International College Program

[Bonnie40]

Hey Karen!

I spoke briefly with Shayna today...she sounded good, but I think she was just in a bit of a foul mood so it wasn't the most enjoyable conversation! lol

I did hear that Shanan 'bunked in' with Shayna for a couple of nights this past week. Shayna was happy for the company!

Is it a cold or something else that's got Shanan feeling crappy? Shayna was saying that her friend Josh (she works with him in Toontown and would have stayed with him if the termination had stuck) has been down with strep throat so hopefully it's not that!

Take care...and enjoy your visit with Brynna Marjorie!

 

[Cnd_Jen]

Ha ha! Just randomly adding this, but I'm on the international program and I swear there is always people sick in the pavilion! Nice to know it's like that at Vista Way too

~ Jen

 

[madge62]

Hi ladies. So far the weekend is going well. Yesterday had a staff party at a co-workers, with an in-ground pool. Even though the weather was a bit cooler it was still nice, and it was terribly fun to watch the cruise ships "glow" by in the evening on their way up to Alaska!

Tomorrow is laundry day. I've pretty much collected up every little bit of whatever it is we need while we're in Florida, ponchos included! Yes, only 5 more sleeps!

Spoke to Brynna briefly on Thursday. She was out shopping and wanted permission to purchase a jacket she'd fallen in love with. Couldn't wait for me and my credit card, had to get it right away. She's been busy the past few days and I'm glad about that. She spent a lot of time on her days off (few that she got) and before and after shifts, just hanging out at the apartment. At least she's getting out and having fun. Of course now we'll be cramping her style when we show up!

Have a great Sunday ladies, will post before I leave.


Marjorie


PS Hey Jen, nice to see we're not the only ones on this thread!

 

[minnie56]

and welcome Jen! Nice to 'see' you....
Yes, I imagine there are trials and tribulations everywhere you get that many people from all over trying to live in harmony.

I heard that Shanan 'slept over' Bonnie...those girls in her apt are just something else! Not sure what....She has asked to be relocated but at this point, not too sure it's worth all the upheaval but if it works out then it's all good. Mind you, they charge her $50?? Talk about making money off of the backs of kids already being paid beans. They didn't even ask why..and of course Shanan being Shanan, she doesn't want to be a snitch...soooooo...

I'm not sure what's up with her...she just felt shivery and kind of 'funny' in her throat and now her voice is gone and she seems to think it is a cold. I told her to go to the Dr as yesterday was the 3rd day of feeling unwell but you know what they're like!!! "Oh Mum, chill"! Sooo...from afar...I can only suggest (okay, NAG) what I think she should do! I mentioned it could be strep but she says her throat is not very sore at all...but then I have had strep where it isn't either??

Wow, only 5 more sleeps Marjorie! How exciting!! I am sure Brynna cannot wait to see you!! That's a shame about her spending some days off doing nothing...seems they have been really working a lot lately. Shanan is getting 1 day off in every 8 or 9...that isn't helping her feel better.
That sounds a lovely sight seeing the ships on their way up to Alaska..ohhh to be near the Coast!!!

Well, we are off out for breakfast...I'll pop by later.

Byeeeeee..Karen

 

[minnie56]

Just a quickie...I know there aren't so many 'sleeps' left now Marjorie so in case I missed you, I just wanted to say have a wonderful, safe journey and enjoy your time with Brynna! Look forward to hearing all about your stay upon your return!!!

How are you this evening Bonnie?? I am soooo tired of this oppressive heat Just walked the dog and I am dripping..not fun!! Is it any better out West Marjorie? We went out for dinner tonight to our fave Greek restaurant and the A/C was struggling making it kind of unpleasant..hope it breaks soon!

Didn't find it this hot in Florida!

Have a blast Marjorie!

Later ladies....Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey ladies!

Just thought I'd pop in and wish you a safe, fun trip Marjorie! BTW, I really like your comment on Brynna's blog..."don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened..." LOVE IT!

Hey Karen - sounds like Shanan's all settled in and hopefully she will have a much better experience in Shayna's apartment. I don't know how she stood it for as long as she did!

Shayna's just like a kid in a candy store...her MSN is "SHANAN IS MY NEW ROOMMATE!"

Have you decided where you're staying when you go down again Karen? Where are you staying Marjorie?

Shayna spent some time today wandering around the Beach Club and was really, really impressed! We're going to be staying at POR for 6 nights and then move over to the BC for 2 nights and then heading home from there.

Talk soon!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

How very true and right on the money Marjorie! What a perfect way to look at the whole experience!! Hope they all settle back into real life allright come September

Too bad that the move didn't happen ages ago...not like her 'Mother' didn't tell her in my official capacity of nagger-extrordinaire! I told Shanan (not like she'll listen!) to aim to keep one suitcase packed for home and use all the things from the other one but she didn't sound hopeful that that would happen!!

I still haven't booked the resort...I am sitting on the fence about where to stay. Half of me says to split it up but then I think I can't be bothered once I am settled in??? I am only there for 6 days again so hardly seems worth it?

Whacky weather out there tonight! Looks very foreboding....

Okay..have a great trip Marjorie!!!
K

 

[madge62]

Hey ladies. Glad you liked my "quote" I actually borrowed it from my local Curves last week! I thought it perfect for Brynna and her moanies!

Well, we're all packed up and I'm sure I'm not going to sleep much tonight. We take off at 7:30 tomorrow morning to head down to Victoria and catch the ferry to the US. Allowed enough time during the day to have dinner at the Olive Garden (a ritual now, when we fly out of Seattle) followed by a visit to Target!

We're not arriving until 11 am Friday (redeye) and then we'll drive to Vista and pick up Brynna and head over to POR. Really looking forward to trying this resort out. Hopefully we won't need to nap but if we do, I hope our room is ready! After that Brynna has planned for us to go shopping at the outlet malls. Then perhaps MK that evening.

I'm going to try and meet all of these kids, it's my mission for the week! At least I know where they work

So glad to hear Shanan & Shayna are rooming together. That must be lots of fun.

Take care ladies, I'll try and check in next week as we hope to have internet hookup a couple of days.

TTFN


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

Long time no 'see'

Are you back yet Marjorie? Tell us all about it! Shanan mentioned that she hasn't met you yet?? I know they can be hard to find on these attractions...I can't remember how long you were going for? I do hope that you are / or have had a wonderful time visiting Brynna!

Soooo Bonnie...not long now is it? I am finding it hard to believe that this summer has almost run it's course aren't you? I know Shanan is getting antsy at the prospect of it all ending...sigh..I think they will be extra hard to bring home this time!!!!!

Shanan's Principal from her HS and her family are in WDW this week and Shanan is spending the day with them tomorrow which will be nice. They are doing a park, dinner at O'hanas and then Wishes on a boat on the Lagoon...very nice treat. Shanan also worked with her Principals daughter last summer so they are very close to her...and the fact that they too are Dizney NUTS is a double-bonus! She told me she would pass along some Mum-hugs for me

Well..not too much to ramble about...the weather is much more to my liking these days! I am needing to plant some shrubs in a new bed I have but think I'll wait until after Disney so I can give them some TLC...not sure my other daughter will remember them!

Hope to see a report soon from Marjorie!

Till then, Take care..Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey ladies!

Boy is time flying by! It's a funny feeling though...anticipation of seeing Shayna and having a great time in WDW...but anxious about how she's going to feel when it's time to go...

Unfortunately, it looks like Shayna's come down with a cold...congested and feeling like crap but hopefully it won't last long and she doesn't pass it on to Shanan!

Those two sound like they're having a blast! I guess the one other 'guilty party' from the apartment self-terminated yesterday and flew home! Go figure! Good riddence to bad rubbish!

Besides Cathy (who I don't think spends all that much time there) and Brenley (who's rarely there) those two are probably feeling like they've got the place to themselves! I guess Kev's calling it the S-Club!

Sounds like Shanan's going to have a great day today! Shayna has a cousin from Pennsylvania who is down with her husband, so I'm hoping at some point they connect. I guess they were looking for her in Toontown yesterday, but she had the day off.

Hope you had a great trip Marjorie! From what I have read, I think you're going to be hard pressed to get that daughter of yours home!

Take care!

Looking forward to hearing how your trip went Marjorie!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

I know exactly what you mean Bonnie...I feel almost sad for the girls because I know they will have heavy hearts...as much as.. like you, I can't wait to have Shanan home albeit ever-so-briefly! It's a mixed blessing indeed.

I didn't know that another one moved out..wow, they DO almost have their own pad there! It's the most unfortunate thing of all that the housing was a complication. If they ever do this again, at least they know up front what to accept and what not to!

I hope Shayna connects with her cousin before she leaves..it can be so hit and miss can't it?

Well Marjorie..we are waiting to hear all about it! I am sure you had a ball...

Be back later..
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hello ladies!

Didn't want to see our thread fall to the 2nd page

Marjorie...hope you had a great trip down to see Brynna...looking forward to hearing all about it!

Take care!

Bonnie

 

[madge62]

Hey ladies, I'm baaaaaack..........

We stumbled in around 10:30 pm last night, was a long day of travelling and driving and ferries, etc.

Had a wonderful visit with Brynna and a great trip all in all. The weather was super, but boy it was sooooo hot. I don't think I'll ever willingly go in August again, just found it too uncomfortable to be out and about in the parks for too long. Thankfully we visited early in the day and later in the day with a rest/shopping scheduled for the afternoon!

The worst part of the whole visit, never got to meet anyone! Everyone's schedules are at odds I guess and the only people I ever met were Brynna's co-workers when we were at RRC and 2 of her roommates, the same ones every time we were there! I never got to Toontown so didn't get a chance to even look for Shayna and of the 2x we visited HM, I looked at everyone carefully but didn't see Shanan either.

We did have lots of time with Brynna, she had 4 days off all together and then we worked around her shifts, driving her to and from MGM. She stayed with us 6 out of 8 nights as well.

It was nice seeing Vista after hearing so much about it. Unfortunately Brynna doesn't have the neatest roomies and she pretty much gave up trying to keep it up herself since no one else was helping. They sure have tight security to get in there though.

We did all the parks at least 2x, Typhoon Lagoon, DisneyQuest, hit all the outlet malls and did lots of eating! Had a couple of visits to Cast Connection, BEST place to get your souvenirs, most stuff is 50% off so worth a visit. I even got to see some of Disney University as Brynna went to Company D there to pick up passes for my sister and her family.

Brynna is frantically trying to get into another program, she really wants the J-1 Academic where she'd be there a year She so loves it down there and really wants to continue working. She did get an email from intn'l recruiting and they said they'd call her about it so it's got her hopeful. I don't know how I'll handle a year without her but I guess I'd have to go down for many visits. I don't know how soon she'd get back down there again though.

I envy that you get to go down to WDW soon, I miss it already! It definitely was the easiest departure we ever made, knowing that we'd be back for a lengthy visit in December, but when we dropped Brynna off at work before heading to the airport, I started crying again. What is it with us mothers? Oh well, only 18 sleeps until she's home again.

Anways, time to go deal with more laundry from my mountain.

Take care!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

I was beginning to think that they had recruited you too!!!!!!!

Sounds like you had a great time! That heat is something isn't it?!?! My friend Brenda said it felt at times like you couldn't take another breath! Very oppressive...but the trick is to do exactly what you did in getting there early and leaving and coming back later in the day.

Such a shame that you didn't meet up with Shanan and Shayna...It seems like they are really getting their monies worth out of them at the moment and they have them working long days.

If Brynna stays or goes back...how will that affect school? Ohhhhh you will have to be so brave Mum...and you KNOW we know exactly how you feel! Saying good-bye is horrible...your heart just feels so heavy Try not to think about it until and if you are faced with it. Think about it tomorrow is my motto! LOL.. It is great that it has been such a good experience for them all though...I know Shanan will be taken out of there kicking and sreaming! She is hard at the best of times! Seems not so long ago that we all met up here with our sad goodbye tales and all the trials and tribulations..and now, it's almost done. Now I'm sad! We have lived every moment with them and through them haven't we?

Well..I finally booked the hotel today...3 days at PO-FQ and 3 at the Beach Club. I just hope there's no problem checking in on Shanan's 'proper' last day of employment She seems to think not...we'll seeeee
I thought it would be nice to have some walks into Epcot for a change and to be able to go to Jellyrolls and stumble back.
Now I have to book a car rental..I have been trying Priceline with no success yet! Grrr....

Well...it is great to see you back Marjorie...good luck with the laundry. That's such the worst part of coming back!

When are you off Bonnie?

Keep in touch!
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey!

We leave on Friday afternoon as soon as my one son gets off work. Hopefully drive 7 hours before stopping and then a long push on Saturday, arriving Saturday night hopefully around 9:30 p.m. Shayna will finish her work shift and join us there. Can't wait!

Glad you had a good trip Marjorie. Sounds like Brynna is having a really hard time wrapping her head around leaving!

Glad to hear you've made your arrangements Karen. Are you travelling by yourself? I'm assuming Shanan will be staying with you as well? I'm hoping she can join us for lunch on Sunday at WPC...Shayna wasn't sure what her schedule was, but hopefully they can lunch with us and then head off to work...

Take care...

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

Wow your time is ticking fast! Not long to wait now....I know you are all excited!

No, my hubby Terry is coming though he is getting frantic as usual about leaving his work blah blah blah...being self-employed is NOT always fun! I am MAKING him come !

We arrive Tuesday evening around 9 I think?? Will check in..not sure if Shanan will come that night or we'll meet up with her on the way in to work the next morning at 9 or so...Is Shayna working that last day too?

Shanan went on that cruise I mentioned last week with her HS Principal...wants to do it again but it sure is hard to get info on! I think it's a 'Magical Gathering's ' thing...and I called 3x today and got shipped all over! They had computer issues so nobody could really help...I will try again tomorrow but I think you need 8 people min. I have sent an e-mail to the Principal to try t get some more info but she's at her cottage and perhaps not checking messages?

I am getting soo excited..just wish my youngest would come too..

I 'kinda talked' to Shayna yesterday while I was talking to Shanan on Skype...too funny...she was upside down on her bed taking pics of one of those...what do they call it...recommendation kind of things that they get?!?!!?

So how goes the PILE of laundry Marjorie?? It's endless isn't it?? Most ungratifying!! Have you talked to Brynna since you have been home? I am sure she is missing you too....


Well...I will pop back later!
Byeeee
Karen

 

[madge62]

I can't believe you two are heading off for the World so soon! I wanna go back.......

The suitcases are unpacked and the laundry is done. I'll be picking up my photos from Costco tomorrow. Guess my holiday is officially over

Yes, Brynna is determined to get back there asap. I don't have a problem with it, but for the fact I'll miss her a heck of a lot. I told her long ago that she didn't have to complete her 4-year degree in 4 years, that she could take some time in between cause we had discussed her working on a cruise ship somewhere in there. Now of course it's Disney she'd rather work for. She's busy emailing everyone down there and Eric at Cast-a-Way is even contacting her university! I told her not to get her heart set on a January return, I think the wheels don't turn that quickly!

G'night ladies!


Marjorie

 

[Bonnie40]

Good morning ladies!

That's some great news Marjorie! Gotta give the girl credit for perseverence!

Shayna seems quite excited to have us arrive...it sure feels like it's been a looong time! All she can talk about is 'good food' once she gets home. I guess she and Shanan spend alot of time yacking about home cooked meals! lol

I'm feeling kinda weird about Shayna moving her stuff out of the apartment and leaving Shanan there a couple of nights, but Shayna has assured me that Shanan's outta there as soon as you arrive? Shayna's looking forward to 'being a guest'! Good grief!

Having Shanan move in to the apartment has been the only bright light in the whole 'Vista' thing...I think the living arrangements would be what would make Shayna hesitate to come back. Loves Florida, loves Disney...just hates the whole Vista/Commons arrangement. I don't think it ever felt 'homey' for her. She's a homebody at heart and I think she's feeling like it's time to come home, see her family and friends and hug her dog! I can't wait!

Take care....talk soon!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

Sure is Marjorie! She is very determined judging by her blog to get back there asap! It really is great that the experience has been such a positive one! When is Brynna scheduled to come home as it is??

Not to worry Bonnie about Shanan...she is working every day and she will be fine till I get there Tuesday! She will come straight from work..and I am having her try to change the rezzies so that all 6 days are at the Beach Club but the kid is working so much there hasn't been time to change it! Hopefully, tomorrow morning she can get to it.
Let the girl go and be a guest! Can't say I blame her one bit!

Well..I guess I should say 'See ya later' as tomorrow you will be on the run! Have a safe trip down..and I hope we get the chance to meet in Disney!!! I feel like I know both of you ladies so well as we have journeyed this road together! It really seems to have been life-changing for the girls..

Marjorie..I am here till Tuesday...
Bonnie...enjoy your holiday...if u see my 'baby' I send along a Hug!!

Karen

 

[madge62]

Hi!

Brynna's actually scheduled to come home the evening of September 1st. Apparently they have to find their way to the airport so she and Kevin and another couple of friends are looking at booking in at a value resort for a night and using ME to get themselves to MCO.

I managed to take advantage of the AP rates that came out yesterday and instead of POP for $125/night we're at CSR for $99/night. Much better deal huh? Even though I could book myself at WDW, I've used Magic for Less Travel the past two times cause they're great at getting the codes applied asap. Since we've never stayed at this particular moderate, we're really looking forward to it.

Hope you have an awesome trip Bonnie, enjoy the heat!

G'night


Marjorie