Calling all Chicago DISers #3

[KimRaye]

Kim - Congrats to Kelly on her great grades!!!!

TY!!

DG I also thought real estate agents are obilgated to present all offers to the sellers. She could cause these people to lose a deal. I think you and wise and move on there are many homes.

Kim To Kelly on her grades.

Alex is having a time with 1 teacher she thinks her drawing class is the be all to end all. It is bringing down his GPA thank god he only has her this semister. All is other classed are A's or B's he is getting A's in his honor classes.

hersey, I totally agree! That real estate agent SHOULD have presented their offer - no matter what! Thanks for the As for Art, Drawing, whatever - it is SO subjective and critical! Kelly's teacher actually left this grade OFF because the Art teacher was BARELY there this 1st quarter and JUDGES very harshly! NO ONE EVER gets an A! to Alex!

Gibson's was really good. I tend to be a bit of a steak snob. Primarily meaning, being raised in the Chicago area, we grow up with some of the best beef in the country. Even our cheap beef is better than good steaks in other parts of the country. So, as a result, I don't tend to order too much steak because I don't want to be disappointed (*Never* order steak in Florida unless you know it's flown in from somewhere else). I've eaten at Hugo's Frog Bar in Naperville before, which is owned by Gibson's (in fact, the downtown location is next door to Gibson's) and it was really good. Gibson's is one of these steakhouses where they bring the steaks out on a platter to show them to you raw before you order. The waiters are also knowledgable about the steaks, so you can ask if you're not sure which you'd prefer. I had the 28oz porterhouse, which was awesome. In fact, I couldn't eat it all and brought half of it home to Carol.

Thanks for the review!! I like a GOOD STEAK once in a while! I can see using my GC - soon!

Morning everyone. More problems with soon to be (I hope ex son in law) there is no doubt in my mind he has some real problems.

SLO- didn't get to work on the letter as planned. Got a phone call from oldest DD and had to help her with her "latest" problem. Sure wish she could get the divorce done and over with then get that idiot out of her life. He is giving her so much grief. He made his choice by cheating on her and abandoning her so why won't he leave her alone. He is dragging his heals with the divorce. Plus making a lot of threats.

for you & DD! That is NOT an easy situation, I'm sure.

Lauren got rewarded for getting all A's on her report card this quarter. She was sent to the Counselor's office, along with other all A report card kids, and told they are all going on a field trip in a couple weeks to the local children's museum and getting a free pizza lunch too while their there.

Hunter got all A's too, but no field trip for him....he's a little jealous of his sister.
I'm really proud of both of them!!!

Congrats to both Lauren & Hunter! Moving, new school and all - that's tough! Good for them!

Here's a link to a neat site! North Pole
Lots of activities for kids and you can also send them a post card from Santa via email. Fill out what you want to say.

LOL, I've done that already for both my non-Santa kids , but I printed letters to send to my niece and nephew, too!


BTW, Kelly won a Silver medal (2nd place) for her mapping skills during the science olympics Sat morning. (I have NO CLUE how that's science.. ) There were 180 kids from 14 different schools (44 from her dinky school) and her school was maybe 1st, if not, then 2nd overall. One category, the egg drop, they won Gold, Silver AND Bronze! Kelly was still BEAMING this evening when we went to church. The nicest part was the WHOLE school camaraderie! They were SCREAMING when anyone from her school won!


Talk soon!!

 

[Bunchkin]

Kim Congrats to Kelly on her award and her grades too!! Awesome!!!
Lauren knows Santa's not real, but with Hunter only 7yr old she plays along!

 

[paintnolish]

Hope you all enjoyed this beautiful IL Sunday (and your NV one, Bunchkin). We saw A Christmas Carol today! We saw it in 2D, since ds can't keep the glasses up because he has to wear his real glasses, too and also because dd gets freaked a little by 3D and has her glasses off half the time! Anyway, it was really good, but I could see some kids being scared. DD covered her eyes and ears a few times and ds jumpred once. We enjoyed it, though. We are all excited to see The Princess and Frog (saw a preview).
Bunchkin- I had to look up Gorilla Bread...sounds delish. Things only get better with cream cheese! Oh, and I did get good tips last night! The restaurant had over 700 people on reservation last night and sat over 1,000! I hope things keep getting busier as we head into the holidays!
Kim- Congrats to dd! My map reading skills never get me anywhere...literally!
Crissup- Have you been to Al's in Joliet? I thought it was pretty good- much better than I thought it would be! I have a nice, bloody filet and glass of red wine!

 

[Crissup]

Have you been to Al's in Joliet? I thought it was pretty good- much better than I thought it would be! I have a nice, bloody filet and glass of red wine!

Back in the 60's and 70's, when I was growing up, Al's Steakhouse was always one of the most highly regarded restaurants in Joliet. It was one of those places that people would go for a special dinner.

Since we didn't have much money, I may have gotten there once or twice back then. Since then, I've taken Carol there a couple of times, but just don't get overly excited about the place. I'm not sure if it's just not what it once was, or if I just have too high of an expectation from when I was young.

 

[paintnolish]

Back in the 60's and 70's, when I was growing up, Al's Steakhouse was always one of the most highly regarded restaurants in Joliet. It was one of those places that people would go for a special dinner.

Since we didn't have much money, I may have gotten there once or twice back then. Since then, I've taken Carol there a couple of times, but just don't get overly excited about the place. I'm not sure if it's just not what it once was, or if I just have too high of an expectation from when I was young.

Well, I am pretty sure the same waitresses are there! I didn't see one under 70, seriously! I have been to nicer places- I was just presently suprised by Al's.

 

[irish dancer]

Hi guys! Wow, what a wonderful weekend of weather we had! Wish it could last.............

We too saw Christmas Carol but in 3D. It was visually stunning and the 3D effects were absolutely amazing and intense. I have to say it was very loud and I knew in advance about the scary parts and had prepped my kids so they were fine. There were two younger kids in the theater that left crying. Overall we thought it was OK. DH and I are kind of partial to the Alastair Sim 1951 version though.

paint - congrats on the good tip night, I hope it continues!
*Darn, we didn't get a preview of Princess and the Frog. Wish we had.

Kim - congrats to Kelly and her whole school! What an accomplishment!!

Bunchkin - congrats to both kids on their report cards! We get ours at PT conferences this week.
*Thanks for the North Pole link, I think our days are numbered as DD8 is sharp as a tack and will probably catch on to the Santa thing much earlier than DD12 did. Not looking forward to that, wish they could stay young and believing for a long, long time....

Stitchfan - to you and your DD. I hope future exSIL gets out of her life soon.

Crissup - I LOVE steak, only wish it was more in the budget.

Hersey - sorry Alex is having a hard time with his Art teacher. My girls gym teacher can be a bit of a pain too.

slo - hope you got some nice outside time in today, it was beautiful!

disneygal - congrats on finishing the invites and best of luck on the condo hunting!

Well, it's time to start the bedtime routine (much to their dismay ). Girls have a half day tomorrow and Tues due to PT conf. We'll have DD12s tomorrow night and DD8s Tues afternoon. Good news is I only need to make 2 lunches for tomorrow (DH and DS) - yeah!

Have a great night everyone!

 

[slo]

My day is starting out rather crappy.
I woke up at 2am, and have been up ever since
Needless to say - I'm tired!!!!!
I finally decided to watch tv at 3:30am, and Law & Order was TNT and USA - that show is always on!!!!! I like these shows, I do, but cable overplays them - it seems like they are always on. Then, on some weekends, they play Law & Order marathons - for what!!!!! They already overplay them!!!!! Surely, there are other things these channels can play. Since that was the only thing on, that's what I watched until 5am


Yesterday was a good day, and a beautiful day
We were outside until dark - it was great!!!!
Kevin helped me get rid of the leaves in the backyard, and then we went next door and hung out over there. I came in at dark, but Kevin didn't come in until 10pm. The men were out there watching football, and lighting fireworks - they are so goofy!!!!!


HERSEY - I'm sorry to hear of Alex's tough time in the drawing classI hope the rest of the semester goes quick for him, so he can get out of there!!!

paint - I've seen portions of Earth, and it looked interesting. The girls watched the whole thing at my inlaws, and Stephanie really enjoyed it, but Katie was bored.
**I hope you got a good amount of tips last night

Crissup - I would say we are steak snobs too We thought California Grill had really awesome steak, and Concourse Steakhouse had good steaks, but that's the only places I've had steak in Florida - I also heard steaks in Florida are bad. We've always wanted to go to Gibsons, and now I want to go more

Stitchfans - I'm sorry to hear about your DD's problems with her DH I will keep her in my prayers to be okay, and for life to get better for her real soon.

Bunchkin - What profession has Lauren chose? That's awesome that she may get a scholarship Yes, you did mention before that you are descendents of John Smith - that's so cool!!!!
**What is gorilla bread? We love monkeybread here

Kim - Congrats to Kelly on earning her silver medal

ID and paint - Thanks for the review of The Christmas Carol. I really want to see it, and the kids don't, so Kevin and I may go see it Friday after we do a little Christmas shopping




Well, it's time to go get Katie up for school
Have a great Monday everyone!!!

 

[Stitchfans]

Good morning everyone. Didn't do much or go out at all this weekend. Spent a lot of time on the phone with oldest DD. When she gets to the library today she will delete what her weird husband put on her page. Plus delete my response to him. (not very nice) Sure hope he read it before she gets rid of it.

SLO- sorry you are having such a crappy day. Lack of sleep always does that t me.

Bunchkin- that is great news with you DD's accomplishments. Congrats to her!

Kim, ID- thanks for the hugs. We needed it. Also Kim congrats to your DD also. Wow all these kids doing so well.

Hersey- hope all works out better for your son.

Well guess I will read my emails after looking at a few more threads then I have to hunt up youngest DD's SS# for an application she had to fill out to volunteer at the WMCA as a babysitter's assist. She needs 10 hours community service for US History. What you have to go through to volunteer your time. still have to look into where the meals on wheels program is in our area also.

Everyone have a great day.

 

[Bunchkin]

I could have really used another day 'off '! I was sooo out of it when I got up this morning...that's just not right!!


slo Here is a link to Paula Deen's Gorilla Bread! It's really easy to make.
I hope that lack of sleep doesn't come back to haunt you later in the day. That has happened to me and by 2pm I was ready for a nap!
Lauren wants to be a pharmacist. But now with the government wanting to involve itself in health care, we've been wondering if that's still a good career choice.

irishdancer I wonder how long DS7 will still believe in Santa. We told DD when she was 10yrs old!!! And it broke her heart!! She kind of had her suspicions. We told her about the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy too. It didn't go over too well.
I keep up with my kid's grades on line, report cards come out this week but our PT conf. aren't until December here!!! That is just crazy! I think it has something to do with the new principal changing things.

Stitchfans I must have missed where you said your DD's soon to be ex wrote things..... On what page? Facebook?


paint That is a lot of customers!!! Hope you got your fair share of them!

 

[agnes!]

Hey, I'm not a regular participant over here, but wanted to chime in with my two cents.

I went on a field trip...to *CHICAGO*. 22 high school students (from one particular class) and four chaperones, flew from BWI to O'Hare. Visited four college/universities that had programs in film and the arts - Roosevelt, DePaul, Northwestern and Columbia College. Went to the Field Museum, the Navy Pier and Columbia's Open House on Saturday. Oh, and our flight out was at 7am on Thursday and we returned Saturday night about midnight...yeah, got all that done in less than three days .

Chicago's weather was spectacular, it was a wonderful weekend. I loved downtown, our hotel was right across from Grant Park and we spent some time in the Loop are and walked around on the Magnificent Mile. Got to see "Sue" on Thursday - wow. And those jewels in the Field's Hall of Gems...stunning. Had pizza at Giordano's on Friday night but ate mostly fast-food since all the kids were on a budget.

All in all, a great time. Hadn't been to Chicago for *ages* and loved it. Used to live in North Dakota, so I *know* bad winter weather...not too sure how much I'd like Chi-town in January ((shiver)).

agnes!

 

[Stitchfans]

Stitchfans[/b] I must have missed where you said your DD's soon to be ex wrote things..... On what page? Facebook?

Sorry thought I mentioned it was Facebook. The idiot told her to take the pictures of the two of them off of her MySpace page. She hasn't gone on MySpace for since May because she can only use the computer at the library since he stole the computer her father gave her. The library for some reason blocked Myspace but not Facebook.

Any way he wrote that plus accused her of being gay sleeping around with her girlfriends, and said that they never loved each other to begin with. So if he never loved her why on earth did he marry her??

Obviously he is just trying to hurt her some more. He has hurt her enough. So as I said my response to him wasn't very nice. Called him an a@@hole and told him to leave her alone. Amongst other comments.

He has been sending her real nasty emails, and such. Like I said we are not dealing with a normal person. He is touched in the head. He is angry because she is moving and not giving him her address, plus he no longer has her cell phone number so the only way he could communicate with her was through email. There you go, the whole mess in a nutshell.

 

[irish dancer]

Hi guys! Happy Monday! Going to be heading out to the library shortly so this will be quick. Had a dream last night that we were on the Disney cruise, oh how I wish!

Stitchfan - wow, sounds like a real gem of a guy! Hopefully your DD will be rid of him soon!

agnes - what a whirlwind tour! So glad you liked our city, it certainly has a lot to offer. You totally lucked out on the weather end, we don't usually have such nice weather in November. Jan-Feb is worse though.

Bunchkin - our DD12 was the exact same way! Last year was the first year she didn't believe, and that was somewhat forced upon her. When she asked in 5th grade I responded by asking what she thought, she said "he must be real because you and Dad would never buy us all that stuff" . But when it came up again in 6th grade I came clean. She was still resistant to believe.
*We don't have online grades. We get an interim report and we sign all tests so we do have an idea but don't really know for sure until the report cards are in hand. Wow, December is late for PT conferences.

slo - hope you make it through the day, I hate when I don't get a full night sleep. Always makes for a LONG day.
*I definitely recommend the movie in 3D if you can, amazing effects.

Well, we're off to the library. Need to be back for DSs bus so it will be a quick trip. Have a great night all!

 

[KimRaye]

Hey, I'm not a regular participant over here, but wanted to chime in with my two cents.

I went on a field trip...to *CHICAGO*. 22 high school students (from one particular class) and four chaperones, flew from BWI to O'Hare. Visited four college/universities that had programs in film and the arts - Roosevelt, DePaul, Northwestern and Columbia College.

You should have included Flashpoint Academy, for the film students! My DS went there!

He has been sending her real nasty emails, and such. Like I said we are not dealing with a normal person. He is touched in the head. He is angry because she is moving and not giving him her address, plus he no longer has her cell phone number so the only way he could communicate with her was through email. There you go, the whole mess in a nutshell.

Time for your DD to get a NEW email! Maybe gmail, or something similar? She needs to break away, in all aspects!

Bunchkin - our DD12 was the exact same way! Last year was the first year she didn't believe, and that was somewhat forced upon her. When she asked in 5th grade I responded by asking what she thought, she said "he must be real because you and Dad would never buy us all that stuff" . But when it came up again in 6th grade I came clean. She was still resistant to believe.

BOTH my kids had to be TOLD, and they weren't very happy about it, more DS than DD. I think she suspected before she asked anyway. DS had to literally be TOLD tho. NOW, my problem is DD reading my emails about stuff I ordered online!!! At home, they KNOW they can NOT enter my walk-in cedar closet - at ANY time of year - I store anything/everything in there until I need to wrap it, but since we USED TO share MY email addy, they both know my PW. DS is too busy to bother, but DD is a nosy Nelly, like I was back then. I think I'll create a new email folder to throw her off-track!

Lots to do, even at this late hour - so, I gotta

 

[slo]

I went to bed at 8:30pm last night, because I was so tired from waking up at 2am yesterday morning. I didn't fall asleep right away, but it felt good going to bed that early. I did wake up a couple times last night, but I didn't stay up, so last night was much better


Stitchfans - Your SIL sounds like a real piece of garbage I feel so bad for your DD I sure hope she is able to get him out of her life as soon as possible, so she can get on with her life in a positive way

Bunchkin - Good for Lauren that she wants to be a pharmist (sp?) Why do you think the government run health plan will have a negative impact on this profession? I think that if more people are able to get their perscriptions, that there may be more need for pharmists. I'm somewhat following this topic in the news, but not as much as others.
**Thanks for the link - I forwarded it Kevin, because he's the monkeybread maker

agnes -
I'm glad you had a great time, here, in this great city!!!!

ID - Stephanie asked last year about Santa, she was 10, and I admitted the truth to her. She was sad, but I told her that this is when the fun really begins. She can help us make Santa "real" for her sister, and that is alot of fun!!! I told her that if she plays her cards right, she'll be getting presents from Santa until she is 15 years old (that's how old she'll be when Katie is 10), or possibly longer if Katie continues to believe. Even after they both don't believe anymore, I'll still fill their stockings from Santa, but all the presents will end.

Kim - Can you change your password for your email? My email has a different password than Stephanie's email (she has an email for itunes only, but she'll eventually use it more).




I must now go get Katie up for school, and have our daily difficult decision on what to wear When Stephanie was 6, she didn't care what she wore - I put something out, and she wore it. Katie needs to pick it out, which is a lengthy process. I've tried doing it at night, but she changes her mind by morning I keep thinking to myself - if she's this way now, what is she going to be like when she's Stephanie's age

Have a good day!!!

 

[agnes!]

Hey, I'm not a regular participant over here, but wanted to chime in with my two cents.

I went on a field trip...to *CHICAGO*. 22 high school students (from one particular class) and four chaperones, flew from BWI to O'Hare. Visited four college/universities that had programs in film and the arts - Roosevelt, DePaul, Northwestern and Columbia College.

You should have included Flashpoint Academy, for the film students! My DS went there!

Probably so, but I wasn't in charge of the arrangements. Does Flashpoint only have Associates degrees, do students attend there and then transfer to another school to get their Bachelor's? (And are most of them employed in 'the business"?)

Really liked DePaul - they have a synergy between all the media departments and their tour was very well-done. Classy all the way. Northwestern was *just* ok - their journalism & film departments apparently don't play well together...which is STUPID. I asked a question about working with the film dept and the journalism person said they didn't, not really(?!?). Roosevelt was a bust - had a tour guide who kept getting lost & was a transfer student so they didn't perhaps know as much as they should have. Columbia was....ummm..."interesting". The Admissions people were great and their Open House show was very impressive, but many of the folks giving presentations acted snobby and were actually rude... The best vibe I got in general was from the Radio Dept....very friendly, VERY professional. And I liked some individuals I talked to in passing who were instructors. But Film/TV for the most part?...oh well. Would have liked to check out the Music Department but we somehow didn't have the time...it's hard being in a group and having someone else be in charge when you're used to pleasing yourself when you travel.

agnes!

 

[paintnolish]

Morning! Looks a little cool and blustery here today- like fall! It was weird coming out of A Christmas Carol the other day to 70 degree weather! It didn't feel right!
Slo- DS is on the verge of not believing- he doesn't believe 100% right now but doesn't want to risk it. He has asked, but I have kind of lied (evaded the truth)!
ID- Never done a cruise...out of our budget for now. Think I can get dh to take me on one for a grad present?
agnes- Glad you had a good trip! Chicago in Jan. is not good...they don't call it the windy city for nothin'!
bunchkin- I definitely got my fair share of customers! Busy but manageable, which is good. I broke a slight sweat but was not in a heart racing panic like on Valentine's Day!

 

[Becky2005]

agnes -- Thanks for the reviews. My DD wants to major in Theatre so it was interesting to read about some of these colleges. We are just starting the process of looking around.

 

[piglet too]

Hi everyone! Life has been crazy, I have been reading but not keeping up enough to post regularly. I am now working at The Disney Store in Chicago Ridge.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Morning all. Been reading-not posting. It was a beautiful weekend. Got a lot done outside. Washed windows, raked leaves, and enjoyed the outdoors. We lost a friend/family member this weekend. So not entirely a great weekend. My mom's friend from England (who has been part of our family for 35 years) passed away suddenly Saturday night. She had just been here for a visit in Sept. and wasn't ill at all. So this was quite a shock to all of us. My DD was very close to her-emailed almost daily. So she took the news quite hard-as did we all. Difficult to come to terms with someone being gone when they live so far away and you can't be there with the rest of the family to lay them to rest. I will miss her with all my heart.

For everyone dealing with trials and tribulations..
For those who are ill..
for those who are having a great day..
And to everyone in our thread, readers, lurkers and posters..Have a great day today.
Sorry not individualizing today, I've been out for a bit and way behind, but I have read all and keeping you all in my thoughts and glad to know what everyone is up to.
Later

 

[Stitchfans]

Morning. Didn't get much sleep last night was on the phone with oldest DD too late. Oh well. Also had to help youngest DD with an English project. I thought they were suppose to be less when they were older. Youngest DD is really blossoming into a really great young lady. Doing well in school, and hardly any problems at all. Now if we can just get oldest DD's life back to normal all will be good.

Tiggern2- sorry for your loss.

SLO- thanks for your well wishes, yes I hope he is out of her life real soon too. I also find myself going to bed much earlier than normal. Dealing with my DD's soap opera life can be quite draining.

Piglet too- hey that's great. working at a Disney store. Chicago Ridge. Close to Chicago Heights? Trying to picture where that is at. My memory isn't always there to work for me.

Paintnolish- so funny when I read your post about coming out into 70's weather after watching Christmas Carol. That is how I felt when we went to Branson this summer. We went to a little outside shopping center which has a huge Christmas store, and after looking at tons of Christmas items it felt weird to step out into the heat and come face to face with Santa standing outside the store.

KimRaye- I hear you. But until the divorce is final she has to keep that email address so she has some way to keep in touch with the idiot. Once it is final she will most likely change it. For now she isn't opening them up any more and just ignoring them.

ID- wouldn't mind having your dream. never been on Disney cruise. DH wanted to go on one but I am afraid of getting sea sick and the whole trip being ruined. Oh and again thanks for well wishes.

Bunchkin, Agnes, and everyone else Hi. Sorry if I missed someone. Hope everyone has a great day. Maybe today I will get something productive done like finish my letter.