Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[MEK]

Well, you can never do everything. So it helps to prioritize.

As long as it involves somebody else.

Glad you enjoyed it! Can't say as it made my top 10 list...

Mine either. Every 20 years. That's my motto.

Sounds like the Trail of Tears is starting.

Oh Noooooooooo.........

I would complain too, but then I realized I never actually watch the parades. I keep hoping everyone else is distracted so I can go on the rides.

I'm not a big fan of the afternoon parades with the exception of the AK parade. I love that one!

That is a good one.

That was a great shot.

I HATE that feeling!

We all do!

It's an excellent school, and in-state tuition means a lot. That was my decision process too.

He got a small scholarship there. Nothing dramatic. But its still something. But I have to agree. As much as I loved Virginia Tech it just makes no sense to pay $50,000 more over four years for the same degree. With all the research I've done during these college visits it seems like in engineering your future is up to you. If you do well and participate in internships or co-ops or research and get involved in engineering organizations you are going to be very marketable.

Cynthia also forwarded me a cool scholarship for people in electrical engineering who want to focus on power management. It's cool to know that things like that exist because if he gets into electrical engineering he can look for that scholarship again.

Winter session is fantastic. I didn't discover it until my junior year. It was a chance to get rid of mandatory courses in a more laid-back time. Great time to hang out with friends, too.

I transferred to UD so I basically had to do winter session to play catch up. I loved it. I definitely want him to do it to do his gen ed classes.

Gives you an excuse to meet again.

There's always an excuse, isn't there!

Good news!

Been there. I know exactly what you mean.

Ugh - its just the worst. I swear I will never put my kids in that situation.

Can you freaking believe it? Denny and I are currently working on a backup plan, but it might not involve Disney.

Goodness gracious. We'll pray this all works out for you. Sounds like somebody needs a Disney vacation!

I do want a vacation before I start a new job. That's for sure.

Still loving all the neon!

It was a perfect night for neon!

Not too shabby! I would never look that happy while running.

Sometimes I love running and I feel really good while out there and this was clearly one of those days.

I love seeing the place so empty.

It looks so cool, doesn't it?

Walking the plank?

Albatross Treasure Cruise.

I think they got rid of it.

That stinks. Then I am so glad I did it when I did.

Thanks I love that pic!

I thought they'd cancelled all Segway tours period. I think it may have had to do with the Segway lawsuit, which settled but for PR reasons they may not bring it back I think. Not sure. I have to admit, Jeff and I have talked about this more than once and we just don't get it. I know Mary Ellen loved it but for some reason it has zero appeal to us.

I really need to do a better job of keeping up with all the Disney news. Thousands of people have done those tours with no problem and now they have to stop the tours. Was the lawsuit about the woman who got hurt. Details.

I understand your perception over the lack of appeal. When I first considered a segway I really thought it seemed silly. But it was way cooler than I thought it would be once I was on it. I know when Jen and I went the reason was because her husband is so big and tall that he would have exceeded the weight limit. She figured it was her only chance and I was like "OK".

I can't imagine being brave enough to get a picture taken in the middle of one of my workouts. That's impressive right there!

It was a Disney first - that's for sure.

Things happen for a reason, I believe that. And when all else fails remember...

Breathe in the pretty colors
Breathe out the bad

That should be my new mantra!

Come visit me in Seattle!

That is actually seriously tempting. I have always wanted to go to Seattle.

That is such a bummer and I imagine overwhelming a bit to your SIL.

My SIL tends to exaggerate, but still - it can't be good. at all! I am worried about the whole situation.

I am worried I need to take Hank in, I'm not convinced he's stopped the chewing. He is eating pretty well, doesn't seem overly thirsty and well yes, he is old. Ugh. I'll probably sit on it, it just seems a huge gap for the hyperthryoid to come back but is possible, apparently there is a 1% relapse rate for 2-5 years.

Poor Hank. But it does sound like the odds are in his favor and not having a relapse. That would really stink. Max is 12 and its hard for me to believe that 12 is old. But it is.

there are just a lot of unknowns, which has been known.

• One sister is trying to get pregnant so obviously that might impact things.
• One sister needs to find a job, so that might impact things. While I have all the faith in the world in her (just finishing her teaching program) and she's getting amazing support/referrals from her program, it's still a new market for her with no seniority. Date wise she will likely be ok.
• Same sister has a boyfriend that seems to be getting more serious. He has 2 girls of his own. No clue how that will or will not play in to the trip. Absolutely adore them but it will present some challenges with the girls along. Some good things too.
• Brother/ex SIL can't fully commit the 5th nephew until they figure out how much it's going to cost to ship the 6th one to Austria for his year abroad. We can pick up his food but I can't really swing his flight and park ticket too.
• And my parents haven't even booked a room yet. They keep saying they are going to (and they are booking for the "trying" sister as well) but...they haven't yet.

While none of this is new, or surprising it's still a bit

I can't really bug them to think about ADR's with so much up in the air!

OMG - that really is a lot going on and so many potential changes to the makeup of your party. But, if any one can handle so many variables, its you. Bottom line - your family will go no matter what, correct? I know you are really excited about it.

Oh my goodness! They do realize the longer they wait the more the price could be, right? I hope you don't have to shorten it and can figure out something for June. You need a real vacation between now and Oct for sure.

My GF lost both her mother and her father in a span of 3 months. It was very hard on her. Her mom died of cancer in the fall and her dad basically died from what I call "failure to thrive" or a broken heart. She really stepped up to the plate and did absolutely everything for her parents. Now her eldest son is having some anxiety issues since the death of his grandparents. I just don't like to push her. I just give gentle reminders. That's all I can do.

And - yes - I do want a summer vacation. If we don't do Disney then we won't activate our APs until fall. Then I would use it fall, May (girl's trip) and the following fall. I was thinking DL for fall 2014, but if I still have an active Ap I will obviously go to WDW. And then, we had such a wonderful time in HHI (despite the whole hospital ordeal) that I want to make HHI a regular occurrence. I like October just a tad more than April because the crowds were lower. Not like they were bad in April, but October was pretty amazing.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates Mary Ellen and Cynthia !!! First I have to say the Country Bears pix have made me add this to my list for October !!! Thanks Cynthia !! Mary Ellen you looked great in your running outfit !!
Hope the right job comes along and soon!!!

 

[MEK]

OMG! I have to interrupt these replies to say that Wendy just gave me the best laugh I have had in awhile.



Awesome!



Totally awesome!

OK - back to replies!

 

[teekathepony]

OMG! I have to interrupt these replies to say that Wendy just gave me the best laugh I have had in awhile.



Awesome!



Totally awesome!

OK - back to replies!

Wendy me? Hehe if so, I'm glad I could make you laugh

 

[MEK]

Ok, now I'm curious. I kind of want to know what made the list. Especially the "other."

I'm surprised EPCOT didn't have more than 9 during F&W.

Yes - what is this mysterious "other"

Sorry for all of the issues you have on your plate right now MEK. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Thanks Glen! I really appreciate it!

Yes, that's a pretty nice photopass picture taken during your run.

Thanks! Especially since that picture could have gone horribly wrong.

Cynthia, I enjoy the bears every couple of trips or so, for nostalgia sake too. I wonder if there'd be a way to update them though?

Wow - your better than me. I am sticking with my every 20 year plan.

Wow MEK, you've got a lot going on! But it sounds like your kitty is on the mend and you DS has made a wise decision for his future, and I've sure that everything else will work out in time too

Other than crying constantly for food, my Maxie cat is doing great and Nick has a bright future ahead of him. I am very proud. Thanks for all the good thoughts!

Love the PP run pic! Love IT!

Thanks! I figure if people can have their picture taken during regular races, why not get a picture during my morning run.

You could but you'd also lose something. I mean those songs are "true" to the time period those bears represent and I don't know. Sanitize it and it kind of cheapens it.

then again....

MY WOMAN AIN'T PRETTY (BUT SHE DON'T SWEAR NONE)
Lyrics and music by Frankie Starr and Paul E. Miller

I got a woman, she's got me.
Whatever we do, we both agree.
She ain't pretty, but I ain't too.
The things we like are the things we do.

My woman ain't pretty, but she don't swear none.
She's kinda heavy, don't weigh a ton.
She's my woman, through and through.
I lover her only 'cause my heart is true.

MAMA, DON'T WHIP LITTLE BUFORD
Lyrics and music by Kenneth C. Burns and Henry D. Haynes

Mama don't whip little Buford.
Mama don't pound on his head.
Mama don't whip little Buford.
I think you should shoot him instead.

PRETTY LITTLE DEVILISH MARY
Lyrics and music by Bradley Kincaid

Hadn't been married but about two weeks,
She got as mean as the devil.
And every time I looked cross-eyed,
She'd hit me on the head with a "shevil."

and of course

ALL THE GUYS THAT TURN ME ON TURN ME DOWN
Lyrics and music by Plot and Powell

BLOOD ON THE SADDLE
Lyrics and music by Everett Cheetham


not sure you need the lyrics on those last two!

Wow - Now those WERE the good 'ol days! Mama don't whip little Buford...???? Boy have times changed.

In the infamous words of Taylor Swift: I'm never ever ever going to catch up on this thread....it moves too dang fast. Popular.

I give you mad props for trying. When I see a TR this long I just give up.

I

MEK, I am so sorry to read about all of your stressors and hope your hubby is feeling okay. I also hope you find some resolution to the job situation and find a job that you enjoy. I've worked on the sane psych floor for 10 years this August and this is the first time in 10 years that I have said I don't love my job. We've made some changes and lets just say there's a fine line between patients and staff. Its hard when good things come to and end whether by choice or not. I've been poking around some but my schedule is crazy flexible and that would be very hard to give up.

Thanks for the good thoughts. One of the reasons I didn't search sooner was my great schedule. I knew this program would eventually close. We just didn't have the caseload to sustain it for a myriad of reasons. But I love my NP role there because its exactly what I always wanted to do. I love, love, love the surgeon I work with. His is uber talented, very smart, and very conscientious. And I love being able to set my own schedule. I work hard meaning I'm always there when I'm supposed to be and I take calls at night, but if I need to leave early or take off for something important, I can do it. Flexibility goes a long way.

What type of work do you do on the psych floor? I am very interested in psychiatric care because I feel like its severely limited for some people. I just told Denny that I would like to go back to school to get my psych NP certificate since I already have a Masters and he thinks I'm crazy. If only tuition wasn't so expensive (with two kids in college) I would seriously consider it.

Cynthia, the Country Bears are my all time favorite. Love the photos. It's like pulling teeth trying to get my crew to sit through it so thank you for the trip down memory lane. It was my favorite, next to the MSEP and fireworks, as a kid. Your Photopass photos are good too. Thank you again for putting that together.

I agree that her pictures were a lot of fun and now that I am newly enlightened to the lyrics I may have to see it again sooner than I anticipated.

MEK, nice Epcot update. I cannot believe how empty it was! And cute tank top.

Thanks...and thanks. I just love going in through the IG before the world showcase opens. Its sort of zen like that early in the morning.

 

[MEK]

Wendy me? Hehe if so, I'm glad I could make you laugh

Yes - you girl! Denny thinks I'm a loon!

 

[rentayenta]

I have my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I work as a therapist and do our utilization review. I have worked our crisis (evaluating for IP criteria) and our IOP program (substance abuse).

I hope you find something you love. It sure helps when we love who we work for and have faith in the care they provide. Our psychiatrists are amazing, so smart and uber easy to work with which is rare for a psychiatrist.

I couldn't imagine not working in the mental health field. I've had many offers to join private practices and up until now I hadn't given them much thought but due to some odd decisions we're making, its looking better and better.

I'm with you when it comes to furthering my education. I'd love to get my PhD but tuition is astounding. Another 50K+ in student loans makes me feel ill. But I'd love for my family to have to call me doctor.

I've got a good friend getting her APRN right now. Big money when you're finished.

And I agree, flexibility is key for me too. With the kids and Michael's travels, I have to be able to come and go within reason.

Two in college? I know it's coming but I'm in denial. Where do they go to school?

 

[MEK]

@ MEK -

-Nick's decision to attend University of Delaware next year sounds like a good plan based on how you explained it. I hope he enjoys it there and has a great experience.

Thanks! I feel pretty positive about it. I was particularly impressed with the facilities and the students. I think its going to be a good fit.

-SO happy to hear your Maxie is putting on weight and looking good!! Give him a snuggle for me.

I will. It's so good to see him looking like himself again.

-Also very happy to hear that Denny is feeling good. Hope his cardiologist appt. went well today.

It went very well. I love this cardiologist. I know him professionally and he's excellent. I brought Denny's disc from his cardiac cath and echo and he just reviewed it and called me at home a little while ago to go over it. He is very pleased with the result from the stent.

-I'm sorry to hear about your parents. It does sound like the assisted living would be of benefit to them. Must be such a hard thing to agree to do. I pray for the best for them.

Thank you. I hate to see my mom have to do something she doesn't want to do , but ultimately I think its best.

-I hope your brother can get some help or find some way to get his anxiety to a manageable place. It can truly be a crippling condition without addressing it.

He is getting help. It's just slow. He's been through this before and it really got ahead of him this time. I was shocked to find out it was this bad.

-Finally (before getting to your TR post) I'm sorry for your job situation and I hope you find something you love and soon. I'm sure you will, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for you anyway.

Thanks. I know you have had some job challenges along the way so you understand the uncertainty. The rational side of me knows it will all work out, but the emotional side of me is having a hard time believing it.

Onto the report update!

I love that TSM queue! I could look at pictures of it all day. I giggled at your title, Johnny has a t-shirt that says "Don't make me put on my angry eyes!" It's even funnier if you know Johnny, he has no angry eyes.

I love that T shirt. It's awesome!

Great PP pic on your run! If I took a pic of ME after running... well you might call 911 if you saw it.

I seriously doubt that.

Ahh yes, you obviously stumbled across the very secret Canadian "Darwin's Children Experiment". We toss all our children in deep water at the age of 8. The last one alive gets a medal. It's how we Canadians stay such a hardy breed, only the strong survive. They must have been doing a demo in the pavilion. Since it's not the real thing they had life vests.



Yeah, no. Obviously I'm low on sleep and getting silly.

Your silliness was just what I needed tonight. Perfect!

I have it on my Disney iPhone playlist so I actually remembered some of the lyrics. I don't remember them all though! I have a weird memory. Can't remember to buy milk at the store, but lyrics stick in my head and stay forever! (Because that's helpful!)

Whoops! Sorry for the novel!

I wish I was better at remembering lyrics. I stink at it and I have a terrible time remembering the names of songs. I'm always saying "you know THAT song...you know the one".

Wow so much to comment on! I hope I don't forget something! First, I know I never commented on your HH post about Denny, but I did read it when you posted it, and wow, what a crazy, scary situation to deal with on vacation! I'm so glad you insisted he had extra tests and didn't just let him leave! And I'm happy to hear he's doing well now!

Hey Jen!

I'm glad everything worked out the way it did. It could have been a lot different. He saw the cardiologist today and he is happy with the result from the stent. That's a relief.

Congrats to your DS on making a decision about school, sounds like he made a great choice!

I'm glad he made his choice and its all decided. In the end I think this will be the best choice for him. I think he's really going to like it there. I feel really positive about it.

Glad the kitty is doing well too!

Thanks! He's doing really well. Always hungry, but otherwise really well. O just love that cat. He's my favorite.

Your June trip sounds like it's pretty up in the air! I can understand you guys not wanting to drive, what are you going to do if your brother's family drops out of the whole trip?

It's totally up in the air. But we are working on Plan B so we are committed to doing something that week.

I still can't believe you run on your Disney trips! My feet are usually killing me so much I can't even imagine adding in extra running! I wish I had that kind of dedication, though! Love the picture of you during your run, you look great!

I really do enjoy running. Some days are better than others and that happened to be one of my better days. But my feet are always killing me. I have to have inserts in all my shoes.

I love all of your pictures of the Epcot resorts area, I wish I could live there!

I do too. It's such an awesome place, isn't it?

 

[eandesmom]

In the infamous words of Taylor Swift: I'm never ever ever going to catch up on this thread....it moves too dang fast. Popular.

Yeah and there is NO chatter on yours

Cynthia, the Country Bears are my all time favorite. Love the photos. It's like pulling teeth trying to get my crew to sit through it so thank you for the trip down memory lane. It was my favorite, next to the MSEP and fireworks, as a kid. Your Photopass photos are good too. Thank you again for putting that together.

The photopass thing was fun and man did it save us all a lot of $$! I really hope nothing with the whole my magic whatsahosits impacts the ability to do photopass shares.

I'll go see it with you I bet Josh would too....

I really need to do a better job of keeping up with all the Disney news. Thousands of people have done those tours with no problem and now they have to stop the tours. Was the lawsuit about the woman who got hurt. Details.

No, not at all. Disney was sued for not letting people use Segways as an alternative to ECV/Scooter/Wheelchairs for the mobility impaired. While ultimately it was thrown out of court and I have no data to prove there is a link, it does really seem the lawsuit and the cancelling of the tours were around the same time. I think Disney thought, and possibly rightly so, that it seemed insensitive to offer it as a recreation option but not as a valid park touring one. Pure conjecture on my part though.

I understand your perception over the lack of appeal. When I first considered a segway I really thought it seemed silly. But it was way cooler than I thought it would be once I was on it. I know when Jen and I went the reason was because her husband is so big and tall that he would have exceeded the weight limit. She figured it was her only chance and I was like "OK".

Yeah...I don't get them. At all. It can't go anywhere I can't as a walker, they don't go especially fast....I guess it makes you taller? LOL!

That should be my new mantra!

It's a good one to have, if nothing else it makes you smile and sometimes that is half the battle.

That is actually seriously tempting. I have always wanted to go to Seattle.

My SIL tends to exaggerate, but still - it can't be good. at all! I am worried about the whole situation.

Thank goodness you called about the driving situation though, or you wouldn't even know about the issues at hand.

Poor Hank. But it does sound like the odds are in his favor and not having a relapse. That would really stink. Max is 12 and its hard for me to believe that 12 is old. But it is.

It is, Hank is 15, yikes.

OMG - that really is a lot going on and so many potential changes to the makeup of your party. But, if any one can handle so many variables, its you. Bottom line - your family will go no matter what, correct? I know you are really excited about it.

I think so. My parents are in, we are in. It's the rest that are more of the wildcards although all want to. Frankly I'll go for food and wine by myself if this falls through, I have an AP to activate. Seriously though the challenge may end up being my kids. While for Jeff, myself and my siblings this is about a trip with my dad before he can't do one, for the E's it's about a trip with their cousins. They are besides themselves with excitement about it. If the cousins can't go...it's a problem. And while conceptually we could just take all the boys without their parents...Jeff isn't cut out for that kind of trip and I'm not sure I am either. I love my nephews, I really do but you get all those boys together (at the time of the trip 12/13/14/14/15)...24/7 and us as the only adults in the room? I need a drink just thinking about it. At a bare minimum my sister needs to be there and that's the assumption we've been going on.

My GF lost both her mother and her father in a span of 3 months. It was very hard on her. Her mom died of cancer in the fall and her dad basically died from what I call "failure to thrive" or a broken heart. She really stepped up to the plate and did absolutely everything for her parents. Now her eldest son is having some anxiety issues since the death of his grandparents. I just don't like to push her. I just give gentle reminders. That's all I can do.

Oh the poor thing! Yes, that's all you can do. She needs a vacation too

And - yes - I do want a summer vacation. If we don't do Disney then we won't activate our APs until fall. Then I would use it fall, May (girl's trip) and the following fall. I was thinking DL for fall 2014, but if I still have an active Ap I will obviously go to WDW. And then, we had such a wonderful time in HHI (despite the whole hospital ordeal) that I want to make HHI a regular occurrence. I like October just a tad more than April because the crowds were lower. Not like they were bad in April, but October was pretty amazing.

I may try to get a fall 2014 trip in to get mileage out of my AP as well but it might be too tight if we keep the cruise, which I hope we do.

Great Updates Mary Ellen and Cynthia !!! First I have to say the Country Bears pix have made me add this to my list for October !!! Thanks Cynthia !!

It's fun, I'm so glad I went to it!

Ahh yes, you obviously stumbled across the very secret Canadian "Darwin's Children Experiment". We toss all our children in deep water at the age of 8. The last one alive gets a medal. It's how we Canadians stay such a hardy breed, only the strong survive. They must have been doing a demo in the pavilion. Since it's not the real thing they had life vests.

that's hysterical

 

[eandesmom]

Ok, now I'm curious. I kind of want to know what made the list. Especially the "other."

I'm surprised EPCOT didn't have more than 9 during F&W.

I'll recap at the end and we will see how I did.

I actually didn't count anything from F&W as an Epcot top 10 item that could go on the list as well, it was a given! Just like I didn't count the actual MNSSHP. I miscounted, there were 4 "other" items.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I've never seen Country Bears show. I remember seeing them on the Disney programs when I was a child. I need to check it out. We don't do many shows unless there are no crowds.

 

[MEK]

I have my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I work as a therapist and do our utilization review. I have worked our crisis (evaluating for IP criteria) and our IOP program (substance abuse).

That sounds like interesting and challenging work. And substance abuse is such a huge issue. I can not believe how many people that we do surgery on have substance abuse issues. The number is just astounding. I am going to a pain management conference this Friday because the one I attended last year was so informative in terms of prescription drug abuse statistics. And it really provided me valuable information as a prescriber.

I hope you find something you love. It sure helps when we love who we work for and have faith in the care they provide. Our psychiatrists are amazing, so smart and uber easy to work with which is rare for a psychiatrist.

I am an NP in cardiac surgery. I only worked in internal medicine for about a year. Ideally I want to stay in cardiac surgery or possibly cardiology, but at this point I am willing to consider other areas.

I couldn't imagine not working in the mental health field. I've had many offers to join private practices and up until now I hadn't given them much thought but due to some odd decisions we're making, its looking better and better.

It's great that you have that as an option. It sounds easy to say "weigh out the pros and cons", but in reality its a lot more difficult.

I'm with you when it comes to furthering my education. I'd love to get my PhD but tuition is astounding. Another 50K+ in student loans makes me feel ill. But I'd love for my family to have to call me doctor.

I got my Master's degree in nursing during a time when there was actually government money available, so I basically went free. Than I got my post masters NP certificate with tuition reimbursement from my old job. Again - it was so affordable. But now I don't even want to think about it.

Great Updates Mary Ellen and Cynthia !!! First I have to say the Country Bears pix have made me add this to my list for October !!! Thanks Cynthia !!

Cynthia - I think your post has everyone intrigued with the Country Bears. I am still astounded at those lyrics.

Mary Ellen you looked great in your running outfit !!

Thanks Rosie!

Hope the right job comes along and soon!!!

Thank you. I hope so, too. I am very anxious to get this process over with and move on.

I've got a good friend getting her APRN right now. Big money when you're finished.

I love being an NP. I've been doing it for about 12 years and its so encouraging to see how the medical community is embracing the roll of the nurse practitioner. We really have a lot to add.

And I agree, flexibility is key for me too. With the kids and Michael's travels, I have to be able to come and go within reason.

Absolutely. It's hard when you are balancing school age children. My youngest will be in college next year, so I finally won't have that worry. Even though he drives himself everywhere, its still someone in your home that you are responsible for.

Two in college? I know it's coming but I'm in denial. Where do they go to school?

My oldest is finishing his sophomore year at Salisbury University which is a moderate sized school on the Eastern shore of Maryland. They have a well respected business school that received a tremendous endowment from Frank Perdue. Their business facilities are amazing. He really loves it there and is steadily improving his grades - you know how freshman year can be. He was never the greatest student to begin with - very average, but now he is finally embracing his studies.

My youngest son is going to attend University of Delaware in the fall. He was accepted into University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University and several smaller more local schools. He is going into engineering. After visiting all these schools and evaluating scholarship offers, our own University of Delaware just seemed to be the best fit in terms of education, school size, schools experience, and overall cost. He's a very practical kid and basically didn't want to have to take a lot of student loans. We spent a lot of time and did a lot of research during this process. The one thing I learned is SAT and ACT scores really mean a lot. Having good scores is one thing as far as ensuring acceptance. Having great scores is the ticket to scholarship money.

 

[MEK]

I've never seen Country Bears show. I remember seeing them on the Disney programs when I was a child. I need to check it out. We don't do many shows unless there are no crowds.

I am surprised that you have never seen them. I don't think you ever have to worry about too much of a crowd for the Country Bears.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I am surprised that you have never seen them. I don't think you ever have to worry about too much of a crowd for the Country Bears.

I'm not worried about their crowd. If the crowds have been small enough so we can hit all the rides we want then we hit some shows. Don't like the standing around waiting for the show. Our sons were never into any of the shows, took too long for them.

 

[MHTeacher]

Lots to try to remember, but here it goes....

First MEK-I know you're so relieved that your son has made his college decision. I completely hear you about not wanting to spend more money to get the same degree. My oldest is finishing her first year at Alabama, but has decided she wants to come home for college, and I can't really argue. This past year cost about $20,000, compared to about $6000 when she gets home and goes to the university here in town.

Hope your job search works out!

Cynthia--Haven't watched Country Bears in years! Thanks for sharing all your pictures!

 

[rentayenta]

That sounds like interesting and challenging work. And substance abuse is such a huge issue. I can not believe how many people that we do surgery on have substance abuse issues. The number is just astounding. I am going to a pain management conference this Friday because the one I attended last year was so informative in terms of prescription drug abuse statistics. And it really provided me valuable information as a prescriber.

I misread, you've got your NP. Sub abuse is huge. Our docs are very conservative with medications and rarely do I see them prescribe more than Flexeril for pain. Our addicts don't love us. Enjoy your conference.

I am an NP in cardiac surgery. I only worked in internal medicine for about a year. Ideally I want to stay in cardiac surgery or possibly cardiology, but at this point I am willing to consider other areas.

What other areas are you interested in?

It's great that you have that as an option. It sounds easy to say "weigh out the pros and cons", but in reality its a lot more difficult.

Exactly. I don't enjoy the corporate umbrella at all but I like not having to market myself and sustain viability. The clients come to us when IP but I've got to play by their rules and the documentation requirements and corporate garbage are overwhelming. I like to be as client centered as possible which will eventually lead me into private practice.

I got my Master's degree in nursing during a time when there was actually government money available, so I basically went free. Than I got my post masters NP certificate with tuition reimbursement from my old job. Again - it was so affordable. But now I don't even want to think about it.

That's fantastic! Good for you.

I love being an NP. I've been doing it for about 12 years and its so encouraging to see how the medical community is embracing the roll of the nurse practitioner. We really have a lot to add.

Absolutely. My daughter sees a Neurologist and Endocrinologist and we often see the PA. I like having options.

My oldest is finishing his sophomore year at Salisbury University which is a moderate sized school on the Eastern shore of Maryland. They have a well respected business school that received a tremendous endowment from Frank Perdue. Their business facilities are amazing. He really loves it there and is steadily improving his grades - you know how freshman year can be. He was never the greatest student to begin with - very average, but now he is finally embracing his studies.

Thats terrific. I'm sure its a wonderful feeling to know your child is doing well and liking what they do. You must be a proud mama.

My youngest son is going to attend University of Delaware in the fall. He was accepted into University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University and several smaller more local schools. He is going into engineering. After visiting all these schools and evaluating scholarship offers, our own University of Delaware just seemed to be the best fit in terms of education, school size, schools experience, and overall cost. He's a very practical kid and basically didn't want to have to take a lot of student loans. We spent a lot of time and did a lot of research during this process. The one thing I learned is SAT and ACT scores really mean a lot. Having good scores is one thing as far as ensuring acceptance. Having great scores is the ticket to scholarship money.

Wow, how fabulous! And thank you for the tip. I've been telling Gabby that her scores matter but she's 16 and invincible and although I have my Masters I know nothing about obtaining a college and post graduate education. I'm going to have her read your post.

He's very smart for not wanting to drown in student loans. I had to get loans once I exhauster my pell grant status. I'm hoping our kids will think the way your son is and we're educating them on their options.

Time flies.

The words SAT and ACT scare me. Gabby just took the pre ACT test called the PLAN test. Thankfully it was free because she didn't ace it. She'll need a few prep courses and a lot of studying time.

 

[Poolrat]

Not caught up yet - sheesh only 2 full days and 5 pages behind.


Glad Max is doing better.
Proud of Nick picking a school- great job.

Have not gotten to the cardiologist update yet if you posted it so I hope that all went well and Denny can start to move past the incident.

Sorry about the June trip and I hope something gets resolved soon and is not left hanging.

Sorry about your parents - I know I will have to deal with that probably sooner thatn later and they are not close. Hard all around.

Oh Goodness, add in a job hunt and YIKES

Too tired now to finsih so hopefully tomorrow.

 

[eandesmom]

The words SAT and ACT scare me. Gabby just took the pre ACT test called the PLAN test. Thankfully it was free because she didn't ace it. She'll need a few prep courses and a lot of studying time.

Not to hijack but...I feel your pain. K is in the same boat, literally. First "real" SAT is 5/5...should be interesting.

 

[Poolrat]

In the infamous words of Taylor Swift: I'm never ever ever going to catch up on this thread....it moves too dang fast. Popular.

I know the feeling-but I can say for now- I am caught up.

Great Updates Mary Ellen and Cynthia !!! First I have to say the Country Bears pix have made me add this to my list for October !!!

Everyone will be singing Blood in the Saddle while following the spoon.....

Ahh yes, you obviously stumbled across the very secret Canadian "Darwin's Children Experiment". We toss all our children in deep water at the age of 8. The last one alive gets a medal. It's how we Canadians stay such a hardy breed, only the strong survive. They must have been doing a demo in the pavilion. Since it's not the real thing they had life vests.

This had me Good one.


Yeah, no. Obviously I'm low on sleep and getting silly.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Goodness Mary Ellen, you have had a lot going on lately. I'll be praying that your parents make the decision to move to assisted living. I know that it has to be hard to make a decision like that. I probably feels like they are giving up their independence.

I'll also be praying that the right job comes along for you. Like you, I have never been without a job from the time I was just 17 years old. Hopefully, something will come along that's right up your alley.