I'm an on-site person at Disneyland usually, but I have stayed at the Howard Johnson's, and was very happy with it. It's very walk-able to the parks, but a shuttle is available for a fee. Parking is free, and it's close to some off-property restaurants, which can save you $$$. The pirate splash/water play area is fun for younger children, but there is a regular pool elsewhere on the property. Stay in a "premium room" on an upper floor in Building 1 if you want a view of the fireworks. I haven't stayed at the new Courtyard hotel, but have heard great things about it. I think the new Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim is now open, too - but not sure about the shuttle situation. Have a great trip!

OP - I'm sorry this has been such a tough time for you, but as happi duck mentioned, getting that 8th grade year to adjust is really a blessing. My DD returned to public school in 8th grade (and in a new district and town as we moved mid-year in 7th grade), and I am so glad she had time to make some new friends, adjust to changing classes, learn about PE lockers, etc. It made the transition to high school very painless indeed. You are doing what is best for your family. Hang in there, sister!

I saw her speak recently! A courageous young lady with an engrossing story to tell...but it was very difficult to hear her experiences. I wanted to give her a hug. Heartbreaking.

I put my DD back in PS after 3 years of homeschooling. It was the right decision for both of us, for sure. It wasn't easy, but we are both very glad that she re-entered the public school system in 8th grade rather than high school, as it gave her a chance to get used to changing classes, lockers, multiple teachers, etc. before entering her current, huge (2700+ students) high school. She was also able to make some great friends, as well. My DD is a bit shy and takes some time to warm up to people. She was glad to get a chance to "re-enter" PS in a smaller, less stressful environment. Good luck! :)

Me too! I would give just about anything for Rosemary Clooney's wardrobe in White Christmas.

Really enjoyed this article. Thanks for sharing!

Lose weight. Parallel park. Run a marathon. Sing beautifully.

Books! I am in two separate book clubs, with many people that I don't have much else in common with....but we all love a good book. :)

Kept my maiden name, for both professional and personal reasons. Neither my family nor my in-laws gave me any flack about it, but I am not religious, FWIW.

Lane Bryant Cacique brand is a favorite of mine. Other than the almighty Spanx, of course.

I have several All-Clad frying pans, a saute pan, and a 6-qt. stockpot, in the basic stainless (not the copper-bottomed)....and I love them! I've had them for about 4 years, and they wash up well, and heat evenly. I've used them on both electric and gas ranges - and have been very pleased with their performance.

I'm a bigger gal, and NOT a runner, but Jeff Galloway's Couch to 5K worked for me. I used the interval method to do two 5Ks now (one at Disneyland!), and had a lot of fun. I still dislike running, and will never run long distances, but it has given me the confidence and the conditioning to finish 5K fun runs at a decent pace. I'm a slow runner, but a brisk walker, so it evens out. You can do it! :)

BA and a MLIS here.

I will put in a vote for fencing. A lot of the smart, quirky kids who are not team sports "types" end up in fencing...and loving it! It is a very strategic sport, and filled with people of all shapes, heights, and sizes. My DD and her fencing friends tend to be engineering/science'y/Dr Who and comic book-loving types. My daughter's coach is always lamenting how he loses a lot of his varsity fencers on weekends to robotics competitions! :lol:

Me too! Same age, same crankiness. I find so many more people annoying than I used to. My sister tells me I've become old and crotchety. She may be right.

I mostly shop at one (the local Nob Hill Foods - a NorCal grocery chain), but I will buy a few things at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. I stock up on beverages or party things at Costco about 1x per month.

Full disclosure - I'm naughty. I rarely wear, and really, really dislike sunscreen. Even the Neutrogena brand makes me break out. I live in CA, but do not wear it daily. I do my yard work or exercise in the earlier hours of the morning, and sit in the shade or put on a sunhat in the hotter/brighter times of the day. If I'm going to be hiking up high, at the pool or beach all day, then I will wear some - but on an everyday basis? Nah.

Not at all, and it's one of my greatest shames. I will do anything to avoid parallel parking.

I owned and drove stick shifts for years when I was younger (my first car was a manual). I switched to automatics in my mid-twenties, and haven't owned one since. I voted "yes", but it's been years since I drove one. Assuming it's like riding a bike, and that you never forget!

I sure hope so! I put my DD back in PS last year - but I refuse to give up the Hive.

I've been struggling with insomnia for four years (thanks, Middle Age!). I gave up caffeine, increased my exercise, etc, etc. Nothing worked. I got a Lunesta prescription a few years ago, and it saved my sleep and sanity. Great stuff - and it never leaves me fuzzy or sleepy in the morning. Wishing you a solution...and a restful night's sleep!

If visiting family counts...got back from Seattle today! :lol: If not - we went to Maui in July. We usually get at least one "real" vacation per year, and visit family once or twice. We like to get out of town now and then.

Not weird. But it would depend on the friend and the vacation situation. I have an only, and she always longs to have a friend with her on our trips. This past spring break we took her closest friend with us on our trip. We had a large house, shared with extended family, and the girls had their own bedroom and bath. It worked out well (I am very close with the girl's mother), and she is a well-behaved, easy child. Most of our trips our family of 3 is in one hotel room, so this wouldn't work out (the girls are 14 and need their own privacy)- and I can't afford a second room at Disneyland or wherever, so this may be a rare event.

My last two primary care docs have been DOs. I have been very happy with both of them. :)

I am several sizes larger than you (and am a pear-shape), but I have had good luck finding clothes at: SimplyBe (British catalog - younger, funkier clothes) Sahalie - (catalog with well-priced outdoor and sportswear and really cute dresses) Title 9 (sportswear) Soma (PJs and bras) Lucy (workout gear) Nordstrom and Macy's Woman's departments. Nordstrom is particularly good about having plus-sized petite pants (Yes I'm fat and short. Lucky ol' me!) Happy shopping!