@Flossbolna I work for a college access program. We work in the high schools to help students with the college process. We also have a Resource center for students that are not at a school we serve and for adults. On top of working with students we give out scholarships. This is where I work. I work with the traditional students. we have about 1000 kids each year that get a scholarship from us. we pick about 400 new incoming freshman every year. The freshman need to come in and have an "interview" (really just to go over information with them) and all of the upperclassman have to turn in renewal paperwork (the scholarship is renewable for 4 years). We have to have all of this processed before we can send checks to the schools. Needless to say summer is the busiest time of the year for me.
After seeing how stressful it is for me to take vacation at this time, I don't think I will do it again. There is just too much going on. I knew this was going to be the case but I couldn't pass up the deal we got. It is not helping matters that the office will basically be closed during the Republican Nation Convention. My building is in downtown Cleveland and very close to the blocked off area for the convention. Basically one slight adjustment to the secured area and it will encompass my building.
That really is an interesting job! It must be quite amazing to facilitate so many young people's education! I can see how this is a stressful time for you. And I see how this is not the best time to take vacation!
I used to work in Berlin for a few years and there were plenty of situations where suddenly you could not use certain roads and such. But that was only for a few hours at a time. Sounds like a pain if it is for a convention that runs several days!
Hi! I'm Patricia-- crazy cat lady, travel addict, and cookie monster's long lost daughter.

At least you did not inherit your father's looks, just his appetite for cookies!!
Actually, my favorite cookie at the moment is from a German organic food company that has licensed Sesame Street and is selling "cookie monster cookies". They are whole wheat and have reduced sugar, so I can pretend that they are somewhat healthy.
It's not been a consistent journey for me so far (loose 4, gain 2-- loose 3, gain 5-- over and over again....) but the overall trend is downward. Since Oct 2015 I've lost about 13 lbs, but I still have 17 to go to where I what I think is my best weight. I think I would like to try for 15 more after that.... but I will cross that bridge once I get there. I am having a hard time getting into and staying in the high 170's.... I'll get there and bounce back, so this is the month I want to be SOLIDLY in 17X department!
Yes, you can do it!! We will all cheer you on to never see the 180s again!!
I like Germany the best too-- the grapefruit beer and the caramel shop.......
I already mentioned that the caramel is not German at all. It is embarrassing, but the grapefruit beer is indeed German. Actually, it kind of is a version of a popular summer drink here: beer mixed with lemon soda. The Schöfferhofer Grapefruit is really just a take on that.
Hi, I'm Melissa. 36 year old single mom to Zoe just shy of 13. I'm currently a caregiver without any clients.

So not really working but looking for something full time to replace it. I have been off and on these WISH board challenges for years. I use MFP to track my food, calories and macros. I joined Anytime Fitness in April and its going really well and keeping me on track with the food journaling. I'm losing pretty steadily though I wish a bit more. Really hoping to take a Florida trip to WDW and Universal in the fall or winter. So would like to make a good dent so I can worry less about rides at Universal. Not at all worried about WDW never had an issue there.
Seems like you have found something that really works for you! And a trip is definitely always a good motivator. Hope you can manage it!
Probably Japan or Morocco. The architecture is some of my favorites in the world showcase. The restaurant in Morocco is great. Though my step mom I think loves France the most and we've gone there for a snack/lunch a few times and it's good. YUM
My fellow Japan lover! I love Marocco, too. I think it is one of the most interesting pavilions with regard of the buildings themselves.
Quick bio...
Turning 60 later this month, how the heck did that happen? Have struggled with my weight most of my adult life: got serious about weight control early this year after a rough winter of being continually stressed out and Ill: have lost around 30 pounds so far and have at least another 30 to go: have been on a holding pattern the past month so ready to get focussed and going again.
Hope you get out of your holding pattern! You already have achieved quite a lot with 30 pounds!
EPCOT is my favorite park and I seem to end up there multiple times each trip. I love taking the boat over from DHS and going in thru International Gateway. I also like entering the front at RD and walking back to France for breakfast... So quiet and peaceful. I also love walking around WS in the dark. I love taking a break at Spice Road for some hummus and as much mint iced tea as they'll bring me. I love Voices of Liberty and the show at American Pavillian. I love the Lady and the Tramp topiaries and take a picture of them every time I see them. I love walking in to the cool dark of the Mexico Pavillian. I actually don't love Illuminations but last Christmas got to watch it from an AllEars dessert viewing party up front and the extra Christmas add on actually made me cry. I already miss the old Norway... We're Norwegian on my Dad's side so it was always a must do. Awwww, getting totally nostalgic just thinking about how much I love it all.
This all sounds like lovely memories of Epcot! I am contemplating Spice Road table for our next trip. I know I would love all the food there. It just seems so expensive.
We loved the Maelstrom ride so much and the old Norway pavilion. I don't think we're quite ready for the Arendelle tourist center just yet... I love Frozen but I am a little skeptical on how they're going to make a fake place stand out in an area where it's all real countries.
I was so angry about this when I first heard it, but somehow have kind of come to terms with it. I still think it is a bad fit. And I think it is sad that instead of focussing on Norway's real cultural heritage, they make it out that an American movie is part of that culture. But in the end I think the pavilion will still be distinctly Norwegian and just feature a fairytale inside. I don't expect the whole pavilion to be Arendelle. But maybe I am too optimistic...
We love walking through World Showcase. We often travel with my daughter, her husband and our 5 year old grandson. We have made it a last night tradition to eat dinner at Via Napoli, so I have nice memories of Italy. My mother's parents were born in Germany so I always buy a Christmas ornament as a souvenir in the German pavilion. My father's parents were from Norway, so I love looking at the jewelry in the Norwegian pavilion.
So many lovely memories from Epcot! Sounds wonderful. I never looked at the jewelry in Norway, need to do that on my next trip!