EWP group?

[depplyinluv]

Rider, i think you mean february break...its not warm enough for spring yet.... but it was good, and my test was bad but...a person's greatness cant be measured by their stupid test grades!

at least i think so




hi angelina! you didnt happen to see a certain...cute...hobbit at mardi gras did you? elijah wood was like someone in the parade...but i dont remember what it was called i tihnk it starts w/ a "B"?
i know he was on the lord of the rings float...

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Depply, you are so correct in that test scores do not determine a person's level of proficiency. I can speak to that as my IQ scores are unbelieveable, even to myself. I have come to the conclusion that the extremely intelligent do poorly on them because they are able to think several levels above normal and so can twist most of the mutiple choices into some sort of resasonable answer whilst myself, being of lower intelligence, am able to easily decide which answer the test writers are looking for. LOL Unfortunately the rest of the world is far too lazy to spend time actually getting to know a potential employee and so they take the easy way out and go by grades and such. Having said that, I must admit that I have gotten far more jobs based on my attendance record than my school transcript. Guess they figure if you don't show up you won't be doing any work anyway. (smile) As far as the morality test goes, couldn't you write the answers on the palms of your hands? (Gee, you DO know I am kidding, right?) LOL

Rider, I feel so fortunate in that we managed to dodge most of the snow. We actually had a couple of inches but it did not stick to anything important, just made the landscape look magical. People to the north were hit badly though. I believe it is the magic Hills of Brown County that deflect much of the terrible weather that other parts of Indiana get. The northern half of Indiana is flat while the southern part is hilly and we are betwix and between. I am so sorry that you are getting far more than your fair share. If the entire world would just share the weather evenly how much more perfect things would be. (smile) One of my sisters, who travels extensively, always hires a cabdriver (usually sharing the expense with others) instead of taking shore excursions and says that she gets a much better tour that way. When they eat lunch the driver joins them and that way they get more of a local feel. She has a favorite driver in the Bahamas that she uses often. Kids are smarter than they were in my day but somethings bother me, seems the more sex and violence they see the less sensitive they are and that is not a good thing IMHO.

Helenabear, first I ever heard of your sister being on the boards. Mine would not be interested in DW in any way. Have tried to get some interested in the trivia group I am on as they are so smart and it would be fun to compete against each other. Other trivia members have siblings, kids and even grandkids who compete. I took a break in this post to teach Dalton how to do crossword puzzles. He is a child after my own heart. No one has to be exactly like me for me to love them but it is something special to have a grandson who enjoys so much of the same things and my mother and I did. I am sorry to hear that WM Cathy C has departed but hopefully it was for bigger and better things. I do not know how all this internet stuff works. Figure as long as my email program is up and running each morning I know enough. LOL

Angelina, you do the most fun things. The festival sounds lovely. I can just see the beautiful streets of Fairhope with baskets of blooming flowers, crowded with people, and all sorts of delicious smells and happy sounds. You kids take after you in being so very talented. Never quite know what they are going to do next. Because of spring break I have had Dalton all week. He goes home tonight but his brother has requested to spend the night tonight and have me taking him shopping for some new farm toys tomorrow. I am tired but do not have the heart to tell him no. Guess that is what grandmas are for. (smile) Is there anyway that you might get in some kind of a trip on your spring break? Is far too many days to waste IMHO. Just wish it were a bit later so you could join us at DW in May. I imagine your school does not get out until the end of May. Just got another invitation to spend some time at a retirment community that Tom is interested in. Am beginning to think that Fairhope is going to have to remain a dream. Maybe next spring? Still hanging in there and hoping though.

I have read about coming in through the International Gateway, before WS opens and having a leisurely walk around. It is one of my new ideas for this trip even though it means either driving or taking two buses to do so. Who knows, one day, I might be up for the roller skating through WS that I have read about. Frankly, I like a slower pace where I can enjoy the nooks and crannies though. EPCOT is my favorite park. Just so many interesting and surprising things to see and do.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

All this talk about test scores is making me nervous, now that I've "unofficially" committed myself to studying for and taking the GRE this summer! Although I took the NASD licensing exams five years ago when I was working at ML (and those were huge, multiple choice-type tests), I haven't taken one of the Educational Testing Service tests since I took the SAT in 1983! I already got a review book (which of course I have yet to actually open and look at!) and have looked into the review courses that are offered in our area over the summer. I think that I'll try taking a practice test and see how I do before signing up for a class (they are pretty expensive).........I have a feeling that I will need a class, though - especially to review the math stuff!

I cannot believe that you referred to yourself as being of "lower intelligence" even in jest, Linda! Your jesting IS pretty funny, though..........because you are, in fact, one of the most intelligent and insightful people whom I know! I do agree with both you and Depply - test scores hardly measure one's intelligence or potential, and it's a shame that so many institutions rely on them in terms of a student's or job candidate's qualifications.

We are about to run out and have lunch with our friends who were in WDW last month. This is the family for whom we arranged the "Princess connections" with our DIS Princess pal, and they are going to bring us copies of the pictures from their magical meetings - I can't wait to see them! And I can't wait to hear their 4 year old daughter's accounts of her adventures on their trip! That will get us even more psyched for our trip!

Hope that you're all having a great weekend! Talk to you soon!

 

[IASW Rider]

Oops - one more quick thing. I just checked my Rutgers e-mail account and got the weekly on-line newsletter of the specific school that I attend. Below is one of the items that was part of the latest edition..........things like this make me wish that I was 19 or 20, again..........*SIGH*......


5. Walt Disney World College Program

Hello Cook Students!

Are you ready to start building your resume and preparing for your future
career? The Walt Disney World College give you the opportunity to take
college level courses, network with Disney leaders and enhance your
marketability in today's job market.

As a participant, you'll enjoy a social, multicultural environment with
24-hour secured housing and admission to all four Walt Disney World theme
parks. Plus, you'll learn about next-step opportunities within the Walt
Disney Company. This paid program is open to all majors and college
levels.

We are on the lookout for the best and brightest college students. Space
is limited, so be sure to
attend the Walt Disney World College Program presentation to be eligible
to interview. Or, check us out on www.wdwcollegeprogram.com to learn more
and apply online.

The presentation at Rutgers University will be held on Tuesday, March 23,
2004 at 6:00 p.m.. The location is the Rutgers Student Center - Graduate
Student Lounge. Hope to see you there!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Rider, as I often tell my grandkids, good looks, smarts, athletic or artistic ability etc. are God given and are His way of giving a person a head start BUT you cannot take any credit for those because you did nothing to deserve them. Since I have done little with my brains (will concede that I do have them) I am worse off than if I were a bumbling idiot. People who do not do well on tests are thought to be bad sports if they do poorly and complain but since I do very well I am comfortable sticking up for those poor benighted brilliant people who do not. LOL I have some relatives and friends who are super super smart and they barely know enough to get out of the rain. I think their brains are just so darned full of information that the basics have been deleted. (grin)

Shucks, darn. Bet you could pass for a college aged kid if you wanted to but Frank would probably not write you a permission slip to take off for Orlando for a whole summer though. I have a feeling that you and Frank will retire to that area one day and I am confident that there will positions in your fields, whatever that turns out to be, waiting for you. DW is a large city with all sorts of people needed to keep it going. You already have many connections there.

What a special lady you are, you see the magic in a child's smile. You would be amazed at those who do not. You even have the added joy of knowing that you made it possible. Is a mitzvah??? Hope I got that one right. LOL

Your religiously illiterate friend, SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

HI ladies! I am back from my wondeful week at WDW. Linda, we looked for you on the way down in COlumbus... On hte way home we decided to try coming thru Seymour (ie, Mellencamp country) and then Bedford. Hubby decided that ALL Indiana routes are equally slow... I did tell the manager at the Orlando Perkins that my pal back in INdiana thinks his restaurant is tops; I htink it made his day!

We had a great trip and I was very lucky. I felt fine most of the trip except for pressure and lots of potty stops! I think I am on such a high when at WDW that I feel no pain! The weather was nice and we had a ball. I thought of all of you on Friday night, our last. We had 6:30 dinner at Kona Cafe, then went out by the Poly pool. It was warm enough for the kids to swim, and the rest of us watched the fireworks from a table near the beach. Just as the show ended, the EWP came by! My hubby said they need to "update it" and I told him NO -- us Disney-crazed love it just the way it is!

Hope you all had a good week. I have graduated from college and grad school both and STILL want to go on the college program -- wonder if they'll take me at 39? I spoke to an intern from Stockton State College in NJ -- or whatever they call it now -- she was down for 4 months and working at the gift shop in the Poly. What a dream come true! She said she came right after Xmas and was thrilled to be missing all the winter in NJ. Her parents will come down in June, right as she finishes up. I am already telling my kids "they have to go to college in Florida!"

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen!! Welcome home and I am happy that you had a great time in spite of all the potty stops. There is a thread somewhere on the DIS that deals with the very best restrooms. LOL

I almost offered to meet you at 65 to say hello but I did not want to delay your trip. I know how important it is to get on the way and make as many miles as you can so that you can carefully plan when you hit Atlanta.

LOL, thanks for passing on my best to the manager of the Perkins. He might even remember me as I told him that I was a mystery shopper, not something I do often, to explain that my impression of the restaurant was that of a professional.

Thank you for sticking up for the EWP. Tradition is as important as innovation. There is plenty of room for both at DW. I am morning the loss of Food Rocks. It was hokey and that is why I loved it.

How did you get from Seymour to Bloomington? You might have been near my house if you took any part of 31 or 9. Maybe we can plan a meet soon?

I envy your education. What was your major? What did you do before you decided to take on the biggest job of them all, raising your kids? Will you return one day? I regret not working outside the home very much. Was good for everyone else in the family except for me.

If your kids go to college in Florida you must keep a good eye on them as we have had several local kids meet some religious fanatics who led them astray and it was not a pretty thing. One girl barely survived. Sending kids to college is frighening in any case, no matter where they go. If they are busy working at DW in their spare time you will not have to worry so much. LOL Just think of the discounts too! One of my friends has a son who works for security. I am so jealous.

Will you write a report about your trip? If so, please let us know when so we can read all the details. I may learn something new for our upcoming trip.

SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, fear not. Soctt works at IU so the kids can go there for half price -- a hard deal to beat. I just tease that as soon as they are graduated, we are going to Florida. If they go "away" for school, I will likely hide out in the bushes! It makes me laugh to think of my kids with "religious fanatics" because we are offical agnostics. I grew up Catholic and that sort of "ruined" religion for me, no offense to other Catholics. Scott's Dad is a Lutheran minister (retired) so if the kids ever feel a need for religion in their lives, they can ask HIM all the questions -- I am NOT the one for that kind of guidance! I also have friends of various religions who can answer their questions, and often say that someday, if I ever feel a need for the spiritual, I will join up with the Unitarians. They let anyone join, even fallen Catholics!

We stopped in Seymour because we saw a sign for a Perkins! We had dinner there, then followed 50 thru Brownstown and into Bedford, then up 37. As I said, it probably saved no time but it avoided 46 from Nashville, which I hate. Were we close to you? It was a very pretty ride.

Scott and I came to IU for grad school. I was an undergraduate anthropology/art history major, lots of great info and "mind-opening" but few jobs. Came to grad school and got a master's in folklore, figured I'd be a professor. But the other students were really brilliant and I was miserable in the program. Switched over and got a degree in counseling psychology, which I loved. Before the kids I worked as a care manager for the elderly in rural Owen County. I worked for the Area Agency on Aging and set up home-delivered meals, visits, transportation to docs, etc. It was a nice job but I was ready to give it up by the time #2 was born. I have been home since. I am PTO prez at our school, I think I have told you. Not sure what to do about working. Next year Ian goes to first grade and I would LOVE a paycheck, but am not willing to miss school functions, weekends, evenings, and summers, so I am afraid I will be unemployed for a while. I have thought about being a very over-educated sub teacher! I would love some type of job at IU but with the kids in school I just don't see it happening. We'll see what comes along. Meanwhile, our school always needs volunteers. Next year will be a challenge for me, and I really need to figure out what I am doing in this new phase of my life.

I liked "Food Rocks" too. I still miss "If You Had Wings" which used to be in Tomorrowland. I can still hear the song...

I posted a "review" of our trip on the DVC Board. It's there if you want to check it out!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Colleen, my bil, who lives in Bloomington, is an overeducated and underpaid substitute teacher. It would be a solution for you in that you would be working while your kids are in school and home when they are and can work when you want. John, my bil, tells me that he could work everyday if he wants. He is a great teacher. Very rewarding, even though you are not paid what you are worth. With your background you could teach many things. With my mental disabilities I could not do much of what you have done but I surely do applaud what you chose to do. especially the Meals on Wheels etc.

You were not too far away either from Seymour or the other side of Columbus. I live about 15 miles from either. I am often in Brown County as I am dropping off or picking up Tom from one of his "weekends". We go to Bloomington occasionally to visit his brother and family also. We eat at Ryan's when we go. John lives on the Elletsville side of Bloomington. I know where Elletsville is cause there used to be an adult drive in movie theater there (no, I did not, just did not like to drive by with the kids LOL)

Your children are more in danger of being taken in by religious fanatics cause they got to rebel against something. I figure my two grandsons will become agnostics because they are made to go to church most every night and twice on Sunday. LOL I am religious but do not care much for most organized religions. Am against anything that smacks of "I'm better than you are" stuff. I applaud difference. Makes for a balanced, if untidy world.

Half price and an I.U. education? Hard to beat. I might have to get a janitors job there myself so I can qualify for poor Dalton's education. His family does not believe in saving for education. I saved and never got to spend a dollar on higher education. Go figure. (sigh) Several of my bil's graduated from I.U. If I could convince myself that it would not be wasted money (would be) I would dearly love to finish my degree. Would be mere vanity, I fear.

I bet the Perkin's in Seymour was disappointing after the Crossroads one. Next time give the Ryan's a try. Pretty good. I love the fact that they have two versions of several things and some diet desserts that I can have. Yummm! Weigh in tomorrow, must NOT think of food. (big sigh)

Wasn't the "If You Had Wings" the one that had the roller coaster simulation tunnel? I loved that, was as close as I'll ever get to one. I hunted for it for several trips before I found out it was gone. They have got to keep some things for us chickens.

I am going to check out your report. Looking forward to the details.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, Perkins was just fine. Not as nice as the Orlando one, but I did notice that even though it was winter outside, I did feel "back home" in Indiana. The waitress was sweet and the other patrons looked like neighbors to me. I said to Scott that it isn't as gorgeous as Florida, but I do love Indiana. One day you and I can meet in Nashville and blow our diets together!

I went to college at a little private school in Pennsylvania, Lafayette College. Lots of wealthy kids go there; I had a grant. There were more than a few parents who worked there because their kids went free, provided they got accepted. A nice woman I recall worked at the office in the Arts Center. Three of her kids went free. Back then it was $11,000 a year; currently it's about $28,000. Great perks for those employees!

I hope my kids go to IU. I enjoyed it after a small college with only 2000 students. I want them to be close by. I know how hard it is to leave home. Even though Indiana is a better place for me -- I am a Jersey girl at heart but the Midwestern pace suits me better -- I will never enjoy living 800 miles from my parents. I didn't "plan" on it -- it just happened. I still hold out hope that my parents will retire here. Meanwhile, we get together often, especially at WDW!

I remember a comic some time ago where the kid of hippie parents was terrorizing them by becoming a conservative Reagan youth. You are right about kids "rebelling." I guess to spite me my kids could become a nun and a priest! YIKES!

I am tired and still feeling a little yukky. I guess "pieces" of that darn stone are still flying around inside. I see the doc on Wednesday and hope I am all done for a while with procedures and the like. Enough for now! Mickey was the best medicine. I swear I didn't feel crampy again til yesterday when I got home! I htink returning to cold made me cranky.

I can close my eyes and I am on the Polynesian beach and I can see the fireworks and hear the kids in the pool... AAAAAAh...

 

[helenabear]

Hi all... busy life and finally getting to catch up on all my friends here

Angie, so nice to see you stop in! Glad you had fun at Marti Gras... some day I will have to make it down to New Orleans for the big event! Usually I just stay at home and pig out

Lisa, glad I am not the only one who has had trouble. It is particularly bad when you are trying to catch up ona group like this. I know it's been off and on so maybe the weather or viruses have been causing trouble. Sounds like you got some of the snow we did... jsut as some would melt, we'd get more Even flurried this morning! I want the real spring

Yep, both my sister and husband post here. Luis hasn't posted much or for long. My sister and I found the site here at the same time,b ut one of us spends much more time here than the other

Depply, glad you enjoyed your break! Awfully early in the year for us though. We don't see any spring breaks until march/april here!

Linda, my sister likes Disney, but I admit not near as much as I do. I am the "Disney Freak" of the family, that's for sure! As for that walk around WS in the morning before it opens? I am not sure it would be worth it... it might be more worth it to get to Epcot early and walk through it the other way. THey only let you walk by Canda & UK at that hour.

Lisa, good luck studying for the GRE this summer!! And I say what the heck, go for that WDW posistion... might be a good excuse to move down there

Colleen, welcome back!!! So glad you had a great trip!!! I liked food rocks, but I admit If you had Wings was not a favorite, but of course we'd ride it at least twice... it was cheesey but fun I think. So I guess I must have liked it really I truly very much miss World of Motion though... I like test track but that ride was not to be beat! That and Horizons... awwww the old days!

Well I am getting e-mail notifications that you all are still chatting so I will submit and say hello to all I might have missed

 

[FPgurl04]

hi! depplyinluv requested i visit this lovely thread, so here i am. someone might need to help me settle in....

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy there neighbor! "lou-a-vull" I well remember gettting that lesson once upon a time. My children were even born there. LOL No rules around here, just pull up a lounge chair or jump into the Jucuzzi and chill. We are a bunch of Disney loving people who have set up a virtual suite overlooking the lagoon with front row center seats for the EWP and a great view of fireworks every night. Your wish is our gentlemen's command. Unlimited credit card good at any place on property (dreams do not cost money). I am the senior member of the group, six grandchildren but still have the soul of a child, most of the time. LOL I will let the others introduce themselves as they would blush if I were to do so. Welcome to the Suite and may you return many times.

Helenabear, thank you for the great advice about not doing the early entry at WS. Are you able to go in from the other direction before anything opens or are you talking about walking to the back portion and working your way forward? We usually go in by way of Mexico and I had been thinking of going the other direction for a change and then we would be right in place for Illuminations. We always watch at the Cantina.

Colleen, I know what you mean about Indiana. I like it here also. Are your parents still working? If and when they retire it should be no problem to get them to move closer to their grandchildren. Cheaper living here to boot. College town with lots of fun activities. No problem. Hope you are able to give us good news about your stone being obliterated soon. Pain is no darned fun. Amazing what a distracton can do to ease it though and Disney is the best. Hope your memories of the trip ease the day.

It will be a close call as to whether I lost, gained or stayed even this week. Will have to work harder next week. Have a loss for the month but I hate breaking my losing streak.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[helenabear]

FPgurl04, nice to see you here as well I hope you stop in often

Linda, before WS officially opens, all you can really do is just walk the main path between the International Gateway and Canada. They don't really let you go anywhere else around there. Actually some tours might be going on at that hour and they would be the only ones allowed to go off the main path. As for Illuminations... the Cantina is a good spot to watch... probably would be very good to start the time off at Canada and make your way that way. I have watched Illuminations from many places and not sure I have a favorite. I do watch it from the bridge at the International gateway more often than not though... easy to just stroll up to.

I hope you do well with your losing streak! I have slowly been working on that myself It's funny how you talked about how much you love Indiana as well. I was just looking yesterday at housing in Tampa. I don't plan on moving, but I think I am officially 100% tired of Ohio winters. And I would love to be right by the beach Dreams though... maybe some day I'll live in warmer climates!

 

[colleen costello]

If you girls are meeting in World Showcase, have a meal at Resturant Marrakesh. We had lunch and it was wonderful. We had a lunch special with a salad, a chicken shish kebab and a dessert that was baked apple in a sort of crepe with almonds and honey on top. YUM. I suspect this isn't low-carb but the musician and belly dancer were wonderful too and salads were on the menu. It is dark and cool in the restaurant and very beautiful with tile and plaster work -- a real "oasis" on a hot day. Check it out!

When are you all meeting? I know I will miss you by a little but couldn't recall your exact days and who is going? FIll me in, I am nosy!

 

[helenabear]

Colleen, you just mentioned one of my favorite restaurants!!!! I love going to Marrakesh for any meal. They have an appetizer, Chicken Bastilla, that is big enough for a full meal and only $5.95 and the Kebabs are wonderful!! My favorite dessert there is Bastilla... it is to die for!!! I always have wonderful service there and I went there twice for dinner last time. Almost always able to walk up and get a table w/o any wait!

 

[colleen costello]

Marrakesh is wonderful. It really felt good to cool off in that beautiful room. My body was sore from walking and I was feeling sort of non-stop bathroom urges, getting off my feet was GREAT. You really feel like you are in another country there. What is the dessert you mentioned? OUr lunch special came with the apple-thing, is your dessert like baklava? I remember that from eating there ages ago... i NEVER forget food! My husband is a real fusspot and even HE liked Marrakesh.

 

[FPgurl04]

hey!!!

urgh. just say hello then i gotta go. oh well! it's ravioli time!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Marakesh was on my "New to try" list last trip but Tom was not thrilled with the menu offerings. I liked the looks of the counter service place there also. I like to try new things. After the debacle of the Japanese place, Tom picked that one, I might be able to get him to try Morroco this time. Many of the restaurants at DW qualify as attractions in and of themselves IMHO. I often go in just for a dessert or something in the high priced but interesting places. Being considerate I only do so on off hours so as not to tie up a table at meal times.

Am headed out to start clearing the flower beds. Spring is springing. LOL

SG/Linda

 

[colleen costello]

Linda, try lunch. That shish kebab is as 'normal" as you can get. It was just marinated chicken pieces skewered with veggies. It was delicious and my fussy Scott devoured it.

I got my stent out! Thank goodness... If I tinkled one more time I was gonna scream! They pulled the nasty thing out today and I feel SOOOO much better. The doc asked how I did and I told him I was on a "Mickey high" so I didn't even need the painkillers!