Looking for Control Freaks & Worry Warts - Part 4!!!

[karajeboo]

Except that we can't pay for a $700/night house by ourself, and they check out on Friday. And it's about a 10 hr drive for us. I'm so mad about this whole thing!!! I mean, first they take Jeff's aunt's idea, and turn it around so it's more convenient for them (only 4 hr drive for Jeff's parents, and 5 hrs for BSIL) when it's longer for the ones who first suggested it!!!! WV would have been a no go for us - 12-13 hrs. But it was about 7 hrs for Jeff's p's and BSIL and about 5 hrs for the rest. So now they've just gone and messed it all up.

Of course, Jeff will try to go, and that will piss me off even more because he lets them dictate. My family is so different. We are all adults so I'm not afraid to speak my mind. It's my family, they understand and we all try to work together. I hate the controlling nature of Jeff's family. It makes life so difficult. And me being the control freak I am..... well, we know how that goes!

 

[soontobewed07]

Happy Birthday Kara!!!

 

[soontobewed07]

Kara- I know it's hard, but I agree with Tammie. Maybe you just have to miss out on this trip but why dont you invite his aunt and uncle down to stay a few days? This way you don't have to deal with your inlaws and it can work on your schedule? I am glad to hear Ally does not have to be in those trailers again I remember you talking about the storms Now she will be nice and safe in a building!

Tammie- you are always so busy how do you find the energy? I feel so lazy compared to all of you. I never have time to get anything done UGH!


Pam- I will fix my siggie I am so glad you have a ticker

KC78- you will be down the same time as us! I am planning for very hot and humid weather just in case. So lots of shorts etc... I always buy a sweatshirt so I don't have to lug one with me maybe we can be each others packing buddies LOL

Lorrie- We miss you! I am going to give you a ring!

Well $400 later we have 3 window AC units running and decided to save and get the central ac done in the spring that way we can rehab the whole system. It's New England summer will be over next weekPlus I was going to have to give up my Disney trip not happening! Not after all of the planning that has gone into it.

I am feeling a ton better today and getting pumped to go to Disney I do get the same "you are going there again why?" my response is always the same "we love it that's all that matters" but even now Mike is saying we need to go somewhere different next year so it's either Seattle or a cruise.

 

[Lovin Life]

Happy bday, Kara!

I hope that your day is awesome!

 

[Lovin Life]

Tessa, have you been watching "Redneck Wedding?" It takes place in Texas, but don't tell Pam!

Tammie - I heard that!! Did I mention that Darrin is actually my brother, that I have a mullet, and heavily tattooed, am missing my front 4 teeth and weigh 400 lbs? You know you're a redneck when...

We are planning on getting a new computer this weekend. Yoo hoo! I am also thinking that I will ask Santa for one of those little eMachines for bday/Christmas. It's not easy doing the internet on my iTouch! Competition for the home pc is awful. We will also bring in Megan's laptop this weekend, to try to get the virus off of it.

Tina - You finished the yellow skirt and are whipping out 2 more today? That makes me dizzy! I know what you mean about the kids changing their minds on stuff like that. It makes one dizzy AND INSANE! I hope it works out for you. Saving the money would be good!

Kara - That's great about the new school for Ally then! I didn't know if you didn't like her old one, had problems w/the teacher/principal/kids, or something like that. I think I must have been in one of my "missing" modes when there was a lot of talk about that. I can relate to your frustration about planning the vacation w/the family. It's impossible to please everyone, and it's only going to get harder for you the older that Ally gets, and more activities/commitments she has. Holidays are like that for us. I vote for just letting Jeff go, and you having all of us to your place for a girls' week!

Jillian - How are you feeling? Better with more air, I would guess. I hate spending money on stuff like that. I guess no one does, but it never comes at a good time. How's the big boy bed thing going?

Thanks all, for the words of encouragement on returning to WDW. Somehow, I just KNEW you would understand. I would go every year, if we could swing it.

I am getting ready to start looking for a "third family car" (we are not telling her it is HER car right away), and add Megan to our insurance. YIKES. She drove w/an instructor last night, and is again tonight. She has decided that she can do it (I knew she could!), and has gotten over her big fear of JUST DOING IT. Of course, she won't be getting her license for at least 6 months (or longer ).

 

[karajeboo]

Thanx guys! Nothing exciting planned - maybe dinner at a Mexican restaurant - but we have to drive 30 minutes to find one! Weird!!! I really wish one would open nearby.

Jillian - so glad you are feeling better - when do you go back to work?

Tammie - are you getting this heat out there???? I saw 107 yesterday - is that anywhere near you????

Jeff's aunt and uncle were actually here for 3 days around Ally's bday - remember when Jeff's p's came down, too? They took Ally to Orlando to meet up with aunt and uncle and went to US, then all came back to our house. I would have enjoyed it much more if it wasjust aunt/uncle, but since they live in Detroit, and Jeff's p's won't go up there to visit, they just came here instead. Jeff's aunt flies to SC to see her sister (Jeff's mom) every summer, but his p's make no effort the other way. Drives me nuts. But.... guess that's not my problem, huh?

I don't think I'll stress over it until next year. After all, nothing we can do about it and nobody was willing to make any sacrifices for our schedule, so if we can't go, no biggie..... right?

 

[Lovin Life]

Jillian, just have to add that I can't wait to read your pre-trip report!

 

[Camster0307]

KARA!!!!!

 

[tttessa]

Tessa, have you been watching "Redneck Wedding?" It takes place in Texas, but don't tell Pam! No, really I think some episodes have been filmed here. I'm trying to picture an art project with Jimmy Carter and Idi Amin!

I HAVE seen that show - or a clip show of that show if you know what i mean...!!!!!!! My giddy Aunt - I thought those people were made up!! Not REAL!!!! Honest to goodness they are REAL?????? Nooo, you are having a laugh??

The project was world leaders throughout the century - so Carter and Amin were in there - it was just disembodied papier mache heads - a bit spooky if you ask me.... for 7 year olds!!!

Anyhow - my mum arrived safe and sound this year - no floods, no stuck in car overnight with kids/mum/hubby - quite a non eventful arrival this year but it does mean the house is not my own for the week.

Tessa

 

[TinaLala]

Ok here is the yellow plaid outfit - just finished the shirt. My applique technique is a work in progress, but it's alright. There's a matching headband, but she didn't want to wear it. Now I have to do the two Minnie shirts - in secret, a purple cordoury skirt, pack for a Chicago trip, and pack in secret for our trip. Not to mention try to get the girls into Abacus for another week so I can use the money to buy myself an embroidery machine.

 

[soontobewed07]

Well girls I knew I shouldn't have said it. We got a flat tire today and so Mike said enough is enough and we are had to CANCEL the trip We have spent $1000 in less than 24 hours so that was half of our disney money. So I am going to book a hotel in NH for a weekend and take a few small day trips.

 

[TinaLala]

THAT IS THE SADDEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD!!

I'M SO SORRY!! MAYBE SOMETHING WILL TURN AROUND AND YOU'LL WIN SOME LOTTERY AND BE ABLE TO GO!!

 

[LydiaAch]

Happy birthday, Kara!

So I am going to book a hotel in NH for a weekend and take a few small day trips.

I highly recommend the North Conway Grand if you are planning to go to Storyland...

I live right over the MA border (Hudson). My FIL is buying a home in the Lakes region. I can't wait to have a summer vacation place!


I SO need to book our WDW trip next year. We'll stay at BLT, probably. We will also be bringing some family friends with us (2 adults, 2 kids). NOT school vacation weeks. Maybe the 2nd or 3rd week in May like last year? It seemed to be fine in terms of crowds.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KARA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! It's a surprise party with cake! Hope you had a great day!

 

[Lovin Life]

Jillian - I am so sorry to hear that. Is there any way you can keep it planned, maybe just push it out a bit further, and try to cut back on things and stash money away secretly? I have cut back on lunches out at work by bringing chips and a dessert each day, and only getting 1/2 sandwich or wrap in the cafeteria. I could save even more by brining my own sandwich. I've almost cut out Starbucks completely, by getting a Kuerig machine for my desk at work, and one for home, and making good coffee, a cup at a time. We've cut back on take out and going out to eat, and only get water at most meals out, and it has helped me to save a lot of money. Hang in there. It's a good thing that you have planned a NH trip, and have some other ideas for fun things to do.

Tessa - Have fun w/your mom!!

Tina - I love the skirt! I also love the shirt! We've really been into peace signs at our house! Do you take orders!? I wish that I could sew.

Kara - I hope that you are having a fantastic 29th birthday, and a margarita or two w/your Mexican food!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Kara, to answer your heat question, it has been hi 90's here. The 107 is on the West side of the mountains - lower elevations.

Tina - cute outfit! You got that done fast!

Jillian - so sorry about your trip. I like the way your mind immediately went to something positive - DELUXE later!

Lydia - thanks for the FB advice. I was wondering about that. I will keep looking. I spent 6 hrs today on online stuff - between my class, homework, tweetlater and FB. I can't keep spending that kind of time - I need to get this figured out.

Tessa - SERIOUSLY. "Those rednecks" do live around here - and in many cities and towns across America. It is definately not main stream, but it happens.

Pam, good $$ saving ideas!

I need to get to bed today - I overslept this am and it screwed my whole morning up. Tomorrow I have Nails, a party close, lunch meeting, workout and more phone calls.

 

[karajeboo]

Oh, the redneck stories I could tell. Living in South Carolina for 13 years really enlightened me. In fact, Jeff and I went into redneck mode last night at dinner. This was an "upscale" Mexican restuaruant - a lot of yuppy happy hour crowd, they make fresh guacamole right at the table, etc. I felt underdressed in a tshirt and capris and flip flops. Then the waitress brings this tiny little bowl of chips - we scarfed those down so fast with our queson she ended up bringing out 3 more bowls!!!!

As soon as I got on the interstate to make a 55 minute trip (according to GPS but probably realistically about 45 minutes) traffic was at a dead stop with an accident 6 miles ahead. Oy vey! It took us an hour and a half to get there, then my dear husband didn't bother to check us in at the restaurant so we had another 30 minute wait once we got there!!! I about killed him!!! Food was very good and fresh but I wouldn't drive out of my way to go there again.

Oh, Jillian, I'm soooooo sorry! I just don't know what to say! But we are also secretly stashing money away for a Disney cruise in 2010 - it's the only way to swing it. We've cut back on a lot of things. We don't eat out nearly as much as we used to, don't order drinks with dinner, and we've also agreed to cut out our Disney weekends this year (or cut back.....). We might take more day trips instead. But $150/night in resort expense is really unnecessary if we want to do the cruise. So right now we only have the December weekend planned.

Tina, love the outfit!!! Yes, peace signs are very popular with Ally, too. She's at that age where she knows what is popular and wants to try to fit in, but again, NO SKELETONS AND SKULLS!!!!! She went to a bday party on Wednesday where they all made beaded jewelry, and she came home with the cutest peace sign necklace!

Tonight is the big adult only pool party in the neighborhood - should be a lot of fun! Except that the big neighborhood drama is that the cabana bar and pool lost their liquor license. So they have to give it all away free tonight! Woo hoo!

Thank you everyone for the bday wishes!!!! Jeff got me new golf clubs - I love my old clubs but he was laughing at them. He actually made them for me about 5 years ago and he's been shopping around lately, since I've really been playing a lot. when I said I wanted to keep my old ones, he laughed , because the heads have been known to fly off on the driving range. Yeah, kinda embarassing, but then he repairs them and they're great. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings, so I think I'll keep the new ones.

 

[soontobewed07]

Aww girls thanks I knew you would all know how sad I was. I just couldn't see spending that money on the trip since we had already been this year and I just blew the budget. We could go,but it would be a little tight and I have decided to hire a house cleaner instead. I am planning bigger and better for next year though. I am thinking Pop/Poly I am also thinking 10days. We will see the best laid plans .

Well I am off to go fix the tire that Popped on me yesterday it was a lovely day.

Lydia- we took your advice and booked that hotel. I love the shopping onsite and the pool Luca will be in LOVE!

Kara- Sorry dinner was such a pain. I hate when that happens.

Tina- Love the outfit so darn cute!

Tammie- Love your FB messages so perfect!

Pam- thanks for the advice I am going to start doing that. We have agreed only to do dinner out once a month no more Mcdonalds etc... Luca is still allowed once a week. Also we are collecting all change and money in the laundry room and that is going to Vacation Collection 2010. Mike already takes to work, but I don't I am much busier than he is so I am going to get a cooler today and I will use that in the truck to save some money. I also plan on 1 iced coffee a day and the rest water which I bring to work. I figured between Mike and I we spend 75 dollars on Lunch etc. Thats almost 4000/year Now if I could just cut out my coffee addiction that's another 1000/year

 

[karajeboo]

Jillian - very smart to cut back like that! And the housekeeper is well worth it!!! Seriously, what I love about mine is that A) everyone picks up their stuff the night before she comes, so that eliminates the clutter, and B) it's all done in one day. No more of this, well, today I'll clean the bathrooms, tomorrow I'll change the sheets, etc. So for about 3 or 4 days after she comes, it's looks beautiful! Then the gradual decline! And shop around! I asked friends for references then I interviews three different people. I LOVE my housekeeper!

Another thing, when you save $, actually put that money in an envelope or jar. If you just leave it in your account you don't actually notice that you're saving, but if you can pull out your bag of money once a month and actually count what you've saved? It's a great feeling! And it encourages you to keep it up!

 

[tjbaggott]

I've been lurking around this thread for a couple of weeks. Today, I think I have to finally admit I'm a Control freak at least if not also a worry wart.
My poor TA, I can picture her on her phone right now trying to make my much desired ADR's, when ......I already made them.

I asked her a few weeks ago if she could make them for me as there was no toll free number to call, and all I could picture was me being on the phone with them for a LONG time, racking up the long distance charges. She told me to send her my list and she would work on it.
Well my ADR window opened today and I got up this morning thinking, I never got confirmation from her as to weather or not she received my list.
So I got online to try the online reservations. It wouldn't accept my reservation number to link the ADR with my package. I tried the ADR's without the linking and it would only let me book for the first day only of our trip (which is 90 days from today). So I ended up on the phone with Disney Dining. Had a really great CM on the other end who helped me with all my ADR's. All are great except one (Le Cellier), but I'll keep tyring online hoping a time opens that is more preferrable.
In the meantime, I haven't been able to reach my TA, so I truly hope she isn't working really hard at trying to get me my reservations because then I'd feel bad that the control freak in my jumped out. BUT on the other hand, if she's NOT working on my ADR's THis morning, them I'm GLAD the control freak jumped out.
Whew, now I got that off my chest, I feel much better!