The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 9

[tink2020]

Well, the satellite guy is here and REALLY ticking me off (not him personally, just the whole idea of satellite, and it's turning out to be exactly what I was worried about.... lots of hidden fees for not a lot of product, even though we asked a hundred times and got in writing what we'd be charged for, what we'd need to have ready for him, etc ) ........

So I thought i'd come back here instead of being downstairs causing trouble



Jennifer (bear) -- congrats on 38,000!

Becky -- happy belated birthday!

Vicki -- I'm glad you and Chuck were able to go on the cruise! It looks fabulous!

Kristine -- congrats to Christopher! Traveling soccer is a huge committment, but it can be so much fun!!

Glynis -- I'm so sorry to hear about 'Uncle' Richard! How tragic for your father (and your whole family). I will continue to keep them on my prayer list!

Julie! -- great to see you again. I think about you guys often, thanks for popping in! Your vacation sounds like it was a neat experience, even with the packed house! Congratulations to Kyle on the accelerated classes! What a hard worker! And congrats to you on the weight loss! 38 pounds?! That's fantastic!

Kate -- I could hear that "ringtone" just fine. It was annoying as get out, but I heard it. I'm glad to hear Nick's EKG went well!

Julia -- your door signs looked great!

Denise -- I have never stayed at ASMo, but we stayed at ASMu in high school and at Pop in December. I think your kids will absolutely LOVE it there, value or not! The theming, IMO, is just plain fun! And for the savings, I think you and John will find it quite alright, as well! I would definitely suggest renting a car, but we always do -- I hate waiting on busses ANYWHERE, and I think they're really not great at the all stars. With a car though, the distance is not bad at all! Edit: Ok, I think you've changed back. I can't keep up! You guys are going to have a splendid trip either way

Dawn -- I'm glad to hear the pregnancy is going so well! I love the name Caroline!! I love names that sound more elegant, but are also suitable for a little Have you picked yet? PS -- I also pronounced it Care o line right when I read it. I'm with you, that Caroline and Carolynn have VERY different pronunciations I also have not heard it automatically shortened to Carol ever, but maybe that's regional or age-related? Lol.... and I swear picked Caroline BEFORE you said you liked it, I swear I also know about a hundred laurens!

Tammi -- congratulations to Nicholas! I was just reading how badly he wanted to lose a tooth, and now he has! Is he on the board at school?

Ok, and do kids really want to keep their teeth? And take them to show and tell?! Ewwww...... teeth gross me out! I was disgusted when I found out my mom kept my first.

Deb -- I like Vicki's idea of taking your bikes somewhere else for the time being. Did you guys get to go anywhere?

Paula -- I'm so sorry to hear about little Katie and your SIL!

and Denise -- that poor family losing Jacob. It must be absolutely devastating for any family to lose a child, but you're right about the other two struggling with it!

Teresajoy -- congrats to your sister (and your whole family)! Sawyer is a cutie pie!

Tia -- I'm so glad you all decided on a moving date. I hope that time passes quickly for you, and everything goes smoothly

 

[KristineN]

Great pictures!!! and I like your design too!

Good Morning DDA,

I thought I would take some time this morning to post the pictures from my DD reception. Because we got such a late start on planning the only hall we could get was a small one the isn't in the best shape. The windows are really ugly so we decided to turn them into blackboards, when trying to decide on a theme for teaching the thing that kept popping into my head was apples, so apples it was! I've thrown i a picture of my Bad Boy being himself, this is a before picture, before his mom shaved his head and gave him a buzz cut and before he broke his front tooth. He went to the dentist yesterday and they pulled part of the tooth, it was barely hanging in the gums, they said it was almost exposed and started him on antibiotics. He has an appointment with the pediatric dentist on Monday.



Debbie

 

[babytrees]

Here it is:

Sesame Street Adds New Female Muppet
For its 37th season, debuting Aug. 14, Sesame Street will introduce its first new female muppet in 13 years — Abby Cadabby, a pink "fairy-in-training" who knows just enough about magic to get herself into trouble, but not quite enough to get her out. Among the celebrities dropping by this season are Jamie Foxx, Matt Lauer, Amy Sedaris and Grey's Anatomy's T.R. Knight, while the kiddie show's spoofs will include "Law & Order: Special Letters Unit M," "Survivor: Musical Chairs" and "Outrageous Makeover: Home Edition," featuring Grover as Ty Pennington.

Too Cool!!! Thanks!!

 

[legalslave]

for everyone who needs it.
What are SAS?

SAS is a brand of ultra-comfortable shoes. They make walking, athletic, moccasins and sandals. Once you wear a pair, you won't want anything else.

 

[legalslave]

I was over checking out the fanny pack thread last night just for kicks. I'm so glad I did. There was a poster (YEKCIM) who wears a wonderful vest with zillions of pockets to the parks. I have been having trouble with my back after awhile at Disney, and thought it might be from the weight of the fanny pack, so I thought this would be a wonderful solution. Check it out:

http://www.sieglers.com/cgi-bin/Sie...at=#ParentCategoryName&wt_subcat=CategoryName

The fashionistas may shudder, but I think it will work wonderfully for me. I don't carry so much that the vest will be bulging all over (except for the parts that are me).

 

[legalslave]

Picking up the house must be a regionalism. I am from western Pennsylvania originally and that is a common term there. However, for some reason I think the roots of the saying go back to the Pennsylvania Dutch.

I've heard it before, but usually "pick up around the house" - it just struck me funny the way she said it.

 

[legalslave]

Okay, it's 2:00 in the morning.

I think the game plan for the weekend will be Saturday go see Dad so I can avoid having to interact with my siblings on Sunday.

Sunday, I'll go see my son and his wife and take them to dinner. They wouldn't let me come down last week while they were getting ready for her to go to Hong Kong. Now they want Saturday for her to get over her jet lag... and a lot of turtle time...

Unless I get bad news on July 3rd, I think I'm going to cancel my trip in September and save those points for the trip in May. I know it is such a long way off, but I wanted my youngest grandson to at least be 1 before Disney. This way he'll be about 16 months. Should be walking. I think it will be fun for him...

Plus, I already have all of my ADRS made for December and I'm looking forward to the CP and MVMCP and the decorations and the Osborne Lights. I know my sister will love it then.

My question is, where should we stay in May??? Should I get a 1 bedroom for them (10th anniverary) and a 2 bedroom for the rest of the family? I'm beginning to think a GV at OKW will not be doable. Should we stay at SSR so they can go to Pleasure Island? They liked PI when we went last time...

Should I try to book at BCV or BWV for access to EPCOT?? Should I book 2 villas at OKW because they are so large and also less points??? Should I book WLV for boat access to MK?? They loved WL the last time we went...

Oh decisions, decisions. I know I could ask over at the DVC boards, but some of the people over there are just mean. I have never seen a board with such outright nasty posters. Even with asbestos pettycoats on I would be toast...

So I'll ask here where I'm among friends.

Steffy - I've never done DVC, so I can't help with your choice except to say: choose where YOU want to be and let them deal with it. In large groups someone is always going to be unhappy, anyway.

 

[legalslave]

June -- I am so excited that you are taking the train to the DC meet! Last summer the girls and I took the trian from Union staiton to Penn Station for a weekend in New York City and the train trip was one of the highlights of the whole trip!

We looked at doing it that way again this year but the fares were astronomical! Maybe they will come down.... yeah, right!

Elin, I'm looking forward to the train trip, too. I didn't think the fare was so bad ($265.20 for TWO). Is that high? I used senior (I'm 62) and code H570 which I found on the internet. It came out a lot higher on their site, but I called Amtrak, gave them the info and the code, and that's what came up. Good luck with a fare sale or a code. (To find codes, I googled Amtrak discount codes 2006).

 

[legalslave]

That is a really cool idea! Another way that I could feel "close" to me my DDA friends. Pal Mickey visiting you all is the first, of course. I like June's Goofy as well and they mention it in Kingdom Keepers! So what say the rest of the DDA?

I like June's Goofy, too!

 

[tink2020]

Jennifer (bear) -- did the situation with your brother ever get resolved?! How scary! I definitely would be reporting ANYTHING he sees to the police!

Chanon -- we received "Disney Enchanted Calls" right before our december trip! All of our cell phones rang within a minute of one another with messages for each person in the family! It was really cool If anyone is considering it though, listen to the samples. Some of the princesses wouldn't fool even a little child, their voices are so off! Others are really good, and even for adults -- it's the idea that counts

Kate -- I'm sorry, but that's too funny about Nick and the Bambi fear! I hope it passed quickly! (Otherwise I guess it isn't quite as funny ) That list of Ohio laws was hysterical! Although I'm not sure the one about 5 women is really illegal..... we had people look that up when they were trying to prove that sorority houses would be ok at MU (long story ) But I absolutely love the whale one!

Dawn -- Thanks for posting the blue ribbon picture. Hooray Christopher!

Jennifer (moonbeams) -- I just thought I'd point out, in case I hadn't already, that I'm INCREDBILY jealous that you go to WDW so often! on the job change and the decisions that may have to be made. And this: "Thank goodness that law is on the books, or Kate would parade Mother Goose down Main Street, and probably tell Nick it will bite him if he doesn't behave. " Made me laugh out loud!

Denise -- congrats on post #6000! And I think you're gone while I'm posting all this, so I'll have to remember to repeat all the questions I asked and things I said later I hope that your SIL was able to make it on the trip... she and your brother will be in my prayers as well!

and Jen (blueeyes) and I think Lynn on post #1000!

Jen -- did your brother hear about his firefighter test?

Nancy -- Kyle and I are both doing the half. He thought about the full, but we're going to be pushing to travel for Saturday's race, as he can't really get off work We'll be there somehow, though! I know Glynis and her DH are signed up as well. Karen (lovespoohbear) is.... but I'm not sure how she's doing There are a few others as well. I made a list, but can't find it at the moment

Robyn -- sorry to hear about the pay raise falling through! How frustrating to be expecting it and it not to happen!

All this talk about choosing names, and with all the references to sort of various Jennifers/Jens around here..... can you believe my parents settled on Jennifer for me because it was really uncommon!?

Paula -- "moneygrowingtreeforyou@Paula think's she's all that.com" And congrats on 39,000 AND 2,000! That's great!

Jo -- so you're officially moving to Atlanta?! I'm jealous! Congratulations

Theresa -- that's too strange about the common law marriage being that simple! I was under the impression that common law involved an extensive period of time and a lot more criteria! (ie, you lived together, shared bills, policies, etc for something like 7 years) That's bizarre!

Marci -- I'm glad your DH's arm is responding quickly! That was crazy!

Hey, the end is in sight! I have all the page numbers showing up on my screen now!

Alas, after literally over 4 hours, the satellite guy is finally gone. This means I have to go play with the TV for a minute with Kyle (mostly so that a minute doesn't turn into hours ) and then we REALLY have to tackle this room. Not a great start to the day, but sort of par for the course! This has been one frustration after another.....but I know it will all work itself out in time, and we really are just thankful for the house itself as a giant blessing! Talk to you soon, and the next time I post I SHOULD be caught up!

 

[legalslave]

Great pictures!!! and I like your design too!

Hi Kristine! You haven't been around much lately. Good to "see" you.

 

[KristineN]

Thanks...

been busy trying to adjust to summer schedules with the kids...

it is in the 90's here today..and we have an outdoor party to go to

Hi Kristine! You haven't been around much lately. Good to "see" you.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Jen -- did your brother hear about his firefighter test?

All this talk about choosing names, and with all the references to sort of various Jennifers/Jens around here..... can you believe my parents settled on Jennifer for me because it was really uncommon!?

Jennifer-He hasnt heard yet..they said he will find out next week...THe instructors said that THEY couldnt pass it, the questions were ridiculous--

There are way too many Jens..mom named me after a doll named jennifer she had when she was little

 

[legalslave]

Thanks...

been busy trying to adjust to summer schedules with the kids...

it is in the 90's here today..and we have an outdoor party to go to

I haven't been out yet today, but it's been drizzling a little. I hope it clears up for this evening. We're supposed to go see "Cars" at the drive-in (we still have TWO in our area). My husband proposed at one of them!

 

[Tammi67]

When is the DC meet?

July 15/16.

 

[legalslave]

Hi Tammi! How's everything going? I think taking the kids to NYC is a great idea! I heard that they're thinking of reopening the Statue of Liberty so you can walk up into the crown. I did that when I was 18. I sure wouldn't want to try it now! The stairs are very narrow and wind around and around a central pole to get up there. I took my grandchildren last year and you could only look up into the statue through a glass ceiling, and you needed advance reservations to do that! (Better check out the site before you go to make sure you don't still have to do that). They had more security to get to the elevators to go to the top of the base than they do at airports. The times we live in!

 

[legalslave]

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model.

I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull, but that's not the worst of it.


My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was.

I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed.

My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter.....either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

 

[tink2020]

Clare -- well, I like the "you" too, even if you have moved over to the side! And I have always appreciated english flims

Debbie -- the pictures are great, looks like a wonderful reception! I love the design, too! He's going to give you such a hard time for "putting him through this".... you all will have fun though!

Jen (blueeyes) -- keep us posted on his test results.... that's so disheartening for the instructors to tell them that now!

WOO HOO!

I'm caught up! That wasn't so bad Now I'm actually "here" with you guys, and can try and keep up. And write a trip report, and get my pictures uploaded, etc.....

That's all on the agenda for tomorrow afternoon while Kyle is at a M-P picnic. Today we're hoping to finally take the dog for a walk around the neighborhoods, go to a movie, etc. And I'm attempting to make Chocolate Souffles for dessert! I so wish we were back on that ship

Have a good afternoon!

 

[Moonbeams]

There are way too many Jens..mom named me after a doll named jennifer she had when she was little

My mom taugh K-3 before I was born. She had a little girl in her class whom she adored named Jennifer, so she told my dad the name and he liked it. Plus, he liked Jennifer O'Neill the actress. Who would have known Love Story was coming out and then the whole world would name their daughter Jennifer. It was disappointing growing up because all the monogrammed and personalized stuff with Jennifer on it was always gone.

When I hear people naming their daughter that now, I want to say to them "why? you couldn't come up with anything else?"

On the bright side, I have noticed there is more Jennifer personalized stuff around these days. Not that I need a bicycle license plate with my name on it for the basket on my non-existent bike.

I never weighed in on the Jen vs. Jennifer discussion from many moons ago. I hate when people who first meet me call me Jen. Like in the first conversation with them. I notice this is a big thing with Northeasterners. I'd be talking to someone on the phone for work, and they'd immediately start calling me Jen. That is waaaay too familiar for me. I always, always use Jennifer at work, in my emails, in my voice mail message, etc. I feel like referring to myself as Jen at work (no offense Blueeyes101817) makes me sound more junior. But I don't look my age, so I'm always fighting that. I had to make this big deal with my coworkers when I turned 30 just so they wouldn't think I was 22.

My parents call me Jen, my friends call me Jen, and that's fine. In fact, my mom refers to me as Jen to her coworkers, so when I meet them they think that's my name! My aunt is Jan and it can get confusing for the grandparents, who don't hear as well as they used to.

I was Jenny for half the year in 2nd Grade. It didn't stick. It wasn't me. For the rest of my life growing up, being called Jenny was my pet peeve (this was before strangers started calling me Jen; that's only been since I started working). DBF is the first person I've ever let call me Jenny. It's cute coming from him. He now has some of our friends doing it to, but it's more in the context of talking about me to me, for instance "Jenny has to work late again, so we can't meet for dinner until later."

My parents think it sounds condescending when DBF calls me Jenny, but that's a whole other story... not for another day.

Am I the queen of the long emails lately, or what?!

Jennifer

P.S. When DBF and I started this DIS account, we started with one user name. We were looking for info and wanted to post a few questions. We never imagined we'd find so many friends online (some of whom are offline friends too). Now I kinda wish I had my own account so that I wouldn't have to sign every post. And so I could ask Kate to make me a neato signature thingy like she made for others. But then I'd lose my post count. And you'd not know who I am.

What to do, what to do...

 

[Moonbeams]

Tink2020 -- I'm totally envious of your scrapbooking room (even if it is half a room, it's still room)!! When we get a bigger aparto, I plan to turn the second bedroom into half my work at home office and the other half will be my creative area so I can scrapbook, stamp, design, etc.

Jennifer