Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Replacing a Sentri Decal (part deux)

I wanted to follow up on my last post about replacing a Sentri Decal.

If you have found this post, you can probably tell that replacing a Decal is not as easy as getting through the application process (and getting the first Decal). I talked about what happened to me and my reason of replacing the decal, however I had not completed the process.

AFTER replacing the windshield:
  1. Go into the GOES system and set up an appointment at a convenient time for you, be ready to wait! My appt time was 8:00AM, the earliest possible, but the lady who was processing such applications apparently was late, the 8:30AM appt completed their process before I did.
  2. Go into the appt and take your Sentri Card, registration and insurance. I took my Driver's License but was told I did not need it, I would take it again just in case, you never know who is going to review your paperwork and if they feel the need to see it.
  3. The clerk (maybe officer) may ask what happened to your windshield, will complete some paperwork and will take your documents. An officer will go out to the curb (whatever designated area you are told to take the car to) and check your car--careful if you have a sub-woofer, he's going to ask if you always have it in the car, OF COURSE I always have it in the car.
  4. On your way you go!
I know it is not much, however I did not have that information before so I hope this helps.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Replacing a Sentri Decal

So as I was driving on the freeway, I hear a hard knock on my windshield...yes, it got damaged and cracked, so I am going to need a replacement.

since the vehicle has a Sentri decal (sticker) on it, it also needs to be replaced...however there are no instructions on how to go about this replacement. The following is the process I followed. Disclaimer: it is working this way for me, it does not mean it will work that way for everyone!

Sentri Decal (sticker) replacement.
Ok, so here's the way it works:

Replacement of the decal is based on changing the windshield and losing the original decal.

1) Enter the GOES System. https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/ At this point the assumption is that you are replacing the decal, therefore you already have a decal and your car has gone through the system once. You are also a current sentri user.

2) In the GOES system, go to the bottom of the screen into the program Sentri. To the right there's a Manage Membership button. Click the button.

3) There will be a button called Decal Replacement. Click that button and you will be able to start the process to request a decal. The replacement will cost $25.00 USD which can be paid online or at the time of your appt.

4) Go through the request. Once completed you will see that you cannot change vehicle details since your vehicle is in process of being "renewed."
a) At this time, you can still use your old decal.
b) You need to schedule your appointment within 30 days of the application otherwise the process reverses.
c) At this time I am unsure what paperwork is necessary since it was not posted online (assumption is that you require the same paperwork as before Insurance, registration)

5) Replace your windshield! If you need not to replace your windshield, why did you request a decal replacement?

6) Once the vehicle is ready to be fitted with the new sticker, go to the Goes system again and request an appointment.

Disclaimer: I am in process of replacing my windshield, between points 4-5, thus I can only talk about what has happened and not what will happen after 4.

I will try to update, however I am not completely sure it will happen!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Good Ride!

Did a bunch of stuff today, got some brew made with some friends, (not my brew, theirs) went for a bike ride, got a good beer or two with some pizza afterwards...

Does anyone know of a good place where to ride? I'm running out of places in San Diego!

Friday, May 1, 2009

I don't want to criticize but...

I have had some changes on my work life in the last few days...

I was moved from one department to another for restructuring. The work I was doing before and the work I am doing now is the same, except, I now have less workforce (employees to complete those goals I have), and I cannot have the freedom I had before...

On top of it, I have to learn a new department, fit into its rigidity, and get along with other people...where I wouldn't mind doing it if it had been the same thing since I was hired, it is change and that logistically does not make sense...

Let's look at a few things:
  1. Changes.
    Whenever you are making changes, you'd want to include those people whose life will change because of those changes. I was not included in any talks about changes happening. Even if we went in a different way, it is always better if you share those changes beforehand with those whose life will change. I would have liked to have a chance to put my $0.02 in because the logistics as they are do not make sense!
  2. Courtesy.
    Be courteous to those who are going to have to make changes! Do not give them new "Department tasks" with only 30 minutes to re-arrange their schedule on a Friday and complete those assignments!
    If there is a meeting the day before such changes are happening, out of courtesy, you could probably invite those who are moving to the new department. Instead of having people talk about them, you could have them talk to people.
  3. Respect.
    You as the new manager may not know what they are doing. Referring back to Changes: that is why it's important to involve them while making changes.
    If you do not know how something works, don't talk like you do, you won't be respected because people can tell that you are not aware and do not know it! Another thing, respect that person who you are managing, do not make decisions for themselves, they know what they are doing, they are the authorities on that subject because while you are managing the outcomes they are managing those goals and objectives to have the outcomes.
I am displeased of the way my move has been handled, I wish some of those "expectations" could have been address (courtesy) before you require them!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Random-ness

Well, I guess it's time to start at some point, right?

First blog, let's see what happens from here.