The Chatter

I love, love, love the summer!  Bring on the heat & the humidity & I’m a VERY happy girl!  The last few weeks here have been very sunny & very warm; TOTALLY my kind of weather!  I’m loving it!  This week’s weather is no exception!  88 & sunny expected everyday!

The Great Minnesota Get Together (aka THE greatest state fair) starts this week!  What great weather I’ll have for my opening day festivities!  Gotta love it!  Food on a stick, warm weather, sun, & a great fashion show put on by my fellow fair goers!  Ahhh…perfection!

So where’s the cruelty you ask?  Well, last week I noticed a “spot” on my eye.  I didn’t wear my contacts for a few days & thought all was well….until yesterday morning when I was about to put in my contacts….now the OTHER eye has two spots!!?!  What the heck?!  Thankfully, I was able to get in to see a specialist yesterday afternoon, who informed me that I have ulcers on my cornea (those are the spots) & that I have two cornea infections! 

Here’s the “eye”rony….when you have cornea infections, you’re VERY sensitive to sunlight!  Noooooooooooooooo….not my sun!!  But yes, indeed, I’m feeling like a vampire because sunlight just makes my eyes water & my nose run!  Even when some lamps are on I cringe just a little bit.  Hopefully things will be back to normal in a week or so.

Until then I’m almost wishing for cloudy days…especially when I go to the Fair.  Never thought I’d hear those words come out of this mouth…the mouth of the girl that loves heat, humidity & the sun!

And that, my friends, is why irony is cruel!

–SAHWannaBe–

Jen

I swear, the best thing I did this spring was get an iPod.  I’m totally loving listening to my Disney podcasts every week!  I listen to a few of them & while some have repeat info, it’s fun to get another’s take on it…plus, some of these people are just so funny to listen to…

Anyway, thought I’d share some of my favorite tidbits from those that I listened to this week….

-If there are any Hannah Montana fans out there (or you know someone who is like my niece), there is a website that allows you to sign up for free Hannah Montana wake up calls!  Apparently the theme is “back to school” so not sure if she says “Hey, wake up almost time for school!” or what, but seems pretty fun.

www.hannahmontanacalls.com

-I’m a HUGE magazine slut!  Can I say that about myself in my own blog post?  Well, I am.  I love shiny, glossy pages, I love looking at photos & yeah, sometimes I even read an article or two.  Well, to fuel my magazine AND Disney loves there is a new magazine coming out that is all about Disney parks & resorts!  I cannot wait to get this new publication!  The first issue will be out in September & they are offering a pre-order special where you can save $5.00 of the subscription rate!

www.celebrationspress.com

-Ticket prices increased & the 2009 dining plans were announced.  It’s always good to be in the know about these things when planning your next Disney World trip!  In addition to the two dining plans that were available in 2008, they are adding another counter service only dining plan.  I think it’s a very good idea for those that love the convenience of having your meals prepaid but don’t want to take time out of their park time for a sit down meal.

-Does anyone remember Escape from Witch Mountain the movie from 1975?  I LOVED that movie.  It probably started my dream of having witching powers!  Anyway, it was announced that next year, Disney is releasing another movie with the same title & it’s not going to be a remake, it’s more of another version of it.  It stars Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson & Carla Gugino…but according to imdb, the original star Kim Richards (I remember her voice most) will also make an appearance in the new movie.  (Side tidbit I learned…Kim is Nicky & Paris Hilton’s aunt…who knew?!)

-My favorite rumor of the week is that some rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) are being redone in a Nemo theme or a Pirates theme.  Both of which I think would be very fun if you are Nemo & Pirates fans!  Not sure how many rooms will be done this way, but they did say that rumor had it that you could book these specific themed rooms starting sometime in 2009.  Wonder if they will plan on doing themed rooms at other resorts?  Perhaps a Stitch themed room at the Polynesian?  Or maybe a Beauty & Beast theme at Port Orleans French Quarter??  Hmmm…maybe I should send my resume in to Disney’s Imagineering….

Again, these were just a few of my favorites I thought others might enjoy.  I love being able to hear other people talk about Disney on my iPod! 

Stay Magical!!

-SAHWannaBe-

Jen

Today was the kick off for trying out the new school scrip program.  It has taken all summer to get it into place. First  the school board had to approve the program. Then we had to wait to get the paperwork filled out and filed. We got the go ahead and then it seemed everyone who was to be in on the testing phase was out of town!!!

Because the school opted for making the purchases with a check rather than a direct wihdrawl  that added some leg work to the whole process. It also took awhile to get all parties in place to actually make the deposit and order.  When I walked into school this morning I only had one other check in my pocket for an order. I knew the principal wanted an order for some things for the school from AllPosters and that was it!

I got lucky the PTA board was in the office stuffing envelopes for a mass back to school mailing. So, when it was all said and done I had 6 orders and 2 more pending (we decided to place the actua order tomorrow morning to add these couple extra orders). The 6 orders will net the school a quick $105 profit ( not including the 2 that should come in tomorrow). All in all I would call that a profitable kick off to this program!!

If we can get even a small percentage of the families and teachers to place the scrip orders I imagine the school will earn a nice profit which should really help t take the pressure off of the fund raising!!! I will keep you posted on our progress…..

MdCaterer 

So we ended up cancelling our end of summer vacation to the beach due to unexpected difficulties on the beach end!  My son was really bummed because he was really looking forward to the sun, sand and boogey boarding the ocean waves. Even more than that he was looking forward to visiting a family friend that is about two years older than he is. Whenever we hit the beach we pick up “Sissy” and she hangs out with us pretty much the whole time we are there. Although she is the daughter of close family friends William likes to call her his cousin.

He was very sad that we couldn’t make it back to the beach. We had already nixed the Karate summer camp because we were going to be out of town so our end of summer vacation had fizzled. Then one of my friends called and asked if we wanted to try Hershey Park for a day.  She and her daughter along with some other parents and friends William’s age were thinking of going.

Last time I was at Hershey Park I did the park alone and did not find it that appealing (also it was about 25 years ago so I am certain things have changed). Since we weren’t going to the beach we started to pick up catering jobs so it really would be a one day, one night trip. I am still trying to reason it out in my mind. I have been researching the park online. The pictures look great but the reviews are mixed. It seems a few folks have posted reviews stating that the lines are very long and the park is under staffed.

Do we throw caution to the wind and  get up at 6 am to make the three hour drive to the park to get there by opening? Then we can spend the day some in the park on the rides (provided the lines aren’t two hours long as some posts indicate) and the rest in the water park slipping and sliding. Then when we leave the park when can get a decent meal somewhere and go crash at a local motel and let the kids rehash their day and get up in the morning and have a leisurely drive home. I sure do not want to have to make a three hour drive home after a full day in the sun. 

I am leaning in the direction of going. The kids will probably have fun no matter how long the lines since they will be together and it will be an adventure. Will it be worth the time and energy?? I guess I will never know if we don’t take the chance. As a group we had discussed trying to make a mini vacation with parents and kids for a couple of days this summer. We were thinking of Sandusky and one of the major water parks there. We have heard many good things about that area. Unfortunately the summer managed to slide by before we could all agree on a date for our vacation together.   So this can be a mini version of our mini vacation for next year. Who knows if it works maybe we will get our plans together for an even bigger adventure next year…..

MdCaterer

I went on the most wonderful adventure this weekend.  Not only was it my first “on my own trip” since I have been sick, it was my day to meet some special friends.  These special people are my online friends at Sunshine Rewards.
 
First, my day started with meeting and visiting one of my special friends. We must think a lot alike because we both had presents for each other’s children.  (Can I say they are so adorable?) 

After a while her fantastic dad drove us to the airport to pick up some special Sunshine Rewards’ employees/friends and then right into Bean Town’s waterfront.  While we waited to meet the rest of the group at a restaurant, we hung out in a very comfortable section of the hotel. (I will never tell.)
 
 Then our favorite dad drove us to our destination for our Boston Meet.  We had the most wonderful time.  There were fantastic surprises and presents.  We had a delicious lunch filled with much laughter and discussion.  As we visited the busy waterfront of Boston, we chatted and laughed.  We ate dessert, talked and laughed between the delicious bites.  (What a combo, beautiful weather, delicious food and great company!)

 I was amazed at how comfortable I was around everyone.  It felt like I was just hanging out with good old friends as we just picked up and talked about our lives.  It was also fun to learn new things about everyone, especially now I can put a face to a name. 

When I found Sunshine Rewards, I was only thinking about how the rewards through shopping would be great for my pocket. Believe me, they are!  However, never did I think about another kind of reward.
 
Once I checked out the whole site and the forum, I slowly got involved.  Finally one day, I had something to say.  I joined the forum and posted.  I can’t even remember what I said exactly but that is where it started.   Now here was this wonderful community that I was a part of.  The reward of friendship came from joining the forum!

This meet was fantastic!  I meet my extraordinary friends.  I laughed, smiled, and talked all day and no one dwelled on my illness. (They just checked in with me which was great.)  I swear my laugh lines are aching today.  I was even able to keep up with them walking.  Today my muscles ache; however, it is a good ache from doing something that was so much fun.  I made some precious memories from this wonderful adventure.  Now, I hope we will to be able to meet again and also meet some of my other special friends.

This meet has me thinking about friends, friendship and what it stands for.  Never would I have ever dream of owning a computer and making friends when I was a child!   But that is for my next blog….  Always Sunni

Ok so my precious bundle of joy is now a fast growing 9 year old. He is a green belt in karate and is now going to have to start sparring!!  

First of all, what happened to that precious little baby that was so cuddly and sweet?? He grew into the squealing, hugging, dancing child we took to Disney for the first time when he was three  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg1NF53sPw4 Then he became the brave boy who left his Mom behind and went to Kindergarten to play and sing. Now he is 9 and like a young gentleman. It has all flown by so quickly and every minute has been a joy (even the trying ones!) Now my baby is going to have to stand in a ring and kick and punch another mother’s baby and have them attack back!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!!!!

Don’t get me wrong, I like karate and all of the good things it teaches. But I am one of those Mom’s that wants to put my child in  bubble to make sure he never gets hurt. Now I am being asked to choose Karate sparring gear to protect my baby. Everytime I think about sparring I see bloody noses and broken bones. I am not sure that I am cut out for this!

 My son, is thrilled to be ready to start sparring. He is bugging me daily to buy his sparring equipment.  I have NO CLUE what is the best or safest or how much he needs. Can’t I just wrap him like the Staypuff Marshmellow man in bubblewrap so that each punch and jab will be deflected? Sure it will be hard for him to walk and stay upright but he will be safe!!!

I am now faced with the decisions of to buy a face cage, face shield or just a plain helmet. Do we go for the chest protector that also covers the collarbone and spine or one he can actually move in while wearing???? I would love to find a site or blog or other Mom’s who have travelled this slippery slope and can give me advice and guidance.  I have tried typing in the words “safe sparring equipment” and “what are the differences in sparring gear” to local search engines but the results have all been shopping sites.  I need help and (probably tranquilizers) soon because I know the next step is weaponry!!       

MdCaterer

For many of us, our pets are our family members.  My pets (2 cats & 2 bulldogs) are no exception to this!  I love them all as if they were my own children!  I love the term “furbaby”, I buy them presents, celebrate their birthdays & even have sent out “birth” announcements.  I know, I know…I may go a bit “overboard” at times, but I also know I’m not alone.

Today, I ran some errands after dinner.  I brought the dogs (aka the bully boys) with me.  One of my bullies has no problem riding in cars.  In fact, he loves it.  The other one however…well he just stands & pants the entire ride.  It doesn’t matter if it’s 5 minutes or 5 hours…he just stands & pants! 

I’ve tried a favorite toy…nope, he ignores it.  I’ve tried a special treat…nope, ignores that too.  I’ve tried benadryl (suggested by our vet)…nothing.  For longer rides I’ve stopped at rest stops to “empty” & have some water…but there is no resting when he gets back in the car.  He does this if he’s in a wire crate or even if he’s not.  Here’s the real kicker to me…he doesn’t fight me getting into the car…he puts his paws right up there & knows he’s going in. 

Also, when we’re done with the ride it’s not like it takes him a long time to settle down either, which I think is a little odd.  If he were so upset for so long (i.e. 5 hours) you’d think he take at least an hour to settle down….not this bully!  15 min tops!

I’ve heard ginger or ginger snaps might work too.  I guess that’s my next test!!  Wish me luck!

Happy 2nd Birthday Doc!

–SAHWannaBe–

Jen

I can’t believe that it is almost back to school time but it is FAST approaching. It seems like just yesterday school was letting out and a long lazy summer stretched out in front of us. Now it’s less than 3 weeks and school will be in full swing.

It seems like there are always things that the school could use and not enough money to cover the expenses.  I noticed that almost all of the fund raisers centered around selling something (pies, pizza, candy bars, candles etc) Although some of those were profitable the people who really make the profit are the one’s who sold the school the pies, pizza, candy bars etc!!

I wanted to come up with ideas that would make money without costing the parents anything. The Scrip program seems to be an excellent vehicle to accomplish this goal. You have to be a non-profit organization and you have to set up an account. You buy gift cards or “scrip” from a company at a reduced rate and the difference between what you pay and what it is worth is the profit margin.

For example our local grocery store is Martin’s and they offer a 4% discount. So for every $100 we sell the school earns $4. It doesn’t  take long to spend $100 at the grocery store these days AND they also sell gas!!! 4% to the school for every dollar spent at the pump will definitely add up!! The scrip is available for tons of stores and the percentage back varies. A local mass retailer offers 2%, some retailers pay up to 17% and the local movie theater offers 7% .  Now a days it costs my family $30 to go to the movies  so that’s $2.10 earnings for the School.

The beauty of this program is that it does not cost the parents any money! They just need to be deligent about buying the gift cards.

I am very excited about kicking this program off for our school. We will be placing our first order next week (with a trial group of parents to work out any kinks in the system). I am hoping that it will add big bucks to the school’s budget and that we can do lots of great thing for the students and eventually eliminate all of the other fund raisers. 

I will keep posting to let you know our progress.

Thanks for reading!

MdCaterer 

I am so glad that I do not live very far from the ocean.  It is only an hour’s drive away to paradise from where I live now.  Yes, I do like to go there to swim on a hot day but I love the beach for therapeutic purposes.

Ever since I was old enough to walk the few blocks in the city to the beach, I have always gone there for comfort.  I can remember running there just to get away from a bad scene.  After a while, between the sun rays and ocean breeze something would make me feel that everything would be okay.  I would be okay.

I remember that gloomy day when I was first diagnosed with cancer vividly.  I couldn’t breathe. The first place I wanted to go was to the ocean.  I set it up it up for two days later that my husband would drive my daughter, her husband, and myself to the ocean.  I needed to be with them but also needed to find that familiar place.  It was late January and was it cold.  I remember the strong frigid wind whipping around us and my eyes watering but I could finally breathe and think.  The sound of the waves calmed me down inside…the part where no one ever sees.  I felt renewed to continue my doctor appointments and biopsies.

Now that I have had indecisive news about my cancer, I have found myself back in that position to go back to the ocean.  My husband took me there yesterday.  It was an overcast day which was perfect for me as I was able to stay outside longer.  We got there at 8:00 in the morning.  Tears came to my eyes.  I remember at my last trip if I would ever be back as there was so much uncertainty at the time.

It was wonderful to feel the sea breeze nip at my nose.  The ocean once more sang to me its familiar song through its waves splashing and rolling.  I loved the beach salty smell infused with the scent of the beach roses that tickled my nose. 

As the day warmed up so did the sand and the water.  The sun embraced us with her rays.  I swished the grainy sand between my toes.  It brought smiles to my face.  My husband and I walked along water as the waves splashed us randomly and surprisingly.  He let me be silent to think, enjoy, reminisce about our past beach trips with our children and let me talk when I wanted to.  

Once again I can breathe. I feel renewed and able to fight this battle again head on alone and with help.  I will be okay.

I wish I could bottle up that feeling I get from the ocean to put right next to my other prescriptions.   It would be the one I would never forget to take.  But since I can’t I can only look forward to my next trip to the ocean and hopefully it will not only be for renewing my soul but a visit filled with celebrations and fun.

I have always wondered if others feel the same way about the ocean.  If not, what does renew oneself or find comfort?

Always Sunni

Yesterday afternoon I received a phone call that made my stomach drop.  My husband is a police officer & when I saw the number on the caller ID I knew it was him calling from work.  No big deal, he usually calls early in his shift because he works nights & we most likely won’t talk again until the next morning.  However, it wasn’t his voice on the other end of the call!  Instead it went a little something like this…

Him: Hi Jen, this is Sgt So&So I work w/your husband.

Me: Yes…..

Him: Well, we have a little dilemma here.

Me: (trying to stay calm, stomach dropping lower with every second) Ok….

Him: Well he brought these cookies with him today & he says that he made them!

Me: OMG!WHATISWRONGWITHYOUMEN!? WHYWOULDYOUSTARTOUTACONVERSATIONLIKETHAT? DON’TYOUUNDERSTANDWHATYOUJUSTDIDTOME?

Him: Well, I just needed to know if he made the cookies because I don’t believe him.

Of course I can laugh about this NOW…but at the time I wasn’t laughing until the guy just wouldn’t let it go that he didn’t think that DH made the cookies!!  Ha!  When I did talk to DH he was telling me that I should stop overreacting & that if something were to happen to him, it (being told he was hurt/dead/whatever) wouldn’t happen like that.  I said, “how would YOU know how it would actually happen?  You won’t be the one calling!!”

 When DH started this department he had to fill out paperwork if he were to be killed in the line of duty.  Everything from where you want your funeral service, to what songs you want sung & my VERY favorite…who would tell me.  My DH’s biggest fear is flying…mine is seeing that man coming towards me while I’m at work or having him knock on my door while I’m home.  I wish I didn’t know who he put down, but let’s be real…chances are they’re not going to open up the file in the middle of the night to find out who he put down…maybe I’m wrong.

I honestly don’t worry about getting a phone call or knock on the door, if I worried about it all the time, I’d drive my self nuts.  However, getting a phone call that’s not expected really, really reminds me it could happen.

 BTW…DH did, indeed make the cookies & they were quite good!!

–SAHWannaBe–

Jen