~Snowbird Chat~

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks! They are both doing better. Both stayed home from school yesterday, and DS9 again today, but I think we're OK now. DD and I are fine, and DH has been out of town all week, so hopefully no one else will get it.

So glad to hear the boys are doing better. Have a magical trip!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Want an update on the passport thing? Well,...Wed before last I went to the P.O. and brought it all with me and the pix...then the lady comes out and says: oh, your husband has to be with you...I am sorry for the inconvenience. Well...rats!! But she looks through all the stuff &said it was all okay..she just needed to have him there (& I can see why, with divorced parents or whatever) and to make SURE we bring in a valid Drivers lic. Okay...so then Fri I get Mike for lunch early, we all troop back in and guess what. This girl, says where are your photocopies of your DLs? Mind you she was already aggravating me---I was trying to hand her the first paper with the Birth Certificate that went with it and she was digging thru it and acting like she was in a hurry---and says "Can you put these together? I mean, I don't know which kid goes with what!" OOOOOKKKKKKAAAAYYYYY...that's what I am trying to do if you would let go of it!!!! GEEZ!
Anyway, so now I say..what copies? Here is our DLs....Well, apparently, on Thursday....the day before, but one day AFTER I came in...they changed the policy!!!! they couldn't make copies anymore becuase it cost too much $$$$. Are you kidding me?!!!!! I was soooo aggravated!!! She knew it too...I said, I just came here 2 days ago and *** told me all I needed was Mike and our DLs ...then she said..sorry...we changed it yesterday. Oh was I aggravated!!!! So...we left. Couldn't go take care of it, becuase Mike was swamped & ds14 was meeting his youth pastor for lunch. So...a totally wasted trip!!!
So...on tues I get Mike to take off early again...and we go...and guess which postal lady I get...the same girl!!!! She said..Oh! I was looking for you the other day! I thought you would be right back! I said well, we had other stuff to do and couldn't come back. Then she went into this looong spill about how they hate to send people off but the copy machine is reaaaaallly upgraded and it costs money to copy stuff. WHATEVER!!! It took almost an hour for us to all get our stuff done!!! They kept stopping and helping people (even though they had 3 at the counter)...she said they can only let people stand at the counter so long, then they all have to stop if they are doing other stuff and come help. Well,....I dont know about that at our PO.... I have stood in there with babies a mighty long time and no one else came to help! Oh well...she did make a few little wise-cracks that I thought I would scream if I didnt say anything back..but I just stared a hole through her and kept quiet!!! ha!!!! So....after all that drama and a small fortune... I am now awaiting my Passports!! Mike should have his pretty soon...he had to expidite...he may need it next week for a business trip...and the kids(&mine) should be here within 3 weeks. so...that has been my goal for a while and I am soooo glad we got it taken care of.... I am gonna try to keep that renewed for sure!! We don't want to go through that EVER again!! She did say she wasn't sure if ds10 had a good enough picture..they might want his redone...so I said, well, lets go ahead and redo his while we are here and not waste time/money. She said,,NO.....we'll just wait and see. For what reason..I don't know! So..we'll just see!!!
Ok...Mikes good friend just took the family to Atlantis(Bahamas) and was raving about how great it was....we had talked about the Bahamas,,but Atlantis is sooo expensive!!! Anyone ever taken a family trip over there? We would fly in and stay about 4 days.... then I guess except for the kids church camp that's it till November and Disney!! Mike and ds14 are still planning a short NYC trip...but for the family it's the backyard!!!! Ha!!!!!
totally ~ Our area is finally feeling the economic crunch!! I think it has been slowly building and now it's too the point people are getting panicky. I know car dealership owners that say they haven't sold anything in quite a while.....we are the car-trading capital of the world--supposedly!!! But not right now...insurance agencies are losing business continually, and the malls are super slow.....I wonder how this summer will be for family vacations. I know many places are offering great deals...but if people haven't got $$ to pay there bills, it doesn't matter how good the deals are!! We have several banker friends, and they told us they are not making loans....no exceptions (In the area of new construction anyway!)... Which is not good for us personally!! If someone wants us to build a new house, and the bank won't give them the loan..we are both up a creek!! We are pretty much dealing with one or two now...the rest of them are just tightening up with restrictions and won't be beneficial to us in anyway...it's crazy!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Aw, one day to go and my ticker is dead.





Thanks! They are both doing better. Both stayed home from school yesterday, and DS9 again today, but I think we're OK now. DD and I are fine, and DH has been out of town all week, so hopefully no one else will get it.

So hopefully we'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning! I won't even tell you how much stuff I still have to do before we go...don't want to stress out you much more organized folks! I did get a suitcase down from the attic, though. And it's only 3 days, 2 nights, so not like a WDW trip where you really have to have your act together. If I don't check in before we go, have a great weekend, and I'll let you know how it went when we get home!

Glad the family is well!!! Have fun with your packing!! it's stressful sometimes..but i do love it!!!!! Especially if it's for Disney!!! Hope your trip is phenomenal!! We are gonna be waiting to hear all about it!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Aw, one day to go and my ticker is dead.

Thanks! They are both doing better. Both stayed home from school yesterday, and DS9 again today, but I think we're OK now. DD and I are fine, and DH has been out of town all week, so hopefully no one else will get it.

So hopefully we'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning! I won't even tell you how much stuff I still have to do before we go...don't want to stress out you much more organized folks! I did get a suitcase down from the attic, though. And it's only 3 days, 2 nights, so not like a WDW trip where you really have to have your act together. If I don't check in before we go, have a great weekend, and I'll let you know how it went when we get home!

Have a great trip and I am looking forward to hearing all about it!! We might go there next year when we go to London!

I read something about the countdown tickers yesterday. It seems as if there is some sort of virus with the tickers from magical kingdom and mickey path. My new one is from themouseforless.com and I think it's so cute!

Here's the thread about the Magical Kingdom tickers. . .

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427279

I'm so bummed mine had to start all over, but I like my new ticker!

I love your new tickers!! I had read about that problem too, but I got mine from MickeyPath so it was okay.

Shawna - OH MY!! What a PITA! Just keep renewing those babies from now on! I'll bet the picture is fine. For Paige's she wouldn't cooperate (She was 4 I think) and it was really bad. They just need to see the face and it has to be a certain size.
I hope the market forces and economy don't hurt you guys and business too badly!
We've only been to the Bahamas through the Disney cruise. I know Atlantis is pricey. There are some all inclusives there too aren't there? Maybe that would be better. I've lost interest inthe Bahamas since we've been there. They have had some crime problems against tourists there. I hear Costa Rica is awesome too - maybe check that out?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well, that's what I told Mike..if it isn't a cruise-type thing, I am kinda leary to go!! I have heard about new crime springing up all around in places like that...maybe we should just stick to Disney!! LOL!!! I have a nephew that went to Costa Rica and he loved it..in fact, his cousin is trying to get a job there after college. His degree is something to do with nursing home management,...says that is a new & growing market out there. I think our business will be okay...we have a refinery revamp about 45 min from here and they have a lot of people relocating for the job..our town is one of the top choices for families with school-age kids. It's just right now it is the big-wigs in the banks tightening up....lots of people driving out to our sub. and looking...I know when school gets close to the end of semester, people really get serious.

 

[Monny2AE]

Hi Snowbirds! Poppin in to say a quick hello!

I was wondering what was going on with the tickers! Why do people always have to ruin for others- attaching viruses to Disney tickers, really? Are you that bored?

PlutoFan- Have a wonderful trip!

Shawna- I hope your area isn't going to be hit too hard this summer. My BIL has 2 houses that he rehabbed and has been renting them for almost 3 years now. No one can get approved for a mortgage these days.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Shawna-So sorry to hear about your Passport troubles. That really stinks! I'm trying to decide between a Passport, a Passport card or an enhanced license. There are so many Irish dance competitions right over the boarder that I'd like to bring Madison to. She doesn't need any of the above items since she's so young. She still only needs her birth certificate to cross the border. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim~ I think it'll be ok...if some of the banks will loosen up! But, if not..we have a few that are still financing.... people are still moving...so, I guess it is good!!
Meghan~ I say just go ahead and get a full Passport book...that way its done and you don't have to do anything but renew every 5 years or whatever!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Kim~ I think it'll be ok...if some of the banks will loosen up! But, if not..we have a few that are still financing.... people are still moving...so, I guess it is good!!
Meghan~ I say just go ahead and get a full Passport book...that way its done and you don't have to do anything but renew every 5 years or whatever!!

I am leaning towards a passport. I don't know how much I'd actually use it, but at least I'll have one! I think the enhanced license is good for 7-10 years and I'm not sure about the passport card. I'll have to look into things a little more deeply.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hi Friends!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am here!!! Just don't have too much to say right now! Been busy! Trying to get out of a Disney slump! Trying to enjoy my life as it is and not be wanting for something that isn't going to happen for a L O N G time!!! Our next Disney trip likely will not be happening for AT LEAST another 18 months or so..... Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hi Friends!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am here!!! Just don't have too much to say right now! Been busy! Trying to get out of a Disney slump! Trying to enjoy my life as it is and not be wanting for something that isn't going to happen for a L O N G time!!! Our next Disney trip likely will not be happening for AT LEAST another 18 months or so..... Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life!

Hey Kim! It's hard isn't it when you're not actively planning a trip? I still like to lurk on the boards and read threads, but sometimes it's easier to stay away so you don't get more depressed! I think a lot of us got used to going on a yearly basis, and now more are having to cut back or wait longer between trips, and it's a difficult pill to swallow. Not that it's the end of the world or anything, it could be much worse, but it's not fun either.
We've been keeping busy - all good stuff! Birthdays, science fair, checking out the new Twins baseball stadium (we have partial season tickets), getting the patio/deck furniture out.... This next week my kids are off school for spring break and it looks like we might have some really spring-like weather. Up into the 60s!! This is the first March in history with NO snow in the Twin Cities. Too bad I have to work next week! Our daycare provider family is going on vacation, so the girls will have some quality time with Grandma and Papa!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Our Spring Break isn't until the week of April 19th!!!! Madison has off for Good Friday and that's it next week. I think the last 2 years they've been off the Monday after Easter, but not this year. Hopefully by her spring break, we'll be into full blown Spring and we'll be able to hang out outside a little bit.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Did she get any time off during winter besides around Christmas? At least it's not the same as everyone else's break if you wanted to go to a place like WDW, the crowds would probably have died down and the weather would be good.

Our break is usually mid March, but for some reason it's late this year. It's moving back next year. I'm glad. We might go to FL for spring training in Ft. Myers (but probably not WDW). We can stay with SIL so it'd be cheap.

 

[Dancegrl624]

In this district, Spring Break is ALWAYS the 3rd week in April. It doesn't matter when Easter falls. We do have a mid-Winter break in the middle of February. I hate it! I wish they'd go back and give us 2 weeks off for Spring Break again. The Feb break is so pointless!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I just want to take a moment and thank all of you Snowbirds for being such wonderful people. I've been reading lots of different threads lately and there are some not nice people out there! Everyone is waiting for FD (of course) and some people try to sound like total no-it-all's! Even though it's just typing, it comes across as very demeaning and I just don't like it! I love that I always have a thread to come to and no one is going to talk down to me. Thanks for being the best DISers ever Snowbirds!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I agree with Meghan!! This is our little home thread!!! I don't read any others..except a few TRs...mostly ya'lls!! I do not want to spend my time reading people's hateful comments or crass statements.....I think it's so easy for people to get like that on any board---no face, no personality, so it's kinda safe to be ugly if you want to. I love our thread!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

I just want to take a moment and thank all of you Snowbirds for being such wonderful people. I've been reading lots of different threads lately and there are some not nice people out there! Everyone is waiting for FD (of course) and some people try to sound like total no-it-all's! Even though it's just typing, it comes across as very demeaning and I just don't like it! I love that I always have a thread to come to and no one is going to talk down to me. Thanks for being the best DISers ever Snowbirds!!!

You are so right Meghan... some of the other boards can get very nasty.... unlike the Snowbird thread... always nice people willing to be supportive and just friendly

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ditto from me! I have subbed to this one and a bunch of our TRs, but I always check here first - to see how my pals are doing. I know I can ask any question and not be criticized, but actually get help! I consider you all my favorite DIS buddies!

That said, I'm winding up my TR, finally! I was thinking about a PTR. I have my plans basically set, but probably will tweak a few things and would of course want to bounce ideas off you guys. I might have to start thinking up a title. If anyone who's read my TR and saw my plans have any ideas, let me know!

Hope you are all having a good Sunday! We have a nice sunny day but it's still cool. Not sure what I feel like doing with myself today. DH has to work at 4:30 for a concert, so we can't plan a big activity. Maybe I'll clean out a closet or a drawer.

Isn't Plutofan at DLParis now? DH started talking about it this morning. I'm going to have to do some research to see if we can jam it into our London trip. I have to make lists of all the things I want to do/see in both London and Paris and see how long it will take. I don't think I can take 3 weeks off of work!!! Maybe I should get some good guidebooks. Is there a Passporter's for DLP???

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I agree too!

YAY Snowbirds!

I too have ran into some not-so-nice people on the DIS. Unhappy people who come here just to argue. People who automatically don't like you if you happen to have a difference of opinion with them. Good grief.

Don't get me wrong, I have met lots of friendly people on here too and made some great friends.

It's always nice to know this thread is a friendly, happy, and supportive place to come to!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Oh I just LOVE all you gals! It really does feel like a little family on this thread! So nice to know that there are some kind and friendly peeps to hang out with! Now if we could just convince Ms TrixieQuilts to join us on a regular basis to provide us with some eye candy!!