~~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip - or two - or three...~~ D~'s bag ~9/22 ~~

[Born 2B a Princess]

So sorry that Josh is now sick! That's the problem with germs -- everyone in the family gets them. :-( But I'm glad you're feeling better!

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you have some thinking to do about staying or leaving your job at Target. Take your time and think hard and wegh the pros vs the cons. I'm sure you will figure it out when you have had enough time to think about it all

Sounds like a good thing to get the oil changed on your car. Looks like the wait wasn't too boring since you could go shopping at Walmart while you waited.

I'm glad to hear V is doing good on her driving.

I'm so sorry to hear everyone in your family is sick. I hope you all get well soon.

 

[vrajewski10513]

Thanks... I logged on to Ebay one day last week at like 4:30am... And there were several of them listed... They all had actual photos of the bags being auctioned - and I found one with great pattern placement. I snatched it up right away. I was super excited. Then - about 30 minutes later, I got to thinking - I should have bought one at that price for BFF, since she has the Vera Tote in that pattern... So, I went back and there was only 2 left - I grabbed it. By the time I was done paying for it - they were all gone. I was very excited to get one for myself and one for BFF. Midnight with Mickey was the first Disney VB pattern released - and to be honest - it's one I never liked at all. But then, on our August 2014 trip, bff purchased the Vera tote - and I fell in love with it... However, I was still building my Perfect Petals travel stuff - so I never really bought anything in that pattern. It wasn't until after this last trip, I really started looking, since I only have 1 bag left to get to complete my PP travel set (the Grand Traveler in Flower Shower - the coordinating VB non-Disney print). I don't think I will get any other pieces in Midnight with Mickey? But I do love that it's black (I wear a lot of black) and it has so many bright colors - which I wear a lot of in the spring/summer... I think it will go with a lot. I do have to say - I really dislike the new Disney VB collection patterns... None of them appeal to me. I hope they come out with something better, very soon.

Speaking of Midnight With Mickey... I made this MB decal, so I definitely need the hipster to match

 

[Texan]

Hey D - just chiming in as the pics of Thomas were so darn cute. That age is so much fun. I loved the picture of the family as well. Sorry to hear everyone is coming down with the crud.

Where does Allison fly into for her Europe trip this Summer? Are you booking a round trip or one way?

I'm sorry but I laughed at your drive-thru story. It is so hard to be a passenger with a new, teenage driver. I cannot tell you how many times I yelled at one of my sons, and I don't hardly ever yell. V will get it down in time, but until then . . . .

Stay healthy my friend. Will keep following along and chiming in!! Prayers and hugs.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Those are my only plans today... I think we are headed up to BMTL's for dinner tonight?

Enjoy dinner with BMTL tonight! Also sorry about DH getting sick, hoping he gets better soon and the girls stay well.
Hope you had a nice day!

 

[DMGeurts]

I need to get my form down before I can use the squat rack lol For no, I use the smith machine, and squats with the kettle bell. You're lucky if you can fit one of those in your house lol My husband looked into getting one and dwe couldnt find the space

Hmmm... Now I'm definitely going to have to give the 30DS an honest effort and see where it gets me

Me personally, I prefer to lift weights more than anything else. If I could lose weight and bypass cardio completely I would You definitely need to be careful on those paths when you're by yourself. I remember reading your report last summer and you mentioning a sketchy man you came across on one of your outings. I would stick to the more populated areas because I'm a scaredy cat lol

I've always loved the Midnight Mickey pattern! I was going to wait until we go to Disney to get my hipster but finding them on E-bay for half the price sounds nice too. I'm like you, I'm anal about my pattern placement lol So if I can find one at a good price and good placement then I may go that route instead!! I really like the Perfect Petals pattern too, but I feel that has more earthy tones to it, so I dont have much that matches I agree with you on the new VB Disney patterns, I'm not crazy about them. I like the colors, but the patterns arent very pleasing. I have, however, been eyeing up the Star Wars Dooney & Bourke cross body bag.. so I MAY be spending a BIG chunk of my souvenier budget on that

Anyway, enjoy the last few days you have with BMTL! Do you guys have any plans to ever fly across the pond and visit them there?

Yes - just be careful with the Smith Machine... One of the reasons I started off with free weights instead of machines, is because Smith Machines are notorious for forcing a person into using improper form, by design, therefore resulting in injury... So - just be super aware of your form when using that machine - and if there is anyway you can force yourself to use proper form (I've never used one, so I don't know) - I would. I think just being aware of that is helpful though. Keep on keepin' on!!!! And using a Smith Machine - IMO - is much better than doing nothing at all! You are awesome!

Hahaha... Yah - that 30 DS is killer... I can only do it for 2-3 weeks at a time, because It's harsh. LOL

I do like lifting weights... It's just sometimes so HARD. LOL Which is the point, but still. I am lazy and unmotivated most mornings - so I don't think I try as hard as I should most days. I need to really push myself - and I will.

Yes - that man scared the crap (insert more descriptive word here) out of me!!!! Now - I only run during the more populated times, and I avoid that particular trail... That happened at the end of the season - when most people had stopped using that trail - so it was much less crowded than it normally is. I have other trails I can use - so I will be on those this year... I liked that one because it's the closest one to me, but I probably won't use it as often. I am just looking forward to getting back out there again - I am starting to get the itch!

I've had really good luck on Ebay with my Disney VB collection... Aside from my 2 hipsters (both PP) and the Vera Tote (also PP) - I've gotten all of it on Ebay. My thought process was this... I purchased the Hipsters and the tote directly from Disney - where I could see pattern placement... Because looking at the other pieces - they are big enough and pattern placement isn't as big of a deal - because it's highly unlikely that it could be too bad. So, my backpack I got on Ebay for half the price, and the large Duffel Josh got me from TDS online for Christmas one year... And buying on Ebay can be a great deal - especially if you can find in the description that they aren't using stock photos in their description - so you know exactly what you are getting. It's way cheaper that way, I've found almost everything at half off with free shipping.

Disney just released a new Disney VB pattern on their Shop Disney App this morning... I like the pattern, but I am not sure I like the pieces available... As far as I can tall - there are no hipsters in this release... This looks to be more of a trendy modern bag release - similar to they styles of that recent weird vinyl type pattern (pink and purple solids), but this release looks to be quilted... I prefer the classic quilted bag styles. So, that's a bit of a bummer to me... I kind of like the new mailbag - but I would have to see it in person to see if it's a bag I'd really like to carry.

So sorry that Josh is now sick! That's the problem with germs -- everyone in the family gets them. :-( But I'm glad you're feeling better!

Thank you! It is a bummer, but he is pushing through today and went to work... We are all kind of at that stage - except for me, I am much better and almost back to normal... Like 98%.

Sounds like you have some thinking to do about staying or leaving your job at Target. Take your time and think hard and wegh the pros vs the cons. I'm sure you will figure it out when you have had enough time to think about it all

Sounds like a good thing to get the oil changed on your car. Looks like the wait wasn't too boring since you could go shopping at Walmart while you waited.

I'm glad to hear V is doing good on her driving.

I'm so sorry to hear everyone in your family is sick. I hope you all get well soon.

Yes - I am giving it a lot of good thought... It's so hard, because I've been there for so long now.

Hahahah... Yes - it's always a good thing to take care of a vehicle... I needed to get it done and I knew it - but it was so hard finding the time over the last several weeks. It's just a relief to have it done now.

She is doing much better - she drove us home last night from a metro area, and she did quite well.

Thank you - we are all just trying to push through until BMTL leave... Then I think we will all crash for a few days. LOL

Speaking of Midnight With Mickey... I made this MB decal, so I definitely need the hipster to match

OMG!!!!!!!! I really want this!!!!!!! How did you do that? It's so cute!!! Gosh - don't tempt me to do a VB outfit in Oct - that might be fun to do some coordinating customs - if I could find someone to do ears for me... Sadly - I am SOOOOOO picky about ears - if the shape is even slightly off, I won't go near that maker... But it might be fun to do a VB outfit - even on my travel days.... AHHHHHH!!!!! It's a sickness!!!!! LOL

Hey D - just chiming in as the pics of Thomas were so darn cute. That age is so much fun. I loved the picture of the family as well. Sorry to hear everyone is coming down with the crud.

Where does Allison fly into for her Europe trip this Summer? Are you booking a round trip or one way?

I'm sorry but I laughed at your drive-thru story. It is so hard to be a passenger with a new, teenage driver. I cannot tell you how many times I yelled at one of my sons, and I don't hardly ever yell. V will get it down in time, but until then . . . .

Stay healthy my friend. Will keep following along and chiming in!! Prayers and hugs.

Hi Carol!!!

Thanks!!! I am a bit partial to these babies - LOL.... He is such a cute and such a 2 y/o. LOL I am glad we got a family photo... I am just sad that Josh isn't in it - and the lighting is terrible. But at least we have something.

It depends - I am still researching flights... I am not sure I am comfortable saying on a public forum where she is flying into... But the next time we chat - I'd be happy to talk privately about it.

Hahaha... We do laugh about it now... but gosh - at the time, I was just so shocked... Between almost hitting my mirror to the post with the intercom in it... Then almost hitting the front of the building with the front drivers side of my car... Then almost hitting the car in front of us... My eyes had to be as big as saucers. LOL Once we stopped - I think I prayed a Hail Mary or two. I don't think I yelled at this time - I think I just screamed? Yah... Not fun. LOL

Thank you - same to you... I am working on it - and working hard. Love ya!!!

Enjoy dinner with BMTL tonight! Also sorry about DH getting sick, hoping he gets better soon and the girls stay well.
Hope you had a nice day!

Thank you - we had a lot of fun last night!

I know - it's a bummer, but he's powering through today. We are all just trying to get through until BMTL leave, then I think we will all collapse and try to recoup.

Thanks - I did! Same to you!!!

******************************************************************************************************

Yesterday was such an awesome day! Nothing too exciting happened, but....

I did my heavy lifting right away - it was squat day... For some reason - I detest squats. I like the results, but I hate doing them... I love doing the rest of my lifting routine on this day (push ups, seated rows, step ups and prone jack knives) - I just hate the squats. So, I do them first to get them out of the way.

Then, I went straight up to work... I knocked it out of the park.... I worked hard all morning and I was able to make awesome progress on this week's bag. I am so proud of myself. I am VERY close to not being behind anymore.

So close - I permitted myself to take a little nap yesterday afternoon - as we hadn't heard from BMTL yet about evening plans. I laid down and I was OUT COLD for almost 2 hours. Typically, when I lay down for a nap - my body sleeps for exactly an hour, never more - and that is from the time I lay down, not from the time I actually fall asleep. So, I was a little shocked to wake up so much later than normal.

I got up to a text from Myrthe, ironing out plans for the evening. We decided to meet at Applebees at 6pm. We invited Josh's other brother Nic, his wife and we also called Josh's Grandmother, but she couldn't join us. We had so much fun!!! It was only Brian and Myrthe who came, they left the kids home with Myrthe's mom... So - it was a nice meal of all adults. As much as I love seeing the kids - it was fun to just enjoy a nice meal together. I was so bummed that the only photo I got was a selfie Allison and I took while we were waiting for the others to arrive... I did not get a photo of the whole table. Which is so sad to me, because we had such a fun night.

Victoria drove us home and she did great.

We all went straight to bed... I slept terrible. I woke at midnight because i was so thirsty... I couldn't fall back to sleep, so I went downstairs to watch TV and hopefully fall asleep on the couch - which didn't happen until 4am. Shouldn't have had that nap yesterday.

Today... I will be working out this morning... Sadly - I didn't order what I should have last night, so I've promised myself I am going to do an extra long work out this morning to make up for it.

Then I will be working upstairs for a few hours.

We have a bit of a schedule mess this afternoon - so I'll be running errands and dropping kids off and waiting for Josh to come to give me a ride home, so Allison can have my car again tonight.

It will be a good day though.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

D~

 

[vrajewski10513]

Yes - that man scared the crap (insert more descriptive word here) out of me!!!! Now - I only run during the more populated times, and I avoid that particular trail... That happened at the end of the season - when most people had stopped using that trail - so it was much less crowded than it normally is. I have other trails I can use - so I will be on those this year... I liked that one because it's the closest one to me, but I probably won't use it as often. I am just looking forward to getting back out there again - I am starting to get the itch!

The location makes all the difference! If you can enjoy your surroundings, it makes the exercise not bad!

I've had really good luck on Ebay with my Disney VB collection... Aside from my 2 hipsters (both PP) and the Vera Tote (also PP) - I've gotten all of it on Ebay. My thought process was this... I purchased the Hipsters and the tote directly from Disney - where I could see pattern placement... Because looking at the other pieces - they are big enough and pattern placement isn't as big of a deal - because it's highly unlikely that it could be too bad. So, my backpack I got on Ebay for half the price, and the large Duffel Josh got me from TDS online for Christmas one year... And buying on Ebay can be a great deal - especially if you can find in the description that they aren't using stock photos in their description - so you know exactly what you are getting. It's way cheaper that way, I've found almost everything at half off with free shipping.

I definitely agree with you there! I've ordered a couple non-Disney VB bags from E-bay. My latest one is an older pattern, Lime's Up, but I only paid $12 for the hipster! My favorite bag (especially for my Disney trips) is my Boroque Little Hipster. I don't carry alot of stuff at the parks, so I find the regular hipster to be a little too large, and the Mini Hipster's strap isnt long enough for my torso The Little Hipster is just right! I'm bummed they don't make the Disney VB in the Little Hipster, I'd probably have them all by now lol

Disney just released a new Disney VB pattern on their Shop Disney App this morning... I like the pattern, but I am not sure I like the pieces available... As far as I can tall - there are no hipsters in this release... This looks to be more of a trendy modern bag release - similar to they styles of that recent weird vinyl type pattern (pink and purple solids), but this release looks to be quilted... I prefer the classic quilted bag styles. So, that's a bit of a bummer to me... I kind of like the new mailbag - but I would have to see it in person to see if it's a bag I'd really like to carry.

I just checked them out and I do like the new purple/green one, but I feel like Midnight with Mickey will match more, so that ones still at the top of my list The mail bag looks nice in its funtionality, but I'm going to guess tha based on the price, its larger than the Hipster. I'd have trouble carrying something that big for just a normal outing lol

OMG!!!!!!!! I really want this!!!!!!! How did you do that? It's so cute!!! Gosh - don't tempt me to do a VB outfit in Oct - that might be fun to do some coordinating customs - if I could find someone to do ears for me... Sadly - I am SOOOOOO picky about ears - if the shape is even slightly off, I won't go near that maker... But it might be fun to do a VB outfit - even on my travel days.... AHHHHHH!!!!! It's a sickness!!!!! LOL

Thank you! I found the pattern on google, and made the band on magicyourband.com. I really like the way it came out, even though its a little blurry. I couldn't find a more clear photo of the pattern. AND, you're in luck.. I follow a designer who works under the name EarBowtique on Instagram who makes really lovely VB ears She has an Etsy shop under the same name but its usually closed until she announces on Instagram when she has the stock to sell. You should check them out and see if they're up to par for you!

I did my heavy lifting right away - it was squat day... For some reason - I detest squats. I like the results, but I hate doing them... I love doing the rest of my lifting routine on this day (push ups, seated rows, step ups and prone jack knives) - I just hate the squats. So, I do them first to get them out of the way.

I hate squats too, but I just keep telling myself how good my booty will look if I stick with it! lol

 

[Terkina]

How great that you got a lot done in your sewing room yesterday.

A 2 hour nap doesn't sound like a good idea if you want to sleep at night

Sounds like you had a good time at Applebees with only adults. Nice selfie of you and Allison

I'm glad to hear V's driving is going well.

I hope today doesn't get too bad with the busy schedule.

My mom told me today that my dad is going to San Francisco, USA in early April. This means I will be able to get a birthday present from the USA. So now I just have to figure out what I want. There are so many things you have in the US that you can't find here in Norway so it's always fun to shop from over seas. I do order over the internet some times but the shipping is getting expensive from USA to Norway now and there are a few stores that doesn't ship outside USA so it's nice to be able to get my dad to take some stuff with him home.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Glad the dinner went well with the family! Enjoy your weekend - I hope you get some time to relax.

 

[IowaTater]

Then, I went straight up to work... I knocked it out of the park.... I worked hard all morning and I was able to make awesome progress on this week's bag. I am so proud of myself. I am VERY close to not being behind anymore.

Yay for making progress!! It feels so good, doesn't it?

I'm sorry to hear about Target. I'm having something similar here at my job. In fact, I'm supposed to have a meeting with my boss today to discuss it.

I liked the new VB bags released today but purple is my favorite color. DH told me last night that he wants a new pack for the park this year so unfortunately, I have to hold off on buying myself a new one for right now.

 

[sewdisney]

I finished your TR for Allison's trip and I commented on it. It was so beautiful.

It's always a good day when you can break out a new Vera Bradley Disney hipster! I found this one on Ebay last week - perfect pattern placement, NWT & it was only $23 shipped!

What an incredible bargain! That is one sweet deal!

As we were walking in, the girls' Principal was walking in with us

OOPS!!! Wouldn't you know that the timing would be perfect for that to happen? I'm glad she was understanding.

I am sorry so many of you guys are sick. Hopefully everyone gets better real soon.

 

[DMGeurts]

The location makes all the difference! If you can enjoy your surroundings, it makes the exercise not bad!


I definitely agree with you there! I've ordered a couple non-Disney VB bags from E-bay. My latest one is an older pattern, Lime's Up, but I only paid $12 for the hipster! My favorite bag (especially for my Disney trips) is my Boroque Little Hipster. I don't carry alot of stuff at the parks, so I find the regular hipster to be a little too large, and the Mini Hipster's strap isnt long enough for my torso The Little Hipster is just right! I'm bummed they don't make the Disney VB in the Little Hipster, I'd probably have them all by now lol


I just checked them out and I do like the new purple/green one, but I feel like Midnight with Mickey will match more, so that ones still at the top of my list The mail bag looks nice in its funtionality, but I'm going to guess tha based on the price, its larger than the Hipster. I'd have trouble carrying something that big for just a normal outing lol

Thank you! I found the pattern on google, and made the band on magicyourband.com. I really like the way it came out, even though its a little blurry. I couldn't find a more clear photo of the pattern. AND, you're in luck.. I follow a designer who works under the name EarBowtique on Instagram who makes really lovely VB ears She has an Etsy shop under the same name but its usually closed until she announces on Instagram when she has the stock to sell. You should check them out and see if they're up to par for you!


I hate squats too, but I just keep telling myself how good my booty will look if I stick with it! lol

I agree completely - I am always excited for my weekend runs, because I try to go on different trails.

I am not sure I've seen the little hipster? I'll have to go investigate. I love carrying Disney prints at home, because then I can show my Disney side - but not be OUT THERE Disney, ya know? Which is one of the main reasons I don't carry my own bags at home most of the time... IMO - they are great for in the parks, but a little too Disney for home use. If I lived closer to WDW - where it seems the Disney love is more prominent, it might be different. But here in MN - it seems - Disney love is a bit more subtle. However - there is a VB pattern that I am loving and I may have to get a bag in it... It's Ziggy Zinnia... I just love how the bright colors POP off of the gray/black chevron. If only there were hidden Mickeys in it somewhere. LOL

I agree totally - I am really loving my Midnight with Mickey HIpster! It seems to go with everything. I may have to keep an eye open for another one to replace this one when it wears out. LOL I do love the new pattern, and I do love purple too... Someone on FB said that they do have the hipster in that pattern, so I will have to see what it looks like - I may cave? I am pretty certain I have a bag problem. LOL

Thanks for the store name - I will go check her out.

Hahaha... I keep telling myself that too... Yet my bum is still the same shape that it's always been - just smaller. Sigh. At some point - I just have to be happy with what I have... I'll let you know when that happens.

How great that you got a lot done in your sewing room yesterday.

A 2 hour nap doesn't sound like a good idea if you want to sleep at night

Sounds like you had a good time at Applebees with only adults. Nice selfie of you and Allison

I'm glad to hear V's driving is going well.

I hope today doesn't get too bad with the busy schedule.

My mom told me today that my dad is going to San Francisco, USA in early April. This means I will be able to get a birthday present from the USA. So now I just have to figure out what I want. There are so many things you have in the US that you can't find here in Norway so it's always fun to shop from over seas. I do order over the internet some times but the shipping is getting expensive from USA to Norway now and there are a few stores that doesn't ship outside USA so it's nice to be able to get my dad to take some stuff with him home.

I was so happy to get so much done - it really helps my stress level a lot.

Hahaha... Yah - I wasn't planning on a 2 hour nap, but I guess my body wanted it? I slept much better last night - so that's good.

Yes - she is doing much better. I think I need to keep Allison out of the car with her for a while... Allison is the WORST back seat driver - and it really makes V self conscious and eventually upset - which isn't a good combo when she is driving.

That is awesome!!! I can't wait to hear what you choose. You know - you do have friends in the US who would be willing to shop and ship to you. Just let me know if there is ever anything you want me to get for you and we can work something out.

Glad the dinner went well with the family! Enjoy your weekend - I hope you get some time to relax.

It was so fun!!!

Thank you - you too... We will get some relaxation time after today - well, that's the plan anyways.

Yay for making progress!! It feels so good, doesn't it?

I'm sorry to hear about Target. I'm having something similar here at my job. In fact, I'm supposed to have a meeting with my boss today to discuss it.

I liked the new VB bags released today but purple is my favorite color. DH told me last night that he wants a new pack for the park this year so unfortunately, I have to hold off on buying myself a new one for right now.

Definitely - I cannot handle being behind on my schedule... I get all anxious and a little crazy. It seems like - if I am behind upstairs, then I am behind everywhere... So, I always do my best to stay caught up and ahead.

Yes... It's a hard decision. I haven't decided for sure on anything yet - I am trying to consider all of my options though.

I hope your meeting went well with your boss today, and I hope there was some sort of mutual resolution.

Yah - I do like purple a lot... This purple seems a little muted to me though? I think I'd prefer it brighter? Not sure? LOL But I do like it - much better than any of the other new releases they have had.

Yah - sometimes we have to let the DHs get a few things too. The sacrifices we make... LOL Kidding - of course.

I finished your TR for Allison's trip and I commented on it. It was so beautiful.


What an incredible bargain! That is one sweet deal!


OOPS!!! Wouldn't you know that the timing would be perfect for that to happen? I'm glad she was understanding.

I am sorry so many of you guys are sick. Hopefully everyone gets better real soon.

I will go check in over there when I am done here... I haven't looked in over there in several days. I am glad you enjoyed it.

Yah - it was a great deal!!! I am sure the person purchased them at the outlet or something? It was nice that they didn't up the price to make more of a profit too.

Hahaha... yah - it was pretty embarrassing to see her after I'd just called in. LOL It was very nice that she was understanding. Most people are when BMTL are here and we explain the situation.

We are on the mend... Hopefully we will all be back to normal over the next few days. I know we all have the itch for spring - and it can't come soon enough.

I hope you are well Debora - thanks for checking in!

******************************************************************************************************

I worked out long and hard yesterday morning to make up for Applebees the night before... It felt really good and I am glad I made myself do that.

Then I worked upstairs for a while - stitching out this week's applique... Surprisingly - I am almost done with that. I think I can safely say that I am caught up. Phew!

I ran errands before I picked the girls up from school... Ran a few more errands... Dropped Allison off at work and Josh picked V and I up there.

Josh decided he wanted to take us to a new Chinese restaurant he discovered a few weeks ago... Uh-oh... Yah, it was really good and right under our noses. Needless to say - I ate way too much, and I'll be doing another penance workout this morning. LOL And I'll be eating really well over the next few days to make up for it, as well.

Today is the day we've been dreading for weeks... BMTL leave today. We are meeting them for breakfast and to say goodbye. We will help them get all of their luggage to the airport... Then they will be off and headed back home. I'll try not to cry - but I always do. It's going to be so hard to see them go. But it's been a rough trip for all of them, being sick almost the entire time... I know it will be a relief for them to be home and in their own beds soon.

After we get home today... It's supposed to be 50° here... I think I will take my sadness out for a walk/run. I've had the itch lately, and I really want to get out there, even if the weather doesn't hold and I can't go out again for a few weeks. I think it will be good for my soul today.

Then I may work for a little while and try to finish the applique.

And then I will be lazy.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Prayers and Pixie Dust to all!

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

I'm back!!! Finally have something to write about. lol So this is going to take me a while, I do know you have already gone on your trip,but I wanted to say hey and can't wait to read it.

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you had a good day yesterday both in your sewing room and on the new Chinese restaurant.
It's so sad when people you love have to leave. But you just have to think that it's not the last time you will see them and I'm sure you will keep in contact by mail, facebook, skype and/or phone

It sounds like a good idea to keep Allison out of the car when V is driving. It's important that V gets confident driving so she can handle all kinds of situations when the time comes.

That is awesome!!! I can't wait to hear what you choose. You know - you do have friends in the US who would be willing to shop and ship to you. Just let me know if there is ever anything you want me to get for you and we can work something out.

Thank you so much for the offer to shop and ship things for me and to me. I will remember that and I'm sure I will take you up on that offer some day. You are so kind

Today I got the bill for my new car. NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) is giving me a loan for most of the car. Well they call it a loan but it's nothing I have to pay them back in cash. I pay the loan back by having the car for 11 years and for each year I have the car the loan shrink with 1/11 each year. So by the time I'm allowed to apply for a new car the loan on the old car is payed back and it all starts over again.

NAV doesn't give me a loan for the 4WD so that part I have to pay myself with real cash to the car store. Cars are really expensive in Norway because the government has some ridiculously high taxes on new cars. The car cost $77 838 in total and I have to pay $6 491 for the 4WD. I think the 4WD is totally worth it since it's almost impossible to drive to my parents house and some of the other hills in Tromsø without a 4WD. I guess I just have to start to save again for a new car in 11 years so I have the money for a new 4WD car then.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

YUM, I love Chinese food! Glad you enjoyed it. Finding new places to eat is a lot of fun! Aw I hope the sendoff for BMTL went ok. I hate goodbyes when it involves family members that live far away.

 

[sewdisney]

I am sorry your time is over with BMTL. I know it breaks my heart whenever we have to say goodbye to either my daughter or my son and his wife and they are all in the United States. It is very easy to talk to them and not too difficult to go and see them once in a while. I can't imagine how difficult it must be with them living so far away.

I hope you had a good walk/run. I also hope it helped your mental state.

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm back!!! Finally have something to write about. lol So this is going to take me a while, I do know you have already gone on your trip,but I wanted to say hey and can't wait to read it.

Hi Corri! How are you? It's good to see you back on the Dis.

Yes - I've already gone on my trip with Suzi... And I've already gone on my trip with Allison... (TRs for both of those are in my siggy) But I still have my trip with Victoria coming up & this PTR encompasses all 3 trips (yes, I am being lazy) LOL.

Sounds like you had a good day yesterday both in your sewing room and on the new Chinese restaurant.
It's so sad when people you love have to leave. But you just have to think that it's not the last time you will see them and I'm sure you will keep in contact by mail, facebook, skype and/or phone.

It sounds like a good idea to keep Allison out of the car when V is driving. It's important that V gets confident driving so she can handle all kinds of situations when the time comes.

Thank you so much for the offer to shop and ship things for me and to me. I will remember that and I'm sure I will take you up on that offer some day. You are so kind

Today I got the bill for my new car. NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) is giving me a loan for most of the car. Well they call it a loan but it's nothing I have to pay them back in cash. I pay the loan back by having the car for 11 years and for each year I have the car the loan shrink with 1/11 each year. So by the time I'm allowed to apply for a new car the loan on the old car is payed back and it all starts over again.

NAV doesn't give me a loan for the 4WD so that part I have to pay myself with real cash to the car store. Cars are really expensive in Norway because the government has some ridiculously high taxes on new cars. The car cost $77 838 in total and I have to pay $6 491 for the 4WD. I think the 4WD is totally worth it since it's almost impossible to drive to my parents house and some of the other hills in Tromsø without a 4WD. I guess I just have to start to save again for a new car in 11 years so I have the money for a new 4WD car then.

Yes - it was so hard to see them go... I was fighting back tears the whole time. But I did good. When we dropped them off at the airport - it was just too chaotic, so I didn't have time to cry. I know we will see them again - but the kids are just so little, and I wish we were able to be a bigger part of their lives. I love them both so much - and I am so thankful for the time we did get with them.

Always happy to help you shop... Just let me know.

Very interesting about your car! And WOW!!!! That is one expensive car!!!!! Is that how much a car normally costs in Norway? I agree - I think you NEED 4WD there, I don't think it's something you could do without... No sense in having a car, if you can't drive it - right?

YUM, I love Chinese food! Glad you enjoyed it. Finding new places to eat is a lot of fun! Aw I hope the sendoff for BMTL went ok. I hate goodbyes when it involves family members that live far away.

Yah - it was good. It still doesn't beat our Chinese restaurant back home - but it's pretty good.

It went OK - it was sad, but I did good. Lots of distractions and choking back tears, but I did OK. I wish we were able to see them more often - but it is what it is... Hopefully in a few more years, our vacation budget will be a bit bigger and we'll be able to take some of the trips that we want to take a little easier.

I am sorry your time is over with BMTL. I know it breaks my heart whenever we have to say goodbye to either my daughter or my son and his wife and they are all in the United States. It is very easy to talk to them and not too difficult to go and see them once in a while. I can't imagine how difficult it must be with them living so far away.

I hope you had a good walk/run. I also hope it helped your mental state.

It's hard, and it's sad - but I did good. I am very proud of myself actually.

I took MM and SC for a walk - it was nice... The weather was great and it was my first time walking them both as full sized dogs - so that was interesting. LOL

*****************************************************************************************************

So, yesterday...

We were all up incredibly early, we had to leave here by 7:45 to meet BMTL for breakfast. Josh's little brother Nic was there with his wife too. It was nice to finally have all of us together. We had breakfast and passed the baby around... She is just so sweet and happy all of the time... She loves everyone.

We drove over to their house and loaded half of their luggage into our car - since they are flying international, they each had 2 full sized checked luggage plus their 2 carry ons - with 6 of them flying - so LOTS of luggage, all weighing 49.9 lbs. We also had to have one person in our car, so Brian rode to the airport with us. It was so chaotic dropping them off at the airport and unloading luggage, I didn't have a chance to cry - which was good. I shed a few tears in the car on the way home - but I did good - I was pretty proud of myself.

We were back home by 11:30am, and it felt like about 6pm... The day had already been so long and we'd done so much.

I changed clothes and I took the dogs for a walk. I was planning to go for a run - and I am not sure what stopped me? But I opted to walk the dogs rather than run. It was beautiful and enjoyable and I think the dogs were happy that I chose to spend the time with them?

Then I went upstairs to take a nap... It was nice.

Josh made dinner... His home made baked beans and hamburgers on the grill - it was delicious.

I sat around on my tablet most of the evening, just hanging out.

I have not heard from BMTL as to whether they made it home safely or not... I am assuming they have, and they are just busy with the kids and getting settled in.

Today - I have no plans, just a bit of laundry. If it's nice out - I may go for another walk, or try for a run? And if I get bored - I will go up to my sewing room and work on the applique I am stitching out.

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

D~

 

[Terkina]

How great that you were able to have breakfast with BMTL before they left for the airport.

I'm sure the dogs enjoyed you taking a walk with them

Very interesting about your car! And WOW!!!! That is one expensive car!!!!! Is that how much a car normally costs in Norway? I agree - I think you NEED 4WD there, I don't think it's something you could do without... No sense in having a car, if you can't drive it - right?

My new car is a big car so I guess that's why it's so expensive. Most of the cost is tax. If we haven't had to pay that enormous tax the cars wouldn't be that expensive.

Yes I think I need 4WD here because of the long winter with a lot of snow and ice. My parents totally agree with me that I need 4WD. Ulf on the other hand doesn't think the 4WD is a must, but my parents and I tell him he doesn't have a clue what he is talking about Since I know how hard it is to get up that last hill to my parents house and some of the other hills in Tromsø without a 4WD I'm not taking any chances NOT getting a 4WD. I'm sure I would regret not getting a 4WD and I would be really angry and swear every single day during the winter for the next 11 years. So I think paying $525 a year to have the 4WD is TOTALLY worth the money.

You can get a new unused family car for $21 000. Since cars are so expensive in Norway most people buy used cars because they are much cheaper. I bought my little car used. I payed $15 740 for it. It was then 3 years old and had gone 12428 miles so it was a good purchase.

 

[justgrace]

Hey D~
I just wanted to let you know, just in case you didn't - Disneyland and Disney World just changed their prices and now have a "tiered" system. Hope this doesn't effect V's trip too much!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Glad you are having a relaxing day. Same with me - it is so beautiful today in NY, 52 degrees! How was the weather there this weekend?