Off Topic Part Quatre

[Malrothien 6]

Sleepers?

I must be missing something, the only thing I can think of is sleeper cells/agents or pods for deep space travel.

What exactly are you up to there Mal!?!

I'm taking the train from Vancouver to Orlando. Sleepers = sleeping accommodations.

You mean no weirdo interaction for everyone else on the train...

You're lucky you're a commie!

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I was always more of a "Stupid. I am so stupid. BLLLLAAAAAHHHHHH. How could I be so stupid to drink this much BBBLLLLAAAHHH BLAH BLAH BBBBBBLLLLAAAHHHHH." It's when the dry heaves would start (haven't had them since I was a teen) it would change to praying: "Please God. Kill me. I don't deserve to live. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH OW OW OW OW OW!"

Well at least you can't drink for several months now.

[ValerieA 350]

You're lucky you're a commie!

I haz immunity!!!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Mal - are you scared of flying? Or is the train a lot cheaper?

[ValerieA 350]

Well at least you can't drink for several months now.

It's been a welcome break, yes. Sigh. Tough though, I partied since I was 15 (so, for 25 years) and then had to quit cold turkey. It's tough on a person! Especially since I still go to the bar with hubby, everyone else is getting lubricated, and I am bored. Did you know we are actually quite stoopid when inebriated? I had no idea!

[Malrothien 6]

Mal - are you scared of flying? Or is the train a lot cheaper?

I get panic attacks on planes. :\ But yes, I'm terrified of flying.

The train is $980 with the sleepers - it's $300 without. I can also take 6 boxes with me, too, for only $30.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Malrothien

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I can totally understand why someone would hate flying. If the whole "mile above ground" thing isn't enough to ook you out, there's the whole "no control" issue.

I actually really enjoy flying though...even though I typically hate not being in control of a vehicle. I don't like buses etc., but for some reason I enjoy flying. I mean, other than the uncomfortable seats and the actual process of flying.

My wife HATES it. Not because she's scared of it, but she just loathes the process. That's why her only resolution for 2010 is to NOT get on a plane.

[Malrothien 6]

I don't hate flying for the process of it, I hate flying because I hate not having my feet on the ground. I hate not having control of my life.

Yes, I have control issues.

[Varba 0]

My best friends wife is terrified of planes, but always flew once a year to help out at a remote orphanage (she's a nurse).

One year lightning struck one of the engines and started a small fire, and they turned the plane around and flew back to the airport (thankfully safely).

Every since then she's never flown.

I do not fault anyone for fear of flying, ever.

I'd be more terrified myself, except I get motion sickness on them. Peachey introduced me to this wonderful stuff in Canada named Gravol (works sooo much better than Dramamine) and now, I don't have a care in the world while I'm flying! Nor do I puke my guts out, win/win!

[lgg 2]

Oh Valerie...

I just totally felt that whole thing.. especially the BBBBBBBBBBBLLLLLLLAAAAAHHHHHH... part.

Oh god.

The thing is? I am a HORRIBLE Drinker. Just horrible.

Can't hold it at all...

I was always more of a "Stupid. I am so stupid. BLLLLAAAAAHHHHHH. How could I be so stupid to drink this much BBBLLLLAAAHHH BLAH BLAH BBBBBBLLLLAAAHHHHH." It's when the dry heaves would start (haven't had them since I was a teen) it would change to praying: "Please God. Kill me. I don't deserve to live. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH OW OW OW OW OW!"

You mean no weirdo interaction for everyone else on the train...

[trailmix 77]

I don't fly which is why, when we went to Toronto once for work - I took the train there and back. We had the sleeper thing too, the drop down ones - I didn't get much sleep though - trains travel fast and it is hard to sleep when you are moving that fast - well it was for me.

The train trip was not bad though, the scenery was spectacular, the people we met were very nice, the food was excellent, all in all a great trip.

Edited January 8, 2010 by trailmix

[Malrothien 6]

From what I've read VIA's sleepers are a bit different than the Amtrak ones. I'm just glad I have a room where I can lock myself in.

[trailmix 77]

I have some cool news! At least to me...

So, I think I mentioned in here before Bill and I have been looking at apartments to move into. We've been living at the in laws house since I moved down here in June, so its really time to move on. We are also relocating about an hour south of here so Bill and his parents can start a new business venture. They are opening a second branch to the family business that Bill is going to operate and manage.

But, we came up short in our apartment search. The only 1 we really liked seemed a little expensive for the space and location we were being offered. I won't mention that price, because those of you in bigger cities will be completely jealous and laugh at me

Long story short, we decided to look into purchasing something. I was skeptical since I have no income and a very short credit history, therefore I really couldn't be considered to have my name put on the mortgage and figured that with Bill's credit history and single income we wouldn't prequal for much of anything. Well, we hooked up with a Realtor and a lender that Bill's parents have worked with in the past and actually prequalified for a decent home loan. I'm really shocked actually. It makes me realize why there have been so many issues with foreclosure! In the real world if Bill was living on his own and had just a few more expenses there would be no way he could afford it on his own. We are going to look at places tomorrow! We are in the market for a townhome or condo, just based on the amount of our prequal and a couple other considerations. The housing market in Colorado Springs vs. Denver is like night and day! There is so much in the Springs right now that is really affordable, its pretty fantastic. Pretty exciting but scary at the same time!

We're staying away from foreclosures and short sales, no worries there. I don't want to wait months for a conclusion.

That's great news huggles!

Short sales are not short, as you mentioned - but I would think foreclosures would be a reasonably safe bet. We are looking at a foreclosure here right now (although we had a bad experience with one in Orlando - but that was a very fishy...other kettle of fish).

Now, while Canadian institutions work differently, I would think foreclosures might be worth looking at there!

Good luck, I hope you find something you really love.

[SapphireDreams 71]

My best friends wife is terrified of planes, but always flew once a year to help out at a remote orphanage (she's a nurse).

One year lightning struck one of the engines and started a small fire, and they turned the plane around and flew back to the airport (thankfully safely).

Every since then she's never flown.

I do not fault anyone for fear of flying, ever.

I'd be more terrified myself, except I get motion sickness on them. Peachey introduced me to this wonderful stuff in Canada named Gravol (works sooo much better than Dramamine) and now, I don't have a care in the world while I'm flying! Nor do I puke my guts out, win/win!

I thought Gravol and Dramamine have the exact same medicinal ingredients. I use it too to fly and found they both work the same for me. Interesting that you get a different effect.

Mal - sorry to hear about the panic attacks! I don't mind flying, but I can see how it would be scary for others. Have you tried perhaps just taking medication? I'm sure you've thought of that. That's one hell of a train ride. If you were stopping in NYC, I'd take you to lunch or something!

[trailmix 77]

From what I've read VIA's sleepers are a bit different than the Amtrak ones. I'm just glad I have a room where I can lock myself in.

Ahh, you are actually getting the sleeper room - that will be great. They have those on VIA as well, but we didn't have that, just the drop down ones - that should make your trip even better.