Calling all Chicago DISers #3

[geffric]

KimR - sorry I missed you.. but MK was so crowded that nite and .. the heat was getting to me too.. Several days I just left some park and went back to the AC for a few hours.. did catch the Eagles tribute band..

But I am going back for a ladies trip.. wanna join me??

Well things are ok here.. still nothing on the job front.. So i am thinking of getting insurance - health - license and trying that..

been busy at Meals on Wheels etc.. Eric and I have been sharing a car.. so it has been interesting...

going to pick him up at the Metro tonight after a concert.. I am not sure that I am ready for him to walk and take an Irving bus/ wait for a train at 10:30 at night..

 

[Becky2005]

I need your opinions on which is the easiest way to get to Disney and if I'm just wishful thinking or this will help out.

We are planning a 2011 trip (hopefully if all goes well!!!), so I'm in planning mode now.

We are about 40 miles west of Chicago and last time we took Route 47 - Interstate 74 - 57 - 24 - 75 (I think that's the route -- basically we took 74 & got to route 24 then over to 75 and down). DH is convinced Route 47 is the fastest way to get to Southern IL since he used to go to school as SIU, his friend had relatives that lived down that way and the have all said it's the fastest way....I'm not so convinced but others I don't even know have told me too. It's probably because it's not the most scenic route.

ANYWAY....so we have that route OR looking at Mapquest we could go the Indiana way over to 65-24-75.

I know last time it took us way longer than I anticipated but we also have a gazillion bathroom stops. The kids are older and we just got back from CT so it wasn't too bad.

My next question is -- do you think it would really make any difference if we get a few hours in after work on Friday vs. just getting up really early Saturday morning. I guess to me because the Route 47 drive just seems REALLY long, I was thinking if we got that under our belt the night before it would be better but I don't know if that's just my wishful thinking hoping we would get to Disney faster by being a few hours closer. We don't particularly care for driving in the dark so wouldn't want to go for too long since DH doesn't get home until 6:30 but I figured if we hit the road by 7 pm we could drive until say 11:00 pm and be in somewhat familiar area still.

Opinions?

 

[natashag76]

I need your opinions on which is the easiest way to get to Disney and if I'm just wishful thinking or this will help out.

We are planning a 2011 trip (hopefully if all goes well!!!), so I'm in planning mode now.

We are about 40 miles west of Chicago and last time we took Route 47 - Interstate 74 - 57 - 24 - 75 (I think that's the route -- basically we took 74 & got to route 24 then over to 75 and down). DH is convinced Route 47 is the fastest way to get to Southern IL since he used to go to school as SIU, his friend had relatives that lived down that way and the have all said it's the fastest way....I'm not so convinced but others I don't even know have told me too. It's probably because it's not the most scenic route.

ANYWAY....so we have that route OR looking at Mapquest we could go the Indiana way over to 65-24-75.

I know last time it took us way longer than I anticipated but we also have a gazillion bathroom stops. The kids are older and we just got back from CT so it wasn't too bad.

My next question is -- do you think it would really make any difference if we get a few hours in after work on Friday vs. just getting up really early Saturday morning. I guess to me because the Route 47 drive just seems REALLY long, I was thinking if we got that under our belt the night before it would be better but I don't know if that's just my wishful thinking hoping we would get to Disney faster by being a few hours closer. We don't particularly care for driving in the dark so wouldn't want to go for too long since DH doesn't get home until 6:30 but I figured if we hit the road by 7 pm we could drive until say 11:00 pm and be in somewhat familiar area still.

Opinions?

On our last trip (this past January) we did the I65-24 Route. Have you looked at flying? I know it's expensive, but if you throw in gas at $3 @ gal and hotels and food along the way, you may find it cheaper (and shorter) to fly.
However...that being said, if you are determined to drive and you belong to AAA, call them for a Triptik. They're free for members and you can tell them all kinds of things like no toll roads, and they mark any road construction or "slowdowns" you'll hit along the way. They also have tourbooks which list hotels along the way and which offer discounts and free breakfast, etc.
Have a fabulous time!!!

 

[slo]

Hi all!!!


I wanted to give everyone a quick shout out
I hope all is well with everyone, and I'll try to catch up soon!!!

 

[Stitchfans]

Hi everyone. Haven't been on much lately. Again, fighting depression. Seems like when one good thing happens four bad come around to slap us in the face. Still no luck on selling the house. Just lower the price by $10.000 hoping that helps. Meanwhile, of course money is scary.

Found another house we really like and get this the owner (a senior citizen who is widowed) says all he needs is $20.000 to get the house he wants in Kentucky to move closer to his kids and then he would go rent to own with us. I know it doesn't sound like much but to us that is a small fortune right now.

Waiting on another call from the house we looked at in March to see if they will go rent to own. Do not like that house as much since it has two levels (wanted a ranch) but whatever. This house is like a model home- fancier. Not really us, but oh well.

We need to get down there so DH can get to work and DD can get registered for school in a few weeks. Plus give her time to possibly meet up with a "new" friend from the youth group from the church we want to join.

Just got the envelope with all the information from her old high school and almost croaked. Between registration, books, drivers ed so on the bill will/would come to just under $700.00.

In the school in Carrier Mills the entire bill is about $100.00 or less. Drivers ed is free. Can not figure why such a huge difference??
Really need to get down there. So much going on out there. Trudy is constantly doing things and gong here and there with the church group so on. We sit here. No life. Inexpensive festivals are going on out there. We could have a life.

Been praying constantly. Sure hope something good happens real soon. Hope everyone else is having a great weekend and summer. Hardly any one is posting. Hope that is a sign of people enjoying their summer.

 

[piglet too]

Susan ~ I am still keeping you in my daily thoughts. I really hope something comes soon. As for the schools, I don't get it. This is supposed to be free public education. Driver's Ed for our district went up this year, so glad Kevin took it already.

 

[Stitchfans]

Susan ~ I am still keeping you in my daily thoughts. I really hope something comes soon. As for the schools, I don't get it. This is supposed to be free public education. Driver's Ed for our district went up this year, so glad Kevin took it already.

Thanks Kirsten. I hear you. For a free public education it sure is expensive. Every time the phone rings I jump hoping it is the woman with good news that we can buy the house on Main St with the rent to own option. They call it contract to deed. Any hoo- she led us to believe there was a good chance of the owners agreeing. Said they most likely would acquire references. That we have a'plenty. It is the cash we are low on. If they go for it I sure hope they do not ask for a too high deposit cash down.

If only I knew someone who had some money to spare. Yeh, right.

 

[geffric]

Susan keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers..


Becky - we drive all the time.. but it is easier to get on the road at 3 am, no traffic, then 7 pm.. at 3 am you fly through all the normal stops as the traffic is less.. be aware that 80/94 on the Indy side is still a mess.. we took route 30 to 65 in Indy.. the Illini side doesnt have as much hassles as the Indy side does, but it is pretty boring.. then again at 3 am boring is good..

 

[geffric]

ooo I typed out a long reply but got a fatal error.. boo..

it printed sort of..

 

[Stitchfans]

Got a phone call from the home owner of the house on Main. Deal is made! He is agreeing to rent to own. I am still flying high with my head spinning. So much to think about. Crazy part of it is he isn't asking for any money down and very low rent??? Very nice house. Has a lot of what I was looking for and just a few things that we would of wished for. No way can it be "perfect".

Again, not real crazy about it not being a ranch but I can deal with that. Moving as soon as we can finish the final packing, get the movers and get all the little things settled. Like I said it is a very nice house. I am rambling. Hope everyone is having a great day. Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts. As you all can see all our prayers were answered.

 

[geffric]

Congrats..maybe good luck comes in 3s too.. could be an offer on your house and??

 

[princess.chell]

Congrats on the house!!!! I'm real happy for you guys! I'm glad it all got worked out in mostly your favor. And in good time too.

Nothing really interesting to report in my life: working 6-7 days a week, but still having a pretty good summer. I have a little under 2 months left until I leave for college so I'm starting to get everything sorted out. Still have to find out my roommate and shop for dorm stuff. Hope everyone's 4th was good and their summer is going well!

 

[irish dancer]

Congrats Stitchfans on the house!! So glad it worked out for you.

Busy summer here. DD8 had her National dance competition in the Dells last week, they got 3rd so very happy. Will be leaving next week for DHs family reunion in NJ. The summer is going too fast - back to school sales are already starting! Ugh!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

 

[Stitchfans]

the home owner never called me back to talk out the rest of the deal but I did get a phone call this morning from the homeowner of the house we really wanted. He took out a home equity loan which will what we have to make for our payments on the rent.

Less money, no money down and lower rent. All money of course going towards the payment of the house. Now my head is really spinning. We will be moving in 2 weeks if all goes smoothly for him. Have to get DD's transcripts from H.S. to take to the new one, so much to do and to remember to do. Have to run. Again thanks for all the support and well wishes.

 

[momto1]

Congrats, Stitchfan! I am so happy thing are looking up on the house front!

Lori

 

[disneygal922]

Hello everyone! I haven't posted much in months but I do still read along. I got moved to a new position at work so I no longer have time to sit on the DIS. I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well and having a decent summer. I will NEVER complain about the heat. I love it. It's nice having the option to actually USE our pool!

Stitch ~ Congrats on the place. I'm glad it will all work out. Good luck packing and getting you daughter settled with school!

ID ~ congrats to DD on her very impressive finishing at her competition and have fun at your fam. reunion.

Chell ~ enjoy college. before you know it you will be done and be getting an invite for a 5 year reunion. i miss college...

Slo, Geffric, Becky, Lori, Kim, Tigg, Natasha, Piglet, Leigh, Mac, and everyone else ~ I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summer. Man, I miss hanging out on the DIS.

 

[Becky2005]

Thanks everyone! I'm thinking a 3 AM head out is probably the best bet even though it just FEELS like we could make more headway by getting a few hours under our belt. In the end it probably wouldn't make that much difference.

I'm in the midst of planning a fundraising pageant for Shriners Hospitals at the end of this month. It's been an interesting first time. I'm pretty excited though because we have 9 people signed up for it (possibly 10 but I told the other person doing this IF she wants to sign up it has to be TODAY as the deadline was way past & I *have* to order the trophies or else my name will be mud if they don't show up on time! So far -- no notice from Paypal that she signed up so I'm thinking that won't happen). I ordered the t-shirts today as I went into panic mode of the delivery date is 7/28 -- the pageant is on 7/31!!! Talk about cutting it CLOSE!! YIKES. I know 9 doesn't sound big but that's pretty good turnout for a first year where no one has ever heard of you before.

DD is doing a bunch of things and both of them are in Wizard of Oz that will have it's first show next weekend already I think. YIKES!! I feel like all we are doing is running around like crazy people at the moment.

Then it's nearly time to go back to back to school (I have to turn in my 8th grader & 11th graders registration still -- I guess I should do that so they actually get registered. LOL! You would think they could just click a button that says "yes, they are showing up again next year -- run for the hills").

 

[KimRaye]

all!!

Congrats Susan!

Congrats ID's DD on doing so great!!!

Welcome back dg!

Sandy, Geffric, Becky, Lori, Tigg, Natasha, kirsten, Leigh, Mac, and everyone else, hope you're having fun!

 

[Crissup]

Hi Everyone! Just back from cruising the Baltic on board the Magic. Was a great cruise. I'll tell more later. Gotta run to work!

 

[Stitchfans]

(slaps forehead) the drama never ends. Well it looks like we will be moving on the 1st or 2nd. Waiting to hear back from the home owner since his deal fell through. He is in Kentucky looking at a few more houses. He does not want to put all his things in storage and live in his son's basement. I can understand that, but he says either way if he can not find something he will do so.

Now oldest DD (29) who I never mentioned is expecting a baby, going through a divorce since her husband cheated on her and abandoned her called crying she is in deep trouble. No job, no were to stay, no family out in Oklahoma, so on. She is staying at a friend's but they can not afford to "support" her.

She is frantically searching for job but once they look at her belly they turn her away. She is due Christmas day. Told her to hang in there and wait until we move then she can have the spare bedroom. Of course we will have to look into help with the medical bills and put her on some kind of welfare or whatever it is called since she can not and we can not afford to pay for the birth of the baby.

I told her once the baby is born she has to find a job and we will work it out so that her hours work with mine so I can watch my grandchild when I am off and she is working. Once she is back on her feet then she can get her own apartment and support herself and the baby. I of course will continue to babysit. She was also told she is not living with us as a "princess" she will pull her own weight helping out where needed so on.

Why oh why is my life such a huge soap opera lately?? I thought by now at my age it would be slowing down, much simpler. I know God has His plan for all of us. I know He has His reasons for everything, but lately I can not help but shake my head and wonder. He has been very good to us and has taken very good care of us so I guess I should continue to keep up my faith and just plug along. (sorry if all this is against the rules and regulations of this board) but I firmly believe that without His help and my faith I never would of survived all that has been happening in my life.

Plus I grateful for such good friends who let me vent, and cry. Plus all the advice and encouragement I have received from all of you. I thank each and every one of you. Once we have moved and my life is settled down I promise it will less me me me. Hope you all are having a great day. I have some things I need to be taking care of.