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

[rusafee1183]

Fellow groupies gathered in your rocking chairs in front of the big fireplace in the lobby, I come before you tonight with a burden. Pray for Rebecca, if you will. We have learned just this week that her Step-Dad (who she and I both love as a father and a friend) has very advanced stage of colon cancer. Homer is eighty years old but golfs a couple of times per week (walking the course), takes his chainsaw to the State Park every Wednesday morning to keep the hiking trails clear (the volunteers are rightly named "the over the hill gang"), is a township supervisor, is on the board of the sewer authority, is commander of the VFW honor guard, and reads his Bible on a very regular basis. Pray for Homer if you will. We have not yet completely ruled out surgery but it does not look good. Chemo will begin in an effort to shrink the tumor to just keep him comfortable for as long as we can. I bring this to you, my groupie friends, because I know you are the praying kind. And I understand the power of prayer. Thank you for understanding.

I wish each of you a very blessed and magical day!

Homer sounds like a great man, and the world is always a better place with people like him in it. I will be sending many prayers your way Rfassett.

 

[DiznyDi]

Fellow groupies gathered in your rocking chairs in front of the big fireplace in the lobby, I come before you tonight with a burden. Pray for Rebecca, if you will. We have learned just this week that her Step-Dad (who she and I both love as a father and a friend) has very advanced stage of colon cancer. Homer is eighty years old but golfs a couple of times per week (walking the course), takes his chainsaw to the State Park every Wednesday morning to keep the hiking trails clear (the volunteers are rightly named "the over the hill gang"), is a township supervisor, is on the board of the sewer authority, is commander of the VFW honor guard, and reads his Bible on a very regular basis. Pray for Homer if you will. We have not yet completely ruled out surgery but it does not look good. Chemo will begin in an effort to shrink the tumor to just keep him comfortable for as long as we can. I bring this to you, my groupie friends, because I know you are the praying kind. And I understand the power of prayer. Thank you for understanding.

I wish each of you a very blessed and magical day!

My heart aches for you. My dad passed much too quickly from advanced colon cancer. It was a mere week from the time he entered the hospital until he was gone. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. The Groupies were here then as they shall be here now for your support. Praying for you and your dear wife Rebecca and most importantly her step-dad Homer. May you find some solace knowing there are those that care.

 

[sleepydog25]

All this talk of cruising! I so need some help convincing my DH to go on a Disney cruise. I have not had ANY success getting him to even consider it.....I even offered to trade in Valentines day, birthday, Mother's Day, anniversary AND Christmas! Still a no go.....maybe I should just plan it then kidnap him. Thoughts?

Why exactly does he not want to cruise? Usually there is one particular notion (or maybe a couple) that keeps folks from wanting to cruise, and once that idea has been specifically addressed, the task to convince gets easier. For example, some believe that they'll feel claustrophobic when actually the ship is so huge and open that such a feeling is extremely unlikely. Others are concerned about the image of cruising as a floating casino; nope, the DCL ships aren't like that at all. Not enough to do? Absurd. In short, find out what really bugs him about cruising then come seek answers from those who have cruised on DCL to help you.

Oh, and by the way, we are back. . .tonight at 11 p.m. . .long drive. . .but we are now officially Mr. and Mrs. Slydog. More later. And pics.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So cute!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Fellow groupies gathered in your rocking chairs in front of the big fireplace in the lobby, I come before you tonight with a burden. Pray for Rebecca, if you will. We have learned just this week that her Step-Dad (who she and I both love as a father and a friend) has very advanced stage of colon cancer. Homer is eighty years old but golfs a couple of times per week (walking the course), takes his chainsaw to the State Park every Wednesday morning to keep the hiking trails clear (the volunteers are rightly named "the over the hill gang"), is a township supervisor, is on the board of the sewer authority, is commander of the VFW honor guard, and reads his Bible on a very regular basis. Pray for Homer if you will. We have not yet completely ruled out surgery but it does not look good. Chemo will begin in an effort to shrink the tumor to just keep him comfortable for as long as we can. I bring this to you, my groupie friends, because I know you are the praying kind. And I understand the power of prayer. Thank you for understanding.

I wish each of you a very blessed and magical day!

My prayers are with all of you.

 

[SAT887]

Oh, and by the way, we are back. . .tonight at 11 p.m. . .long drive. . .but we are now officially Mr. and Mrs. Slydog. More later. And pics.

Congrats! Can't wait to see pictures and hear about it!

 

[jimmytammy]

Welcome back Sly!! Cant wait to hear all the details and see pics

 

[jimmytammy]

I have been a very bad DIS'er and haven't been active on the boards for a couple weeks! Well, I am now trying to catch up after these past few busy weeks (between my birthday, my now officially 2 year olds birthday, DH being out of town for work..... It's been chaotic!). Well, since DH was away I get bored, and I clean, and organize. Plus hopefully within the next 12-24 months we will be moving to NC - so I figure keep it clean and concise now and I will potentially have less to do when we sell the house..... Well, I found this - I don't have any idea how old it is, but thought its probably quite a few years!

Love it! Been awhile since I have seen one of these. You know, its hard to think back when we would see specific VWL merch. and think "oh, we can buy that next trip" only to realize not much specific to any of the DVC resorts as owners would be available. Hang on to that treasure

 

[Corinne]

Rfassett I am praying for Homer and for you and his family.

sly congrats! Cannot wait for the pics!

sat887 I have one of those pins somewhere! It made me smile to see it!

Happy Saturday Groupies!

 

[Muushka]

I have been a very bad DIS'er and haven't been active on the boards for a couple weeks! Well, I am now trying to catch up after these past few busy weeks (between my birthday, my now officially 2 year olds birthday, DH being out of town for work..... It's been chaotic!). Well, since DH was away I get bored, and I clean, and organize. Plus hopefully within the next 12-24 months we will be moving to NC - so I figure keep it clean and concise now and I will potentially have less to do when we sell the house....

A move to NC? Do tell! Where abouts?

That is a cute pin. I have never bought any and we own one. Maybe after we toured VWL they gave it to us?

Speaking of touring VWL, we pulled our deeds (we are finally selling our smaller contract) and we bought our first contract 12/2000. Someone asked dates the other day here on this thread. But we closed in early 2001.

 

[sleepydog25]

Love it! Been awhile since I have seen one of these. You know, its hard to think back when we would see specific VWL merch. and think "oh, we can buy that next trip" only to realize not much specific to any of the DVC resorts as owners would be available. Hang on to that treasure

Love the pin, too. While at our beloved Lodge, we again noticed very little in terms of specific merchandise for owners there. While I understand DVC wanting to streamline costs, I'm certain they are missing out on a steady revenue stream by refusing to offer more DVC resort-specific items.

 

[twinklebug]

Twinkle,
I just saw this post. Hang in there--I know how stressful and demoralizing a situation like this can be. I am in one similar as is my husband. We have learned to let go of some of the stresses (and this is very hard and not entirely possible at times). I hope and pray something comes through for you and you can get a break from this tyrant. My husband automatically comes home from work now and refers to his boss as "satan". The situations can feel almost unbearable at times. HUGS to you !!!! Keep us posted.

I started work on our back yard on the 4th, no patio laying or anything to my actual yard - but we cleaned up the patio, bought a few hanging flowers and a new deck box for storage and it's already made a HUGE difference. It has at least bought me some time to decide what to do back there, and maybe if I procrastinate long enough - summer stuff will be on sale.

Other than that, nothing new around here.... Bob still hasn't decided what to do about school. He is going to talk to someone at our community college to see what options he would have there first. We are scaredy cats, so who know what will happen.

--- snip ---

How is everything going Twinklebug? Have a you decided what to do?

I don't have much input, like others have said - I would hate to steer you wrong. Plus, I can't even make good decisions for my own life clearly. You don't WANT my input

But, we are here to listen.

I do agree that it's a shame that she is in a position of power, and is so abusive to her staff. We have someone like that at my job too. Like, JT - our employee has been there forever and knows EVERYTHING - but has a horrible attitude. I have learned how to "play" her.... but it's a shame when people can't just go to work, do their job and be pleasant to one another.

I think the post it idea is a good one. Put some pics of the Lodge up, play some Disney music on your ipod/radio/computer, and remember that there are nice, good, decent people out there. She sounds like she's missing a lot in her life, and for that you have the upper hand.

twinklebug
Your manager sounds a bit abusive with their power. From what you share, this person seems like a not so good person who makes themselves "look good" by making others look small. And that tends to come from feeling threat by others skills, etc.

A fellow co-worker/now long time employee of our co. is this way, and we know it. He is at retirement age, his knees wont allow him to physically endure what we require of others, but he is here because of his knowledge. Yet, he will come to me or my dad and tell us what somebody else did wrong. He had the audacity a few years ago, when we were building 5000 sq. ft. houses(he likes making a big splash)to tell people "He IS Ray Whitesell Contractors"(BTW, this got back to us). I only wanted to share this as we deal with personnel issues with our small co.

So, my thoughts on this are as others say, speak with your manager, if it falls on deaf ears, go to the top if possible, and say your peace. This way, before you walk away, you know you made the effort to speak what was needed, then, with peace of mind, you can live without question, did you do the right thing.

And one last thing, in this economic env. we are in, remember this, businesses are born out of necessity. Not saying this is the only choice, but consider it. I love seeing new business born, create ones own environment.

I will pray for you as you deal with the days ahead, that God provide you insight and wisdom as you make decisions.

twinkle I don't have any profound words of wisdom for you. Just know that the Groupies are here to offer support. I hope you're able to find a workable solution that keeps your mental health in check and allows you to work at your optimum performance level. Moose dust coming your way!

twinklebug I was wondering the same thing as Julie if you have express fully to your manager how for your mental health you are feeling you will need to quit if you are not moved. I haven't been in exactly the same situation but involved in some ways on both sides. As an employee I would get moved around because I apparently was adaptable and hard working. So when others were falling down I was asked to step in and correct - a couple of times to a breaking point. But I learned my manager did recognize the difference and when it came to nervous breakdown time I was shifted. Not the best way for an employee to be handled but the improvement finally came.

And I've been on the management side where I was stuck between a rock and a hard place with work that needed to be done and limited people to do it. However if a valued employee were going to be leaving due to a temporary switch I'd have preferred to know and would have done what I could since that position was going to need filling either way. Again - not ideal but sometimes everyone gets stuck in positions that it's difficult to find a win-win for. But a reality check/shove can get sometimes get things back into perspective.

Best thoughts to you while you are figuring out what you need to do.

One other note - I have quite a job that was causing me health issues due to the stress. I was being asked to handle things in a manner I found contrary to my business ethics. When it became apparent the situation was not going to change I resigned. I did not regret it.

Twinklebug - I'm sorry for what you're going through at work. I hate to give someone advice on whether they should quit a job without having a new one lined up. On the one hand I definitely agree there is a lot to be said for mental health & no one should have to put up with abusive treatment at work. Have you come right out & said to your manager if they don't switch you out of that dept. then you'll need to give your notice? What do you think he or she would say if you did? On the other hand if you decide to leave do you have the means to support yourself while looking for a new position? Perhaps the answer to that question will help you to know whether to press send on the email or not. I agree with Muush the market is better now then it was a year ago but still no guarantee you'll find a new position quickly. Sending tons of good thoughts, hugs, & pixie dust your way that you will find yourself in a better position (whether that be at your current job or a new one) very soon. ixiedust

My poor Mr Muush was in a similar (not quite so nasty) position. Doing everything but software development for a couple of years (he is a software engineer also). He was in a group of 5. 3 left and he finally landed a new position and starts on Monday. This is the first time since he went to college that he left a job and it was very difficult for him. But with the encouragement of the 3 others, he did it. The market is much better than it was a few years ago.

All I can say is hugs to you and I hope you can muster up the strength to stay and help change occur or leave and find a better situation. I know, not much info there, for sure a hug and some pixie dust.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks guys I was at a real low with work there... I'm one who sticks through all kinds of abuse and tries to keep smiling, but the atmosphere was so toxic I had to escape. I did read each and every posting on the day it was posted and I really appreciated all the hugs, pixie dust and advice. I chose to wait to update until I had good focus on where this is headed and truly believed what was promised to me will happen:

I did talk with my manager's manager (we'll call him MM) the day after the 4th. I'm very blunt with information & told him I wrote up my resignation letter but did not want to submit it unless I felt the situation would not improve, asking him for options. He's an excellent manager, has held my role before and has been hearing left and right about this PM who is driving people off of the project and out of the company. I could tell there were other things weighing on his mind (I'll get to that...) but after I opened it up to him and asked if he could help, his response was "I can pull you off that project right away and put you in the group you've been asking to move to." The deal is though, I have to finish out 2 weeks and close out all support tickets in my name before going on vacation (seems reasonable... working double time to make sure they're gone)

The bullying manager was informed of my move and immediately stopped speaking to me and even refused to acknowledge my existence skipping over my name on slides and in meetings. Maturity is not her strong suit. However, it has been nice being invisible to her as opposed to being the target of her rage. She's moved onto overly criticizing other folks and the process by which software is created and tested now. Her approach to management is to pretend to listen, demand numbers that please her spreadsheet and to pick on something/someone or else the day hasn't been a success.

Now, as for those other things on my MM's mind... we had a layoff this Thursday. I was not on the list, but I'll tell you, if on the 5th when I spoke with him he had offered to lay me off with severance I'd have jumped at it. Apparently we only lost one person out of the larger group I belong to, which isn't bad ... except for that one person that is. *sigh* I hope there are no more - time will tell.

 

[cahedberg]

Why exactly does he not want to cruise? Usually there is one particular notion (or maybe a couple) that keeps folks from wanting to cruise, and once that idea has been specifically addressed, the task to convince gets easier. For example, some believe that they'll feel claustrophobic when actually the ship is so huge and open that such a feeling is extremely unlikely. Others are concerned about the image of cruising as a floating casino; nope, the DCL ships aren't like that at all. Not enough to do? Absurd. In short, find out what really bugs him about cruising then come seek answers from those who have cruised on DCL to help you.

Oh, and by the way, we are back. . .tonight at 11 p.m. . .long drive. . .but we are now officially Mr. and Mrs. Slydog. More later. And pics.

Well I can't get a straight answer on that one. I don't think he's against cruises, as he took me on one in Greece. He SAYS he'd rather spend that time at WDW.....so I guess that's what I'm competing against. But, we did go to Aulani last year, and that didn't have WDW.....so???

Congress btw...and thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm glad you got a resolution twinklebug! Hopefully the next couple of weeks will go by quickly (and invisibly!!!).

 

[SAT887]

Love it! Been awhile since I have seen one of these. You know, its hard to think back when we would see specific VWL merch. and think "oh, we can buy that next trip" only to realize not much specific to any of the DVC resorts as owners would be available. Hang on to that treasure

sat887 I have one of those pins somewhere! It made me smile to see it!

Happy Saturday Groupies!

A move to NC? Do tell! Where abouts?

That is a cute pin. I have never bought any and we own one. Maybe after we toured VWL they gave it to us?

.

Love the pin, too. While at our beloved Lodge, we again noticed very little in terms of specific merchandise for owners there. While I understand DVC wanting to streamline costs, I'm certain they are missing out on a steady revenue stream by refusing to offer more DVC resort-specific items.

I'm glad so many liked the pin! When I stumbled across it I knew you guys would appreciate it! I do agree about the lack of DVC and resort specific merchandise - and then what I do find is meh....

Muushka- we want to move to the Raleigh area, it would provide DH with the most job opportunities. However we would probably take any area Raleigh through the coast. We have family on the coast and want to live near them however - we are up in the air about exact timing, DH was recently promoted so he needs to be committed to New England area for a bit before asking for a transfer. It's a pain, and I want to go now but I am sure all will fall into place when need be

 

[SAT887]

Twinklebug- I'm glad you are getting a change. I am recently unemployed (by choice! DHs job would make it difficult for me to keep working) however I've been there. Where your job just makes you ill. I am glad your manager could help. I've been in the situation 2x (through 13 years with one employer!) 1 time made the threat I would go PT (knowing full well my absence would cripple the department) I followed through turned out to be the smartest choice because I spent a few weeks hanging out with my dad right before he passed away suddenly. The 2nd time, well it was interesting to say the least- I was very honest (too honest!) and in lieu of me quitting was promoted (I had been in a "performance punishment" type scenario and was overlooked because I did the work of 2 FT employees, required very little intervention... And dealt with issue more efficiently than my managers could) I needed both those changes - and while people didn't recognize I needed them or care to- I'm so glad I did what I did... So good luck! Hopefully someone will see through your old managers poor behaviors. You know what they say about Karma!

 

[sleepydog25]

Well I can't get a straight answer on that one. I don't think he's against cruises, as he took me on one in Greece. He SAYS he'd rather spend that time at WDW.....so I guess that's what I'm competing against. But, we did go to Aulani last year, and that didn't have WDW.....so???

Congress btw...and thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

Hmm, the only approach I can say is to do a park and cruise (or cruise and park). That way, your DH can have WDW--for the rides I'm assuming--and you can get a cruise. Further, I bet he'd see that the Disney cruise is every bit as enjoyable as the Disney parks: the three shows combined include most major Disney characters; there are character picture opportunities every day and night; Disney movies show on your TV and first-run movies in the theatres; the dining options are excellent (especially Remy!); there are adult spaces for times when you want to be alone and family places for when you don't; Aquaduck is a theme-park worthy ride; Castaway Cay has many activities from parasailing (extra fee), to the 5K (free), to snorkeling (nominal fee), and many other things. Just exploring the ship is a worthwhile endeavor, too.

We had our six-day park excursion before the cruise, then drove over the morning we sailed. After the 4-day cruise, we came back for one more day at MK. You might not be able to do that many days in the parks and cruise, too, but surely you could convince him to do a 4-day park and 4-day cruise? Yep, I'm guessing that would be my approach. Good luck!

 

[Muushka]

Well I can't get a straight answer on that one. I don't think he's against cruises, as he took me on one in Greece. He SAYS he'd rather spend that time at WDW.....so I guess that's what I'm competing against. But, we did go to Aulani last year, and that didn't have WDW.....so???

Congress btw...and thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

How was the cruise in Greece? Did he enjoy it?

Thanks guys I was at a real low with work there... I'm one who sticks through all kinds of abuse and tries to keep smiling, but the atmosphere was so toxic I had to escape. I did read each and every posting on the day it was posted and I really appreciated all the hugs, pixie dust and advice. I chose to wait to update until I had good focus on where this is headed and truly believed what was promised to me will happen:

I did talk with my manager's manager (we'll call him MM) the day after the 4th. I'm very blunt with information & told him I wrote up my resignation letter but did not want to submit it unless I felt the situation would not improve, asking him for options. He's an excellent manager, has held my role before and has been hearing left and right about this PM who is driving people off of the project and out of the company. I could tell there were other things weighing on his mind (I'll get to that...) but after I opened it up to him and asked if he could help, his response was "I can pull you off that project right away and put you in the group you've been asking to move to." The deal is though, I have to finish out 2 weeks and close out all support tickets in my name before going on vacation (seems reasonable... working double time to make sure they're gone)

The bullying manager was informed of my move and immediately stopped speaking to me and even refused to acknowledge my existence skipping over my name on slides and in meetings. Maturity is not her strong suit. However, it has been nice being invisible to her as opposed to being the target of her rage. She's moved onto overly criticizing other folks and the process by which software is created and tested now. Her approach to management is to pretend to listen, demand numbers that please her spreadsheet and to pick on something/someone or else the day hasn't been a success.

Now, as for those other things on my MM's mind... we had a layoff this Thursday. I was not on the list, but I'll tell you, if on the 5th when I spoke with him he had offered to lay me off with severance I'd have jumped at it. Apparently we only lost one person out of the larger group I belong to, which isn't bad ... except for that one person that is. *sigh* I hope there are no more - time will tell.

WooHoo That is great news.

I'm glad so many liked the pin! When I stumbled across it I knew you guys would appreciate it! I do agree about the lack of DVC and resort specific merchandise - and then what I do find is meh....

Muushka- we want to move to the Raleigh area, it would provide DH with the most job opportunities. However we would probably take any area Raleigh through the coast. We have family on the coast and want to live near them however - we are up in the air about exact timing, DH was recently promoted so he needs to be committed to New England area for a bit before asking for a transfer. It's a pain, and I want to go now but I am sure all will fall into place when need be

We are in Cary, in case you want to branch out a little. A very nice place to live.

 

[Linda67]

Hey everyone

It's a beautiful sunny day in England today (a rare occurrence!)

Just chipping in on cruising. I simply had no interest whatsoever in cruising, I thought I would be bored silly. I wouldn't have ever considered booking a cruise if it wasn't for the fact that Disney did them. Anyway, long story short, we took a 3 day trip on the Dream just to cross it off the list and we were hooked!

We've never tried any other cruise line so can't really compare but the staff on the Disney ships are just awesome, as is the food and entertainment

And no, I have never been bored for a second

 

[SAT887]

How was the cruise in Greece? Did he enjoy it?

WooHoo That is great news.

We are in Cary, in case you want to branch out a little. A very nice place to live.

Cary seems like a place we would like. When I say Raleigh it's more of the metro area. There is about 12 locations my DH could potentially transfer too once there is an opening. Now it's just a waiting game