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

[Millie12591]

boy have things changed...can you imagine putting your child on a greyhound bus alone?

I know, right?!? It made my stomach hurt just thinking about doing something like that now. Couldn't do it. Wouldn't do it! And yet I could totally see my parents doing something like that back when I was a kid, what a different world we have now.

 

[eandesmom]

OOPS! How did I miss this? Sorry Ms. Cynthia....I guess I was so worried about posting nerd scores that I missed an important update!
I'm glad you felt things went well with the interview, but as you said I'm sure time will tell.
I'm hoping the company's expectations that you knew were unrealistic, were addressed and that you were able to convey your concerns about them.
I have a good rule of thumb when it comes to making decisions that effect my life in a big way....if I don't have peace about it, (especially after prayer about it) then I don't move on it. Period! That rule of thumb has never let me down.

No worries Camille

The funny thing is that this guy was very much on the same page regarding strategy and expectations and was exceedingly candid with where they are really at (loved the way he put it...pimply adolescence) in regards to this particular piece of their business. He absolutely agreed about approach.

However. At the end of the day he isn't the one setting goals and numbers and while he stated pretty frankly that there was not an official strat plan in place, that was not the impression I got from the first person (who this would report to). So...we will see!

boy have things changed...can you imagine putting your child on a greyhound bus alone?

I know, I had that same thought as I was writing it! We always had to sit right behind the driver, if we could but it wasn't always possible. I remember one trip to Eastern Wa to visit an aunt (and Winkers it was more in the middle of nowhere than you are!). It was myself, my brother and 2 of our cousins. I cannot for the life of me picture sticking the E's and 2 of their cousins on a bus and expecting them to behave for 5 hours! though they'd certainly be safer in numbers like that. I think we were all 11/12 ish for that trip.

I know, right?!? It made my stomach hurt just thinking about doing something like that now. Couldn't do it. Wouldn't do it! And yet I could totally see my parents doing something like that back when I was a kid, what a different world we have now.

Though people do fly kids solo in custody situations. Which freaks me out too. Sandie and Paul have offered to fly Taylor out multiple times and he wasn't comfortable flying by himself. He probably would be now but I could see Kendall not being ok with it either.

It is a different world.

 

[eandesmom]

sounds like a good organization so far. Their communication seems pretty good.

Well I haven't heard a peep from anyone yet but it has been less than 24 hours...

Overall though, very good in that area so far.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey,

I'm so glad that your second round went more to your liking...

sounds like this guy was reasonable...you can work with reasonable...

Sending you vibes to know and get what you want...


Hey Jeff and I have the same nerd scores...

 

[winkers]

What is it that you do...professionaly?

 

[eandesmom]

Hey,

I'm so glad that your second round went more to your liking...

sounds like this guy was reasonable...you can work with reasonable...

Sending you vibes to know and get what you want...


Hey Jeff and I have the same nerd scores...

Thanks!

I noticed that on the nerd scores actually and almost commented!

I think the test is skewed. He is an aerospace engineer for heavens sakes. with 3 degrees. Who is building a plane in the garage. He's probably got 5 technical publications he subscribed to and heaven only knows how many online.

This is a guy who's computer is looking for signs of intelligent life....

And I'm the nerd?



I think he cheated!

 

[winkers]

This is a guy who's computer is looking for signs of intelligent life....

And I'm the nerd?

!

 

[eandesmom]

What is it that you do...professionaly?

Well now that's a rather interesting question. I'm a jack of all trades, master of none (in my opinion). Like I said. A font of mostly useless knowledge.

Right now I am the director of sales for an interactive media company. Which means I sell websites, microsites, games, widgets for your phone, touch screen kiosk software, web advertising and the like. I just closed a deal yesterday for 3 games for a BIG name client that I've been hounding for a year so that was extremely exciting. I do get excited about all the technology stuff. I don't make it mind you but I can at least sort of speak some of the lingo and not sound like a total idiot.

Before that was in sales, segment/channel marketing, program management and store development (commercial real estate on the development side but in a funky hybrid role). Most of my background is really heavy foodservice/retail oriented (restaurants, wine and then the big green dot).

My challenge in this economy has been that I am viewed as a generalist and people are really looking for specialists. And a lot of the jobs around here are very techy and my foodservice stuff doesn't help me there either even if the skills are totally translatable.

The job I am interviewing for is Director of Client Development, Environmental Interactive (how's that for a mouthful!). Which is an extremely cool blend of my foodservice marketing and the real estate stuff more than anything but my recent interactive media helps as well in terms of getting the technical side of things as well as the construction development side.

Given what they want to sell I can see why I am "attractive". I have to admit though in most cases that real estate stuff hurts me so it's fun to see it flipped on its head. Whether I am viewed as aggressive enough is what I think will be the real question for them (and me!).

And yes. I do realize that "client development environmental interactive" does probably put me squarely in nerd territory. It is COOL stuff though!

 

[eandesmom]

I am so not joking!

http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/

I swear it's a memory hog and is killing that laptop and while it makes some pretty colored graphs it's like...DUDE! You are a dork.

I mean tracking the mars rover is one thing but this?



He's a hot dork though so I let it go. Actually the dorkiness is hot.

 

[winkers]

wow...that's quite a profession!'

it makes my diaper changing, coupon clipping and carpool driving look a little sad.

I'm going back to college in January....I'm skeerd!!
I considered getting my nursing degree...since I already have some prerequisites...but the fact that I get light headed at the sight of needles changed my mind.

So, I'm doing what I've always wanted to...History and poly sci. I'd love to get my masters but that's getting a little ahead of myself.

 

[winkers]

I am so not joking!

http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/

I swear it's a memory hog and is killing that laptop and while it makes some pretty colored graphs it's like...DUDE! You are a dork.

I mean tracking the mars rover is one thing but this?



He's a hot dork though so I let it go. Actually the dorkiness is hot.

wow....is he one of the inspirations behind the characters on The big bang theory?

 

[eandesmom]

wow...that's quite a profession!'

it makes my diaper changing, coupon clipping and carpool driving look a little sad.

I'm going back to college in January....I'm skeerd!!
I considered getting my nursing degree...since I already have some prerequisites...but the fact that I get light headed at the sight of needles changed my mind.

So, I'm doing what I've always wanted to...History and poly sci. I'd love to get my masters but that's getting a little ahead of myself.

I wouldn't really call it a profession. More like a streak of dumb luck and good timing that led me from one thing to another.

Honestly, if I could afford not to work, I am at a point in my life where I'd be really ok with it!

I was a PoliSci major

I think it's wonderful that you are going back to school!

I've thought about going for a masters but don't really see the benefit. I do see it hurting me on applications but other than that I just can't see the investment paying off at this point in my life. I've looked at it for law school and for corporate social responsibility but decided it would take too much energy and too much away from my family (as I'd have to work at the same time too) to be worth it.

 

[winkers]

I actually don't plan to work full time when I'm done. I can get my degree and then just substitute. I like that because I can work when I want to. I think it will work well with my family schedule.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

I followed your link over from Jordan's TR to try out the nerd test. I'm not sure that I'm able to come to terms with it yet. According to them:

21% scored higher (more nerdy),
1% scored the same, and
78% scored lower (less nerdy).

What does this mean? Your nerdiness is:

Mid-Level Nerd. Wow, it takes a lot of hard nerdy practice to reach this level.

I don't know whether to be happy or not!

 

[eandesmom]

I actually don't plan to work full time when I'm done. I can get my degree and then just substitute. I like that because I can work when I want to. I think it will work well with my family schedule.

Very very cool. That sounds dreamy to me.

I followed your link over from Jordan's TR to try out the nerd test. I'm not sure that I'm able to come to terms with it yet. According to them:

21% scored higher (more nerdy),
1% scored the same, and
78% scored lower (less nerdy).

What does this mean? Your nerdiness is:

Mid-Level Nerd. Wow, it takes a lot of hard nerdy practice to reach this level.

I don't know whether to be happy or not!

Happy! Ok, I'm happy.

I was all alone on the nerd totem pole! I am a low ranking nerd though so you beat me.

Whew!

 

[eandesmom]

All kinds of stuff here! I could spread it out but somehow I always have plenty to blab about so…here you go!

First, a very brief interview update.
I’ve sent the dreaded follow up note. I did hear back from the guy I interviewed with following my note to say "thank you for such a thoughtful email. It was a pleasure to meet you and I definitely felt you “got” us in the course of our conversation". So I think that's good? I did hear from the recruiter who hasn't spoken to them yet either and is also waiting to hear. I am being a bit impatient, he did mention that he wasn't sure of the hiring managers timing.

I will post when and if I have any more news!

Next

The backup plan


We have one!

We have decided that we “could” move our dates to 7/29-8/8 (with 8/1-8/8 at WDW). IF Jeff’s ex committed to K going even if there was a tournament conflict. We aren’t willing to move dates without that. It will definitely be outside of Free Dining so is risky. Given how hard it was to get the rooms we have, we are NOT giving them up unless things are “for sure”. Availability for the earlier dates appears to be a non-issue right now.

We figure we have 2 options.

I’ve done some number crunching and IF we were to get that magical PIN that’s floated around a little bit, and we HAVE to change our dates…we could make it work even without Free Dining.

However the only PIN codes I get (and I did call to confirm there wasn’t something more magical attached to my name) are either for right now or for Jan/Feb.

If we have to switch dates and do not get a code…we will have to rent points and hope for a good rate and availability for one of the villa options that sleeps 9. I would be seriously bummed about giving up SAB and staying at an Epcot resort (BCV and BWV only sleep 8) but, versus not going or squishing into double beds at a mod… we will try to rent points! We couldn’t do that $$ wise until March or April though and it would need the same commitment as if we do get a code. The tough part will be if that comes to pass deciding whether to bite the bullet and rent points (trusting someone else and giving up control/flexibility on making changes) or holding out in hopes of a code coming and then finding all the 9 person villa options gone. We are all kind of attached to the YC at this point so while in some respects the villas would be the bomb…we’re holding out for YC.
The best time for us to book a villa would be Jan at the 7 month mark and that just won’t happen financially. Not to mention the fact that we’d need a lot of points and that’s easier said than done…finding that many in the right time frame. As it gets closer I imagine (hope?) there might be more out there. I’m also reluctant to do DVC as it just really limits our flexibility heaven forbid something else comes up.

I did look on the DVC date board and the Treehouses are already all gone though more may open up at the 7 month mark.

Too bad I can’t just buy DVC now.

My gut says we are just going to have to hold tight until May or so and hope that Disney Visa offers something but you never know, we could get lucky and get a PIN. IF we do get lucky and Jeff’s ex is willing to agree that should there be a tournament conflict, K can miss the tourney, then we will move our dates up and avoid the HS conflict.

So….here’s hoping for a code between now and Jan (prior to the 7 month mark at DVC) so I know I have a backup plan that lets us stay at the YC! I’m not moving dates without a firm commitment that K gets to go).

If we do end up making the DVC rental move I may just let the 4 kids pick which one, assuming all 3 were really available. Factoring in what I think would be best for all the parties involved I would probably rank them

1. BLT – ranked first for monorail convenience and good dining access
2. THV – ranked 2nd for separate sleeping space and boat to DTD (but probably not avail)
3. AKV – ranked third as it’s just farther from the other parks and no one seems to jump on it as one they are dying to stay at, but I know we’d enjoy it.
​

Getting as many points as we’d need, from one owner, may be difficult. And if it’s late in the game I think we will be at AKV just based on availability. None of the others sleep 9.

Now, here’s a question for the group. ADR’s. Assuming, and I don’t think it’s a stretch, that NOTHING is decided by ADR day, do I book ADR’s for both sets of dates and then cancel one when we settle? We are talking a full 2 week difference here.

On the positive side…because I am a silver lining kind of gal, moving dates is ok with me because…

1. It will not be any less miserably hot so who really cares
2. It means we get to go 2 full weeks sooner!
​

I’d need a new ticker though. Bottom line is that I feel really good that we have a backup plan. If there is a will, there is a way and lord knows I’ve plenty of will.

It’s my birthday and I’ll cruise if I want to!

You may have noticed…I added another ticker! Yes, it makes for busy siggie. I could do the rotating banners but I like these tickers better. Besides, in 3 months I'll drop the ADR one. Or I'll take off a couple of my links. Or something. Sure it may be a bit premature as I’ve not actually booked yet but, in my mind, it’s a done deal.

What is it you ask?

7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise, Mid Winter break (Presidents Day week) 2011 on the Disney Wonder.

I have decided that this is my 45th birthday party present to myself! My 40th was a DISASTER. Jeff tried but my birthday ended up being on Superbowl Sunday and it all fell apart. It was a seriously bad birthday on many levels. I’ve toyed with a solo trip this Feb thanks to so many people going that I really really want to go play with them and since they will be there on my actual bday (Jordan and Winkers!) but financially right now (even with the PIN that I have) I just don’t see it. That could change but…I doubt it. And somehow 44 just isn’t as much a milestone as 45 plus for the 45th I can save up for.
Why a cruise?
Well for a couple of reasons.

1. I could TOTALLY pull this off as a 100% surprise trip for the boys, something I am dying to do.
2. The boys really want to “go to another country” and this is a easy way to do it for the first outing (Sorry, Canada doesn’t count lol!).
3. We “should” go to Germany in the summer of 2011 but I’m just not feeling it. Maybe it’s the kids ages, maybe it’s just that it’s so far away but it just seems like a lot of work and I’d rather do that in 2012 or 2013 when my brothers new baby is actually old enough to have a personality and the kids are all old enough to really get a lot out of it.
4. I can park the E’s in the Adventurers Lab or whatever the heck those places are called where you safely dump your kids and have some adult time in the middle of a family trip! It sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
​

Now. Jeff is NOT a cruise guy (though he has never been on one lol!) however when we were in Key West a couple of years ago and saw the Magic pull in, he did admit he’d be up for it. I am sure he would prefer the Magic’s itinerary as he isn’t a huge Mexico fan. I prefer the Magic’s Eastern itinerary to the Western one (though Jeff would like the Western one) and the Western one is the one offered that week. The Dream is only 3 and 4 day Bahama trips and boy that’s a long flight for just a 3/4 day cruise. As amazing as the Dream looks it doesn’t feel “right”.

Tough.

It’s my birthday and flying to LA versus FL…I say LA! And I say Western Mexico too. It is a LOT less expensive on every level. I haven’t told Jeff yet. I may not. I may just book it and surprise him too at some point. The deposit is a bit heftier and so I’m going to wait till after the holidays. Maybe I’ll book it on my actual birthday this year! And then tell him on his (4 weeks after mine). I am pretty sure we will be fine availability wise since it isn’t the Dream and it will still be a year out. It is a busy week I’m sure though so I do want to lock it up.

I’d written off DCL as the last time we priced it, it was for 6 and it was outrageous. I was checking out the Dream, cuz, why not, and was pleasantly surprised by the Wonder pricing. It’s still pricey, don’t get me wrong but it’s about the same as when we did the Fort on the buy 4 get 3 + the DDP and flights will be cheap.

Of course it may not come to pass. Jeff might totally veto it. I doubt it, it is MY birthday after all and he botched 40 so I am allowed a do-over (though this is quite a bit pricier than he’d have imagined). The whole world could be so excited about the Wonder relocating to LA that it fills up between now and then. I know the Alaska ones are popular. But still, I doubt it. I think we will be fine. The real draw for Jeff will be that if we take the E’s somewhere cool over that week, he and I can do a full adult only week somewhere in the summer, guilt free. What can I say. I know how to work it. Plus the ticker is cute.



Last but not least, I have a challenge for you all.

This is driving me nuts!
When we were there in 2004, on our AK day, we stumbled across a water play area next to a bar. All the cousins dumped water on each other and played, the adults had a beer in the shade which we were thrilled to find (we didn’t realize that AK wasn’t dry until that moment…total newbies) and then the wet kids interacted with some of the street performers.

I cannot, for the life of me, find where this is and it if still exisits! I am guessing that we were at Dawa but…

Anyone have any ideas?

Wet kids

Wet kids with African street performers

These are scanned out of a scrapbook, my mom is making me a disc with more pics from the trip so I hope there are more there somewhere to give me a clue!

Next...Faith, Fortitude and Fairies

 

[winkers]

I love your idea for your 45th!
I never thought I'd enjoy a cruise untill I learned about DCL. I still haven't gone yet, but I'm hoping for our 20thanniversary.

 

[jordanyosh]

Dawa.

 

[jordanyosh]

DCL...so great! go for it.

 

[MEK]

50% of those scored higher
1% scored the same and
49% scored lower...

You know what I'm a proud nerd...nerds are generally smart, creative and inavative (but obviously some can't spell...)

Hey Patricia,

You and I had the same nerd score! It's the philly influence.

Cynthia -

What the heck????? I miss a day (or two) and everything has changed. I tried to read back to figure out what happened. I can only assume it is soccer again. I am getting ready to fly cross country and "duke it out" with K's mom. She is taking this soccer stuff WAY to seriously.

Anyhoo......I hope things gel with your change in plans. I would recommend AKVillas for your group because....(1) they are more available (2) they sleep 9 (3) you can save considerable points by going standard view (4) they are really, really gorgeous inside.

If you decide to go the DVC route I do have a coworker who has 400 SSR points and she does occasionally rent points. In fact, she has an available reservation for 12/6 - 12/12 that she is getting ready to cancel (1BR SSR) if she can't get a taker. That will point more points in her bank.