EWP group?

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, I went ahead and booked the rooms even at the higher cost so I would be guaranteed a place to stay. I did not really want to change my dates to the cheaper ones as our AP's run out November 7th and I really want to see certain bands. Hopefully a better code will come out and I can switch, otherwise we will be eating at McD a whole bunch. (Youngsters, that is what happens when you do not get a good education and save for your old age. LOL) The way Tom. was and is, it was a miracle to get him to go to work at all. Luckily he had a great place to work, he was able to call several times a day and talk at length. I have a 30 foot phone cord for that reason. Had to go to the bathroom sometime. LOL How far have you gotten with your packing? Is there a chance that you could have use of the promised truck a couple of days in advance so that you could pack a bit at a time? Are your kids the useful kind?

Talk, as long as you are alright it is alright to scare me. I scare easily anyway. Congratulations on the medal!! There are many others who wish they were you. I am thrilled for your aunt and family. I am sure they are greatly relieved. Downtown Philly is not a great place for a young girl to be wandering. My nephew went to school there for a bit and had a fantastic place to live. It looked like a dump downstairs but was awesome inside. Many parents here buy a condo or something when their child goes to school and then sell it at a profit later, especially if there are younger siblings who will be needing housing later also. Might your mom not be at Weight Watcher's? They just started a new plan and there is a lot to learn. It is ten o'clock, do you know where your mom is? LOL What did you make for dinner? My oldest grandson only knows how to grill cheese sandwiches cause that is what he likes to eat. Sad.

Rider has finished her test and I will let her give you the results however I will say t his - her verbal skills are excellent and the ONLY way she could have done less than perfect on them was if she got fixated on the first question got into too much interesting detaill LOL

SG/Linda who just found two boys on her back porch trying to hide out from church. I let them in. LOL

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

I HAVE RETURNED! (Well, my brain is still vacationing, but the rest of me is here, anyway! )

Thanks so much for all of your kind words and thoughts and pixie dust and for thinking of me! I survived the GRE yesterday - at least it's over. I was a bit surprised / disappointed with my verbal score - but then again, I ran out of time just before the end of the section, and the computer stopped me from answering the few remaining questions. I thought that I would do much better with that section. Oddly enough, though, I scored 90 points higher on the math section than on the verbal section - a first for me! I guess that that review class really did help! All in all, I guess I did a respectable job...........though I might freak out and take the test once more in September, in the hopes of getting that verbal score up, a bit. Will wait to find out how I did on the essays first - those scores should be mailed to me in a few weeks.

Anyway..............I see that everyone has been busy, in here! Nice to hear from you Emily and congratulations on making the fall ball team, and on your great summer season, too! It sounds like you had a great time at the tournaments and that you all did a great job! I have definitely been following the Olympics - I am totally "addicted" and I watch it every night into the wee hours. Gymnastics is my favorite, though of course I follow everything else, too! Was thrilled for our softball team, our beach volleyball team, our swimmers (of course) and gymnasts, and I was really touched to see the first Israeli ever to win a gold medal, last night, too!

Glad to hear that the packing is coming along, Colleen! How much more do you have to go, at this point? You will definitely be all ready to go, well in advance of your move date!

Hi Elaine! I've been meaning to try Bongos, but we never seem to find ourselves in Downtown Disney! The last time that we were there was in 2000, when we went to see "La Nouba", and we had dinner at the House of Blues that night. We'll really have to try to make it over there - especially when we stay at POR and can just take a boat there!

Congratulations on your medal and on completing your State Meet, Caroline! I've been thinking of you while watching the track and field Olympic competitions! And that's wonderful news about your Aunt and Uncle, too! I definitely remember the days of looking at colleges - I looked at UPenn, too (that's where my father went to school)! My high school boyfriend (who was a year ahead of me in school) went to Temple University, so I had originally had my heart set on going to school in Philly. But I'm happy that I ultimately wound up at Rutgers - looking back, I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else!

Hi again, Linda! Glad to hear that you made your fall WDW reservations! That is so exciting! Now, where will you be staying? You and Tom must be getting so excited! Please think of us if you find yourselves wandering over to the Poly! And thanks again for thinking of me, too!

This is the first time in a long time that I haven't been working or in school - will give myself a break before I figure out what new projects to work on until I get my whole graduate school thing nailed down. In the mean time, I'm going to spend the afternoon cooking (nothing special - just getting ahead on a few night's dinners so that I don't have to worry about them later)! My father wants us to go and see my mother's headstone at the cemetary, tomorrow, as it was just put up and we'll be having the unveiling right after the Jewish holidays. UGH. Should be kind of a somber experience, so we're taking my father out to lunch afterwards, at the restaurant which caters our holiday meals (and so that we can pick up the Rosh Hashana menu to see what we're going to order this year, too!). All this to say, I doubt that I'll be in the mood to cook, tomorrow night, so might as well get a head start, now!

Hi out there, Angie, Wendy, Depply, and Charlene!

Hope that all is well with everyone and hope that you're all having a good week! Talk to you all soon!

 

[colleen costello]

Gosh, I am a fossil. When I took the GRE, it took WEEKS to get your results. You had to sweat it out, then practically faint opening the long-awaited letter. Computers sure have changed the world. Rider, glad you did well.

Linda, I read today on the Boards that some additional codes have come out... Hope these can help you. It is just too painful to pay full price for Disney rooms... Your comment about the boys hiding out from church made me laugh. Back in the 1970's I pulled that a few times myself! Perhaps times have changed, but when I was a kids I swear there was no greater form of torture than the Catholic mass. Adding to it was the fact that most of our priests were about a zillion years old. You couldn't even sit there and zone out (which I am prone to even today when life gets slow) because Catholic services require you to kneel, sit, stand, and keep changing these positions every few minutes. UGH. I applaud you for harboring those refugees!

I spent today packing Ian's room. Lots of boxes and lots of dust in a small space. I keep thinking about how if I were famous or rich, I could pay some other poor slob to do this miserable task for me! Alas, I am a plugging along, taking lots of allergy medicine as I go. How exactly does so much dust accumulate in closed closets?

Mom arrives Labor Day weekend and my pal Tammie will be here with a large vehicle of same sort -- whichever her busy hubby can spare that day -- on September 10th. The movers come September 11. I am still a little squeamish about doing anything that weekend except sitting in front of the TV crying, but hubby says being busy will keep my mind off all the sad stuff that will be on. Every year around 9/11 I get depressed and all the TV stuff makes it worse, yet I feel compelled to watch it, as if it might suddenly make some sense... Then I get nervous about more terrorism.... I guess keeping busy that weekend probably IS a good idea.

Hope all is well with everyone.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Yesterday was a totally wasted day. Was not feeling my best, fever, sick to stomach etc. Ugh!! It was Tom's birthday too so that made it even worse. I did manage to cook him a special meal complete with cake (one that would not tempt me). I hope to make up some today. Have much to do in the next two weeks.

Colleen, had to laugh at your church description. I was Catholic for a minute and half once. Well, sort of. When I was younger I visited a lot of different churches in search of where I belonged. Still looking. Tom once told me that he would rather see me in a bar than a church so we have not attended church all the years we were married, not my choice. When our dd joined the church I was able to convince my husband to start going to the church and we went for about a year. Was not a good fit as I felt uncomfortable sitting there hearing them say things that go against the grain for me (such as the fact that ONLY people in that particular brand of religion were going to heaven). IMHO believing such a thing would probably be a reason why someone would NOT enter the pearly gates but that is just my opinion. It got harder and harder to get Tom to go at all and I was not really too enthralled either but was hoping for a closer relationship with dd so I hung in until ---- Get this one------- I had been caring for my oldest grandson for a week.(nite and day) When the grands are sick they stay with me cause I am obsessive and will sit up with them all night. DD has to get up and go to work and cannot do so. Poor boy had been so sick he had been to the doctor twice and I was extremely worried about him. The 'Committee" from the church dropped by, unannounced, as is their wont and insisted, over my protests about having a sick child on the couch, on coming in. One member was the dil of my friend who has been robbed and thrown into the nursing home. (grrrrrr) They proceeded to inform me that I was not being fair to my dh in insisting on moving to a smaller home and that I should take his wants and needs into account and do what he says as he is the 'man'. That is the short version. After they left I considered carefully what they had said and since Tom did not want to go and it was my money going into the collection I decided to take their advice and do what Tom wanted. (grin) I could not see myself belonging to a group that might require me to visit people and tell them what to do anyway. I am now officially a heathen, I guess. I do for others and donate to worthy causes, just not an organized religion. I am a rebel without pause. Guess I was spoiled as a child when I had the good fortune to have had a minister who taught me the love and grace of God rather than the fear and bigotry. Hope this does not offend. God did not call everyone to build an ark and it is fine with me if someone else is called to whatever, I am having a hard enough time figuring out what I am called to. (smile)

You know, if you paid someone to pack that stuff you would have no idea where everything was once you got moved. Got to think positively. LOL It is amazing how much dirt you can find in a clean home when you get to moving things around.

Lisa, all that hard work sure paid off for you. I am not a bit surprised that you did so well on the math part. I still think you probably just got carried away with some of the verbal questions and just plain ran out of time. Verbal skills are your long suit. LOL We usually eat at HOB before LaNouba as well but will have to check out Bongo's next trip. I like flavorful foods. Speaking of food, what kinds of things did you whomp up? Have you ever heard of or tried the thing where you cook up a month's worth of meals and freeze them? I do that on a smaller scale. I call them planned leftovers. LOL We will be at AS Sports as usual. It is just the perfect place for us for so many reasons. I get to see my friend who is charge of housekeeping as well and that is always wonderful. She is special person and I am enjoying watching her work her way up at Disney.

It is wonderful that you are getting a bit of a break at this time of year. I know that your dad will appreciate your support when you have the tombstone put in place. It is a bittersweet moment. I had to pick out and pay for my mom's as my dad would not. She had to wait for so much in her life that I did not want her to have to wait for that. It has a yellow rose on it as that was her favorite flower.

I love the idea of being able to order a meal delivered for the holidays. I have a lot of cooking to do next month as we are going to have a houseful of company and with Hope Heritage Days coming up I always have an Open House. I am bringing Mary from the nursing home to spend the day. She can sit in the LR and then go out on the porch when the parade comes through. She does not go to church anymore because it hurts her too much to see the grands and not get to talk or touch to them. She was told that she holds them too long. Our next door neighbors are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary next weekend. They have a lovely patio and yard area so we got them a sundial, to measure the hours they have spent and look forward to many more. They are a special family. I have their blood in my veins as they all donated for my last surgery. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors.

I am so looking forward to October when I can live the life of Riley and enjoy each and every special moment. Even can eat what I want cause I walk so much. I walk twice as much as most cause I get lost twice as much. LOL

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Sunday and getting some rest for the busy week ahead.

Love, SG/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Just checking in very quickly... busy doing things today and I have some calls to make before I head out again.

Caroline, sounds like you did great in the meet! I am envious that you can jump that high though... never been good at it whenever I tried it.

Lisa, sorry you were a tad disappointed with your score... I am sure it was still good and you are right, you can always try again

Well I suppose I should go say hi to acouple other groups and get moving. Enjoy the day all!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Elaine

Sure was nice of you to drop by. You are one busy lady. Make sure to stop once in awhile and dream a little dream. Makes life worth living. See you later!

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

How have you all been doing?

You know, Colleen - I have wondered about how dust gets into closed closets, myself! How is that packing coming along? Slowly but surely, you're getting there! And I agree with Linda - if you DID have someone come in and do the packing for you, you might not know where everything is when it comes time to unpack........so it wouldn't be very practical, anyway! Besides, as you pack yourself, I'm sure that you're coming across lots of interesting things that you may have forgotten that you have, and get to appreciate them all over again!

And I agree that it's probably good to keep busy on the weekend of 9/11. We've decided to have my mother's unveiling ceremony on the 12th, so I know that we will be busy that weekend, which is good. I'm also prone to sitting in front of the TV and watching all of the coverage. Did anyone happen to see the 3 ladies who are relatives of 9/11 victims on the Republican Convention coverage last night? Just listening to their stories made me cry.

That's an unbelievable story about the people from your former church, Linda! You were more of a lady than I would have been - I would have thrown those people out and told them that the decisions that my husband and I make are none of their business! Well, at least you found out what sorts of people were in the congregation and what sorts of behaviors the congregation found "acceptable", anyway!

So sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well - especially on Tom's Birthday! Please wish him a belated Happy Birthday for us! How are you feeling, now?

Now that I have a little more free time, I just might start cooking "in bulk" and freezing things, so that I won't have to worry about cooking every night. I didn't make anything unusual, the other day - just the "old favorites" - a regular lasagna for Frank, my father, and my uncle and a cabbage version for me ( ), a crock pot full of salsa chicken, and a turkey meatloaf!

Actually, it's kinda neat that I have some more free time - I can work on some silly projects that I usually wouldn't have time to do. I'm in the process of making a little scrapbook for a friend whose birthday is this weekend. He's an old friend from ML and we've recently gotten together with him and his wife a few times, and he was getting all sentimental, thinking about how long we've known eachother (15 years). So I'm making a scrapbook kind of "chronicaling our friendship" for his birthday - I thought that he might get a kick out of that. It was a big project going through 15 years of photo albums to pick out pictures for it, yesterday, but I like doing that sort of thing when I have the time (and you can imagine how many photo albums I have from just the past 15 years.........I've always been a "picture freak"! ).

That's great that you'll be staying at All Star Sports again, Linda! It's nice that you get to visit your friend who works there, and you've always said such great things about it in the past, too! And it's so great that you will have so much time to spend there, visit with your family, etc. And it's coming up in just a few weeks, now that it is almost September!

How are you doing, Elaine? How are you, Luis, and the kitties doing? Did you post DL pictures somewhere and I missed them while I was "in hibernation"????

How are you all doing out there, Angie, Wendy, Caroline, Emily, Depply, and Charlene?

I can't believe that it's almost time for your Heritage Days celebration, again, Linda! That's when I realize how long we've all "been in" the Suite - when you start talking about Heritage Days or Angie tells us about Mardi Gras, I just can't believe that another year has passed so quickly! And we're all still here in the Suite! So glad that they haven't "kicked us out" yet, after all of these years! I guess we must be good "tenants"!

Have a great day, Everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

After living for so many years there are many days that are memorials for me, some happy, many not. I have found that going out and doing something useful for someone is a wonderful way to remember a sad occasion or dear departed one. Instead of leaving flowers at a grave I give books in memory of my mother. She gave me the love of books and would heartily approve. I bet there are an awful lot of people around who wonder who Jackie A. is or was. LOL September 11th would be a great day to protest or applaud something, sign up someone to vote, read a book about the history of our country, all sorts of wonderful things. This country may not be perfect but it is as close as they come in this world, IMHO. I rejoice in being grateful to be born somewhere that others fight to be able to come to. The fact that we often disagree, and are allowed to do so, is what makes us the unique society that we are. Those disagreements are what keeps us on an even keel, over a period of time. I will defend to the death your right to disagree with me. LOL

Rider, I never imagine you having any time other than busy. Sounds like you will have a family filled weekend in September and being surrounded by love, you can cope with anything. I actually find the church story funny. My sense of humor is a bit off and I can find humor in almost any sitaution. Has been my saving grace many times. There are many wonderful people who go to that church as well, is what kept me going for long. IMHO, if you have to tell everyone you are a Christian (or whatever) you might not be. I never do business with anyone who uses their religion as a selling point, seems terrible to me. I am afraid that I take my religious views seriously enough that I could never belong to a church for purely social reasons. Life would be easier if I could but then I have never done things the easy way. LOL I am sure that the committee felt that they were doing God's work. A Bible verse kept going through my mind while the man was berating me. "Father, forgive them , for they know not what they do". LOL I had to run screaming out into the backyard the other day as Tom was attempting to stick his foot under the safety shield on the back of the lawnmower. Heaven help me if a church member heard me as I am sure I sounded demented. If please would work I would use it. Does not. In cases where he is walking out in front of a truck I am forced to use a rhyming word to get his attention. Is only attention worthy as it is not a word I use lightly. (smile)

One of the best presents I ever received in my life was a scrapbook like you are making. The investment of time was precious to me and I keep it on my desk at all times along with a Jersey Shore magnet and small photo of a very nice couple I know. Doubt you know how very special you are since you seem to take for granted the things that you do. Just because you enjoy doing something and it comes easy for you it does not make it less special. (you may quote me)

Still not feeling too well. Am thinking I had better start taking some prednisone but I really want to wait until NC so I can enjoy my friends and then I would need another course for DW. The stuff is dangerous and should not be used more than necessary. Am going to give it two more days and then see. Some might be nerves. I wrote my dear son a letter the other day and mailed it to him at work. I have scant hope of a reply but will have some comfort in knowing I am not giving up and still trying. I want my words of love to be the last thing he thinks of me in case either of us slips the bounds of this Earth.

Had to forget the idea of a sundial. None to be found anywhere in the area. I went to every single store and hardware that might have sheltered one to no avail. I did find a beautiful handblown green and orange hummingbird feeder and a garden cross. They have a lovely patio area with various and sundry oddaments. I think I will go over and install these items and see how long it is before they notice them. They are on a trip to Texas right now and I am watching the house for them. One day instead of walking I raked their yard of twigs. I would rather exercise with work than boring walking.

There is site for Once a Month Cooking somewhere and you might find some great things there. I wish that they would make more prepared foods at reasonable prices without all the bad stuff in the stores. So much fast food is bad food and it is not necessary. Our Wal Mart has started stocking premade salads in the deli that are awesome. I love the Asian Chicken with assorted greens and lite dressing. Is about 350 calories for a huge bowl.

Someone. at lunch, told me that I should write a book and I think I just did. (grin) Better go before we have to have it bound in leather.

SG/Linda

 

[TalkisCheap]

Hi!!


Well, I haven't really caught up, because I haven't been on here much. I got my wisdom teeth out yesterday. It's pretty painful but nothing like looking at myself in the mirror, LoL!!! I'm pretty swollen, and I can't do much of anything. It's the worst not being able to smile or laugh, because I usually am always doing both.


Not much else to say here. Oh, my Aunt and Uncle's house sold, no problems, and they've already bought another house! They're very excited, not sure when the moving day is, but some time soon! Also, school in my town starts tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll be starting...when I feel up to it!!


Well, I hope everyone is well. I'll be sure and comment once I catch up when I'm feeling a little better. Until then, have a good few days!


Caroline

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Caroline, how are you feeling? I hope not too badly. Were your teeth impacted? There is always some good in any bad thing and the reverse applies as well. Only good thing I can think of is how nice your profile will be with those pesky back teeth out. Is a bit of a reach but that is all I could think of to cheer you up.

It is so much easier to buy a house than to sell one. I am so happy for your family. You are a great person to worry about them the way you do.

Isn't it great that your schooling can conform to your life rather than the other way around. Hoping that you are back to your sweet smiling self soon.

SG/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Still keeping very busy lately... been putting in over time at work and my weekends are far too busy.

Linda, I do hope you are feeling better soon. It has been so beautiful lately, that it is a shame you'd be sick instead of being able to enjoy it all.

Lisa, what a wonderful scrap book you are doing!!!! Nice to have the free time to do it! I have not done anything with the DL pictures... I honestly have hardly looked at them myself.

Caroline, do take care of yourself. I was lucky and had an easy time of it with my wisdom teeth, so I hope you are feeling better soon.

Well a friend just came over, I had better go.

 

[colleen costello]

Hi girls. Today was a busy day. We closed on two houses. Mine is sold and my new one "bought." The kids are having a hard time understanding why we can't enter our new house yet! 10 days is a lifetime to them. Erin made a paper chain to help her count the days. She cuts off a link every day.

Caroline, hang in there with those teeth. I had a terrible time with my wisdom teeth. I tell everyone that after LABOR PAINS, those darn teeth were the worst. Now that the trauma of labor has faded -- Ian is 6! -- I actually think having the wisdoms out may have hurt worse than labor... Once the baby comes out, labor is done -- but those teeth (or lack thereof) hurt for a week! If you are still bad in a day or two, make your Mom haul you back to the office. I had a nasty case of "dry sockets," where the wounds don't properly close, and after a week I finally went back to the doc. I was miserable. Once he cleaned and packed them with surgical gauze I was a new woman. ALso congrats on the selling of the house... I guess it is true, "sooner or later they all sell."

Linda, I am so sad to hear of your troubles with your son. being relatively new to the suite, I had no idea there was a problem and my heart goes out to you. Of course you should try to keep up contact. I will pray it all works out somehow. Thank goodness you have your grandkids to console you.

HelenaBear and Rider, hello. Sounds like you are busy girls. Hello to everyone.

Back to packing...

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Helenabear! Just hang onto all those photos and someday when you get ancient like myself you will have all those memories to dream of. LOL Seriously, at least put them in an envelope by year. Will make it much easier if and when ever do get around to organizing them. Hope you had a nice visit with your friend.

Colleen, gee it has been a very long time since ten days seemed like a long time to me. Great idea with the chain otherwise you would be answering questions every minute instead of every hour. (grin) I had such a terrible childhood that I was determined that my kids would have better, in every way but it sure does not seem like they feel that way. I have asked them why they do not take it out on their dad but the answer was that he would not care. Guess I am elected. Have hunted for the love off button to to no avail and I guess I do not try very hard anyway. Love is a gift, not something to be earned so I give it until it hurts. Ouch!! I am lucky to be close to two of my grands but I have four others that I do not see. Neither does their other grandma and she is a lot older than I am.

I disagree with you about the pain being over after you deliver the child. Maybe for you, but my pains got worse the older they got. Could be so much worse though. I believe I am the only mother who gets grief because I did NOT work outside the home. It was not exactly like I was sitting around eating bon bons all those years.

Congratulations on getting all the paperwork done. Are you decorating in your dreams? Now for the hard part, paying for all this. Even moving from one place to another in the same price range it is amazingly expensive. But well worth it for quality of life. Got any pictures of the new house to share with us?

SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, your words make me so sad because you always seem so wise to me and yet you have problems you can not solve. That's the hard part when others are involved... You an't control how unreasonable the other party can be. Again, I will hope that somehow these issues with your son can be resolved. My kids are my life right now, at this stage of our lives. Thinking that someday they might decide I "did it wrong" and decide to end our relationship is too devastating to even consider. I am doing my best. I often worry about their perception of me as "jobless" too. I keep so busy it's hard to figure out where I'd fit in a paying job... Maybe I am just disorganized!

Yes, I am planning my decorations. Little dollars left over but paint is cheap and my hubby works for free! All the space will be wonderful and immediate and the prettying-up will come in time. For now I just have to focus on getting there! I do have 2 pics I can try to post tonite. We took one of the kids in front of the "sold" sign and one picture of the new house. It was a beautiful day yesterday and the house looked so nice. My neighbor watched the kids during the closing, and when we picked them up we sneaked a photo -- her house is right across from our new one. I just can't WAIT!

I will keep you all posted... Have to go pack.

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Congratulations on your closings, Colleen!!!!!! That is wonderful news! Things are really rolling along, now! And please post those photos, when you have a chance - we'd love to see them! And please don't worry about your children's prospective perception of your being "jobless" - I'm sure that they don't think about it that way. My mother didn't really work outside of our home (with the exception of occasionally going over to my father's / grandparents' business and helping them with the accounting / paperwork) and I certainly did not perceive her as "jobless". I'm sure that your children appreciate all that you do for them and for your family, friends, and your home!

I actually worry about that in a way, too. Of course I don't have children - and I understand why one's children's perception would be much more important than this. But lately, I've been having the same conversation, randomly, with people:

Them: "So, how is work going?"

Me: "Oh, I'm not working right now."

Them: "That's right! You're in school. So, how are classes going?"

Me: "Well, I'm not taking classes right now - I'm taking the semester off".

Them: "Oh. So what are you DOING? What do you DO??"

Me: (This is where I'm stuck. I'm trying to formulate a stock response to give to people when it gets to this point in the conversation, that illustrates that it's "OK" NOT to be "DOING" anything, per se, and that one doesn't have to be labeled or defined by what they "DO" or don't "DO" or where they choose to "DO" it, you know? Occasionally, when it gets to this point in the conversation, if the person is really dense / thick / uncouth / ignorant, they occasionally say "Well, maybe you should have a baby, then!" As if having a child is some sort of casual thing that one does "for lack of anything better to do". I REALLY get mad when presented with THAT sort of response!)

ANYWAY, I try to concentrate on not caring what other people may "think" about what I'm "doing" or not "doing" and knowing that the only people to whom that is important are Frank and myself. To be honest, the past year has been such a whirlwind - just starting school and then having my mother and my cat pass away within the first month.......barreling through and continuing a full course load for the past year, while simultaneously dealing with / helping my father and his adjustment to the situation........I haven't really given MYSELF time to adjust / grieve / whatever. Maybe in a way, that's what I'm "doing", now - giving myself a break to kind of "regroup" and "reinforce" before I begin some new venture........

ANYWAY..........enough of that! I didn't intend to go off on a tangent and bore or depress everyone!

Hang in there Caroline! I understand your pain! I had the exact same situation that Colleen did - I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed at the same time (2 were impacted) and wound up with those improperly healed "dry sockets", as well! It was HORRIBLE! But I made it through! And don't worry about the swelling (I looked just like Fred Flintstone right after I had mine extracted!) - that goes away in a few days, too! Just be happy that you "got this over with", now - you'll never have to worry about it again!

Hi Elaine! I say you send your DL pictures to me and let me organize them into an album for you! I seem to be doing a lot of that sort of thing lately! Any DIS Meets coming up? I don't know if you've happened across the thread on the Community Board, but a HUGE North East DIS Meet is in the works for next summer (July, I believe). It will be taking place in Pennsylvania, not far from the NJ border, and will involve DIS'ers from NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, DC and maybe even some from farther reaching areas! You should come and visit your brother, then come over to the Meet!

Hi Linda! Thanks as always for your kind words! But perhaps YOU don't realize how special YOU are and how much appreciated all the things that YOU do for people are to them! Look at the beautiful, thoughtful things that you have been doing for your neighbors / friends while they have been away! I'm sure that they will be so happy and surprised when they see the work that you have done in their yard and which ever special gift you decide to give them and leave for them, there! And of course all of the things that you do for Mary and your other friends, as well as for the children of your community! And, needless to say, for your family! And of course for all of us here in the Suite, as well! You always have a thoughtful word, a special thought, an amusing anecdote, or a great philosophy to share, which really cheer us up, make us think, or put things in perspective for us (depending upon the topic / situation), or just give us a much needed laugh!

I think it was very special that you wrote to your DS and will hope and pray that he responds and that all is well with him and your Fab Four.

I hope that you are feeling better, too! I understand why you want to hold off on taking your medication unless you feel that it is absolutely necessary. But I hope that you feel better on your own well before you blast off for your vacation!

Hi out there, Angie, Wendy, Depply, Emily, and Charlene!

What are everyone's plans for the holiday weekend? We are having my father and uncle over, later today, for a little "pre-Labor Day barbecue". We thought that that would be fun (and give us a chance to try out our new, indoor / outdoor "Big George" George Forman grill!) and would distract my father from obsessing about the unveiling next weekend and would distract my uncle from thinking about getting the results from the Parkinson's-related MRI that he had last week. We have a friend's Birthday party to go to, tomorrow night (the friend for whom I made the little scrapbook) - lots of old Merrill Lynch pals will be there. And then Sunday, we're going to the annual "blowout" that some friends of Frank's and his sister's have every year. They literally open their home to approximately 200 people (adults and kids) and have a huge indoor / outdoor party / barbecue, etc. every Labor Day weekend. Their basement has been converted into a wet bar / "theatrical space" and the band of the husband (of this couple) plays there on their built in stage. And the party lasts all day and night - it is legendary! And Monday.........we will just "collapse" and "recover"!

Anyway, hope that you all have a great, fun, and safe Labor Day weekend! We'll keep our thoughts and prayers with the people in Florida and the Bahamas and for WDW itself, too!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My heavesn, I do believe I shall just move into the Suite on a permanent basis. Is ever so much better than my real life. (smiling wide)

Colleen, if I do seem wise it is because I have made every possible mistake that a person can make in life so I am always hollering - Do NOT do that!! I did it and it did not turn out well. LOL I am also the old lady of the suite. (grin) Actually I like the term 'broad". I have my own definition and love it and fit it pretty well IMHO. It makes my blood boil when some people have the preception that SAHMs do nothing all day long. If we did in fact do nothing then people would see what it is that we do. Have you noticed that people expect you to be able to do all sorts of volunteer things cause you are not 'working". Lots of pressure to say yes. I not only raised my kids but many others because their parents were busy working. BTW, Rider and Colleen, my dd actually did call me a 'professional woman' once because she said that is what I did to earn my living. Gee, I must have done a good job as I 'earned' her and her brothers living also along with doing the housework, yardwork, running an at home business, 4-H leader etc. etc. Guess I am bitter rather than better today. I always get this way when I am not feeling well and thinking I am going to die soon without having accomplishing the most important thing in the world, creating a family. Breaks my heart that my kids do not even see each other often.

On to some good news. I am so happy and relieved that you are getting your dream house. More room for your growing children is an important thing. You need the room for all the activities and friends that they will need as they go into their teens and you parents need a place to hide while they are doing those things. LOL Are you going to start a scrapbook? I have one with all the changes this house has gone through. It is fun to look through. A husband who works a job and still does things around the house? Bet he even knows the kids names and bithdays. You are blessed among women. (smile)

Rider, you have the right idea that it only matters what you and Frank think. My take on the whole unemployment thing was that as hard as it was on you at the time it was coming at a good time at the beginning on your marriage as it is giving you so much needed to time to adjust and figure out where you want to go as a couple adn with your mom being sick and your dad needing help.You are such a people person that I know there is something more than numbers in your future and whatever it is I am sure it will do much for others as well as yourself. (yes, I know how to use commas, just not in the mood today) We only get one life to live and we need to do it according to our own ideas, after all we are the ones who have to live with with the consquences. What works for one will not work for another. Another possibility is that you might be thinking others are thinking one thing when they just might be jealous and wish they could be doing what you are. LOL People should only have children for one reason, love. It is hard enough a job to do when you love the critters /cannot imagine what it would be like to do if you did not love them, BTW, you already have great training in raising your cats. Raising kids is much the same, lots or work and not much gratitude. (I am soooo bad today)
How did your dad's tests come out? Some diseases are much better later in life as they are slow progressing. What a wonderful way to spend Labor Day. Sounds as if your bil is almost as great as Frank. I always think that people who decorate heavily are generous to spend so much time and money for others pleasure and your bil's home seems to be much in the same spirit .

We are going to our neighbor's 50th anniversary party. Jackie asked me to babysit at the last minute and I told her we had plans. I think she was a bit surprised. We could have gone to meet Davy Jones as well as I have been invited to a reception for him because of my involvement with the Hospice locally. I do not care for such things too much. Austin called me last night and asked if he could go to the party with me so we are taking the boys with us. Hope I can take them to see the Harry Potter movie this weekend too. Have a lot to do before we leave for NC on the 16th and have wasted the morning so far. Maybe I will pick up steam later in the day??

Doubt it as there are many family crisis' going on and I am attached to the phone a lot lately. Wish I could win the lottery as so many of these things could be fixed with money. One brother is seriously ill and has no insurance or money. He has a son and I am not sure what is going to happen to him. I will take him if no one else does but it will not be pretty as Tom will not be a happy camper.

SG/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Hi all... watching some college football today and taking it easy. Not doing much of anything this weekend and I have to admit I am very glad about it.

Linda, I have all my photos in digital format so I do have a CD made up of them all. If I had to develop 900-1000 pictures I think I'd go broke. I just havne't really looked at them to see waht I have and what's good to share. I really should do that this weekend. I do wish your family all the best... sounds like a lot going on.

Colleen, I am so very glad that you are getting your dream house! Congrats on everything and I hope the move goes smoothly!!!!

Lisa, sorry you have to deal with people like that... I would most likely ignore them. It seems my job will be ending (most likely) by spring next year and I plan to cut back and not work so much. I think if you want to stay home and just keep the house in order, well that's work to me!!! I'd rather be able to do that right now. That's why there is laundry to do and other such stuff to do.

I did see the meet and honestly, I will admit, it didn't appeal to me. A large formal setting like that makes me shy away. Also it seems I will visit my brother in the spring (maybe fall this year, not sure)... we kind of want to go when it is cooler so we can enjoy Philly if we go there.

Well I suppose I should get to some work around the house. I hope you all are enjoying the weekend!

 

[IASW Rider]

Oh well, Elaine - it was worth a try to try to "lure" you to the Meet! But that's great that you may be coming out East next spring, anyway! The weather should be more comfortable for exploring the City of Brotherly Love, then!

How are you feeling, Linda? And I'm sorry to hear that your brother is not well and that there are other crises happening in your family. I hope that everything will be all right.

On a happier note, how was the Anniversary party? Did Austin and Dalton enjoy it, too?

It is definitely nice to be able to cut back a bit after years of working long hours, Elaine. If you decide to do that when your job comes to an end, I'm sure that you will enjoy and appreciate it. It is nice to have some time to figure out "what comes next" and to just have a break from the hectic pace.

And I like what you said about our only having one life to live and our having to live with the consequences / benefits, too, Linda!

Just wanted to check in and say "hello", quickly! We had a nice time at the party last night and are now getting ready to go to that annual extravaganza / party with the band, that I was mentioning. As I write, Frank is baking his world famous Peaches and Cream Pie, for it (yum, yum! Too bad that I won't allow myself to have any! ). I'd better get going.

Hope that you're all having a great weekend!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hello there people! I am sorry I have not been around much. Seems everyone around me is falling apart and I seem to have the only tube of Super Glue. I am fast running out. Winning the lottery would not cure everything but it sure would help. I am going to see my brother in Cincinnati tomorrow. It is a sad situation and am doubtful that anything I say will help so I will just go and hold his hand and pray.

Rider, Dalton got beaned at the party and almost had to go to the emergency room. Poor dear had a goose egg and a half. Grandma had to use frozen pops and they kept finding their way down into his mouth. I did not have the heart to say no but did tell his mom that if he complained of a stomach ache it was not from brain damage but brain freeze.

Wonder if that Peaches and Cream pie is anything at all like the diet recipe one that I have? I have not made it yet, diet or not I would still eat far too much.

I am the oldest of eight and have mothered everyone I ever met so sometimes I do come up with a bit of wisdom but that particular one is so very true. I have never been able to get a sibling (hardly) to do a darned thing I wanted but I have learned not to dig them out of every problem that they managed to get themselves in and sometimes that has taught them something. Sad it has to be that way though. Our mom died years ago and she was not the most maternal person around so I just flit from disaster to disaster trying to keep people from even worse problems. I am getting too darned old for all of this though.

My sister in Florida has been in Las Vegas. She called and told me that she was being forced to spend an extra day because of the weather back home. LOL

Elaine, it sounds as if you have plans for your forced semi retirement. I know it will all work out for you. I do not like large formal things either. Believe it or not I am quite shy. The kind that acts a fool to cover it up too. (sigh)

Hoping that the bad weather does not darken in Angelina's door.

SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, I will pray my non-denominational prayers for you and your brother and his son. St. Joseph is still in my yard under the birdbath; keep forgetting to dig the poor guy up. As he is in residence anyway, I will ask him to keep you safe on your trip to Ohio.

Elaine, I have not had a job in 6 years, since Ian was born. I keep quite busy. I have found that if you are a "busy" type person, you stay active, job or no. Between activities at school and errands and projects at home, I rarely sit. You may find you enjoy your "unemployment." It does take some geting used to. When I first stayed home I thought I'd go nuts, but then I settled into a different (slower) routine. Good luck! The hardest thing may well be the kind of nonsense Rider mentioned -- other people looking at you like you are an alien when you admit you "don't work." I am not that old and when I was a kid, lots of women worked at home. It is amazing to me now, 30 years later, that if you "only" work at home you are considered kind of a loser! I have started to tell people that I work at the school, I just don't get paid. Unfortunately, I can not think of a "good" job -- by that I mean one using my schooling -- that works around the kids' schedule. So for now, I am a card-carrying member of the "unemployed losers" group -- WELCOME! You might just enjoy your (temporary) membership!

We drove to Indy tonite and picked up my Mom at the airport. She brought a bag of goodies for the kids and they are in hog heaven. I can't believe I am moving in 5 days! Thank goodness my Mom is her to calm me down!

Hope everyone is well.

xoxo