Nothing Thread

[Rash]

(yes, that's a bobsled, best I could do)

That aint no bobsled. It reminds me of when we were kids and we used to find whatever we could to use as a sled - usually some big piece of cardboard. And there would always be one of us who looked like that smiley in the back by the time we finished.

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

That aint no bobsled. It reminds me of when we were kids and we used to find whatever we could to use as a sled - usually some big piece of cardboard. And there would always be one of us who looked like that smiley in the back by the time we finished.

Sorry for being sled-impaired. I guess I was absent from school the day we did the Sled Curriculum.

Poor Tooneric, let's all cross our fingers that Katrina changes direction, as right now it looks like she's headed straight for the Big Easy. At least we know he and his family are safe if it hits, since he seems to have sledded away yesterday. Hopefully their house will make it through unscathed if the storm does strike N.O. Pixie dust to our favorite toon!

 

[lllovell]

Run Toon Run!!! I have never seen anything like this storm that is coming in (I guess I was too young self absorbed to understand the possibilities of Andrew before it came ashore way back when). Sending thoughts and prayers to everyone in this storms path! ugh

Imagine my small bit of experience with snow and ice and think of the contraptions we used when we would actually GET something to slide on as kids. (I can only remember one real sled trip down a hill in my life and when I went flying off, it was enough to curb my desire to do it again - I think I was just too old by then and it actually hurt!)

Jrnnt - I sooooo understand about the baby clothes. The good news is that the clothes we have for the boys we kept (since I wasn't sure we were done) and about 70% of the first year clothes are genderless. Yellow, white and green are great neutral colors, so I have unboxed most of the first year's clothing, bought a few packages of pink sleepers (and some dresses and such) and we are pretty much set. Luckily, I had picked the nursery before my first was born and it is Noah's Ark with lots of animals, so it also is genderless, so no changes required there either! Now I just need someone to have a boy to give the rest of these clothes to! (my sister is due in January, but is also having a girl so no luck there)

Happy Sunday!

Laura

 

[gopherit]

Now I just need someone to have a boy to give the rest of these clothes to! (my sister is due in January, but is also having a girl so no luck there)

LOL, I can relate! My kids are now school-aged (youngest started kindergarten this year!) I lucked out last year and became friends with someone who has a dd about 2 yrs older than mine. Bless her, she gave me her dd's school uniforms. Those jumpers run $42 a pop, so this was no small favor! SHe wouldn't take anythig for it (she gave me 4 jumpers, 4 Land's End shirts, a sweater, some Gap shorts and pants, etc -- all in pristine condition!) I made her take a hefty Outback Certificate - least I could do! IN any case -- I found out this year they moved schools -- so no more uniforms! Rats! I was hoping to ride that jumper gravy train through to the 6th grade... (Now I gotta go stalk the 2nd grade class now and find a new "girl-family" to latch on to, haha!)

Seriously, though, I'm always amazed by people who DON'T take hand-me downs, if they are in good shape. My sister gave me her girl's nice dresses -- I was ecstatic! And my brother's wife has enjoyed getting some of my boy's stuff lately. I used to give it to my DH's brother's fam - but honestly, it was never used. I'm talking about GAP, Gymboree - decent stuff. So I sent my "gravy train" to a different station. They seem to be taking the girl's stuff I've sent them, though - maybe it took a 3rd child for them to realize this hand-me down stuff ain't so bad, haha. My niece is EXACTLY right for my dd's old stuff, too - born in same season, same size, and recent clothing ,too, so not like it's been mothballed or circa 1970s.

This Katrina looks WICKED. Our next-door neighbor has 4 kids - One named Andrew, One named Katrina. The mother's name is Jeanne. I told her I'm cancelling any trip I make to anywhere coastal on years where "Craig" or "Renee" are the possible storm names. And I'm not sure what plans I'll make in 2007 -- I see her DH's name "Jerry" is up for grabs as a storm name that year. Those people are cursed! One funny note, though. I'm driving my kids to school on Friday, and the radio blurbs out, "Up next -- Katrina -- She's headed for Florida! Where will she go from there? Stay tuned for more details." My middle son looks puzzled and says in all seriousness,

"Well, she told me she was going back to college next week!"

He still, every time he hears his dad or me discuss the storm, says her last name, as if there is only one "Katrina" in this world, and she's it!

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

One funny note, though. I'm driving my kids to school on Friday, and the radio blurbs out, "Up next -- Katrina -- She's headed for Florida! Where will she go from there? Stay tuned for more details." My middle son looks puzzled and says in all seriousness,

"Well, she told me she was going back to college next week!"

Out of the mouths of babes, too funny! (But anyone weathering this Hurricane has my sympathy and best thoughts all goes well).

 

[wtpclc]

I love what kids day. I have 2 nephews on dh's side. DN1 asks me to guess his age last night. Well, I celebrated your birthday with you last month. You just started 1st grade this week, you're six. DN2 holds up 2 fingers on each hand and says "I'm 4." Well,he's not and big brother would not let that go so he says, "No, you're not. You're 3. You're not even a whole hand!" Can any of you remeber thinking. Gee, I'm a hand plus 1 finger and he's only 3 fingers. He's not even a whole hand?

Then, at the dinner table, he asks his mon, "Is the garbage still in your truck?" Says it like she's got a side job as a trash collector. He really wanted a box left over from decorating teh hall, but it was funny.

Thanks forall the b-day wishes. DInner with teh in-laws went well. SHe did not go all out like she does for everyone else, but less dishes that way. Dh would not let em do teh dishes, though. Very nice. I should have known.

Shower went well. I think MIL is ok again. SIL was thrilled and her dh was really thrilled when he saw all teh luge, I mean loot.

Mar', I loved your bobsled/luge.

For those of you with lots of storage, picture a very large old red barn with no animals, just tools and stuff. We can NEVER move!

Toon - I hope all's well with you!!!!!!!

 

[jnrrt]

Yeah, I just saw that they're evacuating N.O. and I thought of Toon. Hope you're safe! And here's for you!

And I know what you mean about the hand-me-downs. Whenever someone offers them to me, I'm like, "Are you kidding? Of course we take hand-me-downs!" Now, I have been burned a few times, like the couple from our church who cleaned out their attic, and left it on our porch. Their youngest was 10 when our eldest was born, and you could tell. But hey, they meant well, and I can understand the attachment. Sometimes it's hard to see your kids clothes the way others see them because you remember your kids in them, so they're all precious to you. Whenever I give them away, I'm always saying, "Only take it if you want it, you really won't offend me!" because I'm afraid they'll think they have to. But I'm always amazed when people think I'll be offended by the offer. I love the offer.

By the way, decided to postpone surgery for now. I'm going to talk to my regular doctor again in a month or so and see what happening.

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

Then, at the dinner table, he asks his mon

Is he from the West Indies? Hey Mon!

 

[jnrrt]

Okay, I'm watching the news tonight, and I'm sorry I ever said anything frivolous, even if this is the nothing thread. Katrina is seriously scary.

Toon, I really hope you're okay. We're praying for all of you down there.

 

[wtpclc]

Is he from the West Indies? Hey Mon!

Please give me spell check here!

I'm glad for Toon that the eye missed NO, but it does not sound good at all. going btwn 4 and 5. My thoughts are with everyone in the area.

Morning all! Starting the coffee in the closet.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

One twelth of the roof just came off the SuperDome in NO!!! Ten thousand people are inside to be SAFE from the storm. I can't help but worry about them. I will be praying today for everyone in the area of NO, MS and Mobile and parts of above them. Here in Birmingham, we are forecast for tornadoes as a result of the wind!

 

[wtpclc]

And NO isn't even in the "eye" of the storm. That is so scary.

 

[lllovell]

I can't even imagine what they are going through. I have a person that is very dear and special to me that lives above NO and works IN NO and I really really feel like I won't relax again until my phone rings and I hear that all is well (and unfortunately, it might be days on that one - - - who knows where and when power, phone lines, cell towers will be operational again). *sigh* Mother Nature is one powerful lady at times. I suspect it will be days before we get a good status report on Tooneric as well. Yuckie! (and also Lulu that posts here lives there...worried about her and that beautiful baby in her siggy).

Monday *blah*

Jnrrt - glad you decided to wait until you are sure about your hand!

Mar - just so know you, I am back on my mission. With hubby starting his new job this a.m., taking the children to school is my duty again....so *putting on stalker hat* that other DVC parent is on my list....*diving behind bushes when anyone looks my way* oof! Hope I meet up with her soon!

Carrie - I am so glad to hear that hubby was good to you and that your dinner and shower went well! Sometimes the anticipation is worse than the actual experience huh?

Calypso....any flying pancake batter this weekend?

LUGE!!!

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

Yikes, I didn't realize the superdome was losing it's roof, how scary must that be to the people seeking refuge there? I keep watching TWC for updates, hopefully the hurricane will lose strength as it moves up the US. Our pal Tooneric can give us a firsthand report on New Orleans when he gets back. I guess that might be a while if the town loses electricity or the water supply gets tainted. Toon wherever you are you're in my thoughts!

Laura--Good luck on your "stalking", I'm sure whoever it is will more than likely be thrilled to find another WDW nut. Let us know how it goes! BTW been meaning to ask you forever and kept forgetting--what's your favorite Vonnegut book? I know you said you liked him when I mentioned him being one of my favorite authors. I think my fave is Sirens of Titan followed closely by Slaughterhouse 5 and Cat's Cradle.

No classes for me to teach this week, was supposed to be a full week class for me but it was cancelled due to lack of enrollment. Awww too bad--NOT! My next class, a 3 week long one, starts a week from Thursday, and right after that I am WDW bound, woohoo, less than 5 weeks away!

And I can't help but share the great news, although you may have already noticed in my siggy. As a birthday gift to me, my best friend is flying us to Paris on her points. (By the way my birthday is the same as Mickey Mouse's, 11/18, isn't that cool?) After 2 days of the city we are off to DLP for 3 days, staying in the DL Hotel. I am studying up on the parks there, both online and in guidebooks, and posted a few questions on the DLP DIS boards. Anyone ever been there? Any advice?

 

[wtpclc]

Laura - This time teh anticipation was worse than reality. Unfortunately, with dh's family, I have learned to expect the worst. Sometimes, though, it's still worse than expected. Sad, but true. Good luck with your new career as a stalker!

Mar' - Color me jealous!!!! That is way too cool. Have a great time!

 

[lllovell]

Wow Mar - that sounds like a great trip! I am married to a non-international traveling hubby, but I am working on him for trips to some of the other Disney parks (and other destinations) and he said to me recently he wouldn't mind going to Italy or Germany so maybe I am getting there! Do make sure you let us all know how it goes and if you recommend it (how could you not! It will be different I am sure, but still very amazing in its own right!)

I didn't see the news report about the Superdome losing its roof. I did hear they had lost power there already, which means no a/c, but I bet the walkways, etc are still structurally sound - I sure hope so anyway! (just so sad to me to imagine that there are people that CAN'T run when you really need to run...I feel like I would have taken my babies in the car and driven away on Saturday even if it meant we had to sleep in the car for a few days just to get out of harms way - and to think that there are people that don't even have options like that is really heartbreaking to me).

As for my favorite Vonnegut book, I think there would have to be more than one....I was initially caught by Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle but ultimately I think my favorite book is Breakfast of Champions. I enjoy them all and have read them time and time again actually (currently Bluebeard is on my bedside table awaiting a re-reading - but it has to wait until I FINALLY read the Lord of the Rings trilogy...I have been holding out on watching those movies intentionally to read the books first - for some reason, I missed those earlier in life and am about to start them next). I love reading

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

As for my favorite Vonnegut book, I think there would have to be more than one....I was initially caught by Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle but ultimately I think my favorite book is Breakfast of Champions.

\

I like B of C too, actually that was the first Vonnegut book I read, the one that "captured" me. I thought his drawings were such a hoot, esp the one of the, umm how can I say this here and not get in trouble.... rear end evacuatory aperture?

BTW I worked in a camera store many years ago and Vonnegut was (and still is I think) married to a photographer, Jill Krementz. He came in with her one day, and since I was such a HUGE fan of his I had to go thank him for writing such great books. I SWEAR I wasn't whacky or overly effusive, I just told him I thought he was an amazing writer and asked to shake his hand. To say he was underwhelmed and unfriendly is putting it mildly. He shook my hand, but with about as little enthusiasm as he could possibly have mustered. Didn't even smile. I thought he was a total bleephead. But I still like his books.

 

[lllovell]

lol I am so NOT surprised by that on one hand, but it would have been nice had he been more gracious! I was truly surprised to see him in that movie I mentioned before because it was so anti-Vonnegut behavior to me. He reminds me of Albert Einstein when I look at him - and lets face it, A.E. wasn't exactly a normal guy either lol but if he were normal, we wouldn't be discussing his books!

 

[gopherit]

About that superdome -- that's awful, and unfortunately, I'm not surprised. It's not like they (the builders) could have ever fully simulated this. When I saw people on TV filing into the SuperDome for refuge yesterday, I said to DH, "Those are some DESPERATE people -- no way would you get me in a building that size, capability unknown!" I've seen too many "marvels of engineering" in my career to put my hands in the fate of a building that magnitude under those conditions. As I said to DH, "Would YOU want to be in there when it is determined that they were - oops - "off just a tad" on their calculations ?" I heard a newsperson say it was rated to 200 mph so it was "safe" -- well, the winds were already hitting gusts near that. So it's rated to 200 mph -- ok, but within what precision? Give or take what -- 20 mph? 50 mph? 100 mph? That's too close for me, man. I think I would have gone for a 2-story concrete and mortar tried-and-true before I would have gone there. But maybe those folks didn't have a choice, God luv 'em. I'll be keeping them (along with the rest of the southern US) in my thoughts/prayers today - and try to use my mind in a positive way instead of negative prophecy, haha. Like I say about my boys when mayhem ensues.... If I could just use my powers for good instead of evil...

Hope Toon & family (and any other DISers in the path of Nature's wrath) are ok...

Looks like we'll get a taste in a day or two, all the way up here in the mid-Ohio valley.

Here's a quizzer for you, while we wait for more storm info: My middle son (who watches Storm Stories WAYYYY too often) was trying to think of a place in the US that is the LEAST affected by acts of Mother Nature. (He's trying to pick a safe spot to move to, haha!) SO where do you think that might be? My eldest said, "California!" but middle ds QUICKLY pointed out earthquakes, mudslides, forest fires, etc to him. Middle son thought "Washington - the state!" but elder ds noted the volcano, plus snow. Even here, where we live, we have occasional tornadoes, plus being on the OHio river, there are always flood issues for surrounding areas every year. I nominated Tuscon / Phoenix (if you can stand the heat, haha!) How about it -- where are the safest places, nature-wise, to reside? (My kid really wants to know!)

Have a good week -- and be safe, everyone, wherever you are located!

 

[wtpclc]

MOre info:

Estimates predict that 60 percent to 80 percent of the city's houses will be destroyed by wind. With the flood damage, most of the people who live in and around New Orleans could be homeless.

Here's teh whole story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050829/ap_on_re_us/katrina_the_big_one

I cannot even comprehend this. Prayers to everyone effected by Katrina, especially those we know. I'd really like to read some really bad poem about how Toon and his home and family are just fine right now and will be fine after all is said and done.

I still think Midwest is one of the safest places. Yes, there are a few scattered tornadoes, less here along teh Lake MI shoreline. They usually hop over us. Some flooding, but I'm out of the flood plain. We did have horrible straight line winds a few years back, but there was only one fatality aand that was indirectly from teh storm (utlity worker hurt reparing lines). Any fatalities are bad, but if we are speaking in relation to other areas, I feel pretty safe.