VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge, a lot!!

[rusafee1183]

This is why the Groupies is the best group on the Dis

Thank you all for your wisdom, experience, and encouragement. I think the biggest problem that we are facing right now is the fact that we are flighty people. My DH says "I want to go back for Finance" .... and then the next year says "I want to go for Communications and Sports Management" and then says "I want to go back for Pharmacy" and then says "Maybe school isn't the best idea for us, we make enough money to get by"

I'm not trying to throw him under the bus but my point is that I do truly believe that he could be happy doing any one of those things. I know that going back to school doesn't always mean that you excel and find that perfect job and make all your money back. Sadly, I know more people with degrees working in another field completely than I know people who actually work in a field that they received a degree in.

This may be TMI time, because I know that talking about money, and politics is kind of taboo - but between the two of us, we barely make $65K a year. I work in asset management for a bank and he works as a pharmacy technition. We don't have a 'bad' life, obviously. We own DVC, we bought a house, we like to travel. But there are things that I know I can't have without making more. We have no babies, and couldn't afford daycare.... we always use credit cards. Everything I have is financed. LOL.

But, it's stable - and I know how to work it. I live paycheck to paycheck, but I understand it.

Everything about him going back to school scares me. Choosing the right major, paying for it, finding a job afterward.... Bah

You have some very serious burden there and I do not know if I can help you sort it out. I will preface my comments by reminding you (if you do not know already) that I am a CPA of many years and will be married forty years this month. The first point is to tell you that I deal with these things all the time, the second to tell you that I have some very real life experience.

For what seemed about half of our marriage, Rebecca and I whipped each other through our education - meaning, she would work while I pursued my education for awhile and then I would work while she pursued her education, and back and forth. The end result, I have two bachelor degrees and a master of taxation degree and she dropped out of medical school when we adopted our son some 23 years ago. She is an RN and a CRNA and has a degree in Biology with a minor in English. And now she works in my office. (Oh, and we did all of that with a minimum of borrowing for student loans). I give you all of that to point out that it is doable. As to borrowing for living expenses, I would advise against that because it is a very slippery slope. The very first thing you two should do is determine what it is that you want to do. What is your two, five and ten year plans. In separate rooms, you should both sit down and write out those things and you both have to know that there is no wrong answers here. When you are done, you need to take whatever time it takes in a space where there are no distractions and reconcile your list to his and his to yours. This can lead to some very meaningful communication. It is important to be honest and these can be very revealing (and relationship building) activities. Once reconciled, you need to determine how you are going to get there. Okay, wait for it because here comes that word that none of us like to hear. Now that you know where you want to go, begin to create a budget for getting there.

Once you have done those things, in my opinion, then you can begin to determine where borrowing might enter into the equation.

As a side note, airplane mechanics can do very well and with all of the government oversight, it is an industry that is well grounded. I did have my pilots license for some years and owned a single engine airplane, so again, I know of what I speak.

One other thing I will mention and then I have to get back to work (the boss is giving me the eye), more money does not make one more happy. Some of my clients that live paycheck to paycheck are far more happy than some that have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank. Money will not buy you that happiness. You have to find the happiness in the journey that you are taking.So good luck - keep us posted - and remember that we are here for you.

Amen to this.

I didn't know that you were a CPA, so thank you for the insight. I think deep down I knew that taking out extra loans for living expenses was a bad idea... I just didn't know HOW bad of an idea.

My DH has also toyed around with the idea of going back to schol for finance, or accounting. Do you recommend it? Do you like it?

I agree with much of what is said above by rfassett. I am back in school as well. It's been tough. I am an RN and pursuing a higher degree because hospital staff nursing is a very hard job on the body and mind. As I am getting older (entered the 50's recently), I just can't see myself doing what I do now much past 55. Yes, be prepared for sacrifice (monetary, social and emotional). I spend about 20 hrs per week on schoolwork/projects/test/research papers etc IN ADDITION to my 32 hrs of work per week. Both spouses must be on the same page with this because everyone in the household is affected. Only you know exactly how much and to what degree this could benefit your family. If it means more job stability it is probably worth it.

Yes we are here for you rusafee1183 and yes it is terrifying !!! I really miss all the extra time I don't get on the DIS with you all and can't wait until this process is over. Since I am going part-time to school, it's taking y-e-a-r-s. I started stepping it up with an extra class last Fall...continued in to this past Spring (where I almost had an emotional breakdown due to the demands of school/work). I was going to take a summer class and my hubby demanded I take the 4 mos off for my health. I have taken out traditional Sallie Mae student loans because in the past 4 yrs I have had anywhere from 1-3 children in college as well and available cash was not always there after their tuition was paid. I do get partial employer reimbursement ---it's not much but it helps.
GOOD LUCK !!!!!!

Congratulations on taking that step Maria! I can't imagine how long and drawn out and difficult this process must be for you.

I think that is why we are most drawn to the aviation route, because it's only a 2 year program rather than years and YEARS in school. Plus, like I said - we know people who it has paid off for, but that's not always the case. Which is why I am hesitant.

Hey rusafee, boy great minds think alike. I've been going back and forth about returning to school also.

So here's some questions. First let me say I went to PItt for undergrad and CMU for grad school but it was a loooong time ago. rules may have changed.

Student loans for a second degree are usually more costly than for than for the the first undergrad degree. You said he's returning, did he finish his course work the first time?
Next Congress did not pass an extension on the student loan rates as of yet. I know a couple of my friends who are wringing their hands because interest rates on government back student loans are set to double.
Now Pitt was ridiculously stricted about student loans so if I remember correctly (it's been 32 years lol) you couldn't take out a loan for more than 87% of your tuition. so unless I went to a bank or other source I couldn't take out government back student loans (which are cheaper) for living expenses.

These next few questions are what a friend of mine told me to look into. I'm thinking of switching careers entirely. Possibly getting my mba in health care administration.

1) Will this program lead to offers with a higher salary or stability? for instance if I go back to school, while I'll have the degree I will not have the experience in this field. So I'm trying to find out if employeers prefer some one with experience over education. I'd hate to spend 28K on a degree and can't get a job.

2) his age. Not to be noisy just I'm over 50+ so I do worry about age discrimination. once again am I going to be throwing out this wad of cash to find employeers reluctant to hire some one my age.

Good luck!! I know what a hand wringing process this can be.

Good luck with your decision as well Eliza. It's a huge lifestyle adjustment, and sooo scary.

We are only 30 and 28, so the age descrimination doesn't scare me so much. The problem is that we are 'young enough' that people think that it's an easy choice, but old enough that we are established and have debt and we will struggle a lot if we decide to do this (or pursue any further education)

And about your other question, I really wish I knew that it would be lucrative and that the market would be stable. I feel like any time I get comfortable and think that I understand the situation - I get the rug pulled out from under me.

Those are some very scary numbers about student loans doubling in rates. I had no idea... that is definitely going to be something we need to look into before we go any further.

 

[bagsmom]

Hey everyone -- howdie doo!

Just popping in to say hello -- I've been reading some, but not a ton.

Just wanted you to know why I haven't been on here much... we've been doing some traveling and have more ahead of us -- that's good!


The bad part is that we went to see my dear, dear friend who has cancer. She looks awful and I'm thinking the outcome might not be the one I am desperately praying for. Her husband told us that when they discovered it, it was stage 4, and the recommended treatment was just pain meds to make her comfortable. She was having none of it and came out swinging.

I'm just feeling very confused -- many different emotions right now.

I am so happy to read about all the great things going on for all of you -- weddings! Yay! Points at new villas! Even the stress of deciding whether or not to go back to school is really an exciting thing!

I'm just not feeling perky right now -- so know that my lack of posts and responses is just due to me being in a "weird place." Just processing a lot of stuff.

But I'll keep reading -- it lifts my spirits!!!!!!

 

[rfassett]

This is why the Groupies is the best group on the Dis

Thank you all for your wisdom, experience, and encouragement. I think the biggest problem that we are facing right now is the fact that we are flighty people. My DH says "I want to go back for Finance" .... and then the next year says "I want to go for Communications and Sports Management" and then says "I want to go back for Pharmacy" and then says "Maybe school isn't the best idea for us, we make enough money to get by"

I'm not trying to throw him under the bus but my point is that I do truly believe that he could be happy doing any one of those things. I know that going back to school doesn't always mean that you excel and find that perfect job and make all your money back. Sadly, I know more people with degrees working in another field completely than I know people who actually work in a field that they received a degree in.

.

When it comes to money, everything is relative. $65,000 is a nice income if you are only spending $55,000. Not so much if you are spending $75,000. Since you are looking for ideas and it sounds like you two are not set in your plans, let me make a suggestion (besides what I have already suggested). Do either of you have a hobby? If so, is it something that could be developed into maybe a part time revenue stream? Is something like that possible? Think outside of the box. Take some time and throw down some ideas. Schooling may not be the best answer for you. Or it could be the only answer, we just do not know that yet.

In response to your question about whether I like what I do - my vocational career has been one of abnormality. After high school, I attended college and got a degree in Business Administration. That led me to managing a building material wholesale outlet which led me to selling homes for a national builder which led me to supervising construction of homes for that same builder. A cross country move led me to securing an outside sales job with a publisher of business, tax and labor law information. That led to go back to school and get my accounting degree and master of taxation degree. That was in 1984. In my second quarter of college right after high school I took an accounting survey course to see if that would be something that would interest me. The moment the instructor set foot in that class room, I decided that accounting was not for me. This guy had the stereotypical appearance of an accountant - from the black framed glasses, to the crew cut hair style, to the dark suit and white shirt and dark tie, to the pocket protector for his neatly lined up pencils. I knew at that moment that I could not be that guy. My hair was at least shoulder length, maybe longer and there was no way this side of heaven would I ever be an accountant. Well, thirteen years later I passed the CPA exam and the rest is history. You have to really love this industry to be in it. It is a world of constant change. And this past tax season, mostly because of late passage of some tax laws and the trickle down effect thereof, I worked 112 hours per week for ten weeks straight - just to attempt to keep up. I did not think that was possible. And it took a physical toll that I am still attempting to recover from. But that was an anomaly. If they were all like that, I would not be in this business. I normally work about 95 hours per week during tax season and 45 to 50 hours per week the rest of the year. I absolutely love doing what I do. But it is not for everyone.

 

[Muushka]

Good news! Our ROFR for the BWV pts came through yesterday. We will soon be the proud owners of 150 BWV pts.

Yay!!

Hi! Is this a private group? Is there a VWL group for newbies?

Private? Us?? Are you kidding? We LOVE new Groupies! Welcome!!!

Happy Birthday wfc4life! Hope it's marvelous!!

Hoping the rest of the trip goes off without a hitch, except for the one you went there for in the first placeMake sure that one goes as planned

Great pun, JT. Wish I had said it! Best wishes Sly and Luv!

I'm hoping the Groupies can help me this morning. I need some advice, or a shoulder or just a bit of pixie dust sent our way.

My DH is thinking about going back to school. We have been toying with the idea off and on for years, but we always chicken out and say "we're OK. we don't need more money"

Well, the program he may want to get into is at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, so he can get his license to maintain airplanes. It's a 2 year program, and we know people who have gone there and have become very successful. Which is great! What is NOT great, is that it is full time. Like, 8:00am - 2:30pm M-F. And we both work full time. I know that it will be beneficial for us to struggle a bit in the short term in order to be able to finally stabalize financially in the long term - BUT this is terrifying. We have just enough money every month for our bills, and groceries and a few luxuries here and there as it stands right now.

I am thinking of seeing if we can take out additional student loans for living expenses if he only works part time, but I don't know how that works... or if it's even a great idea.

Any advice on how we should go about this?

I read your ages in a later post. Considering how young you are, I would definitely look into school.
If you don't do it now, you never will. Well, your husband that is.
Just be sure you choose a career that will be employable (like you don't know that!). Since he is a pharm tech, boy, pharmacy is a great field. Once you get accepted and finish the PharmD program, no small feat.
Good luck!

God morning groupies! Just stopping by to say hi on my way to the big apple! Yep, my buddy and I took the ABD trip! Look for us on GMA on the 4th!

I hope I remember to look for you! Enjoy!

Sorry I have been MIA again. Amazing how I sit on the sofa a lot because of the leg, but I am usually catching up on work or just trying to relax from a very stressful day.

Went to see the surgeon yesterday and got the latest results on the leg!! He said it is healing and I was to start putting equal weight on it, but still use the walker. NOT YET, he said to driving, so that is still an issue for me. I hate being dependent on the kids and DH, but I remember what all y'all said last time about that subject, so I am resigned to another month of dependency. He said if it keeps healing at the rate it has been when I go back at the end of this month he will probably let me do short spurts of walking with a cane and drive for short distances. Of course around Aug 12 is when I have to go south to pick up Kati and that is only a six hour drive. . . . that is short isn't it??????





I also am not much of a help, since I had all my education before we married and my DH got all his licenses for maintaining airplanes when he was in the Air Force before we married. I know thru the years at his job all his special licenses have added to his check, plus now the joy of it all is that he is qualified to work on our own airplane which saves us a lot of money. Good luck on whatever decision y'all make.

I hope all the groupies have an extra special 4th of July!!!!

Look at it as more opportunity for your family to give back to you!
My husband, bless his heart, jumps at the chance to do something for me (that does not include a trip to Ikea or Costco). He appreciates everything I do for him, so it makes him happy to be able to do for me. I'm sure it is the same way at your home.
I hope you continue to heal and driving soon.

Hey everyone -- howdie doo!

Just popping in to say hello -- I've been reading some, but not a ton.

Just wanted you to know why I haven't been on here much... we've been doing some traveling and have more ahead of us -- that's good!


The bad part is that we went to see my dear, dear friend who has cancer. She looks awful and I'm thinking the outcome might not be the one I am desperately praying for. Her husband told us that when they discovered it, it was stage 4, and the recommended treatment was just pain meds to make her comfortable. She was having none of it and came out swinging.

I'm just feeling very confused -- many different emotions right now.

I am so happy to read about all the great things going on for all of you -- weddings! Yay! Points at new villas! Even the stress of deciding whether or not to go back to school is really an exciting thing!

I'm just not feeling perky right now -- so know that my lack of posts and responses is just due to me being in a "weird place." Just processing a lot of stuff.

But I'll keep reading -- it lifts my spirits!!!!!!

I am so sorry your friend continues to become sicker. Such a sad situation.

When it comes to money, everything is relative. $65,000 is a nice income if you are only spending $55,000. Not so much if you are spending $75,000. Since you are looking for ideas and it sounds like you two are not set in your plans, let me make a suggestion (besides what I have already suggested). Do either of you have a hobby? If so, is it something that could be developed into maybe a part time revenue stream? Is something like that possible? Think outside of the box. Take some time and throw down some ideas. Schooling may not be the best answer for you. Or it could be the only answer, we just do not know that yet.

In response to your question about whether I like what I do - my vocational career has been one of abnormality. After high school, I attended college and got a degree in Business Administration. That led me to managing a building material wholesale outlet which led me to selling homes for a national builder which led me to supervising construction of homes for that same builder. A cross country move led me to securing an outside sales job with a publisher of business, tax and labor law information. That led to go back to school and get my accounting degree and master of taxation degree. That was in 1984. In my second quarter of college right after high school I took an accounting survey course to see if that would be something that would interest me. The moment the instructor set foot in that class room, I decided that accounting was not for me. This guy had the stereotypical appearance of an accountant - from the black framed glasses, to the crew cut hair style, to the dark suit and white shirt and dark tie, to the pocket protector for his neatly lined up pencils. I knew at that moment that I could not be that guy. My hair was at least shoulder length, maybe longer and there was no way this side of heaven would I ever be an accountant. Well, thirteen years later I passed the CPA exam and the rest is history. You have to really love this industry to be in it. It is a world of constant change. And this past tax season, mostly because of late passage of some tax laws and the trickle down effect thereof, I worked 112 hours per week for ten weeks straight - just to attempt to keep up. I did not think that was possible. And it took a physical toll that I am still attempting to recover from. But that was an anomaly. If they were all like that, I would not be in this business. I normally work about 95 hours per week during tax season and 45 to 50 hours per week the rest of the year. I absolutely love doing what I do. But it is not for everyone.

Whoa! Those are some loooooooog hours! My goodness.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Happy Birthday wfc4life!!!!

Interesting conversation on school, debt etc. I have always recognized how lucky I was regarding that. My Dad had made a deal with both my much older sister and brother - if they kept up their grades in college he would pay. If they didn't then they would pay. Dsis graduated. DBro did not. So by the time I rolled around the same deal had to be offered. Poor Dad had no idea how much tuition was going to have increased! But I was at least smart enough to figure out not to screw up that deal. Again - poor Dad.

While attending my Goddaughters graduation in Ohio I met her half sister's fiancee who is attending airline mechanic's school in CO. My impression was that it really is virtually like a full time job, strict on attendance and is hard work but he was enjoying it.

Congratulations JimmyTammy!!!!

 

[eliza61]

Hey everyone -- howdie doo!

Just popping in to say hello -- I've been reading some, but not a ton.

Just wanted you to know why I haven't been on here much... we've been doing some traveling and have more ahead of us -- that's good!


The bad part is that we went to see my dear, dear friend who has cancer. She looks awful and I'm thinking the outcome might not be the one I am desperately praying for. Her husband told us that when they discovered it, it was stage 4, and the recommended treatment was just pain meds to make her comfortable. She was having none of it and came out swinging.

I'm just feeling very confused -- many different emotions right now.

I am so happy to read about all the great things going on for all of you -- weddings! Yay! Points at new villas! Even the stress of deciding whether or not to go back to school is really an exciting thing!

I'm just not feeling perky right now -- so know that my lack of posts and responses is just due to me being in a "weird place." Just processing a lot of stuff.

But I'll keep reading -- it lifts my spirits!!!!!!

Oh Bags, like you this group kept me sane during "the old guys" illness and passing.

Guys never underestimate how important you are.

"weird" is exactly the right word for it and even with all the information we have nothing, nothing makes sense about cancer.

It's been 7 months since my mikey lost his battle with leukemia. My best advice is what has kept me grounded. Accept all the love that comes your way in all it's forms. open yourself to the prayers coming from us, from friends and family. Let that be your armor. When your confuse let the love and friendship from the groupies tether you as you stumble around. smell a baby (doesn't the smell of baby powder always get you. ) get some oreo cookies and dunk them in milk, listen to some oldies from you and your friends youth. I'm partial to Fleetwood Mac and the Jackson five, go to the Disney site or better yet go to allears.net they have the best pictures.



sending you warm wishes friend.

 

[bagsmom]

Oh Bags, like you this group kept me sane during "the old guys" illness and passing.

Guys never underestimate how important you are.

"weird" is exactly the right word for it and even with all the information we have nothing, nothing makes sense about cancer.

It's been 7 months since my mikey lost his battle with leukemia. My best advice is what has kept me grounded. Accept all the love that comes your way in all it's forms. open yourself to the prayers coming from us, from friends and family. Let that be your armor. When your confuse let the love and friendship from the groupies tether you as you stumble around. smell a baby (doesn't the smell of baby powder always get you. ) get some oreo cookies and dunk them in milk, listen to some oldies from you and your friends youth. I'm partial to Fleetwood Mac and the Jackson five, go to the Disney site or better yet go to allears.net they have the best pictures.



sending you warm wishes friend.

Thanks, Eliza! Part of my confused feelings are deep sadness for her family and for her. Sadness for me that this wonderful woman may be leaving us -- she is one of my designated "old lady" friends. A forever friend. I also feel a shameful relief that this is not my family. Then comes a chilling fear that someday, it could be.

I admire your strength and positive attitude so much. You and your husband obviously had one of those magical partnerships... Wow... only 7 months since he left you.... you have God at your side, for sure. I can't imagine... and don't want to! You are such an inspiration!

Thanks again... I am still praying for a miracle.

 

[twokats]

Good to see you back twokats! Keep listening to the medical personnel. As much as we like to hurry things along, healing does take time. Rest in the knowledge that above all, God is sovereign - and all that we think we know and want pales in the light of His plan.

Six hour trip where you are at? Short!

I am up in Northeast TX and she works down in the Hill Country which is 6 hours south of us. It is a beautiful drive, but I know in the doctors mind that is not a short trip, even though I have been making that trip for years and I don't even think about the time it takes anymore!

In response to your question about whether I like what I do - my vocational career has been one of abnormality. After high school, I attended college and got a degree in Business Administration. That led me to managing a building material wholesale outlet which led me to selling homes for a national builder which led me to supervising construction of homes for that same builder. A cross country move led me to securing an outside sales job with a publisher of business, tax and labor law information. That led to go back to school and get my accounting degree and master of taxation degree. That was in 1984. In my second quarter of college right after high school I took an accounting survey course to see if that would be something that would interest me. The moment the instructor set foot in that class room, I decided that accounting was not for me. This guy had the stereotypical appearance of an accountant - from the black framed glasses, to the crew cut hair style, to the dark suit and white shirt and dark tie, to the pocket protector for his neatly lined up pencils. I knew at that moment that I could not be that guy. My hair was at least shoulder length, maybe longer and there was no way this side of heaven would I ever be an accountant. Well, thirteen years later I passed the CPA exam and the rest is history. You have to really love this industry to be in it. It is a world of constant change. And this past tax season, mostly because of late passage of some tax laws and the trickle down effect thereof, I worked 112 hours per week for ten weeks straight - just to attempt to keep up. I did not think that was possible. And it took a physical toll that I am still attempting to recover from. But that was an anomaly. If they were all like that, I would not be in this business. I normally work about 95 hours per week during tax season and 45 to 50 hours per week the rest of the year. I absolutely love doing what I do. But it is not for everyone.

You are right, accounting is not for everyone. . . my degree is a double major in Accounting and Computer Science. I did not go for my CPA, but my clientele don't mind. I had a baby not long after college and just never had time to take the test. Around here we have some not so very competent CPA's and I have found a lot of my clients come to me to fix the mess-ups.
But yes, tax season is a lot of long hours and a lot of study for the new laws and such. Luckily my main job is only part time, so I don't work horribly long hours, but I keep an eye open for extra part time work.

Look at it as more opportunity for your family to give back to you!
My husband, bless his heart, jumps at the chance to do something for me (that does not include a trip to Ikea or Costco). He appreciates everything I do for him, so it makes him happy to be able to do for me. I'm sure it is the same way at your home.
I hope you continue to heal and driving soon.

DH does make sure if shopping is involved to make sure the daughter in law is the driver!!! I am doing my best to talk him into driving me to our nephews wedding the end of the month and he said we would see. He doesn't do many weddings either!!!

 

[rfassett]

Hey everyone -- howdie doo!

Just popping in to say hello -- I've been reading some, but not a ton.

Just wanted you to know why I haven't been on here much... we've been doing some traveling and have more ahead of us -- that's good!

The bad part is that we went to see my dear, dear friend who has cancer. She looks awful and I'm thinking the outcome might not be the one I am desperately praying for. Her husband told us that when they discovered it, it was stage 4, and the recommended treatment was just pain meds to make her comfortable. She was having none of it and came out swinging.

I'm just feeling very confused -- many different emotions right now.

I am so happy to read about all the great things going on for all of you -- weddings! Yay! Points at new villas! Even the stress of deciding whether or not to go back to school is really an exciting thing!

I'm just not feeling perky right now -- so know that my lack of posts and responses is just due to me being in a "weird place." Just processing a lot of stuff.

But I'll keep reading -- it lifts my spirits!!!!!!

When my Mom passed away from a massive heart attack at the old age of 58 just a few days after she had been released from the hospital following an angina attack, I was placed in a position of disbelieve that God would do that to me. I was living a thousand miles away and did not go to visit my Mom at the hospital because I listened to other people that said she would be fine. Well, I had to make hurry up travel plans after she passed away and booked a flight on an airline that I had never flown before to a connecting airport I had never flown into before. In the seat back pocket of the seat in front of the seat that had been assigned to me, a previous passenger had left a magazine. While I was mourning and pouting and crying, I picked up that magazine and opened it. And right where I opened it was a story about how our plans are not God's plans. It talked about how when we look at life we see it like the back of a quilt - with strings going every which way. When we get to Heaven, we will see the other side of that quilt - the side God sees now - the perfect plan. A different person got off that airplane than got on. I was reminded of how very real and alive God is.

I tell you this story for three reasons: first, live your life with no regrets. If you feel a need to be with your friend, be there. Second, eternity is a very long time and don't think for a second that God is not watching over your friend and her family and you and your family every second of that eternity. And third, what is difficult for us to understand now will one day be clear and plain.

It has been nearly thirty years since my Mom took up residence in that mansion in the sky. And someday very soon (in the sense of eternity) there is going to be one heck of reunion.

I will continue to pray for your friend and her family and you and your family. May each of you find that peace that can only be found in Christ Jesus my Lord. Father God, please wrap Your loving arms around this situation and comfort those involved in this their hour of need. And we will always remember, Father, to give YOU all of the glory, and all of the honor, and all of the praise that is due Your Holy Name! Amen and amen!

 

[rfassett]

I am up in Northeast TX and she works down in the Hill Country which is 6 hours south of us. It is a beautiful drive, but I know in the doctors mind that is not a short trip, even though I have been making that trip for years and I don't even think about the time it takes anymore!

You are right, accounting is not for everyone. . . my degree is a double major in Accounting and Computer Science. I did not go for my CPA, but my clientele don't mind. I had a baby not long after college and just never had time to take the test. Around here we have some not so very competent CPA's and I have found a lot of my clients come to me to fix the mess-ups.
But yes, tax season is a lot of long hours and a lot of study for the new laws and such. Luckily my main job is only part time, so I don't work horribly long hours, but I keep an eye open for extra part time work.

DH does make sure if shopping is involved to make sure the daughter in law is the driver!!! I am doing my best to talk him into driving me to our nephews wedding the end of the month and he said we would see. He doesn't do many weddings either!!!

I love the Hill Country. I still say a six hour drive in Texas is a short drive.

I was first certified in Texas having did my accounting and master of taxation work at Baylor.

An interesting note to this education discussion. I was told that since I was a late comer to the industry that I would never be able to work for one of the Big 8 (at the time) firms because they only hire from the new graduate pool. So after I got my Masters degree, I went to work for a large regional that, within a year, was bought out by one of the Big 8's. Don't tell me that I can't.

 

[DiznyDi]

Hi Groupies
Quite an interesting discussion today! Let's get the important stuff done first:

Happy Birthday wfc4life
May your day be extra special as you celebrate with family and friends!

luv2sleep Always a delight when a new Groupie finds their way to our little corner of the Dis.

JT I told you moose dust was in the air! Congratulations on your new BWV points!

Sly and luv may your wedding day be blessed with sunshine as you begin your journey as husband and wife. So very soon.....

Wow rusafee what a decision for you to make. You've received some wonderful insight from fellow Groupies. Hopefully they've given you some food for thought. Has your DH considered military service? I ask only because we have friends whose 2 daughters - one an MD and one a DVM who both had their educations paid for by the government. Of course the trade off is agreeing to serve for a specified number of years. Perhaps this could be an avenue for you as well.

Bagsmom so sorry to hear about your friend. I'll continue to lift her and her family in prayer as she walks this path. Know that she doesn't walk alone. You know we're all here to support you as you walk with her.

Kathy, you need to get one of those cute count-downs and put it in your siggie - you know - for when the cast comes off! I'll continue to lift you in prayer, too. So personally frustrating when you are so dependent on others. I've enjoyed seeing the various pictures posted on Facebook by Kati and others while she's at camp . Sure looks like she's having a great time! Please let her know DDad and I send our very best wishes to her. She's quite a spirited young woman.

 

[horselover]

Good news! Our ROFR for the BWV pts came through yesterday. We will soon be the proud owners of 150 BWV pts.

Congratulations JT and welcome home neighbor!

Welcome to the groupies luv2sleep!

rusafee - you've already received some good advice & I don't really have anything inspirational to add to it. I'll simply send some good thoughts & moose dust your way that you & your DH make the decision that's right for your family.

Eliza - good luck with your decision to go back to school as well. Very sorry to hear you're not liking your new position.

Bagsmom - so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending good thoughts your way.

Blossomz - have a great time on your ABD trip!

Shoot I knew I should have quoted more posts! I know I'm forgetting some things. I guess I'll have to just say sending prayers & good thoughts to all the groupies that need it.

 

[twokats]

Hi Groupies
Quite an interesting discussion today! Let's get the important stuff done first:
Kathy, you need to get one of those cute count-downs and put it in your siggie - you know - for when the cast comes off! I'll continue to lift you in prayer, too. So personally frustrating when you are so dependent on others. I've enjoyed seeing the various pictures posted by Kati and others while she's at camp . Sure looks like she's having a great time! Please let her know DDad and I send our very best wishes to her. She's quite a spirited young woman.

Di, she is having a ball. I will have to post the picture she sent me of her special outfit for awards night.
Use your imagination and visual her in a Texas Lions Camp t-shirt and blue jean capris. Then add to that a pink tutu with suspenders and a pink tiara cowboy hat!!! She is adorable. But all the counselors like to have something crazy for all the kids on that night!!

Thanks for the idea of a countdown, but I guess I forgot to tell y'all that I have never had a cast. I have a steel rod that goes from just above my knee to right at my hip. There is a screw just above my knee and a nail that attaches it to my hip. It is a wicked looking sight in an x-ray. The doctor has said it needs to stay in at least 2 years, but he hopes I have no problems with the hardware and it can stay in. I understand that the rod stays in but the screw and nail would come out and from what he says the nail would be the major issue. I told him yesterday that I am flying to CA in September for a cruise, to FL in Dec for WDW and again to FL next April for WDW and the other cruise and would I set off any alarms. . . . he said yes I would have to have a letter for the airports. Anyway, lucky me!!! Life gets interesting, what can I say.

 

[MiaSRN62]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wfc4life​

​

 

[MiaSRN62]

eliza....I was very worried about the age discrimination also. I will tell you I've only seen a small amount. In one of my classes, one male student said something that ticked me off. Something like "at your age you'll just need a little extra learning curve to figure out how online classes work". My issue had been that Penn State's Angel Blackboard was not compatible with my version of IE or Firefox. Turned out---I needed to download an OLDER version! I danced circles around this kid once I had the correct version of Firefox. He was so quick to think I was having trouble logging on to Angel Blackboard because I was (at the time) 49 yrs old. TURKEY !!!! Just laugh them off eliza and good luck to you too!!!

bagsmom....so very sorry about your friend. Prayers and hugs.....

 

[MiaSRN62]

Congrats JT on the 150 BWV points !!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

twokats
Glad to see you back, we have been holding down the fort

As I skim through some very busy days in the groupies lives, I want to say thanks to all the well wishers on our new pts

And I will lift all up in prayer as you consider life changes, and those dealing with health issues and loved ones hurting. My prayer is for divine guidance from God, and healing for those hurting in mind, body and spirit. Lean on Him through it all.

 

[sleepydog25]

Congrats on the points, JT! And our thoughts and well-wishes go out to those who are enduring bad news or pondering life-altering plans. My mom has always said that no matter which way you choose to go with your life or how you move forward with bad news, you always will be blessed and find a way to rejoice. Smart woman.

Yesterday at Universal Studios was rainy and umpteenthly crowded (yeah, I made up that word), but we managed to have a fun, though abbreviated, time there. Today, the sun is in more abundance (and even more sun is called for the next few days), and we hit MK early for rope drop, then headed over to CRT (my first and my youngest daughter's first time there) for breakfast. We FP'd TMRR (I was the leg man; the others did Ariel's new ride), took pics with an awesome Ariel in her grotto, rode Buzz Lightyear (luv scored 999,999 points--that is not a typo!), walked right onto HM, then scooted over to TMRR for our FP time, and then jumped on POTC. After that, our group split with luv, Catherine (my DD), and I opting for Tiki Room, shopping, then back to the room while the others braved an increasingly crowded MK.

All is well, and we are a mere 45 hours, 33 minutes away from The Moment.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

All is well, and we are a mere 45 hours, 33 minutes away from The Moment.

Awwww what a sweet way to put it. Sounds like you are having a wonderful pre-wedding vacation filled with excitement and romance. Congratulations and best wishes again to you both. I know you will be in the thoughts of all the groupies here on your special day.


Also may I offer my best to all celebrating other special days as well. Birthdays, anniversaries, and passing ROFR. My thoughts are also with those of you going through not so special times. And welcome to the other newbies. This group is so awesome.

 

[Linda67]

Hi everyone

Just checking in since we have just returned form our amazing Alaskan Cruise on the Disney Wonder

Now that trip is over my attention turns to our December visit to the Lodge ...... We are just so excited !!!

Looking forward to chatting and asking all you experts lots of questions in the coming months

Let the countdown begin !!