I need to get away and I think a pin event is the answer!

[3kids4me]

Well as you might expect, I'm stressed out. I guess I realized how bad it was when I was talking to the nurse at the pediatrician's office and she said to me "And how are **you** doing? I can't imagine being able to handle everything you are going through." Okay, I know she meant to sound empathetic, but of course after I hung up I realized that I really do need a break.

Now since I stopped working (about a year ago when Rachel got really sick) we have limited finances. And I could probably go someplace inexpensive for a weekend and take a break. I know my husband can handle everything for a couple of days if he had to.

But what I really want to do is go to DisneyWorld and go to a pin event. So my question to you guys is: Do you think if I planned to do that I would feel dissapointed about spending my "relaxation money" on a pin event? Do you think I would feel bad that there I was at DisneyWorld and the kids weren't with me? Who do I go to one of these things with anyway? Do we really descend from monkeys? (Oops....wrong topic....scratch that last one.)

Any and all opinions welcome!

 

[KathiWithAnI]

Hey Sharon
First of all-- BIG HUG to you!!!

Second, I can only tell you how I did being away from the kids.... my first real time away was last september for the Disneyana Convention. The kids were with daddy so I felt they were of course safe.... I did cry a couple times ( ask Jonie!) but I was also gone almost 10 days..... BUT over all it was so wonderful to be with adults and really take a break--- I had a blast and really really needed it-- it was my first time away from the family since the kids started being born in 1993!!!

Rick and I also did the pin event last yr and are doing it this year too--- I love having a long week-end away and the kids love staying with grandma.

I say go for it-- it will do you alot of good!!

Kathi

 

[jojo_ct]

Well Sharon, I have long been a proponent of doing Disney alone. Of course it helps that my family doesn't like the place and are never jealous that I get to go and they don't, but even if they did, I would go on my own.

I have always believed that parents should have time on their own and children need to recognize that they are not the sole reason for our existence. Our most important job as a parent is to teach our kids to be independent from us, and this is an opportunity to help them get a little taste of it. Give the kids some special roles to do in your absence and I bet you'll come home to kids who have a new sense of self-worth. And then, of course, you can always bring home pins to reward them for doing so well on their own!

As far as who you would go with, the best part about pin trading is all the friends you make doing it. By the time you've spent 30 minutes at a pin event, you'll have 20 new friends. I know the Orlando regulars, like Ed and Donna, will take very good care of you.

So go. No guilt. Just enthusiasm and great pin hunting.

Cynthia

 

[Dom13]

Being single (and not working too hard at not being single ) my last 4 trips to WDW have been pretty much by myself. I have met up with other pin traders and had a great time with all of them! On the weekends there is the Contemporary meet on Friday night and the Polynesian meet on Sat. and you can always head over to Epcot or DTD for trading. I have also gone over to the Contemporary on a whim and made some great trades there. (Goofy Mystery Tour 2000!!!) There is also Scoop's Pin Seminars to attend. I can't speak as a parent but the kids might enjoy a little time with just dad. Go for it! I'll be down there for the Big Pin Game so if you decide to go to that one and want someone to show you the ropes I'd be happy to.

 

[3kids4me]

Dom have you seen the news about the possible Haunted Mansion Halloween event? That's what got me started thinking about this, and I know you will be at that one!!

But I am going to look into all of the upcoming events and see which might work. Do you guys all stay on site, and if so, do you call someone in particular to get a good rate or just rent points from someone (if you're not a DVC member)?

 

[MeanLaureen]

Sharon-- you should come down for the Big Pin Game on June 1st! They are taking registrations now! Looks like it will be fun!

 

[Dom13]

I doubt I be able to do the HM event. August is costing me $$$ and Work is impossible in October. I'm hoping I can afford and talk the boss into letting me do Sept.

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

I just went to the AK event - solo except for many DIS & Dizneypins friends. I can tell you it was just what I needed.

I have been dealing with health issues also - thank god not my DS but my Dad. He has been battling lung cancer and I am the only child in the area so I have been full time Mom - full time nurse to him and full time support for my Mom. So I can so sympathize. All I can say is DO IT!!

You will not regret it - I had a wonderful time. Things did survive without me for 5 glorious days. And I was so ready to take it all back on when I arrived home. It was just what I needed.

You sometimes need to take care of yourself - a little relaxation - so you can be better for those who need your support and strength. So do it - have a ball - meet loads of pin folk and come back home better and stronger.

 

[daber]

As you can tell by your fellow addicts, the answer is "yes, go" (what else would you expect us to say? LOL) If you can hold out til Sept, go to the granddaddy of pin events. If you can't wait that long, they have them every month. The next two are at the Wide World of Sports and the Contemporary (in that order). I probably won't be at one until September. I miss the Contemporary event by one day!

 

[3kids4me]

Thanks for your input everyone. I probably will wait until September, because I would need to plan for airfare and accomodations, and just have a little time to get used to the idea of travelling alone.

I brought the idea up to my husband, who did agree that I need a couple of days to relax, but I don't think his idea of relaxing is going to a big expensive event at DisneyWorld!! But I'm not really the "relax at a spa with cucumber over your eyes" type. (And of course everyone knows that the cucumber does nothing!!)

Thanks again pin pals!!

 

[daber]

See you in September (wait I hear a song!)
Already have our reservations at the Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[Figgy]

Ok Question one should I take a vacation without Hubby and Kids...

Answer: YES

Question -- Who do I go to these things with anyway

Answer: US

Question -- Where would you stay

Answer: Well if you are seriously wanting to go and would like to stay somewhere we are looking for roommates for our condo. We have a 2 bedroom and we are splitting the cost of it. We have the condo from Thursday Sept 19 - 27. It was a week think so we have it longer than we need it. I think I am the only one planning to stay past Monday but of course anyone who wants to can. If you would like details let me know. I am planning to rent a car so that wouldn't be a problem. You can email me at Figgy@pinpics.com

But my advice is yes absolutely go and have fun.

figgy

 

[suzanneb]

Yes, Sharon, you deserve a little relaxation time....I think it is a great idea for you to go to the Sept pin event....hope to see you there!

 

[3kids4me]

Okay guys....I'm thinking that September might be it.

Is there anyone flying from the CT area that needs a buddy? Also, would you recommend I try to rent points at one of the on-site resorts, or do plenty of people stay off-site.

Thanks!!

P.S. Figgy, I just saw your part of the message about accomodations. I will e-mail you!

 

[JudithM]

Sharon, I don't what decision, if any, you have made right now, but personally if I had a chance to go to WDW by MYSELF, I would do it!! I know I just came back, but on this trip we met friends who don't go to WD as often as we do. I felt like I was pulled in several directions & sometimes not the direction I would have picked! I kept telling myself they haven't been there in a few years, & I was there a few months ago. Bottom line - if you can, GO & ENJOY!