Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts - We're still here!

[MAGICFOR2]

Cute luggage! It would be nice if they would say which chemical they are talking about so you could do the research and make a decision. The only one I can think about is the one in all of those see-through colored bottles and sippy cups, bowls, etc. But I'm not sure if that was just CA.

I'll see what I can find. If she's going to use it as she gets a little older, I wouldn't personalize it - a stranger can call her by name at the airport.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

FOUND IT! http://www.ask.com/bar?q=what+chemi...m/stories/2007/10/15/health/main3366238.shtml

I think it will be fine if she isn't chewing on the handles!

OOPS, we were all posting at once!

Good Morning ladies!

 

[karajeboo]

I'm so torn on the personalization issue. I used to think "No Way!" but it depends on where it will be used. If it's someplace that I will be around, I do it. And we have had plenty of talks about "bad people" etc, and the tricks they use to lure kids into cars and stuff.

I did put her name on her new backpack, only because it's used ONLY for school, and I walk her to/from the bus stop every day. But I only do clothes for Disney because I know she'll always be with us.

Her luggage has her monogram on it, just in case....

 

[CRdisMom]

Hi there! Finally a minute to get caught up.

Kara- that sounds fun a whole seekend to your self. Enjoy it. I love to decorate when everyone is gone. It takes away all of the distractions. Glad to hear last week went better for Ally. I think Beth is entering the same place that Ally was at last year. She going to give me a run for my money. HSM3 sounds fun. The party is going to be a blast. That limo ride will put her over the top. Take lots of pics!

Lorrie_ "WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm".
I think living qualifies to the state of California to do all of those things. They have some restrictive rules about labeling things. Don't worry about unless Mia suddenly turns in to a billy goat and starts eating luggage.

love the idea of red hair. I NEED to get mine colored badly. I hadn't colored it for years until last November when I had blonde hightlights put in. Now it needs to be touched up. I'm not ready to spend a ton on it though. I think I will hit the Aveda beauty school to have it done. They seem to have good prices. THe ADRs that you have laid out look great. I will reiterate what Kara said about the food. The names are the scary part but the buffet was great. I loved it but then again I love Norweign food.

Jillian single digits!!! Have great time. Enjoy it! Hope the shirts are turning out okay.

Tammie--hi there! Yes there is something about a Fish Fry and Meat Raffle that screams Minnesota. I'm sure the girls would love an album of the kids art work

Cammie-- What a PITA!!!! I read what he said. I'd rather be in Fantasyland where I don't have to deal with him. You are a strong mom and deserve the help you get. Tell him to suck it! Can't wait to hear more about the trip. Beth saw Lauren's and wants to do that next time we go.

Hey Debbie-my fellow non-tripper. Hope all is well. Is Mark still home during the day? I was going to call you last week but I figured if he was home he might find it odd that one of you CIF's called. Anyway just thinking of you.

Off to grocery shop and pick up Tim's new suits. He had to buy 3 new suits and ties for the new job. Just what I wanted to spend nearly $1000 on. Dang suits for being so expensive. Oh well he still has a job and I should be grateful that we have the means to do that.

Oh and the bus update....Beth spit on someone on Friday afternoon. She was being teased so she told them to stop and they didn't. So she spat. Make sense huh? No more bus for that kid after today. She is ridding home so she can apologize to the kids. I 'm at a loss with this one. It just isn't an environment for her after school. She needs her down time. Next week is spring break so it is coming at a good time for her. I just wish it were later--like when it was spring.

Hi to all I missed. Welcome back MickeyMomof3

 

[karajeboo]

I'm thinking of driving to my P's house for spring break. The time will have changed by then so I will have much more daylight for driving. I'm thinking of leaving after school on Friday, driving for about 5 hrs, then stopping for the night and getting in Saturday afternoon. then leaving Thursday night and again stopping on the way and getting home on Good Friday. That way we'll be home for Easter with Jeff.

Since my P's wanted to come down for Ally's bday next month, but there is no way my mom will be able to sit in a car that long.... She's talking about flying down in late April or early May, but it might be better if we drive up there.

AND, that way if for some reason I can't get up there this summer, I won't feel so guilty, kwim?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

The monogram is a great idea! We debated on the kids' shirts last Summer, but they were tiny enough that they wouldn't be out of our site. I got rolling backpacks for my niece and nephew for Disney last year, and I didn't get the personalization, because they would be in the airport - 2 kids with their mom - just felt it was safer that way.

 

[soontobewed07]

Let me just start by saying

7 DAYS
Well a very dull weekend here as well. Laundry gathering and packing. I am so super excited for our trip,but I am sick of everyone saying I am obsessed I was making T shirts and Luggage tags and my parents came in shaking there heads saying I need help. They just don't understand. Thanks for letting me get that out

Luca hasn't been sleeping well I think it has to do with his teeth we are just waiting on 2 more. So I am on 3 hours of sleep and Mike worked last night so he is sleeping now. I am going to have to nap this afternoon because he is working again tonight.

Well off to update my pre trip report.

 

[karajeboo]

Oh Laura, yes, I think our two would get along fine! The only "good" thing I see, is that Beth is not afraid to stand up for herself. That is a good trait to have. As for the spitting, she's still too young to really understand HOW to stick up for herself so she resorted to the child's way. Ally's kindergarten teacher always told me that being headstrong is a GOOD thing as they get older, but a little hard to deal with at this age. I totally agree!

Jillian!!!!!! You are almost there!!!! You've got my cell# right? We'll be getting in around 4ish I'm guessing that Friday. Then we'll probably leave between 3-4 on Sunday.

It's weird, of course I'm excited to go, but not so pumped about ASMo. I know we won't be there much, but still...... I think I've become a Disney resort snob!

 

[karajeboo]

Jillian, I get that "obsessed" thing all the time. I don't care though because I AM obsessed and proud of it! My friends from hs asked if I would be wearing a princess dress and mickey ears to the reunion!!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I did my "travel agent" stuff yesterday. I ended up with a hotel room to cancel, 3 nights to cancel from two different hotels, a day to cancel on our rental car. I also called DVC and requested Congress Park, DTD view I loved grandstand, but our main pool is going to be closed, so Grandstand will be quite busy. I decided since we don't have kids with us, it would be great to be in a quiet section The only thing I'll miss is the pool bar!

 

[CRdisMom]

Jillian, I get that "obsessed" thing all the time. I don't care though because I AM obsessed and proud of it! My friends from hs asked if I would be wearing a princess dress and mickey ears to the reunion!!!!

On the way to school today we were talking about Princesses and how we like them. Beth said they were for babies and then I told her I loved them too and her eyes just lit up. I'd be right there with you in my princess dress and ears if I wouldn't look like some crazy lady....oh wait I am crazy.

 

[karajeboo]

Ally is so over the princesses.... EXCEPT when we are in Disney. She said the kids at school think princesses are for babies. Makes me so sad that she's growing up.

 

[karajeboo]

OK, this is really weird.

TGM and UG don't agree AT ALL about the two weekends we're there!

TGM says that AK is the best park on Sunday and UG says it's the park to avoid! Everything else they pretty much agree on.

We were planning to do AK on Sunday, but now I'm not so sure! I'm pretty sure we'll do MK on Friday, and stay for Wishes at 8. Then Sat am at DHS, lunch at Sci Fi, afternoon evening at Epcot. Then Sunday at AK. I want to try Beaches n Cream for dinner on Saturday, but not sure how busy it will be.

Then in May, we'll do MK or Epcot on Friday (Epcot has EMH that night), AK on Saturday, dinner at Boma then maybe back to MK for Spectro and Wishes. Sunday is AK or DHS, whichever one Ally wants to do. Again, TGM and UG disagree on AK that day......

I guess if we can't do Beaches n Cream this time, we could do it Friday night in May.....

 

[soontobewed07]

Kara- I have your Cell number and since we will be at MK on the same day and both staying for wishes I am sure we will be able to meet up. Text me when you want to meet up. Also I only use TGM I never check unofficial guide they have been pretty on the ball everytime I use them. I did notice though UG is expecting higher crowds than TGM.

It is sad that the girls are growing out of princesses. Why our world wants kids to grow up so fast is beyond me? They need to stay as you as they can for as long as they can.

Tammie- Yea on the travel update. You must be so excited.

Laura- Glad to hear the party went well I always order way to much food too.

Lorrie- I say order that set if you like it. I think it is adorable, but maybe just use her initials instead of her whole name.

 

[tttessa]

Hiya all....

Been lurking for a bit, don't know what it is, just been a bit fed up of computers lately, think it's since I don't have any trips planned.

Kara I would go with the TGM verdict - we had similar when we went last year (sob.... LAST year.... sob...) and TGM was soooooo right..... UG was wrong for the 2 days it disagreed with TGM.....

My 2 are not into princesses any more either - hey ho, at least they aren't into anything too unsuitable (now we limited Drake and Josh etc..) They do like a bit of H2O and the Elephant Princess (new one on Nickelodeon lately) which are ok, but have the usual girly *****iness about them.... sigh....

Well, got to go buy some eggs - it's pancake day here tomorrow - do you do this???? Part of the old Mardi Gras stuff I guess, use up the eggs and milk before Lent. Over here we make lots of pancakes and eat them with lemon juice and sugar (or as I prefer .. with a tin of cherry pie filling... and whipped cream .. and sprinkles.... did I say I need to lose 40 pounds!!)

Going to try and change my ticker to a weight loss one - since we have NO trip planned - did I say that.... NO trip...... NONE ...... not fair.......

Anyhow, eggs await....

Tessa

 

[CRdisMom]

A friend's friend posted this on facebook this morning. I love it. I think it would change a lot of things if people started thinking more positive...


This morning, on my way to the office, I conducted an impromptu inspection of my little world in Southern California. Despite all the threatening headlines and doom-filled stories of the day, everything was going on just as it has for a very long time.

I didn't see fewer cars on the freeway and there was not a single For Sale sign in my neighborhood. Schools were bustling with kids and teachers, restaurants were backed up for seating and the sun was shining.

Over the past few months, I've received the same email message more times than I care to count. It goes like this:

"Due to recent economic crises, the stock market crash, budget cuts, rising unemployment, unstable world conditions, outsourcing of business, the cost of insurance, electricity, petroleum and taxes of all kinds, we regret to advise you that the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience."

What makes me cranky is that millions of people believe it. Through no fault of their own, they believe their lives are now intolerable and their futures are doomed to failure while they sit paralyzed in a dark tunnel. They've become victims of The Recession.

It is a fact that the national economy of the U.S. is in a downturn, and economists say we are now in a recession. It's not the first time, nor will it be the last. Whether this recession is worse than any since the Great Depression is not certain. What we do know is that we still have 93 percent employment. Out of more than 10,000 banks in the U.S., fewer than 25 have gone under in the past year. Sure, some national retailers have closed up shop and undoubtedly others will follow, but that's nothing new. It's a sure bet that we will not be facing a shortage of stores anytime soon.

This is certainly not to underestimate or diminish what many of my readers are facing now in the wake of job layoffs and challenging times. Just don't blame the economy or feel sorry for yourself. This is life. Life happens. Perhaps you can begin to see that as a good thing. Think of it as an untimed opportunity to start your own business, change careers or move to another area. Great opportunities often come disguised as crises.

Today, I am renewing my commitment to focus on only those things that are true, honorable, fair, just, pure, acceptable and lovely. I absolutely refuse to get stuck in some dark tunnel where failure is the only option. That's why I've backed my train out of the tunnel and into the bright sunshine of optimism. I've plotted my detour, my boilers are stoked and steam is pouring through my engines. It's full speed ahead.ME TOO!

 

[karajeboo]

So true Laura. Yeah, we're all affected to some degree. But life goes on. Ya know what I really think is gonna happen after all this is over? Americans are going to do a lot of soul searching and realize that we have been overindulging for too long, and our priorities are going to shift.

We've cut back a bit, but not enough to really change our lives. But enough to make us stop and realize just how selfish and gluttonous we had become. Instead of going out to eat 3 times a week, we go once. I don't go shopping just to go shopping. If I NEED something, I'm lucky that I can still get it. But I'm staying away from frivolous shopping.

Luckily, we're still able to live normally and Ally doesn't notice anything different. She still gets a great birthday party, but Jeff and I can now take a step back and realize how fortunate we are that we can give her a party like this. I mean, I've always been thankful for what I have, but I guess I'm just looking at it a little differently now.

And I'm blessed that the economy hasn't hit me personally. I don't even know anyone who is truly suffering. BSIL had to take a 5% pay cut. Jeff's commission is not what it was last year. But we have our home and we're in no danger of losing it. I think both our jobs are secure. I guess you never really know until it's too late though....

Now, if we had to sell our house today, we'd be in a BIG world of hurt as the housing market has been crippled down here! Lucky us, the real estate geniuses that we are, we bought one of those overinflated homes, and technically we are now upside down in our mortgage. But we're patient, and should see it come full circle and all will be well.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

OK, this is really weird.

TGM and UG don't agree AT ALL about the two weekends we're there!

be.

Then in May, we'll do MK or Epcot on Friday (Epcot has EMH that night), AK on Saturday, dinner at Boma then maybe back to MK for Spectro and Wishes. Sunday is AK or DHS, wTGM says that AK is the best park on Sunday and UG says it's the park to avoid! Everything else they pretty much agree on.

We were planning to do AK on Sunday, but now I'm not so sure! I'm pretty sure we'll do MK on Friday, and stay for Wishes at 8. Then Sat am at DHS, lunch at Sci Fi, afternoon evening at Epcot. Then Sunday at AK. I want to try Beaches n Cream for dinner on Saturday, but not sure how busy it will hichever one Ally wants to do. Again, TGM and UG disagree on AK that day......

I guess if we can't do Beaches n Cream this time, we could do it Friday night in May.....

I would go with TGM, too! Since B&C is a TS restaurant, can't you make ADRs?

Hiya all....

Been lurking for a bit, don't know what it is, just been a bit fed up of computers lately, think it's since I don't have any trips planned.

Kara I would go with the TGM verdict - we had similar when we went last year (sob.... LAST year.... sob...) and TGM was soooooo right..... UG was wrong for the 2 days it disagreed with TGM.....

My 2 are not into princesses any more either - hey ho, at least they aren't into anything too unsuitable (now we limited Drake and Josh etc..) They do like a bit of H2O and the Elephant Princess (new one on Nickelodeon lately) which are ok, but have the usual girly *****iness about them.... sigh....

Well, got to go buy some eggs - it's pancake day here tomorrow - do you do this???? Part of the old Mardi Gras stuff I guess, use up the eggs and milk before Lent. Over here we make lots of pancakes and eat them with lemon juice and sugar (or as I prefer .. with a tin of cherry pie filling... and whipped cream .. and sprinkles.... did I say I need to lose 40 pounds!!)

Going to try and change my ticker to a weight loss one - since we have NO trip planned - did I say that.... NO trip...... NONE ...... not fair.......

Anyhow, eggs await....

Tessa

TESSA! Nice to see you hear! No, we don't have "pancake day" - at least not that anyone really observes. Our usual topping is maple syrup, but fruit and whipped cream is always a nice treat! Go ahead and eat it, it's PANCAKE DAY!

BTW, Laura and Debbie are in the same boat as you. We need a "not going yet group." I'll be there after March.

A friend's friend posted this on facebook this morning. I love it. I think it would change a lot of things if people started thinking more positive...


This morning, on my way to the office, I conducted an impromptu inspection of my little world in Southern California. Despite all the threatening headlines and doom-filled stories of the day, everything was going on just as it has for a very long time.

I didn't see fewer cars on the freeway and there was not a single For Sale sign in my neighborhood. Schools were bustling with kids and teachers, restaurants were backed up for seating and the sun was shining.

are now intolerable and their futures are doomed to failure while they sit paralyzed in a dark tunnel. They've become victims of The Recession.
Over the past few months, I've received the same email message more times than I care to count. It goes like this:

"Due to recent economic crises, the stock market crash, budget cuts, rising unemployment, unstable world conditions, outsourcing of business, the cost of insurance, electricity, petroleum and taxes of all kinds, we regret to advise you that the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience."

What makes me cranky is that millions of people believe it. Through no fault of their own, they believe their lives
It is a fact that the national economy of the U.S. is in a downturn, and economists say we are now in a recession. It's not the first time, nor will it be the last. Whether this recession is worse than any since the Great Depression is not certain. What we do know is that we still have 93 percent employment. Out of more than 10,000 banks in the U.S., fewer than 25 have gone under in the past year. Sure, some national retailers have closed up shop and undoubtedly others will follow, but that's nothing new. It's a sure bet that we will not be facing a shortage of stores anytime soon.

This is certainly not to underestimate or diminish what many of my readers are facing now in the wake of job layoffs and challenging times. Just don't blame the economy or feel sorry for yourself. This is life. Life happens. Perhaps you can begin to see that as a good thing. Think of it as an untimed opportunity to start your own business, change careers or move to another area. Great opportunities often come disguised as crises.

Today, I am renewing my commitment to focus on only those things that are true, honorable, fair, just, pure, acceptable and lovely. I absolutely refuse to get stuck in some dark tunnel where failure is the only option. That's why I've backed my train out of the tunnel and into the bright sunshine of optimism. I've plotted my detour, my boilers are stoked and steam is pouring through my engines. It's full speed ahead.ME TOO!

I love that, Laura! I believe this economy was created by the media, and they'll probably turn it around when everyone gets tired of hearing about it. Where is all that "before-the-election" optimism?

We were laughing today because the newspaper carried two articles about the AF base closing, and it's not true! Jim says a couple of the guys would like to start a rumor that when they're all gone out of state this year - they are not coming back and see how long it takes the paper to report it Of course they can't do that - the military doesn't joke around. But it would be funny. Our paper is such a joke we've quit taking it.

I'm with you. I will choose to focus on the positive!

 

[karajeboo]

I believe this economy was created by the media, and they'll probably turn it around when everyone gets tired of hearing about it. Where is all that "before-the-election" optimism?

I totally agree! The media thrives on bad news though, so it doesn't matter how good it is, they will find the negative to report on.

Didn't President Clinton just tell Pres Obama that he needs to start putting a positive spin on things? I agree. We NEED our leader to tell us it's going to be okay. I remember the hours and days immediately after 9/11 Pres Bush made me feel safe. Even though I knew our lives had changed forever, I really believed that we were okay because he made me believe it. He should have been in the media constantly when the economy started heading South to reassure us but I think he was in hiding there at the end....

Tessa - so great to see you!!! You do NOT have to have a trip planned to be here - we miss you! I rely on you and Erin to educate me on other customs, and just when I'm in need of a little Brit info, here you come with Pancake Day!!!! All I know is that any day that is celebrated with food is a good day for me! I guess that's why I gained 7 lbs between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year....

I wish I could find a way to sync my cell phone to my puter - I took a pic of a limo that I see parked on the way to gymnastics every week. It is a limo, with the back end of a pickup truck! Seriously, I live in redneck heaven down here! And then (and no, I didn't get a pic of this!), I was walking through the mall and ya know those kiosks they have in the center of the mall? There was a guy working at the Sprint kiosk and he was sitting on a stool, CLIPPING HIS TOENAILS!!!! I swear, I couldn't make this stuff up! This is why I am a homebody!

 

[soontobewed07]

Kara- I just almost snorted diet coke out my nose That is priceless.