Nobby's Gnomies... heading to WDW in April 2010

[kschafer]

If I'm reading it right, a 10 day pass with park hopper & no exp is $487 and an AP (not incl water parks) is $469 before the discount. Can that be right? Seems like between this trip and gnomefest it might be worth it... and of course that would just enable additional trips.

According to Cheshire Figment (The dis ticket guru, I think he is in WDW ticket sales) the AP ticket cost after the discount comes to $449.54. I thought the break even point was somewhere higher than 10 days but heck LL, between this coming trip and gnomefest, you will have made your $ worth (then if you and Marc decide on a fall trip, you don't have to think about tix. BUT if you don't go, you don't lose $)

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm hemming and hawing about the AP. There is ONE thing holding me back, it just worries me that this one thing will get in the way of Gnomefest, no it's not a baby. I have to do some more calculating and thinking.

Paula, I will PM you my address as soon as I post this! I forgot about your shopping, can you just PM me and tell me EXACTLY what you are looking for...I forgot. Plus I think I will need your address too!

CP, I am so over this work thing too.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Something could get in the way of April 2010??!!?? Ack!! Can't use smilies from blackberry but use your imagination...

I know real life can get in the way but hope it doesnt- or hope its something equally good!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Something could get in the way of April 2010??!!?? Ack!! Can't use smilies from blackberry but use your imagination...

I know real life can get in the way but hope it doesnt- or hope its something equally good!

I don't know yet but should know within the next month or two I hope. I hope it doesn't, I intend to make it not interfere to the best of my ability.

 

[jenjolt]

Wow if this isn't completely vague LOL!!! You can't leave us hanging like this LL LOL!!!!! I hope everything is okay!!

Well my head cold is even worse today...there is no way I'm going to Disney sick so this needs to get out of my system ASAP LOL!!!

Okay well its a test day which I really love...students having to be quiet and working YAY!!

 

[julezdisney]

Hi guys! I'm so sorry I've been absent. I feel like I don't know what's going on in my gnomies lives!!!

Rachael and I had a very busy weekend. A birthday party Sat morning and a pageant in the afternoon. She was crowned "Little Miss Cinco de Mayo Princess" and award trophies for "Prettiest Dress", "Prettiest Smile", and "Photo Model Winner". She was over the moon!

Sunday was the worst Mother's Day ever for me. Jim and I got in an argument about the September trip. I thought we were waiting on the decision to postpone it until we knew if we could afford it closer to the balance due date in mid- August. HE thought we'd already decided to postpone it, case closed! :eek Now I'm in a big funk over it, as I had decided to say SCREW IT! and go w/just Rachael.... BUT.... Ebin would be so disappointed that I can't bring myself to do that I don't think.....

I don't know what to do. I want to do a solo trip then- BUT I'd have to worry about how Rach would get to school- unless I let her just skip a few days and go stay w/my parents. I don't know. I'm really sad about it. It just seems so unfair!! Rachael has her toys and pageants.... Ebin has his soccer and "bakugan" toys.... Jim has his bike obsession and TWO project bikes in the works and what does mom have?

N-O-T-H-I-N-G!!!!!!!

Just Disney and oddly enough, it's unfortunate that everyone else loves it too because then I'm the bad guy for wanting to go alone if that's what has to happen.

Anyway- if I decide to go anyway- anyone want to room with me? 1/2 Price on the hotel room and FREE DINING! 23rd-27th. Whaddya think my gnomies? Can anyone swing it? Probably not...... Oh sigh I'm so sad!!

Hope everything is good in your worlds. I think it is- I've been lurking mostly lately....

 

[kschafer]

Poor Julez! I'm so sorry you are having to deal with that! I totally relate. Greg has his music hobby, it's all his and he sees no big deal in spending 20 or 30 bucks a month on CD's, 160 for an I-pod and the occasional new piece of music equipment. But when I suggest a trip to Disney, he only sees 1 big price tag. I just want to say, look at your CD collection! He has (and I am not exaggerating) HUNDREDs of them. He is the only one who listens to them. He has 7 or 8 different guitars (most of which he owned before we met so I can't complain too much). The last time he asked how many trips to Disney I needed, asked him how many guitars he needed.

I wish I could say I had a hubby like Phillip or Tom who say "sure honey, if it will make you happy" Unfortunately I don't.

I would LOVE to share a room in September with you but in all reality, I will probably have started a new job and will already be taking unpaid time for gnomefest so there is no way for me to swing it.

 

[jenjolt]

Awww ladies Julez I'm so sorry you had a rough Mother's Day!!! It does seem unfair when everyone else has hobbies that cost money and when you add up how much they probably spend on them it would be a Disney trip. Seems like you got stuck between and rock and a hard place and that is not fair to you!! I hope you come up with a good solution for YOU!!!

Awww...Katie, Phillip would really appreciate that LOL...however he would tell you that he would do about anything just so HE doesn't have to go LOL !!!

Either way ladies sending all my love to you both!!

 

[julezdisney]

Awww ladies Julez I'm so sorry you had a rough Mother's Day!!! It does seem unfair when everyone else has hobbies that cost money and when you add up how much they probably spend on them it would be a Disney trip. Seems like you got stuck between and rock and a hard place and that is not fair to you!! I hope you come up with a good solution for YOU!!!

Awww...Katie, Phillip would really appreciate that LOL...however he would tell you that he would do about anything just so HE doesn't have to go LOL !!!

Either way ladies sending all my love to you both!!

Thanks, Jen At this point, I'm longing for a husband and kids who hate Disney!

Poor Julez! I'm so sorry you are having to deal with that! I totally relate. Greg has his music hobby, it's all his and he sees no big deal in spending 20 or 30 bucks a month on CD's, 160 for an I-pod and the occasional new piece of music equipment. But when I suggest a trip to Disney, he only sees 1 big price tag. I just want to say, look at your CD collection! He has (and I am not exaggerating) HUNDREDs of them. He is the only one who listens to them. He has 7 or 8 different guitars (most of which he owned before we met so I can't complain too much). The last time he asked how many trips to Disney I needed, asked him how many guitars he needed.

I wish I could say I had a hubby like Phillip or Tom who say "sure honey, if it will make you happy" Unfortunately I don't.

I would LOVE to share a room in September with you but in all reality, I will probably have started a new job and will already be taking unpaid time for gnomefest so there is no way for me to swing it.

Thanks anyway Katie! I know you'd love to say yes! And I'm glad your hubby is like mine, so I know you know what I mean!



I really am ready to revolt and just not say another word about it until September- when I'm PACKING!

 

[kschafer]

OTTV! I have gone from yesterday worrying that I would have no job prospect for next year (my current job future has been questionable and there were rumors that they may not be able to hire a new science teacher at Greg's school and if they do, the science teacher at the alternative HS was interested) to finding out that I may have a choice to make (My supervisor told me today that he is waiting to hear on an extension of the grant that funded my job this year and Greg was told they will be hiring a 2/3 chemistry teacher and the alternative school teacher doesn't want it) 2/3 isn't perfect but it would be a slight raise and no commuting. As long as it will allow for gnomefest, I'm OK with it!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Julez, I'm sorry! Big to you!!

Katie, same to you!!

 

[julezdisney]

OTTV! I have gone from yesterday worrying that I would have no job prospect for next year (my current job future has been questionable and there were rumors that they may not be able to hire a new science teacher at Greg's school and if they do, the science teacher at the alternative HS was interested) to finding out that I may have a choice to make (My supervisor told me today that he is waiting to hear on an extension of the grant that funded my job this year and Greg was told they will be hiring a 2/3 chemistry teacher and the alternative school teacher doesn't want it) 2/3 isn't perfect but it would be a slight raise and no commuting. As long as it will allow for gnomefest, I'm OK with it!

OTTV!!! I'd go for raise and no commute, personally. Good luck w/that decision!

Julez, I'm sorry! Big to you!!

Katie, same to you!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi guys! I'm so sorry I've been absent. I feel like I don't know what's going on in my gnomies lives!!!

Rachael and I had a very busy weekend. A birthday party Sat morning and a pageant in the afternoon. She was crowned "Little Miss Cinco de Mayo Princess" and award trophies for "Prettiest Dress", "Prettiest Smile", and "Photo Model Winner". She was over the moon!

Congratulations, Rachael!! You must be very proud!

Sunday was the worst Mother's Day ever for me. Jim and I got in an argument about the September trip. I thought we were waiting on the decision to postpone it until we knew if we could afford it closer to the balance due date in mid- August. HE thought we'd already decided to postpone it, case closed! :eek Now I'm in a big funk over it, as I had decided to say SCREW IT! and go w/just Rachael.... BUT.... Ebin would be so disappointed that I can't bring myself to do that I don't think.....

Oh dear. Well that IS disappointing. Case closed? That isn't really fair.

I don't know what to do. I want to do a solo trip then- BUT I'd have to worry about how Rach would get to school- unless I let her just skip a few days and go stay w/my parents. I don't know. I'm really sad about it. It just seems so unfair!! Rachael has her toys and pageants.... Ebin has his soccer and "bakugan" toys.... Jim has his bike obsession and TWO project bikes in the works and what does mom have?

N-O-T-H-I-N-G!!!!!!!

Mom has her gnomies!

Well my head cold is even worse today...there is no way I'm going to Disney sick so this needs to get out of my system ASAP LOL!!!

Hope you're feeling better, Jen!

Greg has his music hobby, it's all his and he sees no big deal in spending 20 or 30 bucks a month on CD's, 160 for an I-pod and the occasional new piece of music equipment. But when I suggest a trip to Disney, he only sees 1 big price tag. I just want to say, look at your CD collection! He has (and I am not exaggerating) HUNDREDs of them. He is the only one who listens to them. He has 7 or 8 different guitars (most of which he owned before we met so I can't complain too much). The last time he asked how many trips to Disney I needed, asked him how many guitars he needed.

Men!

I really am ready to revolt and just not say another word about it until September- when I'm PACKING!

Well that might be an interesting strategy!

OTTV! I have gone from yesterday worrying that I would have no job prospect for next year (my current job future has been questionable and there were rumors that they may not be able to hire a new science teacher at Greg's school and if they do, the science teacher at the alternative HS was interested) to finding out that I may have a choice to make (My supervisor told me today that he is waiting to hear on an extension of the grant that funded my job this year and Greg was told they will be hiring a 2/3 chemistry teacher and the alternative school teacher doesn't want it) 2/3 isn't perfect but it would be a slight raise and no commuting. As long as it will allow for gnomefest, I'm OK with it!

Wow Katie! It is a bit of a dilemma but I'm going to say congratulations nonetheless. Two job offers is better than no job offers!

Let us know if you need the gnomies to sign a petition to demand your release for April 2010!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hey CP! I have been meaning to tell you I started reading American Wife. CAN'T put it down! I love it. I have stayed up way too late the last two nights because I can't stop reading it.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So the DVC resale contract I've been stalking is still available. It's Beach Club and Oct use year... which is perfect! BUT it's more points than I wanted. You may remember I walked away from the contract when I was in FL b/c I thought 160 pts might be more than I needed. But this contract is for 200 points for a relatively low pricepoint (maybe ~$3K over what I would have spent buying direct from Disney and it would expire sooner).

What to do? So nice to be able to even enterain this dilemma. Not like I have $16K hanging around. Would definitely have to finance. But when I add the trips in Oct and Dec I already took plus the upcoming Oct, Dec and April trips I would already be well on my way to paying for it.

Do I take the plunge??? I'm going to sleep on it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hey CP! I have been meaning to tell you I started reading American Wife. CAN'T put it down! I love it. I have stayed up way too late the last two nights because I can't stop reading it.

Cool! It's going on my summer reading list now!

 

[ILuvCrush]

So the DVC resale contract I've been stalking is still available. It's Beach Club and Oct use year... which is perfect! BUT it's more points than I wanted. You may remember I walked away from the contract when I was in FL b/c I thought 160 pts might be more than I needed. But this contract is for 200 points for a relatively low pricepoint (maybe ~$3K over what I would have spent buying direct from Disney and it would expire sooner).

What to do? So nice to be able to even enterain this dilemma. Not like I have $16K hanging around. Would definitely have to finance. But when I add the trips in Oct and Dec I already took plus the upcoming Oct, Dec and April trips I would already be well on my way to paying for it.

Do I take the plunge??? I'm going to sleep on it.

Not to enable you or anything..... but....3K (in the grand scheme) isn't ALL that much... You could always rent the extra points (use 100 and rent 100...for example) and at $10 per point, you'll have that 3K back in your pocket within 3 years (not even counting that YOU won't be paying OOP for your rooms either) Plus...since you ARE hoping for a 'status' change sometime in the future..you may be really glad 3-5 years from now that you have the additional points

knowing the vacationing nature of these gnomies... you may find it VERY easy to rent points... i myself could use some more for paris just saying....

Paula

 

[kschafer]

No Gnomies this morning? What's going on here?

Ugh I feel rotten this morning! Daniel came into our room around 3 am, he went back to bed and I laid in bed thinking about the job situation. I did get to sleep in a bit but I woke up with a terrible headache!

While awake, I actually was debating in my mind if I could do both jobs. Most of my work at UNI can truly be done from home but there are the inevitable meetings I would need to attend from time to time. Greg said he saw the master schedule yesterday and the 2/3 teacher will teach the last 4 hours of the school day (11:20-3:30) Which means by the time I got boys to school, there wouldn't be enough time to make the 1 hour commute there and back and actually accomplish anything, and it would be pushing 5 before I could get there after school. SO, I don't see how I could make that work.

I crunched the numbers last night and I'm looking at a very minor increase in pay (actually a decrease if you factor in what I got paid for the class I taught in the fall). There won't be commuting cost (and time!) and there will possibly some money recovered in insurance benefits. And the long term prospects of the teaching job are better than my current job. BUT, my current job is so flexible and I do love the work I am doing.

OTTFV!!! Sorry for my ramblings this morning!!

How is everyone else? Give me some good news!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Good Morning Katie!

I hate having to make decisions about jobs and such. They are so stressful. I have no advice EXCEPT that we are here when you need to vent or anything.

I am freaking out this morning. I need to calm down but everytime I think of my trip I want to puke. I just hope this is a little phase that will pass....in like 15 minutes.

 

[kschafer]

OK, backing up a day with a few random comments for what they are worth!

LL - one more Monday at work!!

Jen (JJ)- glad you had fun at Disney on Ice and that things are at least starting to wind down. Looking forward to Nobby pics.

So as I think you know I have a ~40-60 min commute each way to work and often listen to Disney podcasts. One I listened to today was about becoming a Disney travel agent. Doesn't that sound like fun? I'm sure it's hard work but to be able to talk Disney all day (& get paid for it!)?? So I took a minute to google it at lunch and not sure you could make a single salary of it. One post said that their travel agent made $35 on their trip. Oh well - I'll keep looking for a way to make a living of my Disney obsession.

One more Monday

Waiting on Nobby Pics too!

I must have read the same thread C because I have looked into the same thing. From what I understand, there are 2 ways to go about having your own business. 1. you can work for yourself. You get the entire commission from Disney but you are on your own for generating your business. 2. you can become associated with a larger agency. they get part of the commission for directing business toward you. From what I understand, a lot of these places have agents across the country so if someone in your area contacts the agency, they send them your way. they have business partnerships that make them more visible to a wide audience but there are no guarantees of how much will come your way.

It doesn't look to be a huge investment into becoming an agent but I too question whether it would pay the bills. It's definitely what I will do if I ever win the lottery

I haven't been a passholder long enough to know if this is commonplace but I'm wondering if this coupon/discount is a "sign of the times/economy"?

From what I read on the thread about this, it has never been done before. It's a great deal for anyone who can take advantage of an AP!

The guy called me today thats replacing our porch...he's starting on the 23rd I can't wait to see it when it's all done

Ooh, that's so exciting Paula! I wish we were moving on our porches, the look so terrible!

Still working on going through those house plans...will try to get things posted one here for you soon!

I want to see! We of course are looking at areas we may choose to build in a couple years. I was at PTA the other night and was talking neighborhoods with another person who lives in one of the areas we have looked at. She was telling me that there are kids everywhere and they have neighborhood picnics and such. That is how I grew up and one of my main goals for moving so now I'm going to have to revisit this.

I'm hemming and hawing about the AP. There is ONE thing holding me back, it just worries me that this one thing will get in the way of Gnomefest, no it's not a baby. I have to do some more calculating and thinking.

I've said it before and I'll say it again LL...no talk like not coming to gnomefest!!! ()

Mom has her gnomies!

So the DVC resale contract I've been stalking is still available. It's Beach Club and Oct use year... which is perfect! BUT it's more points than I wanted. You may remember I walked away from the contract when I was in FL b/c I thought 160 pts might be more than I needed. But this contract is for 200 points for a relatively low pricepoint (maybe ~$3K over what I would have spent buying direct from Disney and it would expire sooner).

any new thoughts C? I can provide no advice but am thinking of you as you struggle with the decision!