Metro New Orleans DISers - check in!!! - 09/2009

[shovan]

Serena, Congratulations!! This is going to be a good thing for you! I don't know how you've handle this travel for so long.

Michelle, Love your location!

On the parade, Peyton Manning must have been thinking "What the Heck?"

 

[lori1043]

Lori, Are the contacts exactly the same as the ones you had been wearing. Brands made a big difference to me. I couldn't wear anything but B&L. I'd get "pink eye" so bad I'd need the rx drops for it.

No, they are the same exact brand and scrip- they are the Acuvue Oasis. I am baffled and not happy about it!

I will be thinking of warm things to do! If we were in the house, or even owned it yet, I'd have ya'll up there if time allowed. I DO have some good ole New Orleans Blend CC at this apt! I suggest lots of coffee , tea or hot chocolate!

We got back from Miami yesterday afternoon just in time for the parade. But we were so tired, we bailed, after the first 4 or 5 floats. We should have stayed because the city was in gridlock and we didn't get home for hours anyway.

The trip was worth every penny we paid and much, much more! What an experience! We arrived in Miami early Saturday afternoon and after checking into our hotel we headed to South Beach to meet up with my cousin and her husband (who also were lucky enough to be able to purchase tickets to the game per the ticket lottery). Stupid me forgot the camera back at the hotel so no pictures, darn it. One thing that really surprised me was the overwhelming presence of Black and Gold everywhere you looked. My cousin's husband Harold estimated about 30 to 1 of Saints to Colts fans. There was a club called Fat Tues Day that had a big Who Dat sign and was blasting out Saints songs. We had a ball! Another place had a huge WHO DAT NATION sign all across the front of the building. I hated to leave.

We left extremely early for the game, about 11:30 in the morning. Mike was worried about traffic and parking and navigating our way in a strange city. But he insists we leave 3 hours before games at home and we live 20 minutes away from the Dome.....hehe. Parking was $60! Yikes! And the parking lot was about a mile and a half from the stadium. There were little bicycle rickshaw thingies that seated two passengers and the driver would ferry you to the stadium for $30 a person. We said no thanks, we would walk.

There were fan experience areas set up to while away the time before the gates opened. Unlike South Beach the day before, there was a lot more blue showing up. I was really getting nervous about the game and couldn't wait for it to start. One thing I was worried about was whether we would be seated near other Saints fans or would we be right in the middle of Colts fans in enemy territory. I needn't have worried. Our section of the stadium was predominantly Who dat fans! Whew! A few Colts fans scattered here and there but there were so many Saints fans around us it almost seemed like a home game at the Dome. Lots of high-fiving, lots of cheering, hugging and crying. Lots of Crunk!!!!

I was also SO happy to find that they were playing our music just like at home. After we scored, they would play When the Saints Go Marching In. After the point after, they would play Second Line. And while we were getting ready to kick off, Stand Up and Get Crunk! Even after the music stopped at kick off, the Who Dat Nation continued to sing. It was amazing.

After the presentaion of the trophy, they started playing some New Orleans music. Iko Iko and Professor Longhair. What a night! Mike said, "I'm not leaving! They'll have to kick me out of this place." I'll remember this for the rest of my life and be so thankful that we were there! But I must say, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't be home in New Orleans also. I wish there was a way I could have been in both places at the same time.

Thank you for this report!!!! Love it!

lori,

Go to fox8live.com. They have their whole parade coverage on video on their website. It's in 5 parts.

They had the best coverage out of all the channels.

I WILL! Thank you!

Hi gang....I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

I'm so excited and sad at the same time. I had to tell my team members today and it was not easy....tears were shed. I hate to leave them because we worked so well together but this is what's best for me and my family right now.

Lorie I'm sorry about your insurance fiasco. I too would be p'od! Wow I would even file a complaint with someone above this person.

Lori yes there's nothing like your OWN bed...after sleeping in hotels for the past year I can attest to that.

I can't believe we're about to have sleet and snow tomorrow....

The parade last night was AWESOME but scary. There were people in droves
everywhere. Aly and I watched it right in front of my office building
which was at the beginning of the parade. We still didn't get home until 930 or
so. The traffic was at a stand still for at least 1.5 hours so we waited in my
office.

I'm so excited for you guys who are heading to Disney this weekend. I wish I was going as well.

Mary glad to hear you're feeling better.

Lorie how's Sienna?

My shoulders have been hurting off and on since last night. I'm not sure why; nothing seems to help. could this be stress related?

S- CONGRATS!!!! it's always hard to leave a job, even if you are moving to a place that will make life easier. I hoope the transition is smooth as it can be!

Lori

 

[Muffin]

Thanks Sheryl. I'm glad you mentioned it, I did that before the game now I have to go back and make it past tense.

 

[Ms Marigny]

Serena- CONGRATS on getting the job! Yes, it is probably stress hurting your shoulders- it happens to me all of the time.

Jan- Sounds like y'all had a great time! Thanks for the report!

Lori- The contact lens situation is baffling... I wear the same lenses and haven't had any problems with them. Could it be the change in humidity maybe?

On the car situation, it sounds like it was the body shop that made the mistake, and the adjuster who finally noticed it was the wrong car. Doesn't really matter now though, it's not like they can change their mind. DH is still going to the dealershop tomorrow to see if anything can be worked out by either trading in the Subaru or the Camry after it is fixed because he still wants to get the RAV4. We'll see....it's not like we have to get a new car now, so if we don't like what they offer, we can just leave it.

As if I'm not stressed out enough, the lottery for Audubon Charter is tomorrow. DH is going to see what number Sienna is. We won't know if she got in or not, but we'll know the likelihood of where we stand. She was #60 last year and didn't get in, so if it is 50 or below then she has a decent chance of getting in.

Sienna is feeling much better but is still very stuffed up (she sounds very funny when she talks ). I'm praying that Erik doesn't get sick now!

 

[Ms Marigny]

Y'all check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5130VUzrkjM

It's the Colts victory parade from 3 years ago. I know it's freezing cold up there this time of year, but nobody does it like us.

Oh yeah, we throw a much better parade... it's so strange seeing people on floats not throwing anything. And where are the bands? You have to have bands!

 

[Terry36]

Serena- CONGRATS on getting the job! Yes, it is probably stress hurting your shoulders- it happens to me all of the time.

On the car situation, it sounds like it was the body shop that made the mistake, and the adjuster who finally noticed it was the wrong car. Doesn't really matter now though, it's not like they can change their mind. DH is still going to the dealershop tomorrow to see if anything can be worked out by either trading in the Subaru or the Camry after it is fixed because he still wants to get the RAV4. We'll see....it's not like we have to get a new car now, so if we don't like what they offer, we can just leave it.

As if I'm not stressed out enough, the lottery for Audubon Charter is tomorrow. DH is going to see what number Sienna is. We won't know if she got in or not, but we'll know the likelihood of where we stand. She was #60 last year and didn't get in, so if it is 50 or below then she has a decent chance of getting in.

Sienna is feeling much better but is still very stuffed up (she sounds very funny when she talks ). I'm praying that Erik doesn't get sick now!

Thanks Lori...Bethany recommended Icey Hot and its working.

I have my fingers crossed for miss Sienna. I know that too is very stressful. Glad to hear she is feeling better and on the mend.

 

[zipuzee]

Hi gang....I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

The parade last night was AWESOME but scary. There were people in droves
everywhere. Aly and I watched it right in front of my office building
which was at the beginning of the parade. We still didn't get home until 930 or
so. The traffic was at a stand still for at least 1.5 hours so we waited in my
office.

My shoulders have been hurting off and on since last night. I'm not sure why; nothing seems to help. could this be stress related?

Congrats on the job!! I tried to find you yesterday, but there were just too many people. Your shoulders could be sore from hunching because of the cold, or shivering. Mine were hurting today too, and I'm pretty sure thats what caused it.

Lorie - good luck in the school lottery. That can be really stressful.

 

[TigerKat]

Fingers crossed for Sienna!

Just wanted to pop in and tell y'all to have a happy & safe Mardi Gras in case I don't have time to get back on. Talk to y'all when I get back next week!

 

[Ms Marigny]

Kathy, have a wonderful time!

Erik is sick now too. I was up all night with him, except when DH took him downstairs for a couple of hours so I could get a little sleep. It's a cold like Sienna has. I'm starting to feel sick now too...

So it's a morning of stresses, other than the sick kids...DH is going to Audubon for the lottery and is going to the dealership after that to get the Subaru "appraised". Pray that they see the "diamond in the rough" in the Subaru.

It is looking like some cold nasty weather for this Mardi Gras season! Everyone is still welcome to come over for Endymion, but it is looking like I won't being going out to the parade itself now with these sick little ones (it's gonna be cold!). The party can come back here to watch DVDs and play the Wii to get out of the cold.

 

[cajunmommy]

Morning everyone! It's sleeting here, and I got word about 20min ago that it was snowing in Clinton (just a few miles up the road). Looks like it'll be a crazy afternoon.

MsTerry - Congrats on the job offer! I can't believe you were able to stick with the commute to Jackson for as long as you did. It must have been a good group of co-workers. Regarding your sore shoulders, I'm agreeing with both comments. No doubt about the stress being a contributer, but I get so tensed up when I get really cold, I start to feel it in my back & shoulders. I'm hoping you feel more relaxed today.

Lorie - Hoping the crud doesn't stick around too long for you & little E. I've got my fingers crossed that you'll see some good luck today.

Lori- I'd call your eye dr. & explain the situation. It sounds like you've developed some sort of sensitivity to the lenses. Hopefully they can give you some good suggestions that don't involve lots of $$$.

Y'all stay warm & safe on the roads!

 

[Ms Marigny]

Oh well, Sienna didn't get in. The bad luck continues....

 

[TigerKat]

Oh well, Sienna didn't get in. The bad luck continues....

Oh Lorie, I am so sorry.

 

[shovan]

Hey y'all,

cajunmommy, Be careful out there! We had a little bit of sleet here, but it's stopped now & shouldn't stick.

Lorie, I am really sorry Sienna didn't get in!! That really sucks!! You must be feeling pretty low my friend, with both kids sick too. Sending you hugs & prayers!

Kat, I hope you have a smooth flight! I'll call you while we there, try to get together.

Gotta run.

Everyone North of the lake, be safe!

 

[Ms Marigny]

Thanks for the hugs and good wishes. I am feeling pretty low right now. I'm not sure what we're going to do about Sienna right now in regards to school, but I have a list of preschools/daycare I'm going to start calling just so she has some sort of socialization/school environment before she starts kindergarten (which I have no idea where that will be...).

It does look like I'm getting the RAV4 though! DH low-balled as hard as he could and they met the limit of what we could spend. The guy at the dealership drove it here so I could test drive it since I'm stuck home with the sick kids today- that's customer service! The car is clean and nice, but I will miss my Subaru, I won't lie. It's like my problem child...

 

[lori1043]

Lorie- I am SOO happy for you to be getting your cute car!!!

I am sorry that Sienna didn't get into the school, though. I know my opinion(b/c I am a homeschooler) may not be a good viewpoint from your perspective-BUT before I even had the horrid thought of homeschooling planted into my heart, and Ashton was 3 and 4 years old, I had these same fears. Because she was on chemo, we had to keep her home, so I got a lil program for preschoolers and worked with her 45 minutes to an hour per day(the curriculum was planned out and this is how long a whole day took us). Didn't help with the social part, but at least she was familiar with ABC's. I am here to tell you that it made very little difference. I really think it is in personality whether they socialize well or not at that age. Ashton was shy at first, but within a few weeks she had a new best buddy and they stayed best friends for 2+ more years. We never had problems with her crying to go home or clinging to my leg on the way out of the door. She may have dried once at naptime but the teacher told me about it later-no one called me to come get her and that is what I wanted-unless she was sick or something.

I am unsure I even needed to do any type curriculum with her in preK. I think it was more fear of my kid being the ONE kid with no knowledge of the alphabet or numbers- but they DO naturally get it-esp with a good momma like you- and I am sure she watches Sesame streeet or other educational Tv so you can have a few moments reprieve. I mean, you cook a lot in front of her, you are with her- I PROMISE you she will not go into kindergarten the dumbest or least socialized if you do not put her somewhere.

I used to have Ash in Montessori/day care 2-3x a week before she got sick(and she was out by 2 years 10 month, when she was dx'd). While I DO think it can be good for them, I had Haley in a formal pre-school program at our church 3x a week till she hit kindergarten (then we homeschooled)and her readiness was even LESS than Ashton's. Even her teachers told me this. She is just not interested. This is why I think it is personality based. At least for regular kids! I don't have geniuses on my hands, but I can tell you that Ash excels and Haley holds her own pretty well. I just want to help put your mind at ease- you're such good momma!

I am sure the teachers out here in NOLA Dis-land , can help you more.

I hope you can get her into a great lil preschool program somewhere, but know that if you cannot, or have reservations, that it'll be OK. Do you all have any part time Montessori programs nearby that doesn't cost a body part?

Hope I am not stepping on your toes- just my way of trying to help make you feel a LIL better. That school lost out on a GREAT kid!

Lori

 

[Terry36]

Hi everyone...boy is it nasty outside.

Well I took Aly to the Sports Med Dr this afternoon to see why she's been having back pain. The diagnosis is shoulder and upper back fatigue weakness...He wants her to rest from gymnastics and cheerleading for a week and continue with the heating pad and Advil. He also provided several shoulder excercises to do 3 times a day in which she has to use a resistance band. He wants to see her in 3 weeks. Between gymnastics, cheerleading and her heavy backpack, its no wonder she hasn't had problems before.

Erik is sick now too. I was up all night with him, except when DH took him downstairs for a couple of hours so I could get a little sleep. It's a cold like Sienna has. I'm starting to feel sick now too...

So it's a morning of stresses, other than the sick kids...DH is going to Audubon for the lottery and is going to the dealership after that to get the Subaru "appraised". Pray that they see the "diamond in the rough" in the Subaru.

It is looking like some cold nasty weather for this Mardi Gras season! Everyone is still welcome to come over for Endymion, but it is looking like I won't being going out to the parade itself now with these sick little ones (it's gonna be cold!). The party can come back here to watch DVDs and play the Wii to get out of the cold.

...I was hoping Erik's little resistance would hold out but those bugs are super strong. I hope all of you get well quickly.

Oh well, Sienna didn't get in. The bad luck continues....

Awe I'm so sorry...let's find another school for our angel.

It does look like I'm getting the RAV4 though! DH low-balled as hard as he could and they met the limit of what we could spend. The guy at the dealership drove it here so I could test drive it since I'm stuck home with the sick kids today- that's customer service! The car is clean and nice, but I will miss my Subaru, I won't lie. It's like my problem child...

I have my fingers grosses for you!

Morning everyone! It's sleeting here, and I got word about 20min ago that it was snowing in Clinton (just a few miles up the road). Looks like it'll be a crazy afternoon.

MsTerry - Congrats on the job offer! I can't believe you were able to stick with the commute to Jackson for as long as you did. It must have been a good group of co-workers. Regarding your sore shoulders, I'm agreeing with both comments. No doubt about the stress being a contributer, but I get so tensed up when I get really cold, I start to feel it in my back & shoulders. I'm hoping you feel more relaxed today.

Thank you...only my left shoulder is hurting now.

Be careful up there in Clinton. Stay warm and at home.

Fingers crossed for Sienna!

Just wanted to pop in and tell y'all to have a happy & safe Mardi Gras in case I don't have time to get back on. Talk to y'all when I get back next week!

Have fun girl.

 

[shovan]

Lorie, I am probably being way too honest here, (especially if DD read this) BUT, I do agree with Lori, socialization really depends on the child. I worried because DD was an only child about socialization. So, we started a Montessori program at 2 yrs old. Her teachers immediately described her as "a very social child". She did very well in the Montessori program, but when I had the option to keep her in Montessori for 1st grade (at the same school) her teacher actually described her as "too social" & having trouble with boundaries & "gray areas". She recommended that she attend a traditional style school. 1st grade was not easy for her, sitting in a desk all day. Although she did excellent grade wise & much better than average on standardized test. By second grade she evened out with grades & in the standardized testing. We really questioned later on, whether the early schooling was worth the cost.

Terry, How old is Aly? Did she see Dr Binder? Maybe you & I really need to talk? This is one of those situations, when I don't know whether or not to butt in? If you want any outside opinions, maybe we should talk?

 

[Terry36]

Sheryl she'll be 11 next month and yes it's Dr Binder..... What's going on; what do you know? Yes please PM or call me; I'm worried now

 

[cajunmommy]

Well, it looks like Jack Frost got held up north of here last night, but he's finally made it through! It's been snowing here (@ my office, north of BR) for the last hour! Mostly wet stuff that melts once it hits the ground, but some of it has started to stick. Guess the school boards are secretly celebrating that they finally called this one correctly!

North Shore - Have y'all seen anything yet? DH said it was only sleeting @ the house (about 1hour ago).

Lorie- Disappointed to hear about S not "winning" the lottery, but honestly, those odds looked pretty extreme. She wasn't bumped because of one of the Jolie-Pitt kids, was she? I am glad y'all were able to make a deal on the RAV4. So, the big question is who'll get to drive it? You or DH?

 

[zipuzee]

North Shore - Have y'all seen anything yet? DH said it was only sleeting @ the house (about 1hour ago).

I left home at 6:50 and it was just raining. If the white stuff does show up, I'll probably miss it. But I'm sure my daughter will call and let me know about it.

Lorie - sorry about the school lottery. I have no advice to offer here, but it looks like you'll get some good advice from the others. Glad things are working out with the new car!!

Looks like its gonna be a pretty cold Mardi Gras - stay warm everybody!!