The New Lizard Lounge

[Goofy's Muse]

Hi everyone. Playing catch up with the thread. I'm not sure if I missed them, but here are wishes for a magical vacation for those that have upcoming plans. Nancy and I are having fun living vicariously through everyone else...
...Goofy's, hope all is well. Check in when you can and let us know about the new house. We're heading up to Lake Placid this coming weekend, so you guys were on my mind. Hopefully, you were at least able to slip away to Lake George for a mini vacation...
... he needs somewhere around 3200 calories per day and 98 grams of protein...

Room wave to Tammi and everyone else... May I join you for a little of that vicarious trip enjoyment? Life is crazier than ever! New house is coming along nicely, but oh so many decisions to make (Goofy's leading the charge on that front covering all the research). Old house has been on the market for about 2 weeks... a couple of offers so far but no deal to report yet. I'm in charge of the old house front... my kids want to know if "the old mom" will return once we sell. Guess they don't recognize the drill sargeant I've become! I must admit the showing drill is really wearing, though I guess I am grateful that there's been quite a bit of interest. But does it really need to be so hot and humid EVERY day?? LOL We did decide to book a short week in Lake George and are very much looking forward to that respite. We're treating ourselves to a stay at a new place... will post about it afterward if it turns out well!

Good luck to your son, Tammi... I would SO like to support his training by offering up some of my own ingested calories for his growth!

MinnieSummer... I continue to remember you and yours... what a tough road you are traveling right now...

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[TammiMcMan]

MinnieSummer, so sorry to hear about the mix up with your dates. It's not much consolation, but August 29th will be here before you know it. Maybe you can plan a spa afternoon and lunch with your DD while DH is in Philly. Continued prayers and good thoughts for your family.

Nancy, if it's not the rain, then it's the heat. This has been unreal.

Goofy's, howdy. Well this will definitely be a summer to remember. My sister put her house on the market at the end of May and between the heat and flooding rains, she barely got anyone to even look at the house. I hope things move smoothly and quickly for you guys.

Thanks Elisabeth and everyone who inquired about DS's knees. We got the report back on Friday and it's a guarded prognosis. His right knee is fine, so those are defintiely growing/stretching pains. His left knee does have a bone bruise and there's an indication of a medial meniscus tear. His doctor is not 100% though, as he's seen many false/positives in younger patients. An athroscope would confirm or deny the findings. Right now, they're just going to treat the bone bruise with physical therapy over the next 4 weeks. He's had to modify some of the elements they do in their dance program, but he's feeling much less pain now and even if there is a tear, he can't damage it any further. Because they're already into competition season, the doctor wants to postpone the athroscopy and see how he does with physical therapy. As I've said many times, there is never a dull moment in my house.

I'm desperately trying to get everything packed for tomorrows road trip. My hormones are completely out of whack though and I'm alternating between hot flashes and anxiety/palpitations. It has not been a fun day and I'm struggling to get anything accomplished.

Have a great week everyone and try to stay cool.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Well, we made it to WDW this weekend. I cancelled the reservation for August (DD will already be back in school) and ended up staying in a value resort. WDW guest relations will be getting a very long complaint from me about that. A long time ago I tried the All Stars, gave them three chances and vowed I would never stay there again. Unfortunately, that was before DD was around and she has always wanted to stay there. Since we were only going to be there one night and were going to spend Saturday at MK until it closed I figured it couldn't be too bad right? WRONG. But MK was awesome. I was amazed that we were able to ride everything she wanted to with very short wait times. We were even able to eat at Crystal Palace without reservations. DD had a blast and it was good for me to have down time while she rode some things alone that I can't ride. The parks seemed cleaner than when I was there last -- even the restrooms. The CM's all had smiles (except for the ones in the Haunted Mansion). Generally, MK was doing great and almost made up for the disaster hotel.

Goofy Muse, I hope the house is coming along. My girlfriend just moved into a new house and she is having a blast decorating and rearranging and repainting (walls that she had painted just before they moved in). I hope youare enjoying this as well.

Tammi: I hope you DS does well this season. I know you'll keep a close watch on his knees but there is hope that the results will be false positive. In the last week I've talked with three people whose sons were very athletic and thought they were having knee problems (ligaments, tendons and dislocated kneecaps) but they all turned out to be growth issues. I wish him well.

 

[MinnieSummer]

WOW Where is everyone? Two posts in a row and two days apart. I hope everyone is OK or at least enjoying WDW in person or vicariously.

Quick update on the parents. My mom is in the hospital. Apparently when the night time caregiver arrived last night my mom was sitting in the bathroom. When she didn't come out for a while he went to check on her. She said she had blood in her stool and was trying to get cleaned up but he was persistant and went in to check. There was blood everywhere. I called about that time and told him to get an ambulance. He was to stay with my dad and I would find someone to go to the hospital with my mom. We still don't know what is causing it and it hasn't stopped yet so send prayers please. I'll keep you posted.

 

[ead79]

Room wave to everyone!

Tammi, I am glad to hear that the doctors think it is overall pretty good news for your son's injury. Hopefully the physical therapy will fix him right up.

MinnieSummer, prayers are being said for your mother. Hopefully it's nothing too serious, as I know that blood in the stool can be somewhat common. Of course, with their health issues I completely understand your concern. She is being lifted up in prayer.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: Prayers said for your Mom. I hope that this is not serious. Perhaps with the heat she was not hydrated enough, and a blood vessel was broken. It is so scary to be so far away. Try to stay calm, and let us know how she is doing.

Nancy

Hello to everyone here! I hope that the heat has not been too bad, were are sweltering here in the NE. Over 100 and not a cloud in sight! We are having the same today.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Thank you everyone for your prayers. My Mom is stable and the hemorhage (sp?) has stopped although there is still a little blood. The md's feel that the diverticulitis in her colon ruptured and that is what caused all of this. The fact that she is on blood thinners made it worse. She's been given blood and her count is holding so we are now in a more positive situation. She'll be allowed to eat soft foods today and we'll see what happens. Hopefully she'll be home in a few days. In the meantime my sister has contacted their md's saying that they are not getting proper care and I'm not making the necessary arrangements. Hospice was contacted and I don't know who else but everyone has assured me that she is wrong and just trying to make me look bad. I just worry so much and am so scared that I've missed something. ANyway, thanks again for the prayers. They really do help.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: You did not miss anything. You cannot control what happens in someones elses body. You have done all that you can and have done so while maintaining the dignity of your parents as well as respecting their privacy and their wishes. I know better than to ask tht you stop worrying, but I would ask that you do not compound your pain by second guessing all of the decisions that you have made in order to ensure that your parents quality of life is as high as possible. I am glad that your Mom has stablized and will continue to pray for your family.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi everyone . Just got back from Lake Placid and had an amazing time. DS and his dance partner took two more gold medals, so it's a great start to the season for them. His knees were feeling much better, so we're very hopeful that with PT, we can get him back to 100%. Got to give a shout out to Anne aka Ducklite for the recommendation of the Mirror Lake spa. It was truly a sanctuary during a very stressful week.

MinnieSummer, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and added stress that you're getting from your sister. When my mother got sick, alot of the same things happened and my sister and I ended up not speaking to each other for a few years. I hope that doesn't happen within your family, just stick to your guns and do what you think is best for your parents.

VaGal and fellow LL Meeters, are you guys back yet? I think Debbie aka Hockymom owes me a picture of all the ladies wearing their tiara's . Hope it was wonderful.

Take care everyone.

 

[Pugdog007]

So what do you have to do to become a lizard? Is there a background check? Is it an exclusive club with secret passwords and such? Is there an initiation?

 

[ead79]

So what do you have to do to become a lizard? Is there a background check? Is it an exclusive club with secret passwords and such? Is there an initiation?

Oh yes, it's very secretive. You have to know the secret handshake.

Seriously though, all you have to do is either have stayed concierge level before or simply want to stay concierge level one day. Welcome!

 

[MinnieSummer]

And here I thought I was a member of an exclusive group of Lounge Lizards -- oops I mean Ladies of the Lounge -- OK that doesn't sound quite right either.

Tammi: Congrats to your son. He must be an amazing athlete to have come so far with just pt, especially in a sport like ice dance where all the pressure is on the knees all the time. I hope his success continues and we see him in the next? Olympics.

Thanks everyone for your prayers. I'm going to PA this evening, a few days earlier than planned as my mother has to have surgery. It's all in God's hands as always but I wanted to be there just in case.

 

[Angel16]

Great Big room wave! I know I have not been around for a little while. Things have been hectic and “interesting in a mostly good way” for us. I had quite a bit of reading to catch up with you all. Glad to be back!

Our SIL is home from Iraq. Praise God for his safe return. We have talked to him a couple of times, but are looking forward to their visit in September. They are coming out for a week, which is Hugh. Our DD does not like to be away from home and the dogs for long. Usually they only stay for 3-4 days. Not long enough for us. They live in northern Wisconsin so it is not a short trip for a visit. It will be so good to see them both. We put up a BIG yellow ribbon under our American flag, which flies out infront of our home. We placed it there the day he left for Iraq and we plan to ask him remove it. We have a nice bottle of wine and a toast planned when he does.

Due to heath problems Tim is not going to be able to return to work. So, we have been going around and around with his company. We are now in month 3 of this whole thing. They do not have a problem with him retiring; he has worked for them 26 years. He is too young for a full retirement, which is fine, but the company is telling us one thing, then another. They keep changing personnel and rules. We are about ready to hire a lawyer to make sure Tim gets all the benefits that he is entitled. This has become a major thing in our lives. I ask you all for any prayers and good thoughts you could spare. We really would like to put closure on this and move forward with our lives. Thank you

VAGAL-Bonnie - How you doing girl? Sounds like you have been super busy between work, school and family. Maybe you need to plan a vacation get-a-away. You know, just for yourself.

Thank you for you note, I will be answering you e-mail in the near future. I am sorry, you are such a sweetie and I just have been bad at staying in contact. I will fix that very soon, I am looking forward to hearing about your recent trip!

MinnieSummer - I am so amazed how strong you are. You are someone I so admire. You have certainly had a difficult year during which you have always been a testament of love, compassion, caring and hard work to all that know you. You, your family and most certainly your parents are in my prayers. I will pray for your mother and her surgery, lifting up her surgeons and each person that encounters her. Be sure to get some rest for yourself if you can. You have taken such wonderful care of your parents and they know it and love you for it.

Side note- What happened at All Stars? I have a friend who is going to book there. Any info would be appreciated. If you prefer you, can PM me. Thank you.

Elizabeth - How are your plans for the holiday WDW trip coming along? I hope we can schedule a time to meet for a cup of coffee or glass of wine if nothing else. I am trying to decide when to go the The Candlelight Processional. I am leaning toward Steven Curtis Chapman, but there are still TBA dates. Do you have any suggestions??? I could really use some suggestions.

TammiMcMan - Congratulations to you and your son. Fantastic, two more gold medals. (Note to self, must go check out site and see pictures from this meet) Will keep him in our prayers for complete healing and renewed strength.

Angel, Godspeed to your SIL. That is wonderful news he is coming home soon. Your weekend away with Tim sounds incredible. Was it was one of those pillow top mattresses? One thing that I don't have a problem spending money on is bedding. I recently discovered Egyptian cotton sheets and they are so nice

Yes, it was a pillow top, but the part that made it really was the down comforter and pillows, great big, king size pillows. The bed was triple sheeted and just so heavenly. We have a pillow-top at home, but that bed at the hotel was just so much better.

Nancyg56- I am glad to read that your mom is doing better. So you are planning an August trip? Woo Hoo; I hope I read that right.

I have to tell you I was so impressed by your notes to MinnieSummer. You worded everything just perfectly and you made me cry. Minnie is in such a hard place now and many of us have walked that walk and know how difficult it is. Your note was such a blessing. Thank you

The weather this year has been so strange. It has been too hot in so many areas of the country. Then other areas are getting tons of rain. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you and your DH. I hope things get better in that area for you all.

VaGal and fellow LL Meeters, are you guys back yet? I think Debbie aka Hockymom owes me a picture of all the ladies wearing their tiara's . Hope it was wonderful.

Hockeymom/Debbie - How was your trip? Did you make it over to that fabulous place Animal Kingdom Lodge? I would love to hear all about It.!
What is this that Tammi said about Tiara's. hmmm come on you can tell us.


I really have a lot more I would like to share; however, that darn thing called work is getting in the way. I have some fantastic news too. But, I will have to make you wait for my next message

Hope everyone is doing well. Sending prayers and pixie dust for all in need.


Angel

 

[#1hockeymom]

arghhhh I just wrote out volumes and LOST IT ALL to the disboard Gods!!!!!

Lets see... prayers to Minniesummer>> You are a pillar of strength through all of this! Prayers to you and your family.

Angel>> So glad to hear your SIL is home! WOO HOOO!! I'll say a prayer for your DH, too! I bet you are so glad he's not fighting those doctor's orders, too!

There were some good, finely put lines in there about old friends here and hello to the newbies..... something about fighting to the death over my egyptian cotton sheets and down blanket..... no tiaras but we had pirate hats.... and.... congrats to Tammi's son! So many gold medals at such a young age! Olympics here he comes?!

Our lizard meet was a huge success! Lots of suprises, memories, and fun! Only a few hangovers!

I'll try to stay current from now on!

Debbie<----- who really liked her first post the best and is now writing down the short version!

 

[Nancyg56]

Good morning to all!

I'm glad to hear that the traveling Lizards are back, and may have some tales to tell. I'm waiting for all of he stories, and will have plenty of cappucino and biscotti to share.

Angel: I am so glad that your SIL is home safe, and I know tht you look forward to visiting with him and with your DD. Chris is due home Oct 16th, which is Kady's birthday. He came home n my birthday the first time, and it was the best present I ever got! I'll keep Tim in my thoughts as you get this issue settled. Are all of your plans for your Christmas trip made?

Hockeymom: How did I miss an Egyption sheet fight??????? Pic's in Pirate hats will do just fine, if you care to share.

Elizabeth: Are your plans settled yet? I'm looking forward to more of your beautiful pictures, although my family is ready to delete the resort room thread from the computer!

Pugdog: If there is a background check it must be very loose. I seem to have passed, but I have yet to learn the secret handshake. I think I need to join a LL getaway for initiation and instructions .

Tammi: I'm glad that there was a bit of a reprieve during your Lake Placid trip. I know that all of the stress is worth it when you rsee your DS compete and then excell, but it is so hard to sit and let them go, isn't it? I'm glad that the injury is healing.

Minniesummer: Prayers were said for the success of your Mom's surgery. Have a safe trip, and plaease try to take care of yourself.

I am ready, well as ready as I ever am, for our August trip. Kady still does not know that Debbie will be joining us so she is going to be beside herself when she sees Deb walking toward her. My DD watched my sisters kids when she was in HS, and the girls adored her and her friends. Better than a big sister. Now, Debbie is Kady's Godmother, and her hero. I also think the she will have way more fun with Debbie along than just with me and her Aunt.

Has anyone heard from Minniesota?

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone!

MinnieSummer, I will say a prayer for the success of your mom's surgery and recovery. Please know that you and your family are being lifted up in prayer.

Angel, wonderful news that your SIL is home!!! Please tell him thank you sooooo much for your service to our country. I think that's such a lovely idea for him to remove the yellow ribbon and have a toast.

I don't think we're going to go to the Candlelight Processional this year--we want to take my parents to it next year, and we want it to be a little more novel, so I think we're taking this year off. Are you going to the Christmas Party? I'm sure we can at least meet up somewhere during the days we'll both be there!

I'm sorry to hear that your husband's company is making this difficult. I hate that it costs money, but I think you've got the right idea getting a lawyer to be sure that Tim gets the benefits he is entitled to. It's a shame when people make things more difficult than they have to be.

Debbie, welcome back! I can't wait to hear more about the lizard trip! I'm sure a wonderful time was had by all!

Nancy, our plans are shaping up for our next trip. I've got our days outlined pretty well according to TourGuideMiKe's recommendations, LOL. I love the room picture thread too--I love seeing places I've never been before. Those pictures of the Disneyland Hotel were soooo cute!

 

[MinnieSummer]

ANGEL: I'm so happy your SIL is back. That is one ribbon cutting ceremony that I'd love to see. Thank him for his service to our country for me please.

The short version of the All Star trip: HORRIBLE!!!!! We got to the hotel at 4:00. The line to check-in was all the way out the doors. I'm not exagerating. The sliding doors at the entrance were propped open because the line was soooo long. After 20 minutes of no moverment I flagged down a manager and talked to him. He pulled about 10 of us from the end of the line and had a girl in what they now call concierge check us in. That was great for us but what about the people in front of us who had been standing in line for over an hour and a half? Then we got to the room and only one key worked. I didn't think that would be a big deal (wrong) so I let it go. We wnet to MK for the night, stayed till it closed then went back to the hotel. We had to walk all the way through the resort as our room was in thevery back, and the stench from the sewers was so bad my daughter started to gag. And this was right in the middle of the resort by the main pool. It was disgusting. We had to hold our hand over our mouths and noses to get through it. We got to our room got ready for bed and realized I had left my DD's stuffed Minnie that she sleeps with in the car. There was no way I was makingher get dressed again so I ran to the car grabbed Minnie and returned only to find the other key didn't work anymore. If I hadn't left her in the room we would have been locked out completely. The next morning, I had to go get breakfast and leave her in the room again so we wouldn't be locked out. It was 8:00 a.m., the place was packed, and there was only one register open. Absolutely ridiculous. I couldn't wait to get out of there. But Disney Customer Relations called me yesterday to let me know that they had read my e-mail and were refunding the total cost of the trip. They also said that the pool was going down for maintenance -- I wasn't the only one who complained about the stench. I told my husband I don't care how much of a budget I'm on I will NEVER stay in an AS again.

EVERYONE: Thank you for your prayers. My Mom is doing very well. The bleeding has stopped and she is home and in good spirits. My Dad is in the final stages. He probably doesn't have that much more time. It was kind of wierd this trip because he had a list of things he wanted done and as my DH and I did them we kept thinking that some of them were pointless but we did them anyway. In one week I repaired and replaced two pipes in the bathroom, layed a new floor in the bathroom, my DH mowed all 5 acres twice, installed 5 grab bars throughout the house and back deck, rewired the extra bedroom for phone and cable so my Dad would have a room for his computer and TV on the main floor, cleaned out part of the garage, and still managed to find time to spend with them just sitting and talking. It was a good trip and I'm gald my DD and DH got to see them now when they were still able to talk with them.

 

[ead79]

MinnieSummer, oh no! I'm sorry to hear that your stay at the All Stars was so terrible. A check-in line that long is ridiculous! The longest we've ever waited was around 30 minutes, and that was at Pop Century 6 days after opening during holiday season right before Christmas, so we felt that 30 minutes wasn't bad at all considering. Also, they need to fix things that don't work properly like room keys and sewer systems. We've stayed at All Star Music twice, and luckily have never had a problem, but we MUCH prefer Pop Century. If you're ever looking to do a budget trip again, then I heartily suggest booking Pop Century instead of an All Star. It's much nicer and in better repair in our opinion.

I am glad to hear that your mom is doing well and in good spirits. I am sorry that your dad probably doesn't have much time left, but I know you will cherish the time you got to spend with him. You're a sweet daughter to do all those chores. My mom has been moving her mom in to live with my parents, and she's been working like a dog too. I know that your parents appreciate the hard work and the time spent with you and your family.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Elisabeth: Actually, I agree with you on the POP resort. We have stayed there twice and enjoyed both trips. Unfortunately, POP was booked solid and since I promised DD this trip I broke my three stirkes you out rule and booked AS. Yes, I've stayed there three times before and had bad experiences each time. Not just little things here and there but BAD experiences. I vowed I'd never do it again but found myself with no alternative other than styaing off property which we really don't like to do. Anyway, even my DD doesn't want to go back to an AS so next time if POPs not available I'm doing CSR (which happens to be my favorite Moderate).

Everyone: Debate the subject please: Looks like this Christmas will be GF, BC/YC or AKL. I really wanted to stay at CR but there are no AP rates available for it. My DH wants to stay in one of the Epcot resorts as last year, being able to walk to our room at BWI from the CLP in less time than it takes to walk to the busses was a blessing. My DD wants to stay at GF but with all the money we've been spending on my parents I think it's out of budget -- you never know though. We will spend Christmas Eve at MK and DTD. Christmas Day is AK and Epcot in the evening for the CLP. Our meals will be Cape May for Breakfast on Christmas Eve, Liberty Tree Tavern, Ohanas or Chef Mickey's for breakfast another day, and probably AKL or Flying Fish for dinner one night. The rest of the time we wing it. I'm looking for awesome decorations and a decent size room so I can put up my tree without cramming it in a corner. Would I be crazy to consider a 1 room suite at SSR or OKW?

 

[ead79]

Here's my two cents on the resort choice issue.

My very favorite resort is the GF, but you're right that it's significantly more expensive than the other deluxes. My second favorite resort is AKL because I think it truly feels like an escape and I love the ambience. The only downside to AKL is that the rooms are smaller there than at most of the other deluxes. It's up-side of course is that it is less expensive. Overall, since you plan to spend a good bit of time at Epcot, I think I would pick something in the middle and do an Epcot resort. We prefer the YC over the BC, but that's just us. If you'd like more space, then you could always look into reserving a villa at BCV or BWV. How fun to be at Disney for Christmas!