May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[birkner]

Samantha did several new interviews yesterday. She also did second interviews at two companies. One was a shadow interview where she spent a few hours with an employee who is doing the same type of internship for which she is interviewing.

At the end of the two second interviews, she was offered positions by both companies. She told both companies that she will give them a decision within two weeks.

I am very excited she is doing so well in her interviews. One of the companies she interviewed with yesterday called her this morning and asked her to come for a second interview with their San Diego office.

She flew home this afternoon as she has a group meeting for a presentation with one of her classes on Sunday afternoon.

John and I are going up to Reno in the morning for a visit with our friends. I have two spa appointments booked for late afternoon, one for a Fiji scrub and one for a Fiji wrap. John will fly home early Monday AM. I have a mani/pedi appointment and will see my hairdresser for a cut and color. Most of my friends tease me that I go to Reno for color but Shannon is the best Aveda colorist I have ever found. Those of you who have grey hair may appreciate that it is not easy to find someone who is good at properly coloring grey hair.

Thanks for sharing the great Samantha graduation/job saga with us.

Noel

 

[Tahoe]

Karin, looking forward to meeting you and the kids also!

Two weeks from right now I'll probably be leaving the outlet mall and be on my last leg of the journey OR, already be there if I get my tush out of bed earlier! Oh, lunch on the patio at Jazz Kitchen sound good. Hmmmmm....where shall we have dinner Sat night? And the question is...will I find Cheri in the madhouse of people leaving DL after the red carpet stuff? I think we'd better decide on a plan. Maybe I'll just grab a comfy chair in the Grand Californian lobby and read my book till she finds me! Guess we'd better decide on dinner too or we won't be able to get in anywhere. Oh well, there's always WhiteWater Snacks!

Who will be in the parks on Sunday? A couple of hours at DL right at opening should start off the day nicely. I plan on spending some time at CA for sure, to check out the last day of the Food & Wine stuff. And if we're ready to head over for the meet a little early, you may find us on the fifth floor covered patio at the Grand Californian, overlooking the pool...a nice place to bring a cool beverage and take a rest.

Time to go build some lunch and check in on TiggersPal, who's suffering from a sore throat, poor baby!

Jackie, we may be driving up just for the dinner, unless I decide that it's time to buy annual passes again. However, I would love to meet first in the lobby or on the fifth floor patio! Just tell me what time!

 

[Jhalkias]

Hi all

I've missed my nightly chatting. I've tried to read here and there to stay caught up. I still have quite a ways to go. Just got home from my son's 7th birthday party. This mom really pushed my buttons: the party was at a place called Build-a-Bear where each child makes a teddy bear. It costs around $25/child. My son wanted to invite his class so I allowed him to do so, and we didn't invite his cousins figuring we would celebrate with them this week-end. Anyway, so he has about 20 kids in his class so it isn't cheap. Many of the children in his grade have brothers/sisters in my older son's class (3rd grade). One Mom came with her two sons, the one that was invited and then the older brother. The older brother went straight up to the personnel and asked for a name tag. I looked very surprised and the mom said "oh, I wasn't sure if he was invited or not. I figure your older son would want his friends." I said no, siblings weren't invited with the exception of one family (the mom that is going through her second round of chemo). I explained I was helping them out to give them a break but if her son stays it could be hard as other families might then have their siblings stay. She said something like "well I will just stay so you will have extra parents." I told her supervision wasn't the issue as the people in the store do it, and I said it is just that I already have over 20 kids coming. She then just changed the subject. By then, her child already had his name tag and was talking to the other children. ARGG. What do you guys think? I really got very flustered by the whole thing. I figure she must have been just completely oblivous to the fact it cost money per child. I know one child more doesn't sound like much but sure enough another family came and before I could say anything, their older sibling was getting his bear. I'm sure it was because they saw the other child there. It was so very frustating!

Anyway, sorry to be all after not being on the boards for awhile. I'm getting nervous about the Star testing for next year - my school is saying the testing is for 1 1/2 weeks and I thought is was just for one week?? Very confusing. The testing starts next week and they are sending out all the warnings that everyone needs to be in town and all appointments need to be canceled. I'm nervous to bring up the trip but there is just NO WAY we aren't going!!! Can't wait to start booking hotel, air, etc!
Lisa

I really, really, really don't understand some inconsiderate parents . . .

Lisa's suggestions sound good, I guess you have to pre-plan things like this too - sad . . . did they bring two gifts?

 

[Jhalkias]

Lisa-I was only prepared with the sibling thing because I've gone through it so many times before and it just shocks me at how some mom's behave. The mom knew full well what you were trying to say, that's why she changed the subject on you....argh!!!

Really, it's the school that gets penalized, especially if your child is expected to perform well on the test. The STAR testing is what's used to rank the schools. Our STAR testing results are posted in the regional newspaper (by school and grade) and it lists all the schools in the district along with nearby cities results. It's like a public report card. So, they judge school performance by how well your kids do. That's why they want all the kids there, well rested and well fed and why they spend the few weeks before prepping the kids for the tests. The other thing the STAR testing is used for is to assess for GATE (gifted and talented) eligibility. Admission to the GATE program is usually for 4th and 5th graders and is usually based upon 2 years of STAR testing performance of your child....the STAR testing results is used for that along with teacher recommendation.

In terms of makeups...there's a 21 day window that the STAR testing and makeups can be taken (which is why our testing ends on wed and the makeups are thurs/fri). So, you may have an opportunity to take it before...the makeup days are up to the school as long as it all occurs in the 21 day window. Normally the school follows the same schedule from year to year and normally the testing and makeups occur in the same time period as the year before.

I would talk to your son's teacher and I would wait until January '08 (that's my plan with my boys). That way she knows you and your child and what he's capable of...and she'll also tell ya the best way to handle it, whether it be the front office or the principal.

Send your "Thank You" letters to GWB, and Congress, under the heading of No Child Left Behind.

 

[Jhalkias]

The most "extravagant" party Sam ever attended included a bus ride to San Francisco with the "Blue Fairy" for entertainment, The parents had nanny supervision and healthy snacks on the bus for all 25 kids who were invited. The party was held at FAO Schwartz and included dinner. The "goodie" was a choice of toys (all from $50-100) that were chosen by the guests. I don't even want to hazard a guess what that party cost. The next year, the girl had a kiddie rock band etc with makeovers etc. I was hoping by the time the girl turned 18, her parents would offer college tuition checks but alas no luck.

This sounds like the people that we read about on the news that get their graduating daughter "plastic surgery".

 

[Jhalkias]

Amy and I have big plans for tonight . . .

We are volunteering at after prom. We have been doing this since our son was in High School, even before he was eligible to go (we wanted to know what it was all about), and as most of you are aware, once you are a dependable volunteer, you get called every year.

Amy and I are money machine veterans . . . we run the money machine where the kids can get "funny money" to turn in to try and win prizes. Believe it or not, it is really work, and we are suckers to do this one every year - we need an easier assignment. I told Amy if I see parents like I did last year just walking around doing nothing I will recruit them to help. We never got a break last year, and I bet I lost 5lbs. (yeah, I know, good result, but my back hurt all day the next day- lots of stooping and bending over that I am not used to)


I have to go and get the babysitter soon, and make a stop at Starbucks on the way back for some energy - we will be there from about 10:30 until 3:30

 

[lillygator]

Hi all

I've missed my nightly chatting. I've tried to read here and there to stay caught up. I still have quite a ways to go. Just got home from my son's 7th birthday party. This mom really pushed my buttons: the party was at a place called Build-a-Bear where each child makes a teddy bear. It costs around $25/child. My son wanted to invite his class so I allowed him to do so, and we didn't invite his cousins figuring we would celebrate with them this week-end. Anyway, so he has about 20 kids in his class so it isn't cheap. Many of the children in his grade have brothers/sisters in my older son's class (3rd grade). One Mom came with her two sons, the one that was invited and then the older brother. The older brother went straight up to the personnel and asked for a name tag. I looked very surprised and the mom said "oh, I wasn't sure if he was invited or not. I figure your older son would want his friends." I said no, siblings weren't invited with the exception of one family (the mom that is going through her second round of chemo). I explained I was helping them out to give them a break but if her son stays it could be hard as other families might then have their siblings stay. She said something like "well I will just stay so you will have extra parents." I told her supervision wasn't the issue as the people in the store do it, and I said it is just that I already have over 20 kids coming. She then just changed the subject. By then, her child already had his name tag and was talking to the other children. ARGG. What do you guys think? I really got very flustered by the whole thing. I figure she must have been just completely oblivous to the fact it cost money per child. I know one child more doesn't sound like much but sure enough another family came and before I could say anything, their older sibling was getting his bear. I'm sure it was because they saw the other child there. It was so very frustating!

Anyway, sorry to be all after not being on the boards for awhile. I'm getting nervous about the Star testing for next year - my school is saying the testing is for 1 1/2 weeks and I thought is was just for one week?? Very confusing. The testing starts next week and they are sending out all the warnings that everyone needs to be in town and all appointments need to be canceled. I'm nervous to bring up the trip but there is just NO WAY we aren't going!!! Can't wait to start booking hotel, air, etc!
Lisa

wow (as a parent of 2) I would never do something like this. Luckily almost every child at Samantha's (since Haley's age hasn't started the parties yet) school (class) all have siblings and have invitations addressed as such to bring siblings. Quite frankly since most parties are on Saturday and John works on Saturday (thus no baby) sitter we opt out of most parties. We went to a few and my word....headache hell.

And in turn we don't have classmate parties...sounds terrible I know...but as they get older and in school that may change...we go to WDW for their birthday's....Fl resident rates and AP's (thanks Dad!!) I think we come out ahead and no clean up! The family and our close friends miss Samantha's Halloween party....they loved dressing up!!

 

[Jhalkias]

Quite frankly since most parties are on Saturday and John works on Saturday (thus no baby) sitter we opt out of most parties. We went to a few and my word....headache hell.

I hear ya V!

Sophia had one today at "Pump it Up" . . . Thank GOD she finally is old enough that she lets me leave!

So what happens? I get a call from the office, computer problem that I have to go in and fix with the payroll system. I was all ready to sit in my car, watch a BG on my iPod, and listen to my new book.

 

[nskjerven]

we had to come home early, Molly got sick. The girl scout camping weekend up until the part where Molly go sick was GREAT! She is ok, just a fever so far, but it looked as it was/is heading to a flu so I thought it was best to be in her own bed with a close bathroom in case it turned nasty and I'm sure the rest of the girls don't want her germs.

I'll post some pics maybe tomorrow.

My .02 on that sibling party issue. I hate that people are rude and bring uninvitied sibilings. I'm a really stick in the mud with this issue. I've planned some very specific parties with stuff only for invited guests. I just tell people no when they assume that they can barge into a party like that. I know you have to be quick thinking or plan the response because it is not common nature to say this. I've even not brought my other kid(s) to a party of their friends before too, even if they get invitied, sometimes it make it not special for the birthday child to have their sibilings friends hanging around. I think there is nothing wrong with having each child get special person time without their sibiling around them.

STAR testing....arrrggghhhhh....I'm just going to close my eyes and say LALALALALALAALLALALAAL and it will all work out. We are going on the cruise even if our school/principal makes an issue out of it. What's the worst they can do, send a nasty letter? They wouldn't not pass a kid that was a grade level (in our case well above grade level) so I'm just going to hope that my kids teachers get that real life takes priority over school sometimes and that a parent can make that call.

Cartoons for the night....

 

[Tahoe]

STAR testing....arrrggghhhhh....I'm just going to close my eyes and say LALALALALALAALLALALAAL and it will all work out. We are going on the cruise even if our school/principal makes an issue out of it. What's the worst they can do, send a nasty letter? They wouldn't not pass a kid that was a grade level (in our case well above grade level) so I'm just going to hope that my kids teachers get that real life takes priority over school sometimes and that a parent can make that call.

And most GOOD teachers will see it for the amazing learning opportunity that it is. My kids will be on independent study contracts for those 12 or so days they'll miss. Hopefully, I can work with the teachers so that some of that work can combine real-life lessons (geography, etc.) learned on the cruise. I'm also hoping that my son, at least, will be able to give a oral report/powerpoint presentation on his trip. I wish my son could have this year's teacher again next year; I mentioned the trip to her, and she was already thinking of really creative ideas for projects that he could do....and that he would like to do.

 

[calmom]

I really, really, really don't understand some inconsiderate parents . . .

Lisa's suggestions sound good, I guess you have to pre-plan things like this too - sad . . . did they bring two gifts?

One gift. I should have planned better and made it more clear before hand. Live and learn. I normally don't mind siblings at all...but 25 kids at Build-a-bear was my limit!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

DGD and I had a good day. It is a little over an hour drive from my house to her dentist so we had some visit/listen to Disney music time. She got one filling today and I scheduled her for 2 more visits. That child has a mouth full of work to be done still and has already had a bunch done. DSIL has always kept medical and dental ins for her (he and her mom divorced) that requires no copay at all! So he and DD thought mom would have been taking her for regular care. Well, about 4 years ago she came for her every other weekend visit and was crying with a tooth ache. DD made an appt with a dentist for her and it seems she had never been to the dentist before! This was 2 years after DD married her daddy. DD was so MAD!! They pay for the insurance so you'd think she could at least use it! DD then made follow up appts and told the mom when they were. DSIL then got bills from Kaiser for NO SHOW charges because mom "forgot" to take her. Finally, a couple of years ago DD just took charge of her dental care and started taking her to them herself, or scheduling them for when her daddy can take her which is Friday. Occassionally he has to work overtime on Friday and at those times I pinch hit and take her. Her mom did sign releases at least so that either DD, DSIL, Dennis or I can take her. It is hard for me to just stay out of it and be nice when we take her home. Her mom has now moved them in with her 5th boyfriend since the divorce. I did talk with DGD on the way home about telling one of us if anyone touches her or makes her feel uncomfortable. Pedifiles are known to build trust with single women to get at their kids and since mom does not seem to have much common sense I worry. Taylor told me she knows she could come to us and would for sure if anyone hurt her.

Sorry for the rambling, I am just frustrated that she is having to have so much work done. She had a root canal last month.

That's probably the hardest thing anyone could have to do...deliver a child back to their parent or guardian knowing that they were not being cared for properly, much less nurtured, appreciated and loved. That had to be so hard for you, Angie. The best you can do is be there for Taylor when she's with you. Show her a normal, loving relationship as much as you can. For her to know that you'll always be there for her, has to help and it gives her some hope. My heart goes out to you and that poor innocent child.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Poor sweetie!! I just can not fathom anyone who doesn't get dental care or medical care for their children. Just the thought of a pedophile getting any where near any of my GK's makes my blood just boil!!

You are being such a wonderful Grandmother to help out and I am sure she will have wonderful memories of all the time you guys spend together. I was closer to my Grandmother than my own mother as my mother was a career women not much interested in raising children so I speak from personal experience. The only one of my siblings she was really close to was the youngest as by the time she was born, she was finally ready to parent.

I was especially close to my grandmother too, more so than to my mom. I have so many great memories of times shared with her. I miss her everyday. She was a carefree, fun loving and spirited individual. She was the consumate homemaker. I spent a lot of time with her while I was growing up. She had a great influence on my life.

As for me, I never ever have had a cavity in my life but now am having trouble with my gums and front teeth.

Me too, great teeth, poor gums. No cavities, but loose bottom front teeth. I think it's inherited.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Hi All,

Sorry to be MIA, but I have been going quite nuts trying to get ready for the Med cruise. John sent me a reminder that I was a bad thread starter, so I apologize. Things I have learned from this cruise:

1 - If you have not already applied for your passport for next year, do it now! They say 10 weeks, but we have determined that those are not actual earth weeks, they are more like Saturn or Jupiter weeks. We had friends who waited 13 weeks and got the wifes but no husbands, and had to spend two days in Los Angeles at the passport office. Jeannine waited 12 weeks, still no passport and had to contact her congressman to get it. Start now, perhaps in 52 weeks you might get it without congressional interceedance. And no, I am not kidding!!

2 - Visiting the Disney outlet stores will cause you to buy too many clothes that you will want to add to your packing list and wear on the cruise. This messes up your color coordinating and packing list, Not to mention puts you over 40lbs a bag for checked luggage. DO NOT buy MORE Disney clothes!!

3 - Trying to limit a female to 3 pairs of packed shoes and one pair on her feet for a two week cruise is harder than not buying more Disney clothes

4 - Start looking now for small travel size items to put in your carryon bag. They go quickly and what was there today is out of stock tomorrow. Especially travel size laundry detergent. Apparently no companies in the US are making laundry tablets anymore. Check out your local Walmart/Target for the following: All Super concentrated. Travel shampoo size bottle will do two loads. Tide super concentrated in a bigger bottle, but still travel sized will do 4 loads (I think, check for yourself). People on the Med cruise are scrambling to find these now. Get them now when you see them!!!

5 - Sunscreen is limited and expensive this time of year. When it goes on sale this summer pick up some or on clearance after summer.

6 - Pick up those extra memory cards for the cameras when they go on sale through out the year. Or shop for a vertual photo album, which is a travel size box that you can download your memory cards into and clear them out without having to have a laptop!!

That is all the big stuff I can think of right now! Miss you guys and will be back online soon. We are going to try and post live from the cruise if we have enough minutes and can actually get on. We are NOT bringing our laptops so that we don't have to deal with them on the flight back.

Hi Laura, glad you were able to check in for a bit. We do miss you and look forward to having you back after your med cruise. Enjoy and send pics when you can.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Thanks Laura!



(Just bored since no one is here to play - at least we know Laura is alive and well!)

Congrats John on hitting 15500....we're really moving along now....

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Hi all

I've missed my nightly chatting. I've tried to read here and there to stay caught up. I still have quite a ways to go. Just got home from my son's 7th birthday party. This mom really pushed my buttons: the party was at a place called Build-a-Bear where each child makes a teddy bear. It costs around $25/child. My son wanted to invite his class so I allowed him to do so, and we didn't invite his cousins figuring we would celebrate with them this week-end. Anyway, so he has about 20 kids in his class so it isn't cheap. Many of the children in his grade have brothers/sisters in my older son's class (3rd grade). One Mom came with her two sons, the one that was invited and then the older brother. The older brother went straight up to the personnel and asked for a name tag. I looked very surprised and the mom said "oh, I wasn't sure if he was invited or not. I figure your older son would want his friends." I said no, siblings weren't invited with the exception of one family (the mom that is going through her second round of chemo). I explained I was helping them out to give them a break but if her son stays it could be hard as other families might then have their siblings stay. She said something like "well I will just stay so you will have extra parents." I told her supervision wasn't the issue as the people in the store do it, and I said it is just that I already have over 20 kids coming. She then just changed the subject. By then, her child already had his name tag and was talking to the other children. ARGG. What do you guys think? I really got very flustered by the whole thing. I figure she must have been just completely oblivous to the fact it cost money per child. I know one child more doesn't sound like much but sure enough another family came and before I could say anything, their older sibling was getting his bear. I'm sure it was because they saw the other child there. It was so very frustating!

Some people are just so rude!

Anyway, sorry to be all after not being on the boards for awhile. I'm getting nervous about the Star testing for next year - my school is saying the testing is for 1 1/2 weeks and I thought is was just for one week?? Very confusing. The testing starts next week and they are sending out all the warnings that everyone needs to be in town and all appointments need to be canceled. I'm nervous to bring up the trip but there is just NO WAY we aren't going!!! Can't wait to start booking hotel, air, etc!
Lisa

I wouldn't worry about school and testing...what's the worst they can do to you? Take away your birthday???

I can't wait to start booking either. We're getting really close now to the one year mark...just a couple more days...YEAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

It's about to go down again, I am just getting caught up!

DD sounds like he is planning a nice Mommy's day for me, he really does surprise me sometimes!!

Karen

OHHHH it's nice to be surprised! Enjoy your trip and have a great Mommy's Day!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Well, missed calling in before the Dis went down this morning and then couldn't get on later as it was playing up!!! Just been for a walk and a coffee and scone!! I really must stop eating as I would like to be be happy in our cruise photos next year. I think I will have them all taken at the beginning of the cruise before the weight piles on!!!

It was a quiet night on here - just wait till they come back from the Med cruise and start focussing on ours again.

I have added a second item to my cruise box - highlighter pens!!!

Highlighter pens!!! Is that for highlighting things that you want to do on the Navigators? Good idea!

Still have 30 pages to catch up on yet so will need a time slot for that as it makes me look so lazy!

I'm glad you had a nice holiday, but I'm so glad to have you back with us...you were greatly missed!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Just realised that one year from today we might just be fully packed and ready to fly out to Orlando for a few days at WDW before the cruise!!! Might even be flying one year from today!!

May fly on Monday 5th or Tuesday 6th!!! Today is the 5th!!

YEA, it's getting SO close now....only one more year and we're moving and shaking... I have to admit, it's getting me so excited too, hitting the one year mark!

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

P.S. I corrected your spelling of successful and University.

I laughed out loud when I read this!