Originally posted by ozziewags
But I hope every parent remembers that driving is a risk and you don't want your child out there in a piece of junk. OK, my $.02 is over!
"AMEN"~My "core" sentiments exactly. Thank you, Ozzie, for your wisdom, thoughts and experience.
Sheltered? Conan O'Brian? Those two are definitely "Oxymorons"
(LOL)!!
jgates~LOL!
LadyRose~Astounding deal! I just don't think these will be available for long, or certainly not year-round. That's a GREAT DEAL for the Dolphin, anytime of the year. You posted yourself the ASM was $124, and I certainly think the Dolphin is better than the ASM (JMOHO)! Kudos to you...for a great find.
Bobump~To those naysayers at work...I say, "kill them with kindness, and a large dose of
laughingplace radio on live365!" When you have live365....the MAGIC NEVER ENDS!
Thanks...for all the info. ^_^
Muffy~You sweet girl...I worry too. DD used to ride her bike almost daily to the park a mile down the road. I would stress while she was gone, until she arrived and called. Then...I'd worry (especially after dark) until she was home. DD drove the truck last eve, and when she left...I watched her drive away. In fact, I literally RAN upstairs to watch her drive by off the back balcony (I've got it BAD). I told myself repeatedly (you have to let her go...let her fly), but the words seemed empty, and lacked the consolation I felt they should have delivered.
DH was doing some things at work. So alone, I waited. I never knew...the sound of the GARAGE DOOR OPENING was SUCH a LOVELY SOUND! Like a symphony, singing: "She's HOME...She's HOME!" The funniest part is....
she never knew, for one moment, I was worried. Good Lord, is this what my parents/mother went through when I would dance out the door to drive off into the sunset with my friends for a weekend eve of fun? They too...never let on one bit. I feel I've entered the realm of a "SECRET SOCIETY", one where adults worry over their young, without revealing the anxiety. Whew...now I know why we AGE so rapidly when our children reach this plateau. We KEEP IT ALL INSIDE, and SMILE on the OUTSIDE! How much longer must I do this? Is there another plateau somewhere, where I may remove the SMILING MASK, and expose my furrowed brow and wrinkled forehead? LOL....I believe this one never ends.
Wow...Your DS is doing extremely well. I recall the accolades he's achieved, but didn't know about the Beemer (M3). He must be feeling independent and accomplished. You definitely have reason to be proud!
ww52~AGE? What's that? Here on the DIS, and especially on this thread...we are ALL the SAME AGE==YOUNG (at heart).
"Fairy tales will come true, it will happen to you...if you're YOUNG AT HEART..." ^_^
Oh, takin' the train to DT Chicago...what a nice way to commute. Mass transit is a foreign concept here in the LAND OF CARS. Everyone in California has their own car. Even with the introduction of the "car-pool" lanes years ago, (which are empty), folks STILL refuse to relinquish driving their own cars (alone). San Francisco does much better with public transit than any other city in the state. Still...they pale in comparison to your city, Boston or NY.
Thanks for the info w/regards to vehicles. I drove a used car in College, and experienced some trouble with "battery" failure, etc. It was always a hassle, waiting around for
AAA to help. Most of the time, I relied upon the kindness of strangers. Yet, after reading about the recent lawsuit involving AAA, and the details of the matter, I feel even more indemnified about the "new" car decision. Some strangers, especially nowadays, are anything but "kind", (even though our children in their naive state of distress may believe this to be the case). I appreciate your input.
MOM POPPINS~ You are correct on your list! I forgot you were a former "lurker" too! I'm so bold...I jumped right into Posting! Yes...you mentioned many originals, and can add KIMMAR (before she began the WL thread). Jen was a hoot, and Happytrails pops in once in a while (but I have not heard from him in ages either).
What's your take/ideas on the "CAR" thing?
YES...I too LOVE the STARWOOD check-in desk at the Dolphin. It makes it so much faster to be able to bypass the counter and check-in at this convenient location!
marymrg~I use the National/Alamo Car Rental service located near the lobby of the Dolphin (across from the Disney Ticket counter), at least 5 times per summer! We love the convenience and service. Be sure to say hello to "Melissa" (usually works M-F), the National associate manning this counter for more than a decade~!
What's the logic behind the "Not having the car for college?" I'm not getting it. I used my car in college all the time, for a NUMBER of things. Looking back, I would have been LOST without it (or certainly hindered beyond belief). It was my own personal "link" to my home. Whenever I sat behind the wheel, I could literally "hear" the voices of my mom and dad (telling me to drive safely, and their "I LOVE YOU" seemed to echo all over the interior). I also felt "connected/closer" to them, just by sitting in the car. It was almost a santuary, a place of comfort and peace. It would permit me to leave the world of school, and enter the REAL world. I know...it probably sounds corny and sentimental to most of you. But, for me...it worked wonders.
zurgswife~Would you like another shipment of the suds? I'll pm you asap. I have to RUN right now (literally), but will post when I return.
The baby ducks are growing so fast. I'm reminded of the solo baby w/mommy this past summer at the DOLPHIN. We would watch them each day, outside the window and on our way to the friendship dock. She would "huddle" over the baby, and protect it from any/all threats and danger. When the storms approached, she would "usher" the tiny ball of fluff under the nearest shrub, with tender loving care. Nature, is such a wonderful place to see reflections of LOVE and NURTURING.
mousteacher~Where are you? You must be having a BUSY morning, as I'm sure all MONDAYS are in your profession!
TTFN....DF99
But...DD tells her friend she should be happy to have a car at all. Some young adults do not get ANY vehicle, and must work to buy their own. Yes, DD wants to pay for the insurance and even the car. Yet, we want her to concentrate on school at present, and school-related activities. Her GF works at Red Lobster as a hostess, and doesn't get home until 11:30 some school eves! NO WAY. Not with H & AP classes. She needs to focus, and also have some "free" time. 
He He...DD knows the MALL area well? Cute. I like the C-phone "pay as you go", but in La La Land...most that "work", where you can actually place the call and have it go through, are all contracts. We are w/AT&T~Verizon. The phones do everything imaginable...take pics, check/send email, PDA, etc.
