Turbo - Keep us Posted . . .

[Turboguy]

Ken,  I think I saw warning signs even at the time.   I really saw nothing until after the K-1 was filed for.   I think she may have been bipolar.   She seemed to go into big mood swings every three days.   She would have three days were she was very enthusiastic and then 3 that she worried she was making a big mistake. 

There were things about her behavior that I had no clue on until she was here and there was no advance warning.   Every indication prior to her coming here was that she was very honest.   She was honest about money but was not very honest in other important ways and that was one thing I had no warning on.   Actually she was the worst lier I ever met so she really should try to be honest.

She had a lot of problems and a lot of inexperience but was basically a pretty good person.  I have no hard feelings and hope she finds happiness in her life.

[vwrw]

 I had no free time to get a driver’s license in the past. So in the beginning of November I plan to learn the driving rules and study the new things connected with driving in America. Does anyone know if it is possible to buy the book of driving rules in a book shop or somewhere else?

Also I need to be taught to drive but do not want to get a learners permit yet.  Turbo tells me that if I got caught driving without a permit I could be in trouble.   Does anyone have suggestions what to do?   

Gator, to my regret I still have no a distinct vision of my future business life in America. I am intended to learn English, American culture and how to drive first part of day and to spend the second part of day in Turbo’s office exploring the business world and trying its taste for some months. By next autumn I must decide in which direction I would like to continue my education. BTW, I am intended to continue my education in the University of Phoenix, online.   It could let me to learn and work the same time. If somebody considers that the University of Phoenix is not a good place to get education please, let me know.
While I get my education I will think and decided in which industry I would like to peruse my career.
The foregoing is my 5 years plan without going in detail.

[Son of Clyde]

VWRW, the Motor Vehicle Administration should have a free driver handbook with the laws of your state. Maybe you can go there next week and pick one up.

[BillyB]

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy the book of driving rules in a book shop or somewhere else?

Also I need to be taught to drive but do not want to get a learners permit yet.  Turbo tells me that if I got caught driving without a permit I could be in trouble.   Does anyone have suggestions what to do?   

You could pick up rules for driving where you obtain your permit/drivers license. I don't know about your State, but mine offers it in many languages including Russian.

Don't listen to TG about getting in trouble driving without a permit. You can drive all you want on your personal property or he can take you to the parking lot of a Walmart and let you practice there. No more excuses for TG now, he must let you drive.

[pitbull]

To VWRW:
Hi VWRW,

Since you asked for advice and described your career/education plans in short, I can give you my opinion (from my 2 years' experience in the US)/ First, I'm not sure how you imagine your business career in the US-e.g., being a business owner, trying to climb a corporate ladder at a large firm, work with Turbo on his business or else.
However, if you're dreaming about something more than helping Turbo/family business, forget online education on the whole (and University of Phoenix in particular).
Business world is becoming more and more competitive, and if 5 years ago an MBA from a top 30 school could get you far enough, nowadays it's probably top10-15 at most. You cannot get a decent degree online. Period. Good education is also costly. Is Turbo ready to pay 50-100K for your future bright business career? Move to a city with a good University?
On the other hand, if your ambition is to stay in Beaver Falls and help Turbo with his business-online education can be helpful. Well, and Turbo is not going to demand a glorious resume from you, anyways...

Hope this helps. Good luck 

[SANDRO43]

I had no free time to get a driver’s license in the past. So in the beginning of November I plan to learn the driving rules and study the new things connected with driving in America. Does anyone know if it is possible to buy the book of driving rules in a book shop or somewhere else?

VWRW, check out the RWDpedia (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Driving_A_Car), it lists a DMV Guide in Russian for North Carolina that could be a starting point .

[catzenmouse]

VWRW,

 Contact a couple of local colleges and/or universities. Ask them if the courses you would take from University of Phoenix would transfer to their schools. You may also want to contact the HR department of any of the larger employers in the area to see how they rate a person who has a U of P degree.

 I know a couple of folks who used that service and they were not happy with what they got out of it and especially with the problems they had with the website.

Good Luck!
 Ken

[Turboguy]

Pitbull,  Thanks for the comments and suggestions.   We are still in the sorting things out stage and do appreciate the feedback.   Laying out the $ 50,000+ for the education is something I can handle but moving to another city would take the affording the tution out of the equation so we need to either go on line or in something in the Pittsburgh or Youngstown area.

Sandro,   VWRW is sending you an electronic kiss on the cheek for that one.

Ken,  That was a really good suggestion.   I am sure we will follow up on that one.   You always have great ideas.

[Gator]

VWRW,

Thanks for sharing your 5-year plan.  You have more patience than I expected. 

first, you need to work on your English even though you are conversationally fluent.  KenC's suggestion of creative writing is viable. 

I believe the on-line Phoenix education will be informative, perhaps educational but not valuable for getting an 8-5 job.  If you are interested in business, take introduction to business the first semester and basic accounting the second year.  If you survive after accounting, you will do well.

If this turns you on, enroll in a MBA program in Pittsburg.  Some of the finer institutions usually have a Saturday program. 

Nevertheless, the best place to learn business is Turbo's company.  A family owned business will give you some exposure that you would have trouble finding elsewhere.

My Moscow woman has a 4-year plan.  She has a degree in business management earned over 6 years of Saturday classes.  However, she is not interested in an 8-5 job nor in owning a shop that would take all of her time.  She is interested in real estate - a RW slumlord?  She is also interested in day trading.  While she could take courses on technical trading, she really needs to learn much more before she could make money at this.  There are many other possibilities for owning a small business that does not require all of her time (e. g., ATMs).  She needs to find something that she loves doing.

[KenC]

VWRW,
I have never heard much good about U of Phoenix and I don't believe they are a very well respected school anywhere.  But I think you should test your English abilities before you go into any serious classes any way.  They (U of Phoenix) or a local community college might be the right way to go to see if you can keep up writing the language.  I was mistaken in recommending a class called creative writing before although that might be good too.  The class that helped Lena the most was critical thinking and it had to do with formulating and expressing your thoughts in writing.

I know Turbo is a patient man, but if I had it to do over again, I would have signed up Lena at the nearest driving school.  :hairraising: It is better left to the professionals.  BTW, if you have a Russian drivers license it may be good for up to a year in PA.  I know that was the law in Michigan.
KenC

[Turboguy]

There are some good suggestions and good comments from everyone and I appreciate it.   I will share a few of my thoughts.   VWRW is still asleep and may have some comments when she wakes up.

One of the reasons VWRW likes the U of P idea is that she could work in my business and do that at the same time.   I do think some of the other universities are starting to gravitate to more on line things and perhaps a Pitt or Penn State program might be another option.   I do think the Intro to Business and Accounting could be a good idea and some of our local collages offer them as evening courses.

Ken,  Interestingly enough the last thing VWRW was studying before coming to America was "Critical Thinking"   She really enjoyed that and was quite impressed by the concepts and ideas.

VWRW did not have a Russian Drivers license.   I think the only thing she ever drove in her life was go carts on my first trip to Barnaul.   She did great with the go carts.   The first 10 minutes were spent with her mostly being pulled out of the piles of tires but after that she was able to get around the track great at about 2 mph.

I think one of the things that puts RW at a disadvantage when it comes to learning to drive is that for Americas when we grow up we are always driving something.  Maybe it starts off with big wheels, tricycles, then bicycles,  little play cars, we go to the parks as kids and drive the dodgems and the Cadillac  cars, we ride bikes.   So many of the skills transfer over when we get our learners permit.   With RW nothing.   My only experience riding with a RW was with SOC's wife who did just fine.   She seemed to be a careful, safe driver and I am sure VWRW will be a safe and careful driver.   Yes, If I can find a driving school for her I would do that in a heartbeat rather than trying to teach her myself and that would also get a discount on the insurance.

Gator, you had some good thoughts in your post.   I think the thing I realize a lot and VWRW needs to be careful with is that it is very important to find something you enjoy.   I do think working in my business might help her learn more of the kinds of things that might be.  She is fairly patient for someone young and she does get very focused which is really a good thing. 

Your list of things that appeal to your Moscow woman was interesting.   I actually think a RW would do well as a slum lord.   I tried my hand at being a landlord and tend to be too easy going to not be taken advantage of.   Day trading?  Good thing you have tons of money Gator.   A bad hour in day trading can send you back to the job search.   I can recall spending some time in a chat room for day traders.  Strange, strange place.   

[timothe]

Pitbull,  Thanks for the comments and suggestions.   We are still in the sorting things out stage and do appreciate the feedback.   Laying out the $ 50,000+ for the education is something I can handle ...

Don't send her to Youngstown State, Turbo.  First, it's out of state and second, the school is not as good as the schools in either Pittsburgh or Erie.

As you know, my customers are colleges and I know there are a number of good schools in the area.  Univ of Pitt, CMU, and Duquense are probably too expensive and/or difficult to get into, but I would have no problem recommending Grove City College, Point Park University, or Chatham College.  If she didn't mind a short drive, both Gannon University and Mercyhurst in Erie are excellent as well as Washington Jefferson to the south. 

There's nothing wrong with either of the community colleges in the area either.  (Allegheny or Butler) or you could start her off at Geneva College, which offers transferrable courses and is a stone's throw away.   And there are a few corporate schools you can start her out in as well.  (DeVry, Pittsburgh Tech Institute, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, etc.)   

[Turboguy]

Thanks for the good suggestions Timothe.   I think there are a lot of options and all have their good and bad.   I think her ambitons are not to be the next president of Microsoft or GM.   I think she will be happy with something less than an MBA from Wharton.   I am sure in a really top school the tuition would not only be the only difficulty.   I am sure they would want something on the order of an SAT and a lot of the sat is based on nuances in the English language that would put her at a disadvantage and there are things such as number sequences that she has never seen before that are a big part of tests like that.   (We did some testing of our own).

I have no doubts she can get into a good school and that we will find options that will work and the suggestions are great.   Geneva is almost walkable.   

We are planning our first driving lesson today.  Part of it will be on a riding tractor and part in my shop pickup.   If there is a disaster it won't be that big of a disaster.   I have a few acres at my factory and a short private road.   She can play around there and start to get the feel of it all.  Then we will see if my wallet can survive a trip to the outlet malls. 

[groovlstk]

Then we will see if my wallet can survive a trip to the outlet malls. 

We have some factory outlets nearby in Secaucus, NJ--they're real outlets though, mostly warehouses with a small retail store partitioned among the storage racks with yellow tape. My wife's favorite is a Calvin Klein outlet, last time we visited she bought a biz suit for $99 that was retailing in NYC shops for $500+. It doesn't hurt that she's a size 0 and has her pick of the inventory since most shoppers couldn't fit in the smaller sizes. But man, it took me a LONG TIME to convince her that the apparel wasn't counterfeit stuff

[Voyageur]

Finally, you both made it T/G and VWRW!  I am happy to hear that you are both together!

Just some practical suggestions next - from a former Pennsylvanian.

One of the first thing that I would suggest you concentrate on, is to get a Social Security Number. The timing of this is rather critical and it - unfortunately - often depends on the clerk you get at the office that day. I hope that you got a "right to work" stamp on her form at JFK.  All things ride on that SSN.  We went about 1 week after my wife arrived here. It was a bit early, but a week later we received the temporary SSN in the mail. This is the cornerstone document for everything else.

With your new SSN, now you can get her a permit.  Permits are pretty easy, the toughest thing for us was the drivers license.  Again, the getting driver's licenses sometimes require trips to more friendly DMV offices.  Although it seems straightforward in instructions everything in these government offices is subject to casual offhand interpretation by the clerks who can ruin your day if they are having a bad day of their own.  I remember that the driver's license clerk really gave us a hard time. My wife had passed the driving written and practical test but the clerk would not grant her the license.  Luckily, the supervisor I spoke to made an executive decision that allowed the license to be granted.  .  I hope you have better luck.

A SSN will even allow you to add her to your insurance policy. After you get her driving lessons and she can maneuver the car around (this may take a while  ) buy her a GPS system for the car.  This will allow her to drive like a local in no time.

Again, best wishes and good luck to you both.  I am glad that "phase II" has begun!

[timothe]

Thanks for the good suggestions Timothe.   I think there are a lot of options and all have their good and bad.   I think her ambitons are not to be the next president of Microsoft or GM.   I think she will be happy with something less than an MBA from Wharton.   I am sure in a really top school the tuition would not only be the only difficulty.   I am sure they would want something on the order of an SAT and a lot of the sat is based on nuances in the English language that would put her at a disadvantage and there are things such as number sequences that she has never seen before that are a big part of tests like that.   (We did some testing of our own).

I have no doubts she can get into a good school and that we will find options that will work and the suggestions are great.   Geneva is almost walkable.   

We are planning our first driving lesson today.  Part of it will be on a riding tractor and part in my shop pickup.   If there is a disaster it won't be that big of a disaster.   I have a few acres at my factory and a short private road.   She can play around there and start to get the feel of it all.  Then we will see if my wallet can survive a trip to the outlet malls. 

If she decided to go to school but has problems getting accepted, I might be able to help.  Please let me know.

[vwrw]

Guys, you have given us some really good advices and suggestions. I appreciate it a lot. Thank you. 

we will keep you updated how we are accomplishing your advices.

[Turboguy]

Groov,  A real factory outlet can be a great place to shop.  I have to agree that the "Outlet Malls" leave a few questionable thoughts in my mind about them being real outlets. 

Voyager,   We are planning to hit the SS office a week from Monday which would be 11 business days since her arrival.   We did get the temporary work authorization in her passport which I hope makes it easier.  When Luda arrived 2 years ago she came in through Atlanta and getting the SS # was a struggle.   Actually she never did get it.   They called about 3-4 months after we applied and said if she still wanted it to call them.  By then she was back in Russia.   One of the things they seemed to have a hard time understanding was why we wanted a SS # since she was not work authorized.   I think this time will be much easer thanks to JFK.

Timothe, Thanks we will keep that in mind when the time comes and I appreciate it.

Well, Driving lesson # 1 went very well.  I still have a lawn tractor and if I would have known she was going to master the thing so well I would have had her turn the mower on and do something constructive while she was riding.   Today we try the shop pick up truck.  Her comment was her adrenaline level was higher riding the tractor than riding a roller coaster. 

The outlet mall also went well and came in well under budget.

[catzenmouse]

Get VWRW's name on a utility bill and get her a bank account as soon as possible. These will establish residency so that after one year you will be able to pay in-state tuitions for the colleges.

Any local agencies or churches doing ESL would be good too.

I think a picture of the wild tractor ride is in order too by the way.

Ken

[Jet]

  Her comment was her adrenaline level was higher riding the tractor than riding a roller coaster. 

I'm not surprised. I've heard about your tractor!

[Gator]

When she feels comfortable with your Allis Chalmers tractor, she should move up to John Deere's special model.

Maybe VWRW will be interested in watching the film Straight Story, true story of elderly man who drives a few hundred miles from Iowa to Wisconsin on his lawn tractor to visit his ailing brother.

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800019672/photo/34749

[Muj]

Turbo,

Good job convincing VWRW to cut your lawn by teller her its driving practice . 

My wife enjoys the visits to the farmer's markets for the deals on fresh produce as well as the outlet malls.

Every time we drove in the car I quizzed her on road signs and location.  Also, found a link to the WA State driving manual in Russian. 

We congratulate you both on finally realizing hard won visa.

[SANDRO43]

Also, found a link to the WA State driving manual in Russian. 

Muj, I suppose you are referring to http://www.dol.wa.gov/ru.

May I remind others that the RWDpedia (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Driving_A_Car) currently has entries also for:
- California
- Iowa
- North Carolina

Anyone with similar info for other states is invited to share it .

[Turboguy]

Just as an update,  We did give VWRW her first real driving experience on Sunday.   I let her drive our shop truck around our factory lot.   She did really well.   I did end up wearing my seatbelt even though most of the speeds were not much over 5 mph.   It only took a few times being thrown into the dash to join the seatbelt club.  She did great though.

I also picked up a PA drivers manual book (English) on Monday.  She says it is pretty easy English without a lot of technical words or difficult terms.    She will have to take the test in English anyway so I would think it is better.  It might take a bit longer but I think in the long run it will save time, effort and confusion.

We are in Louisville right now for one of my largest trade shows.   We having a great time and she is a big help to me.   We are both enjoying the trip. 

Something that VWRW mentioned to me on the way here that made me happy.   When she was here before she missed her family and Russia a lot.   She talked to some women who moved here and they had told her to expect to be nostalgic for Russia.   That they cried a lot in the early stages but over time they started to cry less and less.   Before she came I told her that as soon as the AOS came through she could go back for a visit and stay as long as she wanted and that if she wanted she could visit home twice a year but if possible for her to go in the spring and fall when the fares are cheaper.   Anyway on the way to Louisville she said it is strange but the thoughts of going home don't come to her mind.  It has only been a few weeks but so far we both are really enjoying the time together and are really happy together.   

[Son of Clyde]

It only took a few times being thrown into the dash to join the seatbelt club.  She did great though.   

It is good to have a positive attitude in these situations.