The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 31

[my3princes]

I did look at some luggage at Big Lot's. They have a 31" piece for $40, is that a good price? It looked pretty good, here is a picture:

They had one left in black & one left in a plum color, I don't remember the brand name. I keep wondering if I should go back & get the black one before it is gone

I know that there are sets on sale for under $40 on black friday though I can't remember where now. Just a word of caution on the cheap sets, the material isn't as strong as that of the Disney sets and our very first trip with the cheaper set resulted in a trip to Walmart for duck tape to repair rips that I assume came from the conveyor belts that the airlines use. The Disney luggage had no tears or signs of wear, but all 3 of our cheaper bags had to be repaired. Our cheaper set is Prodigy from Kohl's, but it is comparable to most of the cheaper sets that I've seen.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Janet - Definitely check Ross, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx for name brand luggage. All of our luggage is Delsey or Samsonite, and I got it all on sale or at Ross. We have a set of Olympia from Macy's that is crap. We also have another no-name set that has held up pretty well, but it has no name so I can't suggest it!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Bernadette, nice pictures.

Thanks!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I got back from the u/s and went to our Blue Ash office, and as I walked in I found out we were in the midst of an unannounced state survey. Sweet. I already was going to wait until I got back to my office to post because it's a bit less out in the open, but I got stuck there muhc longer than I ever anticipated. Now I'm here, and can finally post!

It's all good news. We saw two beautiful blobs, both with nice flickering heartbeats! My RE was slow to congratulation and quick to remind me of the "vanishing twin syndrome" that is still a possibility. (Research shows that very likely, 1 in 8 or 1 in 10 pregnancies starts out as multiples, but before a normal pregnancy gets to u/s, the "extra" baby doesn't make it but is reabsorbed (as bad as that sounds) before anyone can tell the difference.

That being said, there is also a lot of data that says once a heartbeat is detected, the m/c rate drops quite a bit, so here's hoping I'm really going to have two babies!


Especially with this busy day at work, it's all very surreal and I have had about zero emotion about it. I feel less nervous, and that's about it. I'm sure it will hit me at some point!

Sorry to make you wait!

What wonderful news!

 

[tinknme]

Thank you all! I have none of those stores here I am checking out bagsbuy.com right now. Thanks for the link Bernadette!

I personally would NOT go that big. I would not go any bigger than 25". I have a 25" bag that I don't really use anymore because it is too easy to go over the 50 pound limit and I think some airlines have a 40 pound limit.

That is very inexpensive. I would worry about the quality-I would check out the zippers before you buy it. I would also reconsider getting black. If you get black you'll have a harder time seeing your luggage at baggage claim.

Do you have Marshalls or TJ Max in your area? They tend to have good quality luggage for a reasonable price. They also tend to have the "strange" but easy to recognize colors. My friend bought a piece that we call the "Tigger" bag. No missing that one on the baggage belt.

Another thought is Kohl's. Do you have one of those near you? I think I saw they were having some Black Friday luggage specials-was it on Clare's list?

Off to send you the email....

I know that there are sets on sale for under $40 on black friday though I can't remember where now. Just a word of caution on the cheap sets, the material isn't as strong as that of the Disney sets and our very first trip with the cheaper set resulted in a trip to Walmart for duck tape to repair rips that I assume came from the conveyor belts that the airlines use. The Disney luggage had no tears or signs of wear, but all 3 of our cheaper bags had to be repaired. Our cheaper set is Prodigy from Kohl's, but it is comparable to most of the cheaper sets that I've seen.

Janet - Definitely check Ross, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx for name brand luggage. All of our luggage is Delsey or Samsonite, and I got it all on sale or at Ross. We have a set of Olympia from Macy's that is crap. We also have another no-name set that has held up pretty well, but it has no name so I can't suggest it!

 

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Jennifer! Congratulations! We are all so happy for you!

 

[Glynis]

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I got back from the u/s and went to our Blue Ash office, and as I walked in I found out we were in the midst of an unannounced state survey. Sweet. I already was going to wait until I got back to my office to post because it's a bit less out in the open, but I got stuck there muhc longer than I ever anticipated. Now I'm here, and can finally post!

It's all good news. We saw two beautiful blobs, both with nice flickering heartbeats! My RE was slow to congratulation and quick to remind me of the "vanishing twin syndrome" that is still a possibility. (Research shows that very likely, 1 in 8 or 1 in 10 pregnancies starts out as multiples, but before a normal pregnancy gets to u/s, the "extra" baby doesn't make it but is reabsorbed (as bad as that sounds) before anyone can tell the difference.

That being said, there is also a lot of data that says once a heartbeat is detected, the m/c rate drops quite a bit, so here's hoping I'm really going to have two babies!


Especially with this busy day at work, it's all very surreal and I have had about zero emotion about it. I feel less nervous, and that's about it. I'm sure it will hit me at some point!

Sorry to make you wait!

Oh, another twin mom!!!! Jennifer, you made me cry happy tears today! You are going to be a wonderful mother. We were given the same speech about the reabsorption, but I think the heartbeat is a good sign. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers. Now, we just have to wait to find out the genders! I happen to know someone with twin girls, that has a lot of clothes just waiting to find a good home!

Take care of yourself.

 

[Glynis]

Jen - that is AMAZING news! I am soooo happy for you and Kyle and am practically doing cartwheels around my living room

I totally agree with this!!!

By the way, Clare, it's fantastic to see you posting here again!!! I've missed you!

 

[babytrees]

Woohoo!!! Jennifer!!

I've been (im)patiently waiting for news on our newest DDA'ers

 

[lovesdumbo]

Thank you all! I have none of those stores here I am checking out bagsbuy.com right now. Thanks for the link Bernadette!

I would try ebags.com too as they have really great reviews!

I have travelpro luggage which while expensive has held up very well. I took a trip to Estonia when I was in grad school and I think I was the only one who's luggage wasn't seriously damaged. They did knock off one of the zipper pulls but that was very minor compared to everyone else. I also have a Vitorinox rolling backpack with detachable daypack that I bought from REI outlet. They don't carry it anymore and the one available on ebags is very expensive. But REI did have this one that looks interesting:
http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/760583

This is the closest I could find to my Vitorinox bag but I bought the prior generation for a LOT less! It has held up very well and it is amazing how much can fit in it. It the the ONLY checked bag I had for my 10 night trip for my family of 5 last August.
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox_swi...ay_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=74798

 

[triplefigs]

Congratulations, Jennifer and Kyle!​

Welcome to the wonderful world of multiples!!!​

 

[bear74]

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I got back from the u/s and went to our Blue Ash office, and as I walked in I found out we were in the midst of an unannounced state survey. Sweet. I already was going to wait until I got back to my office to post because it's a bit less out in the open, but I got stuck there muhc longer than I ever anticipated. Now I'm here, and can finally post!

It's all good news. We saw two beautiful blobs, both with nice flickering heartbeats! My RE was slow to congratulation and quick to remind me of the "vanishing twin syndrome" that is still a possibility. (Research shows that very likely, 1 in 8 or 1 in 10 pregnancies starts out as multiples, but before a normal pregnancy gets to u/s, the "extra" baby doesn't make it but is reabsorbed (as bad as that sounds) before anyone can tell the difference.

That being said, there is also a lot of data that says once a heartbeat is detected, the m/c rate drops quite a bit, so here's hoping I'm really going to have two babies!


Especially with this busy day at work, it's all very surreal and I have had about zero emotion about it. I feel less nervous, and that's about it. I'm sure it will hit me at some point!

Sorry to make you wait!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Twins.

It's all good news. We saw two beautiful blobs, both with nice flickering heartbeats!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Hi Tom
Do you have to work Thanksgiving?



My sister left a little after 4 to go in to work. She is a baker in a local dinner and tonight is Thanksgiving pies. They usually get 300 or so pies that are to go.

 

[UP Disney]

The other 2 pieces of our entertainment center came today so I spent the afternoon assembling them. There were a few flaws, but I managed to hide them well or fix them. I really like the look of it. I think it will go well with the antique china cabinet that I still need to refinish. We have a lot of oak furniture in our house and the new flooring is also an oak finish.

I took Colby to Kmart and had his picture taken this morning. Oddly enough the very first shot is the one that I liked the best. I can pick them up on Dec 7.

After erecting the furniture today I started to put stuff into them. I moved the Crystal photo cubes of the boys into one cabinet. I left the room for a few minutes and Colby managed to drop 2 of the cubes, completely shattering his and taking a big chunk out of Hunter's. I am truly devasted as they are my all time favorite WDW souvenirs. It isn't like I can go back in time to have one made of my baby, he's 5 now afterall. I'm tempted to call Disney to see if they keep the photos on file as I would love to order 2 more. I somehow doubt that they would have the files from 4 years ago

Can they do it from an existing picture? I'd check with them.

ETA: Saw your response. Another

 

[UP Disney]

Do any of you know anything about guitars? I dabbled a teeny bit in high school and wanted one then already, but never got one because well there just wasn't time for another thing such as guitar. Many other things occupied my time.

Well I would like to get a guitar some point in the near future and learn to play. I am leaning toward learning acoustical first and then perhaps electric but may want to learn electric first and then acoustic. But am not sure yet. Does anyone have a thought as to which to start on?

Does anyone have any recommendations on specific guitars? The Martin museum and factory is about a half an hour away from where I work. I might stop in one day for the free tour and museum. I have had a few people recommend the Seagull S6 as an acoustic option, it seems to have lots of good reviews.

The best price would probably be online but then again each instrument within the same series sounds differently. I'm looking to spend under $500, would prefer less then that but don't want a junk instrument that won't tune and frustrate me.

My big issue is I don't remember enough to test play the guitars myself and I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who plays enough to have a qualified opinion. I would like to take lessons but I do not have a set time each week that I could do so and most places around here require a set time every week or you just cancel. Definitely not conducive to my schedule. I probably know enough about music to teach myself but I know that some things are much better when you have someone else teach you.

Sorry for my rambling. Any thoughts, opinions, or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

This is at the top of my list for someday! I want to learn to play as well. I know very little about music. My grandfather was amazing. He played the guitar, violin, accordian, etc. Mostly the violin. My earliest memories were sitting at his feet with a bunch of my cousins listening to him play. I miss his music. That has been the hardest thing about getting together for reunions - no music anymore. My girls took violin lessons when they were younger and say that they want to do so again when they get older and are out of college.

I wish I could help you.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Glynis - . I'm so sorry to hear of the loss to your family, but how happy your grandparents must be to be together again.

Jen - continued for your family.

Jennifer - such exciting news! I am thrilled for you guys! So, how are you going to tell everyone on Thanksgiving?!?! We need details!

For all those traveling over the next few days - please be safe out there! It looks like some of the weather could be quite nasty!

Bernadette and Debbie - loving the photos! Debbie, what were your dates again? I can't believe how empty the MK looked in your pics! I'd give anything for that!

Janet - I, too, recommend eBags for luggage, and second the advice here to not get that 31" bag, and to look for quality so you're not replacing the set again so soon. Are you a member of AAA (or maybe it was the Entertainment Book)? Either way, I noticed that one of these offered a discount (just can't remember which one), plus I could get free shipping. I didn't go this route with the luggage I recently purchased, becasue the main site was running a 20% promo, and even with paying shipping, that was the better deal at the time. But if I remember right, this was akin to the Mousesavers discount, but also offered the free shipping.

I think I am in denial that I have to be packed and ready to go in about 40 hours! (Elizabeth, you can begin hyperventilating for me!)

 

[babytrees]

Becky-

from what I know about guitars (it isn't one of the instruments played in our house) it's easier to move from acoustic to electric than vice versa. There's my knowledge...lol.

 

[UP Disney]

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I got back from the u/s and went to our Blue Ash office, and as I walked in I found out we were in the midst of an unannounced state survey. Sweet. I already was going to wait until I got back to my office to post because it's a bit less out in the open, but I got stuck there muhc longer than I ever anticipated. Now I'm here, and can finally post!

It's all good news. We saw two beautiful blobs, both with nice flickering heartbeats! My RE was slow to congratulation and quick to remind me of the "vanishing twin syndrome" that is still a possibility. (Research shows that very likely, 1 in 8 or 1 in 10 pregnancies starts out as multiples, but before a normal pregnancy gets to u/s, the "extra" baby doesn't make it but is reabsorbed (as bad as that sounds) before anyone can tell the difference.

That being said, there is also a lot of data that says once a heartbeat is detected, the m/c rate drops quite a bit, so here's hoping I'm really going to have two babies!


Especially with this busy day at work, it's all very surreal and I have had about zero emotion about it. I feel less nervous, and that's about it. I'm sure it will hit me at some point!

Sorry to make you wait!

 

[UP Disney]

I did look at some luggage at Big Lot's. They have a 31" piece for $40, is that a good price? It looked pretty good, here is a picture:

They had one left in black & one left in a plum color, I don't remember the brand name. I keep wondering if I should go back & get the black one before it is gone

My next set of luggage is going to be something unusual - no black or navy! I want something that is going to stand out on the carousel when it comes off the plane.

 

[babytrees]

My next set of luggage is going to be something unusual - no black or navy! I want something that is going to stand out on the carousel when it comes off the plane.

our big purple one kind of stands out(there were two on our trip home similar) but the hot pink one is the that really stands out!!

If you have a Dillards Janet that is where I got mine....the largest ones...one was $50 and one was $75 and they hold a ton and I have not worried about being over the weight limit...always a good ten lbs under. Ours also cleaned nicely.

ETA: Here's our brand and the 29 inch is what we have in it http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/...arch.x=17&N=1000450&Nty=1&search.y=8&R=HLL236