Having a GRAND time - the NEW Official GF Chat Thread PART 3

[mandymommy4]

Kristin~ I hope they resolve it soon!

My hubby works for the city and he was suppose to get a COLA (cost of living adjustment) next month and a regular raise in April. He is NOW getting only getting half of the original total! It not as much as we though it was gonna be, but in this economy I feel fortunate! They had to adjust it due to budget problems. The union line men have been told that if they don't cut there raises like all the non union workers are having to then layoffs will begin and it will begin with all union!

I agree, some teachers don't make much but they need to cut it off and get to work because at the end of the day they have a job. A friend of ours has been looking fro a job for 7 months, is college educated and can't find anything. He is working at Lowes during the day and Walmart at night to try and make ends meet. They have already lost their home and are living with family, he looks like a zombee.

Some people kill me with their entitled attitudes!

OK off my soap box!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

But I am already taking him out for a week in December to go. I fear that DH will use this to HIS advantage as a reason not to go

It is just SO frustrating to watch all this play out. The Sun City people are GOING CRAZY about how they already pay so much in taxes and they don't add a single child to the district (and they have a point, to an extent) We have a relatively inept School Board who are all, I believe, up for re-election in November. The heads of the teachers union don't even live in our district so their children are not affected. It seems that neither side has been meeting in good faith (although it is too hard to tell since the media spin keeps leaning towards one side or the other)

It is UGLY!!! The BOE is trying to call for a meeting tonight (dont know if the teachers have responded yet). There is a meeting scheduled for Sunday and the teachers want a support rally just ahead of it (although I am not sure who will attend since most I talk to DO NOT support the strike)

Is it too early for an umbrella drink??

 

[mickeynut1]

Kristin ~ So sorry the strike nonsense is continuing . I hope they can come to an agreement soon. I agree with Chan....that IS a bunch of CRAP !!! I wouldn't worry about taking a 5 yo out a few days at the end either....heck, I took my 2 DSs out for 6 days when they were 6th/7th grade and then 7th/8th grade.....and it wasn't bad at all....and that was at the end of September when things are just getting started . And Chan hit a good point....they are only young for so long....the time goes by too fast and he will be MS/HS age before you know it ....so take advantage of it now . Chan and I are alike in the fact that I never worried about taking mine out until this year either . My oldest started HS this fall and it would be way too much for him to miss 6-7 days....and my other DS will be in HS next year....so pulling them out is really not an option now due to the work loads they'll have . I'll keep my fingers crossed that this mess is settled soon....but I would keep the plans for your trip and not worry about your DS missing a few days in June.....there's not much that goes on those last few days anyway....especially in kindergarten .


Chan ~ I'm actually looking forward to going back in July . The first time we went was in June (2001) then in July (2002).....but that was our first and second year so we pretty much did parks every day from opening to closing ....but everything was new to us. Now I couldn't do that for anything . Plus I really want to spend alot of time at the GF since it will be our first stay there......and I know DH and DSs will want to rent the water mice a couple times.....so I can relax and enjoy ME time at the pool in the HOT BLAZING SUN . I forgot about Front of the Line passes for UO......maybe we will go there afterall . None of us have ever been so it would be something different . Although I'll be comparing everything to Disney .


Deb

 

[arbonnette]

But I am already taking him out for a week in December to go. I fear that DH will use this to HIS advantage as a reason not to go

It is just SO frustrating to watch all this play out. The Sun City people are GOING CRAZY about how they already pay so much in taxes and they don't add a single child to the district (and they have a point, to an extent) We have a relatively inept School Board who are all, I believe, up for re-election in November. The heads of the teachers union don't even live in our district so their children are not affected. It seems that neither side has been meeting in good faith (although it is too hard to tell since the media spin keeps leaning towards one side or the other)

It is UGLY!!! The BOE is trying to call for a meeting tonight (dont know if the teachers have responded yet). There is a meeting scheduled for Sunday and the teachers want a support rally just ahead of it (although I am not sure who will attend since most I talk to DO NOT support the strike)

Is it too early for an umbrella drink??

Hey, K, I live in New Orleans, and it is never too early for an umbrella drink around here, so I say go for it.
That really sucks about the strike and I truly hope they resolve things this weekend.
On a similar note, I just found out yesterday that because DD missed school due to Gustav, three of their long weekends have been cut short which affects some weekend trips we have planned, which normally I wouldn't care if she missed, BUT since she is going to miss 2 weeks in Feb for Disney, I am less likely to let her miss MORE days. I really like Chan's outlook that it doesn't matter. (Hannah is in kindergarten too.) But, it's hard to have perspective when you are in the situation and feel like your child shouldn't miss. Still, I am trying to go with Chan's experience and advise you to take off in June as planned!!! He will only be little once. I looked at Hannah today and thought "OMG time flies!"

Oh, and btw, schools are closed today here due to Ike, because of the winds and rain. I guess they will take away another vaca day to make up for this one as well ...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

That is exactly what I am wondering what will happen once the snow hits. I think we had 3 snow days last year (but I don't remember). Will they keep them in school even if it is too deep to get there since they have to tack on the days for the strike?

The reason I am so down on strikes is because I was a part of the states longest strike back in fall 1991. We were out the second half of September and almost all of October I was a senior, so I still graduated on time, but the undergrads went to school for A LONG TIME into the summer

 

[mickeynut1]

Deb - We love the HRH it is a fabulous hotel. The rooms are nicely appointed, the staff was attentive, the pool is so cool and they have dive-in movies. We love the music that you hear throughout the hotel. Oh, you can walk to the parks from the hotel or take the water shuttle. I think you will enjoy HRH. Go for it girl!!

THANKS,Tammy . That's what I was hoping to hear since I think it looks like such a cool hotel . My DS is sooo into guitars and music that I think the surroundings would be so cool . The last time we visited the hotel DH and DS walked around the pool and they said how cool that was....so I'm happy to hear you think so too . I think all who have responded that have stayed there have made me make up my mind....I think we'll go for it and try it out . DH is pretty much up for anything I plan....all he wants to know is the dates we'll be gone so he can tell work...and what time he has to be ready to go to the airport . So all the planning is on me .

I agree, some teachers don't make much but they need to cut it off and get to work because at the end of the day they have a job. A friend of ours has been looking fro a job for 7 months, is college educated and can't find anything. He is working at Lowes during the day and Walmart at night to try and make ends meet. They have already lost their home and are living with family, he looks like a zombee.

Some people kill me with their entitled attitudes!

OK off my soap box!

I totally agree....too many people are losing their jobs today so these teachers need to realize they are some of the lucky ones and get back into the classroom .

But I am already taking him out for a week in December to go. I fear that DH will use this to HIS advantage as a reason not to go

It is just SO frustrating to watch all this play out. The Sun City people are GOING CRAZY about how they already pay so much in taxes and they don't add a single child to the district (and they have a point, to an extent) We have a relatively inept School Board who are all, I believe, up for re-election in November. The heads of the teachers union don't even live in our district so their children are not affected. It seems that neither side has been meeting in good faith (although it is too hard to tell since the media spin keeps leaning towards one side or the other)

It is UGLY!!! The BOE is trying to call for a meeting tonight (dont know if the teachers have responded yet). There is a meeting scheduled for Sunday and the teachers want a support rally just ahead of it (although I am not sure who will attend since most I talk to DO NOT support the strike)

Is it too early for an umbrella drink??

Our school board is a total JOKE....most don't even have kids in the schools !!!! We got a new superintendent last year.....the one he replaced didn't even live here....he lived in INDIANAPOLIS.....2 hours away . So needless to say, he didn't have much interest in anything....he was pretty much good for nothing . And BTW.....it's never to early.....go ahead and have that umbrella drink .


Deb

 

[Lives4Disney]

the umbrella drink......

WTH..it's Friday. Go for it.

REally, all you guys with little kids don't need to sweat ANYTHING. LOL....missing is no biggie. They will catch up. AND my step dad is a retired school district superintendent!!! He never batted an eye. Family time is important. As a matter of fact he recently said one of his biggest regrets is he didn't take time for more family vacations.

OK...Lucy missed the bus...big surprise...and i have to pick her up! TTFN!

CHan

 

[mickeynut1]

He will only be little once. I looked at Hannah today and thought "OMG time flies!"

Oh, and btw, schools are closed today here due to Ike, because of the winds and rain. I guess they will take away another vaca day to make up for this one as well ...

It's amazing how fast time flies . My oldest DS just turned 15 and started hs this fall . I remember his first day of preschool.....so sad to think all those years have past .

Hope you and your family stay safe through all these horrible storms/hurricanes .

We were out the second half of September and almost all of October I was a senior, so I still graduated on time, but the undergrads went to school for A LONG TIME into the summer

OMG Kristin....you're a young one !!!! I feel so old .

 

[mickeynut1]

the umbrella drink......

WTH..it's Friday. Go for it.

REally, all you guys with little kids don't need to sweat ANYTHING. LOL....missing is no biggie. They will catch up. AND my step dad is a retired school district superintendent!!! He never batted an eye. Family time is important. As a matter of fact he recently said one of his biggest regrets is he didn't take time for more family vacations.

OK...Lucy missed the bus...big surprise...and i have to pick her up! TTFN!

CHan

I AGREE !!!! Take the little ones out and go have fun on vacation !!!! Missing days at such a young age will do no harm....but once they get older it won't be so easy....so take advantage of it while you can .

OK....DSs will be home in about 5 minutes . Have a great Friday everyone .

Deb

 

[BlueSkies]

TGIF Glad the week is over..

Friday night so no cooking here its pizza night

Arbonette so sorry to hear you are having more bad weather I agree with the others about taking DD out of school for your family trips..do it while you can...enjoy

Kristin Keeping my fingers crossed for no strike...Gee 5% sounds like a nice increase to me. Most comanys that I know of IF they give raises go with the 2-3% at most....Hope it all works out and that you can take your June trip

Deb I forgot about that front of the line thing at UO...dont you wish Disney could do that...I'm sure you'll have a great trip....

Chan Funny we are not big AK fans either....for our teens DHS seems to be the current favorite...me I'm forever a MK fan

Sounds like there are so many good shows to watch on television-I am usually the the mercy of DH who we know watches 10 different shows at a time... I'm never quite sure what I'm watching....

Off to order some pizza and you know what else....

Have a good night all...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, I woulk like to propose a motion:

NO MORE TALKING ABOUT LAUNDRY!!!!!!!!

Surely we have more interesting things to talk about than a nasty little chore that we all hate to do

I will be like Linda Richards from Coffee Talk (aka Mike Meyers from SNL)

Here is a topic- How much do you think they will raise the prices of the cabanas now that the service is better?

Discuss amongst yourselves...

I am guessing at least $100 for the half day and $150 for the full...

 

[princessesrule4]

OK, I woulk like to propose a motion:

NO MORE TALKING ABOUT LAUNDRY!!!!!!!!

Surely we have more interesting things to talk about than a nasty little chore that we all hate to do

I will be like Linda Richards from Coffee Talk (aka Mike Meyers from SNL)

Here is a topic- How much do you think they will raise the prices of the cabanas now that the service is better?

Discuss amongst yourselves...

I am guessing at least $100 for the half day and $150 for the full...

Kristin -

What are the cabanas now? $60/$120??

Hope they reach an agreement and don't strike!! I know that's got to be nerve wracking, but I'm with the others - I took DD and DS out multiple times in kindergarten!! After that I tried to only take them out for a vacation once a year til DS hit middle school. Then those days were over! Middle school is too stressful to make up with 6 different classes and teachers!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I think it is $60 and $110 (isn't there a sight discount for getting it all day )

Thanks for the support on the strike It is going to be a LONG weekend as we wait!!!

We are off to Hooters for dinner (Chan- wanna come?? ) and hopefully the rain will hold off a little so we can watch some of the Sox game. We have tix for tomorrow afternoon's game as well, but the weather doesn't look good for that either We had tickets for Sunday, but since it is a night game, I told DH to give them away earlier this week since it was a "school night"

No umbrella drinks for me tonight, just some good ol fashioned beer and wings!

See ya!

 

[princessesrule4]

I agree - there is no such thing as laundry while we are dising!!

Have fun tonight, Kristin and by the way, I think you were talking about posting a pic of a certain someone......

 

[WishesQueen]

OK, I woulk like to propose a motion:

NO MORE TALKING ABOUT LAUNDRY!!!!!!!!

Surely we have more interesting things to talk about than a nasty little chore that we all hate to do

I will be like Linda Richards from Coffee Talk (aka Mike Meyers from SNL)

Here is a topic- How much do you think they will raise the prices of the cabanas now that the service is better?

Discuss amongst yourselves...

I am guessing at least $100 for the half day and $150 for the full...

Hey everyone!!

We are having horrible weather!!! Yuck!! I it looks like its going to be around for awhile. My DH and DS just left for hunting, tomorrow starts hunting season (bow hunting)!! Nothing about that sport interests me at all. You sit outside in the woods for hours (starting at 5:00 in morning), weathers its raining or nice. You can't talk, you can't shower and you can't move!!!! Oh BTW and there are no computers!!!

I only got this information from Chris at the Cabanas so its not official, but he really knew his stuff. The cabanas are going to be $110 a half day and I think $220 a full day. I really only remember the half day because thats how we use them.

They are going to have a sectional couch, two padded lounge chairs, a tv suspended from the front corner inside the cabans with a wii, frig, sierrus radio etc.

So, heres a question for everyone, that should help us talk about something interesting!!! We all love WDW and GF right? But, what about your DH or DW? Do they love it as much as you do?

I have to say my DH loves it there, he loves everything about WDW and the GF. The only thing is...he HATES is talking about it a year in advance!! He's all talk a month before, but thats about it. So thank you to everyone who chats with me here, you have helped my marriage !!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

ok....ixnay on the laundry talk.

OK...you've talked amongst yourselves so I will add my two cents.....

WOW for the cabanas!! THey sound like they're going to be mahvalous!!! But Whoa on the cost!! Good thing we only like a 1/2 day there! I get squirrely after aobut 3 hrs at the pool. We never managed to stay our full 4 hrs anyway.

Kristin!! Well it's just me and Jojo tonight!! We could have gone for some wings!! We did McDs instead. They have Madame Alexander happy meals so we both got one....and two flying monkeys. How's that for a cool Friday night?!

Now...we are going to watch the new Barbie DVD movie. Hooters is sounding good about now.

I did a drivethru ditch tonight....I placed my order and then looked and saw NO WALLET!!! ugh!! I had switched bags from earlier today......so there was a monster line and I got out of it. I told Jojo...iuh oh...they're gonna remember me...and she said NO..they take so many orders....well they did remember me!! LOL...it's my special Diet Coke McDs so they know me....it was just funny though. I tried to place my order in a different way, but the guy was like "Weren't you just in my line?" And I laughed and told him no wallet and he was cool.

Um....about the GF and the DH. OH ya. He loves it. It's good because he pays the bill. I never let him see how much it costs though...and I always book trips without him knowing and then just break it to him. YOu know me.....booking the bounce back while he's in the shower...that type of stuff. But he loves the GF...just not going as much as I like to go. I am WAY over the top with my GF love and my WDW love. He likes it and has fun when we're there, but he is sooo not about talking vacation or trip or planning...OR BOOKING IT!!! OMG...I cannot believe that poster thats husband BOOKED HER TRIP!!! That will be the day...........................

Talk to ya later. Happy Friday, all!!!

Chan

 

[tinklvr64]

DAWN!! Hey...I WAS GONNA SAY THAT!!!!! You guys have to let me know when/time/channel "The Office" is on....I am clueless...all I know is I did see it a few times and it was great. Did you see that some lady ....Hardin was a presenter at the GF's fab award?? I thought of you two fans.

Chan..its on Thursday nights at 8pm.....go rent seasons 1 2 and 3 you will laugh your butt off!

Morning Lady's !

Where has Marvel been lately???

Dawn~ LOL! I watched the reruns last night and saw a preview fro the next season that shows Jim and Pam kissing in a new office looking setting...... hum..... Thank goodness fro Tivo, it was quick but I rewound it and then paused it LOL, Thats a crazy fan!

Have I ever mentioned how big of a Tv junky I am? Just prime time stuff thought. No talk shows or soap operas. LOL!

So last night I saw a episode of 30 Rock and I will be watching for now on.... It was freaking hilarious! Love that type if comedy. Who knew Alec Baldwin was so funny?
The show I am looking forward to the most is Kath and Kim...... it looks hilarious! I almost blew my drink out my nose on one commercial when she is asked what she does and she says she a trophy wife. LOL!
Chan~ I did notice that Maloria Hardin (i think) gave the award..... She plays Jan.

OK enough tv Talk!

Mandy...I watched too! Laughed again at the Plasma TV..and LOVE 30 Rock and cant wait to see Kath and Kim...we need to live closer to be TV buddies!

We got the phone call from the school blast messaging service last night that the teachers have filed the paperwork to strike on Monday if an agreement is not reached this weekend.

They are SO far apart on salary issues that this will get ugly. The Board offered just over 5% and THEY TURNED IT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!! Um, hello, there are people in this country losing jobs right and left and you are angry about a raise Be lucky you still have a job!!!

This will SERIOUSLY effect my June trip since I wanted to be there for DS's bday. School was scheduled to end on Tuesday June 2rd. We wanted to fly out Tuesday June 9th

So strike watch continues in earnest over here

K~I saw it last night on the news...I was thinking of ya. Not to be this way but dont worry about pulling out DS..he really will be fine! Like Chan said parent time is WAY more important at this age..and its their fault anyways for the d**n strike!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hello cheeseballs

I am still sick UGH
I went back to the doctor today and they pulled that tooth and did some other gross stuff to me. I am cranky tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hello cheeseballs

I am still sick UGH
I went back to the doctor today and they pulled that tooth and did some other gross stuff to me. I am cranky tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH!!!! SOrry!!! AT least it's OUT!!!! Poor crabby Kelly...who weeps for TOm. OMG...that cracks me up. I hope you feel better soon kel....did they put you on any more meds? Are you in pain?

Dawn! Cool!! I will def check it out. I saw the whole bunch for sale at Target on DVD for $99. I think Zack might even own a season or two! I need to raid his room.....*scary*

I got an email from Mandy.....her dad is NOT doing well. He suddenly took a turn for the worse. She is going back up to Gainesville. Prayers needed and appreciated. Hopefully as she put it this is just a "speedbump".

Talk to ya later,
Chan

 

[WishesQueen]

OH!!!! SOrry!!! AT least it's OUT!!!! Poor crabby Kelly...who weeps for TOm. OMG...that cracks me up. I hope you feel better soon kel....did they put you on any more meds? Are you in pain?

Dawn! Cool!! I will def check it out. I saw the whole bunch for sale at Target on DVD for $99. I think Zack might even own a season or two! I need to raid his room.....*scary*

I got an email from Mandy.....her dad is NOT doing well. He suddenly took a turn for the worse. She is going back up to Gainesville. Prayers needed and appreciated. Hopefully as she put it this is just a "speedbump".

Talk to ya later,
Chan

Wow!!! Thats terrible about Mandy's Dad!! I will be praying for her and her family.

Kelly - feel better

Boys are still hunting, DD and I are going shopping and then go to my parents for dinner. Their babysitting my nephew who is 1, I can't wait to take him WDW!!