DIS Dads DDC XIX - Squirrel!

[BigTikiDaddy]

Having a teacher that cares can make all the difference. Books that she enjoys will also be a huge help with all the extra practice she'll get in.

By the way, I don't see a single spelling error in your post.

I tried very hard. That and the lazy one-handed typing makes it hard.

Yes, a good teacher can make all the difference, pus the principal there is very dedicated to the students. Plus the school in the past had a rather "meh" rep, and he is trying hard to correct it. DW talked to some of the parents at the old school recently, and a LOT of kids are struggling there. They offer no help programs there, and it is supposed to be one of the "premier" schools.

 

[middlepat]

Hey guys. Back from my travels.

Sorry about the mix up there David, one of our guys couldn't make the meeting Tuesday at the last minute and this caused us to finish 2 hours earlier. So instead of meeting from 9 - 12 and then lunch we went until 10 and broke off early. Next time I'm down we'll have to get together.

On a side note, I know this group has an affinity to food, so I thought I'd share some experiences I had the last couple of days.

First and foremost, if you are a road-tripper (I know a few of us are) then you MUST bookmark roadfood.com. This is the quintesential reference for decent, non-chain restuarants along the ribbons of highways that cross this great land. (Hat tip to my nemesis for turning me on to this site - ouch, that hurt)

So I was off to Indianapolis for work the last couple of days with my boss, so I referenced roadfood for some decent stops. On the way down, dinnertime hit right around Laffyette, IN and so I stopped at Triple XXX Family Restaurant. No the XXX is not for that.... it is in reference to the old XXX brand root beer. This used to be a chain of restaurants (like A&W) but the chain folded years ago. This was the last hold out and the owners kept the name. They have their own root beer (very good) and the burgers are great. I couldn't bring myself to order the peanut butter burger but the Bernie Flowers with cheese was awesome. Oh, and all of their menu items are named after famous Purdue alumni. (apparently the Drew Brees is their most popular breakfast plate)

The other place I hit up from roadfood was St. Elmo Steakhouse in Indy. Again no disappointment here. Great steaks, the place had been there for 120 years or so, and they are most famous for their shrimp cocktail. A word of warning, if you don't like horseradish, this shrimp cocktail might not be for you. My boss and I both had the shrimp and we agreed that we found a way to put Claratin out of business. That stuff will clear the most blocked sinuses in one bite. Very spicy, but very good.

 

[baseballmickey]

As long as we're trading war stories...

I've hit my coach's car a few times. Playing short, overthrew first, ball skipped through another field and hit the BMW. Another time after giving up a homer I drilled the next guy with a fastball right in the thigh. It was a complete accident, but given the circumstances it didn't look too good. Also pitching one day the curve just wasn't there. So every curve I tried to throw was sailing up and in to the righties. They started getting ticked and were mumbling not-so-nice things. The ump gave me a warning for my own protection. My coach came out and said loud enough for everyone to hear, "C'mon, he couldn't break a pane of glass!" Thanks for the support coach! (I was 16 and could barely hit 70 mph at that age.)

I don't hit inanimate objects. I can sympathize with you over the lack of support from the coach. My junior year in HS, I didn't make the varsity team, but I really wanted to play, so I played JV. I was playing right field and couldn't handle a low line drive at my shoetops, and I then compounded that by overthrowing the cutoff man. Coach came out onto the field and yelled for about 5 minutes. My favorite part was when he said something to the effect of, "and you're a Junior, for crying out loud." Thanks for reminding me, coach!!

Actually... no luck so far. Called and once I finally spoke with a live person, I was told that the online counter was apparently wrong and I'd have to wait until today. Well, I didn't like that answer since my trip starts on 12/1 and I could book an ADR on 12/1 online despite what the CM told me, but ok, whatever. Tried this morning and same thing. I'll have to call again, probably this evening when I get home from work.

ugh.

Is there a Knoblauch branch in your family tree?

pretty sure there is no relation. As bad as my arm is now, I think it's still above knoblauch level.

I about got my nose broken in high school. I played first base and our infield had to be re-done between my junior and senior year. Part of the reason we re-did was that the cutouts around the bases were higher than the grass and dirt around them. Meaning if a ball hit just right at the edge of the grass, it basically ramped up. A throw was coming to me from short and I was ready to grab it on the hop. It hit that lip on the edge of the grass and hopped up and got me between the eyes. Talk about a bloody mess...

On the work front, I have participant in my training this week that is knocking my socks off. She is quite young, wears low cut tops, and has had a different color bow in the side of her hair each day. Today was over the top. She had on white pants with a black thong. Oh, you know she knows what she is doing. I'm trying to figure out how to take and post a picture for you guys, but haven't had the opportunity.

Man, I really wish I had a way of making the DDC in January... it sounds like fun! Just a bunch of manly Disney nerds hanging out

+1

 

[afwdwfan]

So I was off to Indianapolis for work the last couple of days with my boss, so I referenced roadfood for some decent stops. On the way down, dinnertime hit right around Laffyette, IN and so I stopped at Triple XXX Family Restaurant. No the XXX is not for that.... it is in reference to the old XXX brand root beer. This used to be a chain of restaurants (like A&W) but the chain folded years ago. This was the last hold out and the owners kept the name. They have their own root beer (very good) and the burgers are great. I couldn't bring myself to order the peanut butter burger but the Bernie Flowers with cheese was awesome. Oh, and all of their menu items are named after famous Purdue alumni. (apparently the Drew Brees is their most popular breakfast plate)

Excellent choice... my favorite thing there is the biscuits and gravy. They're delicious at around 2 am. We used to frequent an establishment known as the Neon Cactus down by the levee area. My apartment was just on the southeast area of campus, so Triple XXX was always a nice little rest about halfway in between on the return trip. And most importantly it was a nice break halfway up the hill.

The other place I hit up from roadfood was St. Elmo Steakhouse in Indy. Again no disappointment here. Great steaks, the place had been there for 120 years or so, and they are most famous for their shrimp cocktail. A word of warning, if you don't like horseradish, this shrimp cocktail might not be for you. My boss and I both had the shrimp and we agreed that we found a way to put Claratin out of business. That stuff will clear the most blocked sinuses in one bite. Very spicy, but very good.

I've heard great things... still never been there myself. I can't seem to find anybody willing to take me there and pay for my meal.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Oh how I wish that I could go and be part of the party.

Me too… and three… and four…
Just can’t travel in the first couple of weeks of a given month.

Maybe next time.

Me five. I would love to go to the DDC convention, but we can typically only afford one big trip a year...and next year we're planning a super huge one. So we have to save for that.

Princess Bride.
I remember playing a friend in ping pong a long time ago and he smoked like 21-4 or something. He did it left-handed and used that line.

+1 And that is most definitely how you trash talk.

On a side note, I know this group has an affinity to food, so I thought I'd share some experiences I had the last couple of days.

Now where would you get an idea like that?

First and foremost, if you are a road-tripper (I know a few of us are) then you MUST bookmark roadfood.com. This is the quintesential reference for decent, non-chain restuarants along the ribbons of highways that cross this great land. (Hat tip to my nemesis for turning me on to this site - ouch, that hurt)

You're welcome.

So I was off to Indianapolis for work the last couple of days with my boss, so I referenced roadfood for some decent stops. On the way down, dinnertime hit right around Laffyette, IN and so I stopped at Triple XXX Family Restaurant. No the XXX is not for that.... it is in reference to the old XXX brand root beer. This used to be a chain of restaurants (like A&W) but the chain folded years ago. This was the last hold out and the owners kept the name. They have their own root beer (very good) and the burgers are great. I couldn't bring myself to order the peanut butter burger but the Bernie Flowers with cheese was awesome. Oh, and all of their menu items are named after famous Purdue alumni. (apparently the Drew Brees is their most popular breakfast plate)

I remember reading about that one when doing my Indiana research...just couldn't make the timing work out to be in Lafayette at lunch time. I guess I'll have to go back, that place sounds great.

 

[baseballmickey]

How has everyone been? Have you missed me or even noticed I have not been here?

Just needed to vent a little bit. some of you may recall how Ethan was struggling in school this year and how we had talked to the teacher multiple times with no real consistant positive results. We were just glad to have the school year end, and decided to get him a reading tutor for the summer and see if she can help him. Well, today was his first session with one of the interventionalists at the school and his is dyslexic!! No wonder the poor kid has sturggled so much!! He has to have more testing next week to see what type of dyslexia ( I dint know there was more than one type) and how severe it is! I wish we had known this sooner for his sake. I had wondered about the possibilty but thought if there was a problem like that the school would have picked up on it. I guess not!

I hope they can help!!

thats why im bald today!!!!!
i got to go to public school in 4th grade. i just couldnt take it anymore!!!

sister c. = DAVID!!!i told you to turn around and stop talking!!! go over to the church and kneal in front the virgin mary the rest of the day!!!!

dvczerfs = yes sister.

THE FOLLOW DAY!!!!

sister c. = so david, what have you learned?

dvczerfs = nothing, you made me kneal in front of that statue all day!!!

dvczerfs, back over to the chuch!!!

brianas problems were 3rd through 6th grade. after that, it got a bit easier for her. even today, she uses index cards. i buy them by the case but thats how she organizes her studing and thoughts. it worked for her. never tested that well till she hit high school and the index card thing was in full swing. it seems to work for her.

everybody has their own way of learning. The school systems work by trying to get all the students to learn in one standard way. Our job as parents is to figure out how our kids can succeed in that system.

 

[baseballmickey]

After giving it a fair chance, I think D-cot falls short of what dtuneslive offers. Their library seems much larger. For example, I haven't seen any soundtrack songs or the full Haunted Mansion on d-cot. But I'll still head over to d-cot sometimes just to see what you guys are listening to. And immediately streaming the MK welcome show whenever I want is nice.

The MK Welcome show is DD's favorite. She requests it everyday in the car. I play it off youtube right now through my phone.

Not much of a Monarchist but there have been some great acts on the Queen's Jubilee concert. They are all great to hear but they are certainly starting to sound old.

Sir Paul is finishing things off.

Too bad the Queen doesn't look like she is enjoying it or even paying attention.

Oh, it's a concert. I thought it might be more like cherries jubilee... douse the queen in alcohol and set her on fire!

I got about 10 emails from people liking my status or whatever they call it. One person wants to "pal" me. Will see if any of you guys are on there. Picked a couple of selections to listen to later.

apparently there is an achievement for "Liking" 100 things, so I assume that's why so many people "Liked" my joining and whatnot.

As of noon today, the Pirate Princess' high school career is over. Took her, the guy that dared to ask my little girl to the prom and the SIL to Tony Roma's for dinner. Have to admire the kid, he didn't run away after meeting the Aunt.

Tomorrow is graduation day. She tried on her cap and gown tonight to give me an exclusive preview. She looks good in that robe draped with tassel, sash, medal and rope cords. (In case you are worried, I will be posting pictures later) Really proud of her and the young scholar she has become.

Tomorrow is going to be crazy with all the running around I need to do before the ceremony. But can't wait to see her walk across the stage to get her diploma.

Congratulations to the Pirate Princess! Sounds like you did a great job helping her navigate high school!!

Official Convention Resort Prices are here!
http://disdads.com/archives/2692

I wish... maybe I can convince DW that I'm taking her for her birthday??

 

[baseballmickey]

Oh yeah

belated good morning all

I wish I could make the meetup as well, but right now I am considering cancelling the trip we have planned for November as it is. More and more stuff is breaking around the house and the November trip is a major portion of my credit card bill right now. Sux, but it is what it is.

Matt

that stinks. sorry to hear. hope things turn around!!

 

[Goofy + 3]

everybody has their own way of learning. The school systems work by trying to get all the students to learn in one standard way. Our job as parents is to figure out how our kids can succeed in that system.

Or find them a new system. There are several alternatives around here to the traditional public school system if you know where to look. I think my DW is jumping the gun a little bit, but she's already talking about private schools for when our kids reach middle school. Doesn't she know I'm trying to scrape up enough money for DVC? I can't afford private school!

 

[baseballmickey]

Good Morning Everyone!!

All caught up for the last couple of days. Now I can fall behind again.

No work tonight! I was told last night our show is being preempted for some special event. So I get the night off. I miss out on a few bucks, but I'll get to see DW for a bit.

Did some work on the front yard landscaping yesterday. Still have the opposite side of the front porch to do though.

I have also discovered that my pool is still leaking. Losing a few inches of water per day. No puddles around the pool, so that means it's the bottom. So, one of the four holes I patched is not completely sealed, or I missed some.

Hope everyone's having a good hump day so far.

 

[baseballmickey]

Or find them a new system. There are several alternatives around here to the traditional public school system if you know where to look. I think my DW is jumping the gun a little bit, but she's already talking about private schools for when our kids reach middle school. Doesn't she know I'm trying to scrape up enough money for DVC? I can't afford private school!

yes, private school or homeschooling are alternatives as well. but no matter where your child goes, you have to hope that the teaching style clicks with your child's learning style. With DW being a teacher, I know she'll be very involved in our kids' education, and I plan on being involved as well.

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

Or find them a new system. There are several alternatives around here to the traditional public school system if you know where to look. I think my DW is jumping the gun a little bit, but she's already talking about private schools for when our kids reach middle school. Doesn't she know I'm trying to scrape up enough money for DVC? I can't afford private school!

I know, priorities, eh!?

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

Grr...was setting up the new air conditioner and went to install the flexible exhaust tube, and rather then expand, it came apart like a slinky. Will have to run out later and get the part replaced.

 

[twokids0204]

Grr...was setting up the new air conditioner and went to install the flexible exhaust tube, and rather then expand, it came apart like a slinky. Will have to rub out later and get the part replaced.

Not a pretty picture.

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

Not a pretty picture.

Thanks, classic me-typo

 

[FreezinRafiki]

How has everyone been? Have you missed me or even noticed I have not been here?

Just needed to vent a little bit. some of you may recall how Ethan was struggling in school this year and how we had talked to the teacher multiple times with no real consistant positive results. We were just glad to have the school year end, and decided to get him a reading tutor for the summer and see if she can help him. Well, today was his first session with one of the interventionalists at the school and his is dyslexic!! No wonder the poor kid has sturggled so much!! He has to have more testing next week to see what type of dyslexia ( I dint know there was more than one type) and how severe it is! I wish we had known this sooner for his sake. I had wondered about the possibilty but thought if there was a problem like that the school would have picked up on it. I guess not!

Glad to hear that a diagnosis has been made - hopefully they can start getting him the resources he needs!

Tomorrow is graduation day. She tried on her cap and gown tonight to give me an exclusive preview. She looks good in that robe draped with tassel, sash, medal and rope cords. (In case you are worried, I will be posting pictures later) Really proud of her and the young scholar she has become.

Tomorrow is going to be crazy with all the running around I need to do before the ceremony. But can't wait to see her walk across the stage to get her diploma.

Congrats CJ!

First and foremost, if you are a road-tripper (I know a few of us are) then you MUST bookmark roadfood.com. This is the quintesential reference for decent, non-chain restuarants along the ribbons of highways that cross this great land. (Hat tip to my nemesis for turning me on to this site - ouch, that hurt)

Excellent site! Thanks for the tip!

Me five. I would love to go to the DDC convention, but we can typically only afford one big trip a year...and next year we're planning a super huge one. So we have to save for that.

And when can we expect an announcement for this one?

I have also discovered that my pool is still leaking. Losing a few inches of water per day. No puddles around the pool, so that means it's the bottom. So, one of the four holes I patched is not completely sealed, or I missed some.

Hope everyone's having a good hump day so far.

I had that on my pool once. Grabbed a snorkel mask and dove in to do the repair. I felt like an underwater welder - without the pay, but much less chance of dying.

 

[AirGoofy]

yes, private school or homeschooling are alternatives as well. but no matter where your child goes, you have to hope that the teaching style clicks with your child's learning style. With DW being a teacher, I know she'll be very involved in our kids' education, and I plan on being involved as well.

I would home school my children if we could afford it.

Grr...was setting up the new air conditioner and went to install the flexible exhaust tube, and rather then expand, it came apart like a slinky. Will have to run out later and get the part replaced.

Good luck.

Me five. I would love to go to the DDC convention, but we can typically only afford one big trip a year...and next year we're planning a super huge one. So we have to save for that.
.

When did budgeting a Disney trip become a consideration.

As of noon today, the Pirate Princess' high school career is over. Took her, the guy that dared to ask my little girl to the prom and the SIL to Tony Roma's for dinner. Have to admire the kid, he didn't run away after meeting the Aunt.
.

Congrats to her and good luck. Time to enter a new phase in life - for both of you.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Tomorrow is graduation day. She tried on her cap and gown tonight to give me an exclusive preview. She looks good in that robe draped with tassel, sash, medal and rope cords. (In case you are worried, I will be posting pictures later) Really proud of her and the young scholar she has become.

Congrats to you and the Pirate Princess! Let me know when you're driving her across your favorite bridge this summer.

And when can we expect an announcement for this one?

Maybe this summer? I have to try some shenanigans involving cashing in frequent flier miles, etc. in order to pull it off. We'll see how it goes.

When did budgeting a Disney trip become a consideration.

Well, I tend to worry about debt a little more than your average politician. Oddly enough, this will not be a Disney trip.

 

[Wherem I Now]

Something kinda cool today at: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Live-Webcams.aspx

 

[Wherem I Now]

Me too… and three… and four…
Just can’t travel in the first couple of weeks of a given month.

Maybe next time.

Me five. I would love to go to the DDC convention, but we can typically only afford one big trip a year...and next year we're planning a super huge one. So we have to save for that.

My problem is that mid-term exams for DD16 and DD14 will be that week. Would be difficult to go without the family and I wouldn't want them thinking about where I was while they should be concentrating.