Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[Sha]

hadnt been checking the thread the last few days, glad I did. I am on the singles thread and we were well over 10000 and got closed. And are already about 1/2 way to the new count of 3750.

Im glad you brought over about Bella! Astarr you are an inspiration. I hope you all are doing well. Prayers for all who need them. And I talked to Pea-n-Me a few weeks ago. If there is 2-3 who are needing a little bit of disney magic, a pick me up... I am wanting to send a fairy god mail card to them. Its like what they do for kids, but I want to do for those who are from this thread. So if you know someone who isnt doing well, or having a hard time... and want to send me a address, I will send a post card from WDW when I go near the end of the month. I would do more, but I am not sure if I will actually get a signature from a Character or not, and being a college student, funds are tight. So a PM, and tell me a little something about who I am sending it too (please) and I will let you know. And you can ask for yourself... nothing wrong with that at all. Just a way I know I can help.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Im glad you brought over about Bella! Astarr you are an inspiration. I hope you all are doing well. Prayers for all who need them. And I talked to Pea-n-Me a few weeks ago. If there is 2-3 who are needing a little bit of disney magic, a pick me up... I am wanting to send a fairy god mail card to them. Its like what they do for kids, but I want to do for those who are from this thread. So if you know someone who isnt doing well, or having a hard time... and want to send me a address, I will send a post card from WDW when I go near the end of the month. I would do more, but I am not sure if I will actually get a signature from a Character or not, and being a college student, funds are tight. So a PM, and tell me a little something about who I am sending it too (please) and I will let you know. And you can ask for yourself... nothing wrong with that at all. Just a way I know I can help.[/FONT][/COLOR]

That's really great of you, Sharon! Seeing as for many of us going through treatment thoughts of Disney are a real pick me up (we actually have a name for it here - "Disney Therapy" ), this will have great meaning for those lucky enough to be recipients! Thank you so much.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

thought about buying a ream of paper and printing it

Another great idea from Ann! I've actually thought of doing something like that myself, for my kids especially, so that someday they can read about my experiences. All of my writings were a form of therapy for me. They helped in many ways with my own recovery by sharing my own thoughts and trying to help others. Do you think there's any way of doing it, realistically? Sometimes when I try to print a thread, it doesn't come out too well.

 

[snappy]

I would sure like to know, Linda.

I have printed selected portions, but nothing wholesale.

 

[snappy]

Thanks, Sha.

A very thoughtful offer. I guess we are all on this thread because we have a love of Disney. Sending pixie dust is a great way to offer support.

Happy Mardi Gras y'all.

DH is working, we don't do Fat Tuesday anymore. I am off but still battling my cold. I am here strictly for R&R.

The Sunday before Fat Tuesday is really the best as you can get in several good day parades and one of the city's best, Bacchus.

I actually ended up staying home Sunday. We got halfway there and DH turned around and brought me back home and headed back. I was achy and sneezing and sniffling. I also did not want to spread it around to MIL and my 2 SIL's who are not the definition of good health.

DD12 though went to numerous parades Saturday and Sunday and had a ball.
She is my little Mardi Gras addict. So never fear we have bags of parade throws, spears, stuffed animals, beads, frisbees, cups, doubloons.

Lots of basically worthless stuff. The value is really in being there and sharing the fun with family and friends, not the trinkets. I am glad DD12 shares the love of Mardi Gras with DH. He even had her on her shoulders liek he used to do when she was younger (now she is almost 90 pounds I think) for one brief period. She said the riders on the float absolutely pelted her with stuff. She is easy to spot with her pale skin and flaming red hair and freckles.

Everyone throws to kids, the men like to throw to the younger shapely females, the women to the younger fun loving males. Lots of innocent fleeting flirting.

Anyone else on the thread been to Mardi Gras?

 

[Sha]

That's really great of you, Sharon! Seeing as for many of us going through treatment thoughts of Disney are a real pick me up (we actually have a name for it here - "Disney Therapy" ), this will have great meaning for those lucky enough to be recipients! Thank you so much.

Thanks, Sha.

A very thoughtful offer. I guess we are all on this thread because we have a love of Disney. Sending pixie dust is a great way to offer support.

I may not be a Tag Fairy, or even be tagged, but I am a bearer of Pixie Dust wherever I can

I had to look and see the date of when I am running away for the night, and its on the 22nd Feb.... so Disney Therapy it is!!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

What a sweet idea, Sha. I'm sure the receivers will be thrilled to get some pixie dust from the world.

I've never been to Mardi Gras and I hope to someday. It's a shame since we live so close, but it's just never been in the cards...yet.

I've been reading a new book. The kids and I are all sensory defensive. Not sure I've ever mentioned that before. It's actually called DSI or Dysfunction of Sensory Integration and the new book has been really helpful. We're all lucky enough to not have debillitating cases...we compensate well. But it's stressful to deal with all the sensory information that our brains don't deal with well. Stress brings down the immune system which compounds the problem by letting us get sick and then even more stressed. Not to mention that we're disorganized and forgetful and hesitant to get in certain situations that tend to cause us to overload. Anyway, if anyone is interested I can share more, but the book has been very helpful.

Today I met DS at school and took him to vote and to visit the eye doctor. Then I returned him to college. In the time we were together, he really hurt my feelings. I've cried off and on all afternoon. I don't really want to go into it, but I feel pretty wounded. I think it was worse because we are so close and this came out of the blue. Funny how they have the power to hurt us like that. I know he feels bad now, but it doesn't help much.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Here you go, Merry. And another. I'm sure he'll feel even worse about it later, too. I think we're all guilty of doing this to those we love from time to time. I hope your evening gets better. Watching the interesting election coverage will hopefully take your mind of it a little. If not, there's always chocolate.

 

[snappy]

Merry, I hope your spirits have lifted a bit. Is your DH home? It is always easier when you have someone to share with. If not. We are here for you.

I think there is a reason teens are so difficult to live with. If they continued to be cute and sweet and endearing as they are when they are little, we would never want to let them go. It is hard enough to let them go when they are impossible.

I am amazed at the things my DD17 and I clash about. Then I realize it is because we are too much alike. She realizes that too and fights it. I feel like I am forever trying to help her avoid the bumps in the road, she seems to seek them.

I have to say motherhood is much more work than I ever dreamed.

 

[MerryPoppins]

...there's always chocolate.

Now that's exactly what I don't need, but hot fudge over ice cream sounds pretty good right now.

Merry, I hope your spirits have lifted a bit. Is your DH home? It is always easier when you have someone to share with. If not. We are here for you.

I think there is a reason teens are so difficult to live with. If they continued to be cute and sweet and endearing as they are when they are little, we would never want to let them go. It is hard enough to let them go when they are impossible.

Yeah. DH is home and he says he things DS's lashing out was aimed more at him than me, actually. They sort of had a disagreement this weekend. I guess maybe it's easier to jump on me than his dad, somehow? But I guess that helped. This just came so out of the blue. I feel a little better.

After we parted, I went shopping and I honestly can't tell you anything that I looked at. I think I just wandered through a store like a zombie. But at least I didn't buy anything. Maybe I should be upset more often before I go out. I get the exercise of walking around the store, but I don't see anything I need.

I so agree. If they remained easy to be with all the time, we'd never be able to let go. DH hugged me tonight and I told him under my breath that in a few years we can go off on a vacation...just the two of us. Hopefully we'll know what to do with no teenage drama.

 

[snappy]

Merry, I am glad your DH is home.

Funny you should mention doing something for just the two of you.

DH and I fantasize about the same. We have longer to wait though since DD12 is only in 6th grade. I think you can love your kids but also want some special time with your sweetie.

To be brutally honest, I believe DH and I are looking forward to DD17 going away to college as much as she is, even if just to LSU (practically in our back yard). We had a confrontation Sunday night about the fact that after I asked that her BF not stay long, he was here for hours and I was sick and grouchy.

I think we need "space" from each other.

About the sensory sensitivity, I wonder if is similar to what DS19 was diagnosed with at age 5. In a busy classroom the therapist said he had too much stimulation. His problem we think came as a result of having fluid in his ears from 18 mos to 4 years on and off. He needed speech therapy for several years to catch up. Once the tubes were placed and he could hear better, it was all a bit much. He also had trouble interacting with other kids, would get too close to them when speaking, as the therapist said, he invaded their space. He also stuttered for a while and has been on the quiet side throughout his life.

He also has yet to have a girlfriend. But that might be a good thing.

It worries me how close DD17 is with her BF. But we like him, we have him over often and I cook dinner, his mom does the same with DD17. They just spend so much time together. However, they both work part time. He also is paying for his own car, and other expenses and seems responsible. He is also earning his eagle scout award in a week. I like that unlike a lot of the boys from the Catholic boys school he lacks pretension. He defintely does not have the entitlement attitude I am sure I have said here that I despise and that I have observed in many of the private school kids.

My cold seems better after another yucky night. I'm using breathe right strips, they seem to help. Not being able to take decongestants (BP issues) is a pain. I have no patience with being sick. I actually took DD12 and a friend to a movie yesterday and proceeded to suffer with a drippy nose for 2 hours.

Note to self, the napkins at the theatre are not the right "tissue" to use when you have a cold. I feel and look like Bozo the clown. Don't need no stinking Mardi Gras costume.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hello ladies. I do check in now and then, read up what is going on. Saw the original was closed and looked for this one. Keep it going, it is such a comfort for those in need.

Sha, what a wonderful gesture, a Disney angel.

Merry, hang in there.

Hope everyone is doing well and all.

Dan

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks for stopping by, Dan. Our best to Marie.

 

[NHAnn]

aw MerryP, hope you are feeling a bit better. Those we love have the power to hurt us the most. I can think of a few occasions that have made me feels as hurt as you describe

DD is making me crazy....she got a 4.0 last semester and is down the homestretch to graduation, but real life looming has her in a tailspin of not wanting to get a real job, not wanting to go to grad school....can't figure out her next step. Taking a toll on both of us.

Laurie, get thee some Aquaphor or vaseline for that poor nose!!

Expecting yet another winter storm here tonight/tomorrow....the worst kind...freezing rain/ice/snow yuck! Give me as many feet as you want of fluffy white and keep that rain/ice mix away!!

My monthly support group got cancelled tonight with the rain expected to turn to sleet/snow/ice at sundown.

thinking of you all---GAGWTA!!

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~

Hi Dan! Thanks for stopping by our new home!

Melissa- My kids are 11 & 14, so I'm not that far into the teen world. I must say though, it's even more challenging than the toddler years... BTW- Your hubby is a keeper!

Ann- I am just trying to encourage my oldest to take ownership of choosing her schedule for next year, thinking to the future, talking to teachers, ect herself. I can only imagine where you're at right now. Am I remembering correctly-Is this the dd who was going in the peace corps or something similar? What is she interested in?

Laurie- I have never been to Mardi Gras, but I am seriously considering putting it on the ballot for the next SIS meet, NOLA that is. When is the RFTC there?

 

[MerryPoppins]

Things are better here. DS and I had another talk yesterday, and he brought up the subject again even though I told him to leave it alone. I got a chance to point out that I thought it was unfair of him to jump all over me. I got a little teary again, but I feel better getting what I needed to say off my chest. So now I think things are headed back to normal. Thanks for all the support. He just thinks he's so adult and in many ways he is, but in other ways he's just an overgrown teenager.

I have to tell part of the story. He is going to be summer camp counselor again this summer. They told him he had the job and they'd send some paperwork that he had to return within a few days of receiving it. So he's been calling me regularly to ask if it arrived. Finally, Monday night when he called, I said "Maybe you should call Vicki and see if she sent it yet? Because it's never arrived." I was not bossing or pushing....just concerned because he was worried about it. So he emailed her and she told him that he'd had it for days...she emailed it to him instead of mailing it to him. He looked in his email and it was due the next day. So I saved his job with my suggestion. And the following day he jumped all over me. So I think he was mad at his dad (from last weekend) and mad at himself, but I was the last person to give him advice so I caught hell. That's how it started and from there it grew and just got out of hand.

Honestly, I wish I hadn't said anything on Monday. It would have served him right if he'd lost the job after the way he's acted this week, except he'd be home for the whole summer and I'd have had to deal with him. But I just said what I would have said to any friend in the same situation. The advice wasn't even completely unsolicited since he brought up the situation.

Many of the things he said were very hurtful. But now that he's not so hot under the collar, he's sorry he said them. It was all complicated by his girlfriend's involvement. What a mess. Aren't kids a treat?

 

[snappy]

Question for you lovely ladies:

Share how long you and your family have been going on trips to WDW. Tell what got you started going and what keeps you going back.

Where do you most like to stay, which is your favorite park and attraction and why? If money was no object, where would you stay?


What time of year do you most like to go? Who do you like most to visit with?
What is the length of your dream trip?

I am just feeling like going from last September to next May is too long a wait for me.
However, DH and I are so darn busy, I can't see a trip before May.

My mom reminded me recently of the story of our first amusement park trip. Some friends of theirs had just returned from a trip to S. California and visited DL. They made such a production telling about it that my dad was jealous. We planned a driving trip from where we lived in Texas out west. We actually saw a lot, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, San Francisco, Hoover Dam, San Juan Capistrano, Las Vegas AND DL.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

We proceeded to go to Six Flags and similar parks across the country (my dad was transferred a number of times) during the 60's and 70's, in Texas, Ohio, N. Carolina, Georgia, and I am sure others. He took us to WDW in 1978 shortly after DH and I were married.

DH and I went again in the 90's, taking our older 2 in 1994 and then a work related stay in 1995.

Fast forward to 2002 and we bought AP's and went 3 times, renting 4 BR houses.

We took a breather (and I was diagnosed) in 2004 and then went back in 2005 several times.

I really like feeling like all reality is suspended when I am there. I seem to be energized and not at all tired or cranky.

I really love MK above all the parks, although I like all four a lot. I really like finding a comfortable spot and people watch. I do end up waiting a bit to meet up with the rest of the family or going to get new fastpasses.

I love the music. I also love all the visuals, the landscaping, the colorful buildings, the seasonaly decorations. I love talking to castmembers and other guests. I like to pin trade. I have really enjoyed our DVC stays as things seem to be a bit more relaxed at these resorts, and other guests chat more, on the buses, at the pool, whatever.

I like knowing where things are located. I imagine lots of people like adventure, I guess I did too once upon a time, now I like knowing what to expect and where I am going. There are always a few surprises sprinkled in but I like counting on certain things, good bathrooms, good beds at night. I am a comfort loving creature. I love the live performers you run in all over the place.

The houses we rented on four different trips were nice, comfortable. with everyone having there own room and a great pool in the back yard that we used ALOT.

We are a different stage now, older kids, being onsite so that everyone can split up and meet together later works better for us now.

I adored WL last September, we are going back there for 3 nights in May and then on to our first stay at the Boardwalk DVC. I have also really like our Old Key West stays, I felt very relaxed there. The big 2 BR unit was especially nice, especially for only 5 of us staying at the time.

I love Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan, and Splash Mountain. I also like Soarin' and TOT. I really can't handle the roller coasters anymore. I love the 3 D movies and live shows. and I never miss a Wishes fireworks show if I can help it.

I like to go when the weather is cooler. That being said we had an awesome trip last summer in late July/early August. It rained alot and the rain kept the crowds lighter and the temps cooler.

It was a great trip. I also liked our Easter and Thanksgiving trips. Also, our January trip, just DD and I, was great.

I am not sure what I would pick if we could stay anywhere. I would like to do concierge level at AKL once so we can do the sunrise safari.

I will always treasure our trips in 2002-2005 when everyone went, including DS.

I think our new way of doing it letting our DD's take a friend is also good.

I like a trip of about 10 days length. A week does not feel long enough. The first house we rented we stayed for 3 weeks (they gave us a free week). It was really too long for everyone but me.

I just find the time passes so quickly, and then you are home again.

Ok, I am done. Anyone else care to share?






GAGWTA!!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Share how long you and your family have been going on trips to WDW. Tell what got you started going and what keeps you going back. Where do you most like to stay, which is your favorite park and attraction and why? If money was no object, where would you stay? What time of year do you most like to go? Who do you like most to visit with?
What is the length of your dream trip?

What fun questions. I sort of squished them all together so I can see them as I answer.

I first went to Disneyland when I was 3, so I had a love of Disney as a child. DH had never been and really had no desire to go until we had kids. He had a conference in Orlando when DS was about 18 months old. We knew he'd never remember the trip, but decided it would be fun to take him. We did and fell in love with WDW. (Back then it was just EPCOT and MK, I believe.) That means we've been going for about 18 or 19 years.

Other than that first trip when we stayed off-site, we've stayed at Dixie Landings, Cabins at Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Boardwalk, and Villas at Beach Club. Wilderness Lodge is my all-time favorite. I love the atmosphere there. So far I like the Villas at Boardwalk and Beach club the best of the DVCs. We've been more times than this looks like. We've stayed some places multiple times.

My favorite park is MK, hands down. I just love the magic of it all. My favorite attraction? That's a hard one. My main reason for all of my favorites is the theming. AK is Expedition Everest. Because I just loved it even though it scared the pants off me. The park formerly known as MGM is Rockin-Roller Coaster. I love that coaster. EPCOT is Soarin, I guess. I love the sights and smells. Sort of funny coming from a sensory defensive person. MK is probably Splash Mountain. I love the drop and the theming - gotta love Brer Rabbit. I don't think I can do an overall favorite. Just doing one per park was difficult enough.

I'd stay in the castle if possible. If you mean regular resorts and DVC, I'd go with Wilderness Lodge, although I love to try new places.

I love to go at the very beginning of the Christmas season...before the crowds are unbearable and while it's cool. I love the decorations.

I love going with my family. But it'd be fun to just go with DH too. I've just never had the chance to do that.

A week or 9 days is about right. Although we've done a couple of days on both ends of a 7 day cruise and that was great too. In some ways that may be my most favorite trip of all. You get the fun of the parks (and hit your favorite high points) and you get the relaxation of the cruise. Ahhhh. That sounds good.

 

[snappy]

Thanks for your WDw history history, Merry, I really enjoyed it. Oh, I am glad you mentioned your cruises. I always forget about that aspect of WDw.

I have only been on one cruise and it was Carnival. The Disney cruises sound so much better. It sounds marvelous to be able to relax on board after a few hectic days at WDW. Two vacations in one.

You guys stay safe in the winter weather up there. You DON't want to hear how nice it is here, a good thing because it is the weekend for middle school soccer tournament. I need to dig out the sun screen for DD12.

Go Lions!!!

 

[Sha]

Not sure when it started for this year or where... but here is 2 links 1) info about the event and 2) for the registration link (to find when/where it will happen near you... and so you can pick a car that you want to drive) to do BMWs Ultimate Drive for a Cure with Susan G. Komen Org. I think its a fun way to help raise money. They have Heros of the month and info about the car that is signed by people all over the country.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Cont...wvuyr+osSUe5GSZrnZgeaMxabaCXOOzQH6kmT9Eq83Q==

https://www.bmwusa.com/Secured/Cont...pfMGdjLNUzGUQ5U/VSlL0WnCW75gxdJwh+MqSORpEcA==