apirateslifeforme
The Next Mrs. Simon LeBon
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2003
- Messages
- 9,214
@bobbiwoz, I love the puzzle! We have a similar wintery Thomas Kinkade puzzle framed on our wall right now. I hang it up for Christmas but then leave it through February, as the Christmas theme isn't as obvious. DH and I put it together many years ago; I think it took us about a month to do it!
Tina, I am so sorry for your difficulties with the insurance and the nursing home. There is no love in my heart at all for insurance companies. I feel that all they care about is their bottom line and heaven forbid they do what's correct for people. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this. I'm glad it turned out well, and I'm still sending lots of hugs and prayers to you
@Kirby, I'm so sorry to hear your news as well. So many hugs and prayers coming to you as well
@sweetpeama, my son is only 5 and I swear he says the same things to me every day. Or rather, screams them at me. "You always do *this,* you ALWAYS do *this*"...I've often asked him if there's anything I do right. Then he says he hates me. At least to that, I laugh and say "Good, then I'm doing my job." But inside it hurts something awful....
I'll get my downers out of the way first. My aunt called last night. Her chemo isn't working, so she was given 2 options. She is calling the Mayo Clinic today to see if they can get her in within a week. (And I could have sworn there was another excellent cancer center in the country, but I can't think of the name right now.) Her doctor stressed to her, it has to be NOW. If that doesn't happen, her only other choice is hospice. I can't even think about how long she might have left. We all said at Christmas, she won't be here next year, and it looks like that's definite now. I've progressed to being angry over her situation. I sound childish by saying "it's so unfair" but it really is. It took her and my uncle 50 years to get back together and now they've only had 3. I think my uncle would probably say that they're the best 3 years he's ever had, but they deserve more.
The other weirdness is that Josh's teacher has been "sick" all week. She wasn't in school on Tuesday - and neither was the technology teacher (they always have that class on Tuesdays). Yesterday, the asynchronous day, while she did send assignments for the day as usual, she canceled the morning meeting that they always have. And the assignments were vague, most of them were "watch this video" things. We were done well before noon. Today, she sent a message that she wouldn't be in today or tomorrow, and here are your assignments. Again, vague and mostly video-watching; we were done by 10:30 a.m. Thursday is art class day, and what do you know...the art teacher canceled her meeting as well. Now, we've heard a rumor that teachers in the area were planning a "sick out," as our positivity rate yesterday was 10.72% (although I heard that it went way down already since then). There was also a board of education meeting recently and apparently the chairman, who NOBODY likes, was making "snide comments about words he can't say," was interrupting people and not letting them speak, and generally being rude. He had posted on his FB page that COVID doesn't exist. So I think this is an attempt by the teachers to show that they are not comfortable with the decision to "go back as normal." Starting February 1st, they will have to be in the classroom 5x per week and there will no longer be any deep cleaning like they do on Wednesdays now. On March 1st, the hybrid ends and ALL kids will be back in the classroom, 5x per week. So something is definitely up with all of these teachers being out all of a sudden. I wish it didn't have to be this way. It's hurting the kids (and the parents...I know I'm really struggling. Without the meetings, I have no guidance on what she's looking for). But I totally understand why they're doing it and I do support them.
On a brighter note, Josh did his winter I-Ready math diagnostic and he improved slightly, from 86th percentile in the fall to 89th percentile now. So he's learning something and I'm very proud of him!
)
Our first time with a little one was in February 2018! It was really hot and crowded, but we managed. Josh met Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theatre (that was the talking Mickey Mouse, too), but he got really shy. So Mickey danced with me instead, twirled me, and gave me a big hug. That was when we discovered how much Josh LOVES the Haunted Mansion, too - he was only 2 1/2! And it's still his favorite ride! He also really liked the Carousel of Progress and the Hall of Presidents. I didn't think any child that age would have the attention span for those 2 shows, but he did! (He did ask once, quite loudly, "Mommy, is it over yet?" during the movie part of HoP, but only that one time. Otherwise he sat quietly and watched without complaint.)
One of my most favorite moments was when DH and I went with his parents in March 2013. Mom had rented one of those scooters - which she kept crashing, not really funny but totally funny at the same time. This particular time, however, we were in Epcot and heading for the Land pavilion. I was walking sort of next to her, a few steps behind, while DH and Dad were way behind us. I saw Mom look ever so slightly to each side of her, out of the corners of her eyes - looking to see where we were - and then she turned the speed dial up on the scooter. And then she took off. It really was funny...I don't think she realized that I was just close enough to see her do it. DH and Dad finally caught up to me laughing, and DH was completely bewildered..."Uh, where's Ma and what's so funny?"
I've had other good times. I enjoyed the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party in 2004. I loved the parade with the Headless Horseman leading it off, then all the zombie people from the Haunted Mansion doing the ballroom dance. When we went in the Haunted Mansion, as we entered the stretching room, before the CM closed the doors she said, "The master of the house would like to welcome you to his home." We all turned around to the entry foyer to see a very tall, thin man wearing "dead" makeup, standing there alone, waving very slowly. So cool, we got to see Master Gracey in person!
On another trip, we had the best Tower of Terror bellhop. He got everyone situated, then returned to the doors, and just as they started to close he smiled and said "Ta-ta..." Then the smile went away, he leaned in ever so slightly, narrowed his eyes, and said, "...for good," just as the doors closed right in front of his nose. It was kind of chilling and so in character with the ride.
I can't say I've had any fully bad trips, but there have been bad moments. My ex and I went in September 1999 as a late honeymoon (11 months after we were married). I can't remember what he got mad at me about - probably something stupid, knowing him...maybe another man looked at me or something like that
- but he actually screamed at me, and then left me there in the park. I just sat on a bench, crying, for quite a long time. I had no idea where he'd gone, if he'd gone back to the hotel or what.
And on our trip with Josh in 2018, we had a guy try to pick a physical fight with us in the line for the Jungle Cruise. When we got to the front, the CM directed us to what looked like a full boat, then changed her mind and asked us to step back into the line. The guy behind us would NOT let us back in. He first ignored us, and loudly said how happy he would be to be first on the next boat and be right up front. The CM kept telling us to step back behind the line, and we kept trying...the guy put his arm up across my back and pushed me forward. The CM then yelled at me to step back - apparently she couldn't or wouldn't see what the guy was doing, so I said that I literally could NOT step back. When the CM came over to the line, the guy then took about a half a step to one side so DH, Josh and I could just barely squeeze in behind the yellow line. He then started up again about being the first in the boat pulling up. Finally that's when the CM gave him a weird look, so when the boat stopped, she came over and directed us to go first. We thought everything was fine, we said hello to the skipper and sat down next to where she had her foot on the bench. Then the pusher got on behind us, sat next to me, and then violently slid to the right, which pushed me into DH, who was holding Josh on his lap. He in turn got pushed into the skipper's foot and almost dropped Josh. The pusher then started up with, "You got a problem? I'm not pushing. You want to make this into something? Cause we can!" I turned myself as much as I could to face away from him and DH just said, "Fine. It's good. We're good." The skipper just stared at the guy. Kind of ruined the ride for us, and it was our last ride before leaving Disney altogether. Just glad he didn't come after us when it was over.
Tina, I am so sorry for your difficulties with the insurance and the nursing home. There is no love in my heart at all for insurance companies. I feel that all they care about is their bottom line and heaven forbid they do what's correct for people. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this. I'm glad it turned out well, and I'm still sending lots of hugs and prayers to you
@Kirby, I'm so sorry to hear your news as well. So many hugs and prayers coming to you as well
@sweetpeama, my son is only 5 and I swear he says the same things to me every day. Or rather, screams them at me. "You always do *this,* you ALWAYS do *this*"...I've often asked him if there's anything I do right. Then he says he hates me. At least to that, I laugh and say "Good, then I'm doing my job." But inside it hurts something awful....
I'll get my downers out of the way first. My aunt called last night. Her chemo isn't working, so she was given 2 options. She is calling the Mayo Clinic today to see if they can get her in within a week. (And I could have sworn there was another excellent cancer center in the country, but I can't think of the name right now.) Her doctor stressed to her, it has to be NOW. If that doesn't happen, her only other choice is hospice. I can't even think about how long she might have left. We all said at Christmas, she won't be here next year, and it looks like that's definite now. I've progressed to being angry over her situation. I sound childish by saying "it's so unfair" but it really is. It took her and my uncle 50 years to get back together and now they've only had 3. I think my uncle would probably say that they're the best 3 years he's ever had, but they deserve more.
The other weirdness is that Josh's teacher has been "sick" all week. She wasn't in school on Tuesday - and neither was the technology teacher (they always have that class on Tuesdays). Yesterday, the asynchronous day, while she did send assignments for the day as usual, she canceled the morning meeting that they always have. And the assignments were vague, most of them were "watch this video" things. We were done well before noon. Today, she sent a message that she wouldn't be in today or tomorrow, and here are your assignments. Again, vague and mostly video-watching; we were done by 10:30 a.m. Thursday is art class day, and what do you know...the art teacher canceled her meeting as well. Now, we've heard a rumor that teachers in the area were planning a "sick out," as our positivity rate yesterday was 10.72% (although I heard that it went way down already since then). There was also a board of education meeting recently and apparently the chairman, who NOBODY likes, was making "snide comments about words he can't say," was interrupting people and not letting them speak, and generally being rude. He had posted on his FB page that COVID doesn't exist. So I think this is an attempt by the teachers to show that they are not comfortable with the decision to "go back as normal." Starting February 1st, they will have to be in the classroom 5x per week and there will no longer be any deep cleaning like they do on Wednesdays now. On March 1st, the hybrid ends and ALL kids will be back in the classroom, 5x per week. So something is definitely up with all of these teachers being out all of a sudden. I wish it didn't have to be this way. It's hurting the kids (and the parents...I know I'm really struggling. Without the meetings, I have no guidance on what she's looking for). But I totally understand why they're doing it and I do support them.
On a brighter note, Josh did his winter I-Ready math diagnostic and he improved slightly, from 86th percentile in the fall to 89th percentile now. So he's learning something and I'm very proud of him!
I went for the first time in March 1980 when I was 5 1/2. My mother and I met my then-aunt and my cousin Matthew there. Really the only thing I can remember is coming out of the bathroom and finding Matt having a little fist fight with Mickey Mouse. (Memorable to me because Matt died in January 2009, at only 32 years old
)Our first time with a little one was in February 2018! It was really hot and crowded, but we managed. Josh met Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theatre (that was the talking Mickey Mouse, too), but he got really shy. So Mickey danced with me instead, twirled me, and gave me a big hug. That was when we discovered how much Josh LOVES the Haunted Mansion, too - he was only 2 1/2! And it's still his favorite ride! He also really liked the Carousel of Progress and the Hall of Presidents. I didn't think any child that age would have the attention span for those 2 shows, but he did! (He did ask once, quite loudly, "Mommy, is it over yet?" during the movie part of HoP, but only that one time. Otherwise he sat quietly and watched without complaint.)
One of my most favorite moments was when DH and I went with his parents in March 2013. Mom had rented one of those scooters - which she kept crashing, not really funny but totally funny at the same time. This particular time, however, we were in Epcot and heading for the Land pavilion. I was walking sort of next to her, a few steps behind, while DH and Dad were way behind us. I saw Mom look ever so slightly to each side of her, out of the corners of her eyes - looking to see where we were - and then she turned the speed dial up on the scooter. And then she took off. It really was funny...I don't think she realized that I was just close enough to see her do it. DH and Dad finally caught up to me laughing, and DH was completely bewildered..."Uh, where's Ma and what's so funny?"
I've had other good times. I enjoyed the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party in 2004. I loved the parade with the Headless Horseman leading it off, then all the zombie people from the Haunted Mansion doing the ballroom dance. When we went in the Haunted Mansion, as we entered the stretching room, before the CM closed the doors she said, "The master of the house would like to welcome you to his home." We all turned around to the entry foyer to see a very tall, thin man wearing "dead" makeup, standing there alone, waving very slowly. So cool, we got to see Master Gracey in person!
On another trip, we had the best Tower of Terror bellhop. He got everyone situated, then returned to the doors, and just as they started to close he smiled and said "Ta-ta..." Then the smile went away, he leaned in ever so slightly, narrowed his eyes, and said, "...for good," just as the doors closed right in front of his nose. It was kind of chilling and so in character with the ride.
I can't say I've had any fully bad trips, but there have been bad moments. My ex and I went in September 1999 as a late honeymoon (11 months after we were married). I can't remember what he got mad at me about - probably something stupid, knowing him...maybe another man looked at me or something like that
- but he actually screamed at me, and then left me there in the park. I just sat on a bench, crying, for quite a long time. I had no idea where he'd gone, if he'd gone back to the hotel or what. And on our trip with Josh in 2018, we had a guy try to pick a physical fight with us in the line for the Jungle Cruise. When we got to the front, the CM directed us to what looked like a full boat, then changed her mind and asked us to step back into the line. The guy behind us would NOT let us back in. He first ignored us, and loudly said how happy he would be to be first on the next boat and be right up front. The CM kept telling us to step back behind the line, and we kept trying...the guy put his arm up across my back and pushed me forward. The CM then yelled at me to step back - apparently she couldn't or wouldn't see what the guy was doing, so I said that I literally could NOT step back. When the CM came over to the line, the guy then took about a half a step to one side so DH, Josh and I could just barely squeeze in behind the yellow line. He then started up again about being the first in the boat pulling up. Finally that's when the CM gave him a weird look, so when the boat stopped, she came over and directed us to go first. We thought everything was fine, we said hello to the skipper and sat down next to where she had her foot on the bench. Then the pusher got on behind us, sat next to me, and then violently slid to the right, which pushed me into DH, who was holding Josh on his lap. He in turn got pushed into the skipper's foot and almost dropped Josh. The pusher then started up with, "You got a problem? I'm not pushing. You want to make this into something? Cause we can!" I turned myself as much as I could to face away from him and DH just said, "Fine. It's good. We're good." The skipper just stared at the guy. Kind of ruined the ride for us, and it was our last ride before leaving Disney altogether. Just glad he didn't come after us when it was over.
Yay that it was warmer for you, Lynn 
I’m glad you were able to get almost everyone to go in 2017. What a feat! It’s too bad your DS wouldn’t take you up on your offer, but had he gone it might have been a downer If he wasn’t into it or upset with someone or something, etc.
But I do understand what you mean.
