DDA Chapter 25

[tmfranlk]

Good morning, DDA!

Just sitting here relishing this quiet morning after a hectic day yesterday. Sent the Scout year our with a flourish of activity and preparation. Thankfully the older baby didn't get here until almost noon and Kristi had come over to help me with the kids while I got ready anyway. Got most of my stuff done in time, had our appt, went to the ceremony, survived my daughter's sudden freak-out about briding to Brownies and capped the night off with a family ice cream trip.

The freak-out was totally unexpected. She's been so excited about the briding ceremony for several days. Both troops sang a song together about "Goodbye Daisies" and then the other Daisy troop took off their Daisy vests before walking over the bridge and getting their new Brownie sashes. Somewhere in all of that Terra freaked out about leaving Daisies and becoming a Brownie. I was able to quell it quickly at first by saying we weren't taking off our Daisy vests. Then after we were done and my 2nd graders were on the way up to sing a song, she completely lost it. Phil took her outside to calm down while I helped the 2nd graders and then I went out too. She was able to get calmed down and be okay, but she insists she always going to wear her Daisy vest. I know she doesn't always do change well, but usually when she's prepared it's okay. I think maybe the combination of the long ultrasound, the ceremony and the change was just too much for her right then. I tell you, though, it still catches me off guard sometimes.

Today, I have Chase happily watching Little Einsteins and two sleeping babies! The big one came here and went right back to bed. Usually that means sleeping until 9:30 or 10 and then her dad is hopefully picking her up around noon. The little one only slept a total of 5 hours last night for some reason so maybe she'll sleep all day for me too! Could be a nice quiet day (knock on wood!).

 

[tmfranlk]

Bernadette - LOVING your trip report pictures. On day 2 is the luggage conveyor and lost and found redistribution system new to the exit at Space Mtn? It's been so long since I've been on it, but I didn't remember these from before.

 

[bethbuchall]

That program sounds really neat! Good luck this weekend.

It sounds like a great program. This was the first year for it. It is meant to start in the sophomore year and culminate in the senior year. The seniors this year were fast-tracked in and did a lot of work over the summer. They also had less choice in their topics, because they needed to go with something that a mentor could get them right into. The juniors had more flexibility in choice, and the sophomores are getting the full program.

Last night all the seniors actually presented their projects. There were two groups, science research and engineering. Laura and I decided to sit through all the science presentations and then see the last engineering one. The underclassmen had posters on display and were on hand for discussion/questions. Some of the science research topics:
"Characterization of Protease Involved in Degradation of Allergenic Peanut Storage Protein"
"Heat Balance and Body Fat in Young Adults"
"The Effect of Atrazine on the Sperm Competition of the Drosophila Melanogaster"
"Matrix Realizations of Hyperbolic Triangle Groups" (the math in this one was way, way beyond me)

The engineering ones were easier to understand but definitely showed a lot of creativity and hard work.
"Spike-Ups" - a system to make it easier to change spikes on racing flats
"Universal Pot Lid"
"Chip-base Timing for runners" - there are currently ankle chips, but they are working on a chip on the torso of the runner, since that is the part that officially needs to cross the finish line
"Hood Handle" - for lifting a fiberglass hood off the car by a single person

 

[bethbuchall]

Bernadette, the trip pictures are fantastic! I can't wait to go.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

DH had a successful outing at the camera buy-sell-trade event. He was able to sell his Sony equipment for just $25 less than he was hoping to get for it. And in the grand scheme, sacrificing $25 in exchange for cash on the spot was TOTALLY worth it. Ordinarily he would have had to pack and ship the equipment (and insure it), wait for an offer, then wait for them to send him the check. This show couldn't have happened at a better time. He took his cash and drove straight to a camera store where he bought a 10-20mm lens. (Maybe Bernadette can make sense of that - I can't.) He has a little money left over, but not enough to buy much of anything. Maybe a strap or something.

He promised to take DS to Half Price Books to sell a bunch of magazines and old CD Roms, but I doubt he will get more than a couple of dollars for all of it.

 

[tmfranlk]

Beth - Those are some serious topics! Impressive.

Elizabeth - Yeah for DH. I'm glad he was able to get rid of some stuff and make the money for his lens.

 

[bethbuchall]

DH had a successful outing at the camera buy-sell-trade event. He was able to sell his Sony equipment for just $25 less than he was hoping to get for it. And in the grand scheme, sacrificing $25 in exchange for cash on the spot was TOTALLY worth it. Ordinarily he would have had to pack and ship the equipment (and insure it), wait for an offer, then wait for them to send him the check. This show couldn't have happened at a better time. He took his cash and drove straight to a camera store where he bought a 10-20mm lens. (Maybe Bernadette can make sense of that - I can't.) He has a little money left over, but not enough to buy much of anything. Maybe a strap or something.

He promised to take DS to Half Price Books to sell a bunch of magazines and old CD Roms, but I doubt he will get more than a couple of dollars for all of it.

Terrific! I'm glad that he had a successful day.

 

[bethbuchall]

Beth - Those are some serious topics! Impressive.

I was very impressed. They all did such a good job of presenting, too. The juniors in the program introduced the presenters, and they were very well-spoken, too. What a great program! I wish that we had pushed a little more to get Laura to try it out, but it was new,and we weren't really sure what it was all about. Of course, it may have done her in, so maybe it's for the best.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Congratulations Tia!!!

Bernadette - LOVING your trip report pictures. On day 2 is the luggage conveyor and lost and found redistribution system new to the exit at Space Mtn? It's been so long since I've been on it, but I didn't remember these from before.

Thanks! Yes that is at the Space Mountain exit before you get on the conveyor to exit. I wonder if Emma will be up for trying Space this summer. Maybe she'll try Everest again too.

Bernadette, the trip pictures are fantastic! I can't wait to go.

Thanks!

DH had a successful outing at the camera buy-sell-trade event. He was able to sell his Sony equipment for just $25 less than he was hoping to get for it. And in the grand scheme, sacrificing $25 in exchange for cash on the spot was TOTALLY worth it. Ordinarily he would have had to pack and ship the equipment (and insure it), wait for an offer, then wait for them to send him the check. This show couldn't have happened at a better time. He took his cash and drove straight to a camera store where he bought a 10-20mm lens. (Maybe Bernadette can make sense of that - I can't.) He has a little money left over, but not enough to buy much of anything. Maybe a strap or something.

He promised to take DS to Half Price Books to sell a bunch of magazines and old CD Roms, but I doubt he will get more than a couple of dollars for all of it.

Great news! I would love a wide lens but don't want to drag it around. Which camera did he buy it for? He still needs a longer lens for the Nikon.

I looked online at a few 10x zoom ultra compact cameras-fit in your pocket but haven't been able to justify the expense yet.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Beth, those are some complicated topics! But it sounds like a great opportunity for kids who have a math/science slant to them. (This would NOT be DS.)

Bernadette, the new lens is for the Nikon. That's what he wanted. So whatever. He seems to prefer wide over zoom. I don't think he is ready to part with any of his Oly stuff right now, so it may be awhile before he has the funds for another Nikon lens. He has 3 or 4 Oly lenses that I *think* can go on all 3 bodies, plus the Nikon and 3 lenses, so that should keep him busy for awhile.

DS made a whopping $7.50 on the magazines and CD Roms. I knew it wasn't going to be much, but I guess it is more than he had!

I may take our old cell phones on Saturday and see if I can get anything for them. They are just sitting in my closet taking up space.

 

[tmfranlk]

Bernadette - Thanks for all of the One Man's Dream pictures on Day 3. This is one thing I have never made it into. I still don't know why, but it is at the top of my list for next year!

 

[mommykds]

Bernadette,
Enjoying your pictures...I think we had the same room! You are making me want to go back to the BWI!

 

[tmfranlk]

Finished all of your report, Bernadette. The pictures are wonderful as always. Joe's pictures turned out really good too! Looks like a wonderful trip!!!

 

[tmfranlk]

Well, so much for that "leaving early" thing. Miss Trouble is still here. Guess her dad didn't get off at 11:00 after all. Oh well. Luckily, she hasn't been too bad today. Of course, I've been short of patience too after a crazy day yesterday and a night of crappy sleep so even a little bit of trouble is getting to me. One more hour and I'm done for the weekend though.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Bernadette - Thanks for all of the One Man's Dream pictures on Day 3. This is one thing I have never made it into. I still don't know why, but it is at the top of my list for next year!

I think that is Joe's 2nd favorite thing of all at Disney World only behind Carousel of Progress. He was very upset that I didn't do it with Emma in January and we only did Carousel of Progress in January because Emma said Joe would be mad if we didn't.

I really have to take Joe to the new Disney Family Museum in CA someday-or maybe he'll take me.

Bernadette,
Enjoying your pictures...I think we had the same room! You are making me want to go back to the BWI!

Thanks! I think it was 4252-does that sound right?

Finished all of your report, Bernadette. The pictures are wonderful as always. Joe's pictures turned out really good too! Looks like a wonderful trip!!!

Thanks! Joe really does have a great eye! I wish he could say he got it all from me but my father-in-law was a great photographer too. Joe is so much like him in many other ways it is almost scary-especially since he never met him.

I felt like we didn't do all that much though. I think I thought we've been enough I don't have to plan. I had a few ADRs and I thought that would be enough but I think I would have felt "more in control" if I had at least a loose plan of what park would be best on what day-even if I chose not to follow the plan.

My problems with my feet were also a huge issue and rather concerning and depressing-especially given the birthday thing and getting old and all....I found 39 more difficult than 40 so I'm hoping this 49 thing is worse than 50 will be.

And then to end the trip with the loss of Mickey was just sad. I tried to call and see if I could order them over the phone but they didn't answer the phone. I guess I can always get new ones in July.

BUT....we really did have a great trip and Joe was SOOOOO good!!! He never complained about going on any rides (a nice change from last year), me taking a million photos (not that he ever has) and never complained about my need to go back to the room every afternoon. We had very good luck managing crowds and with the weather. Had a great time with Terry & Halley. We really did have a great trip.



DH & the kids met me at my office this afternoon and we bought Lizzy a new bike for her birthday. Before they had seen her they had thought either a Raleigh 14" frame women's bike with 26" wheels or a Schwinn 13.5" frame with 26" wheels would work well for her. The Schwinn was OK but wouldn't last too long so he had her try a 15" frame Schwinn but Lizzy felt that was too big and really liked the Raleigh. Both Gene & I prefered the gear shift on the Raleigh too. He said she would probably out grow it in a few years but that is OK since we can hand it down to Emma. I hate to get her something too big now and hope she doesn't hurt herself on it. She's very excited about it. Her first bike with gears.

Then we all went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Only Lizzy & I had ever been. I had the THai lettuce wraps-YUM! And brought home a piece of Godiva chocolate cheesecake. I just had a small taste-YUMMMY!!!


Now I think I'll see if ice will help my foot. I was having pain radiating up my shin and thigh today. Thankfully I already the appointment for next week. AND thankfully it wasn't this bad at Disney-it hurt more at Disney but was always OK again in the morning.

 

[Tammi67]

Tomorrow is Nicholas' quarter-final game for soccer. They are 3rd seeded, only losing one game. I have no idea how that worked out. The ex-inlaws will be there (ex-MIL, ex-BIL and ex-stepdaugther) since they are in town. I'm dreading seeing them, don't know why, I only saw them twice my entire marriage. Excluding the SD. I just want to be able to go enjoy the game and watch my son. Now I have this baggage to contend with. Blah.

 

[my3princes]

Tomorrow is Nicholas' quarter-final game for soccer. They are 3rd seeded, only losing one game. I have no idea how that worked out. The ex-inlaws will be there (ex-MIL, ex-BIL and ex-stepdaugther) since they are in town. I'm dreading seeing them, don't know why, I only saw them twice my entire marriage. Excluding the SD. I just want to be able to go enjoy the game and watch my son. Now I have this baggage to contend with. Blah.

That's exactly why I threatened Chris with Divorce if he gave his mother the boys lacrosse schedule. I'm busy enough trying to watch the game and keep time etc, I don't need to entertain her too.

 

[mommykds]

Thanks! I think it was 4252-does that sound right?

We were in 4254! Love that view!

I know its not the same exact thing but I had a plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago...Mr Dr told me to freeze a water bottle & to keep rolling my foot on the frozen water bottle several times a day...that really helped. Hope you can get relief soon. I did get the cortizone shot eventually & that stopped the pain completely.

 

[mommykds]

Tomorrow is Nicholas' quarter-final game for soccer. They are 3rd seeded, only losing one game. I have no idea how that worked out. The ex-inlaws will be there (ex-MIL, ex-BIL and ex-stepdaugther) since they are in town. I'm dreading seeing them, don't know why, I only saw them twice my entire marriage. Excluding the SD. I just want to be able to go enjoy the game and watch my son. Now I have this baggage to contend with. Blah.

Good luck! Hopefully you can ignore them.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Tomorrow is Nicholas' quarter-final game for soccer. They are 3rd seeded, only losing one game. I have no idea how that worked out. The ex-inlaws will be there (ex-MIL, ex-BIL and ex-stepdaugther) since they are in town. I'm dreading seeing them, don't know why, I only saw them twice my entire marriage. Excluding the SD. I just want to be able to go enjoy the game and watch my son. Now I have this baggage to contend with. Blah.

Maybe they won't recognize you! I would ignore them and maybe they will do the same.

That's exactly why I threatened Chris with Divorce if he gave his mother the boys lacrosse schedule. I'm busy enough trying to watch the game and keep time etc, I don't need to entertain her too.

Would she ever make the effort to go? Better safe and not tell her!

We were in 4254! Love that view!

I know its not the same exact thing but I had a plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago...Mr Dr told me to freeze a water bottle & to keep rolling my foot on the frozen water bottle several times a day...that really helped. Hope you can get relief soon. I did get the cortizone shot eventually & that stopped the pain completely.

I wanted to be in 4250-some sort of suite with 2 doors. I may have to try the frozen bottle thing. I still haven't tried the ice yet.