VWL Lovers & Groupies Thread: Meese-ka, Mice-ka MOOSE-kateers

[stopher1]

for you on the job front. I hope that you are able to take care of whatever happens on your own terms. I would be happy to "like" your page to help you out. I am not friends with you on FB, but if you send me a PM with a link to your page, or just send me a friend request. My last name is the same as a prominent basketball player for the Chicago Bulls in the 90's... Good luck with everything! You're a smart guy! But there are lots of talented people out there in trouble, so I hope you're able to somehow keep the job going. Best of luck!

Oh, Stopher, I'm so sorry to hear about the instability at your worksite. I'll be sending pixie dust your way in the hopes that things stabilize soon. Send me a private message with your facebook info and I'd be happy to "like" your page.

Stopher, I know the feeling you're going through at work. My old job was fairly unsteady for several years before the ax finally fell on me almost 2 years ago. But I've posted here before how happy I am to not be working right now even though I need to start trying harder to find something now that my severance is finally going to be ending in a few months. There are SO many of us out there looking for jobs that it is hard to take unemployment personally. It's the economy and we all know it. Good luck on finding stability, one way or another.

Stopher, I hope that things on the work front go well for you. Thanks for posting the pictures.

Stopher
Praying for job situation to go in your favor

Stopher...we certainly understand the unsettled work situations and how that can wear on you as it hangs over your head like the Sword of Damocles. You are doing the right things as far as networking, skill polishing, etc. I certainly wish you all the best in your situation.

Oh dear that doesn't sound good. Sending out lots of good thoughts & pixie dust for your job situation. I hope everything works out for the best. I'd be happy to like your page on FB. Just send me a PM with the link.

Thanks for those beautiful pictures too! Can never get enough of those.

Sending you lots of moose dust Stopher! I hope everything will work out okay.

Stopher, I am sad to hear about your job situation. I'm not a facebook person, but I hope others here will help.
If you get your TA going and need any help in the cruising department, text me! You would make a great Disney TA!

Very sorry to hear about this Stopher - I know how uncomfortable that feeling is, and until you know for sure, it's always nagging at you. Been there back in 2008. Hope that things work out for you and that a resolution comes quickly since the not knowing is a really stressful situation. It sounds like you've got your ducks in a row and are prepared - now if they'd just have the decency to let you know........... Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!

Leslie

Stopher~sending and thoughts and prayers your way! Hope everything works out!!! I would also love to be a Disney Specialist TA

Hey Stopher could you add me to the list?!!!!!! We will be "home" Dec. 2nd through the 8th and at Portifino Bay the 9th through the 11th.

Thank you all. It was kind of a surreal day today. At this point there is nothing happening, as my wife and I were talking about, but the reality is the office lease now has less than a year to run. That was one part of the reasons that our Atlanta office was shuttered when it was - the company negotiated the early buyout which they felt was better for the bottom line. I have no idea when or if something will happen, but the stars seem to be aligning... the the end credits are being typed to roll... the popcorn vendor's bin is nearly empty... the fat lady is holding her music... and on and on it seems. The local VP and I had lunch yesterday and he was specifically asking me what kind of things I might consider doing if it does happen - not really your typical lunch conversation, is it?!? I don't think so. So we're praying and waiting - and yes, researching options, and even starting to send out resumes. I figure I'm going to be as ready as possible, and then hey - if something better comes along while I'm in the "watch & wait" phase... I've got my out lined up. But I have friends who've been waiting a long time, and others who got something new within weeks of being let go - this economy is just so strange the past few years.

I've given them 10 1/2 years, nearly 3 years longer than my previous employer who laid me off with about 100 others back in 1999... December 1st no less, of course. At this point, I'm planning on an end of year or sooner departure on their terms - or sooner if I can do it on my terms. But I'm not holding my breath for anything at this time. (Certainly time will tell on how this all plays out)

Thanks to those of you who weren't already friends with me on FB for linking together and liking my page. It's still very much a work in progress, but I'm trying hard. It also helps that scared1: the latest FD offer was officially set in motion yesterday... not the favorite of us DVC folk, of course, but it does drive business. Since posting a bunch on my FB page and sending out targeted emails today, I've received several inquiries, so yay, I have some quoting to do and hopefully some trips to book). New ABD adventures for 2012 will be coming out at the end of the month too, so hopefully that can drum up a litle interest as well. Fun, fun, fun. (And I thought I was busy before...)

 

[franandaj]

I'm certainty glad you help you out, but I can't understand how Disney travel agents make it when it's so easy for people to do it themselves! Good luck to you! I guess those of us who buy DVC are the ones who end up understanding. I've been at it so long, I can't imagine not knowing the ins and outs but I guess there are people out there who don't want to do the research. I just don't talk vacations with them!

 

[stopher1]

I'm certainty glad you help you out, but I can't understand how Disney travel agents make it when it's so easy for people to do it themselves! Good luck to you! I guess those of us who buy DVC are the ones who end up understanding. I've been at it so long, I can't imagine not knowing the ins and outs but I guess there are people out there who don't want to do the research. I just don't talk vacations with them!

Well first I did this to supplement not replace, but second you're right, there are so many that can and do do it on their own - but there are even more that just have no clue. For months I would lurk around on other boards here and the questions that got asked, and the responses provided... people are clueless on both sides - then someone would pipe up and be the "sensible one" and suggest going through a TA in order to get the "best information". Whatever I would always think to myself. BUT in a way it does make sense. And the commission, while not enormous, helps. So I'm not going to complain. If nothing more, it helps build up a reserve for my MF's, but can also help with a funds coming in if I do lose my primary for a while. The fun part though, is being on this side I can look directly into the booking system and know about specials and deals and such - but you know the really cool part for the geek in me?!? I can get some pretty cool collateral (print materials and posters, and stuff) free - plus with the various trainings I took, I received special pins and a neat pair of mouse ears with a mortar board & tassel attached. More "stuff" for my collection is all, but not stuff you can just walk into a store and buy. I don't see this as replacing my real job, but augmenting it.

 

[franandaj]

So Stopher...you went through all the "official" mouse stuff? I have a friend who retired from some part of the TV Biz and runs a company called Valley Mouse Travel. I suspect it does not pay for everything, but I suspect it also satisfies his "inner Disney Geek" as well

BTW I'm enjoying all your albums that you're updating on FB. I don't normally like to "like" many things on FB since it's so big brother like. I just thought I'd let you know I'm lurking out there.

 

[stopher1]

So Stopher...you went through all the "official" mouse stuff? I have a friend who retired from some part of the TV Biz and runs a company called Valley Mouse Travel. I suspect it does not pay for everything, but I suspect it also satisfies his "inner Disney Geek" as well

BTW I'm enjoying all your albums that you're updating on FB. I don't normally like to "like" many things on FB since it's so big brother like. I just thought I'd let you know I'm lurking out there.

Yes I did, and have the certficate, and other swag that came along with it. And Universal and Sea World too. I'm working through some of the "other" cruise line trainings now too.

Thanks. Did you peek at my website too yet? That's shared with some buddies, but most of it is there because of my efforts. If not, you'll find the url on the info part of my FB page.

 

[DiznyDi]

Stopher: Sending pixie dust your way! You have the support of alot of cyber-friends. This economy is very slow to recover and yesterday's stock drop certainly will not help the situation.
Prayers for you and your family as you meet the challenges set before you.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Stoph - you are aware as much as any that He intends the events in your life for good, but it is always in His time, not ours (darn it!). I have come to know that the agony I may feel is due to the lack of trust I have.

DW & I are praying for you . . . . keep the faith . . He never leads down a blind canyon.

And keep talking to your DisBuddies . . . . we care!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Got our tickets today for the Candlelight Processional but they still haven't announced the speaker! Hope it is Jody Benson again.

Hey Stopher - How can I find you on Facebook so I can like your page?

 

[walkerford]

Well its half past 11 on Saturday morning and I am back in the office ploughing through bills... I however am comforted by the fact that one wek from now I will be sat on the balcony at VWL no doubt having been up for a couple of hours just soaking in that very special atmosphere and looking forward to 2 whole weeks of escapism...T minus 6 and counting til that very special welcome home!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Well its half past 11 on Saturday morning and I am back in the office ploughing through bills... I however am comforted by the fact that one wek from now I will be sat on the balcony at VWL no doubt having been up for a couple of hours just soaking in that very special atmosphere and looking forward to 2 whole weeks of escapism...T minus 6 and counting til that very special welcome home!

Good morning walkerford! It is 7:18 a.m. here, Saturday morning and I am also in the office ploughing through bills (and soon syllabi for next semester) AND in one week I also will be sitting on the balcony at VWL soaking up the atmosphere. Keep your fingers crossed the temps will decrease a few degrees. It will take a bit of pixie dust for that to happen but hey, it is Disney, anything can happen.

 

[walkerford]

Good morning walkerford! It is 7:18 a.m. here, Saturday morning and I am also in the office ploughing through bills (and soon syllabi for next semester) AND in one week I also will be sitting on the balcony at VWL soaking up the atmosphere. Keep your fingers crossed the temps will decrease a few degrees. It will take a bit of pixie dust for that to happen but hey, it is Disney, anything can happen.

Well what a coincidence! My apologies in advance for excited children and even more excited adults! See you next week!

 

[Muushka]

Well its half past 11 on Saturday morning and I am back in the office ploughing through bills... I however am comforted by the fact that one wek from now I will be sat on the balcony at VWL no doubt having been up for a couple of hours just soaking in that very special atmosphere and looking forward to 2 whole weeks of escapism...T minus 6 and counting til that very special welcome home!

Good morning walkerford! It is 7:18 a.m. here, Saturday morning and I am also in the office ploughing through bills (and soon syllabi for next semester) AND in one week I also will be sitting on the balcony at VWL soaking up the atmosphere. Keep your fingers crossed the temps will decrease a few degrees. It will take a bit of pixie dust for that to happen but hey, it is Disney, anything can happen.

Groupie meet!!!

 

[franandaj]

Well its half past 11 on Saturday morning and I am back in the office ploughing through bills... I however am comforted by the fact that one wek from now I will be sat on the balcony at VWL no doubt having been up for a couple of hours just soaking in that very special atmosphere and looking forward to 2 whole weeks of escapism...T minus 6 and counting til that very special welcome home!

Good morning walkerford! It is 7:18 a.m. here, Saturday morning and I am also in the office ploughing through bills (and soon syllabi for next semester) AND in one week I also will be sitting on the balcony at VWL soaking up the atmosphere. Keep your fingers crossed the temps will decrease a few degrees. It will take a bit of pixie dust for that to happen but hey, it is Disney, anything can happen.

I am so jealous! 80 days here.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[I Book He Pays]

Hello Groupies:

How's everyone doing? Hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the weekend. Sorry that I haven't been on as much but I'm busy taking my mother to PT, DH has been working crazy hours and I'm in run around mode hoping to keep on top of everything. I need a vacation!

Muushka ~ Love the way you heated up your lunch in the dishwasher! Great idea! LOL

Happydinks ~ What ports did you visit in AK? Out of all the cruises I've been on... AK was my favorite and I would go back in a second. Welcome back!

twokats ~ My deepest condolences and I'm so sorry to read about your mom. You were a wonderful daughter and did everything you could to help her through a difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

walkerford ~ Welcome home and great to have you with us! I'm impressed that you read the entire thread... that is fantastic! Have a wonderful trip and enjoy!

franandaj~ Congrats on getting through the estate sale. You definitely need some time to relax!

eliza61 ~ Having no water is horrible. Hope things are calm by now and you had a great time being away from the craziness.

stopher1 ~ So sorry to read about the job situation and wish you all the best being a TA. From what I can tell... you'll do a fantastic job. I'm not on FB so sorry that I can assist with that but I know many others will be happy to help. Good luck!

Disney loving Iowan ~ I know you are thrilled that your father/aunt will be joining you at WDW. All of you will have a fantastic time and the memories you'll make will be cherish forever!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Disney loving Iowan ~ I know you are thrilled that your father/aunt will be joining you at WDW. All of you will have a fantastic time and the memories you'll make will be cherish forever!

Thanks I Book!!!

 

[Corinne]

Groupie meet!!!

I was thinking the same thing Muushka!!

 

[DiznyDi]

I LOVE Groupie meets!

 

[horselover]

I LOVE Groupie meets!

Me too! (especially when they actually happen, right Corrine & Stopher! )

 

[wildernessDad]

111 days to VWL here. Should I start the count down? :-D

 

[walkerford]

Groupie meet!!!

Well its now t minus 4 and counting! Just had to explain to my dear wife what a groupie meet might be, I think she was starting to wonder what sort of web site I was actually looking it!
We are travelling with my daughters friend and her mom, who have never been to Disney before and have really gone through some rough times recently. My wife and I decided that we would get so much out of giving them an experience that would truly be magical for them that what the eck we would splurge 2 years points in one go! We have been counting down with them now for over 10 months and we are now as I said at the 4 day stage. It is difficult to explain to them what experiences they are in for as words and pictures can only do so much. I keep getting text messages saying things like "still can't believe this is happening.."
I do genuinely love the fact that we can give them something which they will remember for a lifetime and feel that it is so worth it and paid for many times over by the excitement that is already on their faces and the excitement and looks on their faces that I know will be there on Friday when they finally get to experience the pure joy and escapism of Disney and the Villas in particular!
3 days of work to get through then I'm going home!
I look forward to a group meet across the balconies, by the pool, on the beach, in the Iron Spike room etc etc etc. Tick Tock Tick Tock !!!