Four-mer TKers...4 one, 4 all, 4 ever

[Pikester]

A question for all you travelers out there.

New York City: Where is a good place to stay? I've been checking out places for Saftey, Price, Cleanliness, Location, Parking (included), etc.

From what I can tell it will be expensive but was hoping someone on here had descovered a gem.

DH has researched a bit and decided a stay couldn't be done but I wanted to check with my "resources" before we put a fork in it.

 

[MagiKitty]

Pikester, I recommend staying on the Jersey side and commuting into the city. I've recommended to friends to stay at the Sheraton in Weehawken. I'll tell you now, its a difficult hotel to find. But once there, its excellent, right across the river from Manhattan. Parking is free and there's a shuttle to the nearby ferry to Midtown. Once there, the buses are free and they go to many of the tourist areas. I recommend signing up for special offers on their website. I managed to get a weekend rate for about 125/night, which is excellent compared to some of the hotels in Manhattan.

I should add that its the Sheraton Suites. Our room had two double beds and a fold out couch. There was a little kitchenette area which was great for bringing food and drinks. The downstairs restauran is good too. There's also some eateries nearby.

I've also stayed at hotels in the Meadowlands area and either drove into the city or found out the nearest bus route. Public transportation is definitely the way to go---its horrible finding parking!

 

[racetrack18kb]

Ok, I can get in on this conversation being a mom to 3 girls. I absolutely hate girls clothes. Nope, don't want to see "Juicy" written across anyone's butt. DD12 does not own a pair and she won't until she moves out and buys her own. My house, my rules. Thankfully she is still conservative in her clothes. She likes to layer her shirts so even if something is a little lower cut, she has a tank underneath. Shorts have to pass the finger tip rule....stand straight, arms down to your sides and wherever your fingertips are on your legs, your shorts can't be any shorter than that. Skirts, same rule.

Boys can be just as bad with their freakin pants. I know loose and baggy is the style but I don't want to see your whole rear end sticking out. I'm not talking about the waistband of the boxers sticking out. But pants so big that you can't even walk in them without holding them up.

 

[Pikester]

Pikester, I recommend staying on the Jersey side and commuting into the city. I've recommended to friends to stay at the Sheraton in Weehawken. I'll tell you now, its a difficult hotel to find. But once there, its excellent, right across the river from Manhattan. Parking is free and there's a shuttle to the nearby ferry to Midtown. Once there, the buses are free and they go to many of the tourist areas. I recommend signing up for special offers on their website. I managed to get a weekend rate for about 125/night, which is excellent compared to some of the hotels in Manhattan.

I should add that its the Sheraton Suites. Our room had two double beds and a fold out couch. There was a little kitchenette area which was great for bringing food and drinks. The downstairs restauran is good too. There's also some eateries nearby.

I've also stayed at hotels in the Meadowlands area and either drove into the city or found out the nearest bus route. Public transportation is definitely the way to go---its horrible finding parking!

Thanks Magi, I figured if anyone knew it would be you.

Hopefully we would be able to put the address into a navigational device and that would help to find it easier.

I will take a look and check it out.

 

[whgrn]

And THIS is why I love you guys so much!!!!

1) I TOTALLY agree about the words on the butt issue. My DD has not and will not EVER worn anything with words on her posterior! I think it is obscene! Fortunately, DD agrees. She is VERY modest (more so than I am even!) She's happiest in jeans and a sports jersey or simple T-shirt. I think the clothes for girls today are disgraceful, from 4-6X all the way up to Juniors! And WHAT is with that wear 3 or 4 shirts at once? Ever hear of a sweater? Geeze! Both my kids will occasionally wear something that's a bit big in the waist and DD especially will pull it too low. I just walk up behind them and yank them down--and then tell them to go put on a belt! Works every time.

Just tell DH that you had no intention of taking the trip w/o him, but based on his reaction to your flat tire, you now know that he completely trusts you and understands how independent you are. Then, thank him for having such confidence in you and for giving you the idea for this wonderful roadtrip with DD. (Then walk away and go somewhere that he can't hear you laughing while he fumes.)

Great idea!!

BTW - As far as those lugs go, I always had trouble w/ them too until I saw some tv segment years ago about women and automotive stuff. Silliest thing, but it always stuck w/ me. Women, in general, just don't have as much upper body strength, so loosening bolts and things like that that require a jolt of force is very difficult. The woman on the show recommended actually stepping on the tire iron. (Get it on the bolt, and then just let your weight do the work at the very end of the iron.) Your full body weight and the length of the iron give you the torque you need to loosen it. I've tried it before, and its worked very well.

You just never know WHAT you'll learn reading the TKers!!

D&D - We haven't done much camping, but my ILs do, and they have had some very nice camping experiences around Hershey. If your looking for filler type things to do btw Hershey and Philly, look into Lancaster. Lots of stuff going on there from Outlet shopping to Amish Country to the Strasburg Railroad (working historical railroad that you can take rides on.) And its basically right on the way from Hershey to Philly.

Gotta agree here--Lancaster is AWESOME!!! We used to go out 1 or 2 times a year, but haven't been in a few years now. Hmmmm, road trip!!

New York City: Where is a good place to stay? I've been checking out places for Saftey, Price, Cleanliness, Location, Parking (included), etc.

Pikester, I recommend staying on the Jersey side and commuting into the city. I've recommended to friends to stay at the Sheraton in Weehawken. Public transportation is definitely the way to go---its horrible finding parking!

Great minds think alike! I was gonna suggest Jersey too! (being a Jersey girl and all...) And you do NOT want to drive in NYC, trust me on that! If you really want to stay in the city, you just can't beat a Hampton Inn. Might be a bit out of the way, but always clean, always friendly. I'd personally go with the Sheraton Weehawken though.

Shorts have to pass the finger tip rule....stand straight, arms down to your sides and wherever your fingertips are on your legs, your shorts can't be any shorter than that. Skirts, same rule.

Same here! Fortunately, DD's answer to "who wears short shorts" is a resounding 'NOT ME!!!' She prefers the bermuda style shorts, and looks SO cute in them! And if she never wore a skirt again, it would be fine with her!

OK, here's the latest on the tooth, for those of you keeping track! The pain is minimal, but I still cannot chew on that side, or at all, for that matter! I'm living on pudding, grits, ice cream, noodles, etc. I'm still eating Motrin like candy. No further problems with the antibiotics, no more itching or hives (Thank God!!) My dear dentist calls me daily to check on me. He thinks the tooth will come out this week, and that the Versed is not the problem. Probably stress related hives. But we may want to not use the other IV med they gave me, Propylol or something like that. Whatever, I still just want the damn thing OUT! I can't open my mouth more than about an inch. Yawning is SOOOO painful! And I have to take little baby bites or they won't fit in my mouth!

The ex was here tonite to drop off the kids, and he came in and was chatting with my mom and me. We got on the subject of weight, health, etc. And I found out, I weigh less than he does!!!! WoooooooHooooo!!! I don't know why it matters, but it really made my day to know that.

I've been working on my Scotland scrapbook. My sister will be home Saturday and I'd really like it done by then, but I've only just begun and it's gonna be a big project. I'm on like page 15 of probably 70 pages or so. We just got on the train. I'm finding out the stickers that I need--an accordian, and SHEEP!! Guess I'll be making a trip to Michaels soon...

Well, I can't stop yawning, and like I said, it HURTS, so I'm heading off to bed. Nightie night!

 

[lighttech]

Racetrack - Glad your DD seems to have some sense. I totally agree w/ most of what you said on the issue. Plus, just in general, I don't think there's any reason for anyone too young for sex to try to be "sexy." And, not to get into a whole nother dicussion that's probably too personal and too racy for these boards, but my opinions on when that is appropriate are probably much more old fashioned than most of today's ideas.

Whgrn - Glad to hear your Motrin candy is working o.k. I remember when I first got my braces oh so may years ago and I was sick of my liquid diet, I tried these Entemann's mini loaves (like little tiny bread shaped muffins.) Probably not so great for you, but it was something w/ substance, and they were so soft they basically dissolved in my mouth.

Pikester - I've always had great luck w/ Comfort Inns and Quality Inns. I can't remember b/c it was years ago, but DH and I treated ourselves to 2 nights in the city once and we stayed at a Quality Inn just about 2 blocks off of Time Square. I believe they validated parking (although once there, we used public transit as MK said) and I think the rates were under $100/night. -A huge treat for us... we usually try to find the $50 or below places, but very reasonable for NY. The room was basically a closet, but it was clean and neat and we weren't in it much anyway. Sorry no specifics though. However, one tip I will give just b/c they made me so angry that I told management I would always do this... I will NEVER stay at a Howard Johnson's again. Tried one in Orlando near Universal and the service was so ridiculously awful that we changed our whole trip and left the hotel w/o ever staying one night.

Ok, that was amazing... 10 whole minutes to myself in the morning w/ both boys. (DH is napping. DS3 has been having nightmares lately and was up twice last night, so we're all a little sleepy.) But,don't want to push my luck. I'm logging off before someone starts to cry.

 

[BKMETV]

Morning all:

Boy did I miss a lot yesterday...don't think I can comment on it all.

Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[Sukie]

Good morning ladies. I agree with BKMETV "1" day away and you miss everything. Yesterday was housework day and with this cough it was work a little, cough and cough and hack and spit (I know it was TMI). I sit down and try to get going again. I hope that this goes away soon.

Does AMTRAK go to PA.? I saw Pikerster post on Buses. Our plant is closing for vacation from Aug. 4th - 14th.

I agree about the clothing for little girls. What are there moms thinking!

How do you feel about older women having long hair? Should she get it cut when she gets a certain age? Color or not to color.

Chat later.

 

[MagiKitty]

Good morning! Its a completely gorgeous, clear day! But not warm enough to get rid of some of this snow that we got yesterday. Its crazy how quick the weather changes!

Oh, Wendy, I'm so sorry that this tooth thing has gotten so prolonged. Glad you found some relief with the motrin though. Sounds like you have a really nice dentist too. Wow, I can't beleive your sister is coming to visit so soon! You two are going to have such a great time! How long is she staying for? Is it just her?

Sukie, I've had long hair since my mom let me grow out the horrible Dorothy Hamill bowl cut I had in second grade. A lot of people thought I was a boy! For me, its so much easier to just put my hair up in a ponytail. I can't imagine having short hair--my head is too big! And I get my hair cut maybe twice a year, I'm no good at upkeep. I imagine I'll have long hair well into my golden years. And my BF really likes my hair too.

My friends with babies though have said that once they had little ones, a short haircut was the way to go. It may have to do with convenience rather than age for them.

I'll have to agree with kids layering seven or eight shirts seeming silly--AND somehow you STILL see their bra straps! For boys, I don't really understand those super long shorts that are a few inches too short for pants but hardly shorts at all.

 

[Bopsmom]

Good Morning Ladies,

Sukie: I know I prefer my hair short. So does DD-she has a really cute style and has wonderful strawberry blonde hair that will be Auburn when she gets older. She even had a lady at the salon call her over so the sytlist could 'copy' her hair color to that shade. It sure made DD feel better about her color. We live in the 'land of blondes' down here.
As for color, I highlight mine.I was a towhead as a child that as I have aged has gone Dishwater blonde so I bring it up to to lighter shade. The only hair that has color all the way to the roots is gray.

What do you think about moms that highlight little girls' hair? I hate it. There are some moms here that have their 2nd and 3rd graders hair highlighted. We saw a family at Le Ceiler over the holidays where all 3 little girls(1 maybe in K the other pre-school age) had 'streaks' like their momma-I think it is sad. Children have such beautiful healthy, shiny hair why ruin it. Also I think it sends a bad message to a very young child that they aren't 'good enough' with what god gave them. My opnion, YMMV

I got this from my DM so I thought I'd pass it along.
'Twas the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
the chocolate I'd taste(d)
At the holiday parties
had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store
(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as only I can,
"You can't spend a winter, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Got rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip!
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
'Til all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot -
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good diet.


Looks like we are going to be spared the killer freeze, but you guys (or is that youz guyz) are gona get hit hard. Please stay warm and safe! I gotta got get some things in the ground today.

 

[Sukie]

I love your poem that you posted. How true it is.

Moms that highlight their daughters hair, I never heard of that. Is it a true highlight or something that is just brushed in?

I have always had long hair. I went to work in a factory and their policy was to have your hair up or tied back. I was wearing it up and in the coming years I started to get headaches. It tried getting my eyes checked and found out that I needed glasses. I thought that would take care of it, however it did not. I started to get it cut 2 or 3 inches at a time. I liked what I saw and it was getting easier to take care of. This leading up to that last time I had short hair was in March of last year. DH likes long hair so I decided to grow it out and after our trip to WDW I would evaluate my hair style. When we got back I decided to get it cut off again. I feel so much better. Now I just wash, fluff and go. I do get it colored every 6 weeks and trimmed every 3 weeks.

We got about 6" of snow overnight. I was reading another thread and it said that there was a 50 car pile-up on the Interstate south of our Capital. The news said that there were minor injuries. I have heard that it was going to get a lot colder this comming week. I can hardley wait not. Do you think that the tanning booth would help warm me up?

 

[whgrn]

Does AMTRAK go to PA.? I saw Pikerster post on Buses. Our plant is closing for vacation from Aug. 4th - 14th.

How do you feel about older women having long hair? Should she get it cut when she gets a certain age? Color or not to color.

Amtrak goes to Philadelphia. Not sure about the rest of the state.

Well, I'm 48, which certainly isn't young, and my hair is below shoulder length, which is sort of long. I think hair length is a personal choice. My grandmother had hair almost to her waist, and she wore it up in a braid wrapped around her head. As far as coloring, only my hairdresser knows for sure... (No, really, I've colored for years. I will NEVER go back to my ugly brown hair--blondes really DO have more fun! altho i've changed shades of blonde many times. and now, I have to cover all the grey!!!)

Oh, Wendy, I'm so sorry that this tooth thing has gotten so prolonged. Glad you found some relief with the motrin though. Sounds like you have a really nice dentist too. Wow, I can't beleive your sister is coming to visit so soon! You two are going to have such a great time! How long is she staying for? Is it just her?

Feeling alot better, but I still can't open my mouth more than about an inch, which makes eating interesting. My sister arrives Saturday without her family, and they will arrive sometime late next week. They leave on the 27th to go to Punta Cana, returning February 2, and they go back to Turkey on the 5th. Now, WHY she did it that way, I'll never understand. She's known for ages that my surgery was January 29. She said she would stay here and help me for a few days after I get home from rehab, and said she's probably go back Feb. 12. So now she's leaving while i'm still in rehab! Needless to say I'm a bit miffed, since I was really counting on her help. No idea what I'm going to do now. But it is what it is, and I'll deal with it somehow.

Well, our Giants are about to cream racetrack/lighttech/M&Ns Eagles, so I'd better go watch.

GO GIANTS!!!

 

[D&DDisney]

Sukie, I've had long hair since my mom let me grow out the horrible Dorothy Hamill bowl cut I had in second grade. A lot of people thought I was a boy! For me, its so much easier to just put my hair up in a ponytail. I can't imagine having short hair--my head is too big! And I get my hair cut maybe twice a year, I'm no good at upkeep. I imagine I'll have long hair well into my golden years. And my BF really likes my hair too.

I swear sometimes that we were sisters/cousins separated at birth. I had that "wonderful" Dorithy Hamill cut for years growing up. I also liked baseball a lot so everyone thought I was a boy too. To this day, I cannot cut my hair short. Bad memories.
I find it funny how women have this beautiful long hair (or med length hair) while they are dating. Then they get married, have kids and boom... they get that "Mom haircut".

One more...

D&D - Here's the link I've started out with..
http://www.knoebels.com/

Thanks for the info Lighttech. I'll check it out. I getting excited about this.

Today our weather is quiet but were supposed to get more snow tomorrow. Then Tues - Sat it is supposed to be BITTER COLD!!!!!

Highs around ZERO.

God help us with the windchills too. Someone please ask me what I am doing living here year-round????

 

[Pikester]

Just wanted to jump on the long hair conversation. I had long hair for a long time, until I had kids. I use to wear my long hair pulled up in a barrette on top of my head but it started to give me wicked headaches. Even a ponytail would give me one. So, inch by inch it got shorter. For those of you have seen my flat Tker then you noticed how I keep my hair. I've probably had the same style for the last couple of years. My DH doesn't care.

 

[D&DDisney]

Had to post my BIG

on the TK thread.

 

[MagiKitty]

Yeah D&D on your 2000 post! And if you too were subjected to the Dorothy haircut, you have my full sympathies, sister!

Bopsmom...that poem was so funny! And sadly, so so true....

Pikester, I'm glad I'm not the only one whose hair hurts them! I try to explain it to BF and he thinks I'm nuts! But its true--just pulling your hair back can make your head hurt!

I have honestly never seen little girls with highlights! That is so scary to me. Some parents need to realize what "age-appropriate" is. And can you imagine learning about beauty maintenance so early? I didn't dye my hair until my mid-20s...and I didn't get my first manicure until high school for semi-formal events! I can understand painting nails and toes when you're a little girl, but to spend the money on a regular basis for hair, nails, and goodness knows what else! That money should be put away for college!

Wendy, sorry your sister's plans aren't exactly what you had hoped for. She's spending most of her time with you BEFORE your surgery! Will you be able to get someone to help you though?

I'm planning to go a little ga-ga in the beauty regime in the Phils next week. I can afford it over there! I'm going to go light red-brown this time. I figure I can always dye it back to dark before I come back if its not a good color for me. I've secretly always wanted red hair (actually, the color of Wendy's daughter hair is the exact shade I envy. Her hair is gorgeous!) so I'm going to try it. I"m also getting eyelash extensions; I've had them before and they were so much fun! And they're crazy expensive in Manhattan, so I'll get them while I can! Since I can't fit into clothes and shoes over there I'm going all out at the salon.

 

[Sukie]

D&DDisney ~ Congrats on the "TWO THOUSAND" posts.

MagiKitty~ Eye lash extensions. "OUCH"

Whgrn~ I hope the Giants win too.

 

[MagiKitty]

Sukie! Eyelash extensions are actually rather relaxing! You lie down on a table and someone sits behind your head. They massage your forehead and scalp first. They separate your lashes and attach the falsies one by one with a special glue. The room is darkened and they play calming music. The place I go to gives you some tea before you go lie down and 45 minutes later (yes, I've fallen asleep) I have gorgeous sexy lashes! Some of the best $40 I've spent! The lashes last about 3 weeks and the first follow-up is free. The worst part is not being able to rub my eyes. But then again, I'm not supposed to be doing that anyway--creates wrinkles!

 

[DL55]

BTW - As far as those lugs go, I always had trouble w/ them too until I saw some tv segment years ago about women and automotive stuff. Silliest thing, but it always stuck w/ me. Women, in general, just don't have as much upper body strength, so loosening bolts and things like that that require a jolt of force is very difficult. The woman on the show recommended actually stepping on the tire iron. (Get it on the bolt, and then just let your weight do the work at the very end of the iron.) Your full body weight and the length of the iron give you the torque you need to loosen it. I've tried it before, and its worked very well.

Gee I thought everyone knew that. I'm like a T rex..useless arms but watch out for my legs!
Bopsmon Loved the poem although I did think about running in to eat a rum ball.
Although I don't believe the excuse "she asked for it" I can't believe some women don't realize their clothing choices do send a signal. How can anyone think that is acceptable on children?
I personally think long, loose hair on old people (tons of winkles and gray hair) doesn't look very good. But if they wear it up it's fine. But who cares what I think?

 

[Sukie]

Evening ladies. I have started to feel a little bit better today. I hope this will be my last night cap.

MagiKitty~ Thanks for that info. It sounds very interesting.

Congrats. to all of the Eagle fans.

I am off to bed and hope to get a good nights sleep.

Enjoy your evening.

chat later.