DDA Chapter 10

[marcij]

Thanks for all of the well-wishes for Andrew and the world series tournament.

We checked in to the tournament on Saturday at 10. They quizzed the kids on their birth certificates to try to make sure it was reall theirs! There are 63 teams in the 12-year-old division. Then we did a little bit of pin trading. I'll try to take some pics today. The boys are having a blast doing it. I've had to get involved too, as Jake was getting cool pins while Andrew was playing ball. I can see we are probably going to have to combine pins and trade all the seconds so that we can try to get all the teams. (There are 10, 12 and 14 year olds at the tournament.)

We then went over to the Gaylord and checked in, had lunch, and let the boys swim. (We're only staying on the two weekends as Randy and I are both working as much as we can this week.) Randy had to go to College Station for a wedding reception for a cousin, so it was just me and the boys. We hung out, watched lots of Cartoon Network (I kept telling myself that this tournament was all about the boys, though I desperately wanted to watch regular tv or read or sleep!) went to dinner etc.

Sunday brought two games -- 1 at 2 p.m. (100+degree heat index) and one at 10 p.m. (my bedtime!)

Andrew got to play half of the first game and had a good game. He caught two fly balls and had a hard hit to short stop, though they did throw him out. We did end up losing 4 - 2, but it was a close game and the boys had a great time.

The second game went well last night. Andrew started in right field (I don't think any balls went out to him) and he batted twice (we are batting all 12 players the entire game), striking out once and hitting a ball to center which the guy caught. He's hitting the ball, so he's happy. We got through a little after midnight, and to bed around 12:45. I was up early for work and will take off around 11:30 to go pick up the boys from school and get Andrew to his 2 p.m. game. It's supposed to be 100 or so again today. We won't know until some time tomorrow what time we will play on Wednesday, then it will be day by day as to what time we play. It will be nice to not have games tomorrow.

We also found out that one of Andrew's best friends is coming back to the Dallas area and to the school. They weren't sure if the father was being moved back to Dallas (head of PR for AT&T) but they just found out the office will be moved back here. Andrew will be thrilled!

Take care everyone!

 

[marcij]

I don't mean to sound disrespectful...but I can not believe how I can't seem to get help from UAL from a person who speaks even remotely well the English language

That's not being disrespectul -- that's what good customer service should include -- someone you can understand!

Back to work for me!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

That's not being disrespectul -- that's what good customer service should include -- someone you can understand!

Back to work for me!

exactly ! it is so frustrating sometimes to get help on the phone

 

[bear74]

Good question! Dallas World Aquarium is really cool but kind of expensive, Ft. Worth Zoo is really nice but we usually go to the Dallas Zoo because we have a membership. The Science Place and Natural History museum are fun and they are indoors. There are a bunch of art museums (Crow Asian Art, Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center) downtown but Olivia might be young for those. Hurricane Harbor is in Arlington - it would be horribly hot to go to Six Flags. Maybe the Rangers are playing? Are there certain things Olivia enjoys?

The Dallas Zoo might be an option. I forgot they had one. The Rangrs are not in town. The museums are a bit to old for Olivia. The Science Museum might work espically if it has stuff she can play with. I thought about Huricane Harbor. But Olivia does not like the water slides. She would not do those at Fiesta Texas. She likes the water, and playing on playscapes. I really wanted to go to the beach this weekend and am bummed that it probally want happen.

 

[bear74]

Good morning all!!!

Thank you all for mentioning the paste....I used it too on whatever I have at my ankles and other than having baking powder "flakes" in my bed it was great!!!

shhhhhhhhh!! don't tell Beth's DH but we are meeting her family at the zoo this morning It's a bit of a drive for us but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to go to the zoo AND meet a friend!!

oh have fun.

 

[bear74]

I hope she is better!

Jennifer -- I see Elizabeth filled you in. I hope you get to go to the beach, but if not, let me know if I can help in any way. The Dallas World Acquarium is pricey but it's my boys' favorite!

Well she seems to be better, Thanks

So do I but it all depends on when and where T.S. Dolly lands and if she becomes a Huricane. As we were headed to Port Aransas as we have familly that live their. I will let you guys know if we decide to head to Dallas area.

How much is the Aquarium I wonder more then the Zoo. I think it would be better to be indoors walking then at the Zoo walking. I am thinking about a Round Rock Express game Friday night then drive to FIL's in Waco overnight then Dallas/Ft. Worth area Sat and possibly Sun.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Good morning all!!!

Thank you all for mentioning the paste....I used it too on whatever I have at my ankles and other than having baking powder "flakes" in my bed it was great!!!

shhhhhhhhh!! don't tell Beth's DH but we are meeting her family at the zoo this morning It's a bit of a drive for us but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to go to the zoo AND meet a friend!!

Have fun!

Let me just tell you this again...I HATE UNITED AIRLINES!!!

My head is going to blow off my body....I will NEVER NEVER NEVER fly on them again!!!

Yikes! I am glad we don't have reservations with them for anything! I have to say, I have never gotten anyone at American or SW that didn't speak English.

The Dallas Zoo might be an option. I forgot they had one. The Rangrs are not in town. The museums are a bit to old for Olivia. The Science Museum might work espically if it has stuff she can play with. I thought about Huricane Harbor. But Olivia does not like the water slides. She would not do those at Fiesta Texas. She likes the water, and playing on playscapes. I really wanted to go to the beach this weekend and am bummed that it probally want happen.

The Dallas Children's Museum moved into the bottom floor of the Science Place, but we have not been since they did that. Then they merged with the Natural History museum so your admission get you in both buildings. They are within walking distance of each other. There is also a small aquarium affiliated with the zoo across from the Science Place that is just a few dollars admission. The Dallas Zoo has a small water play area in the Children's Zoo. I am the mean nanny who NEVER lets the kids get wet at the zoo, but it is an option!

Well she seems to be better, Thanks

So do I but it all depends on when and where T.S. Dolly lands and if she becomes a Huricane. As we were headed to Port Aransas as we have familly that live their. I will let you guys know if we decide to head to Dallas area.

How much is the Aquarium I wonder more then the Zoo. I think it would be better to be indoors walking then at the Zoo walking. I am thinking about a Round Rock Express game Friday night then drive to FIL's in Waco overnight then Dallas/Ft. Worth area Sat and possibly Sun.

The Aquarium is $3 to park, $17 admission for adults and around $10 for kids (babies are free).
The Dallas Zoo is probably $6 to park and about $8 for each adult, maybe $6 for kids, babies free.
I will tell you we can go through the aquarium in under 2 hours. We can spend a lot more time at the zoo. Definitely get to the zoo early if you are going - they open at 9 AM. They have a carousel, pony rides, a monorail, and stingray feeding but those all cost extra ($2 -$3 each). The monorail doesn't run if it is over a certain temperature so that might not be an option. Hopefully you guys will be able to go to the beach, but if not I am sure you will be able to find something to do up here!

 

[PNO4TE]

Let me just tell you this again...I HATE UNITED AIRLINES!!!

My head is going to blow off my body....I will NEVER NEVER NEVER fly on them again!!!

And I assume you have told them that... repeatedly! I know that airlines are struggling right now, but I feel they are using that excuse to be downright rude to their passengers. I do not plan to look for December airfare for Kristin for quite a while because no matter what we do, it will change!

 

[PNO4TE]

I don't mean to sound disrespectful...but I can not believe how I can't seem to get help from UAL from a person who speaks even remotely well the English language

That infuriates me too. I realize that every single one of us, with rare exception, is here in this great country thanks to adventurous and brave ancestors who did not speak English and came here looking for a better life. But they learned to fit into this life they coveted. That is what you are supposed to do when you come to a new country to live. It saddens me. As I said the other night, my paternal grandfather, as well as both sets of Bob's grandparents, came here from other countries to make a new start. And one of the ways they made that new start was to learn the language.

 

[PNO4TE]

Theresa - have fun with Beth and her unsuspecting family!

Marci - we leave WDW on the 27th. I bet it will be difficult to find a meeting time/location. We are driving so we do have some leeway. When do you arrive and where are you all staying?

 

[KristineN]

3 hours...6 phone calls....MAJOR aggravation...I "think" and the operative word is think, my situation is resolved. However, until I see the $200 credit on my CC...I do not believe it!! This was by far the worst consumer experience I have ever had

 

[my3princes]

Tammi,
What a cute video!!
Good luck on your first day back.

Deb,
My kids school bags are packed & by the door. We hit Walmart last week when alot of stuff was 10-22 cents. I bought a tinkerbell packpack for Sophie on clearance in January for $2 & the lunch box for $1 so she is set. Katie has her Abercrombie tote from last year. Daniel's supplies are provided by his school (for a fee of course. ) so he is all set..I don't even want to think about school right now!!! When do your kids go back? Mine go back the Wednesday after Labor day.

Elin,
Love your Mii!!!!

The kids go back on August 27th. The summer is already half over

Thanks for all of the well-wishes for Andrew and the world series tournament.

We checked in to the tournament on Saturday at 10. They quizzed the kids on their birth certificates to try to make sure it was reall theirs! There are 63 teams in the 12-year-old division. Then we did a little bit of pin trading. I'll try to take some pics today. The boys are having a blast doing it. I've had to get involved too, as Jake was getting cool pins while Andrew was playing ball. I can see we are probably going to have to combine pins and trade all the seconds so that we can try to get all the teams. (There are 10, 12 and 14 year olds at the tournament.)

We then went over to the Gaylord and checked in, had lunch, and let the boys swim. (We're only staying on the two weekends as Randy and I are both working as much as we can this week.) Randy had to go to College Station for a wedding reception for a cousin, so it was just me and the boys. We hung out, watched lots of Cartoon Network (I kept telling myself that this tournament was all about the boys, though I desperately wanted to watch regular tv or read or sleep!) went to dinner etc.

Sunday brought two games -- 1 at 2 p.m. (100+degree heat index) and one at 10 p.m. (my bedtime!)

Andrew got to play half of the first game and had a good game. He caught two fly balls and had a hard hit to short stop, though they did throw him out. We did end up losing 4 - 2, but it was a close game and the boys had a great time.

The second game went well last night. Andrew started in right field (I don't think any balls went out to him) and he batted twice (we are batting all 12 players the entire game), striking out once and hitting a ball to center which the guy caught. He's hitting the ball, so he's happy. We got through a little after midnight, and to bed around 12:45. I was up early for work and will take off around 11:30 to go pick up the boys from school and get Andrew to his 2 p.m. game. It's supposed to be 100 or so again today. We won't know until some time tomorrow what time we will play on Wednesday, then it will be day by day as to what time we play. It will be nice to not have games tomorrow.

We also found out that one of Andrew's best friends is coming back to the Dallas area and to the school. They weren't sure if the father was being moved back to Dallas (head of PR for AT&T) but they just found out the office will be moved back here. Andrew will be thrilled!

Take care everyone!

I'm glad that Andrew is playing well and enjoying the tournament.

 

[PNO4TE]

Marci, again... that is such an exhausting schedule in the heat you all are having. I am impressed that the boys play as well as they do!!

 

[PNO4TE]

3 hours...6 phone calls....MAJOR aggravation...I "think" and the operative word is think, my situation is resolved. However, until I see the $200 credit on my CC...I do not believe it!! This was by far the worst consumer experience I have ever had

That is so sad. Now your afternoon is ruined and I bet the CS rep feels none too good either. What is wrong with companies??? Your bets people should be out there in CS these days. No company can afford ill will from a customer at this juncture.

 

[my3princes]

Most of the trip stuff is put away and we even got the bed of Chris' truck emptied other than stuff we will need this weekend. I'm hoping to have the house top shape by tomorrow afternoon.

Now I must get ready to take the boys shopping

 

[Tammi67]

That infuriates me too. I realize that every single one of us, with rare exception, is here in this great country thanks to adventurous and brave ancestors who did not speak English and came here looking for a better life. But they learned to fit into this life they coveted. That is what you are supposed to do when you come to a new country to live. It saddens me. As I said the other night, my paternal grandfather, as well as both sets of Bob's grandparents, came here from other countries to make a new start. And one of the ways they made that new start was to learn the language.

I have to say that I completely agree with this. One set of my great-grandparents came from Italy, and the other set from what was Yugoslavia. And they also did it LEGALLY. Ok, now I've got to get off of this soapbox before I put my foot in my mouth and offend someone.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Marci, again... that is such an exhausting schedule in the heat you all are having. I am impressed that the boys play as well as they do!!

Marci, I don't know how you do it! Glad the boys are having fun!

That is so sad. Now your afternoon is ruined and I bet the CS rep feels none too good either. What is wrong with companies??? Your bets people should be out there in CS these days. No company can afford ill will from a customer at this juncture.

Kristine, I would look for an address to send a letter. Obviously you want to go as far up the chain of command as possible. It may be that airlines are in such dire straits that they don't give a rat's rear, but I would write anyway.

 

[Tammi67]

Kristine - here's hoping the $200 magically appears on your statement.

Marci - you and the boys are busy as usual. Sounds like a great time.

Theresa - have fun!

 

[PNO4TE]

Of course, as Kristin just reminded me... the chances of getting a CS rep who is actually located IN this great country of ours is next to impossible!

 

[PNO4TE]

I have to say that I completely agree with this. One set of my great-grandparents came from Italy, and the other set from what was Yugoslavia. And they also did it LEGALLY. Ok, now I've got to get off of this soapbox before I put my foot in my mouth and offend someone.

I asked Kristin if she thought I had overstepped my boundaries too. She said, "No, but don't say any more."