~Snowbird Chat~

[letthewookiewin]

Good morning ladies. I hope all is well with everyone this morning. DH has a "meet and greet" this morning with a head hunting company that he wants me to go with him for. I will most likely just stay in the car so I can knit. Then we are going to go buy him a new t-shirt and maybe some jeans, and then buy me some jeans.

I swear it's a good thing I haven't told the boys about the trip yet. I've changed so many different things, so many times their little heads might explode. For a time this week, I had changed it to the week of my birthday 2011. My thinking was that if I can wait until December and go, I could wait a few more weeks until my birthday and then be at WDW for my 35th birthday. Then the "I haven't been to WDW in 1 year, 1 month, 6 days side of me kicked in and it was going to stay December. I'm thinking about changing it back however to going for Joey's 13th birthday. It would move up our trip by a couple of weeks. We will still be able to go to MVMCP. I'm won't be sad about not getting to go to the CP, b/c they won't have it while we are there. My DH is refusing to go to the CP. Well if Edward James Olmos was doing while we were there he would go, but anyone else is a no go for him. I'm thinking of maybe booking it at the CR with a MK view and then if we have to bump it down to the WL or CSR. I'm assuming it would be easier to move it down if we can't afford it than to move it up if we can. I read on another thread that people think they got a pin code from pricing different WDW trips and saving them for later. Since I saw that I have been pricing different trips, at different times, and resorts to see if I can get a pin code. If I could get one, the CR would for sure be in the budget set by DH. Anyway, I'm tired so I'm rambing. Have a great morning all, and stay warm!!

 

[snykymom]

I'm assuming it would be easier to move it down if we can't afford it than to move it up if we can.

I have to disagree with this reasoning. I think more people are booking the lower priced places faster; that's why this summer, folks at POP were being moved to OKW and SSR. I think it's much more likely that there will be a deluxe room available than a value or moderate; those fill up fast. CSR in particular, given that it's a convention resort.

But whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Oh, and good luck to your DH on the headhunting thing!

 

[sarbah77]

THANK YOU, I am so glad you said that! I was thinking I was the only Snowbird around who didn't have gifts bought, wrapped, and under the tree already!

Nope! And I really should, because I'll be on crutches through Christmas and flying to MA. So not only do I need to buy presents, but I need to get them to MA. This means I'll probably shop online but I should at least pretend that I am motivated!!

I can't believe that (U.S.) Thanksgiving is a week from today! We're going to go see the Lions play the Packers, who did just give the formerly defeated Bucs their first win. However, I think DH wants something that's vaguely Thanksgiving-y for a meal at some point that day and he hasn't given it ANY thought. We probably should.

He wanted me to go with him to the grocery store this weekend (on crutches, not using a motorized scooter, non-weight bearing). I pointed out that it's probably the busiest grocery store weekend of the YEAR and heck no was I going, while on crutches. I went to Target last night instead and man my upper body is tired today.

But hopefully, back to work next week! FINALLY.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi to all my Snow Friends! I hope you all have an excellent weekend and a Great Holiday week! Happy Turkey Day to you All!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

BUMP

We are not last-line-of-page-4 kind of Snowbirds!

 

[letthewookiewin]

**VENT WARNING**

I swear I'm so mad, I could throw all of our dishes against the back wall in our back yard. My youngest DS has been in a behavioral modification (b-mode) class for several years now. He has epilepsy and mild autism spectrum disorder. B-mode class they have 2-3 teachers to 10 or less children. With b-mode class with good behavior, they earn "out classes" one subject at a time until they are in a normal class. Well this year (and I totally think it's b/c this is the 2nd year with the same two amazing teachers) he's in a normal class. He just finally got settled into the new class and isn't going back to his b-mode class b/c he "misses the teachers". Also, he's making friends in the new class and is really enjoying it. Today was the boys last day before Thanksgiving break. We drove to get something to eat and while we were in the car his principal and teacher called. They were asking permission to put John into another class. His new class just had another student added to it, bringing the class total to 23. They couldn't go into why this other student "had to go into his new class" for legal reasons. They tried to make the other class sound so much better for him since there is only 18 students in the class. They actually said, "we don't know how well he handles change". Ummm yeah you do, and you know he does not do well with it. I told them "there is no way you are pulling my son from a class where for the first time since he started school (he's in the 4th grade) he is successful in a normal class setting". Well since we were in the car, he heard every word and is now afraid they are making him change classes. I get to spend the next 9 days assuring him that he will not be moved from the class and from all his new friends. I'm so mad that I'm just glad my sister lives here. Just let them try and push moving him into another class. I'll have my sister (a lawyer with a lot of lawyer friends) on them so fast they won't know what hit them. I know it may be a little early to be ready for a fight. However if I'm not willing to fight for him, how can I expect anyone else to do it for me.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

BUMP

We are not last-line-of-page-4 kind of Snowbirds!

No we are NOT!!! Thanks for the bump Jenny!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Man, everyone must be really busy this weekend!! Or their power went out. Or they just don't want to chat. Or I'm the only one sitting around at home on a Saturday night. Of course I have six kids at my house (2 are my own). Just watching the neighbor's kids for a few hours. Only one requires any supervision.
I baked three types of cookies this weekend. Went to the Mn Wild game last night (they won!). Lots of fun.

 

[crzyred]

Letthewookiewin - That's just terrible! I totally agree that as a parent you need to fight for your child. How soon will these changes be made? Over break can you take some time to write down some little notes of reasons why this wouldn't be good and then call them on the first day back to talk when you would have more privacy.

XXX
Last night was the first night in a while that I've gone out with some friends. One of my co-workers (and close friend) is moving to KY on Tuesday so we had one heck of a Bon Voyage party. Plus we were bowling, real bowling, not Wii Bowling. So it was a 10lb. ball, slippery bowling shoes, drinking, and we had to do the scoring ourselves. Loser of each game had to buy shots, luckily I never lost....but it was rather close. (And the ball did manage to fly backwards out of my hand, I swear I have no idea how that happened!)

And now I have to get ready for work....

 

[Mndisneygirl]

**VENT WARNING**

I swear I'm so mad, I could throw all of our dishes against the back wall in our back yard. My youngest DS has been in a behavioral modification (b-mode) class for several years now. He has epilepsy and mild autism spectrum disorder. B-mode class they have 2-3 teachers to 10 or less children. With b-mode class with good behavior, they earn "out classes" one subject at a time until they are in a normal class. Well this year (and I totally think it's b/c this is the 2nd year with the same two amazing teachers) he's in a normal class. He just finally got settled into the new class and isn't going back to his b-mode class b/c he "misses the teachers". Also, he's making friends in the new class and is really enjoying it. Today was the boys last day before Thanksgiving break. We drove to get something to eat and while we were in the car his principal and teacher called. They were asking permission to put John into another class. His new class just had another student added to it, bringing the class total to 23. They couldn't go into why this other student "had to go into his new class" for legal reasons. They tried to make the other class sound so much better for him since there is only 18 students in the class. They actually said, "we don't know how well he handles change". Ummm yeah you do, and you know he does not do well with it. I told them "there is no way you are pulling my son from a class where for the first time since he started school (he's in the 4th grade) he is successful in a normal class setting". Well since we were in the car, he heard every word and is now afraid they are making him change classes. I get to spend the next 9 days assuring him that he will not be moved from the class and from all his new friends. I'm so mad that I'm just glad my sister lives here. Just let them try and push moving him into another class. I'll have my sister (a lawyer with a lot of lawyer friends) on them so fast they won't know what hit them. I know it may be a little early to be ready for a fight. However if I'm not willing to fight for him, how can I expect anyone else to do it for me.

I'm a little late in responding. But you are right!!! You fight for your son and go after them! I'm so sorry that he had to hear it, so you now have another hurdle. But it can be used to prove your point - just discussing it made him all worked up! Good luck!!


QOTD: So who's all traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday?
We're staying here in town and spending the day at my parents' house. It's only 15 minutes away so after we relax and look at the Black Friday ads and watch the Macy's parade, we'll load up the dog and head over there. It's DH's only day off during about 3 weeks prior to our trip. I think he'll spend most of it on the couch watching football.

 

[sarbah77]

Man, everyone must be really busy this weekend!! Or their power went out. Or they just don't want to chat. Or I'm the only one sitting around at home on a Saturday night. Of course I have six kids at my house (2 are my own). Just watching the neighbor's kids for a few hours. Only one requires any supervision.
I baked three types of cookies this weekend. Went to the Mn Wild game last night (they won!). Lots of fun.

I kept wanting to come here and whine, but kept distracting myself. Plus, I never got my email notification.

QOTD: So who's all traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday?
We're staying here in town and spending the day at my parents' house. It's only 15 minutes away so after we relax and look at the Black Friday ads and watch the Macy's parade, we'll load up the dog and head over there. It's DH's only day off during about 3 weeks prior to our trip. I think he'll spend most of it on the couch watching football.

We're not. It's our year to stay home, so combined with my knee surgery, it's better all around. We are going to the Lions game, though!

Okay, in-law vent. Many MANY months ago, we invited DH's parents over for Thanksgiving. They FREQUENTLY complain that they never see us/can't ever come over/insert complaint of the week. They immediately stalled on an answer, which means "no." Eventually, they said "no." Instead, they're going to FIL's sister's house (which is halfway between our house and their's - 6 hrs via car).

They won't come because they will only fly my FIL's plane and since it's a wee plane, he doesn't fly at night... and days aren't very long right now for that long a plane ride. They won't drive. They won't fly a commercial jet.

Time and time and time again they do this. I know my DH is disappointed and I do keep encouraging him to ask (so they can't say "Well, you never..." and they've tried!). But at the same time, he's completely independent and they don't understand why. MAYBE BECAUSE YOU REFUSE TO BE THERE FOR HIM!?!

Like, April. He's running the BOSTON Marathon. This is a huge deal marathon. We, of course, invited them out for it. My parents have offered them a place to stay for free. Again, stall stall stall delay delay delay. My ENTIRE family will be there for this race. My parents, my brother, his wife, my aunt, uncle, and other extended family will be on the race route to watch their in-law run this marathon.

I wish his parents could look beyond the ends of their own crabby noses to be there for my husband. I'm tired of the fact that only my family is but I'm really glad they are!!!

Now for the whine (hee!): Friday night, our kitchen sink backed up. After failed attempts to unclog it (including hearing the pipes under the sink but in the basement leaking), we called in an emergency plumber. Tomorrow, between 3-6pm, we'll have a plumber with a camera on his snake come in and find out where the drain pipe for the kitchen and laundry room has collapsed under our basement floor.

UGH! So, no kitchen sink, no dishwasher, no washing machine. But! Both bathrooms, so it could be worse. However, I'm still on crutches, so DH has to lug all the laundry to the car and to the laundromat. DH has to handwash the dishes (I dried them). The timing is terrible, even if it could be much worse.

Since there's no way this is going to be fixed by Thanksgiving, we just ordered a meal from Honeybaked Ham. Guess we'll see how that goes!

And to tie it back to the in-laws, when he told his folks about the plumbing, his mom's reply was "Well, now you can come to us." (We could - if we hadn't bought tickets to a football game on Thursday and a hockey game on Friday and on Saturday. Or if I wasn't recovering from knee surgery, meaning I'd have to spend a six hour car ride in the back of the car with my leg propped up!) (But, of course, my MIL visited *us* once with a broken arm - despite my pleas for her to stay home, it was a terrible terrible visit because she was in pain and refused to do anything and wouldn't sleep on a bed but the living room and we have an open floor plan and yes this is a run on sentence - so she thinks if she can do it, I can do it) (of course i can do it, but no one would have any fun!) (This is the same woman who told me that she has bursitis in her knee from being bow-legged and I don't see her having surgery to fix that, now, do I? Never mind there isn't a surgical fix for bursitis, I opted to point out that my mom is also bow-legged and doesn't even have bursitis, so that bow-legged doesn't always mean surgery but since I've had pain in my knees decades longer than she has, as well as being decades younger than her.. I think I can - and did - have surgery to feel better if I want!)

Whew. That was MY vent. And it's nowhere near as terrible as what poor letthewookiein is going through.

Anyway, hoping maybe Friday night's plumber was wrong. Or that it won't be an expensive fix... but we'll see! Friday's plumber seems to think that (shock) the plumbing used slightly too-small piping, so if it is collapsed piping, we might just see about getting the whole thing fixed, cost be darned. We can finish our basement and add living space - it's a walk-out - so we'd both rather get things done right, now, rather than finish the basement only to have to rip it out when more pipes collapse.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim, I would be upset also...and rightly so! You have got to take up for him! I would do it for mine!! Do what you must!!!

Sarah...YIKES!!!! First the sink then your MIL.....GEESH!!! Hopefully it'll be an easy fix plumbing wise....
I cannot imagine my son running the Boston marathon, but me not go see him.What is up with that? WEIRD...poor sarah's dh!!!!! byt the way,,,how IS your knee?

 

[Pluto_fan]

Good morning Snowbirds!

Kim--I'd be hopping mad too. There are 20 other kids in the class that they could move if need be! Stick to your guns and you can convince them to let your DS stay put. We're all behind you ...and if you have a lawyer in the family, that much the better!

Sarah--ugh, plumbing problems AND in-law problems. I'm glad YOUR side of the family will be there to support your DH! Feel free to vent away!

We had a nice weekend here. One of my college roomates, who is currently living in Germany (about 4 hours from here), came with her kids for a visit (her DH was in the States for the weekend). We went out to dinner, watched our football game (which was terrible, lost in 2OT ), went to church and had a fun advent-wreath making activity afterward. It was good to see them!

We're going to have a quiet Thanksgiving here, just the five of us. The boys actually have school that day, although they'll get out early at 1:00. DH is technically supposed to have the day off, but they have a three-day conference with Thursday being the last day. I think he's going to go for the morning part and then skip the afternoon. But I love Thanksgiving--it's one of my favorite holidays!--so I'll still have fun making (and eating!) the dinner! No Black Friday shopping here...but I REALLY need to get some Christmas shopping done, so I might make Friday a big online shopping day!

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah...YIKES!!!! First the sink then your MIL.....GEESH!!! Hopefully it'll be an easy fix plumbing wise....
I cannot imagine my son running the Boston marathon, but me not go see him.What is up with that? WEIRD...poor sarah's dh!!!!! byt the way,,,how IS your knee?

My knee is... still attached. My appointment today with the surgeon/for x-rays is at 12:30. I expect to see the surgeon around 2ish. We made the appointment four weeks ago and he was booked into January soooo I'm probably triple booked to see him. Poor man.

I'll know more after that appointment!! Things are pretty good, otherwise. Saturday was kind of sore, but... 1. I slipped and planted my leg and then 2. We went to a laundromat (no place to put up my leg) then headed to 3. the grocery store (I used an electric cart, but leg still not up!), and 4. the video rental store before going home. Overdid it, as well as slipping! But my range of motion is good, swelling is low, so now we wait and see!

Sarah--ugh, plumbing problems AND in-law problems. I'm glad YOUR side of the family will be there to support your DH! Feel free to vent away!

Thanks! The in-law thing is so frustrating. If you take a look at a US map and look 13 hours west of where we live... you end up in the middle of nowhere, which is where they live. To get there, via plane, we HAVE to connect in either Chicago or Minneapolis. Otherwise, we can fly into Omaha and drive four hours, which is the closest major airport. So, yes, visiting them/them visiting us is and can be a real hassle but we do our best! We invited them to watch him run the Disney Marathon this past January... and their reply was "Well, we'll come to Florida, but we'll go the Everglades, and you can come to us." He told them, firmly, "No. That's not the point." They didn't come to Florida.

Oh well. He doesn't let it bother him, like I do. I should work on that.

No Black Friday shopping here...but I REALLY need to get some Christmas shopping done, so I might make Friday a big online shopping day!

Are you buying online from the States? I just got my email from JC Penney - their sale starts Thursday, online. Some pretty good stuff, too!

 

[Monny2AE]

Morning Snowbirds!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I had a very productive weekend. Forced myself to avoid the DIS and was amazed at what all I accomplished

Finished my DD's Age One scrapbook album (there's a link to it in my PTR if anyone is interested ) and only have 2 more pages to finish my DS's Age Four album!!!! Got my house cleaned, bought a few more Christmas gifts, grocery shopped for Turkey Day. I don't host it- my sister does but she works night shift and is in school full time so I'm doing a good bit of cooking at my house to help her out this year.

This Friday I'm heading to Virginia to visit my Grandmom and Aunt. It's just going to be me and the kids and my mom. DH has to stay home because he has to work but I don't think he's all that disappointed to be honest. I haven't seen my grandmom in almost a year and I miss her so I'm really excited about this trip. I'm crossing my fingers my kids stay healthy enough to go. Em started with a cough and runny nose again yesterday.

Hugs to Sarah- I won't even get started on the in laws stuff but I understand.

Hugs to Kim- good for you for standing up for what's best for your son. I hope they don't take anything out on him in anger for not being able to move him. It's always good to have a least one friend or family member that's a lawyer!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh Sarah- that stinks!! I have a dear friend who has in-laws "issues" as well and she is just like you. Worries more about it than her DH. I guess they are just used to their parents being that way and constantly disappointing them, so they just don't waste their energy getting all worked up anymore. I think it's because we all want our spouses to be happy and have their family be supportive.

I hope your plumbing situation gets resolved and isn't too expensive!!
Keep us posted on the knee dr. visit. We'll be here, just waiting to hear good news!

 

[sarbah77]

Hugs to Sarah- I won't even get started on the in laws stuff but I understand.

Oh Sarah- that stinks!! I have a dear friend who has in-laws "issues" as well and she is just like you. Worries more about it than her DH. I guess they are just used to their parents being that way and constantly disappointing them, so they just don't waste their energy getting all worked up anymore. I think it's because we all want our spouses to be happy and have their family be supportive.

It's funny that all the horror stories are about being treated poorly by the in-laws but so few of them are about the sadness of when they treat their *own* kids poorly! But I think I need to work on being less frustrated by it. I'll try to remember the good - that they love him, they love me, even if they're just flakes!

I hope your plumbing situation gets resolved and isn't too expensive!!
Keep us posted on the knee dr. visit. We'll be here, just waiting to hear good news!

We'll see on the too expensive bit. Today's plumber actually ran early (!) and came, found the collapse, and marked it on the floor. I called Friday's company back (hee!) and they would have been able to get a repairman in tomorrow, if we didn't have appointments! TOMORROW! So Wednesday it is. They said their holiday week is slow; I would have thought the opposite. They laid out the costs, so we know what it will be by hour, so now we just need to see how many hours it is!

OKAY THE KNEE DOCTOR! The appointment went SO well! He ran on time! Everyone was in a good mood!

My x-rays look good, my muscle tone looks GREAT, and I have full range of motion (when I said he could bend my knee further, his reply was that no knee needs to bend further and even his doesn't bend as far as mine does). So that's all great news!

I am allowed to go very slight weight bearing. I am allowed to ride my recumbent (he was VERY happy to hear I have one of these) exercise bike starting now.

He and his physician's assistant teased me because (accidentally) my crutch pads matched my shirt (Vikings purple, to DH's pleasure ). I gave as good as I got when they asked "how's the knee?" "still attached!"

On the "rats" side (though not too bad), I am still on crutches for another six weeks. I am still supposed to wear my knee brace. This means no driving and I'll need extra assistance getting through airport security. it also means skirts! That brace is HUGE!

But my next appointment, in six weeks, is on my 33rd birthday. I promised them cupcakes (...guys! They were sold with that). It'll be a good birthday - I should be able to put down my crutches on that day. I need to email the surgeon in 4 weeks and let him know how I'm doing, but, yeah.

I'm glad I'm recovering well! I'm glad all my efforts at getting in shape before surgery have REALLY paid off! I'm happy that my range of motion is excellent. I am okay to go back to work (though not happy about work, but happy about what it means).

So a good appointment and pretty much a good day! After dinner, I'll have my husband escort me down to the basement to hop on the exercise bike and then I'll get ready for work tomorrow.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Glad to hear your good news Sarah!! Hey, you couldn't go wrong with Vikings Purple!!

 

[sarbah77]

So the non-earth shattering question is: tomorrow, do I wear a knee length skirt or a full length one? I'm still wearing my brace and I have NO problems showing it off... and somewhat inclined to do so, in order to have the "yeah, see? Surgery. Still recovering" in your face approach. The leg brace is far too big for most pants. I do have a pair in black that are yoga/sleep pants, but I feel silly wearing them in public, though I do occasionally.

Did I mention that I'm also allowed to use the exercise bike again? The one we have is recumbent, which is no impact/low joint stress. I think it took more effort to get down and then back up the flight of stairs than I spent trying to pedal on the bike!!

Edit: Oops, yes, Sheree, my husband sees nothing wrong with me in Vikings purple, either.

 

[Pluto_fan]

Glad to hear you're recovering well, Sarah!