~Snowbird Chat 2~

[Disney Mommy 3]

Drakes...glad you dropped by!! Come back and chat!!!!
Meghan...what a fun Bach party!! I know you will miss Madison being home!
Red..what an awesome job for you!!!!!! I think you will be very happy!!! Sorry to hear about your friends' loss. I am glad they all got to be with her.
Mermaid...sorry your little guy is feeling bad...well, more mommy time!
Well,.. I don't really have any news here,...still unbelievably hot, dry and not much change in site..we have a 30% rain chance today...but looking out the window is not giving us much hope. Pretty bright and clear.even with watering, plants and grass are looking really bad and dry.
We are plugging away with our schoolyear...every Friday is one week down for our First Semester, and one week closer to Disney! We are sooo ready for this vacation. I am patiently (?) waiting for a room only discount. The FD doesnt benefit us as much, and it's blacked out for three of our days, so the RO is better,,,of course, if they end up not offering it, I will take the FD for any discount I can get!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Happy Monday Birdies! We had a good weekend. Didn't do too much which is why is was a good one! Friday my parents kept the kids and Jason and I went out to dinner ALONE! It's been months since we've had a night out without the kids and it was wonderful! Saturday I went to the movies with my mom and sister then we headed to Jason's sisters for a cookout with his family. It turned out to be such a great evening. We all sat around laughing and enjoying time together which we haven't done too much since his dad passed away. We talked about him lots and some good stories were told. It was a really wonderful and I could feel his dad right there with us.

Sheree- Congrats to Paige! So sorry for Sarah. I'm sure she's not giving up and will keep on trying! Good luck coaching volleyball! Hope your back is feeling better soon!

How nice that you got a night out!!! I need one of those!
I think as of this morning she's considering continuing with dance, but she asked if she could dance somewhere else and compete against our studio! I told her that wasn't an option.
Volleyball should be fun - just another night I can't stay home and watch TV! My back is better, but I feel like I have bruises on my hips - from laying on my side on the hard ground I guess!

sheree.. How much more can you take on girl?!! Supermom!! I know you and Kim and the girls are gonna have a great time tomorrow!! Hope your back is better!!!
Kim...tell Nat Happy Birthday for us!!!
Kim..glad you had such a good weekend..and that's great that Jason's family got together and ya'll could talk about his dad. Sometimes that brings on more healing for them!

Yeah - thank goodness the volleyball season is only about 2 months.
I'm excited to see Kim and the girls tonight!!!

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone had a great weekend. This week is going to be so much fun. One of my best friends is getting married on Saturday!!! She stopped by yesterday with her mom to meet Cole (she lives in SC now). Wednesday we have her "bachelorette" party...we're going to a spa to get manicures and pedicures. Then, her rehersal/rehersal dinner is on Thursday night. I can't wait!!! Oh, did I mention that I'm in her wedding? I am just so happy for her and I can't wait to see her in her dress.

We're down to the last two weeks of summer vacation and it's so sad. Madison has been such a big help to me and I don't want her to go back to school. I always get so sad on the first day of school. I just can't believe how fast this summer has flown by.

Have fun with the wedding Meghan!!! I haven't been in one in a LONG time!! You've had a full and fun summer - it will be so different with just you and Cole home now when school starts!

So much to catch up on....
I don't really have an excuse for not being on the boards other than too busy, and my downtime is spent off a computer as I am on one all day long.

I see some of you flying off soon! YAY
I need to go back and get caught up, and hop onto some of the PTRs!

Hi Joanne!! Nice to have you back! Hope all is well with you!
I don't blame you - I spend a lot of my day at a computer and it's tough on the eyes, shoulders and back to keep at it in the evenings too.

Jumping on quick to say Hi!

Put in my notice, and with that had 1 1/2 hour talk with the GM about the other supervisors and handed him The List, basically all the things that I've been keeping track of: times, dates, what they did. He was litterally silent for about a minute, then asked why I didn't tell him earlier..... I laughed. I don't care, my last day is Sept. 3!!!!!

Today I had an interview with a local bakery. Got offered a job. Pay is .25 less than what I make now. Full-time, benefits and everything. Score! I have a job! Not sure it's something I want to do for the rest of my life, but hey, it's a paycheck! Plus it will be steady hours...yay!

Now however, onto some sad news. The grandmother of the family that we are going to Disney with in Dec passed away tonight. She had a lot of medical problems and the family basically spent the entire summer traveling from here to her (about 2.5 hours) every few days. On Friday they told the family she wouldn't make it through the weekend. So everyone was by her side.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Well good for you! Moving on is just what you need. Best of luck with your new job!!
I'm so sorry for your friend's family. Very sad, but thankfully the family was by her side.

Morning birdies....

I'm home from work today with a sick DS. Poor guy. After having perfect attendance at school last year, he's dissapointed he's already missing a day this year. But with a fever, there's no way he's gonig to school. On the flip side, when he's sick, he's more cuddley..... I just hate seeing him sick. Thankfully right now it's nothing more than a slight fever and a stuffy nose.

Hope everyone's day is good!!

Aww, it's always tough when the kids are sick, but enjoy the cuddling now while you can! Hope it doesn't last long or turn into anything worse.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Morning ladies! It's quiet in here today too! Just went to Shelly/Jo's ptr and it's unusually quiet over there..but I just found out about the earthquakes last night, so I hope all is well with all of you. Kim (MD) did you feel it? I need to call my friend who is up there near you in Pasadena and see how they are, or if they felt it too. That's so weird!!!! Well...y'all take care and get prepped for Irene...hopefully it'll keep turning and just go north and dissipate!!!!

 

[sarbah77]

Hi ladies!

Well, the earthquake was felt all the way up here in Michigan. The vibrations would have had to travel past my building to some of my friends that felt it. I, of course, didn't feel a darned thing.

We bought the car on Monday. The test driving was pretty much what we expected. We picked two of the most popular compact cars, so we knew we were in a "take it or sucks to be you" situation. The Ford guy kind of shrugged at us but the Chevy guy about fell over for our business. The Focus ended up having some LOVELY toys but it was hard for me (very short) to get out of. The Chevy had fewer shiny toys, but enough that ticked all our boxes of wants. Both came in at almost exactly the same price. Then I decided I wanted the Chevy Cruze in red. I paid more money for a car color - what is WRONG with me?!

But it's mine. And it's very pretty and quiet and it has USB port. Hahah.

We're off to visit J's family this weekend. I'm sure some of you remember last year's disaster of a trip. So we're staying in a hotel this year. Ha!! It'll be good to see that niece, too. I suspect almost-3 is a huge change from almost-2, but she probably doesn't remember me. Do any of you have in-laws you just don't like? I've realized I don't like my sister-in-law. It doesn't meant we don't get along; we ARE grown-ups, but she's just not someone I want to spend time with. This is going to be awkward, but it's not the end of the world. The parent-in-laws will generally be around, in the future, so there will be a buffer.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey Snowbirds!

2 DAYS to go!!


We felt the earthquake here. That was weird. I've never felt an earthquake before in my life! Between the hurricane, the earthquake, and DH's hernia I am starting to think this trip is doomed!!

Some people who were scheduled to fly down on Friday morning changed their flights to Thursday. We are going to keep ours Friday and hope for the best.

Hope all is well with all of you. If I don't get back here before we leave -- have a great week. We'll be back the day before Labor Day!

 

[snykymom]

I felt the earthquake, too, here in downtown Boston! Very weird feeling - we were all saying, "I thought it was just ME!" until we found out what happened! My building didn't get evacuated, but several others downtown did.

Hope your trip goes off as planned, Shelley!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Hi ladies!

Well, the earthquake was felt all the way up here in Michigan. The vibrations would have had to travel past my building to some of my friends that felt it. I, of course, didn't feel a darned thing.

We bought the car on Monday. The test driving was pretty much what we expected. We picked two of the most popular compact cars, so we knew we were in a "take it or sucks to be you" situation. The Ford guy kind of shrugged at us but the Chevy guy about fell over for our business. The Focus ended up having some LOVELY toys but it was hard for me (very short) to get out of. The Chevy had fewer shiny toys, but enough that ticked all our boxes of wants. Both came in at almost exactly the same price. Then I decided I wanted the Chevy Cruze in red. I paid more money for a car color - what is WRONG with me?!

But it's mine. And it's very pretty and quiet and it has USB port. Hahah.

We're off to visit J's family this weekend. I'm sure some of you remember last year's disaster of a trip. So we're staying in a hotel this year. Ha!! It'll be good to see that niece, too. I suspect almost-3 is a huge change from almost-2, but she probably doesn't remember me. Do any of you have in-laws you just don't like? I've realized I don't like my sister-in-law. It doesn't meant we don't get along; we ARE grown-ups, but she's just not someone I want to spend time with. This is going to be awkward, but it's not the end of the world. The parent-in-laws will generally be around, in the future, so there will be a buffer.

Yeah on the new car! You have to have priorities...we switched dealerships to get the car color we wanted on our last purchase! Double YEAH on the USB port!

Yeah, I have in-laws I don't like. Pretty bad, too, since one of them lives a block away from us. She's definately not someone I would choose to hang around with, but we're civil to each other at family gatherings. Actually, we may not even need to be that anymore as I believe she's filing for divorce from DH's brother....she moved out weeks ago. Although, I'll believe it when I see it because this has happened at least 3 times in the past year. Family....what are you going to do? I hope your trip this year is much more pleasant.

 

[snykymom]

OK, coming back here to my Snowbirds for advice.

We're going back to Disney in October for F&W - have to get one more use out of my AP! DH doesn't like the parks and will be very happy not setting foot into one other than Epcot. He loves Jiko, and wanted to try Boma. He likes Indian food, so I booked Sanaa as well; actually booked the lunch with the Animal Keepers. I also booked AKL with a savannah view so he could sit outside on the balcony with his laptop and my extra-long network cord, watch the animals and work. The AP rates come out and there's nothing available at Jambo House, but for the same price I can book a 1 BR at Kidani. So I did.

Now that price is still really expensive. For $200 less per night, I can book a 2BR at Caribe Royale; for $250 less per night I can book a 1 BR (no kitchen). (Possible 3 adults, which is why I was looking at the 2 BR.) We're also redoing our kitchen which is coming out more expensive than we had anticipated.

With the AP, I get free parking at the parks, and it's still cheaper if I rent a car for the week.

WWYD? This will probably be our last trip to Disney for a few years - believe it or not, I'm in Disney fatigue.

 

[crzyred]

snykymom - No idea! Good luck however!!
Sarah - Yay for new car!!

Well here, we are doing a Double Digit Dance!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

OK, coming back here to my Snowbirds for advice.

We're going back to Disney in October for F&W - have to get one more use out of my AP! DH doesn't like the parks and will be very happy not setting foot into one other than Epcot. He loves Jiko, and wanted to try Boma. He likes Indian food, so I booked Sanaa as well; actually booked the lunch with the Animal Keepers. I also booked AKL with a savannah view so he could sit outside on the balcony with his laptop and my extra-long network cord, watch the animals and work. The AP rates come out and there's nothing available at Jambo House, but for the same price I can book a 1 BR at Kidani. So I did.

Now that price is still really expensive. For $200 less per night, I can book a 2BR at Caribe Royale; for $250 less per night I can book a 1 BR (no kitchen). (Possible 3 adults, which is why I was looking at the 2 BR.) We're also redoing our kitchen which is coming out more expensive than we had anticipated.

With the AP, I get free parking at the parks, and it's still cheaper if I rent a car for the week.

WWYD? This will probably be our last trip to Disney for a few years - believe it or not, I'm in Disney fatigue.

Well, I am SOOO the wrong person to give advice on this, but here's what I think. You have a few factors to consider.
I LOVE AKL and everything about it. It would be hard for me to give it up knowing I would not be back for a while.
Would your DH be just as happy to stay at an off-site resort and do his thing? Would you?
Do you have plans to meet up and would there be transportation to do that or would you have to go back to get him?
Is it more important to you to save that money for the kitchen remodel? Whatever the amount, is it worth it to you?
Are you still going to go to AKL to eat?

See, I told you I was the wrong person to ask. I have no answers, only more questions!
I doubt I will ever be able to stay offsite again unless it's free so for me, it will always weigh in favor of on site and looking for other ways to cut costs. Now that we have DVC, it's rarely an issue (thankfully) for us.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well here, we are doing a Double Digit Dance!!

I'll dance with you!! I wish I was doing it for me too!!

 

[Monny2AE]

The earthquake was a terrible experience here at my house. All the kids were napping except my two. They were upstairs playing and it panicked them. Poor Em hasn't slept well the past 2 nights and won't go upstairs alone anymore. She's so stressed that another one might happen. The kids that were napping woke up confused and scared. Poor Em is scarred for life from it and now we're expecting a hurricane in the next couple of days! Weather channel is rated R in my house this week for fear of scaring the her!

On a happier note. Andrew started second grade today and all went well. I'll ave to post pics tomorrow. Not enough time tonight since I've spent a good part of my evening on the phone with Disney! Thanks to the DIS I found out free dining now includes Dec. 10th so our whole trip can now be one package with free QSDDP instead of a room only ressie for one night on the 10th then the 11th-17th as a package with free dining. Woo Hoo! My other good news is that one of my daycare kiddos is going to be a big brother so I may have an infant lined up for next summer. Still a ways away but they asked what my policies are to hold the spot so I'm optimistic.

Hoping Kim and Shelly have a fantastic week and Irene doesn't interfere with their trips!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Happy Birthday, Sheree!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Happy Birthday, Sheree!

Aww, thank you Kathy!! I love my party!!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Happy Birthday Sheree!

The band just arrived...where do you want them to set up?

 

[snykymom]

Well, I am SOOO the wrong person to give advice on this, but here's what I think. You have a few factors to consider.
I LOVE AKL and everything about it. It would be hard for me to give it up knowing I would not be back for a while.
Would your DH be just as happy to stay at an off-site resort and do his thing? Would you? He probably would; not sure about me, and don't know how much DD will miss EMH (if she can even come).
Do you have plans to meet up and would there be transportation to do that or would you have to go back to get him? We'd both need to rent a car - he will golf off-site anyway so will have a car, but on-site I'd just use Disney transport. That would add about $150 or so for the week.
Is it more important to you to save that money for the kitchen remodel? Whatever the amount, is it worth it to you? I wish I could answer that one! That's what makes it so hard!
Are you still going to go to AKL to eat? Yes.

See, I told you I was the wrong person to ask. I have no answers, only more questions!
I doubt I will ever be able to stay offsite again unless it's free so for me, it will always weigh in favor of on site and looking for other ways to cut costs. Now that we have DVC, it's rarely an issue (thankfully) for us.

Thanks for articulating some of the questions! As you can see, I'm still up in the air. I may just book off-site to have it and decide when we get closer.

Hope everyone survives Irene healthy and intact!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Happy Birthday Sheree!!!!

Have a Magical day!!!

Red: for double digits!!! Love when you drop out of the Hundreds!!!!! Makes it feel like progress!! When do you start at the bakery?

Snkymom-I would just sit down write out what option each would cost and then look at the resorts and see what you really want this trip to be. Every trip is different and kinda have there own feel...so if DH really wants to be able to while looking for Giraffes and Lions, then stay where you are. If he doesn't care, maybe go to the cheaper resort.Save that extra $$ for your new kitchen..cuz that's what you will have to live with when this trip is over. 2nd option is go for the gold since you won't be back for a while and just save a little longer for the kitchen reno! Either way, you will be at Disney and will have a blast, so it just hangs on what you want to do with that renovation on the line. I don't think you will be disappointed with any of those resorts. Keep us posted!!

Kim...Poor Emily!!! I really don't like the Weather Channel anyway-they always blow things up and act all panicky. When we have had hurricanes coming in they make me way more nervous than need be-so we don't watch them. they are, in my opinion, just a hype channel. Yeah, you can get a'weather report' such as temps and rain chances,..but all that other hoopla I can do without! Congrats on the new baby in the summer line-up..hopefully you will get more. And way to go on the FD for your whole trip!!!!

Kim & Shelly--hope your trips are full of and and Can't wait to hear all about them and see some great pics!!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Forgot to mention we are at the end of Week 8 for And we have




11 WEEKS to go for


And officially only a few weeks left of summer...which I,personally, can not wait to see the back side of! this heat has been unexplainable to anyone not living in it. Absolutely relentless. So...we also have a temp of at least 103 for the weekend--heat index not even factored in with that. Put it in there and it's like 111
CRAAAAAAAZY.

 

[Monny2AE]

Shawna- I'm with you. Summer can be done anytime now. I'm ready for fall. Although judging by our crazy weather lately I'm not sure I want winter to come. I need a break before the blizzards show up.

Red- Congrats on doing the double digits dance!!!

Snkymom- We had the same dilemma. We need a new roof and other renovations too. We decided to stay value rather than not go at all. It's really up to your family needs. We don't spend much time at the resort so hopefully it won't be too much of an issue staying value. I will miss CBR but if it means postponing for a year I will be more than happy to stay value.

Everyone in the path of Irene stay safe!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Happy birthday Sheree!! Hope you have a fantastic day!


Red - YEAH for double digits! Much better than triple digits. It's amazing how much closer it feels when you drop that one digit!