Marrieds choosing not to have kids

[maddhatir]

Sorry about your back, Madd! Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for the info about Sandals. I'm thinking of doing an all-inclusive sometime in the the 5 years, so that will give me time to do homework. DH is a little...how shall I put this delicately...CHEAP! so I think an all-inclusive paid for up front trip would be great for us. That's one thing I loved about our cruise: He wasn't agonizing if I ordered a dessert or the most expensive thing on the menu. Gotta love him!

Well then he will certainly love the all-inclusives! Alcohol and food are included!

You can get some really good prices online- I like to check Apple.com. I tried BookIt but I was not too happy with them- sometimes the air is not included, not only that- a lot of their flight were not non-stop!- but with Apple you just put in where you are flying from and there is one price, air and hotel.

I also like to use Baltimore Travel they have some great prices for all-inclusives with flights going out of Philly, Newark, Baltimore and DC and they use Apple !!! My SIL just went to Mexico for 7 days @ The Grand Oasis Playa, air and hotel for 899.00 PP !!!!!!

You can do Mexico cheaper than Disney! And you get to eat and drink all you want!

 

[starwarsdisney]

You go to school to? That's awesome!! I really want to go back. I'm 33 now and it's like I've finally figured out what I *think* I want to do and it requires schooling. I work at a University but the one thing that sucks is we only get up to 6 credit hours a semester free and the Univ. doesn't cater to working adults. We are in the process of hiring a new Director (formerly called a Chair person) and one of the interviewees that we really liked talked about providing time for class work. I'm thinking, for now, I can get my 2 year degree at night at the community college and then figure out at that point how to finish at the University level. One step at a time or like Dory says, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming." The task of a long journey can seem overwhelming at times but if you break it down into little steps it's not so bad (or so I keep telling myself).

I'm 31 now so it's never too late to go back. I'm going to a community college right now with plans to transfer to a 4-year school once I'm done. I work about 30 hours a week and attend school full-time. My wife already has a degree, so she's been really supportive of me going back to school.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Hey, starwarsdisney, just wanted to say "Hi". We're practically neighbors. We live about 10 miles west of you. Nice to see a fellow Dis'er so close to us.

Anyway, to add to the discussion, we're both 35, been together almost 5 years and quite content to not have any children. Maybe at some point we'll regret not having any, but for me, I know I'm just not the kid type. Some people probably think I'm selfish, but for the longest time, I did nothing but work at night and go to college during the day, or work all day and go to college at night. Never had much time for fun. I've now been at my current job for 10 years, making decent money, and we can afford to take nice trips and buy nice things and quite frankly, kids are expensive. I know - I was an expensive one myself. So I guess if wanting to have fun and enjoy life and not having to worry about what to do with the kids is selfish, count me in! All I know is we're having a great time enjoying life now while we're able to do it instead of waiting "until the kids are gone." I think our only problem is that we don't have many couples our age we really identify with because they all have kids and we don't, so our social circle is, shall we say, pretty much non-existent.

 

[plgrn]

I also like to use Baltimore Travel they have some great prices for all-inclusives with flights going out of Philly, Newark, Baltimore and DC and they use Apple !!! My SIL just went to Mexico for 7 days @ The Grand Oasis Playa, air and hotel for 899.00 PP !!!!!!

That is freaking awesome! Our wedding anniversary happens to be during hurricane season, so I'm thinking of booking something then in hopes that it will be cheaper. DH and I don't drink, so I'd really like to find an all-inclusive that's everything BUT drinks (if there is such a thing ). I don't mind being around drinking, but would feel like I'm paying for something I won't be using. Make sense? Hmmm...Maybe I could airmail our share of booze to you for a nominal fee.

 

[starwarsdisney]

Hey, starwarsdisney, just wanted to say "Hi". We're practically neighbors. We live about 10 miles west of you. Nice to see a fellow Dis'er so close to us.

Anyway, to add to the discussion, we're both 35, been together almost 5 years and quite content to not have any children. Maybe at some point we'll regret not having any, but for me, I know I'm just not the kid type. Some people probably think I'm selfish, but for the longest time, I did nothing but work at night and go to college during the day, or work all day and go to college at night. Never had much time for fun. I've now been at my current job for 10 years, making decent money, and we can afford to take nice trips and buy nice things and quite frankly, kids are expensive. I know - I was an expensive one myself. So I guess if wanting to have fun and enjoy life and not having to worry about what to do with the kids is selfish, count me in! All I know is we're having a great time enjoying life now while we're able to do it instead of waiting "until the kids are gone." I think our only problem is that we don't have many couples our age we really identify with because they all have kids and we don't, so our social circle is, shall we say, pretty much non-existent.

Well hello, nice to see a fellow Lake County person. I can tell you that after all this snow and cold I'm ready to go and leave it all behind in May. I just wish May was oh I don't know, tomorrow!

I know what you're saying about couples in our age group with kids. Most of our friends are either single or married with no children. We do hang out with family quite a bit too. Don't get me wrong we have some friends with kids, but not many. We tend to shy away from having our friends with kids over (family is different) because our house is not set up for kids, nor do we want it to be. While we don't have the best stuff, we like to keep it nice. Kids just seems like a chore to us, maybe that's just the selfish side of us. Were okay with that though. I'm fine with kids that I can give back! I've coached soccer for 5 and 6 year olds before and can tell you I loved it, but man I'm glad at the end of practice they go home with someone else. I guess it's all about choices. I actually think that couples not wanting kids is becoming more popular, but we are still looked at as somewhat odd. I mean who doesn't want to have a screaming child to look after all the time (I'm exagrating of course, but sometimes it seems like that).

 

[maddhatir]

That is freaking awesome! Our wedding anniversary happens to be during hurricane season, so I'm thinking of booking something then in hopes that it will be cheaper. DH and I don't drink, so I'd really like to find an all-inclusive that's everything BUT drinks (if there is such a thing ). I don't mind being around drinking, but would feel like I'm paying for something I won't be using. Make sense? Hmmm...Maybe I could airmail our share of booze to you for a nominal fee.

But when you get a price like 899.00PP- it does not matter if you drink! You can eat all day long, as much as you want, and that would make up for the drinks- but you can drink anything- they have sodas, virgin drinks, etc-

Our resort had a free standing coffee bar- I would get the best cappuccino every day after I would leave the beach, on the way back to the room. She would foam up the milk by hand- no hitting the button in the coffee shop!

You can also get cappuccinos, lattes, espresso, coffee from their cappuccino machine in the buffet all day long- and the machines make them GREAT too! The foam was always perfect every time!

You have to figure- when you go to Starbucks you pay almost 4 bucks per coffee there!

 

[ChisJo]

So - I was work the other day and got the rudest comment by one of the women that work there...I work in pediatrics and she asked if we had kids, I said no. Of course, the next question...when are you planning on having kids? I said, we're not. She then has the nerve to say, "Then why the heck are you working in peds?" Like I had no business there if I wasn't planning on having any children?!?!?

It really gets on my nerve, you know? Like I have a responsibility to have children because I work with children....like it's preparing me for parenting! Anyways, I was really upset about that comment and wanted to share....it's been awhile since I've been here....hope all is well with you all!

 

[Hixski]

So - I was work the other day and got the rudest comment by one of the women that work there...I work in pediatrics and she asked if we had kids, I said no. Of course, the next question...when are you planning on having kids? I said, we're not. She then has the nerve to say, "Then why the heck are you working in peds?" Like I had no business there if I wasn't planning on having any children?!?!?

It really gets on my nerve, you know? Like I have a responsibility to have children because I work with children....like it's preparing me for parenting! Anyways, I was really upset about that comment and wanted to share....it's been awhile since I've been here....hope all is well with you all!

I hoped you told her that was the dumbest thing you ever heard!!!

I got to a point where if someone said something like that I just asked them what business it was of theirs what we do. It is rather funny watching someone stutter around trying to backpedal on that one. More than one said the now infamous line "but you would be such good parents". I only did it a few times but it felt great.

We don't really get anyone saying much these days. I guess we are so old and pathetic they just feel sorry for us not having children.

 

[plgrn]

But when you get a price like 899.00PP- it does not matter if you drink! You can eat all day long, as much as you want, and that would make up for the drinks- but you can drink anything- they have sodas, virgin drinks, etc-

Our resort had a free standing coffee bar- I would get the best cappuccino every day after I would leave the beach, on the way back to the room. She would foam up the milk by hand- no hitting the button in the coffee shop!

You can also get cappuccinos, lattes, espresso, coffee from their cappuccino machine in the buffet all day long- and the machines make them GREAT too! The foam was always perfect every time!

You have to figure- when you go to Starbucks you pay almost 4 bucks per coffee there!

Sold! I'm loving the apple site btw. How long was your sister in Mexico? It looks like we'll get 9 days for about 1K each. I could always shorten it if we have to, but.....NAH!

 

[maddhatir]

Sold! I'm loving the apple site btw. How long was your sister in Mexico? It looks like we'll get 9 days for about 1K each. I could always shorten it if we have to, but.....NAH!

She was there for 7 days- be careful of the air- make sure you choose "non-stop"

 

[zima-cheryl]

That is freaking awesome! Our wedding anniversary happens to be during hurricane season, so I'm thinking of booking something then in hopes that it will be cheaper. DH and I don't drink, so I'd really like to find an all-inclusive that's everything BUT drinks (if there is such a thing ). I don't mind being around drinking, but would feel like I'm paying for something I won't be using. Make sense? Hmmm...Maybe I could airmail our share of booze to you for a nominal fee.

I've got to second what Maddhatir said...even if you don't drink it is so worth it. We are going to the Omni in Cancun in about 2 weeks and going all inclusive. It really does include everything - from the early breakfast buffett right through until 3 or 4am at the pizza/burger stand. For those few hours when none of the restaurants are open, we can still get room service.
During the busy hours of the day they have many options. We can do pool side lunch service, casual, fancy or even room service - all included!

I realize each resort will be a little bit different, but in general, the food alone makes it worth while.

 

[zima-cheryl]

She was there for 7 days- be careful of the air- make sure you choose "non-stop"

If you can't get non-stop (depends on the airport you leave from) make sure you have a nice long layover where ever you clear customs coming home. When we come back we come through Orlando and have a 3 1/2 hour lay over. I would rather clear customs & have time to kill (can you say Disney store!) than be rushing to clear customs & get to my next flight (been there... done that )

And for the record, how much does that stink?!? To be that close & not able to get to WDW?

 

[Mozart]

We've done an all-inclusive before and thought it was just okay. I think that if you're like us, and you aren't big sun-worshipers you may not find all-inclusives to be all that great. I know some people love them, but we really do prefer cruising when we're thinking along those lines. Granted, drinks aren't included and neither are shore excursions, but it's one heck of a way to get away and enjoy a few carefree days.

There was a trip report a while back on the cruise line board about a group of people who committed to spending as little money as possible on a cruise. On DCL, you can bring your own alcohol on board and drink out of your own personal stash and they did it that way. When it was all said and done, they paid for the cruise, parking fees at the terminal, $100 in tips, and splurged for a $20 meal at the upscale restaurant on board.

In case you haven't noticed...I highly recommend cruises when you're looking for something like that. Great way to get away, relax, see a few new places, and if you plan for it, you really don't spend much money on board at all.

Besides, Castaway Cay is about the most beautiful beach you'll ever find.

 

[Hixski]

We've done an all-inclusive before and thought it was just okay. I think that if you're like us, and you aren't big sun-worshipers you may not find all-inclusives to be all that great. I know some people love them, but we really do prefer cruising when we're thinking along those lines. Granted, drinks aren't included and neither are shore excursions, but it's one heck of a way to get away and enjoy a few carefree days.

There was a trip report a while back on the cruise line board about a group of people who committed to spending as little money as possible on a cruise. On DCL, you can bring your own alcohol on board and drink out of your own personal stash and they did it that way. When it was all said and done, they paid for the cruise, parking fees at the terminal, $100 in tips, and splurged for a $20 meal at the upscale restaurant on board.

In case you haven't noticed...I highly recommend cruises when you're looking for something like that. Great way to get away, relax, see a few new places, and if you plan for it, you really don't spend much money on board at all.

Besides, Castaway Cay is about the most beautiful beach you'll ever find

I can vouch for that!!!!

DH parked in the water at Serenity Bay on CC. It doesn't get more relaxing than this.

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

I so want to go on the DCL but DH won't go for it.

Stupid (can I say irrational) fears he has.

 

[plgrn]

I so want to go on the DCL but DH won't go for it.

Stupid (can I say irrational) fears he has.

Awww. DH liked everything about our cruise except the fact that we were on a boat! That's why I think all inclusive will be perfect for us. A cruise without a ship!

Hixski, your DH could be the poster child for Serenity Bay. I don't think he could possibly be more relaxed.

 

[maddhatir]

We've done an all-inclusive before and thought it was just okay. I think that if you're like us, and you aren't big sun-worshipers you may not find all-inclusives to be all that great. I know some people love them, but we really do prefer cruising when we're thinking along those lines. Granted, drinks aren't included and neither are shore excursions, but it's one heck of a way to get away and enjoy a few carefree days.

I like both- DH likes the all-inclusives. DH is not a sun worshipper though- however- he is a "relaxer" When we do the all-inclusives- we find our "hut" and are there on the beach the whole day- me, I lay in the sun for a while and then cool off under our hut. DH- he is in the shade the whole time- except for when he is snorkeling. Of course, we take a break from the beach for our drinks and to eat!

We like to do...nothing. so the all-inclusives are perfect for us.

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

Awww. DH liked everything about our cruise except the fact that we were on a boat! That's why I think all inclusive will be perfect for us. A cruise without a ship!

Exactly! I think my DH would like everything about it except for the boat part.

 

[TXTurtles]

Sigh. Our 6-month-old neighbor is reminding us why we don't want children. Loudly. Through cinder block walls. Though I suspect it's actually the (closed in both apartments, extra-soundproof) windows letting the noise through. Either way she's got a loud, persistent, and FREQUENT cry. And it's not something I can complain to her parents about - it's not like they're any happier with it. I may hate some of the side effects of BC but they sure beat the alternatives.

Ok, back to the cruise chatter which is FAR nicer than what I'm hearing right now.

 

[maddhatir]

Sigh. Our 6-month-old neighbor is reminding us why we don't want children. Loudly. Through cinder block walls. Though I suspect it's actually the (closed in both apartments, extra-soundproof) windows letting the noise through. Either way she's got a loud, persistent, and FREQUENT cry. And it's not something I can complain to her parents about - it's not like they're any happier with it. I may hate some of the side effects of BC but they sure beat the alternatives.

Ok, back to the cruise chatter which is FAR nicer than what I'm hearing right now.

I do feel bad for little babies that cry- it is an annoying sound- but like you said, I am sure the parent would love it to stop too!

OMG- at our resort- there were a lot of little ones there. I was very surprised. There were people who were in groups, like a bunch of friends/family got together (with the kiddies) and took a vacation! We would cross our fingers every day that we would not be near one of those families in the beach- the last day, our luck ran out with the dad and his kid (the story I mentioned a few pages back).

One day- we happened to sit right next to the volleyball net. I said, wait, what if we get hit in the head with the ball?- I said- oh, who cares, I would rather be wailed in the head with a volley ball than hear a whining kid near me. So we stayed.

Believe it or not- they were playing volleyball all day- and the players were much quieter than the dad and his kid were that one day! ........and no, I was not hit once!