The New Lizard Lounge

[minniesota]

Good evening lizards!

Just popping in to wish everyone a Happy Birthday on the 4th! We are heading to northern Minn. in the morning to spend 4-5 days at the cabin. I'm armed with sunscreen, bug spray, fireworks and wine. And a few new delish appetizers to share with the extended family. I think we'll be having our own private Food and Wine Festival!

Speaking of that, my 90 days starts on the 3rd so I'll be hauling my AR notebook so I can hopefully score the ARs we want. My sister, who used to be a "let's do Disney on the cheap - stay offsite at a cheap hotel...cook all our meals, etc." has become a lizard.
So we will be living like princesses in October!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe.

 

[MinnieSummer]

The good news is that we just booked AKL for my daughters birthday in September -- although we are holding off on the Concierge as her school tuition is due that month and she has two competitions that month (although I think it is ridiculous for her to be going to two in one month as she is only 6 but that's what she wants to do). She's excited to be staying there again even though her vote was for Poly. Maybe we'll do Poly in October as we are doing GF for Christmas.

The bad news is that my dad is back in the hospital. Has been since Saturday. Same thing, went in for extreme pain in his abdomen. This time they found a bend in his colon. I've been saying for years now that Doctors and car mechanics have the same problem. They find one thing that could be causing the problem and don't bother to look any further. If the doctors had looked beyond the gall bladder (which everyone agrees had to come out) they would have seen this blockage and saved alot of time and pain for my father. So once again my mother is at home alone in the evening;s and at night. Not a good situation. Thankfully, her neighbor (who is also a cousin) is willing to go over and check on her around her bedtime just to make sure she is okay and I call about every 1/2 hour to make sure she's taking her meds and insulin and eating. Yesterday may aunt took her to the hospital to see my father and I told her to pass out while in his room so they would hospitalize her as well and then I wouldn't worry so much --- she didn't like that idea very well. It still sounds good to me. ANyway, we're waiting to find out if they will have to operate or not. The blockage is being caused by a bend in the colon which may be able to be straightened with this tube they stuck down his nose alll the way into his colon. Hopefully it will work and no surgery will be required. In the mean time all we can do is wait.

I hope all of you are having better luck with the parent situation than I am. Pixie dust to all who are not and prayers to everyone.

 

[ead79]

MinnieSummer, I’m sorry to hear that your dad is back in the hospital. A bend in the colon sounds terrible painful, and I hope that the doctors are able to help him without another surgery. I know that worrying about your mom must add to your load as well.

I’m glad you have some trips to the World to look forward to! AKL is so wonderful, and I’m sure you’ll have a blast!

 

[MinnieSummer]

UUUUUGGGGGHHHHH. I really am in need of heavy doses of pixie dust. I just spoke with my father. Yesterday evening they thought they would be able to avoid surgery on my father now, less than 15 hours later they are saying they have to do surgery. I am not happy at all as he is 85, has a pace maker, has had several heart attacks, etc. This is just not a good situation and I don't understand how things can change that much in such a short period of time. It's frustrating and scary and very shattering to know that my father is suffering through this and I'm not there but I have to think of what will happen. If they do the surgery my parents will need me more when he is released from the hospital and has to recover. But I really want to see him before the surgery. I can't keep taking time off work and who knows how long it will be before they do the surgery or how long they will keep him after the surgery or how long the recovery will be. If I went up now I could be there for a month and, even though my boss is very understanding, I couldn't expect my job to still be waiting for me.

I'm sorry I running on about this but I can't really talk about it at home as it upsets my DD and my friends all picked this time to travel (three seperate families all took off to Canada at the same time and they don't even know each other). Oh well again sorry I just needed to get this out.

 

[ead79]

MinnieSummer, First of all, lots of for you. I am so sorry that your family is going through this right now. I understand a little bit of what you’re going through, as my grandmother is waiting to find out if she has to have open-heart surgery to replace a valve or not. It can be so frustrating to get tossed around from doctor to doctor and have things change so quickly. It seems like you get a different story from each person you talk to. My prayers are with you and your family that God will give you the wisdom to know what to do and the strength and peace you need to deal with this. As far as time off work goes, have you looked into the possibility of FMLA leave? It’s not paid leave, but I believe it allows for up to 12 weeks to be taken off of work to care for family members, and your job has to be held for you until you return. Here is a link to the Dept. of Labor’s information about the leave and what it provides. http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/whdfs28.htm

 

[Tess]

It sounds as if your father is suffering from a bowel obstruction versus a temporary "kink" in his colon; hence the need for surgery. A bowel obstruction is a fairly common occurrence in the elderly AND a post-surgical complication from abdominal surgery. While it is certainly a painful and arduous recovery process (I know, I've had two!), it is a common procedure and any skilled surgeon will be able to handle it with little difficulty.

Once the surgery is performed, the nasogastric tube will stay in place for around 5-7 days. He will thereafter be placed on a liquid diet and advanced to a solid diet as he is able to tolerate it. He will then be discharged with instructions to follow-up post-surgically within a week to 10 days. He most likely won't be that spry getting around on his own for the first few days post-surgically. I know I'm a good bit younger and in better health than your father, but I was up and about on my own within the first 24 hours post-surgically. I pushed myself because I wanted to get home. Obviously, given your father's history and the surgery itself, a home health aide would be a good option for him and might even be prescribed by the physicians. I'd certainly check on it.

I won't kid you, this is not a pleasant situation to find yourself in--the surgery is the least of it and, frankly, I found the NG tube the worst of the entire nightmare. With proper care, your father should do well despite his history. If he has an obstruction, there is really no other option than to surgically remove it and the damaged portion of the colon. Fifteen hours is enough time for the surgeons to wait to make the proper diagnosis and surgery should be performed very soon thereafter.

I hope it all works out for your father. I'm sure it's stressful for you and your family. Prayers to you and your father that his surgeons are skilled and he makes a speedy recovery.

 

[lovesdumbo]

minniesummer-thinking of you and your family

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Lounge wave to all! Too busy to keep up with the day-to-day here but just want to leave a and prayers for MinnieSummer and all others who find themselves in need right now...

And to Tess... I just LOVE(!) your new family pic! Makes me wish we were there right now!

 

[Steph H]

Hi, all! Stopping in for a room wave and to catch up!

Welcome back, Tess!! Sounds like you had a lovely time. So envious here. . .

Tammi: How wonderful that your children both took home golds! That's fantastic!! Congrats to both. And to be in Lake Placid—wow!

Sleepless_doc: Can I be your wife? I'll take a spa treatment as a gift FOR SURE!!!

Lovesdumbo: LOL at your future politician.

Twinmom: Good luck with your dad. I hope you can sway him to the "good" side.

And finally, MinnieSummer: Hugs and PD for your parents. I'm so sorry you're all going through this. I'll keep him in my prayers.

Some happy news: I'm less than 90 days out! So of course, I just emailed IPO at GF and was thrilled to find they were able to make all my Advanced Reservations (is that what we're calling them now? lol). Hoop Dee Doo, CRT breakfast, Princess Storybook Dinner, Liberty Tree Tavern, Narcoose's (for my birthday!), and 1900 Park Fare. Yippee!!! I'm getting soooooo excited. Oh, and more good news: DS (will be 3 1/2 when we go) is finally potty-trained! Joy of joys!!!!

Baby #2 is doing just fine. Had the first pre-natal appt yesterday and doc showed me the heartbeat and gave me the rather surprising news that baby is either going to be due a week earlier than expected or is just really big, because I'm supposed to be 8 weeks today and baby is measuring at 9 weeks. Since the first baby was 9lb 5oz, it's very possible we're looking at another heifer.

I'm trying to eat healthy so I don't gain 60 lbs like I did with baby #1, so I'll set out some fruit and a nice veggie tray, along with plenty of bottled water. Oh, and what the heck, how about some chocolate-covered strawberries? Mmmm.

Hugs to all!!

 

[sleepless doc]

Minniesummer - best wishes, pixie dust, and prayers for you. You got some pretty good advice above, FMLA is a good option - they CAN'T fire you. Take care of your family first. My training is in surgery/critical care, so if I can answer any questions I'd be happy to help.

Steph H - you're staying at the GF and you're pregnant- your husband can't possibly say no to giving you a day at the SPA. If he even tries, tell him that the relaxation is good for the baby too. I had to sell a kidney to pay for it, but my wife is going to the GF on OCT2 ("J's day off") for the ultimate spa day. I'm going to watch our DD's for that day. She's been taking care of them while I work 80-100 hrs a week - she's WAY overdue for a break.

Your first 9.5 pounds!!! OUCH!....congrats!

I'm still looking for something cool to surprise my DD's 4 and 1.5. They already have princess dresses (and wigs too!). Anybody with little girls who have any other ideas? DD4 loves nemo and monster's inc. DD1.5 loves poo and tiger

Also, has anybody done the "family magic tour?" Would it be fun with a 4 and 1.5 year old?

Thanks

 

[Goofy's Muse]

... I'm still looking for something cool to surprise my DD's 4 and 1.5. They already have princess dresses (and wigs too!). Anybody with little girls who have any other ideas? DD4 loves nemo and monster's inc. DD1.5 loves poo and tiger...

Hi sleepless... I haven't followed the details of your trip but figured I might throw in a few "princess suggestions". My princesses are a bit older than yours (they were 13 & 11 during their first trip last summer), but here were a few things we did.

We had almost skipped the idea of doing a breakfast at CRT, but Alana at the BC IPO office asked if we were sure. Turns out this was one of the highlights for my girls! The IPO staff left an invitation from Cinderella in our room upon arrival attached to balloons, a few candy bars, an autograph book, etc, inviting us to the castle the next morning at 8:05. With the park opening at 9 this allowed us that magical walk down Main Street without the crowds and we were finished with breakfast (including all princess visits, autographs, etc) by 9. We hit Fantasyland immediately and literally did everything we wanted to with no waiting (this was late August). Later in the week we did the same thing at Crystal Palace -- early breakfast (8:10) with the Pooh characters prior to the opening of the park. The food was great, we had multiple visits from all the characters and my DS10 enjoyed the parade around the restaurant. We are not early risers by habit but these two breakfasts were fabulous and left us in great shape to do MK prior to the crowds. If you're at the BC, the Goofy's Beach Bash breakfast is also fun and we had great character interaction there as well...

We took a second quick trip in December and the first thing my girls wanted to do at GF was check out the salon. The women on staff were incredibly nice and my girls enjoyed their hair braiding. GF also does a few "firsts" for your girls including first facial, first manicure, etc -- probably not good for your littlest princess but certainly a possibility for your 4 yr old. We did not do the "Perfectly Princess Tea" (an organized event) but we did do the afternoon tea in the Garden Tea Room at GF. Also a highlight for my girls (now on their "must do it again" list). We saw many young girls there, many dressed up as well... all looked charmed by the experience.

We've never done the Family Magic Tour so I can't help you there. Sounds like the Living Seas might be worth checking out with your Nemo fan... they have a newish attraction that feature an interactive chat with Crush ("Turtle Talk") which is supposed to be hilarious!

 

[storybookmum]

Hello, everyone! I haven't been here for months and months...since early in the new year, I think.

I'm going to try to move backwards to do some catching up, but I just wanted to peep in and say I'm feeling very bitten, and want to get back...my passes are calling me, telling me they're still good for a few months. But I have NO money, we're in rather dire straits, so it may well have to stay a longing this year.

I haven't written because my life turned pretty much right upside down. A few weeks after coming back from WDW, right after Christmas, I turned to my DH and said I couldn't take it another spring, we had to sell the house this time, and I started packing. DH, who knows me well, cooperated. With Disney and Christmas over, he knew I had to have something to plan. I think I actually started packing on Boxing Day. We had the house painted and renovated and listed by early February, by which time we already had an offer in on another house.

Usually houses in our area sell within a week or two. But something funky is going on with real estate in our city right now, and although we moved to the new house in mid-April, we STILL have our other house (STRESS! ). So, Disney trip after Disney trip, drizzling away every month on an extra house, and I can't tell you how many times I've wished for those two concierge nights back from AKL, much as we loved it...

Anyway, if we can ever sell this house and somehow get ourselves together a bit, I've already started warning DH I want to try to fly down for a long weekend or something, budget style, with the girls (Meredith turned four last month, and Caroline's about to turn 7). My trip with my Mom in May never happened, we had to cancel all those plans.

I shouldn't even be thinking about Disney, and I suppose in part it's pure escapism, but Ohhhh....the sight of all our pictures on my 'puter screensaver....it calls me!

I look forward to hearing how everyone else is doing! I miss you guys.

Love,

Kris

 

[TammiMcMan]

Kris, we've all been there. The good news is that it does eventually get better. I'm pretty envious of everyones countdown too, because we've got nothing in the works right now. I was just going through my finances the other day and figured out that between our house, DD's college tuition and DS's school, we are paying the equivalent of 2 mortgages. That's a lot of Disney trips. This has been a tight year, but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel (just hope it isn't an oncoming train ).

Hang in there.

Tammi

 

[ead79]

Kris, it’s good to see you! Don’t worry—you are always welcome to come escape the daily grind here with us! It’s always a bummer when finances get in the way of fun, yet it seems to happen so much more often than we would all like. I’m sure a trip will work out for you in the coming days!

 

[Angel16]

Great big room wave to everyone

It is so great to see Kris back. You have been missed. I sent you a PM.

Tess Welcome back. Also you suggestion regarding our bees. WORKED PERFECTLY! We have not had one in our house since I followed your advise. Thank you so very much. Are you going to do a trip report from your resent stay?

Minniesummer I am so sorry that you have to go through this with your parents. I will keep you all in my prayers.

I have to run. DH has dinner ready. Don't worry, he is only make a simple favorite of ours. He is making Mac & Cheese.

Will try to get back tomorrow.

Angel

 

[Goofy's Muse]

OMG... welcome back, storybookmum! What a happy surprise to see that lovely pic of your DDs this morning! Sorry to hear of your stresses...

I'm sending lots of PD your way for good news on your house situation. I've noticed there's actually a thread on the Community Board, kind of a virtual support group for folks trying to sell their homes, so despite the buzz these days about real estate being so hot, you're definitely not alone. You're also not alone in the "no trip planned" status as TammiMcMan mentions... many of us check in here upon occasion just to revel in the details of everyone elses's plans!

 

[storybookmum]

Thanks for the warm welcome, ladies! Angel, I'll PM back in a few days with news and perhaps some pics as well....right now I must dash away again, as Caroline seems to have come down with strep throat....

I think I'm glad to know I'm not alone in the no trip planned status, though I hate to see anyone deprived. I've heard rumours of all kinds of changes at Disney, and I will have a lot of catching up to do.

Must go push fluids on my little one....she's much perkier already than Meredith was when she had it last week, though.

Love,

Kris

 

[Frances999]

Oooooh I have only just discovered this thread Can I join in with the Lizard Lounge?!

DH, DS's, DD and I have experienced concierge at the Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge.....with The Polynesian following in just a few weeks I am overwhelmed by how great the Polynesian IPO staff have been...especially Jeffrey. All our requests have been fulfilled, and the email replies have been so prompt and friendly

Hope everyone has a great day....It's been here in England today

 

[ead79]

Welcome to the lounge, Frances! You’re really going to enjoy the Poly CL. Mmmm, their food is delicious! We have had excellent service there as well.

 

[minniesota]

Good morning, lizards!
Where is the summer going? I can't believe how quickly time is moving! We had a fabulous ltime up north and the weather was perfect. Lots of family time, water sports, fishing, sitting around the fire and making memories for the kids. I am so fortunate to have 2 very healthy parents who love spending time with us. At 76, they can run circles around us at times!

Tess and Angel Welcome back from your sojourns! ANgel, sounds like you got to experience some of that godd old Midwest heat and Tess, I'm glad you continue to enjoy your favorite resort.

MinnieSummer - How is your dad doing? And your mom? Prayers to you. I have a couple of friends who are in the middle of the parent caretaking role and it's so difficult. Make sure to take time for yourself.

twinmomplus2new - Have you made your final decision about your trip? For what it's worth, I have stayed at the YC, BC and BWI and all are great. But my personal favorite is YC. I like it because it's more serene and sophisticated, yet it has that great nautical theme. Good luck converting your dad!

Steph H - Sounds like GF IPO came through for you with all your ressies! October can't come soon enough for me. Hope the pregnancy is going well - take care of that little one! ANd you!

storybookmum - Hey, good to see you in the lounge! Lots of PD to you on selling your house. Have you ever heard of burying a statue of St. Joseph in your backyard? I am not kidding! My brother and his wife have been trying to sell their house and had some real challenges. They finally buried ol St. Joe and had an offer three days later. The strategy is quite common around here - they even sell a St. Joseph kit in the area religious stores. Might be worth a try!

sleepless doc - Welcome to the lounge and may I say you have 3 very lucky princesses in your life. Enjoy the GF - it's my favorite and I'll be there in October!!!

Frances999 - Welcome to the lounge! There are so many helpful and kind people that frequent this place so stop in any time. Prayers to your fellow citizens during this trying time!

lovesdumbo, Goofy's Muse, ead79, TammiMcMan and #1hockeymom - And anyone else I've missed! Big wave to all of you and a hope that your summer is going great. And that plans for a trip to Disney are either in the works or just around the corner!