Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies spring is in the air, even though its cold here

Well I should be at church but dh is miserable so I am staying home with him. Just gave him some percocet not too long ago. He has a surgeon appt. tomm at 1.

So I am doing the laundry and on the computer since its next to it and guess what, I see someone is cancelling a Le Cellier from the boards. I try to snag it, no such luck since she posted like 3 hours ago. I fool around on dates and times and A Le Cellier pops up for a differnt date and time, but I grab it!! God is good. I was just posting about it and of course Fl Lisa says its impossible to get it etc, yeah I know from before. We have never been able to get in there, so we will be there for lunch on May 22nd. I am SOOO excited!! I hope it lives up to its hype.

Sha - Sounds like your trip was magical. That photography class must be fun. My oldest ds is interested in it and my youngest is taking lots of photos since he is co editor of the yearbook. Have you ever taken any pictures of the meerkats? I find them fascinating. Plesae share the pics with us when you can.

Laurie - Grandkids, no, say it aint so!! That would be a really bad dream for me right now I just want them to fly away from the nest soon. Dh and I could use a little peace and quiet. Hooray for your dd at the track meet too.

Fl Lisa - Wow, swimming. Sounds wonderful!!

Linda - Bet its fun to watch the team!

And for everyone who is going and has gone through the chemo and side effects. I guess I am so blessed I only had to swallow the radiation. But I was sick for a week and who knows what side effects or damage will be etc. I already see I am losing the short term memory alot. and I have some eye problem etc.

Well ds 18 seems to be set on the catholic college now. He says, oh wow, they have a giant pool etc. I dont think this is the right decision but we will see. So on to the Fafsa in the next few weeks.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[snappy]

As a FASFA veteran, be sure you have your tax return done, along with all of your sons' returns, not just your DS18. but you must know that from your older two sons.

I find it best to pretty much have everything nailed down.

We also do one called CSS profile for Tulane that is a private school version of FAFSFA. It is required to keep the Tulane scholarships. It needs more info, about your investments, your 401 K/IRA's, even your actual total medical out of pocket costs, not to mention forecasting your earnings (and those of your kids) and out of pocket medical costs for 2010.

That one is very painful, but was streamlined a little. I swear the first time we did it they even required info on each car owned in the family, DD14's tuition for last year and next etc.

Oh and by the way, do it all as early as possible before you even have all your tax info. Then you just revise it manually and fax it into your colleges (particularly frustrating the first year when you applly to mulitiple colleges).

Remember you need the pin code for signatures for you and your son. I keep a file with this stuff from year to year. Good luck and don't try and do it at night like I usually do. My mind is much clearer in the am.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Well dh asked me to go to the dr. with him and I wish I had not gone. I just sat in the waiting room anyway and got to look at nurse grumpy. She is the new one I dont like. The surgeon said dh is healing well but still will have some side effects that should get better over the next 2 days. On the way home dh goes through the red light at a dangerous intersection by our house just so he could go to the bathroom. Um, I am sorry that was not good. I screamed of course. People have died at this place. So now dh is happy and I am not speaking to him, or should I say I am avoiding him. He is going out to a dinner tonight anyway so I am sure he is fine. The dr. told him just to keep drinking alot.

I faxed ds18 wait list paper, he also e mailed it the other day. We sent in the $250 deposit for the catholic college. They are making him do the fafsa for the scholarship. (I used to work in the financial aid office there). So in the next 2 days that should be making alot of progress. Also ds friend who is also on the wait list I read about him,he has a 3.9 average, I think ds only has like a 3.76 and this boy is the class president, baseball team and plays the piano and is a part time waiter, will be interestig to see if he gets in, He is also of a demographic which is overun at that univ.

Ds 22 still has not heard vbout the part time job. I told him to e mail them a little thank you and ask for a reference etc. if they dont want to hire him etc. He will see.

And I wonder why I feel stressed lately, oh add to that the ins. co. wanting ds20 papers. hello higher premioums I am sure. He was a covered family member, now they say they want him as a listed driver, thats nice, he has 1 point.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[snappy]

Whee, that ride home sounded like a nightmare. Glad you got home safely.

Be sure your DH drinks water. Other liquids are good but good old plain water is probably the best.

I did not realize you ha worked in financial aid. You probably know way more than me then about these applications.

Your son's 3.76 GPA is great. it sounds like the competition is very stiff in your area. He will do well.

I think just getting to work on the other application and having a plan will help immensely. Being in that waiting mode for so long was difficult for him and for you.

The insurance companies will drive you batty. Our insurance company was ready to drop all 4 of us drivers when DD19 had several accidents, 2 out of the 4 was her fault, the others were clearly the other person's fault. We talked them into excluding her and getting her a separate policy with another insurance company. It was expensive but probably best as now the car is in her name. Luckily the accidents have dried up. I worry a lot about her havng a car in New Orleans. I just tell myself that she is learning life lessons.

We want to protect our children but once they get to a certain age, it is time to let go. It is a struggle for me as I generally am a controlling person.

I am so glad we have DD14 still at home or I think I would be totally lost.

Truly, my life revolves around my children, not my job as it did in the 1980's and 1990's.

I am trying to keep the spark alive with DH though. He is doing so well on the new cholestorel meds, eatting low fat and exercising. I tell him daily how glad I am that he has turned his health around. I also try to help by trying to fix him a saald for lunch with chicken breasts most days of the week.

The salads with protein shakes seem to be really the path for him. I know the encouragement from me helps too.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Well the ds repaired x box is coming today. It actually came yest. when I was with dh at the dr. They should be happy.

I have a meeting tonight. So does dh. If he cant go, I told ds 20 he is taking me. I am secretary and have to do the minutes etc. Also I need to get a handle for the upcoming school year. I am sure its gloomy, so we must pray about it. Last year 1 teacher left or we would have to lay off more and we had to lay off the computer teacher too, now the teachers have to teach it. Small schools and bad economy are not good together.

In my research I see that Narcooses is open till 10 pm. Our reservation is for 9:40, only thing they had. I am wondering if we wil get good/food service etc. I might try to see if they have anything earlier. I also hope the walk is not too long. I see its not in the main restraunt. I didnt know that. Oh well, we will see, hmm, maybe I should check out citricos?

Dh forgot to ask the dr. for pain meds. I told him to call today or tomm. He leaves friday. I do have extra, but why should I share. Everyone takes my prescription cough med etc. Why cant they go the the dr. themselves? Well ds20 knows he cant get advair from us so he must call the dr. today I think. I am tired of him, not using the contacts, not taking the asthma meds, yes Laurie, he needs to grow up. Him, I get a little tired of micro managing, but since its asthma and his life re:breathing I think I put my 2 cents in there somewhere.

Friday is the senior prom. Ds 18 would have no idea how to get there. I told ds20 he might have to take him. Worse, its going to rain and this town floods like crazy. I am talking dangerous flooding. Once we took oldest ds there and it was up to the van side door. I am making sure ds20 takes the van. I hate that the school always has the events so far away, even father since we live so far from the school to begin with. I will be following the weather forcast closely.

Should I even type this, I was thinking, gosh its nice that right now the cancer is in the back of my mind. always there but in the back, hmm I guess this is a gradual process? Doesnt seem to be in the front of my mind, hmm, I guess that will change in 2 weeks with the rad. onc. visit.

GTAGWTA.

 

[snappy]

I get that you don't want to "jinx" yourself by putting it on the back burner. You have the right idea, it is nice when life interferes with cancer, isn't it?
You are right the asthma thing is something you need to stay in the loopon.

It is hard to know where the lineis when they are of age.

I have found in my situation that when I remind DD19 of stuff, she gets mad, espcially if I repeat things (which I do because I forget what I have said) she considers it overkill. I think she realizes I am not trying to run her life but loses her temper in the moment. I am trying to take a step back. Being independent is good. Right now kids have us as a safety net. One day they will not.

That is the cold hard fact. I really don't want to tell her what to do or with whom, but I think we need to know where she is in case we need to reach her.

 

[wdw4us2]

LMP - Narcoosee's is located on the water at the back of the resort. It might be too much of a walk for you if you are concerned about distance. The other restaurants are located in the main building.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Fl Lisa - Have you eaten there before? Another poster said I might be able to take the launch over since its closer to the GF Boat Dock? I could take the wheelchair on the monorail and I just want to make sure there is a place to store it at the restraunt and it wont be in the way. I dont want to lose it like we did at AK in dec. I need to have options as I dont know how well or how much strength I will have at any moment etc.

Lisa (Honu) - Thinking of you and your upcoming surgery

Laurie - Have you heard from Laurabelle post op?? I hope her surgery went well

And speaking of Narcoosees..I asked dh. He didnt care about eating late, but my bad..I see now wishes is at 9 pm that night. So I saw online that there is an 8:40. I call disney dining because I want to cancel that one they say the system is down, I cant wait, but I book it online. I dont know if they had a place to write its your anniversary etc. Oh well, I will see about that when I call to cancel the other one. And Laurie will be eating at Cali Grill that night too and watching wishes. Laurie we need to make a plan to meet sometime sista!!

Well my meeting last night was exactly what I was expecting. The enrollment for next year is so low. They think some parents are just waiting. I sure hope so, because the only thing I can see is combining 5 and 6th grade and getting rid of another teacher. That will hurt for sure. One pre k teacher is leaving. She is having marriage problems and needs a better financial job to support herself and children. Our govenor might get rid of free pre school. If he does that would help us out alot. You never know what is going to happen around here.

I put the chicken in the ovrn yest and sat with ds18 and did the FAFSA. He insisted on doing it and just me helping, fine with me. We also had to do a seperate form for our state program. I dont know if we will get anything for that. Oh well.

Dh called for more pain pills to take on the trip. They said ok. Well when he went to pick them up he saw they cut the script in half to 20 pills. oh that is just great, and how is that going to last for 9 days away?? I told him I will share some of my stash with him and he can just put them in his bottle etc. I know before he had to fight like hell to get me my 40 pill refilll. I see they seem to have a protocol of just cutting your script in half if you ask for a refill etc, all the surgeons so to say. I am just concerned since he will be away etc. Glad I have an extra supply for sure. Dh only worked half day yest. He said by noon he was feeling miserable. Took a pain pill and had a nice nap.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Maryann, we have been to Narcoosee's twice. The first time we went it was the night before I came down with a virus, so I had a horrible headache. We didn't LOVE it, but I figured maybe my perception was skewed by not feeling well. DH really wanted to try it again, so we went back last year on my birthday. I still didn't love it. We probably won't go back for awhile, if we go back at all. The food, atmosphere and service were fine, but not outstanding. For a signature restaurant I expect it to be more than just acceptable. We weren't there late enough for fireworks, so I can't comment on that aspect of it.

We have been to Citrico's 4 times, and we love it. Going back in June.

 

[wdw4us2]

LMP - Yes, we have eaten at Narcoosee's but it was several years ago. I think it is close to where the boat launch is for the MK. I agree with what Jacksgirl said - we weren't that impressed by the restaurant. I think the problem we had with it was the noise. When we were there it was very loud, mainly because the kitchen is open and in the middle of everything. The food was good, but not worth the $$$ in my opinion.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

LMP - Yes, we have eaten at Narcoosee's but it was several years ago. I think it is close to where the boat launch is for the MK. I agree with what Jacksgirl said - we weren't that impressed by the restaurant. I think the problem we had with it was the noise. When we were there it was very loud, mainly because the kitchen is open and in the middle of everything. The food was good, but not worth the $$$ in my opinion.

The restaurant is right there by the boat dock. I know when we finished with dinner last year we took the boat back over to the MK dock.

I can't pinpoint what it is about Narcoosee's, but it just doesn't do anything for me. I know the first time we went the tables were REALLY close together. The people at the next table had apparently been there for awhile, and their kids were bored so they were running around. They kept banging into the back of DH's and DS's chairs. DS has NO tolerance for that, so he kept muttering. I kept glaring at the adults, but they were blissfully unaware. Luckily they weren't there for our entire meal.

Last year the whole thing just fell sort of flat for me. There weren't any appetizers I wanted to try, my entree was just "eh" and they messed up the potato substitution I had asked for. We weren't even going to have dessert, but they brought out a free one because it was my birthday. And it was fine. But not fabulous or amazing or special. Our server didn't have much personality, but he did his job efficiently.

We went to Flying Fish the next night and we were blown away by the food, service, little attention to details. They made me feel like we were CELEBRATING my birthday, not just eating dinner on my birthday (which is how I felt at Narcoosee's).

We love Flying Fish for food and service, the best server on earth is at Yachtsman, and Citrico's is great.

 

[snappy]

I also like flying Fish a lot. It too has an open kitchen arrangement but we had a table right by the window so were away from the hubbub. I really enjoyed my scallops.

Good service.

Who is the server you like at the Yachtsman, Elizabeth? We like to eat around the EPCOT resort area when we stay at the boardwalk.

Our new neighbors are leaving for Animal Kingdom lodge tomorrow. They have two boys, 4 and 8 who DD14 babysits for. This is the kids first trip. I gave them as much info as I could about AK. They are driving. I also gave them my cell phone so they can call me to "consult" if they need to.

Any words of wisdom, Elizabeth?

I explained about fast passes, different restaurants we like, gave them all the materials we received when we stayed at AKV Jambo house in November.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Well I guess I know what to be expecting at Narcooses. Hmm, I guess in Dec. we should try Flying Fish since we will be at Yacht or Beach. I am planning on booking a bounceback if they have it when we are there.

Dh is happy that I am sharing my pill stash with him. Less stress for him. I have to go to the bank and get him a wad of cash today. He said when you exchange money they just want $100's.

I tried to make an advising appt. for ds at the community college. They said he must call himself, so he can do that this afternoon or tomm. when he has off. I guess we are covering all our bases for sure. His friends back up plan for the wait list is to go to the community college in his county too.

Tonight ds22 is going to a coaches awards dinner, its for the players, one of his got all academic in the league so that is good. I am also going to print some jobs I saw on the comm. college website for him to look at. He is going to try and contact his internship again. This is frustrating. I wish they would not have just out right lied to him, but it seems they have. Maybe it would not be a good place to work etc.

GTAGWTA. I have a ton of paperwork to do, note to self: it is a pain to own 3 houses right now.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies! Sending good thoughts, hugs, and healing vibes to all!

Laurie, our server is Ricardo. He is such a delight - we love him. I just e-mailed him the other day to make sure he has us down in his book for June. If the ADR was for a night he wasn't working I would reschedule it. Hands down the very best server we have ever had! I have written to the manager and also spoken to him in person about what a gem Ricardo is.

Hmm. No words of wisdom for AKL that I can think of. DS was a few weeks shy of his 9th b-day on our first trip, so I haven't ever traveled with kids that young, or with more than one kid at a time.

 

[lookingforward]

I like Narcoosee's a lot. I love their lobster and my niece has celiac and they made her the most delicious gluton free bread. The tables are packed in there, though!

I know Elizabeth has already heard my good news because she has been holding my hand from afar during the waiting ...but my daughter Danielle got in to the Middle School of the Arts in theater! WOOO HOOO!! I am still on cloud nine. Now Danielle and ELizabeth's Carter are both in great schools for the next few years. We are blessed!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Congrats again, Maureen & Danielle!!

We are supposed to get a "proposed" course list this week. Huh. Wonder when that will finally arrive? I think we all agree we don't want a full load of pre-AP courses for DS's freshman year, but I know that's what they are going to recommend. I will need to chat with the counselor and see what courses they are offering in basic level and pare down his schedule to just a couple of pre-AP. Going to high school, transitioning to a magnet environment, and jumping from 7 classes to 9 is going to be enough of a shock - we don't need him to also be drowning in academics.

 

[snappy]

Would love to meet up with you , LMP.

Congrats to your darling daughter, Maureen!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladiesIts rainy here today, so I am dreaming of a sunny smilie

Maureen - That is so great about your dd.

Elizabeth - I know what you mean about not having your ds overwhelmed. I think they need to get adjusted to a new enviornment etc. first. OT: How are princess and pixie?

Laurie - Yes, we must make a plan to meet up during the week

I told dh I am stressed . I got alot of the paperwork done yest. Hmm it involved the landscaper and utilities for dh dads house. Now today I am calling the ins. agent.

Today dh is suppose to leave. I dont know if he is due to the volcanic cloud from Iceland. He s flying into Frankfurt and heard that was closed yest. too. He will be talking to the travel dept. today. I am doing 1 more load of laundry for him now. He didnt even come to bed last night. He had to pull an all nighter to get all his work done. We did go out to dinner before, but needless to say I am not happy. Oh and now they are reserving a place for me at this retreat they want him to go to. I dont really think wives are going so I would be bored. Its a real luxury spa and its on the beach. I told dh I dont know what the rad. onc. is going to do yet and I might have to be on that special diet, so there is no way I could go. You have to cook all the food yourself etc.

Today is also prom day. That should be fun. Ds got a ride with a boy from church. His girllfriend lives in the opposite direction also. Ds also callled the community college and made an advising appt. Not till June 2nd.His math teacher at hs teaches there at night. She said she doubts ds will get picked from the state univ. wait list. I doubt it too. Sigh, sigh, but I am still praying. So maybe the comm. college wont be too bad after all.

DS 20 wants to know why I wont call for his asthma meds. I said you havent seen the dr. either one of them so they would have to see you etc. Also add in he doesnt use the contacts, and now he wants us to pay for a gym membership for him after he quit his job, you get the picture.

Ds 22 doesnt seem to see the seriousness in finding a full time job. All he says is no one is hiring. He needs to go to the job fair at his college next week. He needs to be a little more agressive I think.

Dh signed up for the aa admirals club. I think its worth it with all the travel he does. He is hanging out for like 11 hours in Frankfurt and this one has a shower, so he is happy.

Its going to be a long 9 days. Well my one friend invited me to her pampered chef party next sat. I should probably go. Even though I dont need anything etc.

GTAGWTA. Have a great week end everyone.

 

[lookingforward]

Congrats again, Maureen & Danielle!!

We are supposed to get a "proposed" course list this week. Huh. Wonder when that will finally arrive? I think we all agree we don't want a full load of pre-AP courses for DS's freshman year, but I know that's what they are going to recommend. I will need to chat with the counselor and see what courses they are offering in basic level and pare down his schedule to just a couple of pre-AP. Going to high school, transitioning to a magnet environment, and jumping from 7 classes to 9 is going to be enough of a shock - we don't need him to also be drowning in academics.

Good thinking. The transition from middle to high school is immense! Danielle is going to have to change from one teacher in a elementary school to a huge middle school and lots of responsibilities. I hope she can focus, she is a bit unorganized. We got all her registration materials in the acceptance packet, we have to attend registration on May 3rd, Orientation on June 4, Thespian awards on May 27. BUSY!!!

Here is an article about how hyped up everyone gets around here for this middle school. My son was lucky enough to go there and now she will be, and I am just so happy. I only wish my mom were here to enjoy it!

http://www.wflx.com/Global/story.asp?S=12037582

 

[wdw4us2]

Good morning, all!

Sorry I haven't been on here much lately. I guess the rads are starting to catch up with me. Just finished up with week 4 - hooray! I also started swimming again last weekend. I am up to 45 minutes a day and that is contributing to my fatigue, I'm sure. I also have more burns now than I did before. The nurse says it's a cumulative thing. DS has no school today and he's driving me crazy. I can't get him to do anything around the house because he says he's tired from being in Boca Raton all day yesterday for Chorus States. His school received straight 1's so they were excited about it.

LMP - I love how you are sharing your "stash" with DH. I hope his travel plans aren't interrupted for too long because of the volcanic ash.

Jacksgirl - We have had several good servers at Yachtsman. We haven't been there in about a year. Their prices are so high now that we prefer to go to Charley's Steakhouse on 192 in Kissimmee.