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

[sleepydog25]

Well, we're settled in. The room wasn't near where we had hoped, so no pixie dust there, though thankfully it's not near the dumpster, either. And it's been dumping buckets of rain so far yesterday and today. Not good, either. But, we're here and will be married, so no worries. I did get my youngest daughter (almost 13) on RnR despite the rain and a one-hour wait (single rider line--standby was over two hours!). She loved it! Tomorrow is that Other Park day with a pick-up time scheduled for 6:15 a.m. Yikes! Will check in later. . .

 

[luv2sleep]

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

 

[rfassett]

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

Private in the sense that you have to meet very strict admission requirements. First you have to have a positive emotional attachment to the Lodge. Second, you have to know the sign. The sign is pressing your thumbs against the sides of your head and wiggling your outstretched fingers. Seriously though, welcome to the most friendly place on the Dis. Pull up a rocker and sit a spell and let's chat. If you love the Lodge, you are among friends.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday wfc4life!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

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

Welcome to the groupies lu2sleep!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Well, we're settled in. The room wasn't near where we had hoped, so no pixie dust there, though thankfully it's not near the dumpster, either. And it's been dumping buckets of rain so far yesterday and today. Not good, either. But, we're here and will be married, so no worries. I did get my youngest daughter (almost 13) on RnR despite the rain and a one-hour wait (single rider line--standby was over two hours!). She loved it! Tomorrow is that Other Park day with a pick-up time scheduled for 6:15 a.m. Yikes! Will check in later. . .

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

 

[jimmytammy]

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

 

[rfassett]

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

jimmytammy - that is Great News! Disney certainly does like to enforce that old adage that says good things come to those who wait. Congratulations!!!

 

[rfassett]

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

Agree with Jimmy!

 

[rfassett]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wfc4life!! Hope your day is magical!

 

[rusafee1183]

Well, we're settled in. The room wasn't near where we had hoped, so no pixie dust there, though thankfully it's not near the dumpster, either. And it's been dumping buckets of rain so far yesterday and today. Not good, either. But, we're here and will be married, so no worries. I did get my youngest daughter (almost 13) on RnR despite the rain and a one-hour wait (single rider line--standby was over two hours!). She loved it! Tomorrow is that Other Park day with a pick-up time scheduled for 6:15 a.m. Yikes! Will check in later. . .

I hope everything goes well for you guys the rest of the trip! Sending Moose Dust your way for no more rain the rest of the trip, except of course a light sprinkle on your wedding day for good luck and so your pictures glow

Funny story, our room WAS by the dumpster at VWL and we still fell in love with it!

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

Yaaaaaaaay!

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

Nope, this group is for everyone!

For all who come to this happy place, The Groupie's land is your land

 

[rusafee1183]

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?

 

[luv2sleep]

Thank you!!!

 

[rfassett]

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?

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.

 

[blossomz]

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!

 

[MiaSRN62]

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.

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 !!!!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

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!

whoo hoo !!!! Have fun !!!! LOTS!!!!

 

[eliza61]

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?

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.

3) I'm not big on loans for living expenses for one simple reason. MURPHY'S LAW. I was married for 26 years and I swear by all that is holy there were some months that dh and I were God's favorite comedy routine. What can go wrong, will go wrong and it usually cost twice the estimate. If you're using borrowed money to cover daily living expenses this can really be a punch in the gut.
lastly, while a lot of people say we can "get by" for a few years believe me that is a lot harder than it seems. When the old guys started his own business money was lean, for a year or two it's doable but I think when you have to do it for 5,7, 10 years it can wear on the spirit.



and to reiterate rfasset point about money and happiness. Last November I got a promotion on my job. about a 10% increase in salary. the real reason I took it was because the factor used in formulating my pension is higher which translates to a higher pension. I absolutely hate this job, which is why I'm thinking of going back to school. I simply cannot see myself working in this position for another 7 years. unfortunately my company does not allow you to move back down once you accept a promotion so for the forseeable future I'm stuck.

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

 

[twokats]

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??????

Happy Anniversary Audipolo and IceColdPengiun!!!!

Happy Birthday wfc4life!!!!

Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!! Hope they were the best for all of you!

Welcome to the groupies lu2sleep!!!!

Welcome!!! As said, pull up a chair and chat awhile!! If you want, grab a moosie for your signature, directions are in post #4.

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

Congrats!

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 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!!!!

 

[rfassett]

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??????

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!