January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part II !!!

[monami7]

Hi DM3,

I don't know how you feel about cities in general, but NYC is the ULTIMATE big city. It's HUGE, it's dirty (not grungy, but lots of exhaust fumes and people), it's VERY crowded. The cabs are pretty scary if you're not used to it = they are getting better but they still drive like maniacs. I used to go there on business a lot, and I had a few friends who went to NYU, so I had other familiar people to go with me. If you're comfortable with "winging it", then do a lot of research. Otherwise, I think you should go through a travel agent and plan things out as best as you can.

I think a 5 day trip to NYC would probably cost you more than a week in WDW. Even McDonald's doubles their prices in New York. Expect to pay around $8-$10 for a Big Mac - no kidding!

A decent hotel in NYC is going to run you around $250 a night minimum. Driving in NYC is not for the novice - if you've never driven in New York, then just DON'T. DH did it once and he said NEVER AGAIN!!!!

A train is a great way to go to New York, but I guess you're too far away for that. The train station is right under Madison Square Garden, you can walk to Macy's, and it's about 10 blocks to Broadway. You can hop a cab and take a short ride to 42nd Street. See a matinee, maybe grab something to eat.

Since 9/11, New York has gone out of it's way to welcome visitors, so it's not unfriendly or full of crime or anything. I don't want you to think I'm being negative about it, but I just want you to have realistic expectations. It's really different from any other big city - it's international and it honestly is HUGE!

Hi We live here on LI and go into the city quite a bit (about once a week), and while some of this is true with a little research you can do it pretty cheap. McDonalds is about $.50 to $1 more than anywhere else but not double. Also I am a Chicago girl born and raised but there is nothing like the excitement you feel walking around NYC. We love the city and woud love to live downtown but DH's jo is out here on the Island so we visit a lot! So restaurants even know us in the city. LOL

OK In the NY times this week there were some frugal in NYC tips but I have a few of my own.
Look for a hotel across the river in NJ or even in Brooklyn with a train station near. You can take the train into the city every day. You can get rooms for around $100 a night. And leave your car there. I drive in the city all the time but you really don't need to.

As far as attractions go the American Museum of natural history is a pay as much as you can museum so give what you think is OK. We are members there and payed quite a bit. I won't be mad if you go cheap! LOL

There are many ethnic places to eat...Little Italy is amazing and while it isn't cheap it is no more than a nice dinner at home. What is more restaurant wise are the chains...Hard Rock, Fridays, applebee's those places are more. If you eat local it isn't so bad. Isn't that the point of eating in NYC anyway?

Sometimes unless you have your heart set on a certain show you can get theater tickets the day of at half price.

Also we take our two girls on the busses and the subway with no issues. NYers really are friendly!

Seriously if you are gonna come here PM me and I can help. It doesn't have to cost a fortune.
I would love to help.
Heidi

 

[trixiequilts]

For some reason though, I love watching footbal movies like Rembering the Titans, The Replacements, Any Given Sunday, Friday Night lights and Invincible! I can't say that I actually enjoy watching football but for some reason, I LOVE football movies!

I was thinking about Invincible just the other day when the QOTD was about favorite Disney movies. My DDs and I also loved The Game Plan (The Rock, football, and ballet...something for everyone).

I know girl!! Now,I do like to go watch a baseball game--the Astros in Houston--and would maybe like to go see the Cowboys----but watching it on tv does nothing for me!! If I can't be there-forget it!! Look how much Disney time that takes!!!!

Is Troy Aikman still around the Dallas area? I know he does some commentary now, but does his legend live on? He may have been my first pro football crush.

 

[trixiequilts]

Morning Everyone.

Sports thing....Yes I do love sports. I'm sort of the opposite of being a girl. I hate shopping, hate wearing make-up (but I do, however I can do my make-up in under 2 minutes). I don't wear heels unless I absolutely must, and then I complain the whole freakin time. I've never had a manicure/pedicure. Never had a massage or been to a spa. Heck I've never even had my eyebrows professionally waxed. (before you think I'm all wierd and have a unibrow, NO, I've just never done "professional" before)

I loved playing sports in highschool. In college I played on co-ed leagues. Even now I still play on co-ed league softball during the summer and volleyball during the fall.

I don't know. I guess I'm just strange.

I love sports, too, and I admire athletes for many reasons. I played and watched sports my whole life, until I tore my achilles tendon. That slowed me down a bit!

But I also LOVE being a girl! You should see my makeup bag. Manicures, pedicures, hair color...fun, fun, fun! I didn't realize what an impression I had made on DDs until we were looking at some nail polish at the grocery store and DDs scolded me and said, "We can't buy that, it's not OPI"!

But

 

[trixiequilts]

Are you back from your weekend trip yet?

We hit the 100 day mark this week and then after that we will be - double digit dancing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, we're back. We had a really good time, and spent lots of money! We stopped at Birch Run, which is a really huge outlet mall near Frankenmuth. I got DDs new jackets for Disney for $10 from Children's Place and a bunch of stuff from the Columbia store for all of us. DH would wear Columbia exclusively if he could...do they make underwear? Gotta love the bargains!

 

[trixiequilts]

I was at a hockey game! I also got to meet my new friend, Stanley!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarbah77/2934597898/

As for sports, I grew up in a household that followed sports (rather than TV shows), so it rubbed off. I never "got" football until I started dating my DH. His enthusiasm was infectious and that's where I am today. (Of course, he's a Minnesota Vikings fan, which I think might be a team more hapless than even the Chicago Cubs!)

With the current economic woes, it looks like the in-laws aren't coming to Disney in January. My FIL is the town dentist and obviously his income is based on the ability of his patients to pay. I think he'll just end up circling his wagons, for now. It's too bad.

Oh well. Maybe next time. Maybe if DH ever qualifies for the Boston Marathon, they'll come then (since my parents live 5 miles from the start line). They've never seen him run a marathon and Disney will be my dad's second time!!

Now that's a picture to cherish! Love the attire, too, by the way.

My dad taught me tons about sports. I know more about football and basketball than my DH! He played beach volleyball instead of mainstream team sports.

Too bad about the in-laws missing the race.

Did you say that the Disney marathon is a qualifier for Boston?

 

[pamouselover]

Race fan here also. I have been a long time fan of Kyle petty..(named my son Kyle after him) I also like Jimmie Johnson. DH is a gordan fan.
Jeff Burton won last night. Jimmy came in 6th.
I like football.(EAGLES) and since my son was born I had no choice but to like baseball. My DS is a huge sixers fan, but I cant stand basketball. His favorite sport to play. I enjoy going to the baseball games more then watching them on TV. But we have a busy day today with the Eagles playing and the phillies playing.
LETS GO PHILLIES!

Good morning Snowbirds!

Hope everyone is having a nice long weekend. We were busy yesterday and I didn't even get the computer turned on! We are having the best October weather!! Supposed to be 78 today! A great day for soccer!

As for the sports - we are NASCAR fans! We went to a race on our honeymoon! We tried to stay up last night to watch the Charlotte race, but we fell asleep. I don't even know what time it ended or who even won. Hopefully Jimmie Johnson! He's my favorite!

 

[trixiequilts]

Hopefully Jimmie Johnson! He's my favorite!

Race an here ealso. I have been a long time fan of Kyle petty. I also like Jimmie Johnson.( named my son Kyle after him) DH is a gordan fan.

You mean this guy? I know nothing about Nascar, so I looked him up, and found this nice picture. Enjoy!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

You mean this guy? I know nothing about Nascar, so I looked him up, and found this nice picture. Enjoy!

Yep, that's him! I'm gonna marry him when I grow up!!!! He's like Michael Phelps is to you!!

 

[jenjolt]

Yep, that's him! I'm gonna marry him when I grow up!!!! He's like Michael Phelps is to you!!

The two words that make this grown woman swoon... Michael Phelps

 

[trixiequilts]

Yep, that's him! I'm gonna marry him when I grow up!!!! He's like Michael Phelps is to you!!

And like Minnie is to your DS7!

 

[sarbah77]

Now that's a picture to cherish! Love the attire, too, by the way.

Friday, we went and bought me a yellow Michigan shirt, since (despite the cheer being "go blue") that's the color most fans wear.

Too bad about the in-laws missing the race.

Did you say that the Disney marathon is a qualifier for Boston?

That's what my DH tells me! (Though, this was from his attempt to run in 2005) In fact, it's for the year you run Disney AND the next year, since there's just about 3 months between the marathons.

 

[distherapy]

Hey all! We're back from our Fall Break NY trip (upstate, although we are hoping to add the city to our trip next year - the kids will be 5 and able to walk longer!) It was a great trip and gorgeous weather.

Now I've gotta go back and catch up!

 

[MAGGIED]

Hello Snowbirds.... back from a weekend at our camp..... beautiful weather... the boys are still there... they wanted to ride the ATV's a little longer and put up another tree stand.... yup... I have hunters here as well... NY state just changed and now allows 15 year old to hunt with a gun so this will be my sons first year deer hunting with a gun... he is very excited.. me... not so much....

we are all big sports fans here in our house... we love baseball ...GO RED SOX... we are Buffalo Bills fans... and we like golf.... yes it is a sport... we really don't follow basketball to close until it get to March Madness and then we follow college for a while.... our ideal sunday afternoon is a fire in the fireplace, the Bills winning a football game and having pizza delivered.... no cooking..no cleaning... just hanging out together.... during the summer we go golfing as a family ever Sunday late afternoon... the boys are really good... us girls not so much... but we have fun... we found out Friday that my DS broke the school scoring record for golf this year.... he is pretty excited as he is only a sophomore... and his last few matches weren't his best....

so when does everyone think we will hear about any promotions... I told my DS if Disney Visa came out with free dining and ticket upgrades then I would upgrade us to the POLY..... any chance they will come out with both??????
one can only hope...........

we are having some wonderful weather today... upper 70's.... usually in the 50's at this time.... I have all my windows open and am sitting here typing ever once in a while looking up and seeing all the dust on my table....

hope everyone has a nice day!!!

Wendy

 

[distherapy]

BellaSoleil - Hope your DH is feeling better!

I have been meaning to tell you, my dad had several major abdominal surgeries when my parents were first married and my sister and I were young. I know it's so rough now, but my parents' bond grew so strong through all that they went through. They have such a strong relationship because of it.

 

[peach3es]

Hey, Peeps! Did you miss me? I went to the Mediterranean Sea with friends today for some R&R. It was FUN! Gorgeous weather, though a bit nippy for swimming. The kids and the husbands got in the water! It's our day off on Sundays. Of course, ask me where Scot is right now. Yep. At a business meeting! And that's what happens when you can't say no!

So, I'm just trying to catch up on what I missed!

What is it with all the Sport fans? My DH and I could honestly care less about any and all sports! I

Oh, count me in the non-sports loving group. Though I love a good live game of smash-face coal region high school football live, I can't stand televised sports. Unless I was watching Andre Agassi back in the day, I wasn't watching anything on TV. Thankfully I married a non-sports man. He can take or leave them. I always enjoy live games of nearly any sport, but mostly for the social aspects of the game experience.

My sister briefly dated one of the coaches for the Philadelphia Eagles. I remember mentioning that and people nearly passing out, demanding details, etc. She went to one of the training practices and got to see that hothead that was playing for them back then (like 2001ish). What was his name? Terrell? Terrance? Oh, I'm bad with sports names!

Now, this month my sister is in the wedding of her college roommate and friend. And this friend's aunt is Aunt Vicki. Vicki the guitar player for the BANGLES!!!!!!!! Now that I can get excited about. I told Reg she just has to get me an autograph or a picture or something! Tell her I am a huge Bangles fan! But sports? meh.

I did always stop to watch Darren Dalton. And I got to hang out with Glendon Rousch when he was pitching for the Mets. I've got a picture of him holding Thomas' on his lap and another of him playing catch with Thomas, who was 2 at the time. That's a fun story for Thomas. And Scot got to sit in Glendon's Lexus.

Off to read some more!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

I know girl!!

I know some people are really into, but Not I!! I guess like we are soooo into Disney & other people roll their eyes and huff!!!

Hey-how cold is it up there now? Just curious--we are doing a geography unit with the little bookaddle-to-the-Sea, and it starts out in the area around Lake Nipigon, then Lake Superior and on to the Sea.So far it's still on the Lake--it's very interesting. Just curious about your weather so I can tell my kids!! Always looking for life-teachables!!

Well, I am glad I am not the only non sports person here! Our weather is actually kind of nice today, 15 celsius, cloudy and a weensy bit rainy! Funny that you would be studying paddle to the sea! My in laws actually live in Nipigon and the town is trying to raise funds to build a "paddle - to - the - sea"" park! Shamefully, I haven't actually read the story, I know, BAD little Canadian Girl! Shame on ME! It is on my list of books to read! Our weather during the fall is often very different - especially living right on Lake Superior! It is said around here that if you don't like the weather...just wait 5 minutes and it will change! We can have so many different weather atterns in a week, it's not funny! Or maybe it is!

You live in Canada and don't like Hockey WOW!! That's a first (LOL just kidding, but when we visited Quebec this summer everyone was all about the hockey LOL!!!!!!)


Btw...Totally love Remembering the Titans ( Na..Na...Na..Hey Hey Hey Goodbye gets me everytime)



I'm going to be at the POP started the 16th WOOT!! YAY!!! Hope you have a great trip.


HAPPY Sunday everyone!! I stayed home from church today this cold is doing a number on my lungs and I didn't want to be coughing the entire sermon. I'm hoping to feel better so I can work tomorrow!

I know! A Canadian who doesn't enjoy Hockey? I am a rare breed! My InLaws are die hard Leafs Fans and my Father is a Serious RedWings fan! Me? I just don't get it! Perhaps if I had sons.....but I don't so I am content to be a non sports person! In HS I was a band geek - played the flute! My DH was on the basketball and track teams! He still loves to run and is very frustrated right now because due to a back injury he is off running for 6-8 weeks! Poor guy!
I am getting excited - we are having our Thanksgiving supper tonite with my In Laws and I can smell the turkey cooking! Yummy! Well, I should go , DD5 wants to play Treehouse on the web! Hope everyone has a nice Sunday evening!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hello everyone! I'm sitting on my couch all depressed because my sister's wedding is over. Whenever a big event is over, I get really sad. This past week has been filled with so much preparation, and now it's nothing. Anyways....

We had THE most perfect day! It was about 72 or so here in Buffalo so that was wonderful. We had strapless dresses and were never cold. We took some beautiful outside pictures with the colored leaves and the most perfect blue sky as our backdrop. The reception was amazing and I danced the night away. This morning we had a big brunch at my parents house. I'm in need of a nap, but I had to get on here and catch up.

As for the sports things....I wasn't a huge sports fan growing up, but I am now. I love NASCAR and I've been to Watkins Glen a few times. My favorite driver retired a few years ago (Rusty Wallace) so I'm now a Dale Jr. fan. I also love hockey, football and lacrosse. I'm feel so lucky to live in Buffalo and have 3 professional sports teams! We have the Sabres (hockey), the Bills (football) and the Bandits (lacrosse-they won the Championship this past season!). I didn't play sports when I was younger (soccer for 1yr when I was 6), because all I did was dance. Now, I'm on the professional dance team for the Bandits! So, I've combinded my love of dance and sports!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hello everyone! I'm sitting on my couch all depressed because my sister's wedding is over. Whenever a big event is over, I get really sad. This past week has been filled with so much preparation, and now it's nothing. Anyways....

We had THE most perfect day! It was about 72 or so here in Buffalo so that was wonderful. We had strapless dresses and were never cold. We took some beautiful outside pictures with the colored leaves and the most perfect blue sky as our backdrop. The reception was amazing and I danced the night away. This morning we had a big brunch at my parents house. I'm in need of a nap, but I had to get on here and catch up.

Yay! So glad your sister had a beautiful day for her wedding! Glad you had a fabulous time - now GET SOME REST!

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

We are big sports fans! i LOVE football. Yesterday was Penn State. Today is Eagles and Phillies. So far, all is looking good for the Eagles.

My DH loves any and all sports (except soccer) and have always loved football and hockey. They other's are growing on me.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

And like Minnie is to your DS7!

You betcha!