A Tale of [family madness in] Two Cities - Final Thoughts & PTR Link!

[brookelizabeth]

Very Exciting news, Brook! A move to NY in your future sounds very exciting!

Hope you have good luck with selling the house---praying those folks choose yours! I've been there several times, trying to sell, so we could move out of state, and it can be very stressful (and I didn't have to do it during this economy we've been part of lately.)

I know that whatever happens, you and Joe and little Henry are very blessed to have each other, and as long as you're together, everything will be all right!

Thank you for your words and prayers! I do hope that buyer (or any, really!) comes back to our house. It's a long road with this economy, I hope it's coming to it's end.

And you are very right, even if we will be here for a long while more, it's okay. I have a wonderful husband and child. He has a very secure, great job. We have a comfortable and lovely house in a FANTASTIC neighborhood. We aren't in a problem situation, we are okay no matter what!!

Life gets in the way of our Disney dreams, but you have bigger dreams and really a "real" life. Selling DVC in the short term may be sad, but in the long term, you'll be soo much happier and that's not to say DVC can't be in your future again.....

You said it just right! Exactly. Selling DVC makes the long term more possible, which is worth it. And, as per Joe, DVC will be in our future again!

Wow, good luck Brooke! Sorry to hear about DVC, but it seems you know it was worth it for your dream of NYC!! I know it will come true soon!

That is great for Joe- my mom recently underwent brain surgery this past spring for a pitutary brain tumor that was putting pressure on her eyes and ruining her vision (benign). After removal, she has lost vision in one eye and barely has any in the other. She can no longer drive, which has been heartbreaking for her, as she is now finally retired and is stuck at home all the time. So I konw how much having independence will mean to him and that is awesome!! best wishes to you guys!

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom! Joe has often said he thinks it would be worse if he could once see well and it went away suddenly, or slowly faded. He doesn't know any different... I'm looking forward to seeing how Joe's life will change when he is given that independence. I think it's going to be huge for him!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sending lots of prayers to let this be the one so that you can move on to live out your dreams.

Thank you!!!

Hi Brook, here's to hoping all of your dreams come true! A move to NYC and keeping that DVC! Keep us posted...

Thank you! And I will be sure to keep everyone updated!!

I like that you used the word peep in your update albeit in a different way...

!!!!

Brook Prayers being said for the sale of your house. I hope that you get an offer soon. Yay for following your dreams. I know how Joe feels, I only have been driving for about 5mo. Before that I relied on people for everything and so did my girls. SO sorry about the DVC Disney will still be there and you guys will have a great time no matter where you stay.

Thank you for your prayers! Joe gets frustrated sometimes, and just plain tired, of having to ask me for things - and he feels badly when I'm tired if we have to go out. There have been more than a few times where I just sat in the car while he ran into whatever store to get what he needed. I think it will be such a treat for him to be able to take Henry out too for a Da Da and Son day!

 

[brookelizabeth]

HEYYYYYYYYY I am an Astoria Native! Woohoo! Born there- 29th street and 30th avenue. Lived there until I was 10 years old but I remember it like it was yesterday. Astoria is the new NY cause there is no more room in NYC! How exciting- I am going back to read now- I just saw Astoria and my heart jumped

Love love Astoria! I have friends who live on 31st and 24th, but closer to the GCP more than 24th. It's a LOVELY neighborhood, I like the urban, yet family oriented feeling of it all. We are looking more in the Ditmars area, because down by 30th has become the big singles scene with bars, etc-where all those Manhattanites have transplanted . I don't mind visiting that kind of area for good eats, but I don't think I want to raise a child(ren) there. Ditmars is now for the families/slower life. PS 122 looks/sounds like a great school too - so I'm hoping to be kinda close to it.

I love how Astoria has mostly kept it's roots though. Some areas have become very "hip and trendy", but overall, it's still a choice place for family and MANY people have been there for generations and generations. I LOVE that!!! Astoria is such a nice mix between City life and quiet and family friendly. It reminds me much of Woodside, which I loved!

Just caught up on your TR...a lot has gone down at your household!

I am honestly so excited sitting here reading about your dreams. I don't think people follow their dreams often enough...and yours is an exciting one! I love the city, I would like to live closer to city life than I do. And NYC is beautiful! I looove it there, I don't think you'll ever be bored living there! I believe 100% that you will find your dream home in Astoria and live happily ever after! Good luck to you guys, you're in my thoughts! Just make sure not to stress and enjoy the moments you're living right now. Ya never know what you might end up missing!

Yes! We have been busyyyy around here with the house! It's good though. Having it back on the market and this potential purchase kicked us into high gear. It was needed. And it's exciting!

Thank you so much for your words! You are very right, I can be excited about the move - yet enjoy where I am now. Finding that balance sometimes is tricky!

I love NYC as well. It's in my bones. I miss it so much and am grateful that I have a wonderful husband who has also fallen in love with it. I am excited to follow our dreams, sell/give everything we own, get a moving truck for what we have left and GO!

I think it was Manhattan? I'm pretty sure it was. DH and I used to watch it every single week and dream of living there! We loved the variety of restaurants, shows, museums and the diverse culture. I actually just told him that if he wanted to do something special for me ever (hint, hint) he could take me to NY for the weekend! Wonder if he'll take me up on it?

Seriously though, I think your attitude is awesome. Believing that God will make it happen in His time is the perfect outlook. Your earlier quote impressed me too..He began a good work in you and will complete it. Totally agree! Keep strong and have faith that it will work out. I'll be praying for it to happen to!

A little OT, but it must have taken you forever to reply to all of us! You are a truly dedicated TR writer!

Oh-ya, it probably was Manhattan! Probably Upper East Side now that I think about the kind of life they had. The variety that NYC offers is amazing. It truly is like visiting a different country. I remember one time being on a PACKED train and just happening to look around and realize I saw about 9 different nationalities right there in that little subway car. I was the only American!

I do hope your hubby takes you up on that! You guys would have a great time, I'm sure! It's a beautiful City.

Thank you for your encouragement. There are many moments when I get frazzled and just want it all DONE. We were THISCLOSE it seemed, now we are back here at square one. Waiting for a buyer. But, it WILL happen. That verse, about God starting a good work in us, and he will complete it, came to me one day when I was praying about all this. It's the verse Joe and I have started to say to each other and pray about all this.

And yes, it has taken a LONG time to respond! I took a bit of a break here and there, but I've been responding since about 7:15 and it's midnight! Everyone's comments and words are always so wonderful to read, I like to respond. And I'm feeling SO encouraged after reading all the wonderful notes about moving, I cannot stop smiling. A great way to end the night!

 

[Flossbolna]

Brook, thanks for the update. I was wondering what happened with your sale. How horrible for your potential buyer to be in that serious car accident while they are in the process of buying a house! And I can understand how frustrating all this waiting must be fpr you and Joe! You have been writing about wanting to sell your house for such a long time! I really hope that your plan becomes reality soon!

I am impressed with how much research you have already put into it. What you write about Astoria sounds like a great area.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi Brook!

Oh, how horrible for the potential buyer that they were in a car accident. Hopefully they recover very quickly.

Queens sounds like a lovely place to move. I know you are anxious to set all of that in motion!

I thought of you yesterday when I went to run errands and saw McDonalds. Oh, how I wish we had Shamrock Shakes here in the South.

 

[hollybearsmom]

 

[andrews1ma]

Ok so the reason we lived in Astoria is because my dad was from Greece and Astoria was like the Little Greece of Queens. I think there are still lots of good Greek restaurants there if you like that kind of food. We moved to Bayside, Queens which is a little more suburban, no trains, etc...

I went to Our Lady of Mount Carmel which was a Catholic School that I think sadly has closed. It is funny to hear that Astoria is Trendy and Hip, it so was not when I lived there. We spent every weekend shopping on Steinway Street- walking the whole way. Wow, you have brought back lots of memories.

So this is ironic, and I believe you read it on my current PTR and commented on it, the story about how I met my best friend, mom going into labor, neighbor across the street knocks her daughter down, yadda, yadda, yadda. Well that story happened right there on 29th street in Astoria, I will post a pic of those stairs for you!

Good luck with all the plans and definitely keep us posted- you must be on pins and needles right now!

 

[claryche]

Do they have the floats lit up during MVMCP? I would think some details would be lost in the dark... But, it's almost like a whole different parade I'm sure!

Sad, it was only Nov 2008 when I saw the parade and I had to go back to my pictures and see if they had the floats lit up or not because I could not remember for sure. There were a few that had Christmas lights on them as decorations, but to say lit up, the answer is no. Here are a few pics from the parade at night and you can see what I mean about the lights.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ok so the reason we lived in Astoria is because my dad was from Greece and Astoria was like the Little Greece of Queens. I think there are still lots of good Greek restaurants there if you like that kind of food.

Oh my goodness! I would be in heaven there! I love Greek food in all its forms! Yum, yum, yum! There was a Greek restaurant (I think it is still there) on King Street in Charleston that we used to go to ALL the time when I was growing up. They had the most divine food, and the owner would always give me a gigantic lollipop!

 

[andrews1ma]

Oh my goodness! I would be in heaven there! I love Greek food in all its forms! Yum, yum, yum! There was a Greek restaurant (I think it is still there) on King Street in Charleston that we used to go to ALL the time when I was growing up. They had the most divine food, and the owner would always give me a gigantic lollipop!

sorry to hijack here but CP you make me I think you just love food...period! I wish you lived near me cause so do I -we could do food of a different nation each week! Oh and Greek food would be number one on my list- after all it's in my blood!

 

[Charleston Princess]

sorry to hijack here but CP you make me I think you just love food...period! I wish you lived near me cause so do I -we could do food of a different nation each week! Oh and Greek food would be number one on my list- after all it's in my blood!

You're right -- I do love food! International foods especially so a weekly food fest would be heavenly in my eyes!

 

[MeMom]

Thank you for the prayers. And prayers right back to you - I assume you are speaking of Trent moving, correct? That is a BIG one, for both you and him. Joe's Mom is facing the same with us moving - all her kids are still within 30 minutes of her house. Plus she has Henry...she's not exactly thrilled about the move...but she understands and supports us.

What will be the distance between you now with the move? Have you already started talking about how to get in plenty of visits? We have all talked about how we'll be going to Orlando hopefully four times a year, and Trent can come here 3-4 times a year, and then we could meet in the middle a couple of times a year. If we are able to do all that, I think we'll all be fine. It might mean an extra job for me just for travel expenses!

 

[kimmylaj]

wow, somehow i missed the big moving news. i am so excited for you. i live in staten island, ny. not too far. it will be great you can take henry to the mets games. i dont think i could live anywhere else, except maybe disney world (not florida, actually in minnies house)
so sad that you have to sell dvc, but the positive is mousekeeping will now make your beds and you'll have an excuse to eat out all the time. those are the things that i tell myself when i feel bad that i dont have dvc.

 

[Charlefours]

Good luck with all the happenings in your life Brooke! We are battling similar sorts of things too with moving and making the right decision for your family. You are an inspiration!!

Don't feel bad for spacing out your updates--we will be here when you have the opportunity!!

 

[Angel16]

Brook, I finally caught up on your TR. I was over 29 pages behind. Like you said life happens and things have to wait. Sometimes I just wish it could be the yucky stuff that had to wait.

I have so enjoyed experiencing your Christmas/New Years trip through your eyes, and your wonderful photographs, as well as the video's your DFIL took, it all has been really wonderful. Brook you are a talented writer, who has a gift for taking your readers on a adventure. Thank you for sharing so much of your family and especially little Henry. He is such a cutie! Reading your trip has brought back some wonderful memories of our last WDW trip before Christmas. That is such a magical time at WDW, all the lights, decorations, and everyone seems so filled with joy.

I am excited about your move. I certainly see why New York will be a very good place for you, Joe and Henry. Life will be more fulfilling for Joe there as well as all the opportunities for all three of you. We are cleaning out our home purging items we don't need or want. We hope to sell and move out of state in the near future. I know how hard it is in this economy to find a buyer who is willing to pay a reasonable price. I know that God will work out everything in his perfect timing for you all! You will be in my prayers, as well thoughts for a perfect family who will love your home and allow you to obtain your dream.

Don’t worry about doing updates until you are ready. We all will be here when you are ready.



Angel16

 

[Charleston Princess]

Brook! I had to come over and tell you my exciting news! Connor and I stopped at McDonald's on our way to Charles and Chelsea's soccer game to get milkshakes and guess what they had??? That's right!!! I got to try my very first Shamrock Shake, and it was as wonderful as I always thought it would be!!! I was so beside myself with excitement! I would have taken a picture if I had had my camera with me!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I'm so sorry to hear about your potential buyer Brook. That doesn't sound good at all. I'm happy that you've been able to do some research and have a good idea about where to transplant the family. From your thoughts, it sounds like a nice place! Minnesota will miss you though. LOL!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Hi Brook! I was stopping by to read your lovely update and get the official news on the NY move. I've kept up with you on Facebook, however I haven't been on all my TR's in several weeks. I've been working on my digital Disney scrapbook which I just finished. I had forgotten I had one left in my prepaid balance with Shutterfly and every minute was spent getting it done so I wouldn't lose my $50 already invested in it. I officially finished it tonight!!

Sometimes we just have to go with what's in our heart! I understand completely what you're saying and only because I grew up in Europe. As Magdalene has mentioned, in most places in Europe (Germany to be specific), you can use public transportation and hop over to the market, walk to places and parks, etc. I've never been to NYC but I know enough about it that it has these characteristics. I still struggle at times here in the States because I didn't grow up here, but I'm happy so that's what matters. I totally get it though and I'll be wishing and praying for you guys. I'm so touched for Joe that he'll finally have an "easier" life and that's just so sweet!

Good luck on selling the house and stay strong!

Heather

 

[RedPanda]

I am sorry everyone for not yet doing replies, and not providing a TR update! I have been keeping busy with the house and "moving research".

I have a teeny tiny update on the house front.

The potential buyer we had come through last week was in a serious car accident. The agent's exact words were "My client won't be making a bid on your property for two months due to a car accident." First, we feel AWFUL for this person and their condition. I haven't a clue if they are terribly injured and will be in the hospital for that long, or the financial set back is what is halting their home search...we really don't know what happened. But wow. All Joe and I can do is pray for their recovery.

Second, after reading the note from the Buyer's Agent, it seems they fully intended to put in an offer....so....who knows what will happen in two months!

We had another showing last night, a young family, but haven't heard a peep back from their agent yet.

On the moving front, we have made a decision on exactly where in NYC we want to live once the house does sell. We have selected Astoria, Queens. I have friends that live there and have visited a few times. After speaking with her and doing a ton of research, we truly feel this will be a great fit for us. Good schools, neighborhood atmosphere, everything is close by (food, grocery, drug store, etc.), good prices on apartments, and it's close to Manhattan, where Joe will eventually commute for work. Now if we can just get this house SOLD!

Crossing fingers and sending up prayers!



I have a bit of time here, so I'm going to attempt to read and reply to some of you!

First of all, hi -- I think I'm finally caught up on ALL of your trip reports now! I started reading them when the idea of our upcoming trip was just a twinkle in my eye , and I saw that (in the first one I read, at least) Henry was about the age Hazel will be on our trip. So they've been really fun to read!

Second of all, I'm so sorry to hear that about your potential buyer, for all of your sakes! I really hope they make a fast recovery. How neat that you're planning to move to Astoria! That's where my husband and I lived during our ~2.5 years in NYC. We really enjoyed the area -- pleasant, affordable, just a short trip away from Manhattan -- and OH the GREEK FOOD! City life wasn't for us, but we still love the city and visit every so often. Best of luck to you with selling your home and making the move to Astoria!

 

[TinLizzy90]

Awesome! Can't wait to read about the rest of the trip. Great pics!