EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Congratulations on your 1000th post, Linda! We'll be having a special Suite-Sweet-Fest in your honor, this evening (all low fat, needless to say! )!

When is your sister's actual wedding date, Elaine? I remember when you started looking at dresses - it seems like yesterday, but it was probably close to a year ago! Did you finally decide upon the one that you had sent us a picture of, many months ago? I think that it's very exciting! I hope that your sister isn't so nervous that she's not enjoying the planning and the process! I really miss that! I keep asking Frank "can't we renew our vows, so that we can do it all over again, this year?" I actually saw our wedding florist, earlier this week, when she delivered anniversary flowers to my parents, from us. It brought back the memories of the many meetings that we had with her, around this time last year! *SIGH*.

I also live fairly close to my parents - aboout 3 miles away - and have no intention of moving......unless it's to Orlando, of course! I love Central NJ and would only move to work at WDW!

I'm also so glad to hear that your SIL is all right, Linda! That was very scary - thank God it wasn't worse!

Congratulations on your latest weight loss accomplishments and that BMI going down, too! I'm hanging steady, in the same place, as always........maybe some day, my body will give me a break and let me progress past that 80 mark! But, as I always say, as long as the numbers aren't going up, I'm happy!

Not too much to report from the Garden State, this evening! Just loving this wonderful spring like weather that we've been having, lately - it's been in the upper 60's for the better part of this week! I actually went outside in shorts and a T-shirt, with no jacket, for the first time this year, today! I don't think that it will last indefinitely, but it's sure been nice! I even welcomed the thunderstorm that we had, earlier, because it seemed so summer like!

Hope that you all have a great weekend!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to pop in and wish you all a nice week!

The weather here has been just gorgeous, over the past week or so - low to mid 60's and sunny every day. Spring is finally here - it's about time!

Spent Saturday walking around the Rutgers campus and reminiscing with my best friend from college. It was a really nice day for walking, and it was fun going back to some of our old haunts, too! We also walked around the area of The Rutgers Club, which is where Frank and I got married. I can't believe that it's been almost a year - where does the time go? And I can't believe that I'm (almost!) a Rutgers student again, too!

Not too much to report, otherwise. Spent the past 2 days cat sitting for my sister-in-law, while she had some work done in her house. It was fun spending time with my furry "nieces" and "nephews" (you can tell that we're a "multi-cat-family" - Frank's sister has 5 cats!)!

I watched the Travel Channel Disney special, last night, even though I'd already seen in twice in the past. It's always nice to see WDW on TV, even if it's just on a commercial! *SIGH* - just 69 more days! I hope that it will be safe to travel, by the time our trip arrives! Speaking of WDW Travel Channel specials, they are in the process of filming a new WDW Travel Channel Secrets special, down there, now!

Hope that all is well with all of you! Talk to you soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

You are far too newly wed to be longing for the 'good old days'. LOL Sounds as if you are keeping busy and out of most trouble.

Isn't the weather delightful? I don't wear shorts but have been able to be out and about without a jacket or anything lately. I figure we will get one more snow storm and bet I can tell you when it is going to occur. Will be April 8th. I picked up our Aida tickets today and that is when we are supposed to go. My sister went to see it in Tampa and raved over it. Wish I could be on Broadway to see it but this is better than nothing. It was $80 a ticket and the Broadway site is selling for far less. Surprising, would figure it would be more. See, I do spend money, when it is something I want. LOL

It is so wonderful that you love where you live and are looking forward to a new career. Life is far too short to be miserable.

Lucky Frank, he will soon be able to tell everyone he is married to a college girl.

Have loads of snail mail to catch up on so I had better get on it before it is time to fix dinner.

After dinner I am going to head over to Discovery Island. The boys have arranged for us to have a midnight picnic over there with a special viewing of EWP and prime seats for the fireworks. Have even heard that Tink will be paying us a special visit. See you there!

SG/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Evening all

Linda, congrats on your 1000 posts!!!! I remember how happy I was when I got mine And I think you are right. We all seem to be rather family oriented and I think that sets us apart from some others who really don't care. Congrats also on your weight loss. One pound is better than nothing

You would think my sister might come to me for wedding advice but she doesn't like much of what I do so I will not even offer my advice unless she asks for something specific. She is far more stressed about this than I was for mine. Her wedding is May 10th so it will be soon. And actually no, I did pick a different dress Lisa. I'll ahve to show you the pics soon

Lisa, I can't believe you will be in WDW so soon!!! That is so wonderful! I hope you enjoy your trip And soon you will be a Rutgers girl... so wonderful

Well all I have a few things I need to take care of tonight! I hope you all are doing well

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Elaine

You are just a laid back type of gal. I admire that even though I will never be able to emulate it. LOL

Thank you for the compliments. It is very nice of you.

Don't work too late. Hope you and Luis find some time to just sit and snuggle for a bit. With all this war stuff going on it is a good time to be with our loved ones and just have a bit of thoughtful, quiet time.

About time for the launch to take us over to DI. I see the lights and Bo is tying up the boat and laying out the red carpet for the gangplank. Nothing less than the best for the Suite Gals.

SG/Linda

PS, Am so disappointed that the Great Movie Ride will still be down when Lisa goes to DW. I would be heartbroken if I missed it.

 

[IASW Rider]

WHAT??!! The GMR will STILL be down for rehab, in June??!! I didn't know that! I love that ride, too! It's funny because every time that I've been on it, for the past 5 years, I keep thinking that it might be the last time, because there have been rumors for years that it was going to close and be replaced with something like the DL Indy ride.......but every year, it's still there! I hope that they never permanently close it! This rehab is pretty hopeful.....then again, Legend of the Lion King was "rehabbed", just before it closed......! Well, maybe by some miracle, it will be open by the beginning of June. Still, there are so many things that we've never done in the Studios that we wanted to do, this year. Frank wants to try the new ToT drop sequences and ride R'N'R (......I'll be on the ground, safely shopping in the stores on Sunset Boulevard, while he accomplishes those particular things! ), and we've never seen the "Beauty and the Beast", or "Little Mermaid" shows, or even played "Millionaire", so we are hoping to fit those things in, as well. And we're hoping that "One Man's Dream" will still be there, because we missed seeing it last year, too. Ah, there's never enough time to do everything in one week at WDW!

WOW! Your sister's wedding is really coming up soon, Elaine! Yes! Please send us pictures of the dress that you ultimately decided to wear! Will there be many bridesmaids? Is it a very big wedding? Have they planned a honeymoon for right after the wedding, or will they wait awhile?

That's so neat that you are going to see "Aida", Linda! We really enjoyed that show, and I'm sure that you will, too! It's nice to treat yourself, every once in awhile - I'm sure that you will have a great time! You'll have to give us the full review, on April 9th! Think warm sunny weather - no snow on the 8th or any other time, this season!

I love the Discovery Island idea, Linda! I haven't been over there in over 20 years! I recently read a rumor or 2 about the possibility of them using the island for something, soon.......hopefully, that's true......it's a shame to see it just sitting there, with no way to visit it.......unless, of course, you're one of the people of the EWP Suite! We get special treatment! Hold that launch - I'll be right there!

Have a nice day!

 

[Dan Murphy]

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone!!! I hope you all have a great day!

I swear I am not always a laid back kind of gal, Linda. I do try to be, but sometimes I really can't no matter how hard I want to be. My wedding was so easy to be laid back about because what mattered the most was that we were getting married, that was it. The rest was relatively unimportant to me.

Lisa, here is the rehab list for June http://www.wdwig.com/rehabs.htm#603 It seems that the Movie Ride is pretty much the only thing under rehab. I admit I love the ride but I think it was time for it to get a small change and hopefully just updating I love it though so I hope if they changed anything, the feel is there and the basic idea for it will be there too. But it is only closed for 4 months so I cannot imagine they could change too much! You'll have to let us know though

I too really hope they do something with Discovery Island. I always thought it would be cute to make it like the Pleasure Island from Pinocchio. A place for kids to go and have fun. Maybe a "babysitting" kind of place built into it but where the kids don't feel like they are being watched. They could do so much with it though and it has been years since I've been. If I take a water mouse out on the lake I do like to ride right by it though

Yep the wedding is close at hand. Just a little over a month now and she'll be married. I'll make sure that when I am all made up and all that, I will get pictures taken and show you all.

Hey there Dan Good to see you here

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Dan!

Thanks for stopping by! It's always so nice to hear from you, and nice of you to visit us, here in the Suite!

Hi Elaine!

Thanks for the rehab list! I agree with you - it would be nice to see the GMR updated. I have a feeling that this is just "standard maintenance / rehab", though - I don't recall the GMR being down for rehab in a long time, so maybe they are just "freshening things up", in there!

I like your idea about a new theme / purpose for Discovery Island! That would be fun for the kids! They have all of that nice land, there - they really should do something with it! I'd read a post on the Rumors and News Board that some people had observed some "official looking, management types" taking a private launch over to the Island, recently, and that they looked like they were scoping it out. That sounds hopeful!

Do you know that in all these years, I have never taken a water mouse out on the Lagoon or the lake? I'm too afraid that I would somehow get stuck, out there, and have to be embarrassingly rescued by a passing ferry or resort launch! (Probably a flashback to the time when I was a camp counselor, and got stranded on a rock in the middle of the Delaware River, while trying to help 2 young campers dislodge their canoe from it!)

It's great that you were so laid back about your wedding - hopefully some of your influence will rub off on your sister, when she realizes that it's not worth it to get all worked up about things and risk not enjoying these last few weeks, before her big day! When all of the responses have been returned and all of the final arrangements have been made, I'll bet that she will be calmer! Can't wait to see pictures! (What a surprise, right? )

Hope that you're all having a nice day!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I told the guys not to dress up for our EWP viewing but they thought the tucks would be a nice touch, bet that is what people saw when the reported the 'official looking' people over there scouting things out. LOL

Elaine, is just what I said about you being a laid back type person, you just know what is important. Wish other brides and grooms would also as it would make things go so much better. Seems that the small glitches are what make a wedding ceremony special in the years to come. You mentioned something about an Indpls meet but I could not find the info on the site and the search thing did not work. Would you know where the info is?

Lisa, you poor dear. I would have come after you,on that rock. Figures that you would get yourself in trouble trying to help others though. I will send the fellows over to see if they can get the GMR up and running by the time you get to DW. It could be worse in that it could have been IASW instead. I am going to visit Pinocchio's on the next trip so I can watch the riders. Do you know, can you see into the actual ride from there?

Dan, the Man!!! How are you doing? I hope winter has decided to depart from your neck of the woods. It is always special to see you in here.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

So sorry that I haven't been around in awhile, but we're FINALLY having our house repainted and recarpeted (which we've been threatening to do for the past year!), so I have been inundated with taking down pictures and shelves, storing the things that were displayed in our wall unit and curio cabinet, and just generally getting things ready, because they'll be starting on our living room and dining room and upstairs hall on Monday (we hope! With our luck, the painters won't show up, after we did all this prep work!).

How are you all doing?

Unfortunately, I know for a fact that you can't really see into IASW from Pinocchio's, Linda. I know this because my cousin and I always used to insist to my mother that we sit in the "IASW seats" at Pinocchio's, as children, and we would literally get down on the floor to see if we could get a better view of IASW, through the entrance, as the boats pass........but you can't really see anything! I love sitting in the "IASW seats" to this day, though, and I still insist that there is no place in the world that a cheeseburger tastes better than in Pinocchio's!

T-minus less than 2 months, for us, now! 2 months from today, we will be spending the day in Epcot.........and (as I promised Frank)........I will be experiencing Test Track, for the first time! (I hope that I survive! )

I met with the Dean of Academic Affairs at Cook College (the specific college within Rutgers that I will be attending, this time around. It's technically the "agricultural school", as it started that way and has a very strong agricultural / plant sciences program, but it caters to all of the sciences. Some plant and animal specialists who work at the AK are graduates of Cook!), yesterday, to go over my transcript. He determined that all of the liberal arts classes that I took 15-20 years ago will transfer to my new degree, as well as a few of my psychology and sociology classes. So I'll basically be required to take all of the sciences (General and Organic Chemistry, General and Microbiology, etc.) and all of the Nutrition-specific classes. That should take me about 2.5 years, if I go "round the clock" and take classes in the summers, as well. At least I have an idea of how much time the new degree will take, now. (Of course, hearing about all of the science and math classes that I will need to take in order to be able to place into some of the major-specific classes scared the you-know-what out of me........but then I calmed myself down and told myself to remember that I'm not the same kid that I was years ago, who was always intimidated and petrified by math and science classes.......it's still pretty scary, though! ) Anyway, it was a really nice day, so I took some time to wander around the Cook campus, which is right next to the Douglass College campus (that is the college at Rutgers from which I graduated. It is the largest women's college in the world). Both campuses are very rural and beautiful, and it was really nice walking around and reminiscing, there, watching the students wait for the campus buses (that take them between the Rutgers New Brunswick campuses - there are actually 5 campuses in New Brunswick), etc. So, anyway, I'm "on my way"!

Well, time to get back to the mess that we've come to know as our living room! Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you all have a great weekend!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey! Where is everybody????!!!! Hellooooooo..............

Oh, I guess you all must be out at the parks, enjoying this lovely Central Florida weather. It's a lot better than our charming Central NJ weather, that's for sure - we had 5 inches of snow, earlier in the week! Fortunately, most of it has melted, by now, but it is still far too cold and grey outside for this time of year, for my taste!

I made our remaining PS's, yesterday, since yesterday officially marked our "60 days out". Yipee! I always love calling the Disney number and speaking with someone who is actually down there! I actually spoke with a really funny guy at the Poly, last week, too. Thanks to Elaine's posting the rehab schedule, I learned that all of the Poly longhouses are currently in the process of being rehab'ed. After recently reading an article in a magazine about a man who'd arranged to have the door of the hotel room in which he and his wife had spent their honeymoon installed in their house, when the hotel was being refurbished, Frank and I started thinking how cool it would be to have something in our house from "our room" at the Poly, if it was ever remodeled. Well, wouldn't you know, according to the rehab schedule, "our" longhouse was in the process of being rehab'ed THIS MONTH! So I called down there to find out the extent of the rehab, and if there would be any way that we might have the opportunity to buy something from "our" room, if there was anything that they were just planning to discard, otherwise. The Poly CM was very amused by my request, and told me that only other CM's have the opportunity to purchase "stuff" from around the property, and that only CM's have access to that information. So I asked our pals, who work down there, to look into it for us. If not, we might just have to sneak off with the door to our room or the chair in which I was sitting when Frank proposed to me, when no one is looking! (I even asked the Poly CM ".........you all wouldn't mind if we disengaged the room number from our door, or walked out with a tiki sconce, or something, would you?" and he said "hey - what you do with your own time at 2:00 in the morning is your own business!" ) Anyway, it would be neat if it worked out that we were able to buy something from "our" room, or at least A room at the Poly!

Anyway......... this week has been pretty productive. After years of threatening to do so, we FINALLY had the majority of our house repainted! (We had to do it in 2 parts, so that we would have placed to seclude the cats while the painting was going on) It looks great! We have the carpeting people coming with samples tomorrow, and hopefully we'll have some new carpets by next week! Then will come the arduous task of putting everything back into our wall unit, curio cabinet, and sideboard, and hanging all of the pictures and shelves back on the walls......UGH. But it's so worth it to finally spruce up the house a bit! Just in time for the spring holidays, too!

So, what are all of your plans for Easter? We will be doing our usual thing - spending Passover with my family during the week, next week, then heading down to Frank's mother's for Easter, the following weekend.

I've been "assessing" my summer wardrobe - something that I seem to do every year at this time, in preparation for our annual pilgrimage to WDW. I had to buy all new shorts last year, since none of the ones from the previous year fit me any more. Well, I had to do that again this year, and I'm proud to say that this year's shorts are the same size that I wore in college! I haven't been able to fit into that size since around 1993! Yea! So, now that I'm a college student again, I can say that I'm the same size that I was when I was in college 15 years ago! I'm pretty amazed, since my weight has been holding steady for the past several months. I guess that I must be losing inches from somewhere, though, to be able to fit into that smaller size! I also got a few other new outfits to wear in WDW, and for the summer in general. Fortunately, I won't have to buy too much more, since I can dress very casually when I go back to school (ie: I can wear my shorts and T-shirts and leggings and sweatshirts. Nifty! I won't even have to put on makeup, every day! ).

Hope that all is well with all of you and that you're having a nice week! Hope to run into you all, in the Suite, some time soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Rider, what wonderful news you had to tell. I love it !! So glad that many of your credits will go toward your new degree. Do you have a testing out program where you could take tests and possibly bypass some of the other courses. Bet you are plenty capable. I have a sister who tested out of the first two years of college. I did not know such a thing was possible but when you think about it the first year or so is basically going over what they should have taught you in high school. Might be worth checking into.

I love the idea of you having something from 'your' Suite. So romantic. I used to be that way until decades of marriage took it out of me. Fixing midnight dinners with candlelight for someone who hits the light and says "What the ***** is this" just is not condusive to my putting out more effort. Men! (sigh) OK, maybe it is just older men. LOL

Our weather is so great and I am so sorry to hear that you have had snow. I hope it is the last for the season.

It would be wonderful to have someone come in and paint and redecorate our place but unfortunately that is my job. I just keep telling myself that I am saving enough money for our next trip to DW.

Since hamburgers are not allowed on my diet and I cannot see IASW from Pinocchio's I think I will cross that off my list. Thank you for letting me know though.

What a feat, to be able to wear the same size as when you went to college many years ago.

I think I am finally back on track with my weight loss. I lost 2.5 pounds the first week of April and another .5 the second week. I have another loss this week but do not weigh in until tomorrow so I don't know what the official number will be yet.

I loved Aida and going by bus was the greatest. The bank gave us a reception before and Tom loaded up on enough food to we worth the cost of the tickets there. I drank water. The bus dropped us off and picked us up out front of the theater. We had about perfect seats. I was able to hear pretty much everything and loved the funny lines and the singing was great. Was amazed at how old Mickey Dolenz looked as I have not aged at all. (grin) Only off thing was the fact that one of the tour guides kept hugging me and was so thrilled at my weight loss. She had not seen me in quite awhile. It was sort of like she pitied me for my 'disfigurement". I know she meant well though. I watched her and the other size 0 people stuffing sandwiches in their mouths and was very jealous. (smile)

I have some shops to do in Indy so we are going up and spending a couple of nights at our favorite getaway with an in room Jacuzzi and across from the Comedy Club. I hope to find a bit of time to just do nothing also.

Helenabear, Angelina, how you doing gals? If you find time, please drop by, put your feet up and spill the beans. (grins and hugs)

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

HELP! HELP! I'm trapped on the second floor of my house, again, and I can't get down! Actually, I'm hanging out up here because they are in the process of laying our new carpets, downstairs - yea! And actually, I have it better than the cats do - since the carpet guys needed to open all of the bedroom doors in order to line up the carpet seams properly, 4 of the cats are secluded in the master bathroom (so that they don't run out the outside doors) and the other 2 are hiding in a closet! And it's very LOUD, right now, because they are in the process of hammering the padding into the floors.......have I mentioned, once or twice, that I will be very happy when all of these renovations are complete???

I think that's so great that you can do all of your home improvements yourself, Linda! I admire the fact that you've done your own painting and tiling and refinishing and probably a million other things, in your home! I don't have the talent or patience to do so.......and I'm not very handy or artistic.........but at least we're finally freshening up the house, regardless!

Congratulations on your (at least) 3 pound weight loss, this month, so far! That is great! And that's such willpower - watching everyone else eating on your tour - I don't know if I could hold off and eat nothing, in such a situation, as you did - that is a big accomplishment, in and of itself! You're very dedicated and knowledgable - that's why you've been so successful already and that's why you'll continue to be successful!

I'm sure that your tour guide was just trying to pay you compliments, by constantly hugging you and commenting about how great you look! You DO look wonderful and you deserve lots of compliments! But......I know what you mean - sometimes people say things without thinking about how they're coming across or how what they say can be "taken". People say things like that to me, as well: "you look so amazing - you've really turned your life around....", and I'm left thinking "as opposed to the big mess that my life was before? And as opposed to the horrible way that I looked, before?" I guess that the only thing that we can do in such situations is take away the "good stuff" from the comments, and realize that the people mean well (or at least they do in most cases.......sometimes their jealousy comes through, and they seem a bit callous......), and ignore any "weirdness", either real or perceived, from the comments! Again, if there is any "weirdness", it's often the result of people not being able to hide their envy very well (how many people have looked you up and down, recently, and said to you "you'll have to tell me your secret" or "you've lost so much weight" - but with a tone of voice that implies "let's see how long it will take before she gains it back"? I know that I have gotten those sorts of comments from envious people. I think that those people mean well, too, but they look at the success that we have had and feel personally threatened, for some reason. I don't know why - it's a very strange phenomenon. I'm just assuming that you have encountered similar people and situations (?).). Anyway, all this to say, compliments are good and you deserve them!

You will be proud of me - as inspired by you, I finally got around to taking my larger clothes out of my closets and packing them away to give away to charity. I don't know what took me so long to do so - maybe I didn't "trust myself" for a long time, and figured that I would hold on to them, "just in case". But at this point, the clothes are literally between 3 and 5 sizes larger than what I wear now, so the likelihood that I would ever fit into them again is (hopefully!) very slim (excuse the pun! ). So I packed them away and now have tons more room in my closets! It was actually a very emotional experience - looking at some of those clothes for the first time in a few years. They reminded me of less happy times in my life (being miserable at work or in my personal life - hey - maybe those people were right - maybe my life DID used to be a "mess"...... ) and how far I've come (in terms of finding what's right for myself) since then. It was therapeutic in addition to "functional"!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed "Aida"! It's funny - I just read in "Playbill" magazine that Mickey Dolenz was portraying the father of the male lead in the touring company, and that he will be playing the part on Broadway, starting in 2004. I thought that there were some great songs in that show (sort of reminiscent of "The Lion King", in a way), and I loved the fashion show scene! Even though we live so close to NYC, we have several great regional professional theaters in our area, and we've gone to see touring companies of many shows, through the years. They do just as great a job as the Broadway companies do, in my opinion! And it's amazing that they can travel from town to town with such elaborate sets, lighting, effects, etc.

When will you be going on your getaway trip to shop and jacuzzi? That sounds like fun! Our weather is finally nice, here, too - it will actually be 77 degrees here tomorrow (if the Weather Channel is correct)! Of course, they're predicting that it will be back down to 48 degrees on Thursday......but at least there are signs that the warmer weather is coming, to stay!

I'll be spending the beginning of this week "putting the house back together" after this first round of work is done (bedrooms are being re-painted soon after), the middle of the week getting ready for and celebrating Passover with my family, and the end of the week in South Jersey, celebrating Easter with Frank's family! Crazy week! I will be happy when things calm down again!

I will have to take a math placement test before I start school (and will probably wind up back in Algebra, since it's been so long since I studied it, and I need Pre-Calculus as a pre-requisite to the Chemistry classes that I have to take), but I doubt that I will be able to place out of very many classes. I didn't take any college level science classes, the first time around, so I'm really starting from scratch with this new major. I'm happy that so many of my existing credits will be eligible for transfer, at all! I wish that there was a way that I could speed things up even more, but I don't think that there will be. Thank you for your thoughts though, Linda!

Hope that all is well with you and your family and that you're having a nice week!

And hope that all is well with you, out there, Elaine, Angie, and Wendy!

Take care and talk to you soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

Gee, stuck upstairs huh? With the computer and not able to cook or clean? Poor thing!!! LOL

I am afraid that I do the painting etc. cause we have always been a single wage earner household and my hubby was a factory worker who did not believe in overtime so I have had to learn to do for myself or we would be heavy in debt or would have to do without. I once dug up a septic tank to save the $25.

I get good reactions from most people regarding my weight loss. The main problem is that everyone wants to know how I did it and it is putting a strain on the local TOPS clubs as I have brought in many new members. I am in the process of organizing some diet clubs in our town to solve some of the many phone calls etc I get. Some of my siblings are less than pleased but it is because we have all been large and they do not like my being smaller than they are. Just the way of the world, I love 'em anyway.

Congratulations on getting rid of the clothes in your closet. You have rid yourself of a safe haven to run back to as well as making your life simplier. I think you find much more to get rid of with all your renovations. A simple life is the best. Too often our possessions own us rather than the other way around. Is why I have never craved diamonds, furs or such. You have to worry too much when you have what others want in the way of material things.

I am sorry to hear that you won't be able to 'test out' of much to speed your education. I fear that I would not be able to do math classes anymore. They were difficult enough when I was younger and I do not have the energy to go through it all again.

It is supposed to be over 80 tomorrow. I am running into town to get weighed in and then back to here to pick up some friends and then we are going to a surprise party for a friend that is turning 80. I think she will be pleased with her daughter.

We are going on our get away Wednesday and Thursday. One of the pleasures of retirment is that you can go places at off times and save big bucks and avoid crowds.

I have to go trim some bushes now. Have the truck loaded up to take to the dump and want to clean up as much as I can to avoid another trip too soon. They make these rules and then do not give you easy ways to comply. (sigh)

I got my one state tax refund check. Was fun to have the government admit I was right and they were wrong and have to pay for it. Guess my math skills are not totally bad.

Enjoy your afternoon and hope the work gets done today so you and your babies can come out and play.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Linda!

It's about 80 degrees here, today, too! It's so wonderful to be able to go outside in shorts and a T-shirt! I wish that it would stay this way, but I fear that it will be rainy and in the 40's tomorrow. Oh well, I'll enjoy it now, while I can!

Have a great time on your getaway! In fact, you've probably "gotten away", already, as today is Wednesday! Hope that you're having a nice time!

That's so neat that you're organizing diet clubs in your area! Maybe you will pioneer a completely new program that will go national, and all of the current TOPS and Weight Watchers members will join your club, instead! People ask me how I lost weight, as well, and I never know what to tell them, since I'm not on any "formal diet plan". I just tell them the truth - that I "listen to my body" and somehow have intuition about what it needs at different times of the day. It makes no sense to many people, but that's all it is, for me! Maybe when I become a world famous nutritionist (and on the Board of Directors of your world famous Diet Organization), I will have something more constructive to tell people who ask for my "advice"!

How are your little men doing? Are they looking forward to Easter? Will you be hosting Easter in your home, this year, or will you be visiting others?

The last time that I trimmed our bushes, I wound up with that crazy poison ivy (I can't believe that we're soon to celebrate our 2 year anniversary in the Suite, by the way! That poison ivy incident was 2 years ago, and I remember your all giving me advice about dealing with it!), so I won't be doing it again too soon! I'll leave the outside work to Frank!

Speaking of Frank, he should be coming home from work, soon, so that we can get over to my parents' house and start setting up for Passover, so I'd better run!

Hope that you're having a nice day, Linda, and everyone else out there!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi t here Lisa

We just got back home. Short report as I am an old lady and cannot party as hard as you youngsters. LOL

We went to see About Schmidt. Was great and very fitting for our life circumstances. Could not believe that it was FIFTY cents a ticket!!!

The Comedy Show stunk. Very light crowd so I guess the guy who was supposed to be there (one of our favorites) decided to send in the second (or ninth) string. They were so bad that I almost got up to perform. I think anyone in the audience could have done better. Best line of the night, for me, was one guy who said that he and his girlfriend were in a serious relationship and now it was morose. Only an English Major would have liked that one and I believe I was the only one there. We had almost went back to see another movie. Will remember to not go on Wednesday nights again. If I had paid for the tickets I would have demanded a refund.

Ate out at several places and it was all pretty much free as they were shops and or gift certificates.

Did lots of shopping and found the nicest dress at Goodwill for $4. I even found a blouse I had been hunting for (new). I suppose bargain shopping would not be so much fun if I HAD to do it. LOL


I guess my fellows are doing well. Austin was surprised when he called a bit ago and I refused to let him spend the night but I am tired. There were messages from our DD asking me to pick up the boys the other night. Guess she did not know we were gone. Maybe she should try calling once in awhile? (smile)

I don't think I could charge for my expertise. I don't charge for much of anything I do. I could not only tutor the kids whose parents could pay. Most of them do not need the help as much as the others IMHO. If I ever decide to become a capitalist (minor) and turn my dieting expertise into a thriving business I would not consider having anyone else but you as my partner. I don't think anyone who has NOT fought the Battle of the Bulge should be allowed to give diet advice. You learn from your mistakes and we are fonts of great knowledge. LOL

I am glad that you are able to shed your winter duds and get back to your most comfortable self. Keep those bare legs away from all 3 leaved vegetation though.

Is your house all in order now? No spring cleaning chores for you for a bit.

I think I will lay me down to sleep, perchance to dream. Knit up the ravelled sleeve of care etc. etc.

zzzzz/SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi!

Hope that you all had a very Happy Easter!

Hi Linda!

Welcome back! Glad to hear that you had a nice a productive trip! That's so neat that there are still places out there, where one can see a movie for fifty cents! There is no place like that around here, that's for sure - movie tickets are ridiculously expensive, even for daytime shows. Pretty sad. Anyway, glad to hear that you liked "About Schmidt"! I wanted to see that, when it was in the theaters - I guess that I will have to wait for it on video, now.

Sorry to hear that the comedy show was disappointing, though.
Oh well - I'm sure that you got a few good laughs, thinking about how bad it was! We are actually going to see a friend of my friend Gary's make his comedy club debut at Caroline's in NYC, this weekend. He took a stand up comedy class, for the heck of it, and the "graduation" ceremony is having to perform a five minute act on stage! More power to him - I could never do it - stand up comedy seems terrifying to me! But this guy is really funny - I've known him since he and Gary went to college together - he's a lot like the character Jack on "Will and Grace", if you happen to watch that show - so I'm sure that he will do a good job! Interestingly enough, one of the actors from my soap opera ("All My Children") is also in his class and will also be performing on Sunday. It's funny because I recently saw this actor interviewed on a talk show, and he was talking about how he wanted to take up stand up comedy, on the side.......and it turns out that he took the same class as Gary's friend!

Anyway.......today I am trapped on the first floor of my house, because the painters are back, painting our bedrooms and upstairs bathrooms. Have I mentioned how happy I will be when all of this is over, lately??? I hate having our lives / schedule upset.......but I have to say, the new paint job looks wonderful, downstairs, and I'm sure that these guys will do a great job upstairs, as well. We have all 6 cats (and the contents of 2 of our bedrooms) ensconced in our 3rd bedroom, today. It's like an obstacle course, in there, with all of our stuff stored there. At least that gives the cats more places to hide, anyway! I told Frank that this is one way to get them to get along - put them all together in a tiny space, where they can "bond" over a shared fear of all the noises that they hear, coming from the other side of their door (ie: hammering, strange mens' voices, etc.). It's like a kitty reality show - "Feline 'The Real World' ", or something!

Glad to hear that all is well with your family, Linda! And that's so neat that you found some good bargains on new clothes! I've been buying a lot of things on sale, lately, too - I've been pretty lucky, this year (which is good because I need a ton of new things for the summer!).

Anyway, I'd probably better go and see what the painters are up to - I haven't peeked in at them, in awhile.

Hope that all is well with all of you, and hope that you all had a great holiday!

 

[helenabear]

Hi all!!!! Sorry it has been so long... I've been very busy at work and honestly at home as well. Nothing bad but just busy in general.

Laura's wedding is coming up in a few weeks and I've been preparing the house for that, doing the bridal shower, fittings and well, you all can guess. I did get a trip to Chicago in last month but I didn't post pictures because I caught a lot of "bad facial expressions" so I didn't feel "right" posting the the ones I had (which were very very few). I just don't like embarassing people and truthfully I would have hated having pictures like that of me up. Next time, I'll make sure people pose more and then I won't have to worry about those bad looks.

Sounds like you all have been very busy too

Oh before I rush off to work, I had to say one crazy thing I am doing. I am going to WDW for 5 days at the end of May/beginning of June A friend is going and using some extra DVC so I don't have to pay for anything but air (being that I am an AP holder) so it is a CHEAP trip. With that in mind, I have to ask Lisa, when are you arriving on the 2nd. That is the day I leave and was hoping maybe to meet up with you. I will have to be leaving WDW by 4:30 to get to the airport. So keep that in mind

Anyway, have a great day all!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Elaine!

Great to hear from you! I figured that you were probably wrapped up in wedding preparations! How was your sister's shower? And how are all of her plans coming along? Is she any less nervous? Or more nervous? Your whole family must be so excited!

That's so neat that you will be in WDW, next month! I'm not sure exactly what time we'll be arriving on the 2nd, but I know that it will be in the late morning / early afternoon. If I'm remembering correctly (we haven't gotten our documents yet), our flight leaves Newark at 8:00 AM, or so. So I imagine that we would be getting to the Poly somewhere around noon time. Maybe we can hook up, somehow, before you leave. I will let you know more specific times, when we get our information from the travel agent. If it doesn't work out this time, we'll all just have to meet there, another time, for a mass-EWP-viewing! (Speaking of the EWP, I finally found an EWP pin! Yipee! ) Anyway, that's great that you will be able to get away for a few days, so inexpensively, too! Will Luis be joining you on this trip, too? If not, you'll just have to plan another trip, so that he can "catch up" with WDW, and so that you can go together!

Time to do some grocery shopping! Hope that you're having a great day! You too, Linda, Angie, and Wendy!