Sometimes a quiet day is just what you need.
V. really brought you a collection of mugs. I remember her saying that you had too many. The Harry Potter shirt is very nice.
I'm glad she enjoyed her time visiting family and didn't get too home sick. I'm sure Lara will her new baby.
Yesterday my daughter wanted to go for a walk at the beach. We ended up walking about 5k. The beach is l mile long with a bike path and a boardwalk the goes down to the lake. We didn't set any records walking but we had fun.
I met our new store manager today. He seems nice. On Saturday I asked a co worker what he looked like the answer so that he graduated from Ohio State. I didn't know that OSU graduates had a special look.
Have a good day
Liz
It was sure nice to have a quiet day.
She did... Hahaha! I am getting *quite* the mug collection!
It sounds like you had a nice walk with your daughter.
Hahaha - I wouldn't have known that either.
Thanks Liz - same to you!
Oh my you got a lot of nice cups. I used to have a shelf with just cat cups people would give me. It's gradually turning into a Disney shelf. I've started getting just one on every trip. My latest cup is Sulley that I use every day.
I can't believe it but my grandson started college yesterday. He's a senior but is taking 3 classes and will still take band at the high school. He thinks it's great and everything is paid for including his textbooks which would have cost over $200. I still remember we had taken our first Disney trip in almost 15 years when my daughter was expecting. I was so afraid he would come early. It seems like yesterday. He has become my partner in planning when we go, and even when we go without him. He has a spread sheet for our
Disneyland trip that includes hotels along the way (we will drive) and things to see too. I don't remember if you've told us what Victoria's plans are. I think you said the first art school she had planned on closed. What a disappointment. You think you have the right school planned and then all your plans fall through.
I'm anxious to hear all your plans for Europe and also your surprise trip. What an exciting year you will have.
Hahaha! I am really going to have to find a solution for all of my Starbucks mugs - they are growing and multiplying like crazy!
Congrats to him! I sure wish my girls would have done PSEO... Oh well - live and learn, I guess.
It sounds like you have a really fun and great relationship with him.
Well - V *was* planning to go to an art school in Minneapolis - to the tune of $40k/year (*cough, cough, cough)... But then, when she was in Holland, Machteld took her to visit the art college that both her and Bente attended - to the tune of $8k/year - and V fell in love. So, it sounds like V might be planning a trip back - once to "officially" tour the school and then eventually move over there... As much as this makes me so anxious - I would much rather have her there (with family) than in some school half-way across the country, alone. We'll see... She will have to work very hard this year and save everything she makes in order to make this happen.
It will be an exciting year, I hope. We are very excited to go back to Europe - we both enjoyed it immensely while we were there.
Welcome home to V!! I know your Mama heart is so happy and content now! All is right with your world! <3
Jillian started college yesterday! How did our babies grow into amzing young ladies overnight???
It is... It's wonderful having both of them home.
What happened to our kids? It was the blink of an eye wasn't it??? WOW - Little Jillian at college... Connie - a new chapter has begun for both of us. >no emoji fits here< We have some great kids though and I cannot wait to see where life takes them!
We've come a long way from this:
I know you must be so excited to have V back. It's a constant swinging door at my house with college but it's also so nice when I have them back under one roof. What an exciting summer she must have had.
i am - it's a little difficult, as she doesn't have plans to stay local for long... but I am definitely enjoying her while she is here! I feel like it won't be long and my house will be the same... At least they WANT to come home - that's when you know you did something right.
She had an amazing summer, and I feel like she found somewhere that feels like 'home' to her... Sadly - as Machteld told me the other day, she is a person whose heart is always in 2 places (or more) because she has many places where she feels like 'home' is... I feel like V is much the same way, and may always feel the pull to be in many places. As long as she always remembers where her momma is, and visits often...
Hey D! I survived eye surgery #1. Next eye planned for 9/18. It's crazy how much better I can see things now. I keep telling everyone I'm seeing things I never saw before!! It's a bit odd because I've been nearsighted my whole life but my new lens is actually set for far sighted for day to day life and then I may need to use reading glasses for up close. I've definitely noticed that change. I used to hold my phone close to my face to see if I didn't have my contacts in and now I'm having to pull it away and hold my arm out the get a great focus. But it's great. I'm excited for round 2.
Unfortunately while getting set up for surgery my blood pressure was very high and I mentioned I'd had a bad headache for a couple of days and the nurse told me I should go ahead and make an appointment with my doctor to get it looked at. So not excited about that. I'm sure losing some weight would help. I just need motivation. You've done so well I wish I could steal some of your willpower!
You mentioned the possibility of V going back again. Did she happen to tour any schools while she was there? Or is it just from how happy she was that gave you the feeling? I only went 3 hours south to go to college and then never moved back home. My mother is still mad. I know it will be hard if V did choose to move there for school or just because but what an amazing life experience that would be!!
Did you ever get one of the Starbucks universal cups? I feel like they came out after your trip with V but i don't remember. We were there in June and I told my husband I needed to get one for my disney friend in Minnesota and he gave me the crazy eye. We will be back for a day in October and a couple of days in December (we decided to upgrade to seasonal passholder because it was only $30 more and now o can't stay away!). I could always pick one up for you if you wanted one for your collection.
Have a great week!
I've been following your surgery on FB, I am so happy to hear that it was so successful - and you are seeing so much more so quickly! I am amazed! Did you have any pain afterwards?
I would definitely have that checked out - however, if you are anything like me, my blood pressure is ALWAYS a mess right before surgery - so while I'd have it checked out to make sure it's not just a 1 time thing, I wouldn't worry too much about it until then. Sending hugs anyways - because that is so unsettling.
There are many times where I don't even have enough will power for myself - LOL - I wish I had some words of wisdom to inspire you... For me, just knowing that time is going to pass anyways - and I might as well let it pass as healthy as I can be, sometimes that's enough to keep me going... I just know how I felt 6 years ago, and I feel better now than I even felt when I was in my teens and 20s - that's very eye opening to me.
Yes, it sounds like V will be going back to Europe for school... She looked at an art college while she was there, but didn't "officially" tour it... But it is her desire to go back and attend college there. I wrote a little more about it in one of my above replies.
No WAY!!!! I just went and Googled the US Starbucks mugs... They totally didn't have those when I was there! Figures! LOL If you feel like picking those up for me - you certainly can... I'd be happy to Paypal you for them + shipping... but honestly, don't feel like you have to, as I will be back! And it give me reason to go back to US. LOL
Same to you!!!
Hi D!
Welcome home Victoria!
So excited that you have started a new trip report!!!
Nice to heár that you were able to move Dad close to you. He's so adorable!
This summer has flown by. Joe went to the Boy Scout Jamboree in WV and had an incredible trip. Then he did a week at camp. That week I took Emma to Disney and after some arm twisting convinced Lizzy to join us for 5 nights. She flew by herself for the first time. Her flight was canceled but she did great rebooking it & flying a connecting flight for the first time ever. The trip was a huge confidènce builder for her. The girls had a great time together until we got to the airport & they had a fight. I think Emma was wishing we'd ship her off to school right from there. Pandora was awesome!!!
We leave Thursday to move her in Friday. Hoping to leave early enough to get there (7hrs) in time to open bank account & buy books. Did I mention she is NOT packed yet. She's excited but nervous. She worked at the observatory yesterday & got interviewed by a local tv station about how she measures the hours of sunlight in a day. She was only on for a few seconds but it was pretty cool. Maybe she'll change her mind about not wanting to do broadcast meteorology.
My friend from FL & her DD were able to spend more time than usual with us which was awesome. They had just gotten back from Europe. They went to Efteling & DLP.
I got a few Starbucksmugs on vacation-NY, Niagara Falls, Toronto & Canada. I meant to buy FL & Orlando at a Disney Springs but it was so hot that day I think my mind melted. Now I just need to find a place to put them all.
Bernadette!!!!
It's been a crazy few months - definitely a good time for me to take a Dis break... Not sure I could have kept up here too. LOL
Sounds like the kids had a great summer!!! And WTG Lizzie - that is a HUGE confidence boost... Same with V - being able to navigate the transportation systems around the globe was HUGE for her too... And then I am all nervous yesterday while V is driving around the metro - LOL... She just rolled her eyes at me.
Yikes!!! I'll be thinking of you!!! I don't look forward to those days which are certainly coming for me too... I am sure that Lizzie will find exactly what she wants to do - she is in a great school and one that she will excel in! I am very proud of her!
Efteling is an awesome park - I cannot wait to go back. What did your friends think of it?
Hahaha! Sounds like you have a great collection going too! Funny thing - our local Starbucks got a freak shipment of the You are Here mugs from Tennessee... I don't have Tennessee yet, and I have legit traveled there... So, now I've added TN to my collection.
And I didn't have to go anywhere to get it.
It's always great to hear from you Bernadette - I look forward to the next time we can meet up.
Say hello to the family for me - and best of luck to Lizzie in the coming weeks... And hugs to you momma!
Soooo glad Victoria made it home safely and that she had such a wonderful trip. I am the same way when my girls are traveling - I am uneasy until they're safe with me again. I had to laugh about Victoria and Allison loving each other for the first few minutes after they're reunited - sounds so familiar! I have a sister that, sadly, I still have a bit of that kind of relationship with,
Love the gifts Victoria brought for you - especially the pajamas. Adorable!!! And I love the mugs. I have the Starbucks mugs from the four wdw parks. I wonder if they have them at both California parks...? I'll have to check on that.
I'm glad your Dad has had good days recently. It will take time. I feel for both of you - I feel like I am both of you in that I've uprooted to a new location and am trying to adjust, and st the same time I'm the person doing the research and planning for the move and hoping it all goes well.
I read the first two Poldark books and need to watch the tv series. I haven't read Outlander....
Congratulations on wearing your capris! You look great!
Are the brakes done?
Yes - it is such a relief to have both of them home... Words can't even express. Though I am a bit apprehensive about the future - even though I know that V would do well with going to school in Europe, it still makes me sad that she wants to be so far from home.
Yes - she did bring me some very fun gifts... She definitely knows me - both of the girls do. LOL
They do have the mugs for DLP (both parks) - I just happened to see them when I was googling for the Universal Studios mugs this morning.
I've been thinking of you and your move... And how we are both living almost parallel lives, in the opposite shoes.
I hope you are adjusting well and everything is going OK...
Dad is settling in well, I think (knock on wood)... No angry outbursts for over a week or so... He has been in very good spirits every time we visit... He always seems so surprised to see us every time we show up - like he truly doesn't expect us to be there, I think that part makes him very happy.
I try to brace myself though, every time I go... I am still hesitant that this will work out - even if I do know it's for the best.
Yup - brakes are done. Phew. About $100 more than we thought they would be... Buuuut - as it turns out, V didn't have to pay any luggage fees on her return flight (not sure how that happened???) - so I took that $$ back from her, and we decided to put it towards the truck. Which zeroed out our "vehicle maintenance fund" - which is OK, because we didn't have to dip into our emergency fund at all and we can keep going.
Sending you lots of hugs... I am always here if you need to chat - OK??
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Not much to update... We are all just settling into life. For the last 2 nights - we have had all 4 of us at the dinner table. What a rare treat that is!
I've been working, working, working... Trying to stay caught up upstairs - which I am barely succeeding at. V will have my car all day today - so I will be home bound... By the end of the day, I should be all caught up and actually ahead of myself.
This is always good for my "one man band" life. LOL
Budget update... As part of this PTR - I feel like our debt free journey should be a part of this, so I am going to touch on it a bit every now and then - while trying not to get too much into personal stuff. Good luck to me, right? LOL So, this is pay day week for us, we are mid-way through paying off one of our credit cards... This week will pay off a nice chunk of that one. I also need to close the one we paid off last month - as I had to wait for the residual interest to show up this month and pay that off... It's officially at a zero balance, and I will close that one by the end of the week.
We had to empty our "vehicle maintenance fund" completely on Josh's truck... It's a bummer that it's empty - but that's what it's there for and I am glad we didn't have to tap into our emergency fund to finish it off. Initially we were $100 short, but as it turns out, V didn't have to pay for her luggage fees to come home - so we took back that $100 from that fund and put it toward the truck. It worked out.
We don't have anything extra-special in the budget this week, other than that we bumped up our dining out fund a bit - we were just squeaking by with it at the amount it was, but now that Dad's here, we want to be able to take him out for dinner every now n' then too... We added to that fund so we can do just that.
We are doing something new this year, which we have never done before... Save for Christmas and Birthday gifts. We used to just use our extra paycheck at the end of the year to fund Christmas - but as we found out last year - this didn't work out very well for us. So, this year, we have been saving throughout the year... It's working out well, but I cannot wait until we have our debt paid off, and I can bump this up a little bit - I feel like we are *just* getting by with the amount we have set aside... Though looking ahead - we have cut back on our gift giving this season, as well - only giving gifts to those family members who are closest to us... Hopefully next year, we can add a few more people into the mix. What I do like about this method is if I happen to find a good gift for someone at a different time of year - I can grab it, and it doesn't have to come out of $$ from other parts of the budget. So, that's cool. We'll see - when the time comes where I do actually have to go Christmas shopping - we'll see how it goes. How do you all save for Christmas? Just curious.
Otherwise, just chugging along in our debt pay off. 
Dad seems to be doing a bit better... He still has a few things bothering him, but no angry outbursts since the last one I mentioned last week. V and I stopped in to see him yesterday and he was sitting in the community room - they had just finished an activity... Which is good, it's good to see him socializing.
I won't be able to visit him today, as V will have my car all day - but I am trying not to visit him every day either, as I don't want him to get dependent on that, as it won't always be possible. Especially right now while V and I are sharing a car until she buys one of her own.
Eating is going fantastic... And I feel like I am continuing to go down in size.
That's about it, nothing else is really new or exciting...
I hope all of you are having a fantastic week! Sending prayers and pixie dust out to all!
D~
