The Battle For My Wallet V: Beyond the Number IV (Chapter Eighteen, p.75, 5/18)

[TarzansKat]

The best dessert at Walt Disney World is still served by the Liberty Tree Tavern.

It's the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake -- "vanilla cake with a gooey toffee filling and caramel sauce."

The toffee pieces melt in your mouth (not unlike See's California Brittle and completely unlike Heath).

The caramel sauce ... well, you've had that if you've had the pound cake. Then sigh not so, but let it go.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y224/Scrapbookersdis/40D5618lo.jpg

Alright, ZZUB, I know it's not your mecca of all cakes, but I'm with Tink here. That looks pretty good.

Of course, by the time I get there it'll probably be gone. And since I live in New England, where turkey dinners are aplenty (although not containg our fab five dressed in Colonial gear), I just don't know if I could sign myself up for LTT knowing I'd potentially be facing major disappointment. ;)

I can't lie, though. It wouldn't be the first time I'd picked a restaurant based solely on the dessert.

[MNRMommy]

Chapter Ten: Big Block of Cheese DayAfter PHD, we headed back across the courtyard to Little Mermaid. I didn’t see Patty Rodham-Pissytoes anywhere. We went inside and enjoyed the show. Met some nice people.

"Where y'all from?" I asked.

"Oklahoma."

"Oklahoma? OK." I smiled.

Sadly, almost no one gets that joke.

Sadly, I keep repeating it.:[/URL]

Ok, I have finally made it to page 36 (at least I think it is 36) - Yeah for me!! Anyway, I totally get this but am a little confused on why you are quoting Big12 chants.

Sing it with me, "You're doing fine Oklahoma, Oklahoma's OK L A H O M A - Oklahoma, STATE!!"

(I am giving you the benefit of the doubt here that you were going with the Poke - i.e. cowboy, version of this song solely because I can't stand OU)

[B]Only while we were standing next to Mrs. Incredible, there was an incident. I was standing next to her and I accidentally touched her. On her tushy.[/URL]

BORG! DH and I were having our picture taken with Cinderella once and he started to put his arm around her waist. Well Cindy grabbed that arm faster then you grabbed Damiens and politely informed him that a Gentlemen offers a lady her arm (code - don't touch me you grubby tourist). The picture shows the many shades of red this caused him to turn.

[loonieroonie]

I love your writing style. You've made me laugh and cry while reading your reports. Thank you.

I can relate to the cake chapter. Dh and I used to go to a restaurant close to home for their dessert, sometimes we wouldn't even order dinner. They stopped serving our favorite dessert, we haven't stepped foot in that restaurant in over 6 years. We don't care what they've replaced our dessert with or how good it might be. We don't hold grudges (;) )

Dh loves cake, hates frosting. Dh is known to eat the interior of a cake and leave me the frosting only. I love frosting, but want some cake to go with it. We're also known to occassionally let our boys eat dessert before dinner. Never killed anyone.

Funny, in all my years of going to WDW I've never eaten dessert there (mickey bars not counted).

[LaLa]

I have no idea what the heck happened here.

It double posted before I even got started with the smack!

If I hear one word about the cow college thing, it's over.

[LaLa]

It was much funnier the first time. You shoud've been here.

Leave it to the rednecked LaLas to have a cat named Elvis. It's truly surprising you didn't end up in Dollywood.

Ask Elvis, apparently he's living in LaLa's backyard. To no one's surprise. One imagines there's a whole bunch of freakiness in her backyard. Most of it on cement blocks.

Yes, but where you live, even though that pathetic cow college has beaten us six years in a row, they still have an inferiority complex. Mostly b/c they are inferior.

You could put that on a turd and it'd be good. NOLaLa'shomecooking.

I have a sneaking suspicion there are WAY more than that but who has the time to quote all the sorry low down no good smack you've been throwing my way while I've been in the kitchen slaving over a hot vat of butter?

That's right Cake boy.

I've got a fresh loaf of Butter Grilled Poundcake sitting on my counter.

And it could've been yours!!!

If only...

You're so far on Ignore right now, I don't expect to see you again until The Battle For My Wallet 16: Dogpatch USA hits the streets.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Or in this case, not so much.

:moped:

[PISCESANGEL]

yum, cake sounds good.

[ZZUB]

Ok, I have finally made it to page 36Congratulations! You must be on Chapter 3, then.

BORG! DH and I were having our picture taken with Cinderella once and he started to put his arm around her waist. Well Cindy grabbed that arm faster then you grabbed Damiens and politely informed him that a Gentlemen offers a lady her arm (code - don't touch me you grubby tourist). The picture shows the many shades of red this caused him to turn.THAT is freakin hilarious! I will certainly be more careful with the Princesses now.

I can relate to the cake chapter. Dh and I used to go to a restaurant close to home for their dessert, sometimes we wouldn't even order dinner. They stopped serving our favorite dessert, we haven't stepped foot in that restaurant in over 6 years. We don't care what they've replaced our dessert with or how good it might be. We don't hold grudges.Good for you, sticking to your principles. I refuse to go to a restaurant in our city but not b/c they took away my favorite dessert. For a whole other set of reasons. I love a good grudge.

I have no idea what the heck happened here.

It double posted before I even got started with the smack!

If I hear one word about the cow college thing, it's over.If I were you, I'd drive those dirt roads back to Starkville and demand a full refund of your tuitiion. How ever much money you spent on your "education," you were ripped off.

:moped:

Finally, that emoticon is relevant!

[LaLa]

How Do I Worth This Here Internetty Thang?

Cute. Very cute. But apparently Tuscaloosa ain't that far from Starkville after all. In more ways that one.

If I were you, I'd drive those dirt roads back to Starkville and demand a full refund of your tuitiion. How ever much money you spent on your "education," you were ripped off.

First of all, they're gravel. Not dirt. Big difference. Second of all, exactly how long have you been waiting to drop THAT line on somebody? Thirdly, how late did you stay up thinking of it? And fourthly, from now on out, you are DED to me.

SO OVER!!!!!!!

Another one that's finally relevant: :badpc:

And of course he has nuts in his Red Velvet Cake. That's how they make 'em at the 7-11.

[gnoles]

Cute. Very cute. But apparently Tuscaloosa ain't that far from Starkville after all. In more ways that one.

First of all, they're gravel. Not dirt. Big difference. Second of all, exactly how long have you been waiting to drop THAT line on somebody? Thirdly, how late did you stay up thinking of it? And fourthly, from now on out, you are DED to me.

Wow... My boss is a State grad and I'm 2nd generation Bama... That last exchange sounds eerily familiar. :)

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Did Scrapbookdis just call Butter Grilled Pound Cake much ado about nothing? Did GeorgiaAristocat join her? I don't know what is more troubling, that you peed on the best piece of cake I've ever tasted or that you're brining the Shakespeare.

I hate the Bard. I hate all people who like the Bard. And I REALLY hate people who quote the Bard.

So Scrapbookdis and GeorgiaAristocat can now join the ever growing list of people I have banished to Ignoreland. By the time I finish this TR, the only people left posting on it will be me and the Schpup!

I was already on ignore. Or was I?

Glad you had fun in Court today. I have Court tomorrow. Three page calendar - should be a blast. So far the highest debt I've come across is somewhere around $120,000.00. That's a lot of money to owe your Baby Mama. (By you I mean the generic you, not you, you bard-hating, cake-loving freak.)

And I'd never put the bard in brine. I think he is pickled enough as it is.

[50 years Too!]

Buzz, I'd really like to know why you won't eat in Seattle?:confused3
Not even the Metropolitan Grill? I love that place.

Deb

[Brenle]

Buzz, I'd really like to know why you won't eat in Seattle?:confused3
Not even the Metropolitan Grill? I love that place.

Deb

Ooh. I think you hit a "soft spot" with Zzub. Better watch out. You'll be getting a witty reply expressing his aforementioned disdain for Seattle food, eloquently worded with many "zings." :lmao:

[DVCTiff]

ZZUB - A quick trip to Trophy Cupcakes might tide you over, but I feel your pain.

For the record, I believe they call it Pound Cake because the original recipe called for a pound of flour, a pound of sugar, and a pound of butter. At least that's what an eight year-old told me the last time it was on the table for discussion (I can't remember if it was literally ON the table at the time).

Now I'm sad and hungry all at the same time.

[ZZUB]

First of all, they're gravel. Not dirt. Big difference. Maybe where you live that's a big difference. In the civilized world, where people where shoes and use nouns and verbs, it's the same thing.

Buzz, I'd really like to know why you won't eat in Seattle?:confused3 Not even the Metropolitan Grill? I love that place.Are you confusing me with Buzz? He's a good guy, but he lives in Montana and is a Fan of Disney. I'm ZZUB. I've never announced where in the Pac NW I live, so I find it hard to believe I've ever written that I won't eat in Seattle. Indeed, I have eaten in Seattle many times. Looking back over my last few posts, I did say I won't eat at a restaurant in our city. Arguably, the sentence is not artfully worded and perhaps confusing. I intended to state there was a particular restaurant in our city that picked me off and I refuse to go back there. It certainly was not a ban on all restaurants in our city. Good night nurse! I love McDonald's way too much to refuse to eat out.

ZZUB - A quick trip to Trophy Cupcakes might tide you over, but I feel your pain.I've never been satisfied by store bought cupcakes. One time at PORiverside, I was sorely tempted by one and it left me sad and hungry.

GA: you're a Shakespeare quoting food snob who I have less affection for than the ingrown toenail of 2006. But, you have an important job and do good work. ZZUB has no patience for deadbeat dads. Go get 'em!

And then crawl back to Ignoreland.

:moped:

[Tinkerbellarella]

where people where shoes

How does one where shoes?

Once one has completed this act, does that mean that one has whorn shoes?

Might one also be able to ware shoes?

These are the questions that keep me up at night.

[ZZUB]

How does one where shoes?I didn't say use nouns and verbs correctly. Sadly, ZZUB has a spelling problem. Which I reckon is better than a drinking problem. IRL, I've been known to mispell my own name. Said but true.

:moped:

[PirateFish989]

For the record, I believe they call it Pound Cake because the original recipe called for a pound of flour, a pound of sugar, and a pound of butter. At least that's what an eight year-old told me the last time it was on the table for discussion (I can't remember if it was literally ON the table at the time).



That eight year old was right! Add in a pound of eggs and you're good to go! In Britain, they add a pound of dried fruit also, but apparently we Americans prefer to not add in anything relatively healthy to our pound cake. Who needs fruit anyway?!

In Mexico, they add nuts too. Huh, that would go with that nutty Red Velvet Cake one can pick up at the 7-11.

[Brenle]

I didn't say use nouns and verbs correctly. Sadly, ZZUB has a spelling problem. Which I reckon is better than a drinking problem. IRL, I've been known to mispell my own name. Said but true.

:moped:

Hmm. That's good to know, seeing Hawk & Dove is a bar in D.C. that's been around a loooong time. :) Now you can put me back on ignore.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I didn't say use nouns and verbs correctly. Sadly, ZZUB has a spelling problem. Which I reckon is better than a drinking problem. IRL, I've been known to mispell my own name. Said but true.

:moped:

When I first saw the "code" for your favored little smilie :moped: I thought to myself, "Self...moped? He doesn't look like he's moping. As a matter of fact, he looks downright non-mopey. He's happy to be on that there lil'...ohhhhh...MOPED. MO-PED."

And for some reason, much like petting a cat in the wrong direction, it irritates me that his vehiculating to the left. Something in me feels very strongly that he should be moving in the other direction.

Raise your hand if your name's Tinkerbellarella and you are sometimes a dope.
:wave2:

[kelnit]

I didn't say use nouns and verbs correctly. Sadly, ZZUB has a spelling problem. Which I reckon is better than a drinking problem. IRL, I've been known to mispell my own name. Said but true.

:moped:

After this I feel as if I can come out of the shadows. Apparently I too have a spelling problem which came to light when posting my first reply to a trip report (and horror of horror it was Lala's).

All that aside I do want to say how much I have enjoyed reading your trip reports. You have a knack for writing and I always look forward to the next chapter.

[Motherofboys]

Mmmmmmm.......cake!!! :goodvibes

I share your love for the good stuff!! Day or night, cutting off a huge chunk or slicing off "just one more little piece", LOVE IT!! :love:

I may have to make a cake with homemade buttercream tonight thanks to your "ode to cake" and all other perfect things in the world, which oddly enough read to me like a brief treatise on "all things good in the world according to Zzub"...you may want to save that for your daughters....you know throw it in your Revocable Trust or something so all future generations of Zzub's can benefit from your wisdom ;)

And you're wife can't possible be from the South if 3 measly sticks of butter is too much butter for an entire cake recipe! :scared1: Unless she thought you were going to eat the whole thing at once? :confused:

Loved the chapter, can't wait for the rest!!

[50 years Too!]

ZZUB--I believe once upon a time in a trip report far far in the past you mentioned you were exhiled to Starbuck's origin point.
To me that means Seattle area. :confused3

[LaLa]

IRL, I've been known to mispell my own name.

For future reference, Dummy has two M's. Not three.

I know you've got a thing for making up your own words, but now you're making up your own acronyms?!

That's right. I can use nouns too.

Kelnit! I told you you'd fit in around here! And over at my place as well. I've been known to make a spelling error from time to time myself. But just don't tell anybody. I was the 4th grade county wide spelling bee champ and I have an image to uphold.

:moped:

[MNRMommy]

If only Marie Antoinette were a dining cast member.

DED. I was all prepared to make a PS for LTT just so DH could partake of the cake and then I read on and found it was too late. Bummer in a word.

[ZZUB]

And you're wife can't possible be from the South if 3 measly sticks of butter is too much butter for an entire cake recipe!When Mrs. Z read this chapter she said, "ZZUB, it wasn't the butter in the recipe. You've confused this with the pot pie recipe that called for a pound of it." To which I asked, "then why won't you make me Butter Grilled Pound Cake?" And she replied, "it looks like a lot of work." So I put her back on ignore. Which didn't really work b/c as it turns out, in real life, I don't have that power. Which is sad.

On the other hand, Mrs. Z did dig out the recipe and is considering making it for me. So I have hope. NOObama.

That's right. I can use nouns too.I'll bet you can. Here are some nouns I'm certain you're familiar with: trailer, chew, Dr. Peppa, bologna, fanny pack, vomit, puke, hurl, fillin' station, truck, brother/husband, cousin/mom, sister/aunt.

I was the 4th grade county wide spelling bee champ and I have an image to uphold.I imagine your senior year was filled with all kinds of good memories. Wasn't that also the year you learned to go to the big-girl bathroom all by yourself?!

DED. I was all prepared to make a PS for LTT just so DH could partake of the cake and then I read on and found it was too late. Bummer in a word.Indeed.

:moped:

[LaLa]

On the other hand, Mrs. Z did dig out the recipe and is considering making it for me. So I have hope. NOObama.

That's just the saddest dadgum thing I think I've ever seen. You're pining for the cake and you "have hope" that she'll make it for you. Mrs. Z: please make that man some cake. So we don't have to read sad sentences like that one anymore. If nothing else, throw some Sara Lee into a skillet and melt a Caramello on top. Something. Anything. Just make it stop. Anyway, mad props to Mrs. Z for at least considering it and congrats to you on being one step closer to your raison d'etre.

Even though I don't like you one dang bit.

I'll bet you can. Here are some nouns I'm certain you're familiar with: trailer, chew, Dr. Peppa, bologna, fanny pack, vomit, puke, hurl, fillin' station, truck, brother/husband, cousin/mom, sister/aunt.

Either you doubled back in the lunch line to get another piece of cake on the day they covered nouns in English or else you really did attend Bama. Either way, I'm going to let this one go because I'm feeling generous today. And also because it made me laugh.

I imagine your senior year was filled with all kinds of good memories. Wasn't that also the year you learned to go to the big-girl bathroom all by yourself?!


In the category of other things you don't know jack squat about, there's also this. You apparently know NOTHING about women. We never go to the big girl bathroom all by ourselves if we can help it. We have to bring our friends along. Why? I don't know. But that's the way we've done it since the beginning of time. Or at least since middle school. It's an unwritten rule that when in public, as long as there is another woman present, when one of us feels the urge to go, we must all get up together and accompany one another to the loo.

What we talk about in there is classified.

You know the drill.

:moped:

[mikymouse]

In the category of other things you don't know jack squat about, there's also this. You apparently know NOTHING about women. We never go to the big girl bathroom all by ourselves if we can help it. We have to bring our friends along. Why? I don't know. But that's the way we've done it since the beginning of time. Or at least since middle school. It's an unwritten rule that when in public, as long as there is another woman present, when one of us feels the urge to go, we must all get up together and accompany one another to the loo.

What we talk about in there is classified.

You know the drill.

:moped:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[stinkerbell007]

bwahahahahahahahahahaha!


:woohoo:


popcorn::

[PISCESANGEL]

When Mrs. Z read this chapter she said, "ZZUB, it wasn't the butter in the recipe. You've confused this with the pot pie recipe that called for a pound of it." To which I asked, "then why won't you make me Butter Grilled Pound Cake?" And she replied, "it looks like a lot of work." So I put her back on ignore. Which didn't really work b/c as it turns out, in real life, I don't have that power. Which is sad.

On the other hand, Mrs. Z did dig out the recipe and is considering making it for me. So I have hope. NOObama.

I'll bet you can. Here are some nouns I'm certain you're familiar with: trailer, chew, Dr. Peppa, bologna, fanny pack, vomit, puke, hurl, fillin' station, truck, brother/husband, cousin/mom, sister/aunt.

I imagine your senior year was filled with all kinds of good memories. Wasn't that also the year you learned to go to the big-girl bathroom all by yourself?!

Indeed.

:moped:

That's just the saddest dadgum thing I think I've ever seen. You're pining for the cake and you "have hope" that she'll make it for you. Mrs. Z: please make that man some cake. So we don't have to read sad sentences like that one anymore. If nothing else, throw some Sara Lee into a skillet and melt a Caramello on top. Something. Anything. Just make it stop. Anyway, mad props to Mrs. Z for at least considering it and congrats to you on being one step closer to your raison d'etre.

Even though I don't like you one dang bit.



Either you doubled back in the lunch line to get another piece of cake on the day they covered nouns in English or else you really did attend Bama. Either way, I'm going to let this one go because I'm feeling generous today. And also because it made me laugh.



In the category of other things you don't know jack squat about, there's also this. You apparently know NOTHING about women. We never go to the big girl bathroom all by ourselves if we can help it. We have to bring our friends along. Why? I don't know. But that's the way we've done it since the beginning of time. Or at least since middle school. It's an unwritten rule that when in public, as long as there is another woman present, when one of us feels the urge to go, we must all get up together and accompany one another to the loo.

What we talk about in there is classified.

You know the drill.

:moped:

The two of you are more entertaining than this trip report!

or not... :rotfl:

[Backstage_Gal]

ZZUB, this may be a novel thought to you. Did it ever occur to you to make that cake yourself?

I am sure you can read and follow directions? :confused3

[Frickles]

Gawd forbid a million times.
I think this might be a fly's butt hair away from being played. TFI.

Butter Grilled Pound Cake.... like Ashclan’s “W Is For Women” pin, like Frickles’ copy of Math for Dummies, like LaLa’s husband’s fanny pack, like NicoleMarie’s weather forecasts, like Mel HappyHat’s so-called witty ripostes, like MasterGracie’s “Blame it all on Bush” thread, like Chapter 11 counting LaLa’s vomit references

I made it into a Zzub trip report. I am without speech. Wow, those were the days weren't they?! You should have put your blog on the list.... It lasted about as long as the last piece of cake in the office fridge between 3 and 5.

Now I have to admit that I have laughed til my lips cracked at your latest chapter and the last 6 pages of posts. But THIS ONE made me fall out of my chair & whack my head so hard that I saw LaLa's cat.

OMG. Freaky monorail spiel Borg. I just typed that exact phrase into my TR (elsewhere) yesterday. Did you have to check the spelling on Google too?!

Seriously Ash, did you have to ask that?!?! I am beyond ded!


That's just the saddest dadgum thing I think I've ever seen. You're pining for the cake and you "have hope" that she'll make it for you. Mrs. Z: please make that man some cake. So we don't have to read sad sentences like that one anymore. If nothing else, throw some Sara Lee into a skillet and melt a Caramello on top. Something. Anything. Just make it stop.

I will be laying in bed doing the silent shake over this one tonight. ;)

For future reference, Dummy has two M's. Not three.

LaLa 17 Zzub 5

On the other hand, it does have cream cheese icing. You could put that on a turd and it'd be good. NOLaLa'shomecooking.
I just saw La's cat again.


Freshman year, my heart was ripped apart by a very cute, very blonde cheerleader.

Your first name isn't David is it? If so, my bad.

Obviously, I'm late to the party. I know you were missing my presence. I've had you on ignore. But, my ears have been burning and I heard you were posting some pictures of some good looking cake so I had to come and take a little looksie.

[abteer]

So the question I have is, did free dining lure you back for this year too????

[mickcw1109]

Hi Zzub, just caught up with your trip report and it sounded like you all had a wonderful time. Reminds me a lot of another person who had a trip report on here but has been banned, very funny and your writing makes me feel we are there with you. Hope the wife makes that cake for you as well

[HeyIt'sMe]

Ah yes, Liberty Tree Tavern. Your Butter Grilled Pound Cake met the same fate as my DH's favorite LTT menu item - Birch Beer. He loved that stuff and was SO disappointed to find it was no longer offered. And not just 'cause it had the word beer in it. ;)

[ZZUB]

ZZUB, this may be a novel thought to you. Did it ever occur to you to make that cake yourself?You don't post on my TR in months and when you do come around, you come bringing the "get off your fat butt and make your own dang cake!" Well, Smartypants, it HAS occurred to me to make the cake myself. But the woman doesn't like when I use her kitchen. Something about making a big ol' mess or somethinornuther.

I think this might be a fly's butt hair away from being played.Gawd forbid a million times we should use a joke that's played.

TFI.Exhibit A.

Your first name isn't David is it? If so, my bad.If you have to ask, then it probably isn't. But your joke was funny. And it's already played. Sorry.

I've had you on ignore.Exhibit B.

Reminds me a lot of another person who had a trip report on here but has been bannedThanks for the compliment. I miss getting to read MDF's witty posts.

Ah yes, Liberty Tree Tavern. Your Butter Grilled Pound Cake met the same fate as my DH's favorite LTT menu item - Birch Beer. He loved that stuff and was SO disappointed to find it was no longer offered. And not just 'cause it had the word beer in it. ;)I'm against all "it's me's." But I have NOTHING against HeyIt'sMe's or even HeyIt'sMe. So welcome.

In light of Disney's ever-shrinking menu choices, by the end of the decade (pronounced d'cade if you're a Kennedy or Ashclan), there will be nothing left but purified water and rice cakes. Made from whole wheat, of course.

:moped:

[Backstage_Gal]

You don't post on my TR in months and when you do come around, you come bringing the "get off your fat butt and make your own dang cake!" Well, Smartypants, it HAS occurred to me to make the cake myself. But the woman doesn't like when I use her kitchen. Something about making a big ol' mess or somethinornuther.


Sorry about that. :flower3: I have, however, been faithfully lurking all along.

I will leave it up to you what my response to that second half of your post would be if I were not nice enough not to say it.... :rolleyes1

Roll Tide! :moped:

[lisalonglash]

Isn't there supposed to be an update on Mondays? :confused3 :laughing:

[LegoMom3]

Isn't there supposed to be an update on Mondays? :confused3 :laughing:


Every other. Stay tuned next week!


.

[Sneezie]

Sneezie: we went to bed last night still laughing at your post! My wife said, "ZZUB, she got so frazzled in line she had them write "Congratulations Greta. Why did she get anyone's name on the birthday cake at all? Why not just buy the cake?" I said, "Honey, I don't know. But Sneezie loves her some cake. And that makes her alright in my book.

"Cake is the reason my dog has a birthday party every year." That's just full on funny!

It just didn't seem right taking a bakery cake with all of the flowers and icing trimming it and not putting anything in the middle. I'd already used my birthday, my husband's birthday, and my daughter's birthday and my dog's birthday was coming up so I couldn't use that. I freaked. Don't ask me where the name Greta came from. I'm still trying to figure it out.

Next time I'll use "We'll Miss You Zzub!

If nothing else, throw some Sara Lee into a skillet and melt a Caramello on top.

That sounds soooo goooooood!!!!!

[1000thhappyhaunt]

But *this* I agree with:

It’s the end of the 1994 Alabama Auburn game, it’s Piano Man, it’s Yoo Hoo, it’s George W. Bush after 9/11 and before the war in Iraq, it’s landing on the moon, it’s a Cadillac CTS, it’s the 1992 Crimson Tide, it’s the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team, it’s Joshua Tree, it’s my freshman year at Alabama, it’s my senior year at Alabama, it’s the act one finale of Les Miserables, it’s having the right girl just smile at you, it’s Rudy, it’s Saving Private Ryan, it's Apollo 13, it’s a drive through the mountains on an early fall day, it’s the sound of the ocean slamming into the rugged coastline, it’s a good apple, it’s Soarin’, it’s Test Track, It’s “Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow,” it’s A Separate Peace, it’s Huck Finn, it’s Seinfeld, Frasier, Cheers and West Wing, it’s Saturday Night Live with Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey, it’s The Stranger, it’s Freebird, it’s Live Like You Were Dying, it’s I Go Back, it’s hanging out with your best friends the night before you graduate high school, it’s sitting on the steps of Comer Hall after you’ve finished your last exam, it’s Free Dining, it’s your seeing your little girl’s face when she spots Mickey Mouse and runs to him, it’s Walking in Memphis, it’s The Color Green, it’s my wife saying “yes,” it’s seeing my girls being born. Yes, Butter Grilled Pound Cake is the confluence of all good things.

It's ALSO like:

1. MY senior year at Alabama. Too. (Roll Tide)
2. A warm puppy, kitten or footlong sub. Extra mayo.
3. A sunrise
4. A sunset
5. A Tequila Sunrise
6. But not the movie "Tequila Sunrise" which is a vast abyss of lameosity not unlike this tripe. Heh heh.
7. Dwarfs.
8. Yes. The movie. This time. (Obviously)
9. Lemon in sweet tea.
10. La La's trippies.
11. Cheese including french cheeses. Yup.
12. OHIP

and, yes...

13. Piano Man

BGPC really IS the confluence of all good things. You're right. (Blech)

Or... it WAS.

Or...actually...

MAYBE... it was??????


(I never tried it. My bad. So said.)


Anywho...Sir Winnie C. once sad this "All great things are simple and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honour, duty, mercy, hope, cake. And pie."


Or else... sumpin' sumpin' like that. Up there.


Ok.

What else? What else?

Oh yeah: The MARIE ANTOINETTE thingie popped my stitches.

Yeah.


I have six stitches in my chin. TFI.


Little incident involving a footrace, platform flipflops, a daring but miscalculated leap, a large rock. And...errr.... my face.

Yes.


I know that you know that I know that you know I'm a idiot.

Moving on.


Good tripe.

Or not.


And all of THAT to say this:


I sent myself and my chin flowers.



From you.


HEh heh. HEhhhehheh.


Cheers,

MEL

:wish200 It's your new big thing. TFI. Thanks to the pound cake.

Also...bite Me(l)!


P.S. Can you please send me a tube of Mederma? Tout de suite.

[Frickles]

:goodvibes she's back :goodvibes

[1000thhappyhaunt]

:goodvibes she's back :goodvibes

Actually, maybe you should start with an easier target... a bigger target... the ultimate in "trainer butts":

[ZZUB]

MEL!
Look kids, it's our crazy, drunken Aunt from up north! She's back! With a vengeance. Just like the stomach virus. Only without as much charm.

Mel, if I was the kind of guy who cared about people like you, I'd be glad to see you back. As it is, I spit Swiss Cake Roll all over my desk and uttered, "cuss!" when I saw your sorry avatar on my TR.

Then I was even madder b/c I wasted precious Swiss Cake Roll on the spit take. Now my secretary thinks I'm really weird b/c she found me licking chunks of chocolate cake with gooey white filling off my desk.

Again.

Third time this week.

I have, however, been faithfully lurking all along.I'll take a faithful lurker over an unfaithful poster any day of the week. Glad to have you back is what I'm saying.

It just didn't seem right taking a bakery cake with all of the flowers and icing trimming it and not putting anything in the middle . . .Next time I'll use "We'll Miss You Zzub!And in exchange, I will start having God Bless You Greta put on all of my cakes.

2. A warm puppy, kitten or footlong sub. Extra mayo.Funniest dadgum thing I've read all day. Which includes Hillary's assurances that she's "in it to win it." (I don't mind that she stays in the race, I mind that she's speaking in bad cliches.).

I have six stitches in my chin. TFI.Six?! Dude, how big is your chin?!!

Little incident involving a footrace, platform flipflops, a daring but miscalculated leap, a large rock. And...errr.... my face.Your pain is our gain. Seriously, no one else's mishaps make me laugh so hard. I'm handing out a lot of left handed compliments this week.

I know that you know that I know that you know I'm a idiot.We had shirts printed.

I sent myself and my chin flowers.Judging from the number of stiches it took, I would imagine your chin lives in a different zipcode than you do.

Can you please send me a tube of Mederma?A tube of Lotrimin is on its way. Make sure to apply it GENEROUSLY.

Welcome back, Mel. Really. (chokes, spits, falls down). Isn't it about time for you to be taking another trip to Disney World and starting another Trip Report which you'll promptly abandon?

:moped:

[LaLa]

So does this mean we can call you Crackhead?

Good to see you, Melly.

We've missed you and your funny, sweet butt.

:moped:

[1000thhappyhaunt]

MEL!


A tube of Lotrimin is on its way. Make sure to apply it GENEROUSLY.

ZZUB!

I'll take that tube of Lotrimin.

In return, a tube of Canadian raw sewage is on its way to you. Also...a tanker truck full of Dioxin.

You're so welcome, BBud.

Oh.


I ALSO spit something on the screen here when I saw: "MEL!"

I think it was teeth. B/c I managed to loosen a few with the accident.

So.

That's.

Not very good.

Anywho... my chin isn't that big normally. But, you're right, that's a lot of stitches. It was a big cut actually... and while I was sitting on the ground getting myself back together... I was catching literally handfulls of blood into my cupped hands.

Bloody handfulls of blood dripping from my flapping chin wound. Into my hands.

(Now...then... what's on your keyboard right NOW? Dude? Is it your lame ranch salad lunch????! My little squeamish friend!)


Heh. Heh.

Where was I???


Oh yeah... my chin is normally not so LARGE. NOyourego.

But... with the swelling.... it's pretty big now, yep, temporarily. Tho.

I kinda look like Leno, Rummer Willis, Ashley Simpson, Hillary Swank, Jennifer Anniston and...errrr... Reese Witherspoon. And Prince Charming. From Shrek.

What I'm saying is... that I'm pretty hot.

Now.

Dude.


With the big chin. In addition to my broken nose, lazy eye and soul patch.

Anywho... I know you're just worried about me, ZZUB. As usual. And I say to you: Remember...big girls don't cry, WWUBie.

Now then...


I really missed you!!!!


Except for the "YOU" part.


I musta missed sumpin', though.


Blech.


Cheers, Mel.

:3dglasses

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Welcome back Mel!

[Backstage_Gal]

Welcome back, Mel! EEk on the injuries!!!!!!!1111

I think ZZub is having a mental BGsomething cake now!

[AshClan]

:thumbsup2 :cheer2:

Way to brighten up a rainy day!! Thanks for showing your lovely, albeit bruised and scarred, self, Mel! We missed ya, woman!!

Nice to see you haven't lost your touch. (Although you have evidently lost some blood, skin, teeth, and perhaps eyesight.) Would it make you feel any better to know that I dropped a can of beans onto my big toe last weekend (from 5 feet up) and am now walking with a limp? And 1/2 a missing toenail? Sorry, La, forgot to take a picture.

Hey, Z, I think this calls for an early chapter. Dontcha think?

[LaLa]

Would it make you feel any better to know that I dropped a can of beans onto my big toe last weekend (from 5 feet up) and am now walking with a limp? And 1/2 a missing toenail? Sorry, La, forgot to take a picture.

I think we're gonna need a more detailed description. Don't hold back, Ash.

[mikymouse]

Mel, Your abanonded trippie with mutliple inappropriate footwear choices was unforunate foreshadowing for your recent troubles. I posted a picture for you over there, hope it make you smile but not enough to pop your stiches.

Very glad to see you and your funny are back. Nothing makes the time until "Update Monday" go faster than a Mel posting.

[tina_la]

MEL does this mean we will actually see a finished trip report soon?..... didn't think so. Good to have you back even if it is in pieces.

[JKMJ441724]

It's ALSO like:
1. MY senior year at Alabama. Too. (Roll Tide)
2. A warm puppy, kitten or footlong sub. Extra mayo.
3. A sunrise
4. A sunset
5. A Tequila Sunrise
6. But not the movie "Tequila Sunrise" which is a vast abyss of lameosity not unlike this tripe. Heh heh.
7. Dwarfs.
8. Yes. The movie. This time. (Obviously)
9. Lemon in sweet tea.
10. La La's trippies.
11. Cheese including french cheeses. Yup.
12. OHIP

13. Piano Man

Oh yeah: The MARIE ANTOINETTE thingie popped my stitches.
Yeah.
I have six stitches in my chin. TFI.
Little incident involving a footrace, platform flipflops, a daring but miscalculated leap, a large rock. And...errr.... my face.
I know that you know that I know that you know I'm a idiot.
Moving on.


And all of THAT to say this:


I sent myself and my chin flowers.
From you.
HEh heh. HEhhhehheh.


That had me laughing so hard I popped my stitched - IN MY FOOT!!!:rotfl2:

[PixieDustandEeyore]

this was an amazing TR i stumbled upon it and i ended up reading all of your trip reports man your daughter sounds like the sweetest girl alive hope you enjoy your next trip!

[ZZUB]

Chapter Seventeen: Easter Eggs

As we walked away from the Cake I Love, we wandered through the Magic Kingdom in a carefree fashion. We had no real concrete plans for the day. Just hit some of our favorites. Wander lonely like a cloud.

We had an ADR at Crystal Palace for dinner but we weren’t committed to keeping it. It was like the 3d piece of gum I take with me to church every week. It’s there more for an emergency, not because I ever chew through the first two pieces.

The Magic Kingdom is fun as all get out when you’re making a commando-like assault on the rides. Running from Space Mountain to Splash Mountain, hitting all the E-tickets before lunch time. Eating meals at off hours so you can ride, ride, ride during lunch and dinner. I’m all about frenetic activity. But MK is just as much fun, maybe even more so, when you’re just walking through it. In a Gerald Ford like trance.

Not only is it fun to just happen upon the rides and attractions, it’s pretty dadgum fun to watch people run around in near hysteria because they’re afraid they’re “going to miss it!”

Eventually, we landed in Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Lightyear a time or two. Then, spotting my hero across the plaza in front of Carousel of Progress, we headed over to see him. I’ve been teaching ZZUBY how to take pictures and she’s pretty darn good at it, too. So as we were waiting in line, she asked if she could take my picture with Buzz. I quickly said, “sure.” It was a MUCH better explanation for why I was having my picture taken with Buzz Lightyear. Less frightening than the truth: “I’m an almost middle aged guy whose list of heroes includes a cartoon character.”

He's not actually someone I look up to. But of all the Disney characters, he's the one I like the most. Buzz Lightyear is funny, loyal and has something of a hero complex. I reckon those are qualities I admire. In a cartoon character. He also vaguely favors me physically.

If you've been reading my Trip Reports for very long, you have probably noticed we don't post pictures of ourselves. There are reasons for that. And no, it's not because we're criminally ugly. So I cannot and will not post the entire picture ZZUBY took of me and my boy Buzz. But here's a part of it. Even from this limited view you can tell how much me and Buzz look alike.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/100_2362A.jpg

FYI: the full picture is well-framed. ZZUBY did a good job. We rode COP, Monsters Inc. and the PeopleMover and then moseyed on over for dinner at Crystal Palace. It was a rather pedestrian affair. So middling it doesn’t even rate a metaphor or simile. Our dinner at Crystal Palace hardly warrants the attention this four sentence paragraph gives it.

In other words, the peel-n-eat shrimp were a little gamey.

The true highlight of our meal was the two women, either mother and daughter or middle aged sisters, Patty and Selma if you catch my meaning, sitting to our right. They seemed quite annoyed by all the noise and fuss of Crystal Palace. As if they expected a character meal geared to small children would be quiet. Their frustration was amusing and although I tried to engage them in conversation, they would have none of it. Quite obviously, they had taken a vow of frowns.

After dinner, we strollered up and headed off into the night. I remember reading someplace that ToonTown is best after dark. Because most parents with small children have fled the Magic Kingdom. It’s less crowded. So we headed that direction. No sooner had we gotten there, then we realized we had been misled. If only the voters in North Carolina were as astute.

Still, we pressed on. Mrs. Z needed to nurse the baby so she took off to find “a quiet place without a crowd.” I took ZZUBY to see Mickey’s House.

Our night in ToonTown was a comedy of long lines, bad smells and a mounting urgency to flee the zip code. If Toontown actually has a zip code. The experience was so curious, it led me to rhyming couplets.

Ode to a Commode: Toontown After Dark

Toontown, Toontown. Toontown after dark,
Crowded and smelly, and filled with snark,
Mickey’s house is pungent, it reeks of sweat,
Dirty socks, and damp t’shirts, the worst smells yet,
A smell so bad it makes us flee,
I choke and retch from the stench of pee.
Pee? Yes pee. It reeked of pee!
The vapors from which you could almost see,
Out in the night, fresh air we inhaled,
But the streets were so crowded my toe got nailed
By a reckless cad on an ECV,
Which actually was more pleasant than the stench of pee.
Pee? Yes pee. It reeked of pee!
Disgusting it was, the House of Mickey.

To find the princesses was my daughter’s aim,
Not getting peed on or stepped on was my new game.
We stood in a line that did not end,
We waited forever without a friend,
It was hot and muggy, stinky too,
The late Sammy Davis Jr. was himself a Jew,
Pee would be roses compared to the stench of that queue.
We’d traded pee for the pungent odor of poo.
Poo? Yes, poo. But what could be done?!
ZZUBY wanted to see princesses, there was no way to run.
Eventually Disney princesses we did see,
Cinderella, Rain Black and Sleeping Beauty.
Not worth the wait, our time in line,
Snap, snap, smile, smile we were out in no time,
Forced into a dump shop, most correctly named,
Crappy toys and prizes; more smells of the same.
Poo? Yes poo. But also sweat and pee,
It was an ironic and filthy potpourri.

In walked Mrs. Z, baby in tow,
She looked quite annoyed, her stack ready to blow,
She’d found a quiet bench all alone, all right,
The spot seemed ideal, but she was in for a fright,
No sooner would she begin to fill the baby full,
When in came a train loaded down with people.
A full view of her nursing task they did not see,
She had properly covered her work rightfully,
Still she was embarrassed to have a train-full of stares,
Me? I said, “eh,” I’ve got bigger cares,
Like the stench of pee and poo, sweat and BO.
One thing is clear, she did not give them a show,
They didn’t see a thing, of that it can be said,
But my wife holding the baby, a blanket on her head.
“I am done, I am done! Get me out of here,” said she.
“I agree, let’s go, I can’t stand this stench of pee.”
“Pee? Is it pee? Is that the smell? How can it be?
“Pee, yes pee, poo and sweat, it’s all three.”
“Then it’s agreed from this town of toons we must flee.”

As we escaped the olfactory assault in Toontown, we headed towards Mainstreet and decided we could skip Wishes. That’s right. The ZZUBs skipped Wishes. At that moment, being away from the crowds and away from the smells was more desirable than standing around waiting for the show. We threw tradition out the window like a .38 Special cassette tape which belonged to your best friend’s ex-girlfriend.

We love us some Wishes, but leaving as we did was the best option. We were tired. Done. Standing around waiting on the show, being a slave to tradition was foolish. Besides, I knew we’d come back soon enough. Time was, every time I’d leave Disney World, I’d worry that I might not get to go back. I don’t so much fear that anymore. I know we’ll be back. If not next year, sometime soon after. Knowing that made missing the show ok in my mind. I’m not twelve anymore.

We boarded the boat and enjoyed a nice, cool ride back to the Lodge. Our last boat ride of the trip. We passed the Electrical Water Pageant along the way. Which was cool. Like it was there just for us.

That moment just about erased the bad taste left in our mouth from Toontown. You should pardon the expression.

Back in our room, we began pre-packing. Getting organized. But we didn’t waste our last night packing. We still hopped up on the bed, ate great junk food and watched our pictures. And laughed.

Ironically, when I think about that night now so many months removed, it makes me yearn for it. For all my hard edged intensity, I’m just a guy who loves his wife and girls and craves sweet moments like that.

We planned a late start for the next morning. I got up early as usual and after my last quiet time on the balcony with a view I didn’t have to pay extra for, I went on my last coffee walk. I opened the door and saw the Hanging Envelope of Death. It mocked me for a second or three. Then I grabbed it off the door and flung it on top of our now mostly empty snack center. I walked down to fill up my mug with its last sorrowful batch of brown water served warm. And as I forced the lid on it, I spilled coffee and cream everywhere.

As usual.

With all my Disney mug experience, you’d think I’d know when to stop the coffee and how much cream my mug can take. But while I manage to have that combination down at home, in Disney World, I can’t eyeball it correctly.

Or I’m an unusual idiot.

I took my coffee and walked up to the front desk to get some paper, an envelope and to borrow a pen. Some friends of ours were going to be at the Wilderness Lodge a few weeks after us and I wanted to leave them a little note. Hidden someplace for them to find.

The girls were still sleeping and Mrs. Z was getting ready, so it was best for me to stay out of the room for a while. Great thing about the Lodge, there are several little places for you to have a sit down and write a note. I found such a place, drank my crappy, but Disney, coffee and wrote our friends a note. Which made me laugh. Which made people walking by wonder what was up with that guy cackling and giggling. Frankly, I don’t laugh quietly.

Once it was finished, I went in search of the right place to hide it. Actually, during the week, I had been eyeballing different locations. It had to be someplace easy enough for them to find. But it couldn’t be in a place where other people might find it. Gawd forbid a million times. Nor could it be in a place where the housekeeping staff might locate it and throw it out.

Since we’d already established that cleaning wasn’t really what housekeeping was about, I figured the bigger challenge was putting it in a place that other people wouldn’t come across it easily. I found just the spot and secured the note in its place. Then I walked around it a few times to make sure it was well-concealed. It was.

Weeks later, our friends were indeed at the Lodge and based on my instructions, found the note I left for them. However, the $20 bill I put inside was gone. Fancy that.

I went back to our room and continued packing up my stuff. Once the girls were up, I helped get them ready as well. It was our last day at Disney World. My sister and brother in law were meeting us around 11:00 or 12:00 depending on whether you follow ZZUB time of ZZUB's Sister's time. We were spending the day with them in EPCOT and then heading to their house.

Finished with my chores, and having some time to kill, it occurred to me that I should leave a note in our room. For the next person who found it.

Years ago, I was reading a thread on the Resorts Board by a person who described the room they were in, including specifically the view. She loved the room and was excited about her stay there. About three or five responses down, someone posted that they had been in that exact same room. And posted the number.

I found that episode odd. As naive and silly as this sounds, when we’re in a hotel room, sometimes I think we’re the only people who have ever stayed there. And the only people who will ever have stayed there. The room is like Brigadoon. It’ll disappear as soon as we leave.

I don’t really think that way anymore. Although I still don’t like to consider what went on before us in a hotel room (too disgusting to contemplate). But now when we’re leaving our room at Disney World, I think about how excited and eager the next family who walks in that door will be. First day. Arriving. Seeing the room. The bunk beds and the view. I wonder if, like us, they will have been magically upgraded. I wonder if they’ll step out on the balcony and remember where they stayed the year before. I wonder what changes of fortune will have brought them to that place. It's an interesting thought experiment.

So I sat down on the edge of our bed, took out a piece of paper and wrote a note to the next residents of “our” room. Wished them well and let them know I prayed for them. And I did. I prayed the Lord would bless their visit and that they would have a great vacation. Then I slipped the note in the Bible in the nightstand. Right next to Psalm 18. Which contains one of ZZUB’s favorite verses, Psalm 18:31, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God”? God is God. ZZUB's a simple guy.

I put the Bible back in the nightstand and called for our car to be brought around. A few minutes later, a bellman was at the door to assist us with our eight billion bags. He loaded them on his cart and we headed out right behind him. But I was the last one out. I triple checked every drawer, nook and cranny. And thanked God again for what He provided. In many ways, that room, that view, was a love-letter from God. A message. He knew specifically how to remind us that He was with us. He knows how to bless us. Never has a valentine been so sweet.

We weren’t so sad to leave the Lodge, though. We had an afternoon in EPCOT ahead of us still. And the confidence that we’d be back. Someday.

Hopefully soon.

____

Click Here For Chapter Eighteen: (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=25189459#post25189459)

[PirateFish989]

Although I still don’t like to consider what went on before us in a hotel room (too disgusting to contemplate).



I don't like to consider what when on before me in my college dorm room. Or on the couch in my suite common area. :scared: Too horrid to think about.


I was very impresssed with your rhyming skills. And that's pretty darn gross that it smelled like pee. Pretty darn gross. But not as disgusting as the sock. Or the vomit.

Enjoyable, as always!

[2ScottishPrincesses]

[QUOTE=ZZUB;25055561 And thanked God again for what He provided. In many ways, that room, that view, was a love-letter from God. A message. He knew specifically how to remind us that He was with us. He knows how to bless us. Never has a valentine been so sweet.
[/QUOTE]


I loved your poem ZZUB but the few lines above I feel are the most poetic and touched me the most:lovestruc :worship:

[CRSNDSNY]

WONDERFUL! One of the best chapters yet!
THANKS!

[praisehisname]

What a wonderful chapter! You have such a gift for putting into words what a lot of us feel, but can't express.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the ZZUB family's future trips to the World!

Denise

[TarzansKat]

ZZUB, a great chapter, but I am saddened by the fact that we are nearing the end of your trip...and that so many bodily stenches assaulted you in Toontown...note to self...avoid Toontown like the plague after dark. ;)

[AshClan]

It was like the 3d piece of gum I take with me to church every week. It’s there more for an emergency, not because I ever chew through the first two pieces.

You chew GUM in church? Maybe it's just us Catholics, because of communion and all, but I would never THINK to chew gum in church.....In fact, I seem to recall getting in trouble for that once or twice as a kid.

Even from this limited view you can tell how much me and Buzz look alike.

I'm not quoting the picture in case you decide to delete it at some point (not out of the realm, I'm sure), but let me just say this. The chin hair, sure. But the guns? I don't know. Looks to me like someone is trying too hard.

It was hot and muggy, stinky too,
The late Sammy Davis Jr. was himself a Jew,

I think the arbitrary SDJ line you are looking for is "Sammy Davis Jr. only had one eye", Adam.:rolleyes:

I opened the door and saw the Hanging Envelope of Death. It mocked me for a second or three. Then I grabbed it off the door and flung it on top of our now mostly empty snack center.

Did you really eat ALL of those pop-tarts and Jelly Bellies??

Or I’m an unusual idiot.

I don't really think you're that unusual.

Great thing about the Lodge, there are several little places for you to have a sit down and write a note.

I've heard they have some neat alcoves.

Frankly, I don’t laugh quietly.

Is there anything you DO do quietly?:confused3

Gawd forbid a million times.

Frick is right. So played.

I can't believe it's almost over!!! Thank goodness LaLa has started a report. But I see some boring Monday mornings on my horizon.:sad2:

Nice job, Z.

[alldiz]

ZZUB....you are such a talented writer I hope you put some of that talent into your briefs;)

Not fair....you managed to slip a reference of the "cake" just when I thought I could go on with my life without ever tasting it...low blow.

You also couldn't resist showing off your "guns":rolleyes1

Now for the worst part....it sounds like your trip report is almost....gasp....OVER:scared1: Crazy as it is.....this depresses me:confused3
I feel like I am leaving my beloved lodge as well.

I might need to bake something yummy to feel better:lmao:
Thanks for the great read as always.
Kerri

[preschoolmom]

I've enjoyed your trip report very, very much.

I will be sad when it is over.

Will you randomly post political comments somewhere else on the Dis?

:thumbsup2 :lmao:

[New England Eeyore]

Great installment. I was especially impressed with your poetry, if a bit disturbed by it. I can't believe this report is almost over. You started it in September and it's only May? I thought you would take us at least into July.


It was like the 3d piece of gum I take with me to church every week. It’s there more for an emergency, not because I ever chew through the first two pieces.

Like AshClan, I'm Catholic and definitely would have been dealt with harshly by the nuns if I had ever chewed gum in church, but what I find even more disturbing is the fact that you remove 3 pieces of gum from a pack and take them with you. I do believe the entire pack would fit easily in your pocket.


Time was, every time I’d leave Disney World, I’d worry that I might not get to go back. I don’t so much fear that anymore. I know we’ll be back. If not next year, sometime soon after. Knowing that made missing the show ok in my mind. I’m not twelve anymore.
I have been fortunate enough to go to Disney 19 times in my life and it was only about 3 trips ago that I finally developed this attitude. Although when you have a 13 year gap between trips, it gives you a little bit of a complex that you might in fact not be back!


Weeks later, our friends were indeed at the Lodge and based on my instructions, found the note I left for them. However, the $20 bill I put inside was gone. Fancy that.

This is not at all surprising. You are ZZUB, after all, and have been in a battle with Disney for your wallet for how many years now? Skip the middlemen of the cashiers and just allow your money to absorb directly into the walls from now on.

[LISAMWDW]

Great chapter!

Love just love the note you left in the room!

[mikymouse]

Still, we pressed on. Mrs. Z needed to nurse the baby so she took off to find “a quiet place without a crowd.”

I have become quite the expert at spotting a quiet place for a "lunch break" and even though my days of being "MILKy mouse" are nearing the end it is a hard habit to stop. Looking. For a good spot. And much like my accumulating Disney knowledge, I have a hard time NOT pointing out a perfectly good spot when we are out and about.

Good spots include most train rides, dark shows, benches on the path to the picnic areas after 3PM, outside the exit doors Finding Nemo Show just after the show starts and many "alcoves" in some resorts. Bad Spots include the monorail (exclusion to the train rule), the little mermaid show where it is too dark to see on-coming ECV's, on the path to the picinc areas after 3PM unless there is a corporate picnic starting at 3:30PM.

It might take the children some time to resist the urge to hide under a blanket when large crowds are approaching.


So I sat down on the edge of our bed, took out a piece of paper and wrote a note to the next residents of “our” room. Wished them well and let them know I prayed for them. And I did. I prayed the Lord would bless their visit and that they would have a great vacation. Then I slipped the note in the Bible in the nightstand.

Now THAT is cool as "all get out".

We had a cake crisis at the office on friday. The girl who gets the monthly birthday cake was on vacation. We had to call the local bakery to see if our order was there, they asked for the names on the cake, we were almost of the point of randomly calling out "Johnny" or "Greta" when they found our cake and the crisis was avoided!

Happy Monday. Thanks for a great chapter!

[Credit Man]

Great chapter. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

[Philadisney]

Your poetic recount of Toontown After Dark might be one of the most clever things I have ever read on these boards. Hilarious! I am glad we still have another afternoon at Epcot with you before your family heads out of WDW.

[tina_la]

Beautifully written as usual. Thank you.

[ZZUB]

I don't like to consider what when on before me in my college dorm room. Or on the couch in my suite common area. :scared: Too horrid to think about.Funny thing, when I was in college, I never thought about what happened on furniture in the common areas. I focused my neuroses on other things then. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't take a nap on the TV room couch now. I wonder, do they even still have TV rooms?

I am saddened by the fact that we are nearing the end of your trip...and that so many bodily stenches assaulted you in Toontown...note to self...avoid Toontown like the plague after dark. ;)I'd say this was just a one-time occurence, but it seems to me on a prior visit we were assaulted by a beastly odor in Toontown. My advice, go early and hold you breath. Much like the people of West Virginia will do when they go to the polls tomorrow.

Did you really eat ALL of those pop-tarts and Jelly Bellies??Yes to the Pop Tarts, no to the Jelly Bellies. We only finished about half of those.

I don't really think you're that unusual.'preace.

Is there anything you DO do quietly?:confused3Chew gum, apparently.

Frick is right. So played.You might as well just say, "ZZUB, please keep using that phrase more."

I might need to bake something yummy to feel better:lmao: Thanks for the great read as always.If you DO decide to bake something, let me know and I'll PM you my address and you can mail me a slice of cake or two. That wouldn't be weird, would it?

Will you randomly post political comments somewhere else on the Dis?I will, in fact, randomly post political comments and post random political comments, too. LaLa has started a new TR and I will likely drop by there from time to time to snark her. And if Mel HappyHat's recent re-emergence (like the groundhog) is any indication that a new TR from her is in the offing, I'll periodically post there to tell her she's a miserable excuse for a human being. Or I may just start a whole thread on the topic.

I can't believe this report is almost over. You started it in September and it's only May? I thought you would take us at least into July.I haven't looked but I think the last two years, it took me until July to wrap up my TR. For some reason this one moved along faster.

Like AshClan, I'm Catholic and definitely would have been dealt with harshly by the nuns if I had ever chewed gum in church, but what I find even more disturbing is the fact that you remove 3 pieces of gum from a pack and take them with you. I do believe the entire pack would fit easily in your pocket.Evidently you and Ashclan chew like cows. I have mastered the art of the silent, nearly invisible chew. Except when I'm in the mood to really get my chew on and then I go for broke. As for why I don't put the pack in my pocket, too bulky. I don't need to have the full pack when 3 pieces (really 2) will do.

We had a cake crisis at the office on friday. The girl who gets the monthly birthday cake was on vacation. We had to call the local bakery to see if our order was there, they asked for the names on the cake, we were almost of the point of randomly calling out "Johnny" or "Greta" when they found our cake and the crisis was avoided!This had me in a cold sweat. You don't mess around with peoples' cake. A cake crisis is NOTHING to joke about.

:moped:

[camelotcats]

Sorry Toon Town smelled like Bodily functions....

And happy mother's day (Late) to Mrs ZZUB. I hope you got her a cake.

[TarzansKat]

I'd say this was just a one-time occurence, but it seems to me on a prior visit we were assaulted by a beastly odor in Toontown. My advice, go early and hold you breath.

To my recollection, you're not the only one. I belive CampbellScot was assualted by similar odors during her jaunt into Toontown in her trip report. Gosh, would I love to meet some princesses, but oh how I loathe what we'll have to withstand. Perhaps gas masks would be helpful?


Much like the people of West Virginia will do when they go to the polls tomorrow.



:lmao:

[scrapbookersdis]

So the Bard's banal, but you'll purloin Wordsworth?

Except for the Toontown Ode, which you lifted word for word from Blake.

For overuse of scatological and urinary references: D-
For note to strangers: A+

P.S. The princess line could not have been sweaty. The building is airconditioned. Or are you making it up as you go along?

[ldadar]

baked a pound cake this morning. thought of ZZUB. reflected on my sanity.

not gonna fry it and drizzle with carmel. gonna dip it in warm chocolate.

[LegoMom3]

He's not actually someone I look up to. But of all the Disney characters, he's the one I like the most. Buzz Lightyear is funny, loyal and has something of a hero complex. I reckon those are qualities I admire. In a cartoon character. He also vaguely favors me physically.

"You're a sad, strange little man...." ;)


If you've been reading my Trip Reports for very long, you have probably noticed we don't post pictures of ourselves. There are reasons for that. And no, it's not because we're criminally ugly.

Actually, my theory is that you aren't really a lawyer from the Pacific Northwest - you're a famous celebrity (is that redundant?!...) who's trying to enjoy some anonimity and just share the joys of your family, your life and your trips to Disney with all us "regular" folk! :rolleyes:


We boarded the boat and enjoyed a nice, cool ride back to the Lodge. Our last boat ride of the trip. We passed the Electrical Water Pageant along the way. Which was cool. Like it was there just for us.

The EWP is one of those Disney things that seems so simple that I keep wondering in the back of my mind how much longer it's going to last, and yet every time I see it I get that warm, fuzzy Disney feeling.



Finished with my chores, and having some time to kill, it occurred to me that I should leave a note in our room. For the next person who found it.....
So I sat down on the edge of our bed, took out a piece of paper and wrote a note to the next residents of “our” room. Wished them well and let them know I prayed for them. And I did. I prayed the Lord would bless their visit and that they would have a great vacation. Then I slipped the note in the Bible in the nightstand. Right next to Psalm 18. Which contains one of ZZUB’s favorite verses, Psalm 18:31, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God”? God is God. ZZUB's a simple guy.

THAT put a lump in my throat!!!! :sad1: Wow. That is awesome.


I put the Bible back in the nightstand and called for our car to be brought around. A few minutes later, a bellman was at the door to assist us with our eight billion bags. He loaded them on his cart and we headed out right behind him. But I was the last one out. I triple checked every drawer, nook and cranny. And thanked God again for what He provided. In many ways, that room, that view, was a love-letter from God. A message. He knew specifically how to remind us that He was with us. He knows how to bless us. Never has a valentine been so sweet.

Another great ending to another great installment! You HAVE to go back soon.... What will the TR thread of the DIS do without regular Zzub updates?!.....the horror! :eek:



.

[LaLa]

Except for that little piece of leftover spaghetti on the chin. From the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, no doubt. And if you go by that, you're practically twins.



Ode to a Commode: Toontown After Dark

Toontown, Toontown. Toontown after dark,
Crowded and smelly, and filled with snark,
Mickey’s house is pungent, it reeks of sweat,
Dirty socks, and damp t’shirts, the worst smells yet,
A smell so bad it makes us flee,
I choke and retch from the stench of pee.
Pee? Yes pee. It reeked of pee!
The vapors from which you could almost see,
Out in the night, fresh air we inhaled,
But the streets were so crowded my toe got nailed
By a reckless cad on an ECV,
Which actually was more pleasant than the stench of pee.
Pee? Yes pee. It reeked of pee!
Disgusting it was, the House of Mickey.

To find the princesses was my daughter’s aim,
Not getting peed on or stepped on was my new game.
We stood in a line that did not end,
We waited forever without a friend,
It was hot and muggy, stinky too,
The late Sammy Davis Jr. was himself a Jew,
Pee would be roses compared to the stench of that queue.
We’d traded pee for the pungent odor of poo.
Poo? Yes, poo. But what could be done?!
ZZUBY wanted to see princesses, there was no way to run.
Eventually Disney princesses we did see,
Cinderella, Rain Black and Sleeping Beauty.
Not worth the wait, our time in line,
Snap, snap, smile, smile we were out in no time,
Forced into a dump shop, most correctly named,
Crappy toys and prizes; more smells of the same.
Poo? Yes poo. But also sweat and pee,
It was an ironic and filthy potpourri.

In walked Mrs. Z, baby in tow,
She looked quite annoyed, her stack ready to blow,
She’d found a quiet bench all alone, all right,
The spot seemed ideal, but she was in for a fright,
No sooner would she begin to fill the baby full,
When in came a train loaded down with people.
A full view of her nursing task they did not see,
She had properly covered her work rightfully,
Still she was embarrassed to have a train-full of stares,
Me? I said, “eh,” I’ve got bigger cares,
Like the stench of pee and poo, sweat and BO.
One thing is clear, she did not give them a show,
They didn’t see a thing, of that it can be said,
But my wife holding the baby, a blanket on her head.
“I am done, I am done! Get me out of here,” said she.
“I agree, let’s go, I can’t stand this stench of pee.”
“Pee? Is it pee? Is that the smell? How can it be?
“Pee, yes pee, poo and sweat, it’s all three.”
“Then it’s agreed from this town of toons we must flee.”

I’m not twelve anymore.

You sure about that?

I found such a place, drank my crappy, but Disney, coffee and wrote our friends a note. Which made me laugh. Which made people walking by wonder what was up with that guy cackling and giggling. Frankly, I don’t laugh quietly.

The mental image I have of you sitting around the Lodge composing a letter for your friends and giggling out loud as you write it completely cracks me up. For the record, I'm DEDDER than DED. Who thinks to hide a note for someone to find weeks later?! I disagree with my girl Ash. You are an unusual idiot. An unusually funny one.

Weeks later, our friends were indeed at the Lodge and based on my instructions, found the note I left for them. However, the $20 bill I put inside was gone. Fancy that.

I feel quite sure the pungent odor of pee and poo remained.

Although I still don’t like to consider what went on before us in a hotel room (too disgusting to contemplate).

I'm sure the people who found the note in the nightstand feel the same.

So I sat down on the edge of our bed, took out a piece of paper and wrote a note to the next residents of “our” room. Wished them well and let them know I prayed for them. And I did. I prayed the Lord would bless their visit and that they would have a great vacation. Then I slipped the note in the Bible in the nightstand. Right next to Psalm 18. Which contains one of ZZUB’s favorite verses, Psalm 18:31, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God”? God is God. ZZUB's a simple guy.

If I didn't have such extreme and utter disdain for you and your gun toting, three day shadow wearing self, I might actually think you're an allright guy, ZZUB. That was very, very cool and I'm sure it blessed whoever found it.

In many ways, that room, that view, was a love-letter from God. A message. He knew specifically how to remind us that He was with us. He knows how to bless us. Never has a valentine been so sweet.

LOVED this one. What an awesome end to an awesome stay. I'm sad that your trip report is coming to a close, ZZUB. But at least we've got Epicot left.

:moped:

[ZZUB]

And happy mother's day (Late) to Mrs ZZUB. I hope you got her a cake.Sadly, no. Mrs. Z isn't crazy go nuts for cake like her husband. She's all about cookies. So she got those instead. But Father's Day approaches and I've made it painfully clear that if I do not see some Butter Grilled Pound Cake on my day, then I will cease and desist bathing and/or using deoderant and/or going to work.

The princess line could not have been sweaty. The building is airconditioned. Or are you making it up as you go along?Have you never been in a Quincy's, a Shoney's, a Wal*Mart or any ride at Disney World on a hot day? Just b/c the queue for the Princesses was airconditioned, doesn't mean the rest of the Magic Kingdom was. And in any event, I'm not aware that a/c has any smell muting power over the likes of pee, poop and sweat. If your air conditioner can neutralize those odors, please patent your system and market it to Disney, Wal*Mart and just about every store, restaurant and gas station south of the Mason Dixon line and West of the Rockies.

baked a pound cake this morning. thought of ZZUB. reflected on my sanity.THAT made me laugh. FYI: chocolate or caramel, it's all good.

"You're a sad, strange little man...."Well played. And one of my favorite lines from Toy Story.

Actually, my theory is that you aren't really a lawyer from the Pacific Northwest - you're a famous celebrity (is that redundant?!...) who's trying to enjoy some anonimity and just share the joys of your family, your life and your trips to Disney with all us "regular" folk!Based on my time sheet today, I'd say you're half right. But I am just a guy who enjoys sharing my family's stories with other people.

Credit Man: Good to see you around here again. Haven't seen a post from you in a while.

La2:I had a heck of a time reading and laughing at your most recent chapter on your TR. The picture of Mel's foot made me laugh. And then retch. And then I laughed at that.

:moped:

[Backstage_Gal]

Another GREAT update, Zzub. I too am very sad to see your trip come to an end.

Maybe you could stretch things out after this one by doing some more compare and contrast postings in great detail, to tide us over till the next one.

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Since we’d already established that cleaning wasn’t really what housekeeping was about, I figured the bigger challenge was putting it in a place that other people wouldn’t come across it easily. I found just the spot and secured the note in its place. Then I walked around it a few times to make sure it was well-concealed. It was.
So where did you hide it?

We weren’t so sad to leave the Lodge, though. We had an afternoon in EPCOT ahead of us still. And the confidence that we’d be back. Someday.

Hopefully soon.

____

Oh no it's coming to an end.

[DVCTiff]

Somewhere in the heavens, Theodor Geisel is applauding while alternately holding his nose. Bravo.

Though I don't believe in God, your belief in God is so touching and enough for me, to believe that you believe. Thank you for that.

I will put you on the short list of people we'd be willing to rent our DVC points to. It would be our honor.

Can't wait for the rest.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Buzz Lightyear is funny, loyal and has something of a hero complex. I reckon those are qualities I admire. In a cartoon character. He also vaguely favors me physically.

Really? Hm. Ok:

Hero Complex: Check.
Goatee: Check.
Impressive Guns: Check(ish).
Retractable Clear Dome Over Your Head: Not seeing it. You edited that part out of the picture, didn't you. Yeah. That would TOTALLY give you away.

We threw tradition out the window like a .38 Special cassette tape which belonged to your best friend’s ex-girlfriend.

Apparently you hold on loosely. And you DO let go. If you cling to tightly. You're gonna lose it. You're gonna lose control.

I’m not twelve anymore.

So tell us. Where did you celebrate the big 1-3? And why weren't we invited? You kept all of the BGPC for yourself, didn't you?

Ironically, when I think about that night now so many months removed, it makes me yearn for it. For all my hard edged intensity, I’m just a guy who loves his wife and girls and craves sweet moments like that.

And BGPC.

For all my good-hearted goofing on you Z, I believe this with all my heart.

Great thing about the Lodge, there are several little places for you to have a sit down and write a note.

Or nap. Not that I'd know anything about that. But I read things.

So I sat down on the edge of our bed, took out a piece of paper and wrote a note to the next residents of “our” room. Wished them well and let them know I prayed for them. And I did. I prayed the Lord would bless their visit and that they would have a great vacation. Then I slipped the note in the Bible in the nightstand. Right next to Psalm 18. Which contains one of ZZUB’s favorite verses, Psalm 18:31, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God”? God is God. ZZUB's a simple guy.

Ok, really, it's not the 765 Britney, NObama, or U2 lyric references that bring us flocking to read your trippies.

It's this. It's you. God is God. ZZUB is ZZUB. And I don't think we'd want it any other way.

The experience was so curious, it led me to rhyming couplets.

Ode to a Commode: Toontown After Dark

Channeling Seuss I see you were not.
For all you discussed is what goes in the pot
And swirls down, down, down and right out of sight.
Much like in Canada that odiferous night.
The ginger was plenty, the teppan not bad
As ZZUB reflected on the dinner he'd had.
Then bit in the rear by a need so acute
He bolted and ran on a 'northerly' route.
I've ne'er heard so much talk of pee, poo and sweat,
Though admittedly ZZUB has one chapter yet
To share with all his admiring fans
Before he hopefully share with all of us his plans
For another trip to La's Land of Yellow.
One more 'Journey into' what ZZUB could smell - oh
And don't forget vomit with a hidden Mouse head.
ZZUB this chappie truly left me DED.

:flower3:

[tina_la]

Really? Hm. Ok:

Hero Complex: Check.
Goatee: Check.
Impressive Guns: Check(ish).
Retractable Clear Dome Over Your Head: Not seeing it. You edited that part out of the picture, didn't you. Yeah. That would TOTALLY give you away.



Apparently you hold on loosely. And you DO let go. If you cling to tightly. You're gonna lose it. You're gonna lose control.



So tell us. Where did you celebrate the big 1-3? And why weren't we invited? You kept all of the BGPC for yourself, didn't you?



And BGPC.

For all my good-hearted goofing on you Z, I believe this with all my heart.



Or nap. Not that I'd know anything about that. But I read things.



Ok, really, it's not the 765 Britney, NObama, or U2 lyric references that bring us flocking to read your trippies.

It's this. It's you. God is God. ZZUB is ZZUB. And I don't think we'd want it any other way.



Channeling Seuss I see you were not.
For all you discussed is what goes in the pot
And swirls down, down, down and right out of sight.
Much like in Canada that odiferous night.
The ginger was plenty, the teppan not bad
As ZZUB reflected on the dinner he'd had.
Then bit in the rear by a need so acute
He bolted and ran on a 'northerly' route.
I've ne'er heard so much talk of pee, poo and sweat,
Though admittedly ZZUB has one chapter yet
To share with all his admiring fans
Before he hopefully share with all of us his plans
For another trip to La's Land of Yellow.
One more 'Journey into' what ZZUB could smell - oh
And don't forget vomit with a hidden Mouse head.
ZZUB this chappie truly left me DED.

:flower3:

:lmao: one of the funniest odes ever! NOZZUB.

[ZZUB]

Maybe you could stretch things out after this one by doing some more compare and contrast postings in great detail, to tide us over till the next one.I don't know, I think some would argue I've stretched this out long enough. But thank you for wanting to read more.

Somewhere in the heavens, Theodor Geisel is applauding while alternately holding his nose. Bravo.

Though I don't believe in God, your belief in God is so touching and enough for me, to believe that you believe. Thank you for that.

I will put you on the short list of people we'd be willing to rent our DVC points to. It would be our honor.

Can't wait for the rest.I hope I made Dr. Geisel proud. DVCTiff, thank you for being willling to rent your DVC points to us. Since you don't have to clean up after us, I imagine if we did rent from you, you'd have no problems with us. :)

Thank you also for your candid assesment of your position with God. You know, I didn't always believe in God either. I am eternally grateful for the men and women of faith who went before me and helped me discover Him. If I am one of those people in your life, then won't we have a great time in Heaven? For what it's worth, that you chose to capitalize God in each reference to Him speaks volumes about your character. I will put you on the short list of people I would be willing to rent from.

Tinkerbellarella:I was all set to give you mad props for your excellent rhyming, and yet, on closer examination, I realized I'd been hate-crimed.

Hero Complex: Check.
Goatee: Check.
Impressive Guns: Check(ish).Check(ish)?! I don't think so. These babies are pure steel! You bump into my guns, you bounce back is what I'm saying. With a big ol' dent in your head.

So tell us. Where did you celebrate the big 1-3? And why weren't we invited? You kept all of the BGPC for yourself, didn't you?At a temple in South Florida where I was bar mitzvahed (remember, I was raised Jewish). I don't recall any Butter Grilled Pound Cake but there was a spread you think you died and went to heaven. And a very nice, very moist cake emblazzoned with the words, "Mazel Tov."

Channeling Seuss I see you were not.
For all you discussed is what goes in the pot
And swirls down, down, down and right out of sight.
Much like in Canada that odiferous night.
The ginger was plenty, the teppan not bad
As ZZUB reflected on the dinner he'd had.
Then bit in the rear by a need so acute
He bolted and ran on a 'northerly' route.
I've ne'er heard so much talk of pee, poo and sweat,
Though admittedly ZZUB has one chapter yet
To share with all his admiring fans
Before he hopefully share with all of us his plans
For another trip to La's Land of Yellow.
One more 'Journey into' what ZZUB could smell - oh
And don't forget vomit with a hidden Mouse head.
ZZUB this chappie truly left me DED.That totally rocks, Tinkerbellarella! Thank you very much for the time you spent writing that. It almost, almost makes up for your ill-advised crack on my guns.


:lmao: one of the funniest odes ever! NOZZUB.None taken. I agree whole-heartedly.

:moped:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Check(ish)?! I don't think so. These babies are pure steel! You bump into my guns, you bounce back is what I'm saying. With a big ol' dent in your head.

Z, oh one of the copious gunnage, what could I hath possibly been thinking?! Perhaps I was so mesmerized by said gunnular display that I foundeth mine own self to be completely disorientated and knew not what I spoke.

Or maybe the plastic-y guns you were posing by had me confused.

Or maybe I just can't come to grips with only "picturing" you based on your knees, calves, big boy shorts, a goatee and a single gun.

Or am just perturbed that I'm trying to 'picture' you at all.

And yes, I'm aware of where the line for the Ignore quilting bee is. But is it a Fastpass?

That totally rocks, Tinkerbellarella! Thank you very much for the time you spent writing that. It almost, almost makes up for your ill-advised crack on my guns.

That's what you get when I allow my brain to take a recess from working for 1,100 lawyers. Not that you'd know anything about that. But I'm sure your secretary could write a novel. I'd be particularly interested in the chapter entitled, "Swiss Cake Rolls: The Point of No Return".

Roll that tide I keep hearing about.

:moped:

[PirateFish989]

Funny thing, when I was in college, I never thought about what happened on furniture in the common areas. I focused my neuroses on other things then. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't take a nap on the TV room couch now. I wonder, do they even still have TV rooms?



TV rooms are now called lounges.

Really? Hm. Ok:

Hero Complex: Check.
Goatee: Check.
Impressive Guns: Check(ish).
Retractable Clear Dome Over Your Head: Not seeing it. You edited that part out of the picture, didn't you. Yeah. That would TOTALLY give you away.



Tinkabellarella, that made me laugh out loud. Which caused my roommate to give me a strange what-was-that-for look (I know she was thinking "Oh good grief! She's reading that silly Disney website AGAIN," and then she rolls her eyes). To which I snickered some more and continued to read.


Channeling Seuss I see you were not.
For all you discussed is what goes in the pot
And swirls down, down, down and right out of sight.
Much like in Canada that odiferous night.
The ginger was plenty, the teppan not bad
As ZZUB reflected on the dinner he'd had.
Then bit in the rear by a need so acute
He bolted and ran on a 'northerly' route.
I've ne'er heard so much talk of pee, poo and sweat,
Though admittedly ZZUB has one chapter yet
To share with all his admiring fans
Before he hopefully share with all of us his plans
For another trip to La's Land of Yellow.
One more 'Journey into' what ZZUB could smell - oh
And don't forget vomit with a hidden Mouse head.
ZZUB this chappie truly left me DED.

:flower3:

Theodore Geisel would be proud! And impressed. As rhyming like that is hard to do. I've tried.

Everytime Dr. Seuss is mentioned in this thread, I can't help but think about the library at my college, which is named after him.

[ldadar]

It’s 3 in the morning and all through the house
Not a creature is stirring except for my mouse
And my fingers and brain cells, they’re stirring too
I need me some pound cake or beezle nut stew
(Please not the hot oil, don’t fry me alive
I might stay up writing ‘til a quarter past 5.
Although my name used to be Horton, (not who,)
This is about ZZUB, and Disney and poo)

I do not know why I am dis board obsessed
Why I have to read LaLa, Sneezie and all of the rest
But I’m happy to be here to hang out with you
I want to be one of the cool kidz, too.
I‘ve been writing a trippie, it’s really quite good
At least in my head. (I’ve not yet typed a word.)
Oops! Good and word they don’t really rhyme
Perhaps I should post this now at this time
Before I stay up all through the night
thinking of Disney and all its delight

Thank you, thank you, thank you all
For all of the chuckles no matter how small

Thank you. Thank you for showing the love
Straight from ZZUB’s heart and heaven above.

[nicolemarie]

did Toontown really,
REALLY smell like poo?

I'm saddest ever. I've never had that experience.

Life is crazy in the NM house this week - too much going on and not enough time to do it all, but AS ALWAYS, thanks for the awesome installment!

I hate to see this report coming to an end. Thanks so much for sharing your tale with us. It's been a hilarious ride.

:moped:

[LaLa]

Toilets are stinky and voilets are too.

I have no doubt that as soon as I post this, NM will have fixed that but I couldn't resist.

I‘ve been writing a trippie, it’s really quite good
At least in my head. (I’ve not yet typed a word.)

This made me laugh out loud. Awesome prose.

And yes, I'm aware of where the line for the Ignore quilting bee is. But is it a Fastpass?

It may not be as Fastpass worthy as Maelstrom but stick around. We've got cake. A nice, moist one emblazoned with the words "Happy Birthday Elvis"

Sadly, no. Mrs. Z isn't crazy go nuts for cake like her husband. She's all about cookies.

You should take her to Universal. They have good cookies.

:moped:

[Yzma and Kronk]

Borg NM!

I so happy.

I've just emerged from Birthday and Mother's Day festivities to find the second last chapter of Zzub.

Ah, the wonderful smells of Disney!

And put to rhyme too.

Zzub - great chapter.

Looking forward to the end....so to speak.

[ZZUB]

Z, oh one of the copious gunnageThat's more like it.

And yes, I'm aware of where the line for the Ignore quilting bee is. But is it a Fastpass?You're no where near Ignoreland. Anymore. You were, but you've redeemed yourself nicely. Carry on.

Thank you. Thank you for showing the love
Straight from ZZUB’s heart and heaven above.'preace the compliment. I enjoyed the poem as well.

did Toontown really, REALLY smell like poo?Not just poo. It was pee, sweat and poo. With a hint of some other smell we couldn't identify. Maybe burnt cheese.

I'm saddest ever. I've never had that experience.You're saddest ever you've never had your nose assaulted with pee/poo/sweat and burnt cheese?! What's wrong with you?!

I hate to see this report coming to an end.Yes, we all know how you hate endings. Which must explain why you haven't finished your last TR.
Toilets are stinky and voilets are too.You do NOT want to mess with a voilet! I used one once down in the Bahamas. Scary stuff.

Awesome prose.Actually, it was poety. It had a metric structure.

I've just emerged from Birthday and Mother's Day festivities to find the second last chapter of Zzub.Happy birthday YaK! What's that now? 29?



To any and all interested readers: Update Monday will come early. I plan to post the last chapter this coming Monday, May 19th. See you then.

:moped:

[CRSNDSNY]

To any and all interested readers: Update Monday will come early. I plan to post the last chapter this coming Monday, May 19th. See you then.

:moped:
Gee, do you think you have any interested readers on this thread??!! :confused3



:rotfl:

[LaLa]

You do NOT want to mess with a voilet! I used one once down in the Bahamas. Scary stuff.


I'm sure it came away from the experience saying "You do NOT want to mess with a ZZUB!"


Gee, do you think you have any interested readers on this thread??!! :confused3


:rotfl:

I don't know about yall but I'm not interested in the least. It's too confusing and long for me.

I'm bucking tradition and picking a new smilie. Drive. It's the new FHOAM.

:drive:

[LISAMWDW]

Gee, do you think you have any interested readers on this thread??!! :confused3



:rotfl:

:rotfl2:

Not the last chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yzma and Kronk]

Happy birthday YaK! What's that now? 29?


To any and all interested readers: Update Monday will come early. I plan to post the last chapter this coming Monday, May 19th. See you then.

:moped:

Thanks for the birthday wishes Zzub - early! I'm not going to be 29 for a few more months.

It was my DS's 10th on Mother's Day.

It was soooo nice to share the day with him.

On his 5th/Mother's Day we celebrated at the MK. And were pre-dreamed with free Disney Candy right outside the poo/pee/burnt cheese section of Toontown! The CM saw his "Birthday Button" and asked if she could give him "free" stuff. Duh, yes!

I see you are finishing on Victoria Day/Fireworks Day/The big two-four long weekend here in Canada.

Mel will be pleased.

Or interested.

:banana:

[lisalonglash]

Great stuff! Looking forward to the next installment (but I'm tres annoyed that the trip report is almost over :sad2:). Couldn't you just drag the TR out until your next trip? :confused3 :rolleyes1

[ldadar]

Who noticed the google ads? If you need help with bo or bad breath, click away.

(No mention of toon town pee, poop, or burnt cheese smells.)

[Liz]

Zzub, you're making me cheat on my husband! :rotfl: We're supposed to read your posts together as a family but I can't help myself and end up sneak reading them first! Then when we read them together I have to act like its the first time I've heard your witty prose! I think they're on to me though and yeah, I might have admitted my addiction to Zzub. Do I get extra credit for reading it twice??

[HeyIt'sMe]

Thanks for another great installment.

Your hiding a note at the WL made me think of this .....

In the years we don't go to Disney one of the places we go is Destin, FL. When we do go to Destin we stay in the same resort, same unit.

The first time we stayed at the resort was in 1999 when our DD was 2. She had some Teletubby stickers with her and before we left I stuck a purple one ("Tinky Winky") under the drawer in the master bath vanity to see if when we returned one day it would be there.

We returned to Destin in 2001 and the first thing I did when we got into the room was head to check on the sticker. Two years later Tinky Winky was still there.

We didn't get back to Destin until 2007 so many years had passed since we last saw Tinky Winky. Would you believe he was STILL there??? But someone had discovered him because his body had been ripped off and then reattached under where his head was still securely adhered. I took some pictures and then removed Tinky Winky so we could take him home. I figured 8 years was long enough! ;)

[disney junky]

Zzub. Thanks for the great installment. I think I'm going to steal your idea. Do I have to pay you royalties? After all, you're the attorney.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Tinkabellarella, that made me laugh out loud. Which caused my roommate to give me a strange what-was-that-for look (I know she was thinking "Oh good grief! She's reading that silly Disney website AGAIN," and then she rolls her eyes). To which I snickered some more and continued to read.

Glad to have passed on a smile to you.

Whenever I'm on the couch on my laptop while the BF is watching TV and I laugh, he looks sideways at my screen, sees the wealth of smilies and character avatars that abound on the DIS and just rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

In true ZZUB fashion - poo to him.

It may not be as Fastpass worthy as Maelstrom but stick around. We've got cake. A nice, moist one emblazoned with the words "Happy Birthday Elvis"

I don't plan on going anywhere.
Except maybe over to your trippie to give it some love.
And to TarzanKat's pre-trippie because she's my long lost sister.
And to my own pre-trippie to update it. Once I'm done procrastinating on that front.
And to my 1,359 other subscriptions.
And to the Arches for a chocolate shake.

But other than that, I'll be here.

You're no where near Ignoreland. Anymore. You were, but you've redeemed yourself nicely. Carry on.

Is it sad that I'm strangely drawn to Ignoreland? Like it's got its own gravitational pull? Maybe like the good girls going after the bad boys theory? I dunno.

La did say they have cake.

Which makes me wonder why you haven't put yourself on Ignore.

To any and all interested readers: Update Monday will come early. I plan to post the last chapter this coming Monday, May 19th. See you then.

:moped:

This makes me sad.
And numb.
And I'm a little hungry.
But I don't think that last part is related.

:moped:

[TarzansKat]

And to TarzanKat's pre-trippie because she's my long lost sister.


Here, here! :thumbsup2



Is it sad that I'm strangely drawn to Ignoreland? Like it's got its own gravitational pull? Maybe like the good girls going after the bad boys theory? I dunno.

Did you by any chance date someone sad, lonely, and misunderstood in high school?


La did say they have cake.

Which makes me wonder why you haven't put yourself on Ignore.
:lmao:



And I'm a little hungry.
But I don't think that last part is related.

:moped:

Might I point out to assuage your hunger that McDonald's is offering free chicken sandwiches today with the purchase of a medium or large drink?

:::scuffle, scuffle, slam, car engine revs, peals out:::

Must have been ZZUB! ;)

[DVCTiff]

While we're all (patiently) waiting for ZZUB's latest installment (in denial that it may be the last), just wanted to throw it out there that I'll be in the World in a week and a half if anyone wants postcards sent to their kids or Main Street Cinnamon Rolls Fedexed home.

We love sending postcards from the Princesses or Buzz to kids at home (with nary a neener neener) so please don't hesitate to PM me!

And now back to our regularly scheduled sarcasm, side splitting humor, and inside jokes.

[PISCESANGEL]

This had me in a cold sweat. You don't mess around with peoples' cake. A cake crisis is NOTHING to joke about.

:moped:

Couldn't have said it better... :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[Frickles]

I will, in fact, randomly post political comments and post random political comments, too. LaLa has started a new TR and I will likely drop by there from time to time to snark her. And if Mel HappyHat's recent re-emergence (like the groundhog) is any indication that a new TR from her is in the offing, I'll periodically post there to tell her she's a miserable excuse for a human being. Or I may just start a whole thread on the topic.

I'm feeling a little like your best friend's ex-girlfriend's .38 Special tape.



Well it was a loverly chapter and I am said that it is almost over. Really, I am.

I was able to use my witty math skills and re-edit that picture you posted so that I could see the whole thing. :scared1:

[ZZUB]

We're supposed to read your posts together as a family but I can't help myself and end up sneak reading them first! Then when we read them together I have to act like its the first time I've heard your witty prose! I think they're on to me though and yeah, I might have admitted my addiction to Zzub. Do I get extra credit for reading it twice??If I gave credit at all, you'd be losing points for only reading it twice! All kidding aside, I'm glad you and your family are enjoying my Trip Report.

HeyIt'sMe: Your story reminded me of another one: a long time ago, my wife and I drove across country twice. Both times we stayed at a friend's house along the way. The second summer, when they showed us to the guest room, Stafford dove under the bed. I yelled at him to come out. He eventually did. Holding his purple ball in his mouth. That he left there the year before. We were DED! How funny is my dog leaving a ball behind and remembering it? How nasty are our friends not cleaning under the bed in a year's time?!

Zzub. Thanks for the great installment. I think I'm going to steal your idea. Do I have to pay you royalties? After all, you're the attorney.I have no idea which idea you plan to steal. So of course you MUST pay me royalties.

La did say they have cake. Which makes me wonder why you haven't put yourself on Ignore.First of all, when did you and LaLa get on first syllable terms? Secondly, La2 is a liar. Just b/c she says they have cake doesn't mean they do. In fact, you should assume they DON'T. Finally, I put myself on ignore last week. It didn't take.

:::scuffle, scuffle, slam, car engine revs, peals out:::Must have been ZZUB! ;)Ironically, THAT'S EXACTLY where I ate lunch today. ZZUB loves him some southern style chicken sandwich. The free part didn't hurt neither.

I'll be in the World in a week and a half if anyone wants postcards sent to their kids or Main Street Cinnamon Rolls Fedexed home.What a not-so-subtle-way of letting us know you'll be in Disney World next week. Sticking it to us! Can you send us some stickers? ZZUBY loves her some stickers.

I'm feeling a little like your best friend's ex-girlfriend's .38 Special tape.Well you should but not for the reason you imply. Your TR is over. Why would I be posting on a closed TR? You can't even do that!

:moped:

[Frickles]

Say Wha?!?!

Did I get closed down and not know it??

[DVCTiff]

Can you send us some stickers? ZZUBY loves her some stickers.


Oh nice, ZZUB.

ZZUBY loves stickers like she loved them in the Fall of 2006? Cause if memory serves, from the trip report I read two seconds ago, she's not such a big fan. Now I know kids can change their minds faster than the Sonics change hometowns (okay, that's not so fast apparently), but I was sincerely offering....

I'd better tell Cady no need to finish the postcard to Schpuppin either!

:sad2:

[shortyK]

Thanks, Zzub - I may now lose my job because I've had to go back and read all of your other trip reports since I love this one so much and have gotten NOTHING done :rotfl:

[TarzansKat]

HeyIt'sMe: Your story reminded me of another one: a long time ago, my wife and I drove across country twice. Both times we stayed at a friend's house along the way. The second summer, when they showed us to the guest room, Stafford dove under the bed. I yelled at him to come out. He eventually did. Holding his purple ball in his mouth. That he left there the year before. We were DED! How funny is my dog leaving a ball behind and remembering it? How nasty are our friends not cleaning under the bed in a year's time?!
Your poor dog probably missed that ball all year long!:lmao:


Ironically, THAT'S EXACTLY where I ate lunch today. ZZUB loves him some southern style chicken sandwich. The free part didn't hurt neither.

I'll let you in on a lil sumpin. I did too! Actually, I was surprised at how good it was. When I finally got home to eat it. Because even though our new McDonalds opened up several months ago, they are still slow as molasses at the drive-through. And then got my son's happy meal wrong. After I had already pulled out of the drive-through line. Which I guess is my own fault for not checking it. But since I had to remind them I had actually ordered a happy meal, I was under the mistaken assumption they might actually get it right. Even though they also forgot to give me the beverage, which I calmly reminded the nice lady at the window. After which I realized the happy meal was not what we ordered. At which point I had to park, go in, and rectify the situation. And I know you're familiar with three year olds. And if you give them chicken nuggets instead of the cheeseburger they asked you for :scared1:

Rant over...:::thud::...stepping off soap box. Boy, who knew such a small thing like a yummy free chicken sandwich could hit such a nerve!:rotfl2:

[LaLa]

Secondly, La2 is a liar. Just b/c she says they have cake doesn't mean they do. In fact, you should assume they DON'T.

I'm outraged, numb and eight other words that mean all worked up over this personal attack on my character. Translation: you've just given me yet another reason to loathe you and the horse you rode in on, ZZUB ZZUBster. Next you'll be insinuating that I never won gold in the Olympic Waterslide Event after all.

Typical.

And Tink? As usual, ZZUB doesn't know what the heck he's talking about. Not only do we have cake (the kind which shall not be named), but we also have Tshirts and bumper stickers.

They read "Honk if you can read this" So far, nothing. But a girl can hope.

:clown:

[DVCTiff]

I hope it's taking so long because ZZUB is trying to come up with a sentence better than this one:

"I gave my little girl her hat and she promptly put it on her head."

A gem from Report IV. I never knew what "numb" meant until I read that.

Sorry, have to get back to my list of cool stuff I'm sending to folks back home from my upcoming trip.......:cool1:

[Piglets Mommy]

Thanks for another great installment, Zzub!!! Sorry it took me so long to read it...with all the crazy stuff going on around here lately, I've been around a lot less.

Anyway, thanks for bringing laughter to my heart, and a tear to my eye...You not only are a great writer, but you love your family and love the Lord, which makes you an all around great guy and keeps me coming back!

I'm anxiously awayting the next installment but an so sad that that means this great trip trport is coming to an end.

[EEyorelover22]

Well...if you have a Cheesecake Factory near you...they have chocolate cake that DS says is excellent.:goodvibes It looked yummy to me.

[ZZUB]

Chapter Eighteen: What’s Next

If you want a little slice of Heaven right here on Earth, then spend an entire afternoon in EPCOT with no itinerary and no crowds, with nothing but time on your hands and Fastpasses to burn.

We had no pre-set agenda for what we were calling our bonus day in EPCOT. We had already spent two days there. That was the cake. This last day was the icing.

Dude, I’m so cake metaphor.

ZZUBY had grown somewhat frustrated by Turtle Talk with Crush because Crush never talks to her. We convinced her to try it one more time. First of course, we were required to ride Nemo. ZZUBY wanted to ride with her aunt and cousins, so Mrs. Z, Baby Z and I rode in a clamshell by ourselves. We took a picture of the three of us, Baby Z's face was smushed up next to our faces. We looked warm.

After Nemo, we headed to Crush. We got there just as they were letting people in. ZZUBY and my niece took their place on the floor and the rest of us found seats on the benches.

The show started and Crush began talking with kids in the human tank. He called on a kid on the opposite side of ZZUBY first. Which prompted ZZUBY to turn around and shoot us a knowing, “see, he’s not going to call on me” look. I knew from earlier shows that the first kid just gets asked one question, but the second kid gets more attention, so in my mind it was ok that Crush didn’t call on ZZUBY first. He finished with the first kid and then looked for another kid to talk to.

And dang if he didn’t call on the little girl in the red shell. ZZUBY was over the moon. Crush asked her who she was there with and ZZUBY said, “my mom, dad and my sister and my aunt and uncle and my cousins.”

Then Crush asked where her parental units were. Mrs. Z and I proudly identified ourselves. Some of us more proudly than others, I suppose. Because Crush turned his attention to me.

If comparing guns with my boy Buzz was cool, and it was, getting to hang with Crush was wicked awesome. If I wrote under my real name or posted pictures of myself, I might be embarrassed to say that I was full on giddy to talk to Crush. Meeting Walt Disney himself wouldn’t be as exciting. Except that he’s dead and talking to the dead would probably trump talking to a cartoon. Most likely.

Talking to Crush was the new Butter Grilled Pound Cake. Only it wasn’t. Let’s not lose our heads.

We had a great last day in EPCOT; we rode Soarin and ZZUBY’s new favorite ride Test Track and played Where’s the Fire? and had a hootenanny in the Visa picture deal.

All of it was good.

But in my head, the thing I keep fixating on is lunch.

And not because of what we ate or even because of the free refills, even though we did eat at Electric Umbrella. But because of something my daughter said.

We pause before we eat to ask the Lord to bless our food and to give Him thanks for providing the food for us. We normally let ZZUBY ask the blessing at lunchtime because we’re teaching her not to be afraid to pray out loud. And so it was that when we all had our food in front of us, we held hands and ZZUBY asked God to bless our food.

In her own style.

I tend to offer the hungry man prayer. I don’t care for long, drawn out prayers at meal time. (There’s a shock.) But ZZUBY didn’t just ask God to bless our food. She first thanked Him that she got to be in Disney World for 8days and 7 nights, that her sister was here and that her aunt and uncle and cousins were with us too. And then she thanked God for our food.

I realize I brag about my little girl a lot. And it’s true, I think she is all that and a slice of cake. But that’s not to say she’s without challenges. She can vex the tar out of me sometimes. Yet, dadgum if she hasn’t caught the most important things we’ve tried to teach her. My little girl knows where our blessings come from. She knows we’re fortunate to get to do the things we do. And she’s thankful for those things. She’s thankful for time with her Mamma and Daddy and sister. She’s thankful for time with her favorite aunt, uncle and cousins, too.

I turned 40 a few weeks ago. I didn’t really have any problem with turning 40. 25 was the last tough birthday for me. 25 crushed me. After that, it’s all been cake. In a manner of speaking. But in the weeks leading up to my 40th birthday, I spent some time thinking about the things that made me who I am.

The thing is, I’m mostly content with my station in life. I’ve achieved many of the goals I set for myself. No, I don’t live in the biggest house and I’m not always enamored of my practice and I haven’t written the great American novel. But those things don’t really matter. What does matter, what has eternal implications, are the people I have poured my life into: my wife and my daughters, my friends. That my daughter manifests a heart of gratitude and a heart for God is a much more significant trophy than any hardware I could adorn my shelves with.

I went to law school because I wanted to practice constitutional law. But a funny thing happened on my way to the Supreme Court, I landed in a much more bread and butter practice. And found out that I could do more good by being the face of Jesus to people who hear the term, “born again Christian” and automatically think, “self righteous, hypocritical, close minded, pro-war, pro-Bush, anti-choice, anti-gay, Republican.” Maybe some of those things are true of my views, but they don’t define who I am. I’m a thoughtful, compassionate guy who loves Jesus. And because I love Him with all my heart, mind and soul, I love His people and want to help them. I didn’t go to law school to represent major corporations. But in my practice, I get to be Jesus to people who don’t expect to find him in my office.

Similarly, it’s curious to me that I do this, that I write Trip Reports on a Message Board. It’s not something I freely admit to people I know. Because there is no way to say it without receiving the inevitable arched eyebrow and pitiful, “oh, that’s interesting.” I’ve tried to broach it a few times in conversations with friends or clients who are headed to Disney World but when I rehearse the lines in my head, I usually want to vomit. So I don’t say it out loud.

Surely you know what I’m talking about.

And yet I have now written five of these things. Many people have read my words about Disney World, my family, my faith and my urgent visit to a bathroom outside of Canada. There was a time in my life when I thought I would publish a novel and maybe publish another one and people would read my words and they’d be inspired to seek a deeper faith in God, to find a better way. But it appears God had a different plan for me. I wasn’t called to publish my magnum opus. I was called to be lawyer instead. A lawyer who spends some of his free time writing about his family vacations. And doing it all behind the pseudonym, ZZUB.

I wonder why that is.

Why a message board and not a book? Why ZZUB? Why not my real name? I don’t know the answer to that. Except if I wrote under my real name and not ZZUB, there might be a tendency for me to grow proud and puffed up. To think I’ve done something. Remember, I’m a lawyer; my default setting is self-aggrandizement. I confess that although I would love to have published a book or been a columnist like George Will, there’s a connection that comes from this medium I don’t think John Grisham, John Irving, Aaron Sorkin or even Rich Lowry and Peggy Noonan experience. Thousands of you have shared the battle for my wallet it’s true, but you’ve also shared the sorrow of losing my son. You’ve cried with me and prayed for me and shared the joy of my two daughters as well. It was an exceptional blessing that so many of you posted your encouragement when we found out two March’s ago that we'd lost Samuel. There was a quiet comfort I received knowing that many of you were praying for me and my family. Even if you only knew us as the ZZUBs.

You’ve laughed with me (at me?) as well. I love to laugh and I love people who make me laugh. And man oh man how I love to return the favor. The give and take repartee we enjoy is unique to this medium. I can’t imagine I would have experienced anything like this if I’d actually published a book.

He says again, God’s ways are higher than ours.

I don’t take credit for what happens here in the little community of my Trip Report. It’s a strange and wonderful cross section of people from different parts of the world. But I am grateful God has allowed me to write Trip Reports these last four years. I counted it a privilege that so many of you stopped by here so often to read what fell out of my head. I hope I haven’t disappointed you too often.

I have been blessed and honored to share this with you. Whether I write another Battle For My Wallet or not, I do not know. It's unclear to me whether I should. Or can. It some ways it seems this season of my life is drawing to a close. And so I want to thank you for all the reasons I mentioned above. I really do enjoy and appreciate the words you share with me when you post to my Trip Report.

My Mom and Dad didn’t teach me about Jesus. But they did teach me to be grateful. If I say “thank you” more than the average bear it’s because it was burned into me not to take anything or anyone for granted. When I became a Dad, I purposed to teach my daughter who Jesus is, so she would choose to follow Him. And I purposed to train her up with a heart of gratitude. I saw that several times during this trip. Which is where you came in.

We left EPCOT right around 5:30 to head south to my sister’s house. As I’ve written before, I used to get pretty sad leaving Disney World because I wasn’t sure when we’d be back. That’s a hold-over from being younger. I reckon I’m still a little sad to leave but mostly because we spend so much time looking forward to our trip and vacation beats the tar out of work. But I was more grateful than sad this time. It had been a remarkable week. We drove south along the Florida Turnpike and talked for a while about all the things we got to experience, how different it was from the year before, how extraordinary it all was.

Not just our vacation you understand. The whole thing. Our trips to Disney World have become metaphor for the life we’re living. The changes God has brought since I penned the first Battle For My Wallet are considerable. I look back just four years ago and I can barely digest it all.

If I like to look back, and I do, to see where I’ve come from and the changes God has wrought in my life, then I also like to look ahead. To try to imagine what the next few years will hold. To wonder what’s next.

That phrase lives in my mind.

I like to imagine the possibilities. Sometimes the path seems obvious. The decision to go to law school was pretty clear. The decision to ask Mrs. Z to marry me. Other times, like now, the road ahead is obscured. So I find myself wondering, “what’s next?” Because it’s unclear, I have been focusing my attention mainly on the day in front of me. It’s what’s next. Beyond that is a mystery only God understands. My question then is genuine, not rhetorical. I don’t know what’s next. Not yet anyway. Sometimes that freaks me out. But right now, I’m okay with it. I don’t need the full road map. I know Who has it.

As we got closer to my sister’s house, the car's air-conditioning was annoying me. My face was cold from it and my contacts were drying out. We rolled down the windows to feel the warm night air and the breeze that comes from going 70 miles an hour. It was refreshing. The humidity. We decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. Time was, we ate there every Sunday night after church. But now we don’t have those where we live; we miss it. My Mom met us there and after a round of kisses, hugs and cheek squeezes, we went inside to find us a table large enough to hold us all. It wasn’t very crowded and they seated us quickly. And there we sat, all of us around a big table, eating thick foods and drinking huge glasses of sweet tea. Long after our food was finished, we laughed ourselves hoarse as we usually do when we’re all together.

The second half of our vacation had begun.

[preschoolmom]

Thank you, ZZUB.

I enjoyed it very, very much.

[PISCESANGEL]

Say it isn't so! I can't imagine not having another Battle for My Wallet to look forward to!!

But, as I've said before, I'll say it again...thank you ZZUB, for sharing your trip report and your beautiful family with all of us. You truly have a gift of writing, and I do believe you are doing exactly what He intended. Whatever the future holds, may you all be blessed.



:goodvibes

[BONITATIME]

I just wanted to say weather you write another trip report or not it has been a pleasure to share your trips and a part of your lives these last years.
God bless and many thanks

[CRSNDSNY]

That was wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to share your vacation with us. I do hope you decide to share your next WDW vacation with us as well. I really look forward to reading about them!

I'm so glad your daughter got to talk to Crush! How exciting for her...I'm sure it was a moment she'll never forget.

[daly7o9]

ZZUB,

I've lurked through all of your trip reports and I just wanted to thank you for sharing. God Bless.

[TarzansKat]

ZZUB, I'm sad to see the ending, but it's a beautiful one. And the promise of your future with your family is a blessing. I've enjoyed all your trip reports. When I discovered this one, I went back and read through them all. I cried when you lost your son. I felt your angst on the trip where Mrs. Z spent the majority of her time in the wheelchair. And teared up again when you were on the other side of the Wilderness Lodge.

You've made me cry, and you've made me laugh, and it's a journey I feel lucky to have taken with you. So thank you for lettng us be part of your journey.

I would also like to humbly point out that if you are unable to write another trip report, all your cake references will seem very strange couched in your legalese mumbo-jumbo. People may start to look at you funny when you equate freedom of speech and other basic rights to the loss of BGPC. Just a heads up. ;)

[LegoMom3]

Wow....

This is an installment that doesn't need lines and lines of quotes in reply.

And I think you have written the great American novel. Right here. For a select few readers, is all. Your words have definitely touched people, and as you know, God's ways are higher than our ways and sometimes He uses means to reach others we would never expect.

Well I don't want to get wordy. It was a nice installment, and if it's the last, you done good! For my part, I've been inspired by your TRs (for intance, using the term 'coffee walk,' taking a coffee walk, and actually thinking for a moment "Zzub walked here, too!" when I'm strolling past the POR mansions in the early light of day...). I can't wait to meet you and your family one day....:goodvibes

Thanks Zzub!!!!!!!


.

[PinkPrincessZ]

This last installment......took the cake.

Your ability to express yourself with such candor is admirable - I've enjoyed every minute! :thumbsup2 Not a dry eye in the house...

I do hope this isn't the end but, just in case, have a wonderful second half of vacation!! Your reports will be missed.

[New England Eeyore]

It seems the final installment of your trip reports always makes me tear up. Thank you, ZZUB, for always sharing so freely with us. You truly do have an amazing way with words. I know I personally can say you have brought me a tremendous amount of joy as I have read these reports over the years.

"ZZUB" has become part of the language of our family's Disney vacations. I have shared entire reports of your with those willing to sit and read the whole thing, and shared tidbits for others. I have "remembered" some of your family's Disney experiences when I was enjoying my own. It might be embarrassing to admit how many times the phrase "ZZUB says" comes out of my mouth. In fact, talking about something non Disney-related the other day, my Dad used the phrase, "Disney-Schadenfreude" and I had to remind him that he just meant regular plain old schadenfreude and you didn't invent the word, just Disneyfied it.

If you don't continue the Trip reports, I will miss them terribly, but I understand. I hope you are still able to go on enjoying Disney with your family for many years to come. May God continue to bless you and your family.

[mikymouse]

Zzub, that didn't read like the last day of a trip report but the final sweet page in the series. Thank you for sharing your vacations and your journey with us. You should actually merge the various Battles into a single post as the words are more powerful together...similar to us, our community here on the trip report boards, our community here on earth and in heaven. Thank you for bringing us together.

I find it completely amazing that I suspected baby Z had been delivered to your family before you annouced it here (call it pregnancy induced knowledge) and that I felt that I had a prayer relationship with Mrs. Z during our pregnancies. I am glad you felt the strength and hope that was coming your way during those days. I will always remember my pregnacy with baby MM as connected to prayers for your baby Z.

I am posting a glimpse of my baby for you and Mrs. Z. Maybe one day they will meet a Disney world and somehow know that they were connected in prayer together during their months before entering the world.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/Pendleton5/JackFirstHairCutwithEars.jpg

I hope that you are able to continue to write in some forum - it is a gift you should not ignore.

Thanks for sharing all your battles and victories. God Bless and keep all of the Zzubs.

[tina_la]

First off your little girl is pretty amazing. I know as parents we have a tendency to brag about our kids but the relationship she has with God at such a young age is a testament to your family and the strength all of you have. That is worth more than all the Disney vacations she will ever have.

My own family has resently gone back to church after many hard years and even when we were not where we should have been (spiritually) your trip reports kept me thinking about my own relationship with God and how I wanted "what you had". Our last trip was alot about healing (I don't know if anyone else in my family realized it or not) and we are stronger now because of it. Your reports are a definate encouragment to me which is odd because I don't even know you but through your writing I almost feel as if I do. Thank you for sharing a little of yourself and your family with us. You do have a gift from God with your writing and have touched me with your words.

[ead79]

ZZUB,

Thank you so much for sharing your faith and family with us. I have so enjoyed each of your trip reports and am humbled by your faith in our Lord and Savior. I wanted to let you know that the quote below is just what I needed to hear today. I can be a bit of a control freak (to say the least), and we're trying to seek the Lord's will in a big decision we need to make. But you're right, I know Who has the map.


I don’t know what’s next. Not yet anyway. Sometimes that freaks me out. But right now, I’m okay with it. I don’t need the full road map. I know Who has it.

[chcmama]

I've lurked through your trip report and I just had to post and say how much I have enjoyed it. You speak a powerful message and you write so well. I wish I had been around to read your other trip reports. I am so glad things turned out well and you have been blessed with your precious baby girl. God's ways are higher than our ways and sometimes it is really hard to be patient and see what he has planned. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[Credit Man]

Thanks, Zubb.

[Stretchy Shorts]

Just a drive by :drive: "Yo"! :wave:

[misstheworld]

Why is it so hard to say "goodbye" to someone you've never met. ZZUB, I've read all five of your trip reports and they've only gotten better with time. Thanks for opening your trips to Disney, and through that your lives, to us. I admit that the first time I read something of yours (I think the third report) I was impressed by your writing skill, but more importantly your faith.

Best wishes as you continue to follow His map. I know we'll meet one day! ;)

[Motherofboys]

Thank you for a beautiful final installment! :)

Your trip reports have inspired me, delighted me, and sometimes disgusted me (I doubt I will ever be able to try Teppanyaki now :eek: ).

But most of all they have let me know that I am not alone. That somewhere out there, there are other people who try their best to live their faith in a society that considers faith a "private" matter that should only see the light of day once a week for an hour. People who love their families above all things and know what the true measure of success is. :thumbsup2

You've helped me keep the faith.....simply through writing your trip reports (who would have thought that was even possible??)

You're pretty amazing and I hope that you "write on". :)

[Tinkerbellarella]

Z

::sigh::

I was going to quote this chapter up somethin' fierce, just to try to break the record.

But I couldn't.

I can't.

What you wrote here literally moved me to tears. Happy, grateful tears. It would be a lie if I said that it didn't matter either way to me whether you write another wallet battle. Because it does. It is important to me that you know what it is that you share with us - a smile. And in the times we live in, sometimes such a simple, small thing is invaluable.

While I hope you do write more, I understand that things change, life moves forward and sometimes we phase some things out, even the things we enjoy, to make room for new things and experiences.

I'm so very thankful to have 'met' you. You and your sweet family are the kind of people who give me hope. You and Mrs. Z work so hard to ensure that your little ZZUBlets will grow into intelligent, thoughtful, grateful and kind women that will make this world a better place, just like their parents.

I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect for you. You've written on your love of and devotion to God without shame or apology. Whether or not our religious beliefs are one in the same, I hold this in the highest regard. When others might choose cloak their beliefs, you express your faith proudly, allowing us the truest of insights into the ZZUBs.

I don't need to know your real name.
I don't need to see pictures of your daughters sans napkins over their heads.
I don't need to know if your goatee or guns are in fact symmetrical.

I know all I need to know already simply by your sharing with us your love of your family and your love of the World.

Thank you.

Oh and one thing...

You’ve laughed with me

Yes.

(at me?)

Rhetorical much?
Yes. But only with love.

Well, as much love as you can have for a man you've never met who regales us with tales of gastroenterological adventures gone awry at olfactory levels one cannot imagine.

As much love as you can have for a man who never picks the "right" line.

As much love as you can have for Mr. Morrow. Mr. Tom Morrow.

As much love as you can have for a man with guns the size of Texas.

As much love as you can have for Butter Grilled Pound Cake.
(Gawd forbid a million times.)

Roll Tide.

:moped:

[scrap4u]

Thank you ZZUB for a wonderful trip report! I've lurked through them all and it has been an honor and priviledge to glimpse the world--DisneyWorld--through your eyes.

As others have said so well already--you made me laugh, cry, snicker and cringe--can you say Canada? But most of all you remind me of our own trips to Disney and how important family is.

If we don't read another trip report from you, it will be our loss. You are a very talented writer and obviously doing what makes you happy.

Good luck to you and yours and thanks for the good times!

[Jazzybell]

Zzub, I've lurked through all of your reports, and enjoyed them very much. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your faith and your family with us. You are an inspiration to me. :)

God bless!

Carole

[sunny04]

I haven't read the entire report, I just finished Chapter 3. But I have to tell you that I've been going through a rough time, and praying all morning for an answer. And as I finished reading your chapter, I noticed the quote in your signature, and it gave me the answer I was waiting for. Isn't God awesome, that he could have you put a quote in there just to speak to me today when I needed it? Thanks for writing for us.

[ZZUB]

PISCESANGEL: Thanks for being a frequent poster to my TR. I've appreciated and enjoyed your comments.

I just wanted to say weather you write another trip report or not it has been a pleasure to share your trips and a part of your lives these last years. God bless and many thanksThanks, Bonitatime. It was my pleasure to share our trips with you.

I'm so glad your daughter got to talk to Crush! How exciting for her...I'm sure it was a moment she'll never forget.I'm not sure it was actually talking to Crush that made the biggest impression or that she got to talk with Crush. She was so sure he'd never call on her, when he did, she was pretty giddy about it.

I would also like to humbly point out that if you are unable to write another trip report, all your cake references will seem very strange couched in your legalese mumbo-jumbo. People may start to look at you funny when you equate freedom of speech and other basic rights to the loss of BGPC. Just a heads up. ;)'preace the advice. I had a trial earlier today and I asserted plaintiff's position made less sense than taking the Butter Grilled Pound Cake off the menu. The judge looked a little lost but the court reporter nodded knowingly. A secret Diser perhaps?

And yes, I'm just kidding. Outside of my family and my Disboard friends, no one here understands or appreciates the power of the Butter Grilled Pound Cake. Sigh.

I can't wait to meet you and your family one day.I have a feeling we'll enjoy meeting your family as well.

This last installment......took the cake.Whether it did is certainly not my judgment, but I appreciate the metaphor. Zzuby went to a birthday party this weekend. She is under strict orders to bring me home a slice of cake wherever and whenever cake is served. Sadly, this kid's family served cookies. Cookies! So she is banned from playing with him. Obviously they're defective.

I do hope this isn't the end but, just in case, have a wonderful second half of vacation!! Your reports will be missed.Thank you.

I know I personally can say you have brought me a tremendous amount of joy as I have read these reports over the years.Back at ya! I've appreciated the WW quotes and that you pick up the Easter Eggs I leave behind for you.

"ZZUB" has become part of the language of our family's Disney vacations. I have to tell you, that is one of the coolest things anyone has written to me. That is really cool. It's just one of the things that makes me glad I started writing TRs a few years ago.

May God continue to bless you and your family.And may He bless you and your family as well. Thanks, New England.

I find it completely amazing that I suspected baby Z had been delivered to your family before you annouced it here (call it pregnancy induced knowledge) and that I felt that I had a prayer relationship with Mrs. Z during our pregnancies. I am glad you felt the strength and hope that was coming your way during those days. I will always remember my pregnacy with baby MM as connected to prayers for your baby Z.I sure do appreciate you sharing that with us again. And thanks for sharing this picture, too.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/Pendleton5/JackFirstHairCutwithEars.jpg

Maybe one day we'll bump into each other and you'll ask, "Are you ZZUB (my guns will have given me away at long last)? And I'll ask if your Mik-y Mouse or Mickey Mouse, b/c I've never been sure which one it was.

I hope that you are able to continue to write in some forum - it is a gift you should not ignore. Thanks for sharing all your battles and victories. God Bless and keep all of the Zzubs.May God Bless your family, too. I don't intend to stop writing. If the Lord allows, I'll write until the end. I just don't have any clear sense if that will be here as ZZUB or in some other
place.

My own family has resently gone back to church after many hard years and even when we were not where we should have been (spiritually) your trip reports kept me thinking about my own relationship with God and how I wanted "what you had". Our last trip was alot about healing (I don't know if anyone else in my family realized it or not) and we are stronger now because of it. Your reports are a definate encouragment to me which is odd because I don't even know you but through your writing I almost feel as if I do. Thank you for sharing a little of yourself and your family with us. You do have a gift from God with your writing and have touched me with your words.Thank you, Tina la (I hope you're no relation to La La, if so then you are automatically on ignore as well.) I appreciate you sharing that story. There were scores of people who were influential in my decision to walk with Jesus. I'm grateful to be one of the people who has encouraged you in your faith.

Thank you so much for sharing your faith and family with us. I have so enjoyed each of your trip reports and am humbled by your faith in our Lord and Savior. I wanted to let you know that the quote below is just what I needed to hear today.Thank you, EAD. I'm grateful that something I wrote was used for good. I've enjoyed your posts here and on other threads. You exude the class and humility of someone who knows and walks with Jesus. And your Resort Picture thread rocks.

God's ways are higher than our ways and sometimes it is really hard to be patient and see what he has planned.Thanks for coming by, CHCMAMA. I appreciated your encouragement.

Just a drive by :drive: "Yo"!Perhaps, ufda is more correct? :welcome: :disrocks:

Why is it so hard to say "goodbye" to someone you've never met. ZZUB, I've read all five of your trip reports and they've only gotten better with time. . . I know we'll meet one day! ;)I will look forward to meeting you as well.

Your trip reports have inspired me, delighted me, and sometimes disgusted me (I doubt I will ever be able to try Teppanyaki now :eek: ). But most of all they have let me know that I am not alone. That somewhere out there, there are other people who try their best to live their faith in a society that considers faith a "private" matter that should only see the light of day once a week for an hour. People who love their families above all things and know what the true measure of success is. :thumbsup2No, you are not alone.

I'm so very thankful to have 'met' you. You and your sweet family are the kind of people who give me hope. You and Mrs. Z work so hard to ensure that your little ZZUBlets will grow into intelligent, thoughtful, grateful and kind women that will make this world a better place, just like their parents.T, can I call you that? Thank you for your witty posts each week. I've enjoyed them. And I appreciate your kind words about my family. We aint perfect. Not by a long shot. But we try to live in a way that blesses the One who created us. You're good people, T. I hope to read more from you soon.

Scrap4u:Thanks for the good words. If I do end up writing another TR in the future, don't lurk so much, jump in and post a way.

:moped:

[CJsMom]

Thank you for sharing your family and your adventures with us! I've truly enjoyed reading every one of them. :)

[Backstage_Gal]

Thanks from me too, Zzub. I have laughed and cried with you as well. Printed out the reports as of whatever it was in September 2006 (baby Samual, I cried) and lugged them all the way to Germany. And that was a lot of paper (apologies to any treehuggers)

I certainly hope you will write another report for all your fans, I really do! But if life gets in the way, I wish you the best of luck, and see you around the boards.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!

PS: Too bad that if you do write the Great American Novel, we will not know to buy it :rolleyes:

[disney junky]

Zzub.
Thanks for your installments. Sometimes they are like a little devotional. Sometimes they are just freeing. Most of the time, they touch my heart.

Though these things (WDW) are temporal, God intends for us to enjoy His blessings here as well. I needed that reminder at just the time you wrote it.

God bless you!

[Angelrose]

Zzub, thank you so much for ALL of your trip reports. You are truly inspiring. I always feel uplifted and closer to God after reading your posts. I hope you do write another Battle for your wallet. Blessing on you and your whole family.

[Sleeping*Beauty]

I'm so sad it's over. I have to say I teared up reading this installment.

[javamom]

Zzub, thank you again for giving us witty glimpses of, not only, your trips but also your heart.

"Gawd forbid a million times," that this be the last. However, I know that God will set and keep you on the past that He has chosen. Should He decide to mosey it back this direction, we will be doubly blessed.
:cloud9:

Thanks!

I may have to post the Zzub-signal from time to time, just for old time's sake though...

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/zzubplead.gif

[ZZUB]

Zzub, I've lurked through all of your reports, and enjoyed them very much. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your faith and your family with us. You are an inspiration to me. :)God bless!CaroleMay God bless you as well. Thank you for coming out of lurkdom to share that with me.

I haven't read the entire report, I just finished Chapter 3. But I have to tell you that I've been going through a rough time, and praying all morning for an answer. And as I finished reading your chapter, I noticed the quote in your signature, and it gave me the answer I was waiting for. Isn't God awesome, that he could have you put a quote in there just to speak to me today when I needed it? Thanks for writing for us.That is pretty cool that God directed your eyes to a verse in my signature line. God has spoken that verse to me through many times of confusion.

CJsMom: Thank you for reading along. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the stuff that falls out of my head.

Too bad that if you do write the Great American Novel, we will not know to buy it :rolleyes:Backstage: thank you for reading along these several years. I reckon if I ever do publish a book, I'll have to let you know somehow.

Though these things (WDW) are temporal, God intends for us to enjoy His blessings here as well. I needed that reminder at just the time you wrote it. God bless you!I couldn't have put that any better than you did. May God bless you as well.

I always feel uplifted and closer to God after reading your posts.I appreciate knowing that anything I do draws others closer to God. I don't take any credit for it; I'm just grateful to be the jar of clay He has chosen to use to edify you.

Sleeping*Beauty: I want to thank you for posting to my TR.

Zzub, thank you again for giving us witty glimpses of, not only, your trips but also your heart. "Gawd forbid a million times," that this be the last. However, I know that God will set and keep you on the past that He has chosen. Should He decide to mosey it back this direction, we will be doubly blessed. :cloud9: Thanks! I may have to post the Zzub-signal from time to time, just for old time's sake though...
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/zzubplead.gifJavamom! You are one of the sweetest, most gracious people I have ever quasi-met. Your posts always bless me in part b/c I think about when I first "got to know you." I appreciate the joy of the Lord you reveal in your posts. And thanks again for not only the cool avatar but the ZZUB-signal. That kills me DED.

:moped:

[Diamondintheruff]

Your trip reports have always been so much more than just a report on your activities. You have shared your family, your hopes, your humour, your extensive vocabulary, your insights and ultimately your soul.

Thank you.

[lisalonglash]

Thank you for sharing your vacations with us all, ZZub. I have giggled, chortled, shed a tear, guffawed and mused. Yep, He shines through in this entire thread :goodvibes Thanks for sharing "this little light" of yours. :hug:

[DVCTiff]

A million thanks, as everyone has mentioned, but most of all for reminding me that though we are so very different there is something we can have so strongly in common. If that's not a fitting tribute to Walt's place, I don't know what is.

Take the best of care of you and your family. I know you will.

[LISAMWDW]

Thank you for sharing your trips with us. It has been wonderful sharing that part of your life with you. We have indeed cried, prayed, laughed w/you, really, with you not at you! hehe

If you decide to write another trip report, we'll be here! If not, a part of you and your family will always be with us and we'll all meet one day! We won't forget you and your wonderful family!

God Bless!

[beckanoah]

I refuse to believe this will be the last trippie!

but good job on this one

[OhMari]

Thanks for finishing up. I always feel bad posting, since we started out sort of on bad terms, but ....

I hope HappyHaunt comes in and posts so we can close up and send you to the completed board.


I'm betting that you will be back!!

[AshClan]

Why does this sound like a wake?! :scared: I will not accept that you are not going to write another Battle, Z. Okay, I will accept it if you choose to go that way, but personally, I feel that you won’t be able to stay away. It’s too much fun, even if it is hard work. And it allows you to continue the witticisms, political comments, WW, ND, and Seinfeld references, raging, and just plain old bantering that I know you enjoy. Without taking a tremendous amount of time away from your family.

Anyway, since everyone else is talking to you as if you are going to be gone forever, I will jump in and say this. I suppose it’s obvious that I enjoy your reports. Even when you gross me out or insult my politics. The back and forth is fun and you never fail to make me laugh. No other TR writer has been quoted more to my darling husband. Mel’s posts are sometimes read by my kids for giggles, and I often share La’s gems with my girlfriends, but your sense of humor is one I love to share with Jay. I also enjoy challenging myself to give back to you what you dish out when I’m up for it. All that to say, I would miss you if you went away.

I feel like I’ve “known” you for a long time. And you are a part of my history here, of which I have some very fond memories. Although you haven’t become a close personal friend as have some of the others in that group, and I don’t even know your real name or what you look like, I do feel like I’ve gotten to know a lot about the important parts of you over the years. You can be challenging. You can be cranky and rage-y and gassy. You have an inflated image of your guns. Your political views are diametrically opposed to mine. HOWEVER, and more importantly, you are a loving dad, husband and son. You’re a man of tremendous faith who is happy to share that publicly. You are very smart and witty. You like Disney World. And you love cake. All (well, most) of these things combine to make you someone who I’m glad to call my friend. Albeit a friend with whom I can’t make contact other than through this silly, not-as-fun-as-it-used-to-be message board. So, I will say, keep in touch. Pop in from time to time, if only to let us know that you’re still alive and kicking. Oh, and be sure to tell us the title of your new book and where to find it, k?;)

[Cindy's Mom]

Zzub - I've only posted enough on each trip report to keep me subscribed. I want to thank you for sharing your trips and your lives with us.

A couple trip reports back I wrote that when I picture you, I see John Grisham..I take that back - you are better. :goodvibes

Please write that novel and make it a legal thriller, John Grishmam Brad Meltzer and ZZub.

Thanks again :thumbsup2

[brandt79]

Z - I know I don't post much (if at all ;) ) but that doesn't mean that I don't read and enjoy every word. You never cease to make me pause and thank God for my blessings while at the same time dreaming of my next Disney trip.

I, for one, can't imagine you going to your happy place and not writing about it - so I sincerely hope this isn't your last. Because I've laughed, cried, cringed, and thrown up in my mouth a little while reading your trip reports and I'd hate to stop now!

[nicolemarie]

You're right, Ash! This IS sounding like a wake.

I'm glad ZZUB's not DED.

Ash said it well. ZZUB, you are a part of my "history" here on the DIS. (As sad as it is that I have a "history" on a public message board about Disney World.) I Googled "Disney information," found the DIS, and somehow, one of the first threads I opened was the Battle III. Gosh. That was a long time ago.

You may or may not know this, but as a result of the "Maelstrom is a Fastpass" stuff, and Mel's thread opening on the CB, many REAL friendships have evolved. Folks have met in real life, and keep in touch daily with one another. You were a HUGE part of that.

If you don't have another TR in you, we will sadly understand. But oh, how you've blessed me time and time again by your writing. Whether it be humor, spiritual encouragement, good Disney tips, or just a time to sit with a cup of Starbucks and have a good read, I've loved every minute. I will miss your writing tremendously.

I know the Lord has used you in tremendous ways to bless your readers. You have certainly blessed me. Thank you for taking the time to entertain, encourage and inform us. We'll miss you tons, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of you.

That's what I want to believe, anyway.

God Bless, ZZUB.

:moped:

[kathymc]

Wow - I cant believe its over

Thanks for sharing as much as you always have. I, just like everyone else here, feels like we know you and yours some how and wish you nothing but happiness in the future.

But through all your funny stories, your touching memories, witty edits and even a dog quote or two I never realized something.....

I never knew you had a beard

Take care

[taylor4fam]

Zzub, I have read all of your trip reports. I have laughed, cried and shared the wonders of a God sent Disney sunrise. They are beautiful indeed.

Your family is truly blessed to have such an humble yet funny as all get out man of God to lead them.

I hope this isn't the last we hear from the Zzub family!

ROLL TIDE!

Maybe some crisp Fall afternoon our families will cross paths at THE CAPSTONE.

[HaleyB]

Zzub I know that you know that I know that you will write another trippie. It is as sure a thing in my mind as the fact that I will never properly finish one. Well, maybe someday I will.

You have poured yourself into all the TRs. Thank you for that. I am not sure you fully understand how, by giving of yourself in this way, you touch other people. You give us something to look forward to, remind us of what is really most important, and you share your wit and bodily function stories freely. Thank you for that. Without knowing your name, I am sure that I know you. You are good people. Thank you for that.

But enough, you are going to get a fat head. Plus I just made myself throw up in my mouth a little.

Where is Mel?

[ZZUB]

First, a general comment: I am not leaving the Disboards! I love Disney and reading about Disney stuff too much to stop haunting this place. NOMelHappyHat. And b/c I enjoy reading TRs, you will find me here, on the TR board.
Secondly, I'm not shutting the door on a Battle VI. I just have no clear leading right now and as I was finishing up this TR, it seemed to me I had said all there was to say about this subject. And b/c I like tidyness, I wanted to wrap everything up. I didn't want to conclude this Battle and leave people thinking there would be another one come Fall. More likely than not there won't be another one from me in the near future.

But, I don't intend to go away. You'll find me here, trading barbs with my friends and enjoying other people's TRs.

Diamondintheruff: Thank you for your compliment. I pretty much write the kind of stuff I want to read. I have a hard time getting next to picture-perfect Brady Bunch families. That's just not my experience. I much more enjoy reading a candid account of someone's vacation written in a voice I can relate to.

Thank you for sharing your vacations with us all, ZZub. I have giggled, chortled, shed a tear, guffawed and mused. Yep, He shines through in this entire thread :goodvibes Thanks for sharing "this little light" of yours. :hug:Hey Lisalonglash, thanks very much for that. I'm grateful God is glorified through me.

Take the best of care of you and your family. I know you will.I sure do appreciate that. Have a great time in Disney World this week. If you need a good place to take a nap, check out the 4th floor alcove above the main entrance.

LISAMWDW: Thank you for reading along. I will look forward to meeting you someday as well.

Thanks for finishing up. I always feel bad posting, since we started out sort of on bad terms, but ....You shouldn't feel bad, OhMari! That was a crazy time and you were trying to do your job and we were trying to figure out what the rules were. I know we didn't make it easy on your or the other moderators who devote a lot of time to this without any compensation. I don't know if I did or wrote anything that offended or hurt you. If I did, then I want to publicly apologize to you: I am sorry.

But you can't close down this Trip Report until Sneezie gets a chance to post. Gawd forbid a million times she can't regale us with one more funny cake story!

Even when you gross me out or insult my politics.Your politics are simply insulting. I just underline them for you.

The back and forth is fun and you never fail to make me laugh. No other TR writer has been quoted more to my darling husband. Mel’s posts are sometimes read by my kids for giggles, and I often share La’s gems with my girlfriends, but your sense of humor is one I love to share with Jay. I also enjoy challenging myself to give back to you what you dish out when I’m up for it. All that to say, I would miss you if you went away.That made me smile. The idea that you and your equally leftist husband enjoy my sense of humor. Wait! That means there's something wrong with me!! Oy vey.

Obviously, I enjoy a good verbal tennis match. But I'm not going away Ashclan. In fact, I'll be the guest speaker at your 45 year college reunion this weekend.

Although you haven’t become a close personal friend as have some of the others in that groupWhat a strange way to kick a guy.

You have an inflated image of your guns.And another. Why would you insult the guns?

Your political views are diametrically opposed to mine.Finally, a compliment.

Cindy's Mom: Better than Grisham? I doubt that. But thanks just the same.

You never cease to make me pause and thank God for my blessings while at the same time dreaming of my next Disney trip.That's pretty much why I write. As I said above, I write the things I want to read, and I like reading stuff that makes me pause and thank God and dream about our last and next Disney trip.

ZZUB, you are a part of my "history" here on the DIS. (As sad as it is that I have a "history" on a public message board about Disney World.) I Googled "Disney information," found the DIS, and somehow, one of the first threads I opened was the Battle III. Gosh. That was a long time ago.Wow. That does seem like an eternity ago. You've made me wonder how I landed on the Disboards and now I can't recall.

If you don't have another TR in you, we will sadly understand. But oh, how you've blessed me time and time again by your writing. Whether it be humor, spiritual encouragement, good Disney tips, or just a time to sit with a cup of Starbucks and have a good read, I've loved every minute. I will miss your writing tremendously. I know the Lord has used you in tremendous ways to bless your readers. You have certainly blessed me. Thank you for taking the time to entertain, encourage and inform us. We'll miss you tons, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of you.Thank you very much, NM. Man, that humbles me. I've "met" so many really excellent people on here. People who love their families, love God and love Disney. And people who make me laugh until it hurts. You're one of those people, NM. You strike me as good people.

Unlike Ashclan who just strikes me.


But through all your funny stories, your touching memories, witty edits and even a dog quote or two I never realized something.....I never knew you had a beard.I don't. It's a goatee. Beards are for old men.

And Bella Absug.

Maybe some crisp Fall afternoon our families will cross paths at THE CAPSTONE.Would love to run into a fellow Bama fan/Disney fan. But how will you know it's me? I know, look for a guy wearing a Bama cap shouting "Roll Tide!"

Zzub I know that you know that I know that you will write another trippie. It is as sure a thing in my mind as the fact that I will never properly finish one. Well, maybe someday I will.Well, maybe someday I will as well. Write another one that is. Maybe I should try my hand at finishing yours?

You have poured yourself into all the TRs. Thank you for that. I am not sure you fully understand how, by giving of yourself in this way, you touch other people. You give us something to look forward to, remind us of what is really most important, and you share your wit and bodily function stories freely. Thank you for that. Without knowing your name, I am sure that I know you. You are good people. Thank you for that.Thank you for that. That was an awfully nice thing for you to write.

:moped:

[Tanya90210]

Zzub... thank you as always for a fabulous report ... Your words are always inspirational to me and I hope one day... maybe not this year or the next you'll be back to give us another Battle ... Until then... See ya round the Trip reports board :thumbsup2

[stinkerbell007]

Yay!!!:banana:

That was totally fun. Thanks for sharing. I'll be off myself, to a multi-family gathering in a matter of days now....:woohoo:

It's kinda nice to have one of my subscribed trippies wrap itself up neatly. With a big old Bama bow. Right before I go.

Thanks.:flower3:

Be seein' ya. On the boards....

...or in the World. Ya nevah know...

Gawd forbid a million times!!!

[BratTink]

ZZUB, I'm coming out of lurking one last time to say thank you. I know its been said before but I've enjoyed all your trip reports and will read if there are more. If not it was a good ride. :)

[LaLa]

NO MORE ZZUB TRIP REPORTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE?!!!!!


If that ain't a kick in the teeth, I don't know what is.

Well I, for one, hope that's an idea that comes and goes faster than ginger in your system. A new keyboard on my desk after I've overindulged in the grapes. An unclaimed slab of Butter Grilled Poundcake when ZZUB's in the room.

Simply put, I can't imagine not reading about Family ZZUB and their funny and touching adventures in the World anymore.

Like many people here, I discovered your trip reports long ago and have spent many hours over the years laughing (both with you and at you), crying (sometimes accompanied by the laughing) and just downright enjoying the heck out of strolling around the World in my mind. With you as the guide. I don't think I need to tell you how much I've enjoyed it. But I will anyway. I loved every minute of it, ZZUB. The invisible stroller, the frenzied character breakfast at the Crystal Palace, the POR coffee walks, the DMVC, the Waterslide Olympics (of which I won gold), the union ducks, the hilarious race to the front of the park with Wishes in the background and your wife in the wheelchair, Soarin Lorenson, the duckbilled platypus, the Miami Vice(ish) boat ride, the Canadian bathroom Incident (who could EVER forget that?!), the cheesesteaks, Tonga Toast, and last but not least, Butter Grilled Poundcake. Thanks for sharing all of that and so much more with us. The glimpses that you've given us all have been both hilarious and touching and the banter with you over the years has been SO MUCH DANG FUN. Even though you stink (even criminally so), jump at every opportunity to smear my good name in the dirt and I don't like you at all, I suppose you're a pretty cool guy. Just look at all these posts. Your words and your witness have touched so many people, ZZUB.

Chief among them being me.

And that's a pretty cool thing, in my book.

Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your sweet as all get out family with us over the years, ZZUB. I've thoroughly enjoyed "watching" your family grow and seeing God's hand at work in your lives. I don't think this is the end of that though. I hope to be reading more of whatever falls out of your head soon.

As long as whatever it is that falls out of your head doesn't require RID-X and a pair of gloves. Although I wouldn't be surprised if it did.

The second half of our vacation had begun.

If indeed you meant this the way I think you meant it, I pray your "second half of vacation" is even better than the first.

God bless you, my friend.

:moped:

[kelnit]

I have stayed in lurkdom for most of your trip reports, although I have read them all. It is a little unnerving how similar you are to someone in my life. In fact I have often told my husband to check out this report because you have sooo much in common. All of that to say, I think it is awesome that you lay it all out there, the good, the bad, and sometimes the stinky. I love that you are so open about your faith in God and all that He is in your life. It is amazing how you can have a connection with someone you don't know or couldn't pick out in a crowd (unless you only saw half a chin, an arm, and half of buzz lightyear) but we have a common bond in God. Because of that (and sometimes over sharing about incidents in Canada) I feel like I know you.

It has been great! Enjoy going down the path that God has chosen for you!

[Frickles]

Because this is like signing a yearbook.

U R
2 good
+ 2 be
5gotten


I came to bid the latest Battle farewell & hopefully it will remain in dis history for a long time so I can come back here for some good laughs when I am old. Thanks to you and your rant about Maelstrom being a fastpass!, I've gotten a lot of good laughs from you &this place, and that is a very kind gift. Like NM said, I've made some sweet friends. The kind of friends you can pick on and pick on and they still like you. (In fact I just went to the LaLa's for possum stew just last week.) The kind of friends who can pick on me and I still like them. The lastest Battle was a great one....so glad your sweet family had such a good time together. My little JoMomma was very sick this winter and we were told she had a year, maybe, to live. She left us mentally, and reading your tr helped to break away from that depressing and awful time and get a chuckle in....laughter is the best medicine you know. Thankfully, I can report that God actually spoke to me and told me what to do to help her - and it worked. We got to the root of the problem and now she doesn't try to call me on her remote control anymore. She is back to her old self. So, thanks for slaving away on this bad boy of a tr and thanks for making a dreary winter a little brighter. Even if it was for 10 minutes every other Monday, it sure was enjoyed by the girl who hides behind the name Frickles.

[Backstage_Gal]

Thanks for finishing up. I always feel bad posting, since we started out sort of on bad terms, but ....

I hope HappyHaunt comes in and posts so we can close up and send you to the completed board.


I'm betting that you will be back!!

OHMari! You cannot possibly move this to the completed boards yet! Zzub just posted his final chapter YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!
That is only 1 day!!!!!!!!!.. People are busy, on vacation, whatever. It needs at LEAST 3 weeks.

Pretty please? :flower3:

Zzub, think of all your fans next time you come to Disney. And then you will think about what you want to tell us. And your wife will say, "you should put that in a trip report" And you will think about what your peeps would say. And what fun you would have with repartee. And tell us how your kids developed. And the funny things that happened. And the touching things that happened.
And before you know it, there will be VI..

And we are all going to be there with bells on!

AND you have to tell us if you or your wife ever made the BGPC!

Roll Tide!

:moped:

[mrsksomeday]

ZZUB, I have loved all your TR's, this one was fantastically hilarious.

I envy your love and belief in God. I wish my faith was as strong as yours. Thank you for sharing your family's life with us and making us smile, sometimes through tears, but there was always laughter.

You have a wonderful writing talent. I have felt honored being able to read this.

[ZZUB]

I won a fairly large case today, one which I slaved away on for a long time. As gratifying as that win was, logging on here and seeing the kind words of not-so-complete-strangers was even better. I am so grateful to read how God has used my little Trip Report to encourage, edify and humor some of you.

Tanya90210, stinkerbell007, BratTink:Thank you for reading along with me.

If that ain't a kick in the teeth, I don't know what is.I'm just impressed you have teeth.

I loved every minute of it, ZZUB. The invisible stroller, the frenzied character breakfast at the Crystal Palace, the POR coffee walks, the DMVC, the Waterslide Olympics (of which ZZUB won gold), the union ducks, the hilarious race to the front of the park with Wishes in the background and your wife in the wheelchair, Soarin Lorenson, the duckbilled platypus, the Miami Vice(ish) boat ride, the Canadian bathroom Incident (who could EVER forget that?!), the cheesesteaks, Tonga Toast, and last but not least, Butter Grilled Poundcake. Thanks for sharing all of that and so much more with us. The glimpses that you've given us all have been both hilarious and touching and the banter with you over the years has been SO MUCH DANG FUN. Even though you stink (even criminally so), jump at every opportunity to smear my good name in the dirt and I don't like you at all, I suppose you're a pretty cool guy. Just look at all these posts. Your words and your witness have touched so many people, ZZUB.Wow, LaLa? You remembered stuff I had forgotten about. What's funny is how much food has been a running theme in my Trip Reports. I mock you a lot (because you suck both as a person and as a person) but I really appreciate you. Your posts always make me laugh and I can tell you're good people. You must have the gift of encouragement. Thank you.

If indeed you meant this the way I think you meant it, I pray your "second half of vacation" is even better than the first. God bless you, my friend.I did, and I appreciate you catching the metaphor. God bless you and your Epicot loving family too, LaLa.

I think it is awesome that you lay it all out there, the good, the bad, and sometimes the stinky. I love that you are so open about your faith in God and all that He is in your life. It is amazing how you can have a connection with someone you don't know or couldn't pick out in a crowd . . . I feel like I know you.I reckon I do lay it all out there for better or worse. But like I've said, I write the stuff I want to read and I'm not interested in the sanitized version of the story. I like the truth. I appreciate the time you spent reading along with me.

My little JoMomma was very sick this winter and we were told she had a year, maybe, to live. She left us mentally, and reading your tr helped to break away from that depressing and awful time and get a chuckle in....laughter is the best medicine you know. Thankfully, I can report that God actually spoke to me and told me what to do to help her - and it worked. We got to the root of the problem and now she doesn't try to call me on her remote control anymore. She is back to her old self. So, thanks for slaving away on this bad boy of a tr and thanks for making a dreary winter a little brighter. Even if it was for 10 minutes every other Monday, it sure was enjoyed by the girl who hides behind the name Frickles.That really blessed me, Frickles. First and foremost, I'm glad to hear your Mom is doing better. That's great news. Secondly, I am humbled and honored that anything I wrote lifted you up during a hard winter. I am forever indebted to the people who made me laugh, you included, during a very bitter spring. I can't imagine how much harder that time would have been without those people. I am thankful God put them, you included, in my path. If He chose to use me for the same purpose in your life, then I am grateful for the privilege.

I envy your love and belief in God. I wish my faith was as strong as yours. Thank you for sharing your family's life with us and making us smile, sometimes through tears, but there was always laughter.Mrs.K, thank you for coming along with me on this trip. For what it's worth, the Bible teaches that God is the author and perfector of our faith. If you truly desire a deeper faith, ask Him to give it to you. I imagine He will answer that prayer in short order.

Backstage Gal: But was I at the first Fastpass meeting?!

:moped:

[Briarmom]

Yours were some of the first TRs I read, and they've always made me laugh and cry, no matter where I was (literally and figuratively) in life.

Sanka.:hug:

[LaLa]

Wow, LaLa? You remembered stuff I had forgotten about.

And you're surprised about that? At this rate, I'm surprised you can even remember how to spell your name correctly.

I mock you a lot (because you suck both as a person and as a person) but I really appreciate you. Your posts always make me laugh and I can tell you're good people. You must have the gift of encouragement. Thank you.

Right back atcha, friend. Every bit of it.

And congrats on kicking some butt in the courtroom. You still da man!

:moped:

[DJR]

But enough, you are going to get a fat head.

Too late! :lmao:

Well, I have a feeling we haven't seen the end of ZZUB's trippies yet. After all he has a gold medal to reclaim.

Somehow I'll never be able to pass by Canada again without covering my nose. Thanks for that.

[Tinkerbellarella]

We aint perfect. Not by a long shot. But we try to live in a way that blesses the One who created us.

Well, if I have any say, I think you're doing a stupendous job.

You're good people, T. I hope to read more from you soon.

Thanks. :goodvibes

Perhaps a little over four months from now when my pre-tripe turns into real honest-to-goodness tripe you can swing on by. I know you aren't really a pre-tripe fan. But I will be writing tripe. And I will see it through its entirety (NOMel).

And we'll have cake.

I am not leaving the Disboards!

Sorry. Was our eulogizing too much?

I'm not interested in the sanitized version of the story.

Apparently ::cough, cough::vomit-encased-hidden-Mickey-picture-Canadian-bathroom-incident-nekkid-lady-on-the-floor ::cough, cough:: not.

Sorry. I'm going to go find a lozenge.

:moped:

[taylor4fam]

Would love to run into a fellow Bama fan/Disney fan. But how will you know it's me? I know, look for a guy wearing a Bama cap shouting "Roll Tide!"



I have the perfect solution to this problem. We can put Mickey Ears on our toilet paper roll/Tide box on a stick thingie!

[blue_river]

I didn't want to conclude this Battle and leave people thinking there would be another one come Fall. More likely than not there won't be another one from me in the near future.

They all come back! I know we'll see another TR from you soon :banana:


You've been one of my favourite TR writers since I joined the DIS and I had to come back to post and thank you again for another awesome report!

Wishing you and your family gud health & happiness until the next time pixiedust:

[ZZUB]

Briarmom and DJR: Thank you for reading along with me these last few years.

Blue River! What an unexpected gift to see a post from you this morning!

Wishing you and your family gud health & happiness until the next time pixiedust:Thank you very much. I appreciate it. I hope you and your family are doing well also.

:moped:

[MissMagnolia]

I have posted rarely but lurked often - enjoying every moment of the ZZUB family trip to WDW. You are an inspiration in your writing, your wit, and your devotion to family and God. I find it amazing in the crazy lives we all lead (or at least MY life) that reading something so simple as another's trip report can make such a difference. How ZZUB has made a difference, for me:
1. I am inspired to write more and better.
2. I am inspired to take the time to enjoy life with my family.
3. I am inspired to see humor in situations that at the time appear without any semblance of humor.
4. I am inspired to go to WDW every year - getting the hubby to agree might not be so easy, though.
5. I am inspired to deepen my faith and not be afraid to talk about it to others.
6. I am inspired to SOMEDAY write a trip report of my own (however after reading your "gift of the pen", I'd have some big footsteps to follow in!)

Thanks ZZUB - I look forward to your next report, if and when that day so comes!

Oh, and as an alum of Auburn, I enjoy the barbs back and forth - it was only graduate school so my allegiance is still to WI!! My tenure at Auburn was when the team was penalized for "paying the players" in gifts of cars, housecleaning, study aides, which resulted in the loss of bowl games and television coverage for a time.

[Uncle Goofy]

Zzub,
I've been reading your TRs since my sister called and told me she found my twin on Disboards.

I won't try to talk you into continuing writing Disney TRs. I think looking to be lead is prudent and your busy raising your girls.

But from one Southern, Jesus worshiping, USA cherishing, trans-fat craving, college football watching, Disney loving, extremely over-qualified wife marrying, high-responsibility professional career working, 9/11 altering, kid adoring, morning devotional needing, sweet tea sipping, set-a-spell lounging, time-with-parents reminiscing, Happy Days remembering, Seinfeld quoting, wife obeying, infant-son mourning, eagles-wings carrying, Holy Spirit sustaining, family protecting, gentlemen to another, all I have to say is, "Dadgumit, y'all write a knee-slapping good Trip Report. Roll Tide...Go Gamecocks...and Praise the Lord.

Uncle Goofy

[PoohBearFreak32]

Thanks for the memories, ZZUB. I've read all your trip reports from the start and have been entertained and blessed and encouraged by everything. I always seem to lurk but most of that is because by the time I get around to commenting it was always old news. You are a definite light on the path...

[Yzma and Kronk]

I thought this thing was done closed, kaput, see-ya-later, buh-bye!

But, I neglected to post closing comments.

I do that....being Canukian and all.

Mel's influence.

Zzub! Thanks! Very much! Just like La said and Java and Haley (Hi Haley!) and Frick and Ash and DJR and the many others who stayed with you until the end...I thank you!

It was a great read.

And, I printed it out for a encore read while travelling the Interstate to Alabama this summer. You read correctly - we are road trippin' it to Bama - my first visit!

What else says Alabama like Zzub's TR! Roll Tide and all that.

So even though you are finished with this one, I'll re-live it all over. Actually I need something to distract me from looking for Mel's foot out the window.

Thanks again! Until next time....:moped:

[lisah0711]

Coming out of lurkdom to say thanks for the great TR. DH and I have a law practice so I can relate to alot of what you say about our profession. Also, thanks to you, I now listen to streaming Disney music at work -- even the worst day isn't so bad when you hear that Disney soundtrack! God bless you and your family.

[mjkaferle5]

Thank you ZZUB for all of the wonderful installments of your trip reports over the last few years!!

In Jesus' name I pray the best for you and your family...

[ZZUB]

Oh, and as an alum of Auburn, I enjoy the barbs back and forth - it was only graduate school so my allegiance is still to WI!! My tenure at Auburn was when the team was penalized for "paying the players" in gifts of cars, housecleaning, study aides, which resulted in the loss of bowl games and television coverage for a time.Ah yes, I remember fondly the days when it was Auburn (not Bama) feeling the sting of the NCAA. I've got an old t-shirt I picked up in 1993 that lists all of the years Auburn was on probation and the front of it reads, "An Auburn Tradition Continues."

But, as a demonstration of my gratitude for the very nice things you wrote about me and my TR, I will share with you the one and only Auburn slam on Bama I found amusing. It was right after Wimp Sanderson was fired for slapping his secretary (and claiming it was self-defense, mind you). Auburn rushed to print a bumpersticker:

"We may pay our players but we don't slap our secretaries"

Uncle Goofy: Dude, slow down! You post WAY TOO MUCH! Seriously, 3 posts in 2 years.?!!?
You've got a problem. You're addicted. :badpc:

PoohBearFreak: Thank you for reading along.

I neglected to post closing comments. I do that....being Canukian and all. Mel's influence.Since Mel has failed to finish her last 7 Trip Reports and has failed to post any closing comment here, I don't think you can blame this on her. Try either George Bush or global warming. No one has used those recently.

You read correctly - we are road trippin' it to Bama - my first visit!
What else says Alabama like Zzub's TR! Roll Tide and all that.You're purposefully going to Alabama? On vacation?! Wow! Was Branson closed?

Also, thanks to you, I now listen to streaming Disney music at work -- even the worst day isn't so bad when you hear that Disney soundtrack! God bless you and your family.Thank you for your blessing. I'm glad you've found streaming Disney music. I've gotten to where I can't write anything without some Live365 running.

mjkaferle5: Thank you for your prayers. By the way, your signature line rocks. Probably the best one I've ever seen.

:moped:

[alldiz]

ZZUB:sad1:
You can't see the tears running down my face....but your post was so heartfelt it "squeezed" my heart.

Funny....how such strong emotions come from a message board with anonomous posters....this is a special medium here.

"Gawd Forbid a Million Times" I didn't tell you how reading your trip reports have touched my soul in a million ways. From my awe at your unwaivering faith to you becoming a boy again talking to Crush.

Thankyou so much for the laughs, tears and spit coffee;) I truly hope when your new path is clear....it involves more TR's. So many of us here have sooooo enjoyed them.
God bless you and yours.
Kerri

[Uncle Goofy]

Uncle Goofy: Dude, slow down! You post WAY TOO MUCH! Seriously, 3 posts in 2 years.?!!?
You've got a problem. You're addicted. :badpc:

I hear ya brother. I am seeking professional couselling. I've doubled my annual posts this week alone...I must be backsliding.

Cherish those girls you have:lovestruc . They grow up as pretty as their Moms in a blink of an eye. Seems like my two daughters were Zzuby's age just yesterday. Last week, one of them was taken to Prom (us Dads are NEVER ready for that!). I answered the door holding my son's Nerf shotgun though.:darth: I guess I showed him who was the boss.

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

don’t know what’s next. Not yet anyway. Sometimes that freaks me out. But right now, I’m okay with it. I don’t need the full road map. I know Who has it.

:love: Love this quote....it's exactly what I needed to hear today, thank you~

[tina_la]

I answered the door holding my son's Nerf shotgun though.:darth: I guess I showed him who was the boss.

Now that I would LOVE to see a picture of...

[Sneezie]

But you can't close down this Trip Report until Sneezie gets a chance to post. Gawd forbid a million times she can't regale us with one more funny cake story!


Thank you so much for asking them to hold out on closing your Trip Report. Gawd forbid a million times I miss out on saying Goodbye to this one - not to you, you understand - but to your trip report.

Unfortunately, the only cake story I have is that I picked up a birthday cake for my sister (yes, it was really her birthday) and realized the JOYS of Cake Squares!!!! Did you know that for only 79 cents each you can enjoy a plethora of layered cakes? The assortment is mind-boggling for a cake connoisseur such as myself. Just that day, I picked up a chocolate doberge, lemon doberge, Italian Cream, Red Velvet, German Chocolate and White with Strawberry filling. And what's best is "NO SENTIMENTS" needed!!!! No more 'Get Well Soon' cakes, 'Congratulations on your New Baby' cakes, or 'Happy Groundhog's Day' cakes for me! I've discovered what they knew all along in the 80's "It's hip to be SQUARE!!!!

I do hope that your next trip to the world inspires you to write a new trip report. Your TRs (and all the other TRs I read) make my trips so much more enjoyable.

Enjoy your tomorrow!

[CampbellScot]

Wow...if I wasn't aware of how quickly things move through your system, I might be afraid that we'd just read the final chapter of the Zzub Trip report series...and you know you can't do that...you have to write AT LEAST seven installments. All the greats must. It's a rule. In Trip Report writing...

it is.

look it up!

Really though...I've been reading since the very first Battle. Y'all have always been in my prayers. I mourned for your loss of Samuel and cried tears of joy at the news of Baby Faith Zzub. I've so enjoyed getting to *know* your family through your writing. You are right to brag on Zzuby. She is her daddy's daughter. She is extraordinary. You and your wife have done an outstanding job.

thanks so much for sharing...and over sharing...for coining the term Disneyfreude...for introducing Suzie Helpershoes...:lmao: and the REGISTER JOURNAL!!!:rotfl2:

One of my all time favorite Zzub moments!

It's also pretty amazing to see that your first trip report was six pages total, including comments...my my how word gets around! Pert near to 80 pages now!!!

You have a talent my friend. I hope you will continue to use it.

I know that there is no way you will be able to stay away. And when we are reading "The Battle for Grandpa Zzub's Wallet" I will refrain from saying "SEEEEEEE...told ya so!"

you are much loved and much appreciated.

and now that you have a fan base you have no choice but to continue your trips and reports.

good.

thanks.

:goodvibes

[ZZUB]

Sneezie and Campbell Soup are in the house!!!!

Thank you so much for the laughs, tears and spit coffee;) I truly hope when your new path is clear....it involves more TR's. So many of us here have sooooo enjoyed them. God bless you and yours.
KerriThank you, Kerri. In a funny way, I hope I can write more in the future. I enjoy this medium for many of the reasons you mentioned.

Thank you so much for asking them to hold out on closing your Trip Report. Gawd forbid a million times I miss out on saying Goodbye to this one - not to you, you understand - but to your trip report.

Unfortunately, the only cake story I have is that I picked up a birthday cake for my sister (yes, it was really her birthday) and realized the JOYS of Cake Squares!!!! Did you know that for only 79 cents each you can enjoy a plethora of layered cakes? The assortment is mind-boggling for a cake connoisseur such as myself. Just that day, I picked up a chocolate doberge, lemon doberge, Italian Cream, Red Velvet, German Chocolate and White with Strawberry filling. And what's best is "NO SENTIMENTS" needed!!!! No more 'Get Well Soon' cakes, 'Congratulations on your New Baby' cakes, or 'Happy Groundhog's Day' cakes for me! I've discovered what they knew all along in the 80's "It's hip to be SQUARE!!!!

I do hope that your next trip to the world inspires you to write a new trip report. Your TRs (and all the other TRs I read) make my trips so much more enjoyable.

Enjoy your tomorrow!I couldn't even begin to shorten this quote. It would be like only eating half a slice of cake. SNEEZIE! You kill me DED. I love reading your posts! So does Mrs. Z. I was on the phone with her a little while ago and it was on the tip of my tongue to say, "You won't believe what Sneezie posted on my Trip Report!" But my door is open and I'm just not ready for the people I work with to hear those words. GFAMT!

But as sure as I'm sitting here, when I get home tonight, you can bet I will pull up the Disboards for Mrs. Z to see your post.

Really though...I've been reading since the very first Battle. Y'all have always been in my prayers. I mourned for your loss of Samuel and cried tears of joy at the news of Baby Faith Zzub. I've so enjoyed getting to *know* your family through your writing. You are right to brag on Zzuby. She is her daddy's daughter. She is extraordinary. You and your wife have done an outstanding job.We think ZZUBY is alright. She's her Mamma. With a hint of her Daddy. Thank you very much for reading along over the last 4 years. I would have figured most of the original Battle readers left me by Battle III: The Search for A Reason to Continue Writing.

I do enjoy writing and as I've said a time or two, I enjoy this medium. Eventually, I reckon it'll be clear whether I should try to peck out a sixth installment. And if not, then I suppose I'll amuse myself by posting snarky comments on the TRs of others. Which reminds me, I need to get back to reading your TR.

:moped:

[misstheworld]

:offtopic: Okay...I'm hoping that Zzub sees this before the mods close down this board. I need some Bama help!! I confess...I married a UT fan. Don't shoot...but since you don't accept PM's I'm asking for help.

What's the difference between the University of Alamama and UAB, other than their locations? Is UAB a split off or alternate campus?

Maybe you'll see this, Zzub, and answer. Thanks!

Your loyal fan,
misstheworld

[ZZUB]

:offtopic: Okay...I'm hoping that Zzub sees this before the mods close down this board. I need some Bama help!! I confess...I married a UT fan. Don't shoot...but since you don't accept PM's I'm asking for help.

What's the difference between the University of Alamama and UAB, other than their locations? Is UAB a split off or alternate campus?

Maybe you'll see this, Zzub, and answer. Thanks!

Your loyal fan,
misstheworldFirst of all, why in the name of Mother Dixie would you marry a Vol? Where there no ex-convicts you could date?

UAB is a wholly separate institution located in Birmingham. I believe, but am not positive, it started life as just the University of Alabama's med school. And then somewhere along the way, it sprang into it's own little school, completely separate from Bama. It is part of the University of Alabama system, but not actually a part of the University of Alabama itself. I think it's akin to the Univeristy of Tennessee and UTChatanooga.

:moped:

[misstheworld]

DH said just wait till we meet on October 25th.

Thanks for the info, but I should have asked DH. I committed a marital-sin and went to another man with a question.

God bless the Zzub family! And...

GO VOLS!!!

[LovintheLodge]

I've been a lurker of your trip reports. I was away last week and saw that you posted. What can I say, but wow...a great ending! You are one of my favorite trip report writers on the DIS...you have such a way with words and have a great sense of humor. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

God Bless, ZZUB...

[Sneezie]

It would be like only eating half a slice of cake.

What is a half slice of cake?

I've never heard of that before.

Is there really such a thing? :faint:

Gawd forbid a million times.

What's next? Cake Triangles????

[stinkerbell007]

.......and we're off. :yay:

:drive:

See ya's when we get back!!!

Play nice. :laughing:

pixiedust:

[BLLB]

ZZUB,

I don't know if Mrs. Z subscribes to "Family Fun" magazine but in the May 2008 issue there is a recipe for "Grilled Pound Cake With Berries and Ice Cream."

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50534


I saw it and immediately thought of you. Thank you so much for your amazing writing. Your faith, family and talent for writing have been such a blessing to me.

[Maxie86]

I haven't posted much, but I've read all of your battles. I always like it when someone loses the battle of their wallet at Disney, DS is a shareholder. I am tired of single handedly making sure the stock doesn't go down.:lmao: As others have said before me, I've laughed with you, cried with you and prayed for you. Thanks for all the time you took to write your TR's. I thought of you when we went to Artist Point for dinner last December, and going by Canada will never be the same. I just make sure we don't stop in the rest room and it should be ok. You also look and sound very much like my boss. From your writing I would think it was him, except he has more kids, doesn't live in the NW, isn't a Bama fan, doesn't like Disney,and isn't a lawyer, so you can relax, I don't work for you. Your identity is safe.

[alldiz]

ZZUB,

I don't know if Mrs. Z subscribes to "Family Fun" magazine but in the May 2008 issue there is a recipe for "Grilled Pound Cake With Berries and Ice Cream."

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50534


I saw it and immediately thought of you. Thank you so much for your amazing writing. Your faith, family and talent for writing have been such a blessing to me.

I haven't posted much, but I've read all of your battles. I always like it when someone loses the battle of their wallet at Disney, DS is a shareholder. I am tired of single handedly making sure the stock doesn't go down.:lmao: As others have said before me, I've laughed with you, cried with you and prayed for you. Thanks for all the time you took to write your TR's. I thought of you when we went to Artist Point for dinner last December, and going by Canada will never be the same. I just make sure we don't stop in the rest room and it should be ok. You also look and sound very much like my boss. From your writing I would think it was him, except he has more kids, doesn't live in the NW, isn't a Bama fan, doesn't like Disney,and isn't a lawyer, so you can relax, I don't work for you. Your identity is safe.

My thoughts exactly....you've touched us forever ZZUB:goodvibes
Kerri