Like...They are Going with STRANGERS?!?! Sayonara Part 1- Join Us on the new thread!

[All7OfUs]

Exactly why I'm planning on putting the race at the begining of my trip.

The rest is sounding so enabling!

Crissy, THAT'S her middle name!!!

 

[pipersmom]

Ohh..the restaurant menu looks good, Liesa, but I'm a breakfast kinda girl!

I'm with Maroo on the college thing, when I went we had to have everything signed and returned before the end of the summer. That being said, I'm sure your son would love to have you stick around and help him get settled (or that's what I'd be telling dh, anyway!) As for the renters..if they're responsible enough to pay the rent for as long as they have been, you might be pleasantly surprised...not guaranteeing anything, lol.but you never know.

I'm sorry about your gall bladder, and hope you'll be able to get fixed up sooner rather than later!

 

[maroo]

Oh sister!

For the DH...OF COURSE...you MUST go to the US and help him settle into school. And it may take a few weeks, honestly.

HA

Me....enabling?

Nah....

 

[tinkgurl]

Yum! That menu looks good Leisa!

 

[eandesmom]

College...
When I went to school...all of our forms and such for loans were completed before we moved in. We had a couple of days before school for Freshman Orientation where the parents would come and go to class and the students would go to a separate class.

Then you have move in day...and once that is over...generally the parents are supposed to leave.

And I would think for a boy, it would be even more so...??

And since you will be in the States and not going back - I assume - then you would be close by at any rate.

I really hope you can get that fixed soon. The longer it festers, the worse the surgery may be - or is that appendix??

I'm with Maroo on the college thing, when I went we had to have everything signed and returned before the end of the summer. That being said, I'm sure your son would love to have you stick around and help him get settled (or that's what I'd be telling dh, anyway!) As for the renters..if they're responsible enough to pay the rent for as long as they have been, you might be pleasantly surprised...not guaranteeing anything, lol.but you never know.

I'm sorry about your gall bladder, and hope you'll be able to get fixed up sooner rather than later!

I echo the college thing. All the paperwork was long in before school started and even with the added complication of rush (which boys do differently anyway if he's even considering that route and I'm guessing not) all my parents did was help me move in. There was work over the summer, getting all the stuff together that was needed but actual involvement of my parents at the time of school starting was pretty much limited to one day and not a full day at that. For my sisters who went out of state it was a weekend only as they flew or drove down and spent the night before coming back but still, not much.

I might suggest you get a neutral party to look at the rental now to know what you are dealing with (email you pictures and such) and get some comps done. In this market I'd be hesitant to invest too much to make sure you got it back as things are moving so slowly so I'd be pretty cautious. You might actually be better off selling it as a fixer upper depending on the state of it. Basic things like paint, carpet and the yard can make things move a lot faster as well as repairs but anything bigger than that I'd make sure you'll really get the right return.

Any chance your long term renter would just want to buy it? Lease to own??

Sandie had the gall bladder surgery, Ron too I think (Jeff's dad) and both were down for a few days but def moving slower for a bit.

 

[Pollito916]

Darn, I missed another clue. I would have had to go to allears anyway to figure it out. I figured it was at POR, but I have never been to any of the restaurants there.

And I have to agree with everyone that September is HOT & HUMID! And you can double the humidity if there is a hurricane hanging out anywhere nearby - as in my wedding photo below! But let me tell you - lines were non-existent!

And unfortunatelyt, I have to agree with maroo on how the college experience went for me. But that doesn't have to be what you tell your DH.

I've had a few tummy surgeries. Appendix I was released from hospital about 24 hours after admittance (ER), and back at work in about a week. Lapro I was released as soon as I was out of recovery, but I don't remember when I went back to work, probably a week, but modified b/c I was a waitress at that time.

I think everyone else here has given great insight into your situation, and I know you will make the best decision for you and your family. Disney will always be there!

 

[TarzansKat]

There are a lot of places where it's really easy to split a counter service between two adults. Tink and I did this on our trip, and we never went hungry. Some of the portions are so huge, it was nice to share and be able to try more that way.

 

[All7OfUs]

Ohh..the restaurant menu looks good, Liesa, but I'm a breakfast kinda girl!

I'm with Maroo on the college thing, when I went we had to have everything signed and returned before the end of the summer. That being said, I'm sure your son would love to have you stick around and help him get settled (or that's what I'd be telling dh, anyway!) As for the renters..if they're responsible enough to pay the rent for as long as they have been, you might be pleasantly surprised...not guaranteeing anything, lol.but you never know.

I'm sorry about your gall bladder, and hope you'll be able to get fixed up sooner rather than later!

Hey, that's a good point about the renters being long-termers. That's a hint, perhaps, about how responsible (clean) they've been. One can only hope, right?!

I really don't know how long Andrew (DS,19) will want "mommy" around, but personally I'd love to get a read on his roommate, take a campus tour, all that stuff. Plus, if he ends up getting accepted to the ROTC program, I definitely want to see his uniform!

I'm so NOT a breakfast girl. I routinely go without until about 11:00, but then watch out. The animals on the Safari would be in serious danger, if I don't find sustenance elsewhere. That said, on the CS, we get 2!!!!! drinks with breakfast, so even if we go just for that, we'd score on drinks for the day.

Oh sister!

For the DH...OF COURSE...you MUST go to the US and help him settle into school. And it may take a few weeks, honestly.

HA

Me....enabling?

Nah....

You are so right. What decent mother would deprive her son of the humiliating experience of hanging around to bug him and embarrass him in front of his new roommate?? What kind and generous mother would not want to see his physics and English classes?? It's an innate need, I'm sure!

Yum! That menu looks good Leisa!

Doesn't it?? Who can go wrong with sausage and biscuits??

I echo the college thing. All the paperwork was long in before school started and even with the added complication of rush (which boys do differently anyway if he's even considering that route and I'm guessing not) all my parents did was help me move in. There was work over the summer, getting all the stuff together that was needed but actual involvement of my parents at the time of school starting was pretty much limited to one day and not a full day at that. For my sisters who went out of state it was a weekend only as they flew or drove down and spent the night before coming back but still, not much.

I might suggest you get a neutral party to look at the rental now to know what you are dealing with (email you pictures and such) and get some comps done. In this market I'd be hesitant to invest too much to make sure you got it back as things are moving so slowly so I'd be pretty cautious. You might actually be better off selling it as a fixer upper depending on the state of it. Basic things like paint, carpet and the yard can make things move a lot faster as well as repairs but anything bigger than that I'd make sure you'll really get the right return.

Any chance your long term renter would just want to buy it? Lease to own??

Sandie had the gall bladder surgery, Ron too I think (Jeff's dad) and both were down for a few days but def moving slower for a bit.

That's amazing advice!! Someone who's not so emotionally attached might be better off looking at it. THey will certainly be able to see it with a more objective eye. You know, no tears involved sort of looky-see.

As for repairs. I seriously doubt we'd put very much into at all. Like you say, paint, (inside and out) carpet, a quick re-finish of the hardwood floor, and maybe new linoleum in the kitchen. The market sucks. WE just read in Fortune Mag. that Oregon's econ is THE worst in the nation. Nice. Bad time to sell!

I don't think they can (the lease to sell). They are both on disability and it's sort of a funky grown kids living there with boyfriends, kids. It's weird. I certain they are way over the limit of people who should even be there. Don't even get me started on owner's rights. The law is so far tipped in the renter's favor it's insane. But that's a controversial subject we don't have to go to here.

Anyway, we heard last night that my MIL is going in tomorrow for her lungs to be drained. It's looking like her cancer is going to take a turn for the worse. It started as women's cancer (apparently the DIS doesn't like the word I had originally chosen- which would have been more accurate, so women's it is). They got that "taken care of", but not before it had spread to her lungs. Then she had chemo, and radiation, and it slowed down for a good couple of years, but this lung drainging thing sure doesnt' sound good. Hence, the "hurry and buy the house" talk. I can certainly understand their anxiety.

Life really is so fragile and uncertain.

Darn, I missed another clue. I would have had to go to allears anyway to figure it out. I figured it was at POR, but I have never been to any of the restaurants there.

Dang! And you would have gotten it too. I didn't know that the mill was a cotton mill, though. See!? Even I am learning some fun new things!! (Not that I know a whole lot anyway! )

And I have to agree with everyone that September is HOT & HUMID! And you can double the humidity if there is a hurricane hanging out anywhere nearby - as in my wedding photo below! But let me tell you - lines were non-existent!

Hot and humid I can deal with, long lines I cannot!! So, it sounds to me like a win-win situation!!!

And unfortunatelyt, I have to agree with maroo on how the college experience went for me. But that doesn't have to be what you tell your DH.

See, now there's finally someone who sees things the way I do!!

I've had a few tummy surgeries. Appendix I was released from hospital about 24 hours after admittance (ER), and back at work in about a week. Lapro I was released as soon as I was out of recovery, but I don't remember when I went back to work, probably a week, but modified b/c I was a waitress at that time.

So, a week?? A week to do A LIESURELY tour of WDW. A little bench-sitting here, a little IASW there... Caseys hang out time, Caroussel of Progress...I'm liking the way that sounds.

I think everyone else here has given great insight into your situation, and I know you will make the best decision for you and your family. Disney will always be there!

I know. And at this point only time will really tell how it's all going to play out.

There are a lot of places where it's really easy to split a counter service between two adults. Tink and I did this on our trip, and we never went hungry. Some of the portions are so huge, it was nice to share and be able to try more that way.

That was my reasoning exactly! Smaller portions, but more variety! I want to try it all. Miss Piggy would be an appropriate title for one so anxious.

 

[eandesmom]

Hey, that's a good point about the renters being long-termers. That's a hint, perhaps, about how responsible (clean) they've been. One can only hope, right?!

I really don't know how long Andrew (DS,19) will want "mommy" around, but personally I'd love to get a read on his roommate, take a campus tour, all that stuff. Plus, if he ends up getting accepted to the ROTC program, I definitely want to see his uniform!

That's amazing advice!! Someone who's not so emotionally attached might be better off looking at it. THey will certainly be able to see it with a more objective eye. You know, no tears involved sort of looky-see.

As for repairs. I seriously doubt we'd put very much into at all. Like you say, paint, (inside and out) carpet, a quick re-finish of the hardwood floor, and maybe new linoleum in the kitchen. The market sucks. WE just read in Fortune Mag. that Oregon's econ is THE worst in the nation. Nice. Bad time to sell!

I don't think they can (the lease to sell). They are both on disability and it's sort of a funky grown kids living there with boyfriends, kids. It's weird. I certain they are way over the limit of people who should even be there. Don't even get me started on owner's rights. The law is so far tipped in the renter's favor it's insane. But that's a controversial subject we don't have to go to here.

Anyway, we heard last night that my MIL is going in tomorrow for her lungs to be drained. It's looking like her cancer is going to take a turn for the worse. It started as ******l cancer. They got that "taken care of", but not before it had spread to her lungs. Then she had chemo, and radiation, and it slowed down for a good couple of years, but this lung drainging thing sure doesnt' sound good. Hence, the "hurry and buy the house" talk. I can certainly understand their anxiety.

Life really is so fragile and uncertain.

Oh I'm so sorry about your MIL, that is not fun at all.

I don't know about Oregon being the worst in the nation, I hadn't heard that. My aunt did sell her house in Beaverton not that long ago. It took almost a year and a change in agents but she held out and did get close to her original price I think. It really needed a lot of work but she did the basics as the rest someone would have wanted to really redo it themselves, it was SO dated! I know stuff on my street has taken that long and has been on and off the market.

Maybe Oregon overall but Portland isn't as bad? I dunno, things seem to be getting worse around here. A few folks that I used to work with all went to the same company, one I've been targeting. Looks like they just got laid off from that company.

But the 401K's seem to be slowly rebounding. I'd quit looking so was pleasantly surprised the other day.

I swear, I'm never moving until we retire!

 

[All7OfUs]

I swear, I'm never moving until we retire!

That's one area I really credit my DH in!! He is very stable and not hasty. (Yes, we are polar opposites) We lived in that house for 11 years before we moved overseas, the next one we move into I'm sure we'll die in too. Wherever it ends up being.

A year to sell?? I hope his folks can hold out that long!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Reason to be thankful #435 ....

I had cramps all night long. But here's the thankful part(s). I never threw up. Now ain't that the bomb?!! I am sitting here, still having some cramps, but by His good grace, I am not bowing to any porcelain expresses nor "riding the vomit comet" as Amanda so daintily says.

I'll bet the kids are thankful they had the sense not to eat raw shrimp! Boy, you got away luck with just cramps. That could have been quite a scene- and you over in Crapastan with no wet wipes

Schools are closed.

Even some hospitals and clinics don't have water.

I am having flashbacks from Katrina.

And I stink.

So...there ya have it.

But. I did update my December trip report.

Oh no! Hang in there, Maroo!

Oh wouldn't that be a gas?!! Maybe even literally being just post-op.

Hmmm... Energized Car of Vehicular (manslaughter), Exceptionally Cool Vamoos-a-mator, Extra Crappy Vespa.

Love it! Extra Crappy Vespa

 

[glennbo123]

and you over in Crapastan with no wet wipes

 

[All7OfUs]

I'll bet the kids are thankful they had the sense not to eat raw shrimp! Boy, you got away luck with just cramps. That could have been quite a scene- and you over in Crapastan with no wet wipes

No WET WIPES?! I afear what my hand towels would be lookin' like.

 

[MKBekka]

I'll bet the kids are thankful they had the sense not to eat raw shrimp!

yep, I knew all along that it was raw, and I shouldn't eat it. NOT. I confess...shrimp is one of the few things I don't like! I'm not picky, and will eat almost anything! including tripe

 

[winkers]

I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law....My grandma had a similar thing with the cancer spreading from her to her bones and then everywhere.

 

[All7OfUs]

Dear Comrades!

ATTENTION PLEASE!! It has come to the attention of Soldier #1 that a demotion is now in order!! Yes, a demotion!!

When someone messes up this bad in the military, a soldier is marched off swiftly to the brig. But since we are the ones in this outfit who do the hiring and firing, are are in charge hauling naughty soldiers off to the brig, and who have the sole authority to order them to scrub the latrines with toothbrushes, we thought we'd do something less drastic to ourselves. I hereby order an immediate demotion to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant for Soldier #1. maroo, you can be whatever you want, but I don't think being a 2nd Lieutenant could possibly sound very fun after enjoying the sweet joys of being a 1st Class Lieut.!!!

What, you may be asking, was the crime that deserves such a perfectly wretched punishment? Well, Soldier #1 shmucked up and forgot an all-important monthly promotion. Now we are out almost a whole week of pay increase and any other benefits that might have come with the rank of Captain. We will have to wait until our 7 month mark to be promoted, and if we are really good soldiers, we might even be lucky enough to get a double promotion all the way up to Captain.

Now without further ado, P.H. would like to offer you a portrait of himself in front of the picture of his dream vacation spot. A quaint little lighthouse on the coast of Spain where he can eat paella all day and dance and schmooze with Mrs. PH all night.



Carry On, Comrades!

 

[Millie12591]

Good morning.

I hope I didn't alarm you telling that you my surgery was a seven week recovery. Sorry if I did. For me, as others have said it was an in the same day and out the same day thing, but it's kinda slow going after wards. You'll be in pain a good week, (depending on your pain threshhold, mine is at a medium-not great, but not bad) but with good drugs to get you through, and then it's go at the pace you can stand for the next few weeks. Each week was better, and within a couple of weeks I was back to doing the same things I had been, it was just a little on the slower side and I tired out much more easily. This was 11 yrs. ago, I don't know how I would handle it now. I would say for sure in a few weeks or so you'll more than be ok to get on a plane if you have to....notice I said if you have to.

As far as the college thing....I would assume that you won't be able to get all his things for his room while your out of the country, so that will take some time to get together, trash cans, rugs, toiletries, clothing, lamps, clocks, maybe a mini-fridge, microwave, the what-have-you's. These things take time seeing how you don't know what accomodations he will be living in.

Amanda had the same thoughts I did about the renters, if you've got long term renters there may be a better outcome there in your house than you think. Cythia was so smart to tell you not to go to nuts with fixing up the place above what it takes to be sold. And if all else fails in that department.... you'll have it fixed up to bring in a more caring set of renters who will hopefully take better care of the place and if not, you'll be there to make sure they get booted. Then you can kick the managment company to the curb and keep the 10% they were getting.

It's funny we just talked about my DH having a managment company handling things for him....he just told me lastnight they aren't handling things well, so it's time for a new company. What are the odds?

 

[pipersmom]

We (someone was looking over my shoulder) love Mr Potatohead standing in front of his idea of vacation paradise! I'm lost on the demotion though! Maybe 'cause it's so early in the morning!

 

[All7OfUs]

Good morning.

I hope I didn't alarm you telling that you my surgery was a seven week recovery.
I would say for sure in a few weeks or so you'll more than be ok to get on a plane if you have to....notice I said if you have to.

I figured you weren't in bed for 7 weeks, and it was just as you say, more "slow going" for a while. Alas, maybe a weekender isn't a good idea. ??

I could stall my return, if it comes to that, if I needed to. "Just not feeling well enough to travel yet, hon. I think I need another few days... "

As far as the college thing....I would assume that you won't be able to get all his things for his room while your out of the country, so that will take some time to get together, trash cans, rugs, toiletries, clothing, lamps, clocks, maybe a mini-fridge, microwave, the what-have-you's. These things take time seeing how you don't know what accomodations he will be living in.

Ohhhh, there's a new spin on things... we can't get hardly ANYTHING he'll need over here. Only 220 appliances that work for about 4 days. I'm sure we'll need to go to Walmart several times, and get him all outfitted up. That'll surely take weeks!! About 3, in fact.

Then you can kick the managment company to the curb and keep the 10% they were getting.

I like the sound of that anyways- here or there. 10% sure adds up!

It's funny we just talked about my DH having a managment company handling things for him....he just told me lastnight they aren't handling things well, so it's time for a new company. What are the odds?

HA!! Things like that more often than you think. Providential, I'd say!

We (someone was looking over my shoulder) love Mr Potatohead standing in front of his idea of vacation paradise! I'm lost on the demotion though! Maybe 'cause it's so early in the morning!

I can't remember how long you've been hanging out with us- but every month (well usually!) we give ourselves "some self-promotion" in rank and order. We are a "well-fitted", super-duper army of women ready for some fun! We started out as lowly Privates, but have worked, researched, simply strived for our monthly upgrades!!! But this month with visitors, my son home, the holidays, having self-inflicted shrimp wounds and all that, I was caught sleeping on the job. It's ok though, it just means less time until we get our next promotion!

 

[maroo]

DEMOTED?!?!?!

oh no!!!

We totally forgot to promote ourselves!





Well...I am feeling this demotion today.......

I am scrubbing toilets. Really.

And I wish...I wish I couldn't explain...but the STINCH...where I am right now. It smells worse than ANYTHING I have ever smelled. Portopotty smell. Strong.

I guess the lack of water in the city has caused some other problem. And it is coming from outside...because scrubbing our toilet and sinks in here and flushing them with bottled water did not help.

So I was not shocked to see I was demoted. I just hope we get a promotion....SOON! Back to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Back to the place where we had WATER...regular...free...clean water...to flush toilets and cook and clean. And drink. I forgot about that.

I finally had to start really drinking water (or cokes) yesterday. I had been really TRYING not to drink anything - since the closest working restroom is about a 20 minute walk away.


So...DEMOTED. Yep. I feel it.

GAG!