Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[Native NYer]

Rats, we will overlap now but we will be at US when you are arriving. WOW those are some great prices. I thought I did well but you have me beat by a landslide. I could have gotten $225 tickets on Airtran but it would have taken us 12 hours to get there and back.

Very fun on the dual resorts, I've always loved the look of BWV (except for the creepy clown slide lol) and how nice to do both a monorail and an epcot resort on the same trip!

Our flights are so cheap because they're only a little over 2 hours. And we're flying from Reagan National, not JFK or LaGuardia.

The clown slide is VERY creepy. I don't like clowns and probably will stay away from that slide as much as possible

 

[eandesmom]

Our flights are so cheap because they're only a little over 2 hours. And we're flying from Reagan National, not JFK or LaGuardia.

The clown slide is VERY creepy. I don't like clowns and probably will stay away from that slide as much as possible

You have to wonder. Didn't they KNOW it was creepy when they made it? Such a pretty resort, amazing location but what were they thinking?

 

[MEK]

Now to just figure out the last "extra" night.

Oh....I am sure you have something up your sleeve!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh....I am sure you have something up your sleeve!

who me

 

[jordanyosh]

How did you manage cheap flights AND more vacation time...

 

[All7OfUs]

I know.... it's mind-boggling! If we both end up going to Peepfest- I think someone will get put on planning duty!

 

[eandesmom]

How did you manage cheap flights AND more vacation time...

Bwaa ha ha (channeling my inner TK there) I have my ways.

a healthy amount of pure dumb luck.
fortuitous timing.
a husband who surprisingly was ready to pull the trigger on 5 minutes of notice.

I know.... it's mind-boggling! If we both end up going to Peepfest- I think someone will get put on planning duty!

planning

 

[eandesmom]

Where to start?

So many random things in my brain today it’s overwhelming.
Need.to.find.order.

I don’t do well without order!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was it’s normal craziness, baseball practice, tkd practice, soccer game, volleyball tournament, and
Math Olympiad for Eric.

Mama brag time.
For those who don’t know or don’t have schools that do this (no clue if it’s common or not lol) Math Olympiad is a math competition. Kids start preparing for it about 4 months before the event with weekly after school practice. Local schools compete against each other by grade level. It’s pretty cool as it is open to all schools, it’s sponsored by our district but any school can compete so this year we had 5 private schools and a Home Exchange program in addition to the 8 district elementary schools. It goes through 8th grade so there were 5 schools competing in the 7&8th grade categories. All told, 603 students yelling, screaming, about Math.
LOVE IT!

It’s a half day event, individual tests and then team tests. Eric is a 3rd grader, MO starts at 4th. Because he is in the hi-cap program they allowed the 3rd graders in the program to compete since they are doing 4th grade math already. Our school had 68 kids on our team and as a school, did amazingly well. Which is exciting as although we do have hi-cap there, the school itself did not, however, meet improvement standards in one subgroup in math for 2009 and will remain "in improvement" until students meet improvement standards for two years in a row. I do get the purpose of the no child left behind act but it frustrates me that one sub group becomes a benchmark by which the school is measured. Subgroups are All, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, White, Limited English, Special Education, and Low Income. As a result, parents can actually transfer their kids to other schools. It implies that the math education is not working (for this subgroup) and then I think, to some, raises overall concerns about the schools math teaching abilities. Which based on the performance of the team…wow…so not an issue. True, many of the kids on the teams were hi-cap kids. More, were not.

So, I digress. I had an interesting conversation with the head of the team. This is the first year she allowed the 3rd grade hi-cap kids in. And she said mathematically…they were there. Maturity wise….not. They brought the whole 4th grade down, as they would chat, bicker (the girls) and argue/question the teachers. OY! She doesn’t think she will do that again next year.

That said, we had 8 3rd grade hi-cap kids competing. Of those 5 won medals! 3 won individual and team medals and then 2 more won team medals. Eric’s team came in 4th place for 4th grade so he did get a medal. He did not win an individual one, a fact which had him very upset as everyone else on his team did (2 other 3rd graders and one 4th) however his team would not have medaled without him. Apparently they could not agree on the answer to one of the team problems. Eric stood his ground, made his argument and they went with his answer. Which turned out to be correct! Of course in reality they should have gone with the team leaders answer but it was a good thing they didn't. Eric is a very black and white kid and I was worried that might happen, he will NOT budge if he thinks he is right. He was holding it together but not happy, the team medal certainly improved his mood.

Very proud of him but in a weird way, happy he didn’t get an individual one. He needs to learn how to lose.

Brag over.


Drama
You knew this would come right? We booked flights. It was to be expected. Kelli (decided it’s easier at this point to use her name lol, K&T’s mom or Jeff’s ex is too much to type ) is trying to say tryouts start a week earlier than they really do and stating that she “told” us that 6 weeks ago.
Which, sadly, is an out and out lie. Months ago she said it started 2 weeks before the official date, for 2 weeks of “unofficial” training. 6 weeks ago nothing. 4 weeks ago I contacted the district to confirm. Pretty sure we will go with what the director of athletics told us, which is the date we planned around.

The much more disturbing part is Jeff had contacted her with the official dates now that the flight is booked and with a bunch of stuff for Taylor. We have some serious grade issues there, the communication pertained to that, college, SAT’s and some pretty critical stuff.

Her only comment on all of it revolved around when she thinks K has to be back. What's more important? T graduating and getting into college or 9th grade sports tryouts? It saddens me to no end that we have to “prove” our dates with independent official information that she can’t dispute, yet we do. Bottom line is we don’t even know what sport she is choosing at this point. Once we do, Jeff will just contact the coach directly.

Vent over.

Park Bags.
My Maruca bag arrived. I LOVE this bag. As I suspected it is the perfect causal summer black bag. It will be perfect for California! It holds an amazing amount. The card case/wallet arrived to and I love it as well. It’s just “enough” bigger than the card case I usually use to give me extra flexibility to hold park tickets etc. I am going to have to get this in purple to match Tink for FL!

Now, that said. My binder thingy doesn’t “really” fit in here. I can make it work and get it zipped but it’s awkward at best. Fact is though I don’t need to haul it around with me all the time, especially in Cali, or it can go in the daypack depending on what we are doing. I like the binder for looking at plans and info in the morning or night but the reality is that I will have all the contact numbers, confirmation numbers etc in my phone as well. I love outlook. In FL this bag will likely just be used as a dinner bag, not an all day park bag, that’s what Tink is for but since Cali is more non-park than park (and I’ll use it at home all spring/summer), it’s perfect! Plus it's just enough dressier for dinner in FL it will get used!

Pics.

With my “normal” load. Actually fuller than normal as I wouldn’t typically put 2 glasses cases in there, just one and then whatever isn’t in the case is on my head or face lol. I love the exterior pocket for my phone, it's nice and secure in there but I don't have to open anything to get it out.

Normal load plus a sunscreen

New wallet

you can't see it but it does have a clear insert on the other side for your DL, which I like.

I did order this case, which is kind of a multi purpose case but I will use for glasses instead of the hard case in there now.

I got the stencil black pattern which is on the left, it coordinates with the purse.

Of course now I'd like a new case to match Vera and Tink so who knows what could happen there

And here is the Vera Backsack.

This was awkward to take pictures of! This has the normal load, plus sunscreen, plus the binder. Still has tons of room. While not as light as the Marucca, I think will work quite well. The bag itself is a bit heavier (thicker/quilted fabric) and then adding the binder does add weight. I’m going to (probably) take it to Knott’s and then we will see what makes it to DCA the next day.

Not sure if cell phone will be in that outside pocket or if it will go inside (3 pockets in there) and if the wallet/card case will be inside or in the outside pocket.

Other shopping updates.
The earth shoe sandals arrived. I LOVE them. Talk about comfy! I am not sure if it will be warm enough here to wear them before California. I am confident they will be ok right out of the box if not. We will see. They are incredibly comfortable, tons of support and so pretty!

Sadly, I did not love either the dress or the shorts I ordered so they have gone back. The shorts didn’t fit quite right (short waist issue) and the dress was a thinner fabric than I was expecting. It would pack well, no doubt and was cute, but I didn’t “love” it. Quality items both and I can see why they get high ratings, just not for me. The shorts really were capri’s if you ask me, longer than I was expecting them to be and I'm not short (5'6 1/2"). I have ordered an exchange but worry these won’t fit either due to the short waist but it was worth a shot.

I’ve ordered these

Whatever Skort

Breeze Short

If they don’t work, I may hit J. Crew or I may just deal with what I have. I did order this sundress elsewhere so hopefully it will work.

Binder pages for FL
I am COMPLETELY overhauling my pages, I have a new strategy and idea which I think will work out much better. I have a long ways to go though! So far all that’s done is the cover, and this new dining page.

Last night in FL
I haven’t booked this yet. To add one night to one room will require a re-book. Right now the 2 rooms are one reservation, one deposit. We’d need to make it 2 reservations and 2 deposits. I worry that breaking it apart lessens our chances of connecting. Probably being silly but it concerns me a little. Also, given that J&K are on the red eye, theoretically they could nap before heading out and we may want to just keep 2 rooms. Not to mention the E’s and I and Tay in one room would require a rollaway to all fit (unless I make the boys sleep on the floor lol). So. We are debating 2 rooms versus 1. Also debating changing our tickets there from 2 day single park to 3. We could move back to Disney and take ME to the airport but frankly it's more hassle than either of us want to deal with.

I told you there were so many random things in my brain today it’s overwhelming!

Can you say….killing time waiting for that darn offer letter to show up?

next. A 30 day dance and a new job jig

 

[jordanyosh]

Congrats to E on the Math thingy! Sounds like Math is cool at that school! I wish I had that when I was younger. Perhaps I would know a bit more than basic addition/subtraction... I like the comment about him losing and needing to lose-balance is nice and keeps him humble.

I think I'd take my SIL over your DH's ex.....and THAT's saying something for sure.

Park bags...well.....yeah, that's about all I got for you.

 

[glennbo123]

Congrats to Eric!

Congrats on the new bags!

Congrats on finding ways to verify Kendall's dates of availability!

 

[eandesmom]

Congrats to E on the Math thingy! Sounds like Math is cool at that school! I wish I had that when I was younger. Perhaps I would know a bit more than basic addition/subtraction... I like the comment about him losing and needing to lose-balance is nice and keeps him humble.

I think I'd take my SIL over your DH's ex.....and THAT's saying something for sure.

Park bags...well.....yeah, that's about all I got for you.

You know it's funny, I was going to say I'd take Kelli over my ex-SIL but after more drama this morning, maybe not.

I am going to practice being a duck.

Math wasn't uncool when I was in school but I did bail once I had what I needed to get into the college of my choice and never took it again. I wish I had stuck with it, I haven't had math since I was 16! Scary.

Congrats to Eric!

Congrats on the new bags!

Congrats on finding ways to verify Kendall's dates of availability!

Well that is being disputed, of course and I'm stepping out of the middle. Jeff needs to call the school directly, preferably today as its giving me a headache.

Bottom line is in Kelli's mind...Kendall is never available. It's really, sadly, as simple as that.

 

[englishrose47]

Wow you have a lot for just 1 brain to handle going on!!!! Take it easy lady don't want any meltdowns !!!

The purse is cute !!!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow you have a lot for just 1 brain to handle going on!!!! Take it easy lady don't want any meltdowns !!!

The purse is cute !!!

LOL! There's plenty more, that's just the highlights. No meltdowns, I am just a little all over the place today because my mind is really somewhere else.

 

[jordanyosh]

No letter yet? did the mail already come?

 

[eandesmom]

No letter yet? did the mail already come?

No and no. I'm not expecting it in the mail though, was assuming email lol. Perhaps I should check the mailbox!

I think it will be email though although they didn't say. Today's mail is at least an hour away. If they had sent it via hard copy I think he'd have emailed me to say so. I did hear from him on Thursday as I was trying to facilitate a connection with my main reference...who is based out of Miami but was in Puerto Rico last week and Chile this. Add a 4 hour time difference and 2 busy people and connecting them was tricky! I still don't know if they actually did connect and if not that could delay things.

Going a little nutty here. I'm not really expecting to see it until this evening to be honest so I think I'm going to head to costco.

 

[jordanyosh]

No and no. I'm not expecting it in the mail though, was assuming email lol. Perhaps I should check the mailbox!

I think it will be email though although they didn't say. Today's mail is at least an hour away. If they had sent it via hard copy I think he'd have emailed me to say so. I did hear from him on Thursday as I was trying to facilitate a connection with my main reference...who is based out of Miami but was in Puerto Rico last week and Chile this. Add a 4 hour time difference and 2 busy people and connecting them was tricky! I still don't know if they actually did connect and if not that could delay things.

Going a little nutty here. I'm not really expecting to see it until this evening to be honest so I think I'm going to head to costco.

Nothing like buying mass quantities of TP, Paper Towels, detergent and the like....

Well I wish you luck with the job sit. I remember waiting for offers...NOT fun....

 

[eandesmom]

Nothing like buying mass quantities of TP, Paper Towels, detergent and the like....

Well I wish you luck with the job sit. I remember waiting for offers...NOT fun....

Well I have been avoiding it...it's uncanny. I will have it in my plans and then...it will be pouring rain. Costco and the rain just do not mix in my book. But I REALLY need to go so might as well bite the bullet and try to stay busy.

Interestingly none of those things are on my list.

 

[jordanyosh]

Well I have been avoiding it...it's uncanny. I will have it in my plans and then...it will be pouring rain. Costco and the rain just do not mix in my book. But I REALLY need to go so might as well bite the bullet and try to stay busy.

Interestingly none of those things are on my list.

Wow! We often make the mistake of going w/o a list..... 100's of dollars later..

 

[eandesmom]

Wow! We often make the mistake of going w/o a list..... 100's of dollars later..

ok you will totally laugh at me but...

I actually have a grocery list spreadsheet.

I started it as a way to better compare the regular store prices to the Costco prices to see if where I thought I was getting the better deal was really true.

It's evolved into a budgeting tool so I don't overspend at either place. It's a really wonderful thing (for me) actually. And easier than adding with my calculator as I wheel around Costco...which I've also been known to do.

Not to mention easier to read then the 5 scraps of paper I'd have going at any one time with lists that crossed over into both stores (meaning I'd forget stuff at both too!)

Of course they don't always have everything on my list and prices do change but it's really helped me avoid impulse buys.

We will see how well I do today!

 

[jordanyosh]

ok you will totally laugh at me but...

I actually have a grocery list spreadsheet.

I started it as a way to better compare the regular store prices to the Costco prices to see if where I thought I was getting the better deal was really true.

It's evolved into a budgeting tool so I don't overspend at either place. It's a really wonderful thing (for me) actually. And easier than adding with my calculator as I wheel around Costco...which I've also been known to do.

Not to mention easier to read then the 5 scraps of paper I'd have going at any one time with lists that crossed over into both stores (meaning I'd forget stuff at both too!)

Of course they don't always have everything on my list and prices do change but it's really helped me avoid impulse buys.

We will see how well I do today!

I'm not laughing..I'm just