NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[ozziewags]

deedee....don't you just hate that? I ALWAYS drink water with my meal. Have not been to the Outback, but this past July my dd and I went to the S/D and had dinner at Jiko's, which we were really looking forward to because we liked Boma so much. Our waiter was very nice.....until another family sat down very near us(the little boy made car sounds with his spoon as the car forever! sorry....but it got annoying!)....but what got me was that the mom and dad ignored their children and had THREE bottles of wine. Our waiter acted like we weren't even in the restaurant. he spent the whole time at their table. I realize that they can figure where the biggest tips come from, but I feel like I shouldn't have to order everything on the menu to get good service(especially at disney)! There....that feels better! Your post brought that to mind.

I don't know about you guys, but it sure is hot here today.....103 and very humid. You can't even go outdoors without losing your breath! My son said it felt better in Vegas! Whew. Several schools called off classes at noon.

 

[ozziewags]

Oh, DF.....your pictures are amazing! You are really getting good. That crab was adorable....such detail in your pics. I'm impressed!

 

[madge]

it's hot in K-Y, too.....at 7:23PM, eastern time, the temperature is still 90, and the heat index is 99. yikes! it hasn't really been that bad all summer long....our schools have never been called off due to heat, though. luckily we are all air-conditioned

if I'm going to be this hot, I'd rather be in FL....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by deedee723
Dreamflight, we have eaten at the Outback a number of times over the last few years. We have always found the food to be excellent however we have had a couple of experiences where our waiters were not very friendly. Last year we went with dd and ds and our main waiter made some comments to the fact that we did not order drinks (only had water) and did not order any dessert. His demeanor made us feel somewhat uncomfortable throughout the whole dinner. We went back again this year since we have 2 entertainment cards and would be getting 2 free dinners (up to 34.00 each). We ordered three filet mignons and one lobster tail and once again the food was great only this time the service was excellent also. We asked our main waiter his name and sure enough it was Rashid. He told us to just request to have him next time we came. Dh tipped him very nicely especially since we did have the two free dinners.
By the way, we do not have the Orlando Entertainment card however we were able to use the cards from our 2 South Jersey books. We just had to check ahead to make sure the Outback card number (#4) had not been previously used at a South Jersey restaurant and luckily they had not been punched. We will definitely go back again next year and ask ahead for Rashid.

Hello! I have a GF in Cherry Hill (Carla Fiorivanti!). Yes, Damian or Rashid are the only two waiters worth their salt in the Outback. Rashid is the BEST! He's been there for about 20 years, through all the changes in ownership, etc. Wonderfully friendly, and professional. Try asking for table #38 next time, you'll not be disappointed. It's the ONLY table we ever sit at, and we LOVE it. It's very cozy/private, with a beautiful view. DD loves the Koi pond and waterfall. It's just a lovely restaurant. I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^

Debbie...I wrote a couple of posts on the CL abuse thread. Very humorous, and all TRUE. Some folks never cease to amaze me...yet, they make life interesting...to say the least!

ww52...Sigma Delta, very cute! (S/D). Also, a reference to my "Delta DREAMFLIGHT~!" (LOL)

I'm stopping in before we take off again. Today has been VERY special, as DD turned 16 with the morning light! We were up early today, one of the first times this summer. Breakfast delivered via room service, and a few gifts on the cart too!
Everything was YUMMY, and perfectly prepared.

Off to shop at the NEW Millennia Mall in Orlando. We bought a new Dooney & Bourke backpack/bag for DD, as well as some other little items here and there. She expressed a desire for two new hermit crabs upon returning to the house this weekend...and we agreed. So...we'll make a trek to the CRAB LAND kiosk at the local mall...and obtain some new "living" additions to our menagerie!

As a "special surprise", we are being picked up by a LIMO in about an hour, and traveling to Disney's VERO BEACH (DD's FAV)for dinner (@ Sonya's~my DB and his wife are meeting us there too!) and shopping at the Indian River Mall...before heading back to the Dolphin. A CAKE is being placed in our suite along with some balloons and other items. We ordered this through the Concierge, whom contacted the Bakery Chef of MGM studios (The BEST on property). His specialty is CHOCOLATE...so I'm sure it will be scrumptious! Later this eve, we'll walk the BW...where DH & DD will play some carnival games, swim in the Grotto pool and make some more magical memories. She is unaware of the LIMO...and thinks we are renting a National car. She will be "stunned" by the stretch...and overwhelmed with the plans. Hey...you only turn 16 once. She already cried twice today...so we are doing pretty good. We only have a couple days remaining...and we don't want to miss anything. She's having her LUAU party in a week...and is very excited about that too.

I'll let you all know how everything goes. She's so wonderful...and never asks for anything. There will be a genuine $100 dollar bill on her cake...a special gift for her. She has always made comments about this bill...and how she would LOVE to receive one herself someday. Today...IS SOMEDAY. The chef is placing it on a white chocolate template, then placing it on the top of the cake. I can not wait to see her face when she sees it when we return. Thanks for all your warm wishes. You are all the BEST...and I appreciate all your happy and uplifting posts!

TTFN...

 

[hookedup]

Okay I finally got my pics uploaded from our recent trip to the Swan...
Click here to visit the site: WDW pics

The new ones are the WDW 2003 part 1 & 2

 

[Disbug]

dreamflight So good to hear of your special day you planned for your DD16! My DD8 will be 9 on Mon and DD14 will be 15 on Wed. (Driver's Ed LOOMS!) Your family sounds truly blessed to so love and enjoy each other's company!

Just got back from open house at DD"almost15's" high school. Makes me want to go back! All the kids, hustle bustle, silent auctions to support the crew team, Latin club, NHS, PTSA! No wonder she can't wait to go every morning! What a happy place... They are apparently now the #1 IB High School in the nation. (Woohoo!)

I want to nominate ww52's suggestion for the S/D supporters to officially be recognized as the "Sigma Delta" Sorority! All in favor, say "AYE"! DF99 should cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie!

Debbie 7452... thank you for your suggestions about the party (I'm the one having the campout BD for DD8!) I found some cute flashlights, telescopes would be way cool, especially if the night is clear. I KNOW we are doing the s'mores and campfire! Everyone is supposed to come prepared with a campfire story! (PS We would never go to CL in our jammies, we're talking about running up and down the hall much later than that!) LOL!

Mouseteacher... ozzie....#1hockeymom! virus scan says I don't have the worm so, all clear. Deleted the suspcious emails without opening the attachment so I'm safe! Whew... I also received a PM so, I guess the tech dept solved that problem!

I hope everyone is having a great day! I look forward to hearing from you all again tomorrow.

Don't forget, anyone who is thinking about booking a stay at the Sigma - Delta Sorority House, can get 500 bonus SPG pts for booking online by Aug 31!

 

[Mouseteacher]

ww52 ~ I believe those boats are probably a franchise. Proms are held on the Boston ones , too. I'm sure the scenery will be fantastic. about Boston being your 2nd favorite city. Boston is an easy city to tour on foot. I have never been to Chicago but have landed at O'Hare on a layover - but that doesn't count.

DF ~ what a wonderful birthday your DD will have - #16 is such a special day. I remember my "sweet" 16 surprise birthday party. I'm sure she will remember hers for the rest of her life. She certainly sounds like a sweet girl.

I'm up later this evening b/c I just got home after attending a School Board meeting so I can read these late posts - that's if you consider this late!

 

[Disbug]

hookedup Thanks for taking the time to share your trip photo album! I blew the pictures up to view them and they were great! Especially your view of the Dolphin! Wow! May I ask what resolution you used with your camera (digital?) I am still playing with the settings on mine, hoping to achieve better quality. (No sense in getting a better camera, until I get better!)

Thanks again, for sharing! WE all enjoy seeing them.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Wow Dreamflight your plans sound FANTASTIC!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR DARLING DAUGHTER

All is going well here, just settling the girls back into a school routine. It's been a bit of adjustment for DD Rachel. There are 3 teachers in the 2nd. grade, two of which who have training using the FM system(for hard of hearing) and they also have had a deaf student before. We requested she please be placed with one of the teachers. We arrived at "meet the teacher" night and she had the only one with no training with a deaf child. So we kindly asked the principal and she said I am not switching anyone. Well Rachel arrived at school on Monday. By the way I had gone by and had a nice conversation with this teacher, whom I already knew very well. I asked here to please move Rachel where she can see her at her desk and at the board. Long story short Rachel came home Tuesday crying because the teacher was calling her name from her desk (which she had her back to even after asking) and Rachel could not hear her and was embarraced when the others had to tell her. I again called the principal and politely asked her about how she came to the conclusion that this teacher was the best suited to teach a deaf child. Again she refused to move her. Again all this week she has had no FM system to help her out, because the teacher does not know how to use it. I finally broke down and asked my husband to call the super. and ask him what we should do. He told us to give her one more chance to take an official position on the placement of our child in this class and then if she still refuses to look at the other teachers whom have experience with a deaf student then for us to call an "Ard" meeting. Well the pricipal had a change of thought and this morning when my husband spoke with her she said she would move her. I don't know why this was so difficult. I have a teaching certificate and understand that a lot of kids ask to move to different teachers etc. Pleae know that I was very nice and was just trying to find out why this room was the best place for my child. Her response was " I have never met a handicapped person that wanted to be treated special" well that along with a few other comments have completely floored me. I have asked the principal to come to visit our home on Monday night and hopefully we can get to know each other better and get off to a better start. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest

Good Night all....

 

[#1hockeymom]

NO! We would never do that at club level! LOL Disbug is right... that was for running up and down the hallway for more ice! I have to be good there, my children were seen there being good!

I love the Sigma Delta name! I think we found the perfect fit!

Virus? I must have missed that email! Funny thing is... I turned in my school laptop on Monday to be uploaded with a new program. This morning I was typing up a bunch of things in excel and word. From 6:39-7:45 I was typing frantically trying to get some organization to my room and beat the kids walking in the door and BAM, I lose everything... first the error reports.. then it locked up. Our tech person virused us! I haven't shared between computers since last June, so I am not worried about our home PCs. Lets just say I could have been doing more productive things in my classroom had I known that was going to happen!

hookedup>> Love the pictures! Your son is such a cutie!

DF>> That is a cool idea! (the 100 dollar bill backed by white chocolate). I am sure she'll be very impressed!

106 heat index. Our parking lot was at 104 when I got out of class and checked the car temperature gage. I think the actual temp was 97. We literally baked and melted in class today. (no, you're not in trouble, lets just all put our heads down and I'll turn off the hot lights) I was glad to be driving to hockey at six today! Nothing like an ice cool rink to make the heat and humidity disappear! I sometimes wonder why we start school so early in the summer. I think we had two productive hours today out of eight we were in school.

I am with the others.. if it is going to be this hot and humid, shouldn't we all be in line for BTM?

Debbie
Proud member of the Sigma Delta

 

[MOM POPPINS]

YEA I HAVE BEEN TAGGED !!!!!


LOOK AT MY NEW TAG, Yes my last two little ones are souvenirs from our last two visits My husband says we are going to have to stop going to WDW!

 

[Disbug]

You handled that so nicely! Yet, I am doing the slow-burn here that it took a conversation from "your husband" and perhaps a call from the super to convince the principal to move your daughter?? What does "being treated special" have to do with "doing what is best for the child"?? I am so glad you are such a nice person to want to develop a better relationship with the principal. Most people would not have been so kind.

Have a great tomorrow!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Mompoppins>> First, LOVE THE TAG!!!!

Second, I must have been typing the same time you posted so I didn't see your post about school. I can't believe the teacher wouldn't move your daughter! Also, on the Freefield system (I think that was the name of the systemI have used in the past.) If I could use one as a substitute walking into a building for the first time, why can't she? My district doesn't have that system, but I really wish they did. The few times I have subbed in a room with one even the normal hearing children could focus better. It was also great being able to talk in a very soft voice ALL OF THE TIME! I hope your daughter gets a seat assignment in front of her teacher's desk! I am sure this is just a VERY rocky start, and her school year will get much better!

Disbug>> Read the rest of my mail... the virus story makes sense now!

Debbie

 

[Disbug]

Congrats! mompoppins on your tag... that is just perfect! (wink,wink!) LOL! My DH would DIE if that was our tag and I know we would be heading north for future vacations!

Sorry, so confusing #1hockeymom! Just trying to warn anyone who might get a weird email with my name attached, like I had been getting from other people! Turned out to be a false alarm, thank goodness!

mouseteacher... it does seem late since we got a late start tonight, doesn't it? I know I'm ready to wrap it up and hit the pillow!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Mom Poppins ~ cool tag!!!
(TF - It was about time that MP got her tag!!)

On a more serious note - that principal was soooo wrong!! I would never have taken that stance. Your daughter deserves the best educational services available so that she can learn and feel comfortable in her classroom. I have had children who needed the teacher to use the FM and our teachers were trained well in advance of the child coming to class. It isn't that difficult to learn. I am so glad all turned out well but my heart broke when you described Rachel's upset. She should not have had to experience that at all.


hookedup ~ DS is so photogenic as are mom and dad.

hockeymom ~ of course we would act with decorum in the Club Room. Then --------------- run amuck in the hallways???

It was really hot here too but not in the 100s. We were in the 90s. No a/c in our school. Fall-like weather is expected on Sunday but that does not make me happy - I LOVE summer.

mouseteacher
charter member of S igma D elta

 

[Disbug]

Dreamflight, ozziewags, jgates, ww52 (since it was your idea!) We need an icon with the Sigma Delta incorporating the Swan/Dolphin logos... Any body good with graphics? We need to see if we can develop one and have it for our siggies! Start posting your nominations!

 

[madge]

MomPoppins....I hope you get the school situation cleared up ASAP. that should not be happening! {{hugs}}
your daughter definitely deserves the best!

 

[ozziewags]

Hi all,
Late tonight because family just watched "Bringing Down the House".....so funny...Steve Martin/Queen L.!
hookedup.....enjoyed your pics. So cute.
DF....wondered what you were doing for DD's 16th...I knew you would come through with fabulous plans.
disbug....for the S/D sorority logo....the best person to come up with one is Loubon of the Dis Yearbook. I am amazed at his creativitiy. Montessori is great too.
mompoppins........great tag. Did you notice the nudge I gave the TF for you?! LOL. As for Rachel....I just cannot believe you were treated that way. I think it was a good idea to invite her over so you can clear the air. Doing what is best for the child is what it is all about. I wonder how she got placed in that room to begin with. Our teachers and admin. go through class lists just to make sure things like that don't happen. I am glad you didn't give up and I am sure she will have a good year. I was always told that if you don't get the answer from one source, keep going up the ladder until you do. Keep us posted.

 

[firstmickey]

Hi all,
I just spent hours catching up. I had to read from page 122!

It's all kind of a blur to me so I will just say:

hockeymom: congrats on your job

DF & hookedup: really enjoying your pictures

Disbug: Can I be in Sigma/Delta if I am planning to go to the Dolphin?

Mouseteacher: As a mom, sending her baby to Kindergarten, I want to thank you for your hard work as a teacher. Teachers (like nurses) are seriously underpaid.

When I saw all the roosters, I about died laughing. No wonder I love this thead. I fit right in. My whole kitchen is roosters. You should see my beautiful rooster cookie jar. (sounds tacky but really isn't)

thanks to all for the kind words on my trip reports. I felt inspired by Disbug!

Big room wave
Good night all!
(tomorrow I am absolutely not going near my computer - gotta get ready for back to school and do laundry! Right!)

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hello! I am up late feeding baby "Jr."

I thought I would add in a few things. Rachel was also accidentally left on the playground this week, due to not hearing the teacher calling everyone to go in. She was upset to find out when someone in another class told her that her class had already gone in. Another point with the principal was at meet the teacher night she said she would tell Rachel she did not move her to the other teachers. So she approached her to talk to her, which turned in to a talk "at" her right away. "I know you can be successful wherever you are, right" etc. She in no way asked an open-ended question for Rachel to honestly respond to only a yes or no. I have taught my children to respect their teachers, principals etc. there is no way she was going to say no to her. She got home and said "I was holding my breath so I would not cry", "I wanted to tell her no to everyone of those questions" I told the principal about how Rachel felt intimidated by their conversation that night, the prinicipal responded to me with the comment "she needs to work on that".

Whew thanks again its been a rough week around here. I feel so much pain for my children when they are hurting.

As for the sorority of Sigma Delta you can count me in I wished we could be in WDW and be taken into the magic.

Congrats to the mom who posted on her DS achievements this week in school. Isn't it strange how are children are perfect angels when they are NOT at home. I have people tell me at church "your children are so well behaved" I remember the first time we heard that comment my DH was like "our children" It gets a bit crazy around here at times with 5 kiddos, but I would not change it for anything !

Good Nighty again! Be back up in 2 hours or less...