The New Lizard Lounge

[Nancyg56]

Angel: First, I am so glad that DD and SIL are enjoying some well earned time together. You must be so happy that your surprise turned out so well. Better and better with all of the special attention that they got. Nice to hear that people try to gift our service men and women when they can. I saw a couple getting some very special treatment in the Concierge lounge the weekend that we left, and so I know that these caring people willl ensure that your family is well taken care of.

I am very sorry that Tim's surgery is postponed. It must be frustrating to wait, but I know that all will be well soon. How are YOU feeling? You have been so busy taking care of your family, but I hope that you are not in too much pain. I continue to pray for your family's health.

Oh, Pamela, What a time for your family. to you! It does sound like your boss is trying to help you to balance your priorities by giving you some peace of mind. I cannot imagine wanting to be in two places at the same time because you love all of your family, so having a nurse must help you to come home and regroup. I can tell you that I was pleased with the concierge staff at AKL. They took very good care of us while we were there so I am sure that you and your DD will be well taken care of. I continue to pray for your family, and send my well wishes your way.

Steph: How did the time go by so fast? Your little one is coming so soon! It was nice that you were able to help a young couple with the stroller. It is hard to start out, and to find gently used items make it easier. Best wishes to you.

Minniesota: How is the new puppy? I am a little jealous, as my DGD keeps wishing for a puppy. Her Mom cannot abide dogs, so I would need to provide the home, but I have 4 cats, all older, and they also cannot abide dogs. In the meantime, she goes to the puppy buffet at the pet store and buys cookies for the neighborhood dogs.

Well, I am home and it was a wonderful trip. All in all there were no problems, and lots of ! I was worried about nothing...I think it is the hormone thing...because I cried over nothing also. My DS and his wife surprised us on the day of our arrival, as he was able to rearrange his work schedule. The best present I could have. DH wants to plan another trip for next year. This a huge for a man who never allows himself to take time away, or to relax!

Thanks for all of the tips and advice because it really made the difference between a nice trip and a wonderful family vacation.

 

[MinnieSummer]

TAMMI: (sorry I mispelled your name on my lst post) I took your advice and sat down with my DD and discussed all the things we like about the various hotels and then I let her pick. I can't believe she's my DD -- there has to be something wrong with her. SHE PICKED POP CENTURY. UUUUUUGGGGHHHH I even told her not to think about prices. I told her we could have breakfast delivered to the room and eat it in bed if we stayed delux and she said "That's nice but I really want to stay at POP" When I pushed her she said it was because she knew I loved the Meatball Sub they have there and she wants me to eat well because I've lost so much weight worrying about everything. SOOOOOO we're staying at POP.

Good news. My Father has been home from the hospital since Saturday and seems to be doing well. I call every two hours during the day and things seem to be OK. My mom is tired from doing too much but they are helping each other and I think they just might make it through this.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: I am so glad to hear the good news about your Dad. Eat plenty of meatball subs and have fun with your special DD.

Nancy

 

[Steph H]

Angel: Oh, I'm so sorry to hear the surgery was postponed. I can only imagine how frustrating this is for you right now. Please keep us updated. It makes me so sad and angry when I read about something like this happening, all because more people don't donate blood. I used to be the organizer of my company's quarterly blood drive, and I'd get so darn frustrated with people who wouldn't donate because they were "afraid of needles" or "just didn't have time." And yet, you know that if any of them had had family members in your husband's situation, they would have donated in a minute!!! I wish, wish, wish I had O negative blood so I could help you out. Of course, they don't take blood from pregnant women, do they? Many, many to you!

MinnieSummer: Have fun at the Pop! Just enjoy yourself and the time with your DD. She's such a sweet girl to think about YOUR health, and I'm sure she's also trying to save you money at the same time. You've got a good one there. I'll continue to pray for your father.

Nancy: I just have to tell you the whole story about that stroller. I HATED that stroller and couldn't care less if I got a dime for it. So when DH suggested we put it in the family yard sale (grandfather-in-law lives RIGHT in front of a mall, so he has a very high-traffic place for an annual yard sale), I was all for it. DH had just left the yard sale to take DS home for a nap, and the young couple stopped at the yard sale. They told my FIL that they'd just gotten a ticket earlier that day for not having their newborn in a carseat, and the police officer had told him he wouldn't protest if they wanted to fight the ticket, IF they would go out and purchase a car seat RIGHT AWAY. So they saw our carseat/stroller from the road on the way home and immediately stopped and told my FIL the story and asked him how much we were asking for the whole thing. My FIL asked them, "How much do you have?" They said forty dollars. My FIL said, "Well, what do you know, it's forty dollars!" (This was a $200 travel system, by the way.) When FIL told me the story later, I was almost in tears and said, "Why didn't you just GIVE it to them!!!!???" (Yeah, I'm a big softie.) But I was very glad that it went to someone who really deserved it.

Two more days and I'm full term! Baby is moving and kicking all the time now, though I'm sure that'll lessen as he gets bigger and finds himself with less room in there. It's getting to be a real challenge to work eight hours every day, but when I'm lucky, I can sneak in a lunch-time nap in the nursing mother's room, which has a couch and a door that locks! (We currently have no nursing moms in our building, so I'm the only one using it.) My last day is February 10 (unless something happens earlier, which I sincerely doubt). And now I'm finding that folks are wanting to take me to lunch quite a bit before I'm off. Mmmmmmmmm.

Hugs to all!! Those of you with upcoming trips--please post your info and all your plans. I'm feeling withdrawal.

 

[Nancyg56]

Steph: Thank you for sharing your stroller story! I love that the young couple was able to find your yard sale. I also like that they paid for the stroller, as it really makes it "theirs". Best of luck as you wait for Colin, who wants to make sure that you know his progress in the best way he can.....kicking.

 

[ead79]

Angel, please know that my prayers continue for Tim and you. I’m so sorry that they couldn’t do the surgery. Please know that you are being lifted up in prayer.

Nancy, I’m so glad to hear that your trip was filled with pixie dust! Now you can get to planning your next one.

MinnieSummer, how funny that your DD chose Pop Century from any resort available! She is too sweet to think of you and your love of the meatball sub. That is so sweet! Don’t worry, Pop Century really is a fun resort. Be sure to check out the memorabilia in the shadow boxes in the lobby—very fun and brings back a lot of memories!

Steph, you’re getting even closer! It’s the final homestretch now.

As you know, reading your report of the Sugar Loaf Concierge inspired me. I’m planning to split my stay between there and the Dolphin. I figure that’s the best of both worlds in terms of location—a monorail resort and an Epcot-area resort. Plus, the Dolphin tends to be lighter on the pocket book than the Disney resorts. That’s a plus!

 

[MinnieSummer]

My daughter gets the biggest kick out of those shadow boxes -- especially since she found the one that contained Tab soda which I drink. She always hears people making making remarks about how they didn't think Tab was even still made and asking where I get it and then she found it in a "museum box" at Pop. She points it out every time we go to get a Sub there and tells anyone around that her mom still drinks it. (Of course most of them don't believe it until I pull a can out of my purse.) Oh well. I am sure we will have a great time -- I just want to ride EE and therefore expect we will be hanging out at AK most of the time.

Oh, did I mention that DH is coming along. He decided that he needed a break to and he really wants to ride EE as well so it has turned into a family trip instead of a mother daughter trip. My DD's reaction was that her and I would have to do a shopping expedition instead soooooo We are off to the mall tonight (she just wants new clothes for the trip).

 

[Steph H]

I’m planning to split my stay between there and the Dolphin. I figure that’s the best of both worlds in terms of location—a monorail resort and an Epcot-area resort. Plus, the Dolphin tends to be lighter on the pocket book than the Disney resorts. That’s a plus!

I can't wait to hear how you like the Dolphin. That sounds like a great way to split your trip!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Just checking in on everyone.

Angel, do you have any update on Tim yet? Please know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Steph, you sound like you're in wonderful spirits. I have to admit, that the one big thing I miss the most from my pregnancies, is feeling the baby kick. That's great that you've been able to continue working. I did that with all my babies and felt well enough to work right up until the day I gave birth. Take advantage of those lunches out with friends/co-workers and try to get some rest.

Elisabeth, great resort choices and I totally agree with your train of thought. Sugar Loaf is very cute and I think that you'll enjoy it. Will you do me a huge favor though??? Please book yourself something nice at the new Mandara Spa at the Swan/Dolphin and give us a first hand account. I'm dying to hear about it.

GoofysMuse, I haven't seen you posting much, which probably means you're "wicked" busy with the kids. We were sort of in your neck of the woods this past weekend. North Adams to be exact. DS and his partner did an exhibition at the Bay State Games. We had a beautiful ride out on Route 2 and stayed overnight at the Porches. Wish we could have stayed longer and relaxed though.

MinnieSummer, your daughter sounds so cute. I love her thought process for picking the Pop Century resort, meatball subs for mom. Now that DH is joining you, maybe you could book afternoon tea at the GF with just you and DD or a mini-manicure at the spa?

Nancy, how lucky that you get to jump right back into the Disney vacation planning mode. Any ideas on where you'd like to stay this time?

My big dreams of a Disney family vacation for this summer have almost officially been cancelled. DS has an opportunity to go to Nice France this April with his ice theatre team. DH will probably tag along and there goes a good chunk of our vacation budget. I'm not sure if I could get them to go along with a "girls only" trip to Disney. Seems only fair though.....hmmm. If Disney falls through, we'll just plan on a nicer stay in Lake Placid this August. It's kind of depressing that our vacations are planned around skating events, but I guess I'll take them anyway I can get them.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Yikes! Burning the midnight oil, TammiMcMan? If I could stay awake, I might try that technique for catching up on things here! I'm finding that my schedule has shifted a lot this year. I used to have a few more times in the day for lurking and/or posting, but lately that hasn't been the case. Glad you enjoyed your brief say in North Adams... it's funny... we consider THAT to be western Mass! I'm so impressed by your son and his partner's accomplishments! My DD14 is looking forward to watching the Olympics, primarily the skating. You all must view these things with an insider's eye!

I, for one, am glad to be kissing January good-bye. What a strange combination of unseasonable warmth followed by snow, then repeat-the-pattern! It's hard to believe we're half way through the school year, but you know that means it's time for summer planning! I admit I am running numbers and possibilities for a summer trip. Scheduling is always problematic but DD14 got to me last night when she said she could really go for a spa treatment... at GF, of course, followed by "tea"! I feel I've done my part to raise her well! She is in high gear for winter cheer competition season... yet another world I knew nothing about until this year. We have a bit of respite in the month of April so we are looking at planning a Washington DC jaunt with the kids. They're at a great age right now and I really don't want to do DC in the summer months. If we go to Disney this summer we may do the 3-way split I've been dreaming about since our last trip (AKL, GF & BWI)... will just have to evaluate whether that much hopping will put me over the edge!

and pixie dust to all!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hi everyone, we are back from our quick weekend at the world. We had a wonderful time and were able to ride Expedition Everest -- great ride and the planning that went into the waiting areas is incredible. My DD loved it and also loved her special "Passholder Preview" lanyard and pin. We ended up going on Saturday afternoon as I had forgotten that DD made her first Confession on Saturday morning. She had a reading to do at the service as well and she did a very impressive job (anything that puts her in the spotlight makes her do way beyond her best --if thats possible). Anyway, we headed to Orlando immediately after the service and went straight to CSR. Yes that's right, CSR. When I called to make the reservations there was nothing left at POP so I asked her for her second choice and she said CSR. Goofy's Muse you definintely did a better job training your DD than I have done with mine. Although I've got to say that I love CSR. It has everything a delux has but Concierge. It is breathtakingly beautiful at night and a lot of fun during the day. They even have a spa there. I have concluded that for these quick trips it makes sense to stay moderate. We weren't in our room except to sleep and the rest of the time we were in a park. Now, if we were going up strictly to relax for the weekend I'd stay delux.

Hope everyone is well and happy and I'll check inagain soon.

 

[minniesota]

Hi to all!
I haven't had as much time online lately either - my puppy is certainly taking much more time than I expected. He's doing great - no accidents in about 3 weeks and getting very comfortable with his human family. DH and the kids LOVE him and I'm very happy about that. I'm still getting used to the idea...

My DD14 just wrapped up danceline competition season and our schedule should start to improve dramatically - though DS12 is in the thick of swimming and he got the part of Winthrop in Music Man. Never a dull moment! DD is contemplating transferring back to our neighborhood high school next year (She is at a private Catholic school school now). She misses her friends so much - she has a great group of girls from our area and she was the only one to venture out to a new school. I don't really know how to advise her. The private school is so much smaller and I know she'll have more opportunities as far as activities go. But she said she just doesn't feel a sense of belonging there. We've told her she really can't decide anything until year's end so we'll see. She's auditioning for the spring musical and I pray she makes it. I'm hoping that might lead her to a new group of friends with common interests. She was told that very few freshment make auditions, however! Say a prayer..

Many of you have been in my prayers - the struggles life throws at us can certainly push us to our limits. But I do believe the adage that God only gives us what we can handle. So to those of you in need of extra prayers and PD, I'm sending lots your way.

I wish I was planning a WDW trip - so keep sharing your plans. It's fun to live vicariously through you! Take care all - Happy Groundhog Day!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Sending good thoughts for your DD, minniesota! As you know, we walked the same route with DDs this year. That sense of belonging is so important. My DD has surprised me with how quickly she felt at home in her new school. I think it's in large part due to the fact that the school actively invites student participation in everything. They do hold auditions for their musicals, but there WILL be a part for EVERYONE who tries out. They had over 100 hundred cast members in their fall musical (over 30% of the student body) plus stage crew! You would think the result would be chaos but in fact the production was outstanding, both in spirit and in talent displayed. DD was also welcomed onto the cheer squad along with other freshmen... if you're willing to work hard, they will help hone your skills. My DD who was not a tumbler beforehand will be doing back handspring combinations in the winter competitions! Not all squad members have progressed at the same rate but they are still part of the squad. They will not win all-state competitions but they are amazing in how well they do perform considering they eschew the elite selection criteria of many squads. I think your advice to give it the full year is solid. You are lucky that she is thoughtful and mature... I'm betting she'll do very well in any school she ultimately chooses.

Room wave to all! Happy February!

 

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning!
Everybody seems to be so busy with kids and family right now, and getting ready to add to family . Looking back, I remember how much was incorporated into the spring portion of the school year! I enjoy reading about your talented children, and thank you for sharing their accomplishments. I always heard parents complaining about their teens, and counting the days until they were empty nesters, but I had my family running for cover every time anyone mentioned my kids leaving the house...I think I cried for the last 6 months of my youngest senior year. Very pathetic!!!

Minniesota: Love hearing about your puppy. I am a little jealous because DH would like a dog, but we have 4 cats who would not take kindly to any new addition, let alone a dog. DGD wished in every wishing well in Disney for a puppy, but DD HATES dogs. Oh, well she is settling for a turtle, and DH gets to pet the cats.

Minniesummer: Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip, and the CSR was so nice. You must have been proud to watch your DD during her Confession ceremony. An important step for a child.

Goofy's Muse: I am with you in regards to winter! I have had it! Your DD is a girl after my own heart, and hope that there is hope for my DGD. DD is a pill when it comes to spas, shopping, hair, makeup....WHere did I go wrong???????

Tammi:How talented your son must be! I know that you must be so proud of him, and will think of him when he is in France. Keep us posted, please.

Angel:How is your husband faring? I think of the two of you often.

Well, we have had some bad news in our family. My older sister's husband has just found out that he has cancer, and that it is inoperable. He is young, just 49, and went to the ER on Friday night because he has had a cough for a couple weeks. My BIL is an ER Doc, and was on when they arrived. He has been able to help with the tests and helping my sister to understand what the oncologist is finding. It is in both lungs, and in his lymph nodes. The oncologist is looking for the primary site. She is a VA nurse with about 20 years experience as a Hospice nurse, but it is so different when it is one of your own. Mike thinks that it will be a matter of months, depending on the treatment that he chooses.
Please add my sister to your prayers, as she will need all of the intervention she can get. Her husband has been a controlling man, and as a consequence, Pat really has no hobbies nor does she have a close circle of friends. We are all there for her, and will do all that we can to help her and her family. She has 2 dd's one is 30 and one is just 17. I really wish she had more outside support to help her through this.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Nancyg56: I know the shock of that diagnosis and how hard it will be over the next few months. My prayers will be with you and your sister's families.

 

[Steph H]

Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's husband. I'll keep her in my thoughts.

Glad to see so many others doing well. Angel, hope to hear some good news from you soon. We know you're busy, though!

My coworker just got back from a stay at OKW, and she loved it. She bought vacation points or something like that on Ebay (???), and she said the price was great and the stay was wonderful. Although her DS2 was VERY afraid of Chip and Dale at Chef Mickey's.

Hugs to all. I'm just rolling around at this point and wondering when I'll find time to pack the hospital suitcase. My last day of work is next Friday. Today some of my coworkers are throwing me a little luncheon at Olive Garden. Mmmmm, Italian food. Earlier this week was my anniversary (9th) and DH took me to a very upscale Italian restaurant in the city. OMG, I ate so much, I thought I would never be hungry again. WOW was it good.

Ahh, the joys of being pregnant--eat all you want and no one bats an eye. Heck, they even gave me a free dessert at the upscale restaurant in honor of my anniversary. (My bulging belly probably helped sway them, too.)

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Oh nancyg56... Will keep you and yours in my prayers... As for your DGD, I'm a firm believer that many traits skip a generation. Though I frequent the lounge on occasion, truth be told that I am not one to naturally splurge on myself. My own mom, though, was a great one for shopping, treats, and indulgence in the finer things in life. My DD remembers her grandmother fondly for those and other qualities. I'm convinced her delight in all things GF is related to my mom's fascination with Victorian things!

Steph H... You must NOT deprive the baby, so please keep enjoying all those meals and goodies! Your comment about the "scary characters" brought back memories... My own 3 all went through that toddler phase when characters were supposed to be the size of characters on TV (you know, tiny, as we only had a 19" screen). The concept of these adult-size characters was just unnerving to them!

Glad you enjoyed your recent trip, MinnieSummer! CSR looks like a lovely place. So many resorts, so little time! And though my oldest loves GF, she also wants to check out EVERY resort personally. I think it's the attention to detail in the themes that captures the imagination of all my kids. They really want to do Pop sometime; my own sister loved it there...

to all!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Just thought I'd share the latest in the saga of my parents. Their neighbor called me last night to ask me what was going on at their house (like I would know). Apparently, there were fire trucks everywhere and she wasn't sure if they had called for an ambulance and the fire trucks responded or if there was a fire. Guess what -- there was a fire. It's 10:45 and I'm sitting in the family room in a panic because I can't get anyone to tell me what is going on and my dad (smart man that he is) is carrying his cell phone that I got him for emergencies and HE DOESN"T HAVE IT TURNED ON. My neighbor finally went over with her phone so I could talk to them. The fire started in the fuse box -- actually melted down an entire breaker of those old glass fuses. When the lights went out my dad went down stairs (he's not supposed to be doing that yet), the nurse is yelling at him because they could smell smoke and if he gets down there she may not be able to get him back up but he went anyway. He saw what had happened and GRABBED THE BREAKER and pulled it out. He thought that would be enough but then he realized that the panel was still glowing it was so hot so he called another neighbor who is a fireman to come over. He took one look at it and made everyone get out of the house and called the fire trucks. The fire department said that nothing was burning but they cut electricity to the house to be safe and then tried to get an electrician to come out and look at it -- at 11:00 at night I don't think so. ANyway, the fire department wanted my parents to leave but my dad refused and so they stayed there, with no electricity (which also means no heat). Nothing I could say would change his mind, he insisted they would be alright. I can only imagine what my moms arthritis is going to be like this morning. Anyway, my conclusion is that I just have one of those lives that trauma and drama must always follow me where ever I go. (There's a whole saga of my DD that happened this week, which basically sent my DH and I into a tail spin but I'll save that for another time) And don't be upset, I'm actaully laughing about this whole thing, it's just so typical. There is always something waiting around the corner to smash a pie in your face if you get to confident.

Steph: Would you please have some of Olive Gardens wonderful mushroom covered pasta for me? I haven't been there in over a year and I absolutely love it. The cheesecake isn't bad either.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Nancy, prayers to your sister and family.

Minniesummer, my goodness, there is a never a dull moment in your household. I think we share the same outlook on life though. Keep your chin up and a smile on your face.

Has anyone heard from Angel?

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Minniesummer, my goodness, there is a never a dull moment in your household. I think we share the same outlook on life though. Keep your chin up and a smile on your face...

Yup... I agree with TammiMcMan... there are many of us who've discovered that you can only make the most of the hand you're dealt!
But yikes! You've certainly had your share lately!!

Also thinking of Angel... sending PD your way...

(I'm such a kid... I just love some of these new "Smilies"!)