College tuition question

[Bonnie151]

Oooh, Duffy, your list is like is like a bridal registry! That's the way to do it so we can pick and choose. I'll take the gum- score it off please before anyone else tries to nab it!

 

[rantnnravin]

Duffy,
Would it be easier if I just sent you some money through paypal- this way you can shop sales and get "just the right thing" ???

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Love it Duffy. That captures the spirit of the OP.

 

[duffy]

God bless you all. Except for the guy who wants to send used toilet paper.

Let's hear some more tales of woe!!

 

[ilovemk76]

They cannot buy sneakers but they still have cable. Makes one wonder where their priorities are. I guess it sounds better to say, "My son needs sneakers." than to say, "I need to watch Kelly on NBC, so I need cable.".

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45505867&postcount=50

"Well, our local NBC WXII is in dispute with Time Warner Cable. We not longer recieve local NBC news. Actually they replaced it with a Pennsylvannia NBC. Now TWC is in trouble for using Penn Station without permission.

I miss watching Live with Kelly and I especially miss our local weahter.
Oh, well it is always something. "

 

[imsayin]

I may be able to get a good deal on a photo booth thru Groupon and that will be the one extravagance.

For DD's grad party, we made our own photo booth. It was fun and cost a lot less than the rental ones. We used a red velvet throw as a backdrop, had props like mustaches, lips, etc., and a black frame that the person held in front of them. The pix were great! Google home made photo booth & look at some of the images.

 

[leahjade]

I'm sure Mitt Romney has not worked that much harder than my husbands co coach, but he's made a heck of a lot more money.

Why are political comments only allowed if they are bashing one particular party? I see this on these boards all the time.

 

[leahjade]

Personally, I hate the monthly "my cousin, neighbor, friend" is on welfare and food stamps and goes to disneyworld, llives in a mansion and drives a escalade whileI have to pay for their lifestyle while living in a shoebox, driving a 12 year old car and can only go to disney once in a blue moon" rants that we have here ad nasuem. I think it's just an opportunity for everyone to have a scape goat for their financial situation.

Hard to ignore when you see a poster saying they can't afford this or that because they've been laid off for months yet under their name you see they are leaving for Disney in 2 weeks, months or whatever. It's just a sad commentary on the entitlement attitude in this country. We all know someone who says "my kids DESERVE to go to Disney". Sorry a vacation is not a constitutional right, it's earned when it can be PAID for by the vacationer!!! Oh, I forgot the famous DIS line "grandma paid for the trip."

 

[Eastern]

wow, this thread is wild.

 

[beaucoup]

wow, this thread is wild.

Clearly I need to learn from OP because disguised plea to help a deployed soldier with 30 years of service who already came home this year was completely overlooked. Maybe we should send him to college instead.

I need lessons.

 

[MrsPete]

Southernmiss (who you quoted there) is not the OP. I'm assuming that she (Southernmiss) did, in fact, help her son choose a college he/they could afford (nothing posted to suggest otherwise).

Oops -- so sorry, Southernmiss -- I did read that as a post from the OP, and I responded accordingly. I see I was wrong, and I will endeavor to read more carefully in the future!

 

[robinb]

Why are political comments only allowed if they are bashing one particular party? I see this on these boards all the time.

I didn't take that comment as political at all. I assumed that she was talking about Mr. Romney as a well known rich man/venture capitalist and not as a political figure . AFAIK, crisi never dabbled in politics on the DIS so I think you're reading too much into what she wrote.

 

[ceecee]

Can the toilet tissue be used or are you wanting it new?

I guess everyone can take a few extra sheets when they go out to eat at McD's and save it up!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Deleted because I finally recognized the OP and realized that there was no point in answering.

 

[Praying Colonel]

 

[JOCAmom]

My daughter has been working very hard to get into college next fall. I just ran the numbers at the school she wants to attend and I'm disappointed that we won't be able to afford all the things she will need.

She's such a good kid, I hate to break it to her. We will be able to pay the costs that aren't covered by grants and scholarships, but she will still need:

Address book/personal Alarm clock
Air freshener Bandaids
Bed spread Blankets
Bowls Broom
Brush/comb Calculator
Calendar Can opener
Camera/film Cleaning supplies
Computer Computer disks
Conditioner/hair Cups
Curling iron/curlers Detergent
Dryer sheets Fabric softener
Fan/if no a/c First aid kit
Food Gum
Hair dryer Hand cream
Hangers Iron
Ironing board Lamps
Laundry bag Lite bulbs
Mattress cover Medicine/cold
Microwave Paper pads
Paper plates Paper towels
Paperclips Pencils
Pens Perscriptions
Phone book/local Pictures/decorations
Pillows Power strips/electric
Printer Printer catridges
Printer paper Quarters/wash machine
Razors Refrigerator
Rug Scissors
Sewing kit Shampoo/hair
Sheet sets Soap
Sponge Stapler
Stamps Stationery/cards
Staples Stereo
Tape Television
Tissues Towels
Toothbrush Toothpaste
Trash bags Trash cans
Toilet tissue Utensils
Vacuum Vacuum bags
Wash cloths White out

I have no idea how I'm going to get her all this. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can get help?

Ok, I have toothpaste I got from the dollar store. And stationary I printed myself. And my sewing kit is just miscellaneous thread and needles saved in a small plastic box. I can send all of it.

I'd love to send utensils...but they are the only ones I have. It wasn't easy borrowing them from the fast food restaurants.

Unless your daughter likes sporks. I have lots of sporks.

 

[momxx5]

I'll have to address some of these wonderful comments tomorrow.

However,

Fact: I am incredibly blessed with 5 great, happy, healthy kids...who have good character, are kind and bright. I do mention my blessings often, but try not to be too braggy about how great they are.
DS 18: was made Drum Major as sophmore, was in local band that opened at some cool venues for groups like Blues Travelers, etc.; Straight A student, won first place in central Carolina Math Fair as 3rd grader competing with 5th graders, earned end of year grade level "Citizenship Award" every year except one; took SAT in 7th grade with scores high enough to get into good college then. This past year officer in National Honor Society, Valendictorian because YES our county still carries on this tradition at all high schools, holds school record for AP grades in a few classes, has his first girl friend, never a day he does not say he loves me, hugs me and is smiling.
DS 17: football player, offensive lineman, made all county, all region and all district....rare for lineman., oh and all-academic athletic award also. On Dream Team, counselor at SASI camp(chosen as student athlete with good grades and leadership), super kind and aware of others all the time, ready to help without being asked, great grades, working hard to be able to get into good college and hopefully play football. Has tons of fun and loves his little sister.
DS 15: straight A's, named new Drum Major after tryouts of 7 kids. Won 3rd place in talent show for stand-up comedy. Good, kind, helpful kid who always makes others feel welcome. and so much more....
DD13 & DD 10 - great girls!!! Happy kids, great grades, good manners, kind and fair, outgoing, great singers and younger has a knack for theater.
Just to mention a bit of the reason I wake up each morning and thank the Lord many times during the day. At the same time, the reason I feel guilty and a failure for allowing there circumstances of life, keeping them for some things. They are such great kids, never complain and probably will turn out better because of it all.

Fact: DS(17) has been told by employers that someone who has their own car will get hired before he does. Its a matter of being reliable and able to get to work.

Fact: American Girl was not given, as in FREE. Way back when (2003/04) I was looking for a specific American Girl of Today (the look alike kind). They were sold out on website and a fellow Dis'er found one in NYC. She offered to pick it up and ship it to me. I paid her via paypal, shipping and all. She was an "angel for helping me" and more truly "one of Santa's elf because DD only Santa wish and gift was this doll".
SO MOST OF YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

Fact: I purchased Samantha and Friend AG dolls together at a discounted price. I was planning on saving the friend doll for DD's September birthday. However when money was tight I offered to sell it to an awesome mom (Dis'er met here, lives states away) She was wanting it for a First Communion gift, and the doll came with cross necklace! These dolls were discontinued a few months earlier. I certainly could have sold doll for a profit, but instead "paid it forward" by sending her the AG invoice and didn't charge her for shipping. Another time she visited the AG annual sale and many times have offered to get things for my girls. A good friendship started.
SO AGAIN, THE SELLING OF DOLL, NOT EXACTLY WHAT Y'ALL WERE THINKING

MOST important FACT: Graduating DS has no idea of the worries I have over paying for his college stuff, no idea that I wonder how earning a scholarship can take away previously offered funding, etc. All he knows is how proud we are of him. How sooo many of his former teachers are proud of him. And, as of today's mail.....he has earned 40 credit hours during his high school years, so this great news almost starts him at the Sophmore level. He is gifted, not like many other kids. And I try not to sound too braggy on here because that certainly would open a whole other thread of how I am perceived.
SO AGAIN, ACCUSED OF SOMETHING THAT IS JUST NOT TRUE.

I do know that many, many people out there are struggling too. The economy sucks and in our area a recovery is quite far in distance.

Okay, gotta go. Boys waiting patiently for their computer time and I have to work kinda early.

Thanks to all who have continued to offer kinds words, advice, and understanding. May God Bless you.
To others, maybe looking at things a bit differently and you will see that I am not a swindler, just a crazy mixed up mom of 5 kids that is doing the best I can (but not quite good enough for y'all)

May we all share in God's blessing and live long, happy, healthy, and even prosperous lives.

 

[AlwaysMoving]

MOST important FACT: Graduating DS has no idea of the worries I have over paying for his college stuff, no idea that I wonder how earning a scholarship can take away previously offered funding, etc.

You have got to be kidding. You couldn't afford to send him to a restaurant with his girlfriend for his birthday unless he was able to get his meal for free. Recently you had to buy his graduation gift from a thrift store. Even a basic thing like shoes seems to be a problem and your son knows he is not the only kid with needs in your family. Why on earth would you assume he doesn't know you might be worried about forking over hundreds or thousands to furnish his dorm or finish paying his tuition? Does your son not know that most of his opportunities have come from qualifying as a poor family? I just don't see how any of your children could be clueless of your financial situation or that you worry, unless a miracle fell in your laps every time one of the kids asked for something.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Clearly I need to learn from OP because disguised plea to help a deployed soldier with 30 years of service who already came home this year was completely overlooked. Maybe we should send him to college instead.

I need lessons.

I just had a BRILLIANT idea. We should start an Army junk swap. Your DH could have left all of that stuff he didn't want to lug home over there for my DH to pick up and use then mine could pass it on to the next soldier.

In keeping with the spirit of the thread, is this where I list out what he needs and deserves (he is really a GREAT guy) in hopes of angels PMing me to send care packages?

The OP will never get it. She needs to accept her financial reality and stop begging for stuff on the internet (either directly or indirectly). What type of example is that setting for those kids? You don't NEED the latest American Girl doll or a Honeybaked Ham to make a holiday memorable or special. Place your value on things that really matter - love, family, togetherness - instead of material goods.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My daughter has been working very hard to get into college next fall. I just ran the numbers at the school she wants to attend and I'm disappointed that we won't be able to afford all the things she will need.

She's such a good kid, I hate to break it to her. We will be able to pay the costs that aren't covered by grants and scholarships, but she will still need:

Address book/personal Alarm clock
Air freshener Bandaids
Bed spread Blankets
Bowls Broom
Brush/comb Calculator
Calendar Can opener
Camera/film Cleaning supplies
Computer Computer disks
Conditioner/hair Cups
Curling iron/curlers Detergent
Dryer sheets Fabric softener
Fan/if no a/c First aid kit
Food Gum
Hair dryer Hand cream
Hangers Iron
Ironing board Lamps
Laundry bag Lite bulbs
Mattress cover Medicine/cold
Microwave Paper pads
Paper plates Paper towels
Paperclips Pencils
Pens Perscriptions
Phone book/local Pictures/decorations
Pillows Power strips/electric
Printer Printer catridges
Printer paper Quarters/wash machine
Razors Refrigerator
Rug Scissors
Sewing kit Shampoo/hair
Sheet sets Soap
Sponge Stapler
Stamps Stationery/cards
Staples Stereo
Tape Television
Tissues Towels
Toothbrush Toothpaste
Trash bags Trash cans
Toilet tissue Utensils
Vacuum Vacuum bags
Wash cloths White out

I have no idea how I'm going to get her all this. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can get help?

Ok, I might as well jump on the bandwagon.
Ds15 needs a special hi-speed graphics cable for his new Alienware gaming computer. Without it, the graphics tend to skip/glitch which could cause damage to his vision. He has such big beautiful eyes and he's such a good boy and a good student.
Ds12 needs a new skateboard and a 2nd week at Camp Woodward (a great specialty camp in PA for skaters.) That surely will change his entire future for the best. He could very well end up homeless someday without it. He really is such a good boy & also tries so hard in school.

As for me, the final payment will be due in a couple weeks for our November Disney cruise. I work so hard but still things are difficult. I get up at 5:30am for work and get home at 5:30pm, Mon-Fri. I pack lunches for us every morning to save money. It got so bad, I had to stop our cleaning service. Now I spend all weekend cleaning and doing laundry. My whole life is nothing but work, work, work. (except for the thousands of posts here on the Disboards.)
But really, I need this cruise to keep my sanity and be able to finally spend some time with my good boys who are so nice, kind compassionate & love to have fun.
Even after the cruise, we will have to start preparing for Christmas right away which means even more work.
I just don't know what else to do. How on earth am I going to get through it all?
Does anyone have any ideas?