Calling all Chicago DISers #3

[paintnolish]

Hi ladies! I heard it was really foggy in the Chicagoland area, but we didn't have anything this morning. It looks a little overcast, though. Maybe it will bring people into work becasue since it was so nice outside last night, the restarant was very quiet. I got a really stinky tip, too...$12 on a $100 tab! Don't order the filet if you can't tip on it! Grr! Anyway, here's hoping it will be better tonight!
ID- Enjoy the quiet weekend. We are bbqing tomorrow but won't be doing much else.
momto- I love TJ's also but we don't have one. We are getting a Fresh Market soon which I've heard is similar.
Tig- At least you'll be making holiday pay, right?
Slo- Mmm...I made banana bread a few days ago. I used a low fat recipe on the back of some whole wheat flour. It turned out well.
Time to be heading to work. Have a great evening!

 

[Crissup]

Hi everyone. First time on since last Sunday. Been busy at work. Too much to do is so little time.

Finally took Carol up to see Chinatown for the first time today. I've been telling her I'd take her up there one of these days. I hadn't been there in 35 years either. So, while I was sitting in O'Hare last week waiting for my plane to board, I got thinking about an old friend of mine that I took my first flight with many years ago. We had a business trip to Long Island and I hadn't ever been on a plane. We did end up having a lot of fun on the trip due to our individual quirks and all. Anyway, I ended up emailing him that day while waiting in the terminal and we decided we should get together one of these days to catch up and so he could meet Carol.

Anyway, we had to run DD2 to Midway this morning to catch a plane, so I emailed him and asked if he wanted to have lunch today. Since he's in Hyde Park, I suggested Chinatown since it was close to him, not far from Midway and Carol would finally get to see it.

Anyway, while sitting in Chinatown waiting for him and his DW to show up, I checked Metromix from my phone for a decent restaurant and saw one directly across the street with high ratings. It was called Cantonesia. We ended up eating there and it was very good. Carol's not a real adventurous eater, so I didn't want anything too over the top for her.

Carol loved looking through some of the chinese gift shops and all. I suspect she'll want me to take her back again at some point.

does anybody know if there is a map out there with all the pressed penny locations? i started my collection last year when we were there but couldn't always find the machines.

I'm not aware of any maps, but there used to be a web site that kept track of the locations of all the machines. You might try a google search for it.

 

[slo]

Happy Labor Day everyone!!!!

I've been fighting a cold since Saturday, so I"ve decided to not be open today. I'm not in the mood to sit there, and be annoyed that I'm dead slow.
So, I'm going to stay home with the family


TTTiiggernnn - I"m sorry you have to work so much this weekend I hope today goes by quick

momto1 - I"ve never been in a TJ, and I always wanted to shop in one. The nearest one to me is Orland Park - maybe I"ll get to it someday.
**I agree with HERSEY about calling the transportation center - this way you can see what the exact time the bus is suppossed to come. I hope you have a better bus week

HERSEY - How did your zuccinni bread turn out? Did you make it to the apple orchard?

ID - I have yardwork to do too, but I put it on hold until this cold goes away. Everytime I bend over, I have sinus pressure or my nose runs - I hate that!!!!

paint - Wow, that was a bad tip Do you get to keep your tips, or do you have to share a portion of it with others?

Crissup - I"ve never been to Chinatown Maybe I'll get there sometime




Well, I better go pop my first Zicam - I do believe they help alot!!!!
You have to take them every 3 hours, so that's a bummer, but hey, if it helps, I'll do whatever I can

Have a good day!!!

 

[HERSEY]

Good sunny morning everyone!

Slo I did make it out to the orchard. It was good that I delayed my start by a half hour. It was so foggy west of Geneva. I didn't get to the bread yet. Today is going to be my lay around with a book day so I will do it today.

Paint Sorry you have such bad tippers. There are people even outside of disney who don't think 20% is the norm.

Crissup We been going to chinatown since Alex was a baby. I don't know the name of the place but if I see it I know. Anyway they have wonderful Dimsum upstairs. The first time we went, we took a chinese american who ordered for us and told us what we ate. We learned never to cut your noodles, you shorten your life. Long noodles long life.

Tiggggg I will think of you while I am sitting outside reading my book. I hope you like Janet Evanovich's books.

ID I have a small yard that I can't keep up with. Good luck with yours. Have you ever been to Elburn meat market? I love them it is a drive, but I pack a cooler.

 

[slo]

I decided to not go to my Leads Group this morning - I just don't feel like it. I didn't sleep well last night, and I'm still getting over this cold. I feel bad ditching, but I'm just not in the mood


I hope you all had a good Labor Day.
Mine was very low key, which is great, especially since I didn't feel 100%. The girls swam in the pool, while I sat and watched - I even got a little sunburned. I also finished a book I was reading, so it was a good day!!!


HERSEY - I'm glad you made it the apple orchard


Boy I would love one more day for us all to sleep in, but I guess it's time to get back to reality.
Have a good day today!!

 

[irish dancer]

Morning guys! Wow, what nice weather we had over the weekend! Hope everyone had a chance to enjoy it some. We grilled three nights, yum! Also got the grass mowed and bushes trimmed. Glad it's a short week.

Got a call from DSs teacher Friday, he is doing great and adjusting much better than she expected. Hope it continues!

Regular week around here, dance, basketball games and homework!

slo - hope you're feeling better soon! DD12 had a cold by the end of last week too but I think she's mostly better now. I can understand not wanting to go to your Leads group today, take it easy and get better!

Hersey - our yard is pretty small too and cannot keep up at all! The previous owners were into gardening we are not so their flower beds are now mostly weed beds.
*Never been to the Elburn meat market, we are a good 30min from there - it's my DBro that lives out that way.

Crissup - haven't been to Chinatown in YEARS but my DSis took DD8 there over the summer and she loved it. Will have to take all the kids someday, DD8 had a great time.

paint - sorry you got such a stinky tip! Hope the weekend picked up at the restaurant.

Bunchkin - how was DL? Hope you guys had a great time!

mac - hope all is well in St. Louis!

Hope you downtown workers aren't impacted by the Oprah crowds! Well, I have to get a load of laundry in and want to make banana muffins with the brown bananas. Have a great day everyone!

 

[paintnolish]

Thanks for the support regarding the tip. We do tip share and our tip percentages are posted. So, not only did I hardly get any money from that table, it negatively affected my average. Sat. night was MUCH better. It was very busy and everyone tipped at least 20%.
I have a dilema, though...I am thinking about cancelling my trip. Originally, one of my sisters was supposed to go. I can't get a firm commitment and think she will most likely flake. Plus, dh is kind of sad we will be going without him, not to mention the huge expense right before Xmas. DS has a large item on his list (Razor Go Cart) and still believes in Santa, so you know what that means! It just breaks my heart, though, to cancel. The kids are so excited, and of course, so am I. I've never cancelled a trip before.
Anyway, gotta run and pick up cheese...homemade lasagna tonight!

 

[geffric]

Hi,

Sorry been MIA but Eric had a party and I was stressing and cleaning.. he was very laid back.. sure he was not worried I did that for him.. anyway he had about 40+ kids Sat night.. they were good kids and I worried about drugs, drinking etc for not.. they just danced and had a great time with the coke, root beer and water, cookies, brownies, chips, pretzels, gold fish, popcorn etc...

then I had to clean up again the next day..


Yesterday I took a 8 mile walk in Busse Woods.. Really nice.. other than yesterday I have been averaging about 14,000 - 17,000 steps.. I would like to keep this up all month and get in shape for WDW walking..

BTW Paint.. I would not cancel and take the kids.. that is what memories are made of.. that are ways to make it cheaper ..

 

[slo]

These dark mornings really stink, and it's going to get nothing but darker.
You can definitly tell that summer is over
I do sorta like that it's getting dark out earlier - it makes it easier to get the kids in the house and ready for bed. They could play outside all night if I let them

Did you guys see how many people were at the taping of the Oprah show?
Holy cow - tons and tons and tons for people
I can honestly say there is no one that I love that much, that I would fight that crowd to go see


ID - I"m glad your DS is doing well in school - that is good news!!!!
**How did your muffins turn out?
**The cold is on the mend, but still not 100% - thanks for asking!!!

paint - I'm glad you had a better tip night
**What to do about the trip is a tough decision. You need to do what you feel is right, despite how your children will feel. I always want my girls to be happy, but if you feel like you shouldn't go, than that's what you need to do. They will be disappointed, but it's a good life lesson, that sometimes things fall through, and yes, it's disappointing, but life goes on. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted on what you decided.
**I also agree with geffric that there are ways to make it cheaper if you decide to still go

geffric - I'm glad Erics party went well Did you have a DJ or did he play his own CD's?




Well, it's time to get the kiddos up for school

Have a good day!!!

 

[Becky2005]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to pop in and if anyone remembers my DD had entered a pageant. It happened this past weekend. She didn't place but she had a blast. Guess we aren't going to Disneyland for Thanksgiving. That's OK, I *really* don't have the money for it this year anyway, so I was kind of relieved she didn't win. She was bummed but then after school, she came home talking about possibly trying some other systems too.

Here are pictures from the pageant
http://www.printroom.com/ViewFoundPhotos.asp?userid=brich&stype=0&sword=ILJT080&group_id=0

She is now looking into 2 different ones. They are both natural pageants vs. the glitz ones, which is good. I don't think we could survive the glitz ones. I wouldn't even attempt to put her in a glitz one. They had a hair & make-up artist you could hire for this one which we did & I was stressed enough trying to get her to everywhere on time. I can only imagine if it was glitz and had to do 10x the amount of getting ready.

I'm not sure what I have started but it will be an interesting ride.

She has to go to the orthodontist today to get her phase 2 braces on. It's going to be so much fun -- NOT. She will be miserable later after the Tylenol wears off. She will have these ones on for roughly 2 years & she gets to have rubber bands with it too.

The kids have been back and school and are adjusting rather nicely. Tonight is the HS parents back to school night. I'm convinced they are going to think I have something against Wed. though. Last Wed. I took her out for her 6-month Shriners back check-up. Today I'm taking her out for orthodontist appointment -- no choice, they save the after school appointments for the quick checks. The putting on braces ones are only done first thing in the morning.

I hope everyone is doing good.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Morning all!! I trust you all had a nice weekend holiday.
Slo, I had friends from work that were at the Oprah taping yesterday.I'm with you. Nothing is worth that craziness to me anymore. One of my friends was seen in a news shot last night.

Paint, don't let whether or not your sister goes determine your going. Your kids are old enough and you will have a great time making wonderful memories for yourselves. It's Disney! If ever there is a vacation spot to go it alone, that's the easiest place to do it. Now if it's due to finances, then I agree with Slo. They'll just have to deal. Don't we all.

Becky, the pix of your daughter are so nice. Looks like she had a great time. Thanks for sharing them with us.

ID, sorry to hear you had to cancel dance for lack of enrollment. I guess the economy is pinching everyone. Glad your son is adjusting well.

Mac, Hope you are enjoying St. Louis and your visit to the rents.

Bunchkin, mini trip report please?

Crissup, nice to hear you enjoyed yourselves in Chinatown.

geffric, hmmm. A party?!!! Don't recall any invitations here.I can't imagine that many kids ransacking this house.

Well, guess I'd better get to getting. Worked a night shift Monday and still am not recovered. to do, cupboards are bare, toads tank and cricket keeper need cleaning, dog needs water. So glad my children would "take care of the pets".
Later.

 

[disneygal922]

Good Morning Everyone! Holy Moly what a weekend. I had a wedding that occupied my entire Saturday. It was beautiful and fun. My nephews were the ring bearers and they did wonderful and behaved very well in church! Sunday I was at my BIL's bday party all day. Then Monday my sister's and I went to Frankfort fest in the morning. I came home to find my dad leaning on the side of the pool looking like he was in pain. I asked what was wrong, he said 'i think i broke my ankle' so i tell him let me take him to the doc... 'no no. i need to finish closing the pool' me, 'dad, that can wait. let me take you' him ' no it can't wait. i want to finish it' so what do i do? i make him sit down on the deck and tell me what to do. it was almost done anyway but i was slightly proud of myself, fixin' the cover and filling up the water bags and such. I finished then he let me take him to the immediate care. it wasn't broke, thank goodness but severly sprained in both the upper ankle and lower ankle. He's supposed to be on crutches for the next couple of days. Yesterday it was feeling a tad better so he was using a cane. This morning it was really bad again. he thinks he might need an MRI or whatever they do to check out tendons and whatnot. he's going to our regular doc tonight.

Slo ~ I agree about the dark mornings. I woke up this morning thinking I set my alarm wrong.

Becky ~ congrats to DD on her pageant. I'm sure she has a lot of fun with it!

Tigg ~ do I want to know what a cricket keeper is? Good luck with your to do list!

Geffric ~ good luck with your walking goal! glad Eric's party went well and everyone behaved themselves.

Paint ~ sorry you may need to cancel your trip. I agree with Tig, don't cancel JUST b/c your sister might not go. You will have plenty of fun with the kids. But I totally understand if it's a money issue, especially right before the holidays. I'm sure the kids would understand

ID ~ glad to hear DS is adjusting well at school. did they ever get him back in the class with his friend?

Crissup ~ Thanks for the tip about the penny machines. I'm gonna google search for it on my lunch break!

momto1 ~ hope DS is making the bus this week!

Everyone else ~ have a wonderful day!

Oh yeah, I finally was able to get a later breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey's on my bday. We had a 720am ressie but now I was able to get an 825am which is perfect! I'm so excited!

 

[disneygal922]

Hey SLO or who ever knows the answer, can you explain Tonga Toast to me and where to get! I'm looking for someplace to eat breakfast before our planning session. Thank you

 

[Tiggerrn2]

tonga toast is French Toast made with sourdough bread (I believe) with grilled bananas stuffed on the inside of it. It is very sweet so if you like sweet you'll love it! You can get it only 2 places that I know of. Kona Cafe at the Poly or also at the counter service rest there-can't remember the name for sure -maybe Hook's Cafe? I ate it at the counter service there before heading to the Keys to the Kingdom tour one morning. It's cheaper there and tastes the same I have read on the boards.

 

[irish dancer]

Evening guys! Phew, what a day! DS9 had more bus issues (dropped him off yesterday and I wasn't home, was super late today so I drove him myself), babysat nephew, DD8 had dance, DD12 had a bball game (they won!) then dinner and homework. I think I'll be ready for bed early tonight!

disneygal - Tiggerrn is right, Tonga Toast is french toast stuffed with bananas, coated in cinnamon/sugar and fried. Very sweet and very yummy if you like that kind of thing. It's available at Kona (TS) and Capt Cooks (CS). Enjoy!
*So glad your Dad didn't break his ankle then again sprains are often worse and longer to heal. Hope he stays off it and lets it get better.

Tiggerrn - I wouldn't have gone near the Oprah taping either! Those are some brave friends of yours.
*Funny thing about the dance thing is their enrollment is up overall . What they're noticing though is people are registering for less classes, hopefully with some advertising I'll get some more numbers.

Becky - DD12 saw something on TV about pageants, now she wants to do those too! I didn't know they had natural pageants, that would be the only way I'd consider it. One of the Moms interviewed for the show said she spent over $6,000 a year for her 4yr old to compete! Best of luck to your DD!!

slo - the muffins are GREAT! I have had to limit the kids to 1 a day or they'd be all gone already! It was a recipe I found on the Gold Medal whole wheat flour website. Will have to buy extra bananas next time just to make them.

geffric - wow, a teenage party - you are brave! Glad it went well!
*Congrats on the walking, I need to get back to doing that!

paint - I agree with everyone else, if the trip would be a financial hardship then it would be best to cancel, if not there are certainly ways to cut down expenses and Christmas time is so beautiful there.

Well, I only have a few minutes before starting the bedtime routine so I'm going to check out a few other threads. Hope everyone has a great night!

 

[geffric]

I am so tired..

I worked all day at Meal on Wheels.( walked there and back) . there wasn't anyone to run the kitchen so I came in and did all the home bound, adult daycare, and the cafe plut little city meals.. I am not used to physical labor.. whee i am tired.. then I got home, walked to Dominicks for a few things for dinner, took eric to the Dr.. he has pink eye.. home for him to rest, then back out again and picked up the drops..made dinner, went to Menards for Geoff's tarp.. BTW he called me today and needs a tent and tarp and some other things.. for this weekend as he is going to OA Vigil work weekend at the IA council..so I am driving to IA on Friday to deliver the stuff..

I am so tired and tomorrow I have Meal on Wheels until 1 pm and then SHIP so I'll be at the Senior Center all day.. then make dinner, pack the van, and ......

Eric's band has a show on Saturday in Carol stream so they will practice all Sat at my house and then I'll drive them and the stuff..

.. have a great couple of days..

 

[Crissup]

Hey SLO or who ever knows the answer, can you explain Tonga Toast to me and where to get! I'm looking for someplace to eat breakfast before our planning session. Thank you

Would the recipe help?

http://allears.net/din/rec_tt.htm

 

[HERSEY]

Good morning!

Last night was parent night at Alex's school. I like most of his teachers. His drawing teacher is a little over the top.

I have a major headach going. I am hoping it slows to a quiet roar soon. I need to get some stuff done at work today.

disneygal I've never had the tonga toast but I hear Kona is very good for breakfast. We had dinner there it was very good.

 

[slo]

Stephanie has her first soccer game today - she is very excited!!!
I am too - it's good to see her playing again

Stephanie is also very excited because she is earning straight A's on everything. This is a HUGE deal for her, because she is NOT an honor roll student. For her to get good grades, she has to work very very hard, and normally ends up getting very frustrated. School has never come easy for her, so this is a great thing for her


Becky - Your DD is beautiful!!! That red dress (formal gown) is absolutly beautiful. She reminded me of Princess Diaries - very very pretty!!!!! I"m sorry she didn't win, but I'm glad she enjoyed herself

Tig - Those night shifts have gotta just throw your whole body off. I hope you are feeling rested today

DG - Your poor dad I hope his ankle starts feeling better soon
**Tig is right about the Tonga Toast being cheaper at Captain Cooks, and it does taste EXACTLY the same. The main difference between Kona Cafe and Captain Cooks is the atmosphere, and at KC your breakfast is served on a plate instead of paper.

ID - I'm glad your muffins turned out well I was going to buy some more bananas to make more bread, but they were 64 cents a pound at Jewel So I didn't buy any. I will have to go to Aldi and buy them there

geffric - You did a lot of walking yesterday - good for you!!!!!
**Pink Eye is so yucky - it's good Eric is an old kid, so you don't have to worry about him spreading it. I hate it when my kids get it, because I'm constantly telling them to not touch their face, and if they do, to not touch anything else. I hope Eric feels better soon

Crissup - I just realized I never PM'd you back. I'm so bad about answering PM's. When I PM you back, I'm going to give you my email address, because I don't forget about those



Well, I gotta run and get ready for work - I want to leave right after Stephanie goes to school. I"m leaving work early today, and I have a lot to get done.

Have a good day today!!!

 

[slo]

Good morning!

Last night was parent night at Alex's school. I like most of his teachers. His drawing teacher is a little over the top.

I have a major headach going. I am hoping it slows to a quiet roar soon. I need to get some stuff done at work today.

disneygal I've never had the tonga toast but I hear Kona is very good for breakfast. We had dinner there it was very good.

Good morning HERSEY - we posted at the same time

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well today
I woke up with headaches last week, and it really puts a damper on the day
I hope you start feeling better