Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: update 5/18 p. 85

[rentayenta]

And now the camera pics. Joshua took most of these. I am the worst photo taker ever and could never manage a camera and a cell phone.






























The parade was fabulous and we really enjoyed it. I text Michael so we could meet up with them and away we went. Strolling down Main St with my baby boy after watching the best parade ever made my heart smile as tears streamed down my face. And it was only Day 2.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by Ms. WDW

[SIZE="4"]yes we do get paid; with transportation it's about $60 a day. We come in when there are cases to present and so far this year it's been very busy. We have to show probable cause; then it goes to trial. So we can see anywhere from 1 to 5 cases in a day.

NJ is still a mess in certain areas and my friend in Budd Lake just got power back after 13 days!!!

I try to go around the same time each October but there's nothing that says I can't change. I'd love to try and go sometime in November or early December just to see the Holiday decorations. Now that would be cool!!

I'm so happy you love the THV. I love SSR and never quite understood why it got such a bad rap all the time. If I ever bring my brother and family again I'll see about staying at the THV's. The kids would love the bunk beds!!!

You're doing far better than I did with jury duty pay. $60 isn't bad. I bet you're getting to hear some interesting things and getting all kinds of insights into the legal world.

I heard the gas rationing was ending today, I hope that's true.

I'd love to go to WDW during the holidays. I've been to Disneyland loads of times during the holidays and its so magical. Between the gingerbread houses and Osbourne Lights, I swear my family will need 3 weeks.

The bunk beds were fantastic. What kid doesn't love bunk beds? Even Gabby who is a cool almost 16 y/o thought they were pretty neat. I don't get the SSR hate at all. I am pretty picky too when it comes to resorts and service.

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

As mentioned.

I took these with you in mind.


I got to Fisherman's Wharf using the 47 bus from the Caltrain station. It drove right by the Marriott so I got off to snag this shot.




If you then face the main drag of the Wharf from where I was standing, this is the walking distance to that street.




You can see the f-line tram stop in the picture. I'm pretty sure that is the last stop on the f-line.



I also drove past the O Co...(the one at the back)




Judging from the stadiums, I guess the BART station is closer towards the O Co than the Oracle arena. I looked but couldn't see the station from the freeway.

We were driving in traffic that was at the tail end of a game. It was pretty busy and I suspect we missed the worst of the traffic.





Heading towards Oakland.









Jack London Square in Oakland seemed nice. The sunset was gorgeous that day.








And the AmTrak runs dead bang in the centre of the street/square.





Oakland turned out to be much nicer than I remembered it. Seems like it's been cleaned up quite a bit.


Hope these help!

You. Are. A. Doll. Thank you, thank you for posting these for me. They help immensely and now I can wrap my head around the area. I remember Oakland as a pit but it appears they've cleaned it up. I especially appreciate you capturing the proximity of things. My FIL is 85 so walking a lot isn't an option for me.

Originally Posted by Uncle Remus

Love it!!

We atheists are putting up our Christmas decorations this weekend.

We are quite the eclectic bunch. I love US! Decorations are going up tonight per the kids. Lights went up last night before I barfed my guts up.



Food poisoning sucks. The only thing I ate yesterday that my family didn't was some raw broccoli and ranch dressing from work. Wondering if the ranch was bad or broccoli wasn't washed well? In any evert, I think I lost those 2 pesky lingering vacation pounds. Always the bright side friends, always the bright side.

[melissac]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

That was the only thing! The water never got super hot now that you mention it. We did use the tub and it got just a little more than luke warm at the end of filling it. We loved them too. I am so glad they are popular. SSR needed a little kick start it seemed. I'm so glad we bought there. Did you take the boat to DTD? That was so much fun. How did you find the transportation and the whole two bus thing?

We did take the boat and it was an enjoyable ride. Becasue we are there so long and we went to Coco beach twice and stayed at US for 4 days prior we did rent a car. My husband hates to feel trapped. Plus, he was working on on his Masters and computer connection at that time was spotty and went to library twice. Lets just say that was interesting. Nice thing was daughter was 14ish at the time and her and son spent time at SSR pool when we did that running. Some would say that is bad parenting but they had so much fun and love community house and all the activities. We never road the bus so I can't answer that.

[kaoden39]

Sorry, but I honestly think Oakland is still a pit. That comes from being somewhat local. If you are in and out on BART its all good. It also really depends on where you go in Oakland. My next door neighbor teaches school in Oakland, her school is in the inner city. She earns hazard pay for teaching kindergarten. I kid you not.

I love you pictures of the Electrical Parade! They made my day a little brighter. We were supposed to be in Disneyland this week.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by melissac

We did take the boat and it was an enjoyable ride. Becasue we are there so long and we went to Coco beach twice and stayed at US for 4 days prior we did rent a car. My husband hates to feel trapped. Plus, he was working on on his Masters and computer connection at that time was spotty and went to library twice. Lets just say that was interesting. Nice thing was daughter was 14ish at the time and her and son spent time at SSR pool when we did that running. Some would say that is bad parenting but they had so much fun and love community house and all the activities. We never road the bus so I can't answer that.

How long are your trips? How was US? My hubby wanted a day there but no one else was on board. We get in our Disney bubble and its hard to pop.

14 is old enough to be by the pool. It depends on the child. I don't judge other people's parenting. Goodness knows we're all just trying to do the best we can.

Originally Posted by kaoden39

Sorry, but I honestly think Oakland is still a pit. That comes from being somewhat local. If you are in and out on BART its all good. It also really depends on where you go in Oakland. My next door neighbor teaches school in Oakland, her school is in the inner city. She earns hazard pay for teaching kindergarten. I kid you not.

I love you pictures of the Electrical Parade! They made my day a little brighter. We were supposed to be in Disneyland this week.

Oh girl, I didn't realize that this week was supposed to be your trip. You ok?

They'll still stay in SF but it does lighten my heart a little to see Oakland cleaned up a bit. Knowing Joshua is going to a Raiders game there with a painted black and silver face has my anxiety creeping up. I just hope he doesn't come back with a wrap sheet. Rainders fans can be hoodlums.

[melissac]

Normally are trips are only a week but I really wanted to have a relax trip instead of the go-go-go trip. We went to US first and stayed on site because of the front of line passes and kids wanted to do the Halloween Scare Party one night. Now again being the bad parent(lol) they do not recommend for children under 10 but we took our son 8 and he loved it, he was the leader thru all the Haunted Houses. Now if your child scares easily would not recommend it. Anyway, it was awesome and my kids love the fast rollercoasters so the Front of Line Passes worked out great. We stayed 4 nights at Hard Rock Hotel then 10 nights at THV. Was one of the best vacations we ever took. Like I'm sure you expienced, it was in Oct and took kids out of school for 2 weeks and was a little hard to get back in the groove and was end of quarter. Now with DD in HS can't do that. Basically it was a once in lifetime Disney Trip and I'm still behind in points because of it(lol) but worth it.

[kaoden39]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

How long are your trips? How was US? My hubby wanted a day there but no one else was on board. We get in our Disney bubble and its hard to pop.

14 is old enough to be by the pool. It depends on the child. I don't judge other people's parenting. Goodness knows we're all just trying to do the best we can.




Oh girl, I didn't realize that this week was supposed to be your trip. You ok?

They'll still stay in SF but it does lighten my heart a little to see Oakland cleaned up a bit. Knowing Joshua is going to a Raiders game there with a painted black and silver face has my anxiety creeping up. I just hope he doesn't come back with a wrap sheet. Rainders fans can be hoodlums.

I'm okay or I will be. My son will be leaving tomorrow morning with his best friends family. So I am a bit jealous.


You are too funny! I think that they will have a ball! My son is not a fan of the Market street area of San Francisco or at least part of it. He and his sister went to a concert and waited in line there. It was a culture shock for him. We are kind of sheltered in Fairfield.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by melissac

Normally are trips are only a week but I really wanted to have a relax trip instead of the go-go-go trip. We went to US first and stayed on site because of the front of line passes and kids wanted to do the Halloween Scare Party one night. Now again being the bad parent(lol) they do not recommend for children under 10 but we took our son 8 and he loved it, he was the leader thru all the Haunted Houses. Now if your child scares easily would not recommend it. Anyway, it was awesome and my kids love the fast rollercoasters so the Front of Line Passes worked out great. We stayed 4 nights at Hard Rock Hotel then 10 nights at THV. Was one of the best vacations we ever took. Like I'm sure you expienced, it was in Oct and took kids out of school for 2 weeks and was a little hard to get back in the groove and was end of quarter. Now with DD in HS can't do that. Basically it was a once in lifetime Disney Trip and I'm still behind in points because of it(lol) but worth it.

That's the way I would want to do it too. When we do US I'd want to stay close. Does US have on property themed resorts like WDW? I'm a bad parent too hence the taking them our of school for 6 days. I'm behind in points to but that's what they're for. Its not borrowing money, there's no interest paid on them when borrowing. My oldest is in HS and it wasn't the smartest thing to do but it wasn't fatal either. I was most worried about my middle DD (in 8th grade) and she pulled it off. My DS is in 6th so it was easy for him to get caught up. Gabby says she never wants to travel during school again. Hope she has fun staying with her grandparents.

Originally Posted by kaoden39

I'm okay or I will be. My son will be leaving tomorrow morning with his best friends family. So I am a bit jealous.


You are too funny! I think that they will have a ball! My son is not a fan of the Market street area of San Francisco or at least part of it. He and his sister went to a concert and waited in line there. It was a culture shock for him. We are kind of sheltered in Fairfield.

Your son is going to Disneyland tomorrow? Tell him he best bring his mama back a souvenir! I'd be envious too. Did you reschedule for June?

I think they'll have fun too. 3 generations of Raiders fans. I'm super excited for them. Michael's brother is going to meet them for the game too. He lives in Marin.

[kaoden39]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

That's the way I would want to do it too. When we do US I'd want to stay close. Does US have on property themed resorts like WDW? I'm a bad parent too hence the taking them our of school for 6 days. I'm behind in points to but that's what they're for. Its not borrowing money, there's no interest paid on them when borrowing. My oldest is in HS and it wasn't the smartest thing to do but it wasn't fatal either. I was most worried about my middle DD (in 8th grade) and she pulled it off. My DS is in 6th so it was easy for him to get caught up. Gabby says she never wants to travel during school again. Hope she has fun staying with her grandparents.





Your son is going to Disneyland tomorrow? Tell him he best bring his mama back a souvenir! I'd be envious too. Did you reschedule for June?

I think they'll have fun too. 3 generations of Raiders fans. I'm super excited for them. Michael's brother is going to meet them for the game too. He lives in Marin.

He already has a list of things to bring home! Not yet. With Scotty's health issues I am not making any long range plans. If he has to have surgery the trip will be out for sure.

A guys trip! It sounds great!

[melissac]

My favorite thing about US is that they have 3 hotels onsite and you can walk to the parks(similar to DL) thing I don't like is that we all have to sleep in same room or get 2 rooms. Husband is not happy with the 4 in the room that is the main reason we bought DVC. You can get suites but it is similar to ones at WDW very expensive. HArd Rock do have rooms with pullout couch so 5can sleep in room.

Funny story last visit we where doing 3 nights at US and 5 at WDW well after 2 nights my husband had enough and said he didn't care how many points it cost we where going to get a DVC room. Well none at OKW where we where going to stay and a very nice CM at OKW front desk found us a 2BR at SSR. So we stayed 1 night at SSR and 5 at OKW. Feel kinda bad in the fact that we never got charged the points but not to bad I'd report it.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by kaoden39

He already has a list of things to bring home! Not yet. With Scotty's health issues I am not making any long range plans. If he has to have surgery the trip will be out for sure.

A guys trip! It sounds great!

I didn't realize Scotty was still sick. I hope he doesn't have to have surgery and I hope he's feeling back to normal soon. And don't forget to take care of YOU.

Michael accidentally ordered 6 tickets instead of 4 to their Raiders/KC game and I can't believe it but he actually sold them on eBay today for face value. All he's out is the $10 ticket fee so $20. I thought we were going to have to eat the whole $180. This is the precise reason I plan all vacations. I can't imagine if he was to book flights what we'd end up with. he can build me a beautiful home, which he did (twice) but paperwork, fuggetaboutit!

[Uncle Remus]

Wow, what fabulous pictures of Main Street Electric Parade!!

And tell Joshua his were super good; we've got 2 guys with us who are getting cameras for Christmas and our upcoming Disney trip and I'm sure it's gonna be one big blurry mess between those two, they'll be acting like they're shooting super models.

Geez, I hope you're feeling better, I was starting to feel a li'l queasy thinking about bad Ranch dressing. Get well already!

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by Uncle Remus

Wow, what fabulous pictures of Main Street Electric Parade!!

And tell Joshua his were super good; we've got 2 guys with us who are getting cameras for Christmas and our upcoming Disney trip and I'm sure it's gonna be one big blurry mess between those two, they'll be acting like they're shooting super models.

Geez, I hope you're feeling better, I was starting to feel a li'l queasy thinking about bad Ranch dressing. Get well already!

Thanks, you're too kind. I will tell Joshua. He really is such a fun Disney buddy. He says he's going to take his kids, like I do, when he's a dad.

How fun that C and J are getting cameras. You'll be able to post blurry pics like me. They're going to have a blast!

I'm feeling better thank you. Still dehydrated but I did eat so I'm not as dizzy. I have to work tomorrow though. Mandatory meeting.

[eandesmom]

Fun MSEP pics! I just love it too, though my family could pass entirely. So major to Joshua!

Your angst over no food, espeically given that you all eat like, and are about as big as, birds is too funny! Even funnier as it was just after dinner.

Gabby is vetoing traveling during school huh? HS is tough in that regard. We may end up missing a couple of days next Jan if the school calendar plays out like I hope it will. If it plays out differently it could cause major issues with our trip...so I hope I'm right!

[kaoden39]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I didn't realize Scotty was still sick. I hope he doesn't have to have surgery and I hope he's feeling back to normal soon. And don't forget to take care of YOU.

Michael accidentally ordered 6 tickets instead of 4 to their Raiders/KC game and I can't believe it but he actually sold them on eBay today for face value. All he's out is the $10 ticket fee so $20. I thought we were going to have to eat the whole $180. This is the precise reason I plan all vacations. I can't imagine if he was to book flights what we'd end up with. he can build me a beautiful home, which he did (twice) but paperwork, fuggetaboutit!

Yeah, his biopsy was "atypical" it was a split decision some of the Drs thought it looked pre-cancerous and the others thought it was cancer. So, in January they are doing another biopsy. Poor guy! I'm trying I really am, I have been sick recently and I figure that stress is playing a huge part. Thank you.


Good for Michael! He did get lucky!