Calling all Chicago DISers #3

[rmom50]

rrmom, i started looking at flights again last night.
my dates are sept with a return on oct 10th.

i did get a few alerts by email on american and united.
one ran $167 rt.
but, i wanted a later night return flight.

i still have to deal with that and with our early May trip to TN.

my issue with united is i have to do something by april 20th or i lose my 25,000 miles.
next year will be the year for the free flight for me.

a couple of months back i received the pin code for 30% off room only.
(last year my pin was 40% off room)
i can book up to 3 rooms with it.
if you change your dates, i could book your room for you.


i have been staying onsite at the motherland since 1993.
have gone yearly and some times 2x a year.
never before have i received pin codes until last year and this year.
just sayin......


the last year i used the ddp was '10. i paid cash last year for food and it came out a lot cheaper than the ddp costs overall.
the killer is you lose all room discounts when you book the package, pin or no pin.


packages now with the free dining requires you to buy 2 park tickets.


i had the cm work up what it would cost me with the pin for a package and pin for room only. the package would be costing me over $975 for 7 night stay.
my room is about $523 total with taxes with the pin.

$169 for 2 day base tickets minus the ddp, would be about $270 for the food costs.
last year i paid about $215 total and that includes snacks and 3 table service i did w/cash.

i did do packages the first 3 years the ddp came out which included the gratuity and appetizer.
it did save me money.

a few times after that, it only helped me as i ordered the most expensive items on the TS places.
i didn't use Casey's for the CS as it was not worth it on the ddp.
i went with more of the higher end cs for that.
that is how i made it possible to be to my advantage money wise to come out ahead.

i did the QS twice.
i liked it and would have left over credits as i did do a few ts places.
since i move to the darkside after the motherland portion of the vacation is over, i would swap the cs for snacks and take all of that with me to uo resort.

this year i will plan in advance like last year and make it work for me.

i need a vacation after i do all the wheeling and dealing to get to this vacation!!


It is a lot of work trying to get the best deal. Sounds like your experience has been similar to mine with pin codes AND dining. I would do the quick service again too if it was included, but even with that I ended up bringing home candy and rice crispie treats for my kids. Don't need it, but at least it was SOMETHING FREE - . I'm going to hold off for another month or so to see if any deals appear. Thanks for the offer on your pin, but I like going later in October for now. One of these years I might go earlier. I like a Christmas trip too, but need to use my free fly vouchers before end of Oct. I always stay on property too - at one of the values usually. Always get a hopper and hop like crazy.

Never did figure out my United miles - doubt it was much. Could I transfer those to you? I won't use them. Don't even know how.

Slo...........a WEB PAGE would be an excellent idea too!! We had my son make up a Facebook page for our business, because my husband and I don't use FB and don't wish to use it. Son tells me lots of people have looked at it though - can't hurt. Plus....if they google "frames" in your town, it will maybe take them to you?

This weather is so great. Just came in from cleaning up a huge trash can full of plastics out of the river we live on. Amazing what people "accidentally" drop. My crocus are all blooming and the daffodils are up at least 8". LOVE IT.

Have a good afternoon.....

 

[geffric]

Been out walking and cleaning the yard, wow it is beautiful.

DS#2 comes home Friday ( late). It will be nice to see him. He is only here for a few days , then off to MN to see one of his friends.

SLO- i wish you were closer, I'd give you a big hug. I dont have any real suggestions. Those here have given some good ones thought.

 

[macraven]

it's always nice to have the kids come back from college break.
you get to spend special time with them then.


of course only 2 of my 4 moved out after college due to their jobs.
still have 2 at home so i don't get the chance to miss them.

 

[macraven]

Happy Monday!!


We are down to 77 days until we finally return to Disney World.


I am trying to get in the fridge swap at ASM. I heard a rumor that the values are getting fridges. I hear fall but saw a post that maybe April...oh I hope. That can really help with our food budget. I would rather spend the extra money on maybe a new Mickey bag???

i just read a thread where it was stated that the fridges should all be in place
at allstars in April.
forgot the date they said.

don't know if wifi will go in but it has at Pop.
did read that peeps are wondering when wifi will be at the allstars resorts.

 

[Disneynut71]

i just read a thread where it was stated that the fridges should all be in place
at allstars in April.
forgot the date they said.

don't know if wifi will go in but it has at Pop.
did read that peeps are wondering when wifi will be at the allstars resorts.

That would be awesome

 

[Bunchkin]

Hi Chicago friends!
It's been soooo long since I've been on the DIS and this thread. It looks like it took a vacation from itself for a while, huh? It's good that it's up again and people are chatting.

I've been on Facebook. It's easier to be on FB and check in with people and such than here.

I'm still taking care of my father in-law. His ALZ is progessing and his health is starting to fade. Especially over the past 7 months.

Kids are doing great. We're still doing on-line public school. DD is looking to be accepted into a magnet school for high school this fall. We should find out in the next couple weeks if she made the cut. I cannot believe she'll be entering high school. Just the thought of it makes me age instantly!

I can really sympathize with those of you struggling in this economy. It's hit the construction workers the worst and that's what my DH is in. For the past 2 years now he has been traveling for work. IL, IN, KY. Right now he's in Chicago working. We get to see him in 2 1/2 weeks. We haven't seen him since Christmas. Yeah, it sucks rocks.

slo So sorry to hear how your frame shop has been affected by the economy. I know how hard you've worked on it. I wish there was something that could be done to help you and so many others like you. You've really given it your best. And there is no shame in having to close if that is what it comes down to. If there is one thing I have learned it is that you cannot beat yourself up over things you cannot control.


Crissup Congrats on your weight loss! What a great achievement!


macraven You've called your house a dump for so long that I want to see pictures!!! Just kidding! ....maybe.


disneynut You must be so excited about your trip!! I cannot wait to be able to head back to WDW!



rmom I so sorry to read about what happened to your son. I hope that he's doing better.



I'm going to try to remember to stop by here more often.

 

[irish dancer]

Morning all! Can't believe it's Friday again already, time is just flying. Been loving this weather, hope it stays.

disneynut - we must be in the World the week after you as we are at 80 days today! Hope the fridge is in place for you, those are a huge money saver.

Bunchkin -

geffric - it's certainly been great weather for yard work, need to tackle mine.

rmom - I hear ya on the work it takes trying to find the "best" deals in WDW. It's like they have every angle figured out.

slo - really hoping you can hold out during this tough time. A friend just closed her small business and moved to Etsy.

to everyone else!



We have a pretty busy weekend coming up so I know it's going to go by in a blink. DD10 has her first dance competition of the season, 6a Sat and 2p Sun in Crystal Lake. DD15 is getting her braces off Sat morn, cheer performance Sat night and practice Sun. Working Sat afternoon. Guess I'm going to be shopping tonight too as it is the only night open before DD15 leaves for Orlando, she wants a new bathing suit and I'm sure there will be more odds and ends to pick up.

Enjoy the weather and have a great weekend everyone!!

 

[macraven]

BUNCHIE...........great to hear from youse....


last time you posted you mentioned about moving back to chicago.
well, are you here or there now?


i will show pics of the dump of a house i live in someday.

the day we decide to move, i'll have to clean it up.

i'll do the before and after pics just for you bunchie.


took today off work to wait for a delivery.
i'm still waiting and if i had gone to work, i would have been home by now.

bought a bed and didn't think it was something they could leave between the doors, thus i had to be here for it.

 

[Becky2005]

Hello everyone!

Just stopping in to say "Hi".

Not much going on here just running around as usual. It is tech week for DD with the musical -- can I just say I'm SO glad this is my last year for this! At least for a few years. LOL! My current Freshman has no desire to get involved in the productions.

My 6th grader rather enjoys tech crew so I can see him getting involved when he gets to High School.

 

[geffric]

hi ho all chi peeps

DS#2 got home today..he and GF came in, ate a few grapes and left.. guess that is all we will see of him..

I spend the afternoon, after work, vaccuming, dusting, washing floors and baths.. well at least the house is clean..

Bunchie - good to hear from you

not much going on here other than DS..enjoying the nice weather;last night i BBQ chicken.. it was yummy..

early to do that , but ..

 

[slo]

OMGosh....this is the most beautiful weather!!!!

Stephanie has some friends over, and they are outside dancing and playing basketball - it feels like summer time

Tomorrow morning Katie makes her First Reconciliation.
I'm having such a hard time wrapping my mind around that, because I feel like I just Baptized her Time goes by way to fast!!!!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and reassurances about my store I'm so stressed thinking about what I should do, but I'm taking each day as it comes, and I'm keeping myself very grounded, and focused on this situation. I will keep you all posted on how things continue to go

rmom - I have put things on Craigslist, and nothing transpired from it I haven't done it in a very very long time, and your post has made me think I should try it again.
*I do have a facebook page for the store https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Perfect-Angle-Quality-Picture-Framing/70137815090 I try really hard to post something almost everyday to keep people in "the know" of what is happening at the store.

Mac - I do have a website - take a look http://www.perfectangleframing.com.
I don't sell anything online, and I used to say I would like to do that someday. To upgrade the website to except online orders would be kinda costly.

Bunchkin - I knew Tony was working away alot, but I didn't know you saw him that little - I'm so sorry to hear that This economy does suck!!!! I sure hope and pray that Tony can get a job that he doesn't have to move around alot, so you can see each other more

ID - You do have a busy weekend ahead of you
*Good luck to your DD with her competition Let us know how she does.
*I bet your DD is so excited about getting her braces off. She's gonna love her new smile

Becky - What musical is your DD involved in?

geffric - I spent the whole part of the latter part of my Wednesday doing what you did. I love having a clean house when that's all done

To everyone else -


Well, it's time for me to get Ms. Katie in the shower and ready for bed.
She nervous about her first confession tomorrow, so I'm sure she'll have a hard time getting to sleep.

Have a good night everyone!!!

 

[macraven]

slo, send me some of your warm summer weather.
it hasn't hit us here yet.

since i am 1.5 miles from lake michigan, we always get a cold breeze.

yesterday when it was stated that it was 80 at o'hare, we had 61........
at 4:30 yesterday, i had to do an errand and the temp had dropped to 50 at that time.

my friends downstate don't understand how i can say my weather was cool and not gorgeous.

they assume that the chgo temps are what i get.

i'm 30ish miles from downtown chgo.


anyway, i am waiting for summer weather.
at least i am waiting for 68 to 72 degrees...............


slo, hang in there with life.
things hopefully will pick up at your store.
thanks for the website. i didn't know it before.

 

[slo]

Thanks Mac!!!!
I'm super stressed, but I'm not depressed about it.
I just wish I could have a sit down conversation with God, and ask him if this store is not my path anymore, and what is my path, so I can get on it. But, since I can't do that, I keep praying for help, I keep praying for guidance, I keep praying for understaning, and I especially keep praying for God to whisper in my ear what I should do, so I can do it. I do believe that God has everything happen for a reason, and I need to always make sure my heart and mind are open to learning that reason, so I can always go on happily in my life. (sorry, I didn't mean to get on my religious soapbox this morning. Maybe it's because Katie is going for her first confession this morning )
Thanks again for the support Mac - I appreciate it!!!!

Your welcome for the website - I"m always happy to share it with everyone

I can't believe your weather is so different by you - that's a bummer!!!!! Even though you don't have the warmer temps like here, you still don't have freezing, so that's an awesome thing!!!!

 

[Becky2005]

Happy St. Patrick's day!

I'm so happy I got called into work early today. I know that sounds weird but I would much rather work the earlier shift than the later one. So now I get to be done by 6:30 vs. 9 pm.

Slo - DD's school is doing Urinetown

 

[Bunchkin]

I just wish I could have a sit down conversation with God, and ask him if this store is not my path anymore, and what is my path, so I can get on it. But, since I can't do that, I keep praying for help, I keep praying for guidance, I keep praying for understaning, and I especially keep praying for God to whisper in my ear what I should do, so I can do it. I do believe that God has everything happen for a reason, and I need to always make sure my heart and mind are open to learning that reason, so I can always go on happily in my life.

I say & do the same thing in regards to our life and situation, slo.
My father in-law cannot travel, it's too hard on him physically and mentally. So I believe I'm meant to be here for now taking care of him and when he passes then it will be our time to move back. Until then, we have to learn to deal with the situation as it is.

 

[rmom50]

Happy St. Patrick's Day Friends!

Slo....... I am so impressed with both of your web sites. I'm a little embarrassed to have even mentioned it to you since you're obviously WAY AHEAD OF ME on all that. Both sites are just beautiful and VERY PROFESSIONAL. I don't think there is anything going on there that could be better - they are excellent. It was fun to see - kind of like snooping into your life - reality Chicago thread! I know we all wish we could help you out. How did it go for Katie? Bet she had a lot of confessing to do -

Bunchkin........I remember when you moved! Sorry your DH has to be away so much. We took care of my father in law until he died too. He was 99 and still smoking and drinking. They wouldn't let him stay in nursing care because of those habits! That's how we first ended up buying the house next door to us that our son lives in now. We purchased it for husband's dad originally. You will be glad that you did this even though it's REALLY HARD. I didn't even like my father in law that much when he moved in, but learned to love him. Glad you came back here to hang out with us on the Dis.

Becky.... URINE TOWN???? Sounds similar to what I call the town we live in - only our is #2 town. Bet it is funny?

Geffric - our youngest was home for this week too. I saw him briefly twice. He came in once to get bottled water for all of his friends to take to the park and twice stopped for food (not at meal times). Spent a couple of the days at the Wilderness at the Dells with his friends, and I have no idea if he is even still in town. Said he was going back home today. Oh well. I have seen more of him than the one that lives next door come to think of it!

I can hear the parade going down my street. Think I'll go watch.

 

[macraven]

disneygal:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Resorts/Wal...vailable-at-all-Walt-Disney-World-Resorts.htm





woohoo...........

 

[slo]

Happy Sunday morning........


I'm up early to go to church this morning.
Normally we ALWAYS go to Saturday evening Mass (I lector and Eucheristic Minister, and Stephanie serves many many Masses) but Stephanie is reading the petitions during this morning Mass, so we need to go to that one. She's very nervous about it, because she's not used to public speaking . But, because she's used to watching me do this at church all the time, she knows how to do it, and she did great while she practiced last night. I just hope she's able to stay relaxed this morning - there's alot of people at this Mass.

Katie made her First Confession yesterday She was very nervous but she stayed calm, and she did great!!!! We were very proud of her!!!! Now we can focus on her First Communion

Today we are celebrating St. Patty's Day at my in-laws house They always make a full St. Patty's Day meal, and it is so yummy With the weather being so beautiful, I told Katie to take our mits and softballs so we can get a little practice in too


Becky - I think I can speak for everyone when I say, "What is Urinetown?" I've never heard of it, and it sounds intriquing. Let us know

Bunchkin - I can totally understand your situation because, as you know, my Dad is almost is in the 4th stage of Alzheimers It's a terrible terrible disease, that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Have you taken any caregiver classes or gone to any caregiver support groups? My mom has, and she believes they help her You are a total saint for taking care of your FIL, and you are going straight to heaven someday!!!!

rmom - Thank you for the compliments!!!! You can snoop anytime you like
*Katie did have a lot of confessing to do - she was with our Priest a long time I keep wondering what she was telling him



Well, I gotta go get ready for church, and get my kids outta bed.
Have a great day today everyone!!!

 

[Bunchkin]

I cannot believe that the Chicago area is having better weather than the West. It was rainy Saturday and cloudy, and today was cloudy, windy and chilly. It might get to 81° by Friday.

Today was one of those days when I love being on Facebook. There is this song that plays in Fantasyland of WDW & DL that has no words to it. It's catchy and sticks in my head. I actually hum it all the time. But I had no idea what the title was or where it was from, as in a movie or what. So I made a video of me humming it and posted it to FB. I got some suggestions of what it was, but they were not right. Then another DISer who lives in the WDW area called her fiance who works at Star Tours and played the video over the phone for him! He didn't know what it was but said he works with a couple who worked the Tea Cups for 8 YEARS!!! and they would know. Well....the song got stuck in his head and he went off and found out what the song was instead of waiting till tomorrow to see this couple and ask them. I love that the song got stuck in someone else's head and that there are other crazy Disney people out there who will go out of their way to help!



slo Was your dad showing signs of ALZ before he was diagnosed?
It's hard to put someone into an exact stage of ALZ, just because they tend to fluctuate back and forth between them. But I would say my FIL is into stage 6. His health is starting to fade. He also has 2 brain aneurysms, which cannot be operated on because of his age. He would not likely survive an operation. But he's not ready for hospice yet. I haven't sought out any groups for caregivers, mostly because I don't have the time and I try not to ever leave him alone with the kids for too long if I need to go out by myself.


rmom Was your FIL in good health for his age? I'm guessing he was strong willed enough to not want to give up smoking or drinkin.

 

[macraven]

Bunchkin - I can totally understand your situation because, as you know, my Dad is almost is in the 4th stage of Alzheimers It's a terrible terrible disease, that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

I cannot believe that the Chicago area is having better weather than the West. It was rainy Saturday and cloudy, and today was cloudy, windy and chilly. It might get to 81° by Friday.





slo Was your dad showing signs of ALZ before he was diagnosed?
It's hard to put someone into an exact stage of ALZ, just because they tend to fluctuate back and forth between them. But I would say my FIL is into stage 6. His health is starting to fade.

bunchie and slo, since we are all friends here, i need to ask you something.

the stage numbers you listed about your family member is something i am not aware of. aware of the numbers you indicated that is.

i moved my parents up from southern illinois almost 2 years ago.
if you remember, i had to move down to take care of them some years back when their health was failing.

i moved them with me so i could provide care full time.
(i have just started back going to work part time as i finally have the parental unit under better control.)
my parental units are not doing well.
the mom has dementia and she is not the woman she was before.
the dad has some periods of slight confusion.

can you direct me or basically tell me what stage 4 and 6 are?
are those numbers the nonverbal stage?

i get info from alz group by emails so i am aware of what i am facing but i can't recall the number status system.


oh, and bunchie, don't believe that all in the chitown area had great weather.
i'm by the wisconsin border and we were nowhere near that 80 chicago reported.
we had 69 and by 3 in the afternoon, dropped down to 61.