father in law threw a kink in our plans

[dis-happy]

I'm still wondering also how old the FIL is? He may have initially agreed and then thought about it and if he is older may have realized he can't do Chicago traffic anymore, especially if it is Midway that is in town and even O Hare is all expressway to get there. If they live an hour away he may not be used to major city traffic and if they have a morning flight would put him right in the middle of it. Chicago can be daunting.

This. My mom is a great traveler but even she is skittish about driving unfamiliar roads in the dark.

 

[tlbwriter]

We help my mom out a lot. She raised me, I owe her everything. She owes me nothing ever.

Maybe that's the difference. I don't believe that raising your child creates any kind of obligation. I chose to have a child, so I owe her a good raising. But she didn't choose to have a parent, so she owes me nothing. Raising your kids isn't (to me) something that you get credit or "brownie points" for - it's what you're *supposed* to do.

 

[dis-happy]

Maybe I live in Shangri-La (and I probably do since our airport parking is only $3.50 per day) but I have to ask:

Why do so many people have a problem leaving their car at the airport?

We leave our cars (and nice ones at that) at the airport all the time without a problem. Is there a giant theft ring lurking in the public airports at other major citites? People skulking around and keying cars at random? What's the big deal?

We live in what has to be the worst airport for security these days, yet I know that all cars coming in are photographed (and the plates time/date stamped) and the same car is matched with the toll booth ticket when it leaves. As long as you take your ticket with you no one is leaving with your car. Never had a problem with parking at San Diego, Reagan/National, Dulles, or Sea-Tak either.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Maybe that's the difference. I don't believe that raising your child creates any kind of obligation. I chose to have a child, so I owe her a good raising. But she didn't choose to have a parent, so she owes me nothing. Raising your kids isn't (to me) something that you get credit or "brownie points" for - it's what you're *supposed* to do.

Oh, I don't think I "owe" her for raising me. Nor do my kids owe me for raising them. She is just the example of unconditional love.

 

[tlbwriter]

Oh, I don't think I "owe" her for raising me. Nor do my kids owe me for raising them. She is just the example of unconditional love.

Oh, okay. I guess I was confused by your statement that said "She raised me, I owe her everything."

 

[shortbun]

You are right that very few people have an unlimited vacation budget (including us). However, if you don't have even $100 leeway, you shouldn't be going in the first place.

ETA: Parking should always be factored in when budgeting your vacation. Then, if you find someone kind enough to take time out of their busy life to take you to the airport, you still have that extra wiggle room in your budget.

The OP has posted that both her kids had unexpected illnesses and indicated that these costs put her in an inflexible place. Airlines tickets are often a total loss if you can't use them as booked-a big loss. Still, it scares me that they are going on vacation with two small, recently sick children with no extra money. Normally, it would be none of my business but she posted all about it so I'm chiming in.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

The OP has posted that both her kids had unexpected illnesses and indicated that these costs put her in an inflexible place. Airlines tickets are often a total loss if you can't use them as booked-a big loss. Still, it scares me that they are going on vacation with two small, recently sick children with no extra money. Normally, it would be none of my business but she posted all about it so I'm chiming in.

If she is flying out of Midway she is most likely on Southwest or Airtran and would be able to use the flight funds for another trip.

However, I would like to clear up one misconception the OP has - Midway area is not dangerous. Not sure where you got that idea? Lots of firefighters, cops, city workers, teachers (all have to live in city limits). I have property in the area and rent to flight attendants. Friendly neighbors.
Is a nice place to live.

 

[WicketsMom]

Maybe I live in Shangri-La (and I probably do since our airport parking is only $3.50 per day) but I have to ask:

Why do so many people have a problem leaving their car at the airport?

We leave our cars (and nice ones at that) at the airport all the time without a problem. Is there a giant theft ring lurking in the public airports at other major citites? People skulking around and keying cars at random? What's the big deal?

We live in what has to be the worst airport for security these days, yet I know that all cars coming in are photographed (and the plates time/date stamped) and the same car is matched with the toll booth ticket when it leaves. As long as you take your ticket with you no one is leaving with your car. Never had a problem with parking at San Diego, Reagan/National, Dulles, or Sea-Tak either.

Wow, I would love for our parking to be that cheap! It runs $12/day when I fly from my city, but we always choose to drive and park our car there anyway. When going with a group, we'll try to ride with someone and split the cost, but it's always nice to have a car there if there is a delay or cancellation. Plus, I don't like inconveniencing someone or having to depend on them either.

We often fly out of Atlanta and just do a Park-N-Fly there. Usually about the same as parking for a week, and much more convenient than having to worry about getting stuck in traffic.

 

[goblue00]

I didnt mean to be short. I was merely upset with the negativity being thrown out. With ALL I do for others, I cant even rely on anyone for a damn thing. It gets OLD. I was venting cause I was super frustrated.

Also, I cant cancel a trip. It would cost me money. My husband has NO wiggle room with his vacation time due to his company only releasing so many hours for a 60 person team to use. He's got 30 hours on vacation time left, and litterally no where to take it!

Yes I saw parking for 9 at the lowest. Times that by 6, fuel charge, taxes, "transfer fee" and were talking 80 bucks. plus, I dont like the area its in. Asking a family member to help out is NOT unreasonable. I didnt call a distant relative who I see once a year.

We also live about an hour away from Midway and have used Park, Ride, and Fly more than 10 times and have no issues leaving our car there. Here's the website: parkrideflyusa.com

They are offering a 10% discount ride now using the code on their website (even if there is no current code, ENTBK always works for 10% off). With the code it looks like it will cost about $60 for 6 days. Hope that helps!

 

[disneymom3]

My reply was to a post about "believing in helping out friends and family"

I have given dozens of rides to LAX even if I feel my SISTER could have booked a flight not right in the middle of MORNING LA RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. It would be nice if the person asking for the the FAVOR could show a little consideration as well.

Again, yes it would be very nice to help out friend and family when they need a FAVOR. And yes it would be very nice if this man helped out when the family that is giving him a place to stay needs a FAVOR, but we obviously do not know ALL OF THE DETAILS of this family unit.

Agreed. A few of my sisters used to refuse to pick me up at LAX but since I can't get a decent flight into any other local airport they will now come get me.

OP what about signing up for something like Pinecone research, swag bucks or the like and earning a quick bit of extra money that way? Put an ad out about flexible babysitting available,, sell some stuff on ebay. If you homeschool maybe you have some curriculum you are ready to get rid of. Ebay is a good place to sell that!

 

[GinnyEmma]

Oh, okay. I guess I was confused by your statement that said "She raised me, I owe her everything."

Lol, I was speaking on the intrinsic idea rather than the extrinsic.

 

[kaytieeldr]

.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It most certainly is not a separate issue- if you are an adult living rent free in someone's home, you're a drain financially. If you are unable to give anything money wise, then you should be contributing in another way. I mean, it's not like the FIL works- what else does he have to do? Again, this is excluding something drastic that needs attention.

Search for a job? Maybe he registered for some type of class or training that coincides with the OP's departure?

 

[Iluvthemouse]

Hope it works out for you.. I would be a little frustrated with him too.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Search for a job? Maybe he registered for some type of class or training that coincides with the OP's departure?

Also, there are medical appts. When someone is scheduled with a specialist you don't mess with their appt time! Or maybe he needs to take his wife somewhere. Or, maybe the traffic scares him as several have pointed out.

A person is allowed to say they don't want to do something. The op might want to look into some sort of income making endeavor as the poster a few up mentioned. Raise a hundred bucks, or even better two, to give some wiggle room. Really the kids are little. Waiting a couple of years never killed anyone. Or even waiting until homeschool days when the tickets are cheaper and staying off site.

 

[tlbwriter]

Search for a job? Maybe he registered for some type of class or training that coincides with the OP's departure?

That's why I wonder what reason he gave for going back on his offer. If he was doing something that would help him get a job, hopefully the OP would be supportive (and probably would, considering that he's living rent-free in her rental house because he's unemployed!)

 

[MissUndastood]

I would totally rethink my vacation plans if such a small amount of money is pushing you over. In the grand scheme of things, an additional $80.00 should not make or brake your trip and I think you sound to stressed. Save some more and go next year. It will still be there.

 

[ellone]

I'm still wondering also how old the FIL is? He may have initially agreed and then thought about it and if he is older may have realized he can't do Chicago traffic anymore, especially if it is Midway that is in town and even O Hare is all expressway to get there. If they live an hour away he may not be used to major city traffic and if they have a morning flight would put him right in the middle of it. Chicago can be daunting.

It may not even be the traffic. Some older people just don't feel comfortable driving on an expressway. I can't remember the last time my father drove on one. He just isn't comfortable with the speeds.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

I would imagine that the OP's budget would not be so tight if she was getting paid for her rental property....

This board can be RUTHLESS.

 

[cheshireqt]

I have read all the responses, whew. Hope it works out, it sounds like you have 2 possible options. This is just a small bump in the road toward your vacation. After the health problems of your kiddos you must be looking forward to leaving regular life behind for a few days and living in the Disney bubble!