DDA Chapter 11

[Glynis]

I'm glad you had a great time!



We were having a great time at our football kickoff "party", but now are all having psychosomatic symptoms watching Beanie Wells on the sidelines.

Are any of my other NCAA football junkies enjoying games today? It's football season!!!!!!!!

Funny you should mention this! As I said yesterday, I'm not much into football, but I went last night. Well, as we were getting Jacob's room ready to paint, Alan's BIL stops by the house to offer us 2 tickets to the season opener of our major university here. Alan couldn't turn them down! So, I get to drop what I'm doing here in about an hour, and go to another football game. I know, however, that this game will be better, because these are box seats, and there will be yummies served! So, I'll take along my book again, and enjoy spending some time with Alan doing something he likes.

 

[Glynis]

Well, the paint color changed again! When we got to the store, Jacob decided he didn't want sand color, but a dark green. We compromised on a celery color. It will still work for what he wants, and for what I have in mind for Peanut.

We have the room taped and the plastic is all laid out. We'll paint after we get back from the football game this evening.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Tom, hope the antibiotics work fast and you are feeling better soon.

I have been feeling really crappy the last couple of days with a killer sinus infection and haven't been on much. Hopefully these antibiotics I have will kick it and I'll be feeling better soon!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Me too, as I saw on my yahoo news that it is now a cat. 4
and they are racing to evacuate Cuba and the Gulf Coast.

Debbie everytime I hear a hurricane update I become more worried about you. Where are you located in relation to where they think it will hit? Please take all necessary measures to keep yourself and your family safe

 

[Pooh67_68]

Tonight is the last night for the local fair so John and I will go much later tonight, also we help our friends that set up for the week, tear down.

 

[Pooh67_68]

As for the old Universal banner, the thread on the CB there were people who didn't like it and people who didn't mind it.

I thought it was a bit creepy, but didn't mind that it was displayed, well someone complained that the powers that be bowed to the minority and changed the banner. I pointed out that there were also threads complaining about said banner on the budget board, family board, and technical board. Poster who complained about it being changed told me I should put on my big girl panties. I politely told her that I have my big girl panties on and since she was complaining too, did she have her big girl panties on.

 

[bethbuchall]

A follow-up to my long tale this morning. Our organization is not a business per-se, any more than the PTA is a business. With a membership of 155,000+ musicians and non-musicians who love and support the performing arts, NFMC is a non-profit organization and the largest philanthropic musical organization in the world. We give out hundreds of thousands of dollars annually ($750,000 last year) in scholarships and awards to children and young people. Anyone who holds an office of any kind is unpaid. The only salaried people connected to the Federation are administrative and support staff at our national headquarters in Indianapolis.

There are no salaried positions in our state group at all. We are all volunteers who care. We are all friends and will remain so once the initial strain is over. We will all continue to be the leaders in the organization because it is important to us. But the discussions of the past two days were hurtful to everyone involved because business had to enter into it. And it was the voting of people like me not to pay the honoraria that caused problems. That was strictly a financial decision on my part as well as that of the others who voted to stop the payments. It was the emotional side of it that allowed the recommendation of the Finance Committee and Executive Board (both upon which I serve) to be voted down. It was also the voting of people who had no idea at all how the organization is funded or run.

The money I was discussing this week is an anomaly in our Virginia Federation and pertains to only this term of office. Normally our $100,000 operating budget allows us to take in enough money to give out our share of scholarships and keep money in the bank for operating expenses. The term of the national president it for two years with a second term possible. The worst case scenario will be 4 years of these payments. Someone will come up with a way to fund them I am certain. I firmly believe that it will be the president. She has already returned her honorarium for 2008. Although that $1500 will not cover the 11 appointed offices she chose, it went a long way toward offering a solution.

It does get difficult when you need to start looking at things from the business angle. I know that we've had problems in preschool meetings with the same type of hurt feelings. You can be hard-nosed and caring, too, which you are! that the hurt feelings blow over soon.

22 is about right around here for a LARGE class and I have no doubt Miss Jennifer can do it....but what would have the class size been WITHOUT that grant??

Our kindergarten classes usually run in the high-teens to low-20s. One or two kids really can make a huge difference. that all of Jen's new, little charges will be easy-going and sweet!

Well, at this point, I don't know who I'll vote for. I need to do some major researching candidates, policies, etc. However, in answer to your question, I would never vote for someone just on the basis of their gender/race/religion, etc. In the long run of things, those things just don't make a difference to me in how a person governs. What does make a difference to me is what the person stands for, how well he/she stands by their positions, and how effective I think that person would be in a given job.

Did I answer your question?

I agree with that! I do wish it were easier to find someone fiscally conservative and socially liberal, though.

Denver is the official sister city to Takiyama and we've been told that if we wait until after the DNC and find out the amount the city brings in we might be able to convince them to pay for some of the trip. There is a great relationship between Takiyama and all of Metro Denver. We were the host school for Takiyama's visit last year and they've specifically asked for us and have already started to plan for the first ever parade in all of Japan.

To top it off, Don is trying to get a dual performance for us at Tokyo Disney!!

But if we can't get the city/business help we more than likely can't send the kids as it would be almost $3000 a kid.

that you get the financial help that will make it all possible!

Tammi,
Since Tiink is already spreading Pixie Dust in the picture another Fairy appeared in Alyssa's hands. Great picture!

That is so cute! Terrific job!

Hi All!

Belated Birthday wishes to Riley, Brandon, Lindsay & Janet.

Mine, too!

We had a nice trip despite the crowds, rains, and construction at our resort. We LOVED the family suites! I wish they would add some to Pop as I definately prefer that resort. More about the trip and suites after I get caught up.

I can't wait to hear all about it! We loved the Pop, though it was a little noisy. I would definitely stay there again. We'll go with two rooms in the values or a family suite next time the whole family goes. With my older two being older, I think I'd lean toward the two rooms. Even if we didn't get connecting, Matthew will be over 18 by the next time we get there.
Great photo-thanks for posting! I think yours is better than mine. Would you mind emailing it to me? Wasn't that CM a great sport to take all those photos on all those different cameras?

I love that photo of everyone! I wish that we had been there, but I know that Laura doesn't.

You look awesome! You should be very proud of yourself!

I missed this picture the first time around, Debbie! You do look terrific! Great job!

I had a problem with a bag too. The blue got on Joe's Wall E T that I made him. If it doesn't come out in the wash I'm going to have to make him a new one.

Those blue bags are horrible when wet! And, unfortunately, most of our trip was WET! The blue did seem to wash out of the clothes ok, though.

You ar very welcome! Sorry it too so long to get them in the mail.


I have had good luck with www.bookcloseouts.com


That is great!!!

I wish you would have stopped. I assume I was alone? I ran ahead to get fast passes for Soarin and DH took the kids on Spaceship Earth and they got stuck for 20 minutes or so on it.

Yes, you were alone. You were near the entrance to the pavillion, inside. It was funny, because I did a double-take, and Laura, said, "Yes, it's definitely her, Mom. But she's on her cell phone, so don't bother her." I was surprised that she knew who you were, but she said that she has seen the pictures from August, 2006. I must admit that I don't for a second believe that Laura was worried about bothering you on your cell phone. She was looking out for herself! I should have gone back and at least waved, but I was being pressured to move on.

I would take a birth certificate for her as I too have heard that SW is very stricted about lap babies.

My kids don't go back til Tuesday. Emma meets her teacher Wednesday-not sure when her first day is. I'll talk to the kids. I think they would like to do this this year. They were very excited to meet people this year and kept asking everyday if we were meeting anyone.

Mine go back on Wednesday. I guess I should have gotten my kids used to other people early...or had a less suspicious and less socially anxious dh.

AWESOME!!!!!!! What wonderful news!

How cute is he? They look so huge on him and so small to me.

That stinks! Elizabeth and I were talking about it at CP-we wondered how many people tipped twice now that they add it when you use DDE. I had lousy service at Tusker House and was annoyed when the server didn't me a "binder" with my bill but rather folded up my copy and just gave me the copy to sign. I really think he thought I wouldn't notice that the tip was included if I didn't look at the details.

YIKES. So even if it doesn't hit you'll have to deal with the mess. Hope it does change paths and you stay safe!!!

Welcome back, Bernadette! I can't wait to see pictures and hear all about your trip. I need to get my thoughts together soon before I forget everything.

My thoughts exactly. I have never heard of Palin

I've been working on the house most of the day. The curtain rods are up as well as the coat racks in the hall. The curtains are hung and I've changed out the tie backs from the matching print to a solid color. I like them better now. I still need to shorten all of the curtains, but I want to make sure that I am happy with them before I do so. I took pictures along the way. Hopefully I'll get them loaded in a few minutes. We're watching Shrek the third right now. We had these Red Box dvd distribution vending machines pop up. You can rent dvds for $1 per day. You can return them to any red box location. I think we will like the inexpensive cost and fairly close locations

The house looks great, Deb!

We have a Red Box at the one supermarket, but it's too far to go to every day. Maybe we'll get more here.

Thanks everyone! Wish I could say I was happy to be home but I've got post Disney blues. I didn't unpack anything today so I've got to do that tomorrow and laundry. We're going to MIL's on Sunday. I bought fabric to make Emma a back to school outfit so I should try working on that tomorrow too-I haven't decided what to make yet-probably an a-line top but now sure if I'll so a strip work skirt or capris-I'm thinking capris would be easier for her on the playground (and for me to make!).

I have serious post Disney depression myself. I wish I knew when we were going back. Even if it's a long way off, it would be something to look forward to.

Here's a link to our photopass pictures.August photopass

It didn't work for me.

Im definitely nervous, but I had 22 kids in my prek class, even though there was another teacher iwth me, i feel pretty confident. Everything is pretty much done, but i have a bit more to do this weekend. On tuesday, ill figure out lesson plans for the first week, which are normally nothing major i was told..im so scared but so excited!

You'll do great, Jen!

I just had a brilliant idea!

I wonder what the biggest house is in the WDW vicinity? We could get a group of DDA friends together and BUY the house! Then we could all live together and never leave Mecca. How many bedrooms would we need?

I love that idea!

So MomBoss pulled a wonderful stunt yesterday and only paid me half of my salary. I'm sure she has some wonderful excuse such as the fact that the girls went back to school this week, but that was NOT our agreement so she has no standing. Of course, I didn't actually look at the check until later because I wouldn't have even imagined she'd do that. I've got to call her this morning and will also be drafting a letter to be sent regarding that, miles and one other monetary issue, as I know she won't actually answer the phone. I also will most likely not be going to work on Tuesday morning. I was so angry when I saw that check last night that I was practically screaming in the mall parking lot.

Tia, I am so glad you are done with that family! I hope that you will be able to get the rest of your money.

...so is anyone here "bothered" by the HHN's banner that the DU made? Apparently it caused quite a stir on the Budget and Family Board. They've toned it down since so many people have complained.

I didn't much like it, but I wasn't really "bothered" by it. Don't tell anyone in marketing, but I don't really notice the ads too much.

Good Morning DDA!

Welcome back Bernadette! Wow what a recap! Thanks! I have been feeling really crappy the last couple of days with a killer sinus infection and haven't been on much. Hopefully these antibiotics I have will kick it and I'll be feeling better soon!

Deb, the room looks good! Brave of you to use a floral pattern with all boys in the house!

Jen, good luck on getting your classroom together. I am sure you will be a great teacher! Leighanna loved being around you while we were in Baltimore last year! She said she wishes you could be her teacher now.

I hope you feel better soon, Tom!

I spent the morning at IHOP too! But it was NOT quiet. Tammi and herBob and their 3 kids, Anne Marie and Dana and their three kids and myBob and I and no kids had a GREAT time. I wish we all lived closer!

What fun! I wish I were closer.

I am FURIOUS! Did you all know the post office is closed today? They were closed today (the ENTIRE day!), AND they will be closed Monday! Exactly where do they get off being closed for 3 solid days? Even the little mail center that does US mail and UPS & FedEx is closed! WTH?!! Now I will have to hold all of my packages until Tuesday and drag Princess to the post office with me. I am so angry I can't even think straight. I tried to do the automated machine, but it wanted to give me a label bigger than the envelope. I went to the UPS Store and they wanted to charge me DOUBLE what the post office was going to cost (if the post office label would have been small enough).

After 3 different locations I gave up. Packages will have to wait.

We went to the music store. We bought a drum pad, a stand (against my better judgement) and a pair of bell mallets. We get home and the stand and the pad are incompatible - the pad doesn't fit on the stand. Now we get to drive BACK to the music store and try to figure out if another stand will work. I don't think he really NEEDS a stand, but he wants one.

The post office was closed today?! That's ridiculous. We got our mail today, though there wasn't anything good in it. I hope you get a compatible stand!

 

[bethbuchall]

The Converse shoes came yesterday, so I through together a "quick" cake and treasure hunt for presents for Laura. Matthew was excited, because he had been dying to try out the Wii Fit. It looks like fun, but I haven't had a chance to use it myself yet. I'm thinking I'll pencil myself in for Thursday when everyone is gone. I'd say the first day of school (Wednesday), but I have to be at the preschool all day.

 

[tmfranlk]

I spent the morning at IHOP too! But it was NOT quiet. Tammi and herBob and their 3 kids, Anne Marie and Dana and their three kids and myBob and I and no kids had a GREAT time. I wish we all lived closer!

Yeah, I blame the idea on you guys! I would have rather been sitting with all of you though.

 

[bear74]

I like the new curtains, Deb. I also prefer the matching tiebacks. Very nice upgrade to your living room!

I agree they look great

Welcome home Bernadette!!

We are on a hunt this weekend for a new bed for Cassidy....so far we haven't found anything. Our Brunswick is also having bowling parties for MDA...for $1 a piece we are going to bowl for 2 hours on Sunday!!

sounds fun

 

[bear74]

So MomBoss pulled a wonderful stunt yesterday and only paid me half of my salary. I'm sure she has some wonderful excuse such as the fact that the girls went back to school this week, but that was NOT our agreement so she has no standing. Of course, I didn't actually look at the check until later because I wouldn't have even imagined she'd do that. I've got to call her this morning and will also be drafting a letter to be sent regarding that, miles and one other monetary issue, as I know she won't actually answer the phone. I also will most likely not be going to work on Tuesday morning. I was so angry when I saw that check last night that I was practically screaming in the mall parking lot.

Tia sounds like you definately did the right thing resigning

 

[KristineN]

must be something in the air....I had the same issue with Kirsten yesterday....she decided to go home with a friend after school without telling me....needless to say...it was not pretty. I haven't been that angry in a long time.

Oh, they would have pestered me.

Sorry I dropped off the computer! Leslie and Mary vanished without telling anyone where they were going, so we had a panicked search of the neighborhood, and then Alan convinced me to go with him. It actually wasn't too bad. It was a pleasant evening, and I just sat and read my book. Not too shabby!

 

[bear74]

Tom, hope the antibiotics work fast and you are feeling better soon.

ditto

 

[tmfranlk]

Another quick hello! The watermelon festival was fun, though simple. Lots and lots of samples of farm fresh produce - watermelon, cantaloupe, grilled corn, various recipes, salsas, etc. The kids did a craft, got face paintings and played with clay. I bought about 5 pounds of "dent and scratch" peaches for $2.50. I figure we want to make cobbler so who cared if they weren't pretty. Afterward we hit the mall for a few things. Kristi and I both spent enough to get 2 free vouchers to Disney on Ice this week. I'm going to take all of the kids on Thursday. I had decided not to go, but then this offer came up so why not! It's the Disneyland Adventure show so I'm excited! It's my favorite of the recent ones.

Now we're headed to Cici's per Dad's request and Ted Drewes per Kristi's. Luckily, we never mentioned the possibility of Kassie and Terra having a sleepover cause I think the day's been full enough added to the drama of yesterday and more things going the next two days. Maybe the can have a sleepover tomorrow since it's a holiday.

Hope everyone's Saturday is going wonderfully!

 

[tmfranlk]

Oh yeah, I met with Kristi's neighbor this morning. I need to check on a few other possibilities this week, but if they don't pan out I have a job lined up with her starting after our trip. If Robin still needs someone for her kids, we'll be set. Otherwise, there are a few other families I've got messages in to.

 

[bear74]

Another quick hello! The watermelon festival was fun, though simple. Lots and lots of samples of farm fresh produce - watermelon, cantaloupe, grilled corn, various recipes, salsas, etc. The kids did a craft, got face paintings and played with clay. I bought about 5 pounds of "dent and scratch" peaches for $2.50. I figure we want to make cobbler so who cared if they weren't pretty. Afterward we hit the mall for a few things. Kristi and I both spent enough to get 2 free vouchers to Disney on Ice this week. I'm going to take all of the kids on Thursday. I had decided not to go, but then this offer came up so why not! It's the Disneyland Adventure show so I'm excited! It's my favorite of the recent ones.

Now we're headed to Cici's per Dad's request and Ted Drewes per Kristi's. Luckily, we never mentioned the possibility of Kassie and Terra having a sleepover cause I think the day's been full enough added to the drama of yesterday and more things going the next two days. Maybe the can have a sleepover tomorrow since it's a holiday.

Hope everyone's Saturday is going wonderfully!

wow sounds like a great day

 

[bear74]

Oh yeah, I met with Kristi's neighbor this morning. I need to check on a few other possibilities this week, but if they don't pan out I have a job lined up with her starting after our trip. If Robin still needs someone for her kids, we'll be set. Otherwise, there are a few other families I've got messages in to.

sounds like the job prospects are looking up.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Tom, hope the antibiotics work fast and you are feeling better soon.

Feel better, Tom!!

Me too, as I saw on my yahoo news that it is now a cat. 4
and they are racing to evacuate Cuba and the Gulf Coast.

That hurricane isn't fooling around. I am starting to worry about it a little. The most we will get is rain, but it is still kind of worrisome.

I just got back from my facial. It was nice. This place has a deal where you can get one facial each month for $49 if you "join" their salon. I am going to seriously think about it!

DH and DS are going over to DH's friend's parents house in a little while. His friend's dad is retiring. We haven't seen them much since DH's friend died. I forgot we were supposed to go, and now I am all greasy (the facial includes a neck, shoulder and arm massage with some really thick cream). I don't feel like getting in the shower and rushing to get ready - I want to relax!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oh yeah, I met with Kristi's neighbor this morning. I need to check on a few other possibilities this week, but if they don't pan out I have a job lined up with her starting after our trip. If Robin still needs someone for her kids, we'll be set. Otherwise, there are a few other families I've got messages in to.

That's good to hear! Definitely check out all of the other families and see which one feels right. I know when I chose my job with Princess there were good and bad things about all 3 jobs. (The only bad thing about the position with Princess was that the salary was lower.) DH was kind of disgruntled that I took the job with the lowest salary, but now he sees that it was a really good decision! I love my job! One of the other offers I had was for a really high-end real estate agent. I have a feeling if I had taken that one that I would be unemployed now!

 

[yellowfish78]

I am FURIOUS! Did you all know the post office is closed today? They were closed today (the ENTIRE day!), AND they will be closed Monday! Exactly where do they get off being closed for 3 solid days? Even the little mail center that does US mail and UPS & FedEx is closed! WTH?!! Now I will have to hold all of my packages until Tuesday and drag Princess to the post office with me. I am so angry I can't even think straight. I tried to do the automated machine, but it wanted to give me a label bigger than the envelope. I went to the UPS Store and they wanted to charge me DOUBLE what the post office was going to cost (if the post office label would have been small enough).

After 3 different locations I gave up. Packages will have to wait.

We went to the music store. We bought a drum pad, a stand (against my better judgement) and a pair of bell mallets. We get home and the stand and the pad are incompatible - the pad doesn't fit on the stand. Now we get to drive BACK to the music store and try to figure out if another stand will work. I don't think he really NEEDS a stand, but he wants one.

I got mail today...I thought we don't get mail if they are closed?