The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[Lucky]

Sympathy like. I had the flu two years ago before I could get the shot. I was so sick afterward. And by that, I mean in and out of the hospital with asthma, out of school so much that if I didn't have a federal form 504 for asthma that says I can't be punished for absenses, I would have failed.

I assume you're not referring to a tax form, but to Section 504, the federal law designed to prevent discrimination in education against disabled children.

 

[SagamoreBeach]

Oh man, just got a lump in my throat reading this. I've been trying to articulate something like this for years, but the words never caught up with my emotions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in such an eloquent and sensitive manner.

On my desk at work (and at home) I have pictures of my sweet, previous dog, and also my current dog. Sometimes, I'll still look at my previous dog's picture, and wonder why I still can't seem to accept the loss of her in my life.

I believe it's like this... when he decide to take in a fubaby, we sign on for a life time committment. We are entrusted with the care of these little souls. In turn they teach us the life lessons we need to learn - and for a time they share our every intimate moment, conversations, ups, downs, holidays, losses, family drama - they are there, beside us, through it all....have you ever had the luxury of going to the bathroom all by yourself...or was there usually a furry audience in there with you? In a sense they become your very best friend. I didn't make a move in life without first taking my 3 dachshunds into consideration. Then when it's time for these little souls to move on, we are left with a void that's not easy to fill. Even though I have my Chloe, I still talk to my Nickie and Gus as if they are still laying there beside me on the couch. I no longer concentrate on the loss but on how they blessed my life for over 18 years. And now Chloe is teaching me that Chihuahuas are cool dogs!
-T

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Nobody spells my full name correctly, so be it. I've learned as they attempt I just say yes unless it is anything legal or banking etc. Early on in life I didn't care to engage with people why I spell my name the way I do. Actually I have my Mom to blame for that. So I answer yes to however they want to spell it.

Me, my ex, my daughter and all my sisters have Celtic/Welsh names. When I spell them I've had people do double takes.

 

[SagamoreBeach]

Yea, I don't have a problem with folks on the internet knowing my first name, or what city I live in. Steve from Austin, Texas is pretty general. And, if from those two clues, anyone wants to try and hunt my sorry rear down, good luck, and you've got WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY to much flippin' time on your hands and need to get a life.

Although, there are a few pics of me and the fam, 'round here, too...

True...but there are some crazies out there.
-T

 

[Gabe1]

Well, this is probably a lame idea; but it might make you feel a little bit better, if you wrote to the dean of that university, voicing your disdain for the discriminatory admission policy.

Yeah I could but I know it is a useless use of energy. I just have empathy for the other high school students with extremely high academic credentials that can no longer apply early admission. The policy now discriminates between those chosen for their athletic ability over their academic ability.

This University is well regarded public, Big 10 University however if a change to early admission for athletes were to change it would need to be implemented minimum throughout the balance of the Big 10. This University even with its academic abilities has problems drawing top athletes as it is in a rural area without a major airport surrounded by corn and soybeans. Couple that with the horrid winters it is not always the top choice for athletes or athletic staff so I get the policy, I just don't like the message.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Spent the evening over at the newlyweds place. Had pizza for dinner and watched Sleeping Beauty on ABC Family.
Great time. These 2 kiddos really have their collective stuff together.

Good for them, less worries for you.

 

[Gabe1]

I assume you're not referring to a tax form, but to Section 504, the federal law designed to prevent discrimination in education against disabled children.

Yes, we were discussing the flu yesterday. 504 has been amended almost annually as some school districts attempt to limit their compliance to 504. What @StarWarsGirl95 was speaking to is an amendment that included illnesses and allergies that prohibited school districts from discriminating with services to this demographic of students. There was a lawsuit where a child with life threatening peanut allergies was denied accommodations because the school district opted to not consider the allergy a disability thereby denying the special accommodations. I don't think a year has gone by that my board has not tweaked our school board policy for the latest updates to 504 or lawsuits that created additional inclusions. Unfortunately with all these additional requirements the Feds have failed to fund most of the costs associated with the implementation.

For what @StarWarsGirl95 outlined in her post we as a district would need offer a tutor to travel to her home or hospital at the districts expense. I'm very well versed in 504 if you have any more questions as I had a child that was both in the Gifted Special Ed program while also holding a 504 IEP. Unfortunately IEPs policies often conflict with 504 policies so it becomes challenging for parents advocating for their children. I myself turned to
Easter Seals, they are amazing when needing clarification and advocacy for children. Happy to help if you have more questions.

 

[DVCPluto]

I've not been able to get the site to load from my laptop for about the last 1.5 hrs. Others will load, others will not. All fine from my phone, though...

I'm going to assume it was a computer glitch then, and not my brain! Yippie!

 

[DVCPluto]

I'm not really good at the height thing anymore either, it never use to bother me and it doesn't even have to be a great height yet I can do Sears/Willis Tower likely cause I've done it since I was a kid. What made me say to oneself was the chairlift at Blizzard Beach, I did not like that and had been fine before and I've gone up freak'n mountains in Colorado with zero stress. I have no explanation for me.

It's weird how it changes for the worse. I really didn't like heights all my life, but nothing that I couldn't handle with some deep breathing. Now, I just freeze. I completely get the phrase "paralyzed by fear". And it's even worse if it involves DS - for instance, we were on a look out in Pittsburgh and even though DH was far from the edge, when he put DS on his shoulders I FREAKED. I mean completely lost it. He looked at me like I was nuts, which in that moment I was.

Also - interestingly enough, I think it's genetic. And I don't think it's a learned behavior (regardless of the story above, I'll explain). My dad is extremely afraid of heights, and I didn't live with him or do anything at a young age with him where I would have learned to be afraid.

Prior to my total freak out in Pittsburgh, DS (at age 2-3) would freeze at the tops of slides and shake all over. He wouldn't even attempt to go into the indoor playgrounds because typically you need to climb up a jungle gym type slide. He would watch the other kids and be content playing with his feel firmly on the ground. The only way he got to the top of a slide is if he was too caught up in the moment, followed another child up, then he would realize where he was and I would have to go up and get him. Each time I let him try to see if he would be ok.

Now, he's much better with playground equipment, but he still doesn't like high stuff. Took us forever to get him on Splash, but he likes "fast" so he tried it, and loves it. He does get really nervous at the top, but who doesn't?

 

[DVCPluto]

True...but there are some crazies out there.
-T

This is unfortunately true. But, most people have a lot of info on the internet now. Just need to use your noodle and tell your kids that even if someone knows everything about them - their mom's name, dad's name, where they live - if the kid doesn't know the person, they should run like crazy and scream like a madman.

We actually practice this and talk about safe grownups. Especially before we travel.

 

[Gabe1]

It's weird how it changes for the worse. I really didn't like heights all my life, but nothing that I couldn't handle with some deep breathing. Now, I just freeze. I completely get the phrase "paralyzed by fear". And it's even worse if it involves DS - for instance, we were on a look out in Pittsburgh and even though DH was far from the edge, when he put DS on his shoulders I FREAKED. I mean completely lost it. He looked at me like I was nuts, which in that moment I was.

Also - interestingly enough, I think it's genetic. And I don't think it's a learned behavior (regardless of the story above, I'll explain). My dad is extremely afraid of heights, and I didn't live with him or do anything at a young age with him where I would have learned to be afraid.

Prior to my total freak out in Pittsburgh, DS (at age 2-3) would freeze at the tops of slides and shake all over. He wouldn't even attempt to go into the indoor playgrounds because typically you need to climb up a jungle gym type slide. He would watch the other kids and be content playing with his feel firmly on the ground. The only way he got to the top of a slide is if he was too caught up in the moment, followed another child up, then he would realize where he was and I would have to go up and get him. Each time I let him try to see if he would be ok.

Now, he's much better with playground equipment, but he still doesn't like high stuff. Took us forever to get him on Splash, but he likes "fast" so he tried it, and loves it. He does get really nervous at the top, but who doesn't?

I've yet to wrap my brain around my own thing with heights. Not doing well with the chair lift at Blizzard however I didn't have an issue with sliding down Summit Plummet. Go figure.

 

[FutureCEO]

 

[Goofyernmost]

And yet they blew it with the Swan and Dolphin which is clearly seen from the WS. Ooops.

It's not all that obviously visible from Epcot. I, personally have never noticed it in all these years. There was a picture posted on this board a short while ago which looks like it is sitting just behind Canada. That, I'm sure was done with a telescopic lens because it is no where near that visible to the naked eye.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Absolutely--craft show purchases are also helpful and welcomed, and support independent business owners. People such as @Soarin' Over Pgh appreciate and rely upon the income from their homemade crafts. There's also something nice about talking to a small business owner, who is right there and can explain how items are made, etc. There's a pleasant communication that takes place (similar to when you would go to a farmer's market, for example, and talk to the people who work on the farm).

There's room for both big and small businesses in our lives, but I do try to seek out small businesses whenever I can.

I forgot to answer but we make cookie trays for friends and family for Christmas. Then we sell some on the side.

 

[Wrangler-Rick]

Speaking of which, we haven't heard from @Soarin' Over Pgh lately, I hope she is doing OK!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

And now Chloe is teaching me that Chihuahuas are cool dogs

I'm not a dog person, but Chihuahuas are awesome! Such attitudes.

 

[JenniferS]

Maybe this is why I have not hit 1000 posts yet...they keep being deleted by mods.

Spoiler

Or maybe I should do a little less reading and liking and a little more posting

Yeah, but do you have any demerit points ... hmmmmm ?

 

[JenniferS]

Think I should attempt to go to sleep. Might be back though, I'm feeling it's not going to be an easy sleep night tonight.

@JenniferS - feel free to send any of your loot that doesn't fit in your suitcase directly to me!!!! $2500? Woowzers!! Impressed and jealous!

Just tallied up all my receipts for Customs tonight.
Yeah ... $2500 after I accidentally "lost" a couple.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

 

[JenniferS]

Final day here, and we have 6 CS meals remaining, and 24 Snacks!

I never did get my Dole Whip float. The two times we were in the area with room in our bellies, it was like 40 degrees and my teeth were chattering.
The other half dozen times, we had either just finished eating, or were on our way out to a TS meal.
Seemed silly (at the time - not so much now) to have a Dole Whip before Yachtsman or Narcoossee's.