EWP group?

[helenabear]

Honestly Linda, Christmas is such a hard holiday for me, that I am doing all I can to get past it and enjoy it. It's been over 10 years since I truly loved the holiday. It was the one my mom loved more than anything else in the world so her dying 10 days before it 11 years ago this Dec. really made it hard for me. So I am happy to say that this year should be different Although I am not so sure about the Christmas cards... I might have to start them today

Kind of funny that as you head my way, I will be heading more West myself for Thanksgiving. My grandma lives just north of Dayton, OH so we'll be there instead.

LOL, I am a truly picky eater and I guess I never really needed to eat much. My biggest problem actually is this low carb craze has brought out sweeteners that I cannot touch. My body doesn't react to artificial sweeteners well at all, so I find myself reading labels and putting items back more than I ever used to. I will look at those bars, but fortunately I don't crave chocolate too much

I do have my tree totally up now (did most of it yesterday though) Now I think I am just going to relax and read for a while

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

LOL, Elaine, you cannot escape me. We will be having Thanksgiving dinner at Clifton Mills not too far from Dayton. LOL Our family dinner will be on Friday as one sister is flying in from Florida.

The holidays are hard for me because I still hope for a Norman Rockwell one and that is destined not to be. No matter how much I clean, decorate or whatever I cannot get the people in my life to cooperate. To tell the truth it is about all I can do to have Christmas Eve 'celebration". If it were not for the grandsons I might as well put the presents on the porch so that the parents would not be put through the trouble of having to come in to pick them up. They usualy come in and fall asleep on the couch until time for church. I know they are worn out and I should be grateful that they feel comfortable enough to do so and if they came over and did otherwise a few times a year, I would be.

Please hold the memories of your mom dear and know that she is as much a part of your holidays as ever, just in a different guise. She would be proud to see how you have grown up and by continuing her traditions you are honoring her memory.

Your friend, Linda/SG

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am wide awake, not something I usually am at this time of the day. Yes, I am out of bed at this time but is more like sleepwalking rather than being alert. LOL However, today is special. I am going to meet Colleen for lunch in a bit less than three hours.

Hope she has a digital camera otherwise we will have to wait a few days to post pics.

I often have lunches that last 3 or more hours so this should be interesting. LOL

Bet no one can name a subject I do not have an opinion on, sometimes more than one. (grin)

SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

I am definitely bringing the digital camera. And warning dear hubby that tonite I will be bugging him to help me get the picture posted!

Linda and I are going to a buffet restaurant where you can sit for hours and the waitresses don't care. We have a lot to talk about! I got my favorite WDW photos into a little album and we are going to look at pictures and carry on and just pretend we are in Orlando not Bloomington. Too bad it is only 40 degrees out when the weatherman said it would be 81 in Orlando today. I think he says these things just to torture me

 

[lunabkat]

Can someone tell me how to get a counter, i want up to the minute info here and i can't find out what to do...

Simba: you're so wierd uncle scar.

Scar: You have no idea...

 

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

It's so funny that you're talking about putting up your tree, Elaine, and writing your holiday cards, Linda, because I have been fighting myself from doing the same! Chanukah is less than a month away, now, so I've been trying to justify to myself taking out all of the decorations and putting them up now (usually I do so over Thanksgiving weekend). I always love putting up decorations - it makes the house cheerier and gets us into the spirit of the upcoming holidays! And I have all of our holiday cards addressed, but was saving writing them 'til Thanksgiving weekend (since Frank will be away - it will keep me busy so that I don't concentrate on missing him too much! Plus, I always love to write them while simultaneously watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV! ). But I've been getting "antsy" and wanting to do everything now (I've been feeling a little "down" lately and am looking forward to the holidays to cheer me up!), and keep convincing myself that it's way too early. But............since you're all getting your holiday things ready...........maybe it actually ISN'T too early..........! Maybe I will take out the Chanukah decorations later and we'll wait and put up the Christmas decorations just before Frank leaves on Thanksgiving weekend!

I'm sorry - I don't know how / where to get a counter, Lauralee! But I'll bet that someone else on this thread does!

Have a great time today, Linda and Colleen! Wish that we could all be there with you! Have fun, enjoy, and please post pictures as soon as you can!

Have a great day, Everyone!

 

[colleen costello]

Hello ladies! Well I am back from the big rendezvous with Linda and we had a ball. Lots of hugs and giggles and lots of gabbing. As promised, we plopped ourselves at a table and didn't budge until 4 hours later when I had to go get the kids. I think we easily could have stayed 4 more hours as we were surrounded by food and friendly waitresses. I give credit to Linda that I had such a good time that I managed to resist ALL the desserts, which loomed in the background.

Linda brought me a Disney birthday card and a beautiful bunch of pale roses with glitter on the petals, very much like pixiedust. She says that this was a belated birthday gift from the suite... Thank you! The flowers are just beautiful and I will enjoy them all week. We talked lots about all the meets of suite members past and present, and I will be jealous if Linda does venture to Allentown in July for the East Coast meet.

We had lots to talk about. Lots of discussion about favorite WDW foods and restaurants (seems I have to try the Garden Grill), favorite places to stay, good places from which to see the fireworks, best beaches for EWP viewing, good offsite eateries, and of course, LOTS of discussion about our crazy families. Seems like Linda and I have some nutty family members! It's always fun to share and gripe and giggle. We hope to get together again soon, closer to Linda's home where there is a great outlet mall. She says she is not much of a shopper but we can yak while we shop!

Linda says I am in person just as I am on the Boards, and I think the same of her, smart and friendly and lots of fun. I will always thank her for inviting me into the suite, as I count you all as friends now. As soon as hubby gets home I will have him Email our picture to Linda and Lisa, and hopefully one of them can post it long before I would figure out how to do so.

Love to all and watch out for the picture!

Colleen

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I cannot add much to Colleen's great report. Is as she said and more. You all might not know this but I am actually shy. I think the reason I am so comfortable around you all is that you are genuine, the same on the Boards as in person and not a phony baloney bone in any of your bodies.

Just got home and am a bit tired out so maybe Colleen did NOT say that the sight of me killed her appetite for dessert. LOL If it did I give her permission to blow up the picture the nice waitress took and carry it with her everywhere. Unfortunately her picture would not kill my appetite. I have noticed that good company does help be to curb my eating habits though. I was so good at lunch even I was shocked. Think I could have eaten even less but was compelled to eat something since I had paid for it.

In my real life I am not blessed with having a lot of people that I can talk and relate to and spending a few hours with someone who could throw away words like "Indian Joe", "Ayn Rand", and Pearl Buck made this old lady very happy. Not that I am a brain snob or anything but it is great to talk to people with some of the same experiences and interests once in awhile as well as meet people who can introduce me to new concepts.

We might meet in Nashville next time, it is about in the middle and when I lived down there I never got to go to town. Was in the early days of my marriage when my dh was still under the misconception that a wife could be kept in a pumpkin shell. This woman did NOT keep very well.

Good night and I hope to be able to check in tomorrow night. Have a very busy day tomorrow. Have to give a ride to a lady in the morning, TOPS later, shopping at Aldi's, meet Tom for dinner and then back to attend a school board meeting as my dd sent me an email and is in desperate need of warm bodies to back her up. Her medical billing company is bidding against the evil empire for the school contract. Having just lost a big company recently they can ill afford to lose more. I fear for her job. Knowing her as I do I know that she will attempt superhuman things in order to keep the place afloat. Have seen her do such before.

SG/Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, just thought of something after reading your post again. Don't cha just feel sorry for our poor families? What in the world do they talk about since you and I are perfect and nothing like them at all? (giggle)

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Linda and Colleen! So glad to hear that you both had such a great time together, today! Wish that we could have all been there to join you.....but we were with you in spirit!

Look at this fantastic picture of Colleen and Linda that Colleen forwarded to me for posting, tonight:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lisaruthb6/detail?.dir=53ce&.dnm=7c9f.jpg&.src=ph

You both look wonderful!

Hope that all is well with everyone and hope that you're all having a good night!

 

[lunabkat]

Hi all



My husband's sister moved to FL last year and wants us to come "look at the house" while we are down there. Yuck! What a waste of time, 2 1/2 hours there and 2 1/2 hours back. If we go he wants to spend the nite because of the drive. He doen't really want to go either, but i don't know if we can duck it. It seems rude not to go, but yet i hate to waste the time. Its not as if i want to spend alot of time with these people and i am trying not to begrudge it but it is very hard.

MY family is meeting us in SeaWorld because, as my Aunt Barbara put it "You are here to see the parks, and we want to see you."

I have a ps for pooh bear lunch that day and chip n dale that night at the garden grill. Neither of these would be a trip buster to miss, but i really, really, really don't want to go. I mean, i wouldn't mind (so much) if they lived close enough that we could do lunch, but blowing a whole day is really bumming me out. She's just one of those people who, after your done talking to her for a while, says something that makes you feel like crap and you wonder "What the hairy, heck am i talking to this *%$#@ for?"

I could stand my ground and just tell dh that we are not going, but i am hoping he will just say forget it, we are not going. He is on the fence, i don't think he wants to spend mucho time with her either, but she is his sister and no one from the family has gone to see her house yet (its been a year) so i know she is dying to show it off (who wouldn't, it looks like a lovely house). Its not that i hate her, i ccould last the day, but i am bemoaning the fact we might lose a whole day...

Oh well, what you do for family, yuck, yuck, yuck.

 

[colleen costello]

Lunabkat, this is a tough situation. Linda and I spent a good part of our time together yesterday discussing crazy relatives, so I am sure everyone here commiserates. Here is my 2 cents and you may take it or leave it. If Sis isn't a close one and you would just as soon not give up a day, then don't. Tell your husband honestly that the trip is your special time -- time you make for yourselves after working hard all year -- and it is not to be tampered with. I believe WDW time is PRECIOUS. After all, most of us on these boards are nutso over WDW. I know that I consider it a "good"year if I have traveled to Disney more than a couple of times! The days are SO precious. I would tell Sis honestly that you will be tired from travel TO Orlando and refuse to travel more while on your vacation. If she wants to see you, she can meet you for a lunch at WDW. It is not fair of her to expect you to come to her. You are traveling all the way to Florida! If she wants to meet, let her "meet you halfway" and come to WDW.

Again, you can take this advice or leave it. I just think that all too often we allow ourselves to be bullied. I am largely a doormat in too many situations, and so I always encourage friends to stand up for themselves. I am a fan of Miss Manners, who always permits declining unwanted invitations provided we are polite. She always tells folks to say "Oh I am sorry that just won't be possible" -- no excuses needed -- and just keep repeating that. "Oh I am sorry, that just isn't possible, but we would love to meet you for a lunch at WDW if you want to come up" will do nicely. And you can tell your hubby I said so!

 

[lunabkat]

LOL thanks colleen

i appreciate the support and i will try just that. she had asked what we had planned (and being a big planner) ittold her all of the character meals and special disney things we had planned for the week. she replied that it looked as if we were pretty much booked up and i replied, yes we are. so i am leaving it at that for now and am planning my trip without the extra visit. keep your fingers crossed. I would much rather leave it at this then get into another discussion about it with her and my dh is going along with me, yea!

 

[lunabkat]

A quick shout out to Elaine. I am so sorry honey, you sure are having a bad day.My daughter Shannon was killed in an accident 8 years ago (she was 12, never met my other 2 dds, who miss her, even tho they never met her) so i know how hard the holidays can be.

Its very hard to not wish things were different. Down the years, new blessings (such as my 2 little dlas) help a bit, because you can't wish things back to the old way without wishing away the new, can you?

So everytime a new blessing comes your way, think of how your loved one would have cheered you on and kiss it up to God.

The sweet and the bittersweet merge with every holiday, sometimes I still almost reach for the phone to call my mom before i remember she's not there. Your mom would hate the fact that the holidays are so hard for you, i commend you for pushing thru like you do, but i wish, i wish that you too have blessings you don't want to change. i have found these to be among the most soul/heart strengthening things in the world for a wounded heart.

Sending a ton of fiath, trust and pixie dust your way today, along with a great big hug.

Lauralee

 

[helenabear]

Hi all... was about to post last night when I lost internet access... finally coming in today to say hi

Linda, I tried to look up Clifton Mills and couldn't find it. Where I will be will be north of Dayton, so we won't be that far apart. I am there just for the day though. I'll be back in Columbus late that night. We have a busy weekend though, so I won't be able to enjoy the weekend the way I normally do
And thank you kindly for your thoughts... I am sure you are very right about my mom and how she'd feel about me

Lauralee, you can get a countdown here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=381216
Just follow the instructions and that will guide you through it. The tech support people can always help you as well

I am so glad that the meet went so well! I love the picture! Colleen, you remind me of a friend of mine from HS (good thing trust me) and Linda, you are looking as good as ever

Now abou that family, Lauralee... not sure you want to hear my thoughts. I had family that was about 1-2 hours away from Orlando. I don't always get a car and honestly it is my vacation to relax... family doesn't always do it to me I say send your husband and enjoy your pooh and chip& dale meals
Now I am big on family, but not always when it comes to vacation.

As for the rest of what you said... words cannot really say how all that made me feel... but know that I do appreciate your thoughts and my heart goes out to you with your DD and mother... big hug back your way as well

 

[IASW Rider]

Lauralee - I was also very touched by your thoughtful and wise words and message to Elaine. My mother passed away a little over a year ago, and your words were very relevant and meaningful to me, as well. And I am so sorry to hear about your DD and your mother, as well.

We will be thinking of you, Elaine and Lauralee, and your families and wishing you all the blessings of a peaceful holiday season and the gift of your families and the people around you who love you.

And I completely agree with everything that Colleen and Elaine so beautifully phrased, with regard to your sister-in-law dilemma. I'm sure that she would understand if you explained that you've been looking forward to your first WDW trip as a family for so long, put a lot of time and heart into planning it, and that it really means a lot to you all. You could also tell her that perhaps you all would come back to Florida to see her home on another occasion, when you would have more time to spend with her (which is a compliment to her and might make her feel good - that you would rather see her at a time where you could enjoy her company and see her home for a longer period of time). But you should not compromise your vacation plans or feel the least bit "guilty" or badly about not doing so. Concentrate on all of the fun things that you have planned for your family at WDW and the other parks, and don't worry about your sister-in-law's invitation - I'm sure that everything will work out well, and that you will enjoy your time at WDW and be able to see your SIL's new home another time! (By the way, I love your smiley playing the violin for sympathy! )

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're having a good night!

 

[lunabkat]

!Hi all

I can't tell you how happy i am when i checkmy mail and see the ewp group? on the list. This is my favorite thread, i love to see what everyone is up to.

Thanks so much rider and helenabear for your kind words. The holidays are always tuff but the dlas really liven things up around here, i can't help but think how Shannon would have loved them and vice versa. They have the best guardian angel ever!

Gonna try to talk the ddh into putting the christmas lights up this week, he just loves to do that !

Still have no idea what in the world the dh's family is doing for thanksgiving. Every year its the last minute, while my sister does dinner approximately the same time every year, his familly is always in a turmoil. (Not very good cooks either - meow! )

I just don't understand what the bit deal is, i mean, comon, its the same thing every year, get a grip!

Oh. well, i must try not to let it drive me crazy, but since we fit in both families every year (they live close by, thank goodness) it just seems darn inconsiderate )

Hope to see some talkin' soon,

LL

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Lauralee!

I know what you mean about being frustrated with relatives making last minute plans - I much prefer knowing exactly what we're doing well in advance, too! You're fortunate that your family and your in-laws live fairly close by so that you are able to spend time with all of them on the holidays! My in-laws live all the way down in Cumberland County (that's Exit 2 off the Turnpike! ) - 2 hours away. But my Dad lives in Edison and my uncle lives in New Brunswick, so they are close by and easy to see and visit with.

The "splitting of the holidays" was always easy for DH and me - we spend all of the Jewish holidays with my family and all of the Christian holidays with DH's family. We just got "stuck" on the secular holidays, though - so until last year, we always spent Thanksgiving and Mother's Day with our respective families (Frank's father passed away when he was 5 years old, so he spends Father's Day with my family). My in-laws would have had my family come down for all of the holidays, too, so that we could all be together, but my mother was bed-ridden the last few years of her life, and my father was her exclusive caretaker and wouldn't leave her. Since she couldn't travel, I would always "make" the holidays at my parents' house. Now that my mother is gone, my father will come down to my in-laws with us for Christmas, after we celebrate Chanukah up here. We would go down for Thanksgiving, too, but that would leave my uncle alone on the holiday.........and now HE is not well enough to handle a long car trip like that, so I'm "making" Thanksgiving for the 3 of us, here.

Anyway, I hope that your DH's family lets you know of their plans soon, so that all of your Thanksgiving plans will be in order!

And your DD's are certainly lucky to have such a special Guardian Angel in Shannon, looking over and looking out for them. I'm sure that she will always be in their hearts, as she is in your whole family's.

Hope that all is well with all of you! (Not too much to report, here - just went holiday gift shopping with some friends, yesterday, which was fun!) Have a nice day!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ahhh, lunabkat, what kind words about our dear EWP Suite. I do not believe I have ever heard a harsh word spoken in here, is a lovely bunch here and you are a most welcome additon.

Speaking as a woman who has spent her life doing for her family and trying to be perfect in order to gain their love and respect I have finally come to the sorry conclusion that bending over backward will just make you dizzy. LOL I have a sister in Florida and she does very little in the way of anything family related and is happily single and childfree, by choice, and family members fall over themselves to please her. I have taken in every single of my siblings at one time or another and am known for giving up anything I might want, last minute or whatever, for someone else in the family. Did it earn me respect, love or common decency? Nope. Not even usually a card for a birthday or anything even though I send them out by the dozens, money included. Do what you feel comfortable doing and maybe next trip or some long holiday you could go visit the sil and her new home, for a cheap vacation. After several days with visitors, especially ones with dear children most people will not be eager for a return trip until the pain wears off. (a teaspoon of sugar or a pound or so just before arriving will facilitate matters greatly) ( I am soooo awful LOL)

Lest anyone feel badly for poor old me, I get loads of cards from others, some lady I loaded groceries for once ten years ago, my older friends that I drive around, old classmates and friends from my youth, and even dear cyber friends so I do not go cardless. Just seems that the ones I do the most for take me for granite/granted (or marble). (vent-vent-vent)

I have changed though. We go away for Thanksgiving now. The last meal I slaved over was seasoned with many gripes about 'having' to attend so I now do other things. Volunteering in a soup kitchen is ever more heart warming.

Lauralee, I have lost children as well although not having had them as long as you did your dear daughter. I can imagine that the memories are bittersweet. They are always a part of you forever. It is wonderful that you are able to share her with her siblings instead of closing that part of your heart of as some might be tempted to do. Love is a wonderful thing, hard sometimes but how much sadder to have never known it at all?

Rider, leave it to you to make a religiously blended family an easier way to go. Is so true, but me thinks it is the special people involved that make it truly so. It is a gift to be able to entertain as you do and make it seem so easy. Your dad is so kind to be able to share the holidays with Frank's family and make it easier on you both. Bet both sides get along well too.

Elaine, no way would I expect you to meet me on my way through. (smile) Not even sure what we will end up doing. I know that Tom would love Clifton Mills but it might be either closed or very busy for the day. I will try to write down the exit number so you might find it sometime. I think you guys would like it. They serve a super sized breakfast platter that would feed a family of twelve. That is Tom's favorite. They also have lots of grains and old candies and such. Very pretty place. Might be closer to Springfield. I just know it when I see it. I will do a search and send it to you if I can find it.

Colleen, did I wear you out? LOL I doubt that with your energy you are ever worn out. Bet your hubby was relieved to see that you made it home safely. My bil was worried about me. Never occurred to my dh but then he thinks I am pretty capable of taking care of myself (and him). I told Kurt that you would be watching for him as he sings in Nashville. He is about 40, tall, thin and will be wearing his dad's grey tophat I think. He will be singing on our town square this weekend. The decorations are so lovely, millions of tiny white lights everywhere, homemade huge 'cards', bandstand with tree and lights, carriage rides all for our Country Christmas weekend. I will be baking like crazy tomorrow and then selling my baked goods and others at the museum tomorow night. They have turned the backpart into an old time soda fountain. I just plain love this town and most of its people. Wish you and yours could come, it will be pretty but it is a fur piece to drive. I sat in my bil's livingroom when I went to pick Tom up and watched baby deer play in his field. The country is a nice place to visit, just do not want to live there.

Have to get ready to play trivia. I am under the gun as I have missed so many games that I have not qualified for the quarterly finals as yet so I must win and soon!! Let the tiles fall my way. If I do not get called on I cannot answer.

SG/Linda

 

[lunabkat]

Hi all

How is everyone today. Rider, i wish my dh would get along with my ds and dbil like your family must. He is so jealous of them sometimes, its like hes a little kid. My ds and her hubby are rather like my parents in a way , since they passed on quite a long time ago, my sister ( who is several years older) kinda became my sister/mom (she practically raised me when i was little). My dh sees any ideas of theirs as "interfering" with our lives. Sometimes, i could just smack 'im! Hope all goes well for your holdiay.

Linda, what a nice letter. I am so sorry to hear about your little ones, its the toughest i have ever had to go thru and if feel for all the other parents who have had to endure.

Now, your family didn't know a good thing when they had it (TG at your house). I really look forward to TG at my sister's house (unfortunately, no longer so much at my inlaws, but frankly, they caused that themselves) I would love to live in a small town somewhere. I live in a town in Jersey and its nice, but sometimes i think of a place where you can walk to downtown, church is on the green, 4th of July picnic and you know everyone kind of thing. Don't get me wrong, i love my house and my neighbors are actually outstanding, but i guess sometimes i long for a simpler, quieter life, ya know? Where the kids aren't run from one eent to another (which i must admit, id ont do, but watching the other kids exhausts me) When you children could play outside without your being a nervouse wreck (or, like me, they don't venture out the door without me) I can remember being out by myself when i was five. My five year old isn't aloud to go out to get the mail alone.

Oh well, enjoy what you have, that's my motto!


gotta go, the dlas want food.


Talk soon,

LL