EWP group?

[twinscandc]

Hello EWP Group!!

Thank you SlightlyGoofy for your kind remarks!! I certainly enjoyed our time that we had together today!! I can tell that we could become "fast friends!!" Thank you for inviting me!! I also hope will be able to continue our Dis friendship!!

So, now that I've been invited to your special Electric Water Parade Group (BTW - it's such a cute idea!), I will introuduce myself. My name is Becki and I'm obsessed with all things Disney!! I've been to WDW 2 times in the last three years. We are returning in May and we can't wait!! I'm the mother of two beautiful girls (see below) and I am married to a wonderful man (it will be 10 years this September!). My official work title is: "Family Preservation Counselor". I work with families that are involved in the Welfare system and also families whoes kids are on Probation. It's a very rewarding job, but can be pretty stressful at times. My DH is a police officer in our town. Because we both have intense jobs we really enjoy our vacations!!

This EWP thread is sooooo long!! I'll try to start from the beginning and "read up" on everybody!! It is always nice to have someone to talk to and have a support system!!

Thanks again for inviting me into your group!! I love the Electric Water Parade!!

twinscandc/aka Becki

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

LOL, Becki, I was just over on the other thread reporting our meeting. Great minds etc. I can tell that you are my kind of gal too. Real people. The only kind we have around here.

No need to go back and read all those postings, we will catch up up quickly. As you know my name is Linda, 56 (oldest member of the EWP), mother of two (plus one step daughter near my age) and grandmother to six perfect grandchildren. I volunteer at the Community Center I showed you as well as serve as a driver for my many older friends. I have done much of the work on our house through the years. We have lived here 28 years, half my life. I am originally from Ohio.

We met on a thread over three years ago and were castigated for being 'off' topic so we gathered here in our virtual suite. It is on a lagoon at DW, of course, and is outfitted with the latest technology. I had a rotating device installed recently so that we can change our view at will and being hydralic it also raises and lowers to suit our needs. Every possible convenience is at your beck and call, including our men servants, BoDacious, Don Juan and assorted other beefcake types. Your personal Suite CC is awaiting you. No limits and most important of all, no bills. Charge!!!!

I will allow everyone else to introduce themselves. What we lack in quantity we make up for in quantity. Some of the finest ladies I have ever had to good luck to meet. Glad to add you to our collection.

Slightly Goofy

 

[colleen costello]

Welcome Becki! I also was invited into the EWP Suite by dear Linda, and I have had so much fun getting to know all the wonderful regulars here. I also live in Indiana. My husband and I came to go to grad school in 1987 (we weren't even married quite yet) and here we are almost 20 years later. Scott got a job at IU and now we live in Ellettsville. I worked as a counselor/ care manager for the local Agency on Aging until baby #2 was born. Since then I am a stay-at-home Mom. I volunteer a lot at our school and help run the PTO. My daughter is 10 and in 4th grade and my son is almost 7 and he is in 1st grade. I have been a big WDW fan since the 1970's. My Mom is a Disney nut and we had a travel trailer when I was a kid. Most summers we drove -- in a pickup truck with no A/c, all the way from New Jersey -- and camped at Fort Wilderness. Now we are DVC members so we go to WDW twice a year, usually with my parents. It's a great way to get together since we live far apart.

One of the best things about the suite is that when you are not heading to WDW anytime soon, someone else here usually is. You'll get to hear all about those trips and often see pictures when the person gets back home. I am leaving for spring break in just over 2 weeks and will try to post from Orlando. Rider and HelenaBear always post beautiful pictures. I am not computer-savvy and rely on the kindness of DH to help me post pics at all!

Again, welcome. Lots of love and support are found here.

 

[lunabkat]

Hi all

Welcome Becki, nice to meet you.

Well, we have returned from RI and all are sick. The girls have a fever and i have a sinus infection, fever and cough - whoo hoo.

Unfortunately, i really just wanted to get back home ever since we arrived. My firend is not having a good year and has put on more weight and is drinking heavily (along with antidepressant medication). I try and tell her that things won't change without help but she just keeps sinking and i am at a loss. I want to be there to support her but cannot seem to get her motivated to really change anything, even though she keeps saying she knows she needs to fix things. It was a tough weekend in a really small house, i couldn't wait to get home, tho i miss her, i was shocked at how bad things have gotten for her. "Death, dissertion and divorce make a woman bloom"...or something close to that. Tho i like her husband Peter, they need to get serious counseling and personally i think they need to part ways, he is so firmly and enabler to her and she controls so much of what he does that i am afraid they will never surmount it. She says she can't bear to part the kids from him, but frankly, i think that is a crock -- after all they don't really have much of a mother now and they need her just a much, if not more, than a dad who like to party after work.

I feel like beating my head into a wall, is it me or isn't there a whole life out there that has nothing to do with partying till your numb? We drank 6, that's right, 6 bottles of wine the first night i was there and i did not wake up with a hangover, or even feel much of a "buzz" so how much did she put away? When i tallied up the bottles in recycle the next morning, i couldn't believe that many bottles had been opened. It was a little hard to get a true count because i later found out that hubby drinks what's left after she passes out at night, good lord, someone help me. I wouldn't go back to the liquor store so she sent her husband. It was like all she did from 4pm till she fell alsleep at 9, 10 11 o'clock was drink and smoke cigarettes, i could scream...


the only thing i can think right now is thank god we are home and had a home worth looking forward to getting back to. I feel so bad for her i could just cry...

Sorry for the bumout note, but i had to get it out, thanks guys.

LL

 

[IASW Rider]

Welcome, Becki!

So glad to have you here with us, in the Suite! And so glad that you and Linda enjoyed meeting one another and spending time together! She is a very special and wonderful person, as are Colleen and Lauralee, whom you've already "met", and so are the rest of our Suite-Mates, whom I'm sure that you'll be "meeting", over the next several days: Elaine, Angie, Wendy, Caroline, Emily, and Amanda!

My name is Lisa, age 38, a life-long resident of Central New Jersey. (I was thinking that our Suite's Indiana "contingent" now outnumbers our NJ "contingent"........but can we kinda "claim" Colleen as half "ours", since she was raised in the Garden State? ) I live here with my DH and our 5 cats (?!?!), "Shirley", "Boo Boo Kitty", "The Big Ragoo", "Tasha", and "Ashley"! After spending 15 years working in the financial services industry, I'm in the process of a hopeful career change and am now a full-time graduate student, pursuing a Masters of Public Health degree. I'm also a life-long WDW fan - I will be making my 15th trip there, this May (the last 6 of which have been with my DH, who proposed to me at the Poly, and then we subsequently spent our honeymoon and first anniversary in the exact same room, during the exact same week in which he proposed! )! Anyway, just wanted to say "hello" and "welcome", introduce myself, and say that we are glad to have you join us!

Now, let's get those Suite boys into action to plan a great welcome party and Parks Tour for Becki, shall we?!

Have a great day, Everyone!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Lauralee,

So sorry to hear that your RI trip was so upsetting and disappointing - I know how much you were looking forward to it and to seeing your friend. I'm sure that it was very disturbing to actually see and experience how difficult things have been for your friend and the toll that it has taken on her, her outlook on life, her behavior, and her health. And I'm sure that it was just hard to be around her and not quite know what to say or do. Is there any way that you might be able to get through to her and possibly give her some ideas for ways that she can help herself regain control of her life, make herself feel better, and direct her energies to something more positive / healthful / productive? Or to do something to either make her marriage better and more satisfying..........or to get out all together, if things are that bad? She's obviously withdrawing into a "place" where she "doesn't have to deal with it", which is very sad - but understandable - believe me, I've seen that happen to friends before. Heck, it even kind of happened to me, soon after I got divorced, several years ago! But there has to be a way for her to "pull herself out" of the depression that obviously came through in the behavior that you observed when you were up there, visiting her. It's obviously not your "job" to make everything right for her - obviously she has to do that on her own. But once a little time has passed, the next time that you call to check in on her and say "hello", maybe there might be some suggestions that you could give her about things that she could do? Or at least make her see that you noticed how bad things have gotten for her, that you sympathize with her and that you want her to be happy and well and are concerned about her?

Anyway, I certainly understand how painful and disappointing your trip must have been. But hopefully it gives you some comfort to know that in her own way, I'm sure that your friend was happy that you were there and that you and your family made the trip to see her. And I'm sure that she appreciated the support that you gave her, just by being there. Maybe just seeing you and your family gave her some hope - and made her remember the way that her life used to be, "the person she once was", etc., and that alone might motivate her to start making some positive changes for herself. Anyway, it's good that you all made it home safely! Now you can put that experience behind you for a bit and let some time pass - hopefully everything will seem brighter in a few days, if not sooner! Hope that all else is well with you and your family! And hope that you're all feeling better, soon! Big hugs to you!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Linda and Colleen! How are you both doing, out there?

So glad that you brought Becki to join us, Linda, and so glad that the 2 of you enjoyed getting together and meeting one another! You are the QUEEN OF THE SUITE MEETS - this time, you met someone from the Suite before she even posted! Of course, it's fitting that you are the QUEEN OF THE SUITE MEETS, since you are the FOUNDER OF THE SUITE! (No arguments, please! ) Anyway, it's always nice to have someone come and join us - you always bring the nicest people along with you!

Alopecia areata - that's exactly what I had, years ago, when I found that big bald spot on my head. It was the exact same thing - I had no "warning", either - no extra hair in my brush or in the shower - all of a sudden, I just noticed it when I was drying my hair! Very weird how something like that just happens! But as you said - there are treatments and it's not a sign of something more serious, so that's a good thing. The shots aren't too bad - and they do work pretty quickly, if you decide to go that "route". My situation now is probably just the natural thinning of my hair due to age. Either that or my "imagination" (Frank says that I just notice my hair in the tub more, because it's long and more noticible than his is, for example)!

Glad to hear that you will have some quality time with your little men coming up, soon! And looking forward to hearing you play that harmonica, too!

So, have you reached a "verdict" with regard to your July trip, yet, Colleen? Can't wait to hear what your ultimate decision is! All of the resorts that you mentioned are wonderful, needless to say.......but you know what my personal favorite is........so you know which one I'd "vote" for!

All is well here - not too much to report - the feline "patients" are hanging in there.........and I think that I deserve an honorary veterinary degree for being able to keep all of their various medicines and dosages straight and properly administered, 2ce a day! I think I made some stupid mistakes on my test on Monday night, but I'm trying not to beat myself up about it, too much! Still haven't made my last few PS's.........I've been having some crazy thoughts.........about going nuts and surprising Frank with an evening at Victoria and Albert's.........you only live once........!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a great day!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Just came from the library, there was a magazine I wanted to read, and I had the most interesting thought. It occured to me that since Becky hangs out in the library between appointments (maybe she will hang out sometime now) that some of the times we were chatting on line she might well have been just around the corner from my house. Is that strange or what? I am a firm believer that God puts people in our paths and He sure has scatterd some blossoms my way in my lifetime. OK, a couple of weeds too but hey life is not perfect. LOL

Lisa, if you are old what the heck does that make me? I am old enough to be the mother of everyone here. (gotta get me a cane, whoops, forgot I already have one) It is a fairly common ailment. Glad to hear that the shots are not all that bad. I are scared of needles, give my invasive surgery any old day. For now I am able to hide the condition so I will hold off on worrying too much. Is not as if I am known for my great beauty although my hair has always been my crowning glory and the envy of many, low maintanence as it is.

I was reading a thread the other day about what resorts people hated and I do not think any one was NOT listed. I was amazed at how many did not like the Poly though. Tom and I had gone over and checked it out a long time ago and decided it was not for us. Old Key West suits our personalities. Grand Floridian is just too darned grand, Wilderness Lodge imposing and a bit cold. I was checking out places for my daughter the other day and was impressed with what the Fort Wilderness homes had to offer for families and such easy access to MK too. We have stayed at several places.

I have no doubts that you have done very well in figuring out doses and such for your Fur Babies. Love works wonders. I hope you are wrong about messing up on your test but if you did just remember that we learn more from our mistakes and one thing is for certain you will NEVER do that one again. Is not in your nature. I once aced an important test by guessing something correctly and never felt that I truly deserved the honors I got for it. Now that I am older I give myself some credit for educated guessing though. LOL

I can see you and Frank at Victoria and Alberts and having the time of your lives. Go for it!! Would not work for Tom or I as we are not gormands and Tom does not notice the differences in foods at all. I am allergic to wine so we will just stay away but that being said, you guys are just right for it.

Lauralee, how heartbreaking it must have been for you. It was not a trip wasted though as you just never know what effect you might have had on your friend. Most of the time you never do. Lisa said it all so much better than I could and I totally agree. It is hard, when you are in a bad relationship, to get out especially when you do not feel worthy. I hope your friend realizes that anyone able to have such a wonderful friend IS worthy. I hope the two of them can find some sort of help, sounds as if both are hurting. I am of the belief that you can take two perfectly nice people and they can still not have a good marriage. I hear you on the alcohol. I have a sister who always has a drink in her hand. Our grandmother died of liver disease from drinking. My sister had Weight Loss surgery last year and since I have had it also I know that one thing is that you are not supposed to drink at all since it causes problems. I worry. I have always been grateful that I did not inherit that family curse. I am glad that you are back in your happy home, with your brand new bathroom(?).

I took Tom to the dentist early this morning and am opting out of the rest of the day. My daughter picked up Dalton last night and stayed for a few minutes (a rare occasion). I had one of my attacks while she was here so I guess she talked my sil out of me taking care of his nephews in addition to Dalton this weekend. I am sort of relieved as I really am not up to taking care of three small children at one time. Dalton is pretty calm in spite of being in training for President. He was telling me that he was playing President on the playground yesterday and started humming "Hail to the Chief". How many 7 year olds know that particular tune? He had his friends act as his bodyguards. He is smart, funny and sneaky enough to make a good president. LOL I am taking Tom to his brothers tomorrow and will pick him back up Tuesday so I am going to get some work done around here. Dalton is playng basketball at half time at the big boys game tomorrow night so I am going to see that and bring him home with me afterward. I have Shark's Tale for us to watch. I got Ray for myself.

SG/Linda

 

[twinscandc]

Good Morning Everyone!!

I know it's not morning (actually it's 12:30, Indiana time), but I just got up!! I just want to say: I love my DH because he volunteered to stay up this morning to get our girls ready for school!! DH works 3rd shift so he is ready to sleep when he comes in at 7am!! But today, I am one sick puppy!! It started coming on a few days ago, but now it's here with full force!! I've got the whole thing.....aches, fever, sneezes, congestion, ear pain.....I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck!! I've called to Doctor, but he won't be able to see me until MONDAY!! I was supposed to be in court this morning for one of my cases....I'm glad I faxed my report to the judge yesterday!! I dont have time to be sick....too much to do!! I think I'm going to curl back into bed and watch Beauty and the Beast (my favorite!!) It always makes me feel better!!

So, Linda.....I've not been around your way since Tuesday afternoon. And now I'm hoping that I didn't give you any germs when I was there! I'm apologizing in advance if I did!! Did you see my name on the Library internet sign up sheet for Tuesday? I have been on the Dis boards several times while in the Library. Isn't that funny that I was just around the corner all those times....and yes, I do believe that God is in control and "plants" people in our paths!!

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a few days....l've been very busy with work and the start of this sickness!! I teach an anger management class on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. It's a 10 week class for 90 minutes each night!! So, I have to get in all my other contacts plus teach this class. It's a huge committment for myself as well as the 7 students in my class!! It's a good class that teaches young people how to control their anger. etc.... I enjoy it but it sure does keep me busy!! The other "good" part about it, is that I get paid extra for teaching the class!! It's $1000 for the 30 sessions (before taxes- ). I told them not to pay me until the end because it will be all Disney money!! I will not be teaching tonight (my co-instructor will be there!). We are ending our 3rd week....only 7 more to go!!

I'm sorry, I got a little off topic, but I wanted to say thank you to all of you for your warm welcomes!! You all seem very down to earth and my kind of people!! Especially since we all love Disney!!

Well, the snow is really coming down....I went to bed early last night and didn't watch the news....I had no idea it was even going to snow...As pretty as it is....I'M READY FOR SPRING!!

Thanks again for welcoming me into your group.....I will be happy to offer loving support and an ear to bend at times....I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you!!

Have a great day!!

Twinscandc aka: Becki

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

So, you not only have a future NBA star on your hands, there, Linda, but also a future President of the United States? Sounds good to me! I love that Dalton was humming "Hail to the Chief" and having his friends act as his Secret Service Men! That is so adorable!

I hope that you are feeling better, and glad to hear that you will be able to spend some one-on-one time with Dalton, this weekend! And hope that Tom did well at the dentist and has a nice time at his brother's too!

Hope that you are feeling much better very soon, Becki! It's horrible when you know that a flu / virus is "sneaking up on you" and then comes and hits you full force! But don't worry about all the work that you have to do, the class that you were supposed to teach, etc. As you said, you already did the pre-work for the case that you were to work on, today, and I'm sure that your class will understand why you're unable to teach tonight. Just concentrate on taking care of yourself and feeling better! Enjoy resting and watching "Beauty and the Beast"! And hopefully you'll be back to feeling 100%, very soon!

The snow is headed this way and we should have 5 - 9 inches on the ground by tomorrow - UGH. The timing is too bad, because a 78 year old cousin of mine (actually my father's first cousin. She is very funny and "hip" and we stay in touch by e-mail, all the time) is up here from Florida and we are supposed to get together with her and a bunch of other cousins, tomorrow. I was assuring her via e-mail, all last week, that our weather here has been unseasonably warm and that it would surely hold out for her trip........and then she gets here and we have 9 inches of snow dumped on us! (Actually probably more where she is staying - she is staying with her daughter and son-in-law on Long Island). So hopefully we'll all still be able to get together - she's not sure whether they'll be able to make it here to meet with us NJ cousins, because of the weather. This is a really fun "branch" of my family, and I was looking forward to Frank's getting to know them better. And I know how much my father and uncle were looking forward to seeing their cousins, too. Hopefully it will all work out! Will be doing taxes for the rest of the weekend. If we get them done on Saturday, we're hoping to "sneak in" seeing one last Oscar contender in the theaters, before the awards ceremony on Sunday night! (I just love those award shows! )

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you're all having a nice day!

 

[twinscandc]

Thank you Lisa for the Well Wishes!! I haven't made it up to start my Beauty and the Beast movie yet....I'm making me some warm Tomato Soup!!

Hopefully you will be able to have your family get together....Spending precious time together is what it's all about!! Isn't this weather crazy? We were also having warmer temps, and then....SNOW???!!??

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Becki, Colleen and I know what you are talking about. Indiana weather is interesting. If you do not like it you do not have to worry cause it will change in a minute or so. The snow was not so bad since I was able to drive in it and I am the biggest chicken there is. (cluck, cluck) Please do not worry about germs. Remember I work with small children at the Community Center and there were so many germs around there Wednesday that I came home and washed my hands several times. I do not get things easily, at least not colds and such (just the serious stuff) LOL One little boy had a temp of 105 and had been taken to the emergency room. My heart aches and I so wish I could go over and bring those poor sick childen to my home where I could bundle them up on my couch in comfort until their poor parents can get off work. Can you tell I used to be a single (married but single, long story) working mother? I do bring home the kids that I know their parents. I also hug any kid that asks for one. I do keep the door open when I am reading with the kids though. So sad we have to think about such things but is for the kid's safety also. I even had to run one of the teenagers that works at the center home as he was having a reaction to some medication. I come in handy occasionally.

I used to be on a Home Extension Committee that worked in the West end of Columbus to help train families in budgeting and such. I was the only common person on the committee and that is cause I was the only one with actual experience in being poor. I am afraid it was a failure though. I reached far more people in the classes I taught at North and East as I occasionally run into a young person who remembers me from those classes. Poverty seems to run in families. In the nearly thirty years I have lived here I see the same family names over and over again for bankruptcy, arrests, etc. It is heartbreaking. I admire you and your hubby as you do a much needed and terribly hard job. I hope that you have had some success (overt) so that you can know that what you are doing is worthwhile. Since I tend to follow traffic laws I am not apt to meet your hubby any time soon. LOL I have never had a traffic ticket and am proud of it~!!

It makes it a bit easier to spend those evenings away from your family when you can know that the dollars are going toward such a worthwhile thing as DW!!! Is how I feel about saving a dollar here and there. Watch for me when Kroger has the doubles and triples. I am often there for a few hours. BTW, do you remember seeing local newspaper articles about a coupon lady? Is me.

I hope you are feeling better this evening and I am so glad that you are blessed with a wonderful husband to take care of you and pitch in when needed. You deserve it.

Maybe we can make plans to get together with Colleen one of these days or you could come for lunch one day. I do not do much cooking nowadays since I cannot eat anything that tastes good but I might rustle up something.

A bit of trivia, when you are watching B&the B check out Chip. His voice was done by a family friend of mine. Bradley Pierce. He also did Jumunji and several other things. He currently is working at DL.

Lisa, so you think Dalton is adorable huh? I thought so too until he told me that he figured out that one of his Secret Service men was actually Sadaam Hussein in disguise so he shot him in the back of the head. (sigh) Whatever happened to a good game of Cowboy and Indians, on second thought that was not any good either. Wonder if I could get him to play a good game of Checkers??

Our tiny bit of snow is nothing like what you are going to get. My bil used to live in your area and I remember the weather he had back then. I guess I will stay in Indiana, not so bad. I am supposed to go on a trip with one of my sisters in a couple of weeks so I am hoping for an early spring. We are going to Ohio Amish country. I hope that your hip relative arrives and finds the snow melted and the sun shining. Would be terrible to get that far and not be able to see everyone. Hipness has nothing to do with age, some people are old when they are born. Others are eternally youthful. She must take after you. LOL

Tom did well at the dentist until we got the bill. $300 just to reline his bottom dentures. I had to drop off a check for over $200 for the furnace repair this morning also. I am trying hard to be grateful that we had the money to pay it. (mostly) LOL

Who are rooting for at the Oscars? Hope you find a bunch of extra deductions so that you get a super big refund check.

I have to go study for my trivia game. I did not win last week. That will not do at all. (grin)

SG/Linda

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

The boys have gone to church so I am having a bit of a break. Watching "Ray" as I compute. Even us homemakers have to dual task. LOL

Went to the big basketball game Friday night to see Dalton play with the big boys at half time. He worked his heart out and made a couple of baskets. They had a free throw contest afterward and people bought chances to be in it. Dalton's name was called and he step up to the free throw line, where a few grownups had already faltered, and tossed it right in to win $50. He has it already spent. LOL There was an expensive Lego set that he has been wanting. He played his last game of the season Saturday against a strong team. Got injured but came back on the court toward the end to throw in 4 baskets to win the game in the last couple of minutes. And yes, we DID play checkers. He cannot beat me but he does make me think before I make a move and that is a promising sign. That and the fact that he refuses to let me give him a handicap cause he wants to win 'fair and square". No, I am not proud at all. If any of you want to me to shut up I would not blame you a bit.

I hope you are all enjoying some Spring Sunshine, Good Company and Rest for the coming week.

SG/Linda

 

[depplyinluv]

Hey Linda!

I just saw Ray a few weeks ago. Definately think Jamie Foxx will win the oscar...

I'm glad Dalton won the $50! what a talented young man!

Anyhoo...it seems i have stumbled upon the disboards once again, after a long period of absence...last week i went to florida with my dad to visit my grandparents, wish I could go back! the weather was so beautiful.

other than that, I've been busy and my computer was busted. It works now luckily, but im still busy! I've missed you ladies!! my week is filled to the gill with school, hockey, mock trial, play practice, SADD, art club, and guitar...and band. But hockey and mock trial are ending soon, so that's good(well not good, but you know) but my fiddler on the roof practices are going to start getting more frequent and longer(I'm going to play Yente)

so how is everyone doing? Hopefully i came back to see everyone in good health

-depply

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

How are you feeling, now, Becki? Hopefully you were able to have a nice, restful weekend, and are fully recuperated, by now!

Hi Linda! Boy, that Dalton sure is creative! I know that it sounds weird saying this, but it's so funny that he "determined" that one of his Secret Service men "was" Sadaam Hussein, and so he executed him - very advanced role playing, there! That just shows how aware and sophisticated the youth of today are, I suppose! That's so wonderful that he showed up all of the grown ups by making that free throw and winning the prize! He deserves that new Lego set for that and for all of his hard work, this season! Glad to hear that all went well for Tom at the dentist, and hope that he enjoyed his stay with his brother, too. And things like that always happen - whenever we happen to get a big medical bill, like a dental bill.......something else always winds up needing to be fixed, like your furnace! Frank just had some expensive dental work done, too........and our automatic garage door opener just decided to "die", so now we have to have that replaced! Things always seem to happen that way!

Great to hear from you, Amanda! I'm sorry that Johnny didn't win, last night, but it was great that he was there and that so many people praised his performance and work, in various interviews! So glad to hear that all is well with you, that you had a nice trip to Florida (LUCKY!), and that everything is going well with school and all of the other great things that you're involved with!

We did wind up getting that snow at the end of last week, but fortunately most of it had been plowed and had started to melt by Friday, so we were able to get together with all of our out of town cousins, after all, which was a lot of fun!

And Frank and I did manage to see both "Ray" and "Million Dollar Baby" before last night, so we were appropriately "prepared" when we sat down to watch the Oscars last night! We were very happy with the way that things turned out - everyone who won certainly deserved to win (although we were rooting for the "Super Size Me" guy in the documentary category - that was a great film!), but it would have been nice if "Sideways" had been able to win more awards. At least they swept the Independent Spirit Awards! We just loved that movie! Although every single one of the nominated films were excellent, something about "Sideways" just really touched us! I am going to read the book on which it was based, over spring break in 2 weeks.

I also managed to get our taxes done, and we are going to get both state and federal refunds - yipee! I never care how much we're getting back - I'm always just relieved when I determine that we don't owe anything!

Well, we're bracing for another 7 - 12 inches of snow, now........looks like I will be submitting my homework via e-mail, today, and staying home from class, tonight! (Very bad timing - this is the class that totally puzzles me, and the professor was going to review for next week's mid-term, tonight.........oh well, I guess that I will have to "wing it"!)

Hope that all is well with all of you! Take care and have a great week!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, could not help but think of you last night, especially every time I saw Johnny in the audience. I love quirky and he sure fits the bill. Sorry he did not win. There was an awful lot of good competition last night though and coming in second in good company is a whole lot better than coming in first with no competition. There will be another movie, another year, and many more chances for him. Because of his wise career choices he will be acting well into his later years as opposed to those who burn out young or are type cast into younger roles. I was happy that Jamie Fox won though. He was fantastic in Ray. Since I have long been a fan of Ray Charles' it was amazing to see how well he did the part and I could have sworn it WAS Ray!! Loved his interview where he talked about his grandma and daughter also. It is somewhat rare to find a talent who is also a good person. Often one or the other.

Your life sure is interesting and so diverse. You are a woman of many talents. LOL, Yente? My first thought was to smile at the thought of such a beautiful and dainty young lady, such as yourself, doing such a part but then I had another 'thunk" and then it seemed perfectly reasonable that a mature person as yourself do the part. You are following in some mighty big shoes and I am sure you will not trip. Mock Trial is such a useful thing to be involved with. It will stand you in good stead throughout life. I always think of the right thing to say an hour, day or week later.

Lisa, is there anyone who might audio tape the lecture for you and play it back over the phone or something? Maybe even hold up a cell phone while you listen in? There are so many options available today and hopefully something might be allowed so that you will not miss out on tonight's lecture. If all that fails I am sure that you will pull it out of the hat. Just remember, when you do, do NOT think it luck. It is educated guessing and that is a very good thing. That is one thing I try to explain to my students, they do not give themselves enough credit. Neither do you.

Dalton is short $20 of getting the Lego set he wants and this grandma believes in earning things. He is so close to the reading goal and the promised $20 so the ball is in his court and he is very good with a ball. LOL

It is so true that things happen in groups. It is easy to forget the weeks, ,months, years that things go smoothly. I feel very lucky in that we could afford the repairs. The dental work could have been done cheaper but there are some things that you do not want done on the cheap. Wonder how many millions of dollars of dentures are sitting in drawers because of poor fit and grumpy people who are wearing other ill fitting sets. LOL

I hope that you were able to get your garage door fixed without a lot of bother or expense. I keep ours oiled and checked on a regular basis. Heck, I am so nuts that if I have several trips in a day I just leave the car out so that I do not have to put the door up and down etc. LOL Being Obssessive Compulsive is not ALL bad.

I wish our children did not have to be quite as conversant with the violence of the world. You should have heard the conversation we had the other night when he was telling me about Harriet Tubman and asking questions about the Civil War. As an aside, during this evening, he tossed out the information that the Wright Brothers flew their plane from Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903. Heck, all I was trying to tell him was that they had lived up the road from here when they were kids. I believe that after sixth grade that kid will have outgrown anything I have to teach him.

We are in the midst of a promised 2-4 inches of snow but now I feel guilty worrying about such when you are being drowned in the stuff. Is Frank having much trouble getting to and from work? Can he go in later in the day or work from home any?

How about some advice here. My dear Austin is having a very hard time having a super star brother. I can well see his point of view and am worried that he will develop more problems than he already has. He is on the cusp of failing yet another grade while Dalton does not have to study and gets 'A's and everyone in this basketball obsessed town is always coming up to talk about Dalton while Austin is in the background. He is a good hearted kid but does not live up to even his limited potential and has so few aspirations. He has actually told me that he wants to marry a woman who does not want anything as he plans to live in the old house he lives in now and drive the over twenty year old truck that his dad drives. I do not care if he is ever rich or anything, just want him to be able to support himself and be happy. I do my best to tone down my praise to Dalton (for both their sakes) and to always have time to listen to Austin no matter what else is going on. I know that one of my Suite Mates has the knowledge I seek. It is hard to see when something is so very close (to my heart).

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone,

So sorry that I have not been in touch in awhile. I've been busy with school and with an under-the-weather kitty, who had a dizzy spell / seizure related to her heart condition, yesterday (she's all right, thank God, but I was running back and forth to the vet and panicking).

Linda, I'm sure that you and your family are very supportive of Austin and give him all of the loving attention, encouragement, hope, and wisdom that are in your hearts. I've never had a sibling before, so I only sort of understand the concept of "sibling rivalry". I'm sure that Austin's situation is made more difficult by the fact that his brother is so successful in so many areas of his life. I wish that there was some bit of "advice" that I could offer, other than what I know that you are already doing - supporting Austin and highlighting all of HIS achievements and the things that he is good at and enjoys. And continuing to let him know that you all believe in him and that he can accomplish anything that he sets his mind to do. And to try not to compare himself to Dalton and realize that they each have different strengths and talents. I know that you and your family already do all these things, and I can't imagine any grandmother more wonderful, caring, sensitive, and thoughtful than you to give Austin the hope and strength that he needs to succeed to the best of his ability in any area of his life! I wish I had some more words of "wisdom" for you - but you are so wise, I'm sure that you know and are aware of all of those things, already!

We did wind up with a little less than a foot of snow here, at the beginning of the week, and fortunately the class that I was concerned about was cancelled all together - AND it's mid-term pushed back 2 weeks, as a result - Yipee! The snow is in the process of melting, now, and no more is predicted for the near future, so that is a good thing!

Frank is off to buy a new garage door opener right now, in fact. Unfortunately, the one that we have is completely "shot" - we think that the motor "died". That's OK - it is 18 years old and we certainly got our money's worth out of it!

Well, I'm off to get some studying done and to check on our feline "patient" and make sure that she is calm and comfortable! Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all had a nice week!

 

[TalkisCheap]

Hi Ladies!! Well, i'm all caught up!!!


Belated welcome to you, twinscandc! Well, I'll introduce myself, I suppose. My name is Caroline and I just turned 14. I'm homeschooled until i go to a private, catholic co-ed HS next year{which i cannot wait for!} I live in maine with my parents, and my sister{18} and my brother{almost 20} when he's not in college. I play a lot of sports...right now, i'm inbetween basketball and track. though. I've also played the piano for 7 years. It's always good to see new faces around here! Oh, and you're daughters are beautiful!!

How has everyone been? It's been pretty boring around here. Well, except for the excitment of leaving for WDW sunday! I've been shopping the last few days, getting clothes to wear, a bathing suit, and such...I can't wait to finally be warm and escape all the snow here!! Everytime it seems to be melting, another 6 inches get dumped on us I just want it to be spring, and track season!

Hmm..commenting on old news, luna so sorry to hear about your trip to RI and your friend, sounds so sad! I hope things get better for her and her family!

SG, dalton cracks me up, what with his half court shots and winning $50$ for free throws...a very talented young man he is!! I do feel bad for Austen though, but i'm sure he'll turn out just fine with all the love he gets from his family. He'll find something for him, i'm sure. I know I used to feel in the background to my cousins/siblings. My sister has always been the tennis star, my brother the math genius, and my cousins perfect in everyway, i always thought i wasn't good enough. But, i've found my strenghts and I hope he does too! Also, sorry to hear about your hair. That sounds aweful! We always had a drive-in thats about 20 minutes away. We used to go alot in the summer, there would be a kids movie first and then when we fell asleep there was an adult movie. We always brought blankets and our own food...I miss that! It's still open but a bit run down and we use to live minutes away. I don't go to a lot of movies in theatre. Outrageous prices for tickets and food. Also, i cannot stomach the smell/taste of movie theatre popcorn!! The last movie I went to see was Ocean's 12 because I couldn't wait to see that!! When I return from florida, me and my friend megan are off to see Be Cool, because we both love Andre Benajmin!!

Good to see you Amanda! I was disappointed Johnny didn't win. I actually haven't seen Finding Neverland because the one week they had it at the movie theatre near us, we were gone for christmas and now the closest one isn't in the nicest section of Portland. Although people criticized his look, i thought he look handsome as always!!

Well. My dad just came home from miami, so I'm going to go and talk to him, I guess! I hope everyone has a great afternoon, and I'll check in before leaving on Sunday!!

 

[IASW Rider]

Great to hear from you, Caroline! And wishing you and your family a FANTASTIC trip to WDW! You had better stop back here, ASAP, upon your return and tell us all of the details!

Colleen will be following right behind you - I believe that her WDW "countdown" is at 6-days-to-go, now! Lucky ladies you are! We're coming up on the 2-months-to-go-mark, ourselves!

Our recovering kitty, Tasha, seems to be doing well. She is acting like herself and seems to be feeling fine. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the adjustment in her medication will keep her well and that we won't have another scare like we did, the other day!

Will be spending most of the weekend studying for mid-terms - wouldn't you know, I have one on the night of Frank's birthday, next week??? Hopefully I can finish early so that we might still be able to go out to dinner or otherwise celebrate on the actual night!

Hope that all is well with all of you and hope that you all have a great weekend!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I have mid-terms this week, so I don't know how often I will be able to check in, over the next few days. But I wanted to wish you all a nice week and send a special BON VOYAGE out to Colleen, who will be blasting off for the LAND OF MAGIC on Thursday!! Wishing you and your family a wonderful, safe, and magical trip! And hope that you and your family are having a fantastic time in WDW RIGHT NOW, Caroline!

Have a great week, Everyone!