ABCs of a Nursing School Grad Trip + FL Keys Mini Report;D is for: Dang! Last Chapter of this TR...

[franandaj]

last weekend, as some of you who read the small print may have seen, I am now the proud owner of a new hat.

My oldest son and his wife are expecting. They live in Guam, so I won't see this baby nearly as much as I'd like or be able to help out Emily and Andrew in their transition to parenthood either.

Congratulations! I'm sure it must be difficult being so far away.

Baby is due Dec. 3rd. We had hoped to visit there this winter, but since we are in this transition phase of selling our rental property to swap out for something closer to where we live, times are a bit lean.

I totally understand about things being lean. But perhaps an Amazon Prime membership might be cheaper than a plane ticket! Guam is considered part if the US Postal service.

One request: This is not public news yet on FB. So for those of you who know me there, please keep this mum for now. They are waiting on her next appt.

Mums the word. You know I mostly only post stuff about food or band.

 

[glennbo123]

Where were her kids and husband, you might ask?



Standing around asking her what was for dinner and how long it would be.

Oooo, are those things supposed to be her kids and husband? Ouch!!

She looked down and saw piles of toys and games strewn about.

I've seen that look.

On this day, Steppe won a Bobcat! Better than her Beaver from the last time she played! (Did you know that you can get a pin set of these 7 prize levels?)

No, I did not!

Who remembers Tinker Toys?

(Side note: For reals, Folks were appropriately amused with his antics. Several people asked if he could hang around a bit longer so they could snap his picture, delaying Steppe a bit and almost making her miss her Space Flight.)

That's awesome!

“Hey Maude, how much did these morons pay to walk around these hot, sweaty Savannas (without an 'h'), anyway?”

Thank you, I appreciate that. And it has not gone unnoticed.

We reached the end of our time in Africa,

Now who would make a joke like that?!

Guilty!

it was time to say hello to the birds of the air and the beasts of the land, in no particular order of encounter. I am probably one of few, but I am quite content to spend no small amount of time in the aviaries sitting on a bench watching the flights of our feathered friends.

Me too. I could spend way more time in that aviary taking pictures.

Ooooo! Love this one! What colors!

Did I like this guy’s coke nail?

I'll bet it's for sitar picking.

Oh, I think those bark-animal thingies are new in that photo-op area. (At least new to me.)

My oldest son and his wife are expecting.

Wow!! Congratulations!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Well Friends, I guess the old saying of "Be careful what you ask for." has come true.

Hours (ie. cases) at work has picked up significantly, and 30-35 hours a week is both good and bad.

Great that the extra income will help tide us over until we flip properties and get new renters; bad in that, on top of flight school and spending more study hours than most people need to understand this stuff, the usual housework, and.... stuff (you know, like changing the toilet paper rolls that no one else seems to have the mental capacity to change when empty....), I now have pretty much no time to get caught up until this weekend. I know I'm a loser at being MIA on all of your threads- sorry 'bout that. I am reading, but the laborious process of replying/multi-quoting by phone just ain't gonna happen.

I am very grateful that I only have 7 more work days until I'm outta here!!! I really hope to at least get all up to date this weekend before I have to pack and leave. (No, no gross, seedy hotel this time!)

Meanwhile, discussion point: What is something you've always wanted to do/go/be/etc... but haven't due to time, money, whatever reason?

Just curious.

 

[franandaj]

on top of flight school

This takes on a whole new meaning in an update that you'll see on my Bonus features like six months or so from now!

you know, like changing the toilet paper rolls that no one else seems to have the mental capacity to change when empty....

I'm not sure how many bathrooms you have, but Fran and I each have our own bathrooms. I have to stock them with toilet paper, but she at least tells me when she is running low in hers. I would think that your kids would not enjoy being stuck high and dry!

I now have pretty much no time to get caught up until this weekend.

Well at least you have $$'s coming in!

I know I'm a loser at being MIA on all of your threads- sorry 'bout that. I am reading, but the laborious process of replying/multi-quoting by phone just ain't gonna happen.

No worry. You don't need to multi quote when you're that busy. I give up that luxury when I'm trying to catch up!

I am very grateful that I only have 7 more work days until I'm outta here!!! I really hope to at least get all up to date this weekend before I have to pack and leave.

So is this the trip to the parents where you have invited folks to a DISmeet at your parents?

Meanwhile, discussion point: What is something you've always wanted to do/go/be/etc... but haven't due to time, money, whatever reason?

Well, I would love to go to Montreal or Quebec City, but we haven't. I always wanted to go to N'Orleans, and did that but Fran was sick the whole time. I'd also love to take her to Hawaii, she's never been but I've been three times. Not so much money, although that is currently something hanging over us. Hopefully not for too long. Mostly her health. We had several years of venal ulcers, and a while of broken leg and arthritis drugs no working. It's complicated.

 

[irene_dsc]

Realized I didn't actually say congrats on your new hat! The digital world definitely will make it easier to be so far away, and all those hours may make a trip possible sooner than you thought.

For your question- I would love to do a whole bunch of travel with dh, just the 2 of us. Cross off a bunch of places on our bucket lists - Hawaii and Vegas for me, Europe for him, Australia for both of us...but maybe not all in one trip, lol.

 

[pkondz]

Well Friends, I guess the old saying of "Be careful what you ask for." has come true.

Hours (ie. cases) at work has picked up significantly, and 30-35 hours a week is both good and bad.

Great that the extra income will help tide us over until we flip properties and get new renters; bad in that, on top of flight school and spending more study hours than most people need to understand this stuff, the usual housework, and.... stuff (you know, like changing the toilet paper rolls that no one else seems to have the mental capacity to change when empty....), I now have pretty much no time to get caught up until this weekend. I know I'm a loser at being MIA on all of your threads- sorry 'bout that. I am reading, but the laborious process of replying/multi-quoting by phone just ain't gonna happen.

No worries, Liesa!
We all understand that life sometimes means the DIS has to take a back seat.
And you certainly sound busy!
Get here when you can and don't worry about it.
We'll be here waiting for you.

I am very grateful that I only have 7 more work days until I'm outta here!!! I really hope to at least get all up to date this weekend before I have to pack and leave. (No, no gross, seedy hotel this time!)

Woot!
When do you actually fly out?

Meanwhile, discussion point: What is something you've always wanted to do/go/be/etc... but haven't due to time, money, whatever reason?

Just curious.

So many things.
Off the top of my head, I'd love to learn to fly, like you are. I'd like to see New Zealand and Australia but the time commitment on that is huge. Road trip. As in at least a month. Mind you I'm hoping to do that one in the next year or two.
I wouldn't mind doing those with the woman of my dreams, but... she's pretty busy herself so I don't think that's going to happen.

This takes on a whole new meaning in an update that you'll see on my Bonus features like six months or so from now!

Interesting...

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, enjoy the extra income... sorry for the added strain on your schedule though. You've certainly got your plate full at this point!

Meanwhile, discussion point: What is something you've always wanted to do/go/be/etc... but haven't due to time, money, whatever reason?

Astronaut - because let's be honest, there are like 5 people who get to do this. But I flew the hell out of that space shuttle simulator at space camp when I was in 8th grade.

 

[Mac Brew]

[
Meanwhile, discussion point: What is something you've always wanted to do/go/be/etc... but haven't due to time, money, whatever reason?

Just curious.[/QUOTE]

It's got to be a tour of Australia and New Zealand .But it's so far away that you must go for a minimum of four weeks to see it all.
Coming a very close second is the West coast of the USA for four weeks to see most of it at a leasurely pace.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hey, we understand! I'm glad you have some extra income to help out. And if there's only a week until you get a break, that's even better!

Meanwhile, discussion point: What is something you've always wanted to do/go/be/etc... but haven't due to time, money, whatever reason?

The number 1 trip is Australia/New Zealand. Still on the bucket list. I'd really like to explore Europe too. Sometimes I get the Adventures By Disney catalog just to look at the itineraries and daydream about what it would be like to be able to afford it.

If I knew I could be successful (and if I had the discipline to devote the time), I'd love to write novels and/or make movies. I love a good story.

No worry. You don't need to multi quote when you're that busy. I give up that luxury when I'm trying to catch up!

Me too! Sometimes all you can do is show you're still reading.

I'd like to see New Zealand and Australia but the time commitment on that is huge.

It's got to be a tour of Australia and New Zealand .

Great minds.

Astronaut - because let's be honest, there are like 5 people who get to do this. But I flew the hell out of that space shuttle simulator at space camp when I was in 8th grade.

I like that answer!

 

[pkondz]

Astronaut - because let's be honest, there are like 5 people who get to do this. But I flew the hell out of that space shuttle simulator at space camp when I was in 8th grade.

I thought of a few things... but time has ravaged this ol' shell and I know that there are some things that will never be.
I restricted myself to things that I can still conceivably do.

If I knew I could be successful (and if I had the discipline to devote the time), I'd love to write novels and/or make movies. I love a good story.

You'd be very good at that.
I don't say that lightly.

 

[pooh'smate]

Well, I would love to go to Montreal or Quebec City, but we haven't. I always wanted to go to N'Orleans, and did that but Fran was sick the whole time. I'd also love to take her to Hawaii, she's never been but I've been three times. Not so much money, although that is currently something hanging over us. Hopefully not for too long. Mostly her health. We had several years of venal ulcers, and a while of broken leg and arthritis drugs no working. It's complicated.

My dh is from Montreal and it is a nice city but I love Quebec City. It is so pretty. I would love to do the Canadian Disney Cruise just because whenever we get back to Canada I never have enough time to see all the things I want. You know we have to spend time with the in laws.


The place I would love to travel is Australia/New Zealand. I was close once but we were not able to go. I was able to spend an amazing week in Bali. I also would love to visit Scotland, Ireland, and England.

 

[franandaj]

I had the good fortune to spend two weeks in New Zealand and we truly loved it! I would still love to go to Australia as well since I have a built in tour guide in Melbourne! Maybe we should try and plan a big ole DISmeet downunder and see if we can get some kind of discount travel rate as a group. We don't have to hang out together, but we could book blocks of rooms and such!

 

[Flossbolna]

For me for a long time the answer would have been Japan. But now I have a flight booked for this summer! Travelwise the other big destination would be Hawaii. It is just sooo far from Europe to get there. I also would love to learn scuba diving, but I have asthma and that excludes me for health reasons from that sport... I also want to finally get my act together to improve my running so that I can run a half marathon. The only thing preventing me from this however is my self discipline (oh and some injuries along the way).

@Captain_Oblivious I agree with @pkondz, I think you have the talent to be good at writing. Being successful at it is unfortunately something that depends so much on luck. Just look at JK Rowling, she was turned down by 8 publishers before she became the most successful writer ever.

 

[pooh'smate]

I had the good fortune to spend two weeks in New Zealand and we truly loved it! I would still love to go to Australia as well since I have a built in tour guide in Melbourne! Maybe we should try and plan a big ole DISmeet downunder and see if we can get some kind of discount travel rate as a group. We don't have to hang out together, but we could book blocks of rooms and such!

That sounds like fun. If you ever get to go to Mtl and QC let me know. Maybe we could meet up if you are there some time when we are there to see the family.

 

[docsoliday1]

Sad day. I've seen so many things come and go the last decade, and some I never got to either. Makes me very sad.

That could probably be said for most of us. When it's the less interesting or less active places in Disney, that's what causes (directly or indirectly) to have them go away. I still remember fondly when I was a kid and going to 20,000 leagues under the sea. Because of the magic of Disney or my youthful naivety, I didn't realize the subs never actually submerged. When that went away, I was bummed, but I think it was simply the ride took too long to load and unload and so was replaced with something that either was more popular or could handle more riders or both.

 

[docsoliday1]

No. Fashionably on time IS late. I'm obsessive about that. 5-10 minutes early IS on time.

Might I get you to chat with my DW? Maybe YOU could change her mind.

 

[docsoliday1]

On the same day? Probably.

I think in the same day, that would be IMpressive not excessive.

 

[pkondz]

I think in the same day, that would be IMpressive not excessive.

 

[docsoliday1]

The food is very different despite it being called (choose an iteration) of "Asian", most people do NOT speak English, they have better internet, but aren't allowed to use it, and our "poor" would make the richest "Village" Asian envy. Quote of a close friend: "Poor? N. Americans do not know poor. Even your homeless have socks."

First of all, I love your pictures, although I couldn't find hidden Mickey in the dino (stegasaurus?) picture. Took me a while to find it in toy story mural, but then again, that's why they call 'em hidden.

Same thing I've said after mission trips to Mexico, Jamaica and St Croix. Most people think of Jamaica and St Croix as vacation spots, but when you get away from the tourist areas, the poverty is stark. In Mexico, we had people inviting us into shacks (what our kids would call forts) made of cardboard boxes, pallets and held together with scraps of wire. We are definitely spoiled in N Amer. with regards to standard of living compared to many around the world. Our kids complain if they don't have the latest Xbox/Playstation/whatever and many kids around the world don't have a TV much less a video game system connected to it. Many kids don't have a phone much less the latest greatest cell phone.

I'll pass on the chai latte. I'm a tea drinker, but never have cared for chai and aside from a milkshake, not big on sweetened milk "stuff". Glad you like it and that's what's great about Disney...everyone can find something they like.

Still behind reading all of your TR...I'm trying to catch up.

 

[docsoliday1]

A little Real Life Update- you know, to keep us all connected on a personal level.

So...


I wear many hats. I'm a Nurse, a Student Pilot, a Mom, etc...

but last weekend, as some of you who read the small print may have seen, I am now the proud owner of a new hat.

My oldest son and his wife are expecting. They live in Guam, so I won't see this baby nearly as much as I'd like or be able to help out Emily and Andrew in their transition to parenthood either. I now understand the great sacrifice my own parents made while we tried to make a difference overseas. If you don't appreciate the sacrifices our servicemen and women make every day, or those who are called to live and work far from home to do Community Development or Aid work, remember this story and re-think.

Baby is due Dec. 3rd. We had hoped to visit there this winter, but since we are in this transition phase of selling our rental property to swap out for something closer to where we live, times are a bit lean. My income is supplementing instead of being play money for the time being. Which sux, but there ya have it.

Regardless, I am beyond thrilled for them and am excited to enter a new phase of life, in some ways. On the flip side, I had a few days of having to let this all sink in. I suddenly went from feeling fabulous and on top of my game at 50, to.... old. I've processed that, and am back to feeling fabulous at 50 again.

One request: This is not public news yet on FB. So for those of you who know me there, please keep this mum for now. They are waiting on her next appt. (I think tomorrow) before they make their own general announcement. Most in our family know now, but there are a few who don't yet. You heard it here first.

Meantime, I'm gearing up a bit of time with my mom and dad and some solo vacationing of my own. Needs to get me some time away. So, I will be a bit scarce from the 21st- the 1st.
Hopefully, at least one more update to both TRs, though.

So, any grandparents doing the long-distance thang? How are you handling this? Give me your thoughts.

Peace, My Friends,

Steppe

Congratulations!!!!

Is your son in the Air Force? I was in years ago and I know many folks in Guam are stationed at the AFB there. If yes, then thank him for his service and that of your DIL, you and your family. People who've never been in the military or had family who are/were don't realize it's a sacrifice for the whole family.

Can't say I know how the long distance thang works as a grandparent, but save up your money if you can and take a flight to Guam. Since it's a US territory, I believe the flights are cheaper and you don't need a passport. I know from my experience away from family, letters, phone calls, video chat, etc. are a big help.