/09/1986) I began my journey that has brought me here to Thailand.
   Life is still a struggle(as it is for all of us),but being married,retired and having a family(both here in Thailand & States) is a just reward.
 "Who Stood by me" over these last 27 years?
 My Sister first and foremost.
   My Family,Jim H,Dan,Rick,Steve,Wayne,Muggs.(Carrie,Jamie,Matt,Andy)
The "Family" "Stood by me",until I could stand on my own again.
 "Stand by Me"
Luckkyybuddha999.
 
 

Remembering my brother Steve,

Life is at times brutal,and finding a ray of sunshine is very hard.Today i went to the "Wat" to do "Tamboon"/Merit for Steve,who passed away a year ago.My brother was my "Keeper"& friend,teacher and also the "Guardian of our family.I slept with his picture last night to keep his memories close to my spirit.I was lucky to have had the chance to tell my brother how much he meant to me,and say"I love you" at our last meeting before returning to Thailand almost two years ago.That was a "Gift" I will always cherish.Brothers fight and other normal things boys & men do as they grow up,but in the end we were always "Brothers"!I could go on about how many great things he accomplished in his life,but suffice it to be said,he was a friend,brother,father and much more.All my love Steve.Luckkyybuddha999

The "Goose"

"Goose".

I suppose my ability to find some "Air Time" had more bearing on that particular name.

Skiing during the late sixties through the mid seventies was a era of experimentation,equipment evolution and "Sex,Drugs & Rock & Roll".MT.Baker,WA.I first got acquainted with this wonderful Ski area in 1963/64.I was at that time age 14.If my math is correct,that is almost fifty years ago(49 ).This particular post is not about Thailand or my S.E. Asia adventures,but my short life as a professional skier.My journey into the wild and crazy beginning of "Hot Dog" Skiing started at this Ski Area in 1969.Skiing,like all sports has its beginning years and progresses from that point on.The time period of 1964 through 1984 spawned what now is a Olympic and professional sport called"Free Style" Skiing.I was there at the very beginning.I was never the first guy to show off on a pair of skis,but during my few short years competing and doing movies,I got my "15 minutes of fame".The "Moniker Goose",was given to me by my Canadian friends early in my skiing career.My last name is "Swan",but that had little to do with the nickname of  "Goose".

I can certainly attest to the fact that almost 100% of the early Free Style pioneers trained primarily in the bars.

I guess you could say we had no clue about being professional Athletes,but we all had one thing in common,that was"Get on the mountain,and avoid responsibility at all costs".My "Thing" was jumping off Cliffs,Over Big trees,into Big Trees and whatever it took to get my picture and name spread around in the rather small arena of early free style skiing.I believe some of my jumps were well over  100' foot high(Think  of jumping off the tenth floor of a building).My ability to survive these jumps was almost  something of a "Legend".I got my first chance at being in the movies in 1970.I was living and teaching skiing in Sun Valley ID.Dick Barrymore and Warren Miller were at that time the two major players in the Ski Movies.I had recently done some 'Still Photography work" with a local guy,who passed on my name to Barrymore.This is where the "True Story" of "Free Style Skiing Started".I hung out with three fellow instructors,John Cruse,Teddy McCoy,David Wheeler"Wheels".The four of us,were always on the prowl for a "Show Down" with the "K2" Ski Team,who I might add,were the "Baddest of the Bad on Ski's".Sun Valley,was the "Harvard of Skiing" in 1970,and  if you wanted to splash your name on the billboards of pro skiing,then you had to do it on "Baldy".The "Who's Who of Pro Skiing strutted their stuff daily on MT.Baldy.

I am going to backtrack just a bit here.The "Movie" part of this story is just about Barrymore and  the four guys looking to get a "Break" into the game.We got lucky with meeting Barrymore and doing a"Shot" for him.Dick approached me at the Pioneer Bar in Ketchum  early in January of 1970 and ask if i would like to ski for him.Well,that was the dream of my life coming true.I of course said "Yes"!Dick had mentioned the "Still Shots that Bill Rouse had taken of John Cruse and me doing 150 foot flips over the "Pump House" at the bottom of Cold Springs Chair Lift,and ask if we would do it for him also.I answered that question very fast"NO Way"!That 150 foot jump was a "Flat landing",and neither Cruse or me wanted any part of another spine crusher like that.I suggested "The Rock",which sits directly on the right side of the chair lift  on the Ketchum side of Baldy(first chair lift).Dick just stared at me like i was nuts.Well,maybe their was some truth in that assessment,but i knew it was a "Good  Jump"and nobody had ever done it(80 Ft).Their was no way I was going to leave out my skiing partners(Dave"Wheels" Teddy or John).I told Dick he got four for the price of one.

That "Rock" started what is now know as "Free Style Skiing",as it led to another Cliff Jump on Cold Springs(100+).The four of us did both jumps in two shootings in two days(I went first on both),which led us to a meeting with Dick(Dinner at Dave's  Condo to view the clips a couple days latter).It was during dinner that I brought up the idea of a "Shootout" against the "K2" team on Exhibition(Sun Valley's) most challenging slope.Dick thought about it for maybe thirty seconds and said"Great idea",lets do it!.Dick Barrymore was the real founder"God Father of Free Style Skiing competition".I played a small part(very small)in formation of this skiing discipline.During my four years of competition, I skied in four World Championships,never finishing out of the top twenty five.I also skied in a number of movies for Barrymore,Warren miller,Jim Rice and others.Skiing,like any sport has a very small tip at the top,nobody stays there long.

Today's pro skiers our far better than anything I would have dreamt of being.I did however play a small part in its history."Goose Swan"

 

 

MEMORIES OF KIM

Si Muang Mai Circa 2008.

 

Morning coffee is my favorite time of the day.

I do most of my productive and creative thinking during this time.The above picture is from my Thai Family's Rice farm close to the Laotian border.I was visiting during a very stressful time,as my father-in law "Boon" was dying.

Boon was a very good man,father and above all "Jai dee mak".Boon died at 6 Pm on Jan.2,2008.I was holding his hand when he went to Buddha.

It hurt,and it still does.

This brings me to "Kim".

I am now 63 years old .It has been 38 years and some very hard and difficult  times since i last

saw my friend Kim.Life is very strange at times,and the writing of this particular post is no different.

I am a part time blogger,who mostly writes about life in Thailand and my Thai family.

Thirty eight years ago,i had another family of friends.

Kim,Faith,Dave,Chuck,Tim and Fred to name just a few of them.

I will not include their last names,as it is not relevant to this post.

The fact i am even writing about Kim,is in it's self a miracle.

The "Miracle" being that my friend Faith emailed me after 30 plus years of being estranged.

I can't write this post without including Faith,as Kim and Faith were inseparable,and always will be in my mind.Faith ask me to write my memories of Kim and some other related people and events during the all to short time i  had with my friend(s).

I need to back track and give you some background on myself,as it is relevant to this story.

I was 23 years old when i met Kim,

I was at that time a professional Skier and world class "Rounder",that would be putting it kindly(Rounder).Kim was a world class Dentist(Periodontics) and associate professor at the University of Washington in Seattle Washington.

The one connecting factor in all my relationships with the above people,was Skiing and Kim.

The day i met this wonderful woman(Kim),is one i will never forget.

After a day of skiing at MT.Baker(Washington State),i stopped at the Chandelier Chalet (Bar & restaurant).hoping to get a few free drinks,and maybe a couch to crash on.

I was broke,no home,car or anything but my few belongings and Skiing equipment.

Being 23 and always on the lookout for a lady with a kind heart,car,money and lodging,well Kim was

"Manna" from heaven.

Kim was a very petite,Blond, very pretty,and had the most radiating smile.

I forgot to mention the Silver Corvette sitting in the parking lot(her Vett).

The first words Kim spoke to me were"I really like the way you Ski,can i buy you a drink"!

I just won the door prize.

My intentions were nothing more then "taking it to the wall",just the way i lived day to day.

Kim,took no time in offering me a place to crash(Seattle WA),which i readily accepted.

This is where the real story begins.

Ms.Kim and her friend Faith were way ahead of me.

I do believe after so many years of thinking about that first chance encounter with Kim,it was me who was being led down the primrose path.

I did indeed find a very nice  place to crash,pretty lady,and Faith came along with the package.

I was "Hooked" for the rest of my life.

I am not easily swayed by "Alpha Type" people,as i prefer to stay in control.

Being the big fish in the small pond was my intentions.As we all know."The best intentions" seem to go awry when we least expect it.I guess you might have noticed that the friends listed above are all "Male",and like myself they were befriended by Ms. Kim(except Chuck).Kim was the "Super Nova" of attracting admirers,who became loyal friends of both Kim & faith.

It would take me months of writing to even scratch the surface of my relationships with both Kim & Faith.

I have lost friends,family members,and close associates in my life,and "Memories" is all i have left.

I remember the great times we had skiing,dinners,parties and doing what good friends do together.

My life is better because of both Kim & Faith & other friends.

Kim died in 1975.I was 25 years old and left with a very big hole in my soul.

From the very first chance encounter with her,my life has never been the same.

When Kim left us,Faith took the leadership role of our family of friends.

I am indebted to all my past friends for their generosity,love,companionship and memories.

Faith ask me to write about my surgery and recovery.

When i said that Kim was leading me down the "Primrose Path",i was not making it up.

I was only at her home for a short period of time before she volunteered me for a full facial reconstruction at the University of Washington Dental school.

It seems they needed a willing,healthy(non-litigating) volunteer for a experimental procedure.

I was it!

I now believe that Kim "Hooked" me,knowing just what i was going to "Volunteer For".

It was impossible to say "No" to either Kim or faith(hey,i am writing this rather long post after thirty years of estrangement)..Go Figure!.I spent almost four months every week doing the pre surgery routine and work ups at the Dental school.

The day of the surgery fell on a Saturday,and Ms. Kim informed me she could not bear to watch a friend "Bleed",so she went skiing.

I on the other hand spent 11 hours on the operating table,four days in "ICU" and damn near died.

My recovery was spent on Faith's huge couch overlooking LK.Washington sipping Demerol through a small straw(it"the Demerol" was repossessed within a short period of time.

As it has been many years since that surgery,my year plus spent fully recovering from the surgery is "Foggy",but i spent time in Vancouver B.C. with Kim's Sister Susan remodeling her downstairs basement and drinking "BC Apple Cider"12% Alcohol" through a straw.

Kim & faith came to visit and go skiing at Whistler MT. during my rehab.

Skiing was the glue that kept all of us together.

Friendships our built on shared interest,and the mountains and skiing  were our main interest.

Life was fun during that short period of time(1973-1982).

Kim,was only with us a very short period of time(30 months for me)longer for Faith,but not long enough.I left Seattle and faith in 1981 for the last time,as far as my relationships with my past friends.

It is now "32" years later,Memories of Kim and Faith and my friends,still hold a special place in my heart.

Luckkyybuddha999(James A. Swan)

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Dos Amigos"

"Amicitiam finis temporis"
Friendship is the "True Blood" of life.
 I can say without a doubt,that the fact i am here in Thailand "Alive",is only because of family & friends.
  Life is a "Bitch"@ times,and only a will to survive and the help of family & friends will see you through the storm.
 I am writing this post for a number of reasons.
The first reason,and without number two even coming close is"Your friends & family" our seven thousand miles away if you our from the (USA).
  The truth of "packing up & fleeing" for a exotic retirement to S.E. Asia/Thailand,is you leave behind your most valuable assets"Family & friends" behind.
 The Internet & Mobile phones & Skype.......just does not"Compute"!
If you think hauling ass to another(very far away) country is a easy thing to do,then you really need to
reevaluate your common sense.
 I have lived without my family & friends for almost four years(emails,phone & two short visits home).....It is a "hard road"!
  My buddy sitting on the "Harley" is sorely missed.
    I am American first and foremost in all things that really matter.
The point of this post is,"you will get "Home Sick",miss your comfort zones,and be in cultural shock for a very long time.
 My friend Jim was a,buddy & solid rock when things were going "South" for me in a number of personal areas of my life.
 Yea,he is only a "email/phone call away",but he is not just a 15 mile quick trip,more like 7K miles.
 My friend speaks English,eats American food,follows American news...hell,he is "All-American" in every real sense...
I am "Farang"(foreigner) to my Thai family & friends(I really don't have Thai friends),and the other 60 million Thais call me"Farang".
 My family call me "UJ"(Uncle Jim) & my friend call's me "Jimbo".
The life of being a expat is nowhere close to what i thought it would be.
 Is it awful?
No.
Thailand is a wonderful country,but it is as far away as "MARS" is from Earth in culture,and your(my) comfort zones.
 I have written in the past about the challenges of making the "leap of faith"& hauling ass away from everything you hold dearly,choose wisely.
              "Periculum et praemia nostri optimi".....If you have read this far,then "Google Translate" can do the "Latin/English" ....Chok dee mak!
 Luckkyybuddha999

Back to the past

Lords "American Pie" "SS" 2012  Camaro "HOT"!

I guess this picture is worth all the money & Time(three years) to see her happy smile.
 The(USCIS) after many thousands of dollars &
years granted Lord a "K-3" Visa.
  The fact that it took so long,and cost so much money,prevented Lord & I from doing anything but a two week visit.
   I am happy to say that my American family
treated my Thai wife with great respect and two wonderful weeks of adventures.
 I live(used to) in Bellingham WA. about 80 miles north of Seattle.
   The Pacific Northwest is beautiful and Spring was in full swing.
Having the chance to introduce my wife to another culture was fantastic.
Thai people just do not understand how large America is,or the real difference's in a Christian versus
Buddhist culture.
   I promised my wife four years ago to bring her to America.
The trouble associated with keeping that promise,has been truly brutal.
 If any of my readers our considering getting a "K-3" Visa for their spouse,then be warned!
   As i get back into the swing of regular updates to my blog,i will be updating the current(IRS)
"FBAR" rules(concerning past due fillings).
Their is at this date some very good news for those of us who missed filling 'Fbars" in the past.
  As i said,i will follow up soon with the current situation.
 That "SS" Camaro...was way "HOT"!
 Chok dee mak,
Luckkyybuddha999

Freedom

Our you free to choose religion,government,taxes,privacy and your right to make basic choices in your everyday life?If the answer is "NO",or I am not sure,then maybe it is time to reevaluate your priorities.I figured out years ago,that my rights were going south.You do not need a very high "IQ" to see the "Writing on the Wall".Freedom,is not without costs.How much does it cost?The answer to that question is staring you right in the face.If you our unhappy and keep living the "Same old way",you will get the same unhappy results.Money,of course plays a big part of this answer.If somebody told you you could live a relatively affordable life style on a budget close to your current social security payment,what would your next question be?Where?The "Answer",anyplace other than your current situation.I live in a country that has affordable walk-in health care(out of pocket),my social security check is not hit with the government medicare deductions(and if you have a small benefit,that is huge!).This same country allows me religious freedom.I have cheap Internet,cable,water,electricity,and public transportation is dirt cheap,including taxi's.I am living in a modern city with every possible comfort you can think of.Again,how much does "Freedom cost"?The answer is"Not anywhere close to what you our now currently spending to just scrape by".I ask you this simple question,"can you live on a thousand dollars a month",and pay for all the above mentioned needs?If the answer is yes,then you can stay"Home"!If on the other hand,you answer "No",then it is time to find a place where you can enjoy your remaining years in relative comfort.There is a number of places on this earth to relocate,some better than others.I chose Thailand,but Vietnam,Cambodia,Malaysia,Burma,Philippines,all provide a cheaper option .It does not take hundreds of thousands of dollars to retire.The people promoting mass retirement budgets,have their own interest in mind"Getting your retirement money"invested in what works for their bottom line(profit)!I suggest you evaluate your "Cash-Out " options,and ask yourself how much money have you earned being fully invested(brokerages,IRA,401k,savings),then do the "Math".Thailand banks pay up to 4% interest on savings.Vietnam banks pay up to 14% interest,and the list goes on!It takes some courage to put your money in a another countries banking system,but it can be done relatively safely.Living in S.E. Asia,allows easy access to multiple countries banking systems,all which can be accessed online.I can fly to (HCM)Saigon,Vietnam for less then a 100.00 US Dollars(1 hour flight).I can open savings/atm/debit in that country(they want your business & money).The same is true for most all other countries in S.E. Asia.Yes,their our some restrictions involved,but most can be safely navigated.I like having "Options" ,and living in this corner of the world provides plenty of options.In the attached picture,i am standing next to my new car.I have a home,a Thai wife,and at least four hospitals within 30 min. drive of my residence.I play golf,go shopping and do everything that i could do in America,except for one major difference"COSTS"!I would be eating at a "Senior center if i lived in America".I would not be able to just walk into a hospital and have a expert doctor examine me,prescribe medications,and not need a appointment,insurance,and co-pay.The fact of the matter is,if i lived in America today,"Destitution" would be my status.I support a family of four,and can do "All" of the above mentioned,for under a "1000.00" US Dollars a month.If you our doing the math,then multiply by your remaining months to live(average mortality rate for your gender & year you were born).I am suppose to make it until age "82",but i figure it is better to be realistic(75-79) Male,and family genetic history.That monthly amount comes in at around "180" months x 1000=180,000 US Dollars.Think you can just retire in America on that figure?Think again!The answer is"Only outside of America".I have that amount in a annuity that pays me every month for twenty years,I have my social security(small,but with a cola attached),and i have savings that amount to high five figures.I can retire,survive,and enjoy my life in S. E. Asia.I am not even close to middle class in America.In Thailand,I am "High Middle Class",and treated as such.What is the risk of living outside your comfort zone?The answer is(no more so,than if you stay put!)I can go broke anyplace in the world,but i do want to live as well,as possible before I do!I also want "FREEDOM".Chok Dee Mak.Luckkybuddha999"When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny."

-Thomas Jefferson

Mia

This copy of a email to my sister in America, correctly describes a "Thai Wife".

Hi Sis,
Lord has about "8" very small cysts in total,and there is no cancer.
The "drill" is monthly home breast exams and once a year x ray & medical check.
  The weather is very "HOT"...36-38c and this will be the norm for the next two plus months,then "RAIN"!
Lord is @ "Toshiba" this am......Another "Meeting" with the management..Thai style "Bottom Line" Stick & Carrot" covering their
asses...Toshiba has lost a very large number of employees due to their reluctance to restart operations.
I need my wife @ home,not working.......
Sawat is just to old to look after Mak,cook & clean and other normal Thai cultural family routines.
Thailand & Asia our very different than America in respect to "Males" helping with household & children,it is just not
acceptable for males to help in these areas..I want to help,but it causes "Loss of Face" for the female members of my family.
 I can tell you that even picking up your dishes after a meal,is a 'NO GO"..forget about house cleaning,laundry and food shopping(except @ western style stores).
Lord has almost twenty years @ Toshiba,and the toll on her body has been huge..Lords face has now been clear and free of "Acne" for almost five months,and she has gained needed weight and a real sleep routine(6-8 hours)..The doctor who treated her for Acne issues,told her the "Acne" was stress related,along with lack of sleep and nutrition(good eating & rest habits)..he was 100% correct.
I know it may sound selfish on my part,but i have invested a very large amount of both money & emotions in this marriage,and i want a return on my "Investments"..I need a wife,friend and supporter in this stage of my life.....not somebody who i see for just a few hours everyday.
I have made my position very clear on this issue to the "Family" & Lord",and i am in position(retirement money & savings)to change directions if my wishes our not heeded.
The latter(change of directions) should not be necessary,as i believe Lord likes her new"life" better then working 80 plus hours a week,no house payments now,no bills(for her)and the chance to spend time with her mother,Mak and doing family things that Thai females love doing...LOL,cooking,cleaning,laundry...Lord would be "Shocked"if she spent any real time in America.....Thai people just do not get it!....
As a "Male" chauvinist pig.....LOL,well it does not get any better...she will not let me even clip my own finger & toe nails...I really need her to stay @ home and take care of the "PIG"....
Love "The "FARANG PIG"..."UJ".

OK,so I am a "PIG",but it "IS" a normal way of life living in Asia,and that will not change any time
soon.
 If you our lucky(No Bar Girls) and marry into a  traditional Thai family(again,you marry a Thai woman,you marry the whole family!),you get the benefits that come with marrying a Asian woman.
I also must note that you will of course be the one paying 100% of the benefits package..please do not
judge me to harshly,as this post is a bit"Tongue in cheek"!
Chok dee,

luckkyybuddha999

The Eight Thousand Dollar K-3 Visa

It is a nice picture of my Thai wife,Amporn.Is it worth 8 grand?
I do not believe it is,nor was the almost 30 months that the "USCIS" took issuing it to Amporn.
The "K-3" expires July of this year,a little more then four months from this date.The multiple entry is good until 2014.
  It is necessary to go back in time to explain this complete failure on the part of "USCIS & Visa Lawyers".

 Long before i started my adventure of living as a expat in Thailand,i dreamt of marrying a beautiful Thai Woman.
Living out my life alone was not my idea of fulfillment of my retirement dreams.
 I first connected with my future wife on"ThaiLoveLinks.com" back in early 2007.
  TheThai women who contacted me on this site,numbered in the hundreds.
Amporn stood out from the pack,not because she was the most beautiful,sexy,or youngest,but because of her honesty and persistence and good heart.
  The online romance lasted almost a year,with hundreds of chats online and emails.
 Marriage,Visa's,and other considerations were talked about in length,and promises were made.
The fact of the matter is ,we had planned on a marriage in both Thailand and America,with Thailand being only a 'Buddhist" rite,and America being the legal one.
Enter the quest for the original"K-1" fiancee visa late 2007(5 years ago).
I hired a Thailand based American Lawyer for almost 2 grand to get this visa before my planned visit to marry Amporn in July of 2008.
.I was in for a big disappointment upon my arrival in Thailand.
The aforementioned American Lawyer informed me that Amporn would not be granted the "K-1"without me providing the tax records (1040's) for the last two years(06/07).It is strange,but he never emailed or contacted me about this issue.
The resulting loss of "The k-1 Visa",fall's directly on the lawyer's failure to perform his duties  and informing me in a timely manner about the Tax forms required.
Amporn and I decided to marry in Thailand(legal & Buddhist),as there was no time left to get the documents before her 'K-1" interview.I did however have complete financial records of all my American assets,which would have sufficed to comply with all "USCIS" support of spouse/fiancee requirements.
The Lawyer failed to inform me of the"5-1" US Dollar asset rule,simply meaning, if i had five times the yearly income requirement(i had 600 grand in money & assets liquid),then "NO PROBLEM",visa would have been granted,and i would have married in America,applied for Amporns "Change of Status",and been able to keep the "Promises"i made to her back in 07.
It goes without saying,but this lawyer was responsible for the loss of that first "K-1 Visa",plus thousands of more dollars to be later spent.
I love "Good Lawyers"and despise bad ones,as they(Good Lawyers) were the main reason i had 600k in assets.The facts our good legal help is worth the costs,bad help is a losing proposition.
   OK,so the story moves forward to April of 2009,which found me back in America trying to keep my assets from going completely south after the market crash.
 I hired a another lawyer to try and get the "K-3" visa while i was waiting out the storm of the market.
The new lawyer seemed very competent,and had worked in Washington D.C.,thus knowing how the government operates(NOT!).
That lawyer charged me another 5 k for this service.I was told i could go back to Thailand and wait eight months,visa issues would be resolved by that time(NOT!).
  The time period of April 2009 to March of 2012(almost three years) found me living in Thailand,dealing with Thai family issues,riots,floods,closed US Embassy and more Visa experts,the latter(Sunbeltasia.com) finally getting the job completed,
I mention this company in Thailand,because they have worked for me almost four years now,and they have done a good job.
If you have managed to read this far,then maybe you our thinking about visa issues yourself.
The efforts and costs related to getting any kind of visa to America our huge,make no mistake in thinking differently.
USCIS,our not going to give you any help,advise you in any matters related to your applications,or in anyway make your life tolerable in visa related issues...".you our guilty,until proven innocence in their eyes!"
If you manage to get your wife,fiancee into America,then the process of further "HELL ON EARTH" awaits you in getting the change of status,work authorisation,Green card, SSN,and many other issues.
I know the costs first hand,and it runs into the tens of thousands of dollars and years....
        If you want "EASY",then stay in Thailand and forget about the Visa "LOTTERY",because only fools would bet on something with those kind of odds.
Chok Dee,
Luckkyybuddha999

American Citizens Service Center,Bangkok Thailand

It's that kind of morning    My head hurts, my feet stink, and I don't love Jesus.
'(Jimmy Buffet).

The Nine circles of Hell, better described as a visit to the US Embassy s “American Citizens Service Center, Bangkok Thailand.

(This discription of Dante's Inferno,is not my work"writing",but best describes this "Poem" or Story).I barrowed this explanation or discription of Dante's classic....hope he approves of my "Hell".jas/LB999.

 Dante's Inferno, widely hailed as one of the great classics of Western literature, details Dante's journey through the nine circles of Hell. The voyage begins during Easter week in the year 1300, the descent through Hell starting on Good Friday. After meeting his guide, the eminent Roman poet Virgil, in a mythical dark wood, the two poets begin their descent through a baleful world of doleful shades, horrifying tortures, and unending lamentation‘s .

  My journey through the “Hell of doing business with the US Government” is long and storied.

It has been my misfortune to have made a “K-1 & K-3” Visa applications for my Thai wife over the last four years.

Misfortune comes in many flavors when dealing with any US Embassy in Bangkok Thailand, especially if you want to give your Wife or fiancée a chance at a new life in America.

The Visa process is very close to Dante’s journey through the nine circles of Hell, and that is putting it mildly.

American Citizens service center is the “Bottom Circle of the Inferno”.

Today is March 1, 2012.I made application for the “K-3” over 27 months ago and “8,000.00 US Dollars” and three “Visa lawyers @ assorted Visa experts..?

The above application expired 12 months after application, yet after many attempts of trying to

Locate, update or by any reasonable inquiries as to its fate, I was told there was no records?

 Ok, let’s go back in time two weeks.

February 15, 2012.

Yahoo Mail “Spam folder” ( Dear Applicant:

Bangkok’s Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit is ready to begin final processing of the immigrant visa applicant(s) named below in this case. We have scheduled an appointment for a visa interview at the Immigrant Visa section on the date printed below.

Visa Appointment

Date Time

*****************************

01 Mar 2012 13:00PM

Please read and follow very carefully all of the Appointment Instructions located on the Embassy’s web site at:

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/k_appointment_package_may09.pdf

I guess you might be asking yourself “What is the problem?

The problems are the complete lack competence, professionalism, and doing due diligence on visa applications in a reasonable time frame.

The facts are that my wife was forced to redo all the required documents for the third time, pay extra

Fees to our visa lawyers and hundreds of dollars of other related costs, all because the “Visa section” of the United States of America, could not find their ass, with both hands firmly planted on the cheeks. I am being kind & gentle in my evaluation of their job performance.

My “Blog “Luckkyybuddha999” is all about the adventures of living as an “Expat”in Thailand, I would be remiss if I failed to warn you about dealing with “America”.

If you our American, then always remember that your “Government is there to help you…..”NOT”!

As a foot note, it was 35c in the shade, no water. No place to sit, and no admission without an “online appointment” into the “American Citizens service center”.

My wife is Thai; I am “American”...

Go Figure!

Choke Dee,

Luckkyybuddha999

SPOT ON ! MAK,MAK....Charlie Reese

First and foremost,this essay is not my writing.
I came across this online and wanted to share this mans wisdom.
I am sure he (hope so!)would not complain about sharing his thoughts on America,the Congress,Supreme court,and the complete failure of the American political system & courts.

-By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House now ? He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ...
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
What you do with this article now that you have read it... is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom , if agreed, stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

---

#

Money & Banking Expat style

When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation, since the hand that gives is above the hand that takes... Money has no motherland; financiers are without patriotism and without decency; their sole object is gain." 
-Napoleon Bonaparte, 1815
 I sort of look prosperous in this picture taken in "Issan Country" of Northeast Thailand.
The true facts our much different.
I am like many expats now living in Thailand,wondering if my "dreams" our soon to be shattered by governments and banks.
The past two weeks have pretty much been a real "eye opener" in the fiscal department of my retirement plans.I seem to be going south alot faster then i would have ever believed possible.
    Americans woke up this morning to the lovely news of our governments spending almost three quarters of a Trillion US Dollars on Defense.The signing of this particular fiscal matter by Obama signals the coming of hard times for expats(USA),as it also gives new and very unconstitutional powers to various government bodies,who i might add,do not have yours or my best interest in mind.
 The "Patriot Act" is your worst enemy and mine.It has stripped Americans of every single constitutional rights our  forebears fought for.I am sick with disgust at the hidden agenda of my government.I left America to be away from the coming "Police State" that is now rearing its ugly head.Americans have left in droves over the last few years looking for less "Government" and intrusive police,corporate stealing,violence and the list goes on....!
 Freedom does not come without cost.I gave up my American dream a long time ago,and had hoped i was free to live out my life.
 Living as a Expat in any country is and will always be a challenge.I am now dealing with trying to protect my assets and future.If you our really trying to decide if pulling up stakes for greener pastures is for you,then consider this"Their is no place to hide"!I am not trying to really hide as such,but being free to live as a retired person,without my government trying to reach out and "touch me",is foremost in my long range plans.I would suggest that anybody with escape plans search out countries without "Tax Treaties" as these our going to come back to bite you in the butt!Cambodia does not have a treaty,nor Vietnam,Laos and a number of others.The key word here is "RESEARCH"..everything and i do mean everything!As i stated,asset protection from government bodies intent on derailing your retirement,should be first on your list of "To Do",before picking your dream destination.I might be needing to relocate to Cambodia,as i did not do the "RESEARCH"...You have been warned!Luckkyybuddha999

"HAPPY HOLIDAYS & NEW YEAR..CHOK DEE,MAK!"

...well it is that time of the year again,so best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season &New year.Chok dee.Luckkybuddha & khun Amporn(wife).Christmas Eve,Bangkok Thailand(24/12/2554)

"FBAR "Expats "Worst Nightmare"Mak,Mak!

OK,well "Death & Taxes" have always been one of life's true rules,i have for the most part just paid my taxes due and shoved the death part in the  "nothing i can do about it" file.Their our 5 to 6 million taxpayers(USA expats) living offshore and another 40 million living in America holding (maybe) offshore accounts.The Majority of us(taxpayers our sane,and pay our fair share on time).I am in "Deep "Brown Stuff" now for not being "Told by my stateside tax preparer about this major issue".The aforementioned guy works for one of Americas largest Tax services,and you will find them in every mall & "Walmart" each Tax year....."BIG MISTAKE ON MY PART"!Expats

need "Expert "Offshore Tax Advisers" as the penalties for failure to be vigilant and diligent on these yearly matters is"Life & Death' to your retirement and financial well being.I have(in the process of retaining the tax experts(www.taxesforexpats.com)(

Mailing Address	115 E34th St. New York, NY 10016
Phone	1-646-EXPAT-US (397-2887)
Fax	1-360-323-5115
Skype	Taxesforexpats
Email	questions@taxesforexpats.com

I am "NOT" being paid for passing on These experts contact information,just letting you know that i have "Checked out their business" and they our very highly though of.They have a very comprehensive web site,information tax blog,the owner speaks Russian,English, and is able to converse in other languages(check out on "linkin")recommend by the IRS,BBB,and other Tax professionals.I can only say that i am "Very worried" of the future,without my wife,money,Thailand,health care and Thai family.If this gets your attention,then i have done you a very good favor,take heed!Chok Dee.Luckkybuddha999

 

F.A.T.

Luck is everything to a Thai,both good and bad.Thais for the most part,never buy,marry,or make any kind of important decision without praying for "Good Luck",and doing "tam boon"(the giving of money) to perhaps get a better chance at acquiring that special thing in their life's.The "F.A.T"acronym stands for"farang ATM Trophy",and you(Me) our the special thing in their life's!This post is not about "bitching about being used",but rather the real reality of your retirement(marriage) too a much younger Thai woman.Life is full of trade offs,and if you choose to marry into a Thai family,then expect to pay for it(always!)I have a house full of relatives(not mine by choice),but my wife's family,and they will never leave as long as my wife is married to a farang.This is winning the Thai lottery for the majority of Thailand's 65 million people.I must stress the fact that Thais on average make less than 300/400 US dollars per month if they our lucky!Marry a farang with a retirement pension of two thousand plus or much more a months is hitting the jackpot big time for at least 60 million Thais..This does not mean it is a "Bad Deal" for you or me,just the way it is.I read many posts on many expat sites dealing with the issue of "MONEY & THAIS",well it is mostly crying over the fact that you our not the"Prince Charming" you thought yourself too be!Thais our poor(mostly!),you on the other hand our not.I have maybe 15/20 years of life left if i am lucky.I know the score.I need somebody to look after me when my time comes.Most Thai will honor their commitment to the marriage deal(it is a business deal,make no mistake!)and will care for you as long as your money lasts(make very good retirement plans,do not out live your money).This works very well if you understand the game rules.The number one rule in this game?If you can't walk away from it,then "DO NOT PLAY"!Chok Dee,luckkyybuddha999

"Water World" 2011 Thailand

I am very sure that the "Buddhas" behind me have seen many floods in hundreds of years they have  kept vigil over this ancient "Wat"!I visited this area about 3.5 years ago,and it was hot & dry.The visit to this "Wat" & many other's was about this period of the year(Nov/Dec),and in the middle of the flood waters of this present year!The water has receded,but the clean-up will take many months and much money.I am firmly & safely encamped 700km from Bangkok & most of the current problems.I was not prepared for a major ecological and economic disaster,that i now must deal with.Life is uncertain at best,and bad things our part of life's adventures.I think i am in "denial" in the way i have so far dealt with this current  situation...maybe that works for me?This is going to hurt money wise for sure!Thai people deal with "Bad trouble" in a major different way than Western/European foreigners.I have pretty much acted as if i was back in the "States",not living as a expat in a "Buddhist" culture and country.Thais pretty much take most problems as if they our "SUPPOSED" to happen,and flooding is just normal for them.No Thai will store anything of value on the lower floors of a "Baan",if they have a two floor home.Flooding occurs every year,and has for tens of thousands of years in S.E. Asia.The fact that the world is getting warmer,and the climate is rapidly changing for the worst is a bad omen for much of this part of the world.Thailand is a very flat country,and its biggest city(Bangkok)sits at 2.5 meters above sea level(i am told)tides and monsoons do not work well with the location of this major city.If(when)current sea levels rise,due to climate change,Bangkok and similar located cities will be "screwed".I did not think about this when i decided to retire and relocate to Thailand,now i am seeing replays of the movie "Water World" in my nightly mind wanderings...Chok Dee,sawasdee khrap.luckkyybuddha999

redo number "2"

The worst is over,except redoing a lot of work that was completed over the last two years.If you move to a third world country,you our on your own!dangers come in many forms,and you will have to take care of shit.I am still out of my home...maybe Dec i can come back and let my readers know the full story...luckkyybuddha999

Phu Yai

In Thailand,if they wear a uniform or stand out from the "Norm",then they our "Phu Yai"!I am of course not wearing a uniform in this picture,so i am not the"Phu Yai",only being shown respect as per Thai customs.This was the funeral for my wife's father "Boon" two years ago in "Si muang mai" in "Isaan Country".If you decide to move here,then your home grown usual "feelings" towards police and other official looking types,needs readjustment.I have a very hard time in that department,do to the fact they(officials in Thailand) have their hands out for "Tea Money" in most cases of contact with a "Farang",or just about any Thai they can bully!Bribes our the normal way of conducting business here.Thailand's upper 10% of elite control the other 90% of Thai people.If you want to break down the numbers it is scary.Thai police.Military,Civil officials,Multi-National Corporations with Thai Majority Boards control everything that happens in Thailand.Corruption is the number one problem in this country.The rules of the game our always about "Money and saving face",not about morals,or doing good for the majority of poor Thai people.I know a little about "Buddhist" beliefs,and "Greed" is not at the head of the list of doing "Merit"!The buying and selling of favors is a very entrenched way of life in Thailand.The adjustments you need to make,our many and bothersome,if not amoral!I can get anything i really need(or want!),if the price is acceptable to the "Phu yai"!Thai people would never question any person who they believe is "Phu Yai" to themselves.I can tell you ,almost every single Thai you meet,want to ask you many questions....."Many questions!"The simple reason is "Phu Yai or Phu Noi" for that Thai asking the questions.Yai equals "Big in English,and Noi equals Little".The reason is they do not want to lose face showing to little or to much respect...it is a strange dance!luckkyybuddha999

Mee-Yaai

Mother Sawat,My Mother-in-law and "Major Domo"...No Shit and you better believe i treat her with the utmost respect and humility.I do not do humble well,but i have made a "Big Exception" in this case!All Thai mothers our "Phu yai" or "Big Boss" in EVERY THAI FAMILY!My friends and readers better pay close attention to this little bit of hard learned advice,your Wife is in total submission to her mother in all matters period!I have taken the responsibility of caring for her after the death of "father Boon",some two years ago come this Jan 6th @ 6:00pm ,with a once in a "Blue Moon" hovering overhead as he went to "Buddha"...I know the exact time as i was holding his hand(Thai Hospices).I made a promise to care for his/my family and his wife,that was made to a dying man of simple means and needs.I see Boon everyday on my computer,alive,dying and in death.I always smile and "Wai" his pictures,and let him know i have kept my word.I guess you might be wondering what this has to do with Sawat,my wife and my marriage?It is simple really,just letting go and excepting my Thai family and their culture.The simple part is knowing my promise to Boon,the hard part is learning how.Sawat is one of the smartest women i have ever came in contact with over my 62 years of life.I marvel at her ability to keep her large and extended family on a level course, all the while being a widower without any help from the Thai government.The Social security of Thailand is up to the children,and first in line is your wife(Forever!),then the next oldest women in the family,Then the eldest son...Of course if you our married to that Thai daughter,then you jump to the front of the line!Number "1" Rule,if you marry in Thailand,then you marry the "Family" and your "Big Boss" can make it a "Living Hell" for you if you do not except her "Phu Yai" in the family...i have had worst "Jobs".Luckkyybuddha999

Deception Pass

How do you know when things our going "south" in your marriage,retirement or health?The "Deception" part,is usually of your own refusal to be 'Honest with yourself" in most cases!Living in Thailand,i have had many opportunity's to 'Deceive myself" on many fronts.I am "Guilty" as sin!Life is full of opportunities to lie,especially if the "Truth" is too hard to accept.I am posting this little rambling of lying,not because i am remorseful of my less than stellar record in the above mentioned areas,but because it is a 'Mainstay of self deception"!Living in a Thai home,full of Thai people,including my wife Amporn,the need to "LIE" about what is real,and what is not,is always staring me in the eyes of my present state of life.I tell myself,"Yes,I am in control" of my everyday life here in Thailand,but reality is much different than my deceptive view.I am "farang",my wife is Thai.In Thai culture,"Family Trumps" all other matters.I am loved,needed,and in some cases shown respect at times.The fact of life for men like myself,you our way down the scale of "What is important" to your "Thai wife & Family"!I am like many men,getting long in tooth(62),and my body is not what it used too be.I find that not admitting to myself, the ever increasing health issues,is easier than accepting the truth.If finding ones self swimming in ocean full of sharks,it is wise to head to shore.I love my retirement,Thailand,my wife & family.Deception is a strange bed fellow.If i was really honest most of the time,than i would look for safer waters to swim.luckkyybuddha999