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

[ZZUB]

For weeks before we left on this trip I wondered whether I had another one of these in me. Is there anything left to write about?

The cast is the same. The location is the same. The food was still free.

Is it possible to write a fifth installment in this series of stories about one family’s trip to Disney World? How many times can a person complain about the cost of a vacation? How much food lust can one person write about? How many different ways can I complain about the heat, the snarky CMs and the diminution of service while simultaneously describing my life long love affair with Walt’s 47 square miles? Don’t I run the risk of sounding too much like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli? Are there any lines left from Seinfeld and Napoleon Dynamite I haven’t already quoted? How many more jabs at John Edwards, Britney Spears, Mike Shula and Hillary! can I possibly ladle on top of an already thin narrative? Didn’t it become painfully obvious a long time ago that my Trip Reports are really nothing more than a nine month long blog thinly disguised as the story of our vacation to Walt Disney World?

Indeed.

For weeks before we left I wondered whether I would undertake this task again. For a fifth time. If only Sylvester Stallone would have asked himself the same question. I don’t want our family’s vacation journal to become a pathetic imitation of the Police Academy or Rocky sequels, which were, ironically, themselves pathetic imitations.

By now you’re wondering whether the entirety of the fifth installment of this series will be nothing more than a meta-discussion about whether there should be a fifth installment at all.

I'm wondering when I started using phrases like "meta-discussion." Whom do I have to blame for that?!

Clearly the cat is out of the bag on the question of whether I decided I had another one of these in me. The only question now is whether you have sufficient energy to tramp your way through another nine month journey into the life of a fairly neurotic, and somewhat flatulent, soon-to-be middle aged man suffering from a Peter Pan complex and an over-developed love for cake and potato salad?

How about a little background. A primer if you will. Even if you won’t: here it comes.

I’m a lawyer, I live in the Pacific Northwest but I’m an alumnus of the greatest football playing school in the country, owner of 12 national championships and 21 SEC championships. They call Alabama the Crimson Tide. You know what they call me. I married way above myself to a beautiful woman who used to teach school but was promoted to CEO of our home. I am fortunate that in almost 12 years of marriage, my wife has yet to discover she could have done better. Although many have tried telling her. Including the preacher who married us. During the wedding.

“Do you take ZZUB to be your lawfully wedded husband?
“I do.”
“Why?! Look around you. You could do a LOT better.”
“But I love him.”
“Are you sure? I’ll give you a few minutes to consider your options.”

We have two daughters: ZZUBY who is 5 ½ and Baby ZZUB who is 6 months.

”They took a 6 month old to Disney World?!” I can hear you shriek. Yes, and we also bought only one refillable mug AND rented a stroller for my 5 ½ year old. But we didn’t pool hop or abuse the free dining credits. Much. So settle down.

We also have a dog named Stafford. We call him Schpupin! Or the Schpup! He has a speech impediment and tends to stutter.

That we have a talking dog, with a speech impediment, is only one of many reasons why I am now and forever: only ZZUB.

Sadly, there are many other reasons, too numerous to identify.

Which brings me to this: generally speaking, I try to post installments every two weeks. Usually on a Monday morning. When I post a new chapter, I’ll edit the title of my thread to announce the update, including the date and page number of the new chapter. I will also place a link in the bottom of each chapter so you can skip past the comments and just read the story if you so choose. If you prefer to just read the comments and skip the story, then I suggest you read Mel HappyHaunt’s Trip Report.

I'm not one of the people who responds to comments, mainly because I'm afraid I won't respond to everyone and then I'll end up hurting someone's feelings. So I abstain from commenting back although I do enjoy reading the comments of people who are reading my Trip Report. Periodically I will try to post a response to queries. I’ve been known to provide geography tips and explain simple mathematic calculations. You should also know that I don’t accept PMs. While I will post pictures of scenery and the occasional food item, I don’t post pictures of me or my family. We're neurotic remember? Except, it would seem when it comes to Stafford J.

I’m also a pretty big fan of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I owe my life, both here on Earth and in eternity, to Him. I make no bones about my love for Him and although in the past I’ve been asked to “hold the religion,” I don’t reckon I will. Because although I don’t post pictures of myself, I try to write in such a way as to give you a clear picture of who the ZZUBs are. We love Walt Disney World, Alabama football, saving money, Tonga Toast, Yoo Hoo, Pop Tarts, Seinfeld, Napoleon Dynamite, Apollo XIII, Rudy, Country Music, Fast Food and the Monroe Doctrine. Just to name a few things.

We also walk with God.

Which doesn’t make us perfect or better than the next yahoo. Just forgiven.

If you endeavor to read along through this year’s Battle For My Wallet, then you’ll discover we are completely flawed and in many various ways. Not so much my wife, mostly me. And the Schpup! I have a penchant for sarcasm. And fits of rage. I’ve rendered people dyspeptic. And numb. Sometimes both. At the same time.

And I only buy one refillable mug a year.

If you’ve read any of the previous Battles, then you already know all of this. But I imagine most of the people who suffered through previous Battles for My Wallet were smart enough NOT to undertake trudging through yet another one. This preface was served up for the uninitiated; for those who do not yet know any better and thus will persist in nibbling on my insipid observations and rambling prose.

And for people who think John Edwards would make a good president.

You’re wondering what possesses seemingly normal people to take a six month old baby to Disney World when the temperature is hotter than Lloyd Carr’s seat. And that’s your first mistake. We are many things but 'seemingly normal' is not one of them.

Because no right thinking person takes a baby to Disney World in September. You have to be full on Disney Crazy to do this. Normal people don’t schlep their infants across country and subject them to airplane germs, underwashed tourists and Mickey Mouse’s bacteria frap of a nose. They wait until their children are older. And can enjoy the experience.

Whatever that means.

Nutjob Disney fanatics can only vacation in one place. Although we consider going to other destinations, they all pale in comparison. We talk about not taking a vacation at all but eventually we succumb to the Kavorka that is Disney’s allure.

We also have family two hours away from Disney World and since they have to see the baby, we figure we’re at least going to chow down on some free food and ride some rides.

And then spend nine months writing about it.

We go to Disney World every year and we normally go just about the same time, within a few weeks one way or the other. Yet, we don’t like to stay at the same place two years in a row. It feels too much like we’re trying to repeat the previous trips. So we try to mix things up.

But our prior trip wasn’t a bit like we had planned it to be. And my wife didn’t really enjoy it very much. I don’t reckon I did much either. So there was little danger we would be trying to duplicate our 2006 trip. If anything, we would endeavor to go a new direction, to do the opposite. When we began planning this vacation, my wife impressed it upon me to return to the Lodge (Wilderness, that is). She wanted to have the vacation there she didn’t get the year before.

And so it was, early in April, I pounced on the Disney Visa Free Dining deal. I waited on hold for about 30 minutes and then gave the CM our dates and asked for Woodsview Bunkbeds. ZZUBY really enjoyed the bunkbeds and I’m a daddy who likes to make his kids happy. In an ironic twist, the Woodsview Bunkbeds were not available. All I could book was Standard. So I booked it and my first round of ADRs.

The time between early April and late August passed rather quickly for us. Unlike last year. I’ll try to keep the comparisons to a minimum. But there are some which are so stark they demand attention. And our waiting period for this trip was a clear departure from the year before when we thought we'd never leave for vacation and we groaned under the weight of a cruel summer. By comparison, this summer was light and fast. We did some work on our house which kept us busy and with the birth of Baby ZZUB in February, we had several visitors to the ZZUB homestead.

And maybe I learned a lesson or two from last year. Walking with God is not like riding a bicycle, or haven’t I told you that before? I forget some of the things He has taught me in the past. But not this one. Not now anyway. As we worked our way from April to August, I didn’t so much obsess over our itinerary and I didn’t so much plan out every minute of every day and I didn’t daydream about how wonderful it all would be. I was borderline ambivalent. Sure, I made and changed ADRs as frequently as Kayne West denounces the Man, and I reconsidered our Resort choice a time or two. Or three. But ultimately, I had a keener sense that the resort we booked was the one we should stay at. I wasn’t so burdened with making it all work out. Indeed, I was liberated from that compulsion. Instead, I made plans and sketched out a loose itinerary with lots and lots of options.

And yes, we still had our pre-Disney planning meetings. And we discussed changes in our itinerary and the built in alternatives at our disposal. We’re still Disney freaks for crying out loud.

But at no point did I feel myself yearning for vacation. I didn’t expect anything of it. Sure I was looking forward to it. Looking forward to two weeks away from my office and my calendar. We were spending eight days and seven nights at Disney World and then a second week at my sister's house with her, my brother in law, their kids and my parents. So I would have two weeks away from work with my wife and daughters. Free food, fun rides, Blades of Glory, Night at the Museum and Nappy D. Great memories. But I knew enough to not expect any more. The same great vacation that offers up Tonga Toast, Illuminations and Soren Lorenson also packs the wretched odor of Disney Busses, humidity and a sure fire blister on the little piggy who had none. The good and the bad.

At least for now, I’ve learned not to place too great an expectation upon our vacation. Thus, our planning for this trip was different. Understated. We were going to Disney World. Because the past is prologue to the future, we knew not to get too bunched up worrying about the minor details. And they are really minor details.

No bunkbed room reserved? No problem. We’ll get the room God has picked out for us.

Using Magic Express? We’ll pack our bathroom stuff and a change of clothes in our carry-on bags.

Trusting our lives to Delta Airlines and the jackbooted TSA? God will protect us.

Will this year be more crowded than years before? We’ll adjust our plans as needed.

Will Suzie Helpershoes and her extended family of mischievous minions appear? That’ll just provide good comedy for my Trip Report.

No Teppanyaki? No problem.

That’s not to imply our trip was all Dream Fastpasses and a night in the Castle. May it never be! Where’s the humor in everything going right? Sure I got to talk to Crush and ZZUBy got a star turn in The Festival of the Lion King. But as you might expect, the silver lining was on a thunder grey cloud whose name was Marty Meantoes. We also encountered a ghastly odor in Toon Town after dark. A smell so bad it sent lesser men chasing after their fanny packs.

By the way: the myth of Toon Town being empty after dark is just that: a myth. I haven’t seen crowds like that since Auburn lost at home to Univ. of South Florida and Auburn fans packed into the Hardee’s to drown their sorrows in biscuits and gravy. And free refills of Dr. Pepper.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Our trip was great, maybe the best trip we’ve ever taken. And that’s saying something. Nevertheless, be advised there’ll be a rant or two. Or three. So if you’re given to fits of numbness, you might want to fashion some sort of seat belt on your chair. I won’t be held responsible if you succumb to the vapors and hit your head on the credenza.

There again, the thunder grey clouds give way to my new raison d’etre. I won’t give away the exciting climax of this little yarn. If we can expand the definition of "exciting" to include, "of very little interest to anyone who isn't me." Suffice it to say it involves butter.

And a large spoon.



Click Here for Chapter Two (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=20957277#post20957277)

[SereneOne]

Looking forward to your report.:goodvibes

[sdy]

This is what happens.

When you give an insomniac a wireless internet connection.

They post lame replies to trip reports.

But. Enuf about me.

Well done.

Good show.

And. Roll tide. As Mel would say.

Not that I know what that means.

[lexmelinda]

I succumbed to the vapors and hit my head on the credenza before I even got to the warning.

Which is for rookies by the way.

Good thing I have some stamina and a strong stomach.

Let 'er rip. The trip report, I mean.

[nicolemarie]

Oh YEAH!!!!

He's back! And I'm in.

Roll it, ZZUB.

:3dglasses

[mlill]

Welcome back! I'm really glad that you're writing another TR. :goodvibes I will happily lurk on this TR like I have with the last 4. :thumbsup2 You're an amazing writer that speaks his mind. And you're kinda funny too... carry on... :surfweb:

[GBShorts]

Subbing into this one. :) I enjoyed the first four, thanks!

[LaLa]

Battle for My Wallet V: Beyond the Number IV:
For weeks before we left on this trip I wondered whether I had another one of these in me.

Something tells me you've always got another one of those in you, ZZUB.

And I'm really glad you decided to crank it out. The trip report, that is. Although I have no doubt whatsoever that over the course of the next ten or twelve months, your words will have caused me to throw up in my mouth far too often, fall off the chair every two weeks with laughter (knocking out a tooth or two on the way down), smile way too many goofy smiles at the computer (hopefully no one at work will witness that one...much...especially after the knocking out of the teeth), Google a few words, periodically feel a little verklempt, and just all around thoroughly enjoy being able to read about how God is continuing to bless a sweet little family in the Pacific Northwest known only as the ZZUBs.

Fo shizzle my ZZizzle.

I'm wondering when I started using phrases like "meta-discussion." Whom do I have to blame for that?!

I'm gonna go out on a limb with this and say George Bush.

Are there any lines left from Seinfeld and Napoleon Dynamite I haven’t already quoted?

I don't think you've ever used the 1 percent milk one. And there may be one more Seinfeld reference left.

We talk about not taking a vacation at all but eventually we succumb to the Kavorka that is Disney’s allure.

And there it is. And with that line, I believe you have exhausted every single Seinfeld reference imaginable.

Or have you?!

At any rate, I've already fallen out of my chair and smiled a couple of times this morning. So I guess that means you're off to a great start with Rocky Balboa here. I'm completely DED over the title, by the way. I thought you were just kidding. Nothing like a little double entendre. Whatever that means. I'm so glad to know yall had a great trip and I, like so many others on these boards, can't wait to hear all about your adventures in the World, Z.

Bring it on, my friend.

I'm in.

:moped::moped::moped::moped:

[praisehisname]

Woo Hoo! I'm so excited to get in at the beginning of one of your reports! I'm so glad you decided to write about your trip. Can't wait to hear all about it, and if your wife was able to ride some rides this year!

Denise

[DJR]

We also encountered a ghastly odor in Toon Town after dark. A smell so bad it sent lesser men chasing after their fanny packs.

I think they imported that from the restrooms in Canada just for you.

Welcome back. Like a fool, I'm in again.

[Montana Disney Fan]

It just wouldn't be Fall w/o a ZZUB trip report to read... or Winter, Spring & Summer. This should keep the DIS faithful busy for the next 11 months. :lmao:

[flipflop]

I like butter.

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Another one.















Ok.


I would have been here sooner but I missed the memo that you were gonna be posting a new trip report today.

I also missed the memo that you were going on another trip to Disney this month.

I also missed the memo that reminded me that I don't care.


Who is delivering MY MAIL??????!!!!!!


I blame George Bush. Da SchMUTT! And... NEUMAN.


Anywho... I just wanted you to know what my morning was like ~



When I saw you had a new TR started...


First: I jumped into the air with excitement. At my computer desk. Slamming my head hard on the upper shelf. And knocking myself out.

That's because my blood sugar was low.

As was the stupid shelf.


Secondly: I read that you had a FANTASTIC TRIP! One of your family's best...EVER! And yelled, "ROLL TIDE, MY FRIEND!" While making the "Rock On" sign with both hands.

That's because I was still dazed, confuzzelled and you caught Me(l) at a weak(ish) moment.

Thirdly: I rubbed my hands with glee that I get to spend another 9 - 10 months reading about your family's vacation. Written with intelligence, wit and unmistakable talent. And I was pretty freakin' jazzed.

That's because I appear to have hurt my head. Real bad.



Also: Instead of fashioning some sort of seat belt onto my chair. As you suggested.


I have installed an Ejector Button.


Go Big.


Or go Home. ZZUB.


Now then... We're all ready here. At the Dis. For the rest of your tale. So come on!!!!!! Give us the skinny; give us the details; give us the poop.


Except for the poop.


Again.


I'll end with this:


Sail on silvergirl
Sail on by
Your time has come
To shine...




Again.

(Darnit!)


Cheers, Mel


pixiedust:

[samc]

glad you're back........ROLL TIDE!!

[Angrypenguin]

I'm in. And since my esteemed Wolverines have pretty imploded like Howard Dean, I may even take to rooting for 'Bama, just for a change of pace.

I still don't like the SEC though.

[OhMari]

Which brings me to this: generally speaking, I try to post installments every two weeks. Usually on a Monday morning. When I post a new chapter, I’ll edit the title of my thread to announce the update, including the date and page number of the new chapter. I will also place a link in the bottom of each chapter so you can skip past the comments and just read the story if you so choose. If you prefer to just read the comments and skip the story, then I suggest you read Mel HappyHaunt’s Trip Report.

Thank you. Just press the red report button if someone is mean.

[luvmyboys]

I've moved the credenza to the garage, tied myself down with a bungee cord, and am now officially ready for the rest! popcorn::

[Tink-ing]

ZZUB ~ I've read all of your other TRs. Read them straight through. Done the laughing. The crying. The in-the-mouth-throw-upping. And given the chance to do it all again? Dude. I'm in.

How many more jabs at John Edwards, Britney Spears, Mike Shula and Hillary!

Rhetorical question.

The only question now is whether you have sufficient energy to tramp your way through another nine month journey into the life of a fairly neurotic, and somewhat flatulent, soon-to-be middle aged man suffering from a Peter Pan complex and an over-developed love for cake and potato salad?

Scary, but also, rhetorical.

I had another one of these in me.

Ah...rather another one of THESE than another one of THOSE. That were left in Canada.

Anywho. Yay on the writing of Battle Numero Cinco. I'm going to find an alcove to hunker down and read this thing in...

:moped:

[ncseric]

Welcome back, ZZUB... hopefully you left Canada alone this time. They never did anything to us down here.






Scratch that.






They keep letting the happyhaunts cross the border.







Hopefully your ZZUB-ing was confined to JUST Canada.

[Backstage_Gal]

If you’ve read any of the previous Battles, then you already know all of this. But I imagine most of the people who suffered through previous Battles for My Wallet were smart enough NOT to undertake trudging through yet another one. This preface was served up for the uninitiated; for those who do not yet know any better and thus will persist in nibbling on my insipid observations and rambling prose.




Well, you are wrong! Read all of them, laughed and cried, back for more! :banana:

Roll Tide!!!!!!

[CampbellScot]

Just when I thought I would never laugh again...here comes another Battle for Zzub's Wallet!!!

so glad to see you back on the TR circuit!!!

Can't wait to hear about Marty Meantoes!!!

Can't wait to hear how Baby Zzub liked her first ex-utero trip to Disneyworld!!

Can't wait to hear how Zzuby likes showing her baby sis around!

Basically...I'm excited to hear about your latest trip!!

Glad to see you again.

Roll Tide.

:goodvibes

[team weasel]

Loved the Hardees reference.

I was one of the masses drowning in my sorrows. :sad1:

I however chose to do so at the Krystal, like a true southern gal. Sliders and sorrow...mmmm mmm mmm.

[winkers]

I'm excited! I finally get to get in on the beginning of the legendary Zzub trip reports!:banana: i just like the banana guy, makes me smile

[NAB]

I'm in too !!!! :yay:

[frankenpooh]

Me, too!

[jamal]

Suffice it to say it involves butter.

Butter?

Oh good. That's infinitely more interesting than cottage cheese.

Welcome back ZZUB.

Did you mention the heat?

I heard it was hot in Florida this August. Some Miami coach ran up to Tuscaloosa, too. How's that workin' out for ya?

[KodakFigment]

ZUBB!!

You're the reason I came out of lurkdom, then I was afraid to post to your report because no one can be as eloquent, irreverent and funny as you...all at the same time. So happy to see you back. I must have a ZUBB -O-METER embedded in my brain. I haven't even looked at the trip report board in 3 weeks, I pop in today and here you are:yay:

Glad to hear the family is still going strong.

[princesssfws]

Woo Hoo ZZUB is back!!!!

Can't wait to here how the ZZUB family tackled the world this year.

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Dang. A little bird told me that there was new tripe on the board. And here you are.

TFI, my son discovered YooHoo last week. And I thought his regular chocolate milk addiction was bad. I am limiting his intake. Confining it. Monitoring closely. Because the thought of having a YooHoo drinking son just scares me. At least he is learning to yell "Go DAWGS" at frequent intervals.

Welcome home my friend. Glad to hear you had such a great trip. Appreciate the fact that you gave us the conclusion at the beginning thereby eliminating the need to hang around here for the next 11 months. The stench becomes overwhelming after a while, ya know?

[Yzma and Kronk]

Zzub's back!

I'm so "excited"

Looking forward to reading.

[JKMJ441724]

When I saw that you were back, I immediately reached for some toilet paper and the Clorox.

I'm ready.

And I'm in.

Glad you're back.

[AshClan]

Welcome back, Z. I am thrilled to have a new wallet-battling report to read, and even more thrilled to hear that you and your crew had a great trip. Back to the Lodge sounds nice too. I'm glad Mrs. Z got to have a re-do!

Kitty, I want to know who the little bird was. 'Cause they are in trouble for not tellin' me. And so are you, in fact.

OH, just one more thing....

The only question now is whether you have sufficient energy to tramp your way through another nine month journey into the life of a fairly neurotic, and somewhat flatulent, soon-to-be middle aged man suffering from a Peter Pan complex and an over-developed love for cake and potato salad?

You forgot the deviled eggs.

[DISNEYDUET]

Woo Hoo!! :surfweb: Ok, maybe not so loud next time. Sorry all! Well I am strapped in with my rubber shorts on and ready for the snoozefest that is ANOTHER ZZUB TR. Glad to hear all is well in the land of ZZUB and that you still hold the title of FATHER OF THE YEAR :cool2:. My father has always said that God only gives girls to those who are deserving (or crazy). And he should know. He is a minister and has survived 30 years of me. Maybe that is where the crazy part comes in? :confused: hhmm have to think about that. Well on with the fun!

[LISAMWDW]

I heard thru the grapevine you were back! :woohoo:

I'm in! Can't wait to hear all about your best trip!

[wdwdreamin2]

I know I am definitely NOT smart....so count me in!!

Welcome back!

[Kimberly815]

I am leaving for my own trip in 9 days, and I came to the trip reports board to see if I could find a little something to get me excited (because I haven't been 'feeling it' quite a much this year- darn regular life getting in the way)- and nothing could do that better than a little trip reporting from ZZUB, even if this is the only installment I get to read before I go!

[brandt79]

I'm in! And on the lookout for obscure WW references. Since you've run out of Seinfeldisms.

[Duchie]

I'm not one of the people who responds to comments....

-

And I'm not one of those people who often makes comments. But I've read every single one of your TR's and loved them all. So you keep writing and not responding and I'll keep reading and not commenting. Or not. Maybe I'll make a few comments here and there. We'll see.

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Can't wait to read your trip.

[pongoperdigirl]

Welcome Back ZZUB!

Glad you had a great time.
Can't wait to hear about it.

Crap.
I had more to say
But I forgot

[Disfan3]

I'm in! And on the lookout for obscure WW references. Since you've run out of Seinfeldisms.


what??? Zzub has WeightWatcherisms??? Or WholeWheatisms....or WorldWarisms?? Or possibly Waynes Worldisms???


WillyWonkaisms..???


Anyhoo...only a complete Disneyfreak would come back for fifths. I get that Z. Really I do. Yes. Its me. You do not need to ask again. TFI.

Gorilla on a moped....


psst!! I am going to get a glimpse of WDW with babyz~!~That is so precious!!

[Tigger2252]

You had me at meta-discussion......

[BigDogMom7]

Zzub is back!! I've read all the first four and will be looking forward to all of this one, too.

[KJMAX1]

Im in for another round as well...but not the bathroom kind. Its pretty funny, but my Dh and I seem to make reference to your tripe reports while in WDW. Dh and I will print them out and read them, he enjoys a male's point of view, and I enjoy Me(l)s comments. We leave in a few days from beautiful Seattle, just when the weather is nice :confused3 what gives? to enjoy our fantasmic vacation, with a hurricane coming, and love bugs.:sad2: :eek:

BTW, since we havent noticed you on the boards we were going to rent a stroller and put "Zzub Finder" on the back. :thumbsup2

Glad you all had a wonderful tripe with the new beautiful blessing God entrusted you with!

Many more tripes in your future!:)

[IkeandMike]

Welcome Back. Looking forward to your report.

[luv2crash]

Can't wait to hear about the adventures of the ZUBB4. I bet it was interesting with a tiny one!


So, I will be having pork chops for dinner on Saturday in honor of the HOGS. Hope I don't have to ZUBB after the game. Roll some big ole Tide!!!

[lucky978]

So...this is where all the cool kids are. ;)

Nice to "see" you again Zzub....looking forward to your story. :surfweb:

[BLLB]

ZZUB

I have read each of your trip reports. Your writing is amazing. We have 2 things in common: lawyer and Christian. Love your trip reports.

[annameg]

Rammer Jammer......I may have to go down and roll Toomer's corner in honor of the new tripe report. Nah.....rolling Toomer's corner is stupid!!! Only rednecks do it. And losers.

[Marion]

I'm in :thumbsup2 I even googled 'roll tide' so I'm ready! :surfweb:

[nicolemarie]

Roll Tide!!

:3dglasses

[alldiz]

So glad your back......I'm in:teacher:

My goal for this trip report is to not book a WDW trip reading
your report:lmao:
So glad the magic of the WL touched your family:goodvibes
Kerri

[Crazy Kanga]

Dude. I can't believe I am so late getting on board. Love it so far! Maybe this will inspire me to get back to work on my trip report.
Roll Tide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CK

[LouDisney]

YAY, another ZZUB trip report!! I just got back from the World yesterday and seeing your TR was a nice surprise. I always enjoy reading your TRs.

[DptyDogg]

sweet, I was totally hoping the free dining part III had sucked you in.

I am ready, let 'er rip.

[Frickles]

I’ve been known to provide geography tips and explain simple mathematic calculations.

I saw that.

Zzub!! We just got back yesterday and before we left, we rented a couple of Sea Racers and I found myself laughing when I cranked the speed up full blast and it just puttered~ I thought of you and your last report (fart bubbles). AND, I could NOT walk past Canada without thinking about you going to the bathroom!!! EEEEKKK!!!!

Glad to see that you got to go again and that you are sharing it with us!

[luv2crash]

Roll Tide, ZZUB!

Where's the next chapter?


Hey, I hear there is a sale on toilet paper over in Auburn. They didn't feel like rolling CROOMER's Corner.

Now I'm being obnoxious. It sure feels good!

[BONITATIME]

joining
I haven't started to read yet but I just love your trip reports.

[zalansky]

I am in! :moped:

We may have been at the World at the same time, but we did NOT have free food. For that, call me jealous.

[Cindy's Mom]

I'm in.

[1000thhappyhaunt]

I've been trying to "Boo" you today.

It's b/c Hallowe'en is coming. And I'm a ghost.


There's all that.


But, mostly, I just wanna "Boo" you. And this stupid tripe.


Literally.


So... I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity. I'd even officially HECKLE you. But I checked and there's no Hecklesmilie.


Although there should be.


Anywhup...This Whole Plan = not working.


And I think it's a shame b/c I'd LOVELOVELOVE to see a little "I've been Boo'd. Thanks Mel!!!!"


On your signature.


Anyhow that seems like it's not gonna happen.


So I've resorted to making my black cat cross your path. By walking back and forth in front of your first chapter. On the computer screen. In front of Me(l).


I've also spilled salt.

Walked under a ladder.

And broken a mirror.



Now I've come to this conclusion: I'm SCREWED!



Crap.


The best laid plans... and all that.



Cheers, Mel.

:hippie: You've been "Groov'd". Instead.

[pongoperdigirl]

Frick!
I gotta say.
I love me some sea raycers.

ANdy and I rented ONE in Nov.

Can you imagine that.
The TWO of us.
IN that thing.

it had no get up and go.
it got up and went

[kitsch4]

Yea, the Zzubster is back! I had a feeling you'd be back soon, so I've been checking the trip reports now and again lately. Your reports really brighten things up.

All I can say is..... thank goodness Teppanyaki was closed while you were there. I'm sure everyone in "Canada" feels the same way.

[Minnie Lor]

Count me in as well. Love Zzub TR's.

[Lan]

Hi Zzub!
I like your trip reports as well.

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Criminy! I just about missed it! I paid $35 to be notified by email! Someone's got some splainin' to do.

[kpk89]

Well Kitty's little bird may have flown past Ash, but I think it pooped on me! This is the first I have heard of this new trip(e). I actually had to go find #4 (not THAT #4) and finish reading it. I couldn't respond because it's in the LockBox. So... I enjoyed it very much.

This one, though, not so sure. I don't even HAVE a credenza. Is that a Pacific Northwest thing?

[Lord Fantasius]

Ah, the allure of another Zzub trip report...you're both an inspiration and tonic for me! Expecially considering I'm married to a football fanatic of a different shade of red for a wife - The Big Red, aka 'Huskers! And who would rather be backpacking open ranch country than crammed in line with thousands of other Disneyholics in 90-degree weather - go figure. Alas, it was only the "free" dining that prevailed upon her to enjoy our trip we just returned from yesterday.

As a Christian and father of a DD4.1 and a DD1.7, I've laughed and cried (and prayed) reading your reports as well. May you never lose your gift.

Pax, R

[CJsMom]

popcorn::

[mrsksomeday]

Oh I can't wait for this one. You are the person that got me interested in Tonga Toast, we are trying it in November :cool1: . I love your trip reports and will be patiently waiting for more popcorn::.

[Frickles]

Just giving you a little bump.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/flag-uga.gif

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/pawswalk.gif

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/ga.gif

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/u-georgia.gif

[Jake & Crew]

subscribing to this one from the start........thanks for the intro, showed such a well balanced humble man, i am starting to get the image of you and Epcot out of my mind from last years report.......

see you next monday.......:thumbsup2

[LegoMom3]

...and I'm ready to read!

I've been away from your TRs for almost a year. I just recently read "The Battle - IV" and it was good to catch up with the Zzubs. We had our own trip last fall (a year ago this week, actually...and I'm scaring my family with the habit of noting the day and time and then proceeding to tell them where we were and what we were doing, exactly a year ago...). Anywho, I had a hard time coming back to the DIS and reading other TRs after that trip. You know how when you plan for something for so long and get so worked up over it, and then it comes and goes and before you know it, you're right back where you started and all out of breath. Since when did a week go by so fast?!! Well, when you're in Disney, of course, but...

I also have a confession to make about that trip: your TR from the previous fall (which would be The Battle - III) was right up there with my Official Guide and PassPorter in "must have" reading material for planning. We were doing Free Dining for the first time, and staying at POR (which I LOVED!!:love: An early morning coffee walk was never so sweet...) We stayed in the AB section by necessity (family of 5, don'tcha know) but I admired the Mansions in the pre-dawn light as I strolled by!

I am also now a Napoleon Dynamite fan and wear a "Vote for Pedro" cap with pride. Although I must say that "Night at the Museum" is by far my favorite movie - this family has many of those lines memorized and quoted on a daily basis!:rotfl:

Finally, our family are also fellow Believers. Thanks for not "losing the religion" or whatever you've been asked to do. Christ rules!! Literally. Can't wait to meet you one day (do you think we'll be allowed to discuss Disney in heaven?!?!)

If you've actually read this entire comment, thanks for sticking with me!

Waiting anxiously for the next chapter....:surfweb:

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Guess what time it is????

http://www.pinuniversity.com/ProductImages/ga03game/georgia-g.gif

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Zzub,:wave2:

Just wanted to say that I am glad you are writing #5. I have lurked on your TRs before and truly enjoyed them.

I also noted that you are a Crimson Tide fan and I just have one thing to say...

"How 'bout them dawgs?":cheer2:

TTFN
Darlene

[alldiz]

Please give us another chapter:hourglass
Kerri

[Frickles]

:goodvibes

[maxiesmom]

If he generally posts "every two weeks on a Monday" maybe tomorrow will be the day. Keeping my fingers crossed!:upsidedow

[AshClan]

So since ZZUB has now changed his name, does that mean this TR will end and he'll start a whole new one? Maybe that's why there still isn't a new chapter??

Seriously, Z, sorry for your loss. I don't care one bit about college football, but I'm sure this is killin' you. Don't let the Frickles and GAKitty's of the world getcha down. Turn that frown upside down. Gather together some happy memories from your most recent trip to Disney World and write about them.....

[ZZUB]

Chapter 2: The Opposite (Part One)

You might recall that last year’s Disney Eve was less than ideal. And while it wasn’t ultimately tragic, it was difficult, scary, frightening and expensive to say nothing of unplanned.

So as you might imagine, we were looking for something a little different this year. Well, that’s an understatement. This story begins on Disney Eve Eve. Which itself was a little tense. It was my last day at work and I had a lot of stuff to finish up. I was in my office by 6:00 so that I could knock it all out and be home at a decent hour. I was setting ‘em up and knocking ‘em down. Moving stuff off my desk. Marking things off my to do list. And three other clichés which all mean the same thing. And it wasn’t like I was just hiding files in the kitchen behind the canister of decaf coffee that no one ever uses. No, I was in the zone. Whatever the heck that means.

But while I was cutting through the sea of files in my office, my wife was having a bit of different day. Baby ZZUB woke up with her fussy britches on. She kept them on all day. So my wife wasn’t able to move through her to do list with the same deft ease that I was plowing through mine. So when I got home that night and walked through the door singing, “I’m on vacation, for two whole weeks, I don’t have to work, for two whole weeks,” no one joined in on the chorus.

Instead, it appeared something had exploded in the middle of our house. Normally, explosions are confined to one of the tiny rooms with the recently ubiquitous foam soap.

Why is that suddenly everyplace? It’s the sun dried tomatoes of 2007.

There were suitcases, clothes, food and dippers as far as my eyes could see.

Dippers are diapers in our house.

Slippers are also dippers. So you have to pay attention to the context to know what we’re talking about. It’s kind of like Shalom which means “hello,” “goodbye” and “peace.”

Except we don’t say “dippers” when we see you or when we want you to leave. Although, I reckon if we did no one would even notice. Because we’re the ZZUBs. We abbreviate and make up our own words.

And our dog has a speech impediment.

And a law degree.

The hearth in our Living Room extends across an entire wall. It’s the reason we bought our house. We walked in and fell in love with the wall length stone fireplace and hearth. Which tells you something about how stupid we are. Who in their right mind buys a house because of a fireplace? People who put dippers on their baby, that’s who. In our defense, our house actually has two fireplaces. It was probably the second one that sealed the deal.

It has other features which make it attractive. But hand to God, it was the wall length stone fireplace and hearth in the Living Room.

Our Living Room is our “show” room. We don’t actually live in it. We don’t even step foot in it unless we have company. So really, it’s our non-living room. It is more properly described as a Guest Room. Because it exists for guests. And not even guests we like. Guests we like hang out with us in the Family Room. Where the comfortable furniture and brick fireplace is. And the TV.

We don’t do anything in the Living Guest Room other than look at it and occasionally drink coffee with people we don’t like enough to show into our Family Room. Therefore, whenever we have stuff we don’t know where to put and we want out of our way, it goes in the Living Room. Usually on the hearth.

Which makes me think that when my wife and I looked at this house and were so enamored of the wall length stone fireplace and hearth it was for two different reasons. I looked at it and imagined big gatherings with people sitting around a roaring fire discussing how fabulously well-to-do the ZZUBs are and how warm and inviting their home is.

My wife looked at it and imagined a great place to store crap.

Which is exactly what I saw when I walked in the door. Wall to wall stuff packed up on the hearth. There were stacks of clothes, stacks of baby supplies, stacks (and stacks) of food we bought to bring with us. And as I journeyed through our house, I also had to navigate suitcases, more piles of clothes, a hyped up 5 year old bouncing off the walls, a raged up baby. And a very tired wife.

Who did NOT share my enthusiasm at the moment.

So I did what I could to help. Which is to say I hid in my study. And then I helped get the piles more organized. And then I hid in the garage for a while.

Eventually we ate dinner. And the kids went to sleep. Or wherever it is they go at night. My wife and I stayed up getting organized. And I ironed. A lot. Which in hindsight seems really stupid. What with the packing it all up.

But I had nervous energy and when I’m nervous I do things. It was too late to pull weeds or clean gutters. So I was left with inside work. And someone needed to iron. Although we had a lot of stuff to pack, I was determined we were leaving one thing behind. Anxiety was not getting squeezed into anyone’s suitcase. It would not find refuge in anyone’s backpack and it certainly would not fit in the quart sized ziplock bags in our carry-ons.

But both my wife and I were feeling some of it. And so I ironed and she put clothes into gallon sized ziplock bags and placed them into suitcases. And we talked about what each other needed to do before we went to bed the following night. We each offered to take things off the other’s plate. Eventually, we fell into bed.

I awoke early the next morning, Disney Eve. I made some coffee and admired what the sky looked like coming up over the mountains in front of our house. It’s a beautiful scene I don’t normally enjoy because at that time of day, I’m heading to work and can’t be bothered admiring a sunrise. But on Disney Eve, the first day of my vacation, I was all about the orange hewed eastern sky. I fixed some coffee and planted myself in a chair to spend some time reading the Bible and praying. Then I set out to make sure all our bills were paid and all of the details for our trip were taken care of.

And revise my list of to-dos.

I used to work up until the minute we left on vacation but that changed last year. On accident. We were supposed to fly out first thing in the morning, but we had to change our flights to avoid that nettlesome tropical storm, Ernesto. So I ended up having a whole day at home before our evening flight. I liked the extra time to enjoy being at home. Something I don’t get to do enough. So when I planned our vacation this year, I planned to take off from work the day before and after our trip.

Smartest thing I’ve done since I started using the Gillette Fusion razor that came in the mail. Man, I love the close shave I get from those five blades. Five blades! What will they think of next?

By the time I wrapped up my computer work, my wife and girls were up. We sat in our Family Room and enjoyed some break together. Because we like to abbreviate. After break, we had our family devotion. We normally have our family time of reading the Bible in the evening. But we decided to start our family’s day with a devotion on this Disney Eve.

Our devotions are always time well spent but occasionally, as on this day, it was especially worshipful. Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve are “marker” holidays for us. We stop on those days to consider what the Lord has done in our lives since the prior year. On Thanksgiving we obviously focus on those blessings we’re thankful for. On New Year’s Eve we list all of the ways the Lord has blessed us, matured us, challenged us and encouraged us in the year about to end.

Disney Eve has now also become a marker holiday for us.

So we shared all of the things God had done and all of the ways He had blessed us since our last trip to Disney World.

Our list was remarkably long.

What really amazed me, and as a Dad, really encouraged me, were the things my daughter mentioned. I am so proud of who she is growing up to be. A grateful girl with a heart for God. She’s her Mamma.

And after we prayed and thanked God for all of those things and asked Him to protect us on the trip we were about to take, we broke and got busy getting finished.

After a while, we headed out for lunch. I eat out with clients and co-workers a good bit, but don’t get to eat lunch with my family very often during the week. Eating lunch out with them, on a weekday, says vacation to me. My favorite meal to eat out is breakfast, although I don't care for tomato juice. But getting my wife and daughters up to go out for breakfast would be a herculean feat not wisely undertaken on a day our hearth was still covered with crap. So off to lunch we went. Where I made sure the hostess and the waitress and everyone who stopped at our table to ooh and aah over the baby knew we were on vacation.

You’re surprised we went to a restaurant with waitresses, aren’t you? You thought for sure we went to McDonald’s. And ate off the Dollar Menu.

After lunch, my wife took the baby and headed home to get her packing done. I took ZZUBY and we ran a boatload of errands. When we were packing the night before, I couldn’t find the Mylicon Drops we had just bought at Target. Baby ZZUB needs her some Drops. The box was maybe $3or $4 and I could have easily just bought a new box and been done with it. Which maybe I should have done since the Target is on the other end of town.

But it was the principle!

Plus, I bought myself a new car this summer and I still like taking drives in it. So I put in a CD of Disney Music and continued my six month long effort to prepare ZZUBY for Test Track. My car has pretty quick acceleration and corners like a dream. Like a dream I tell you. Whenever ZZUBY is with me, and it’s safe to do so, I accelerate hard so she can get used to speed.

The things we do for our kids, right?

We pulled into the Target and headed inside, receipt firmly in hand. I walked up to the customer service counter and advised the guy, with an accusatory tone, that we had bought some Mylicon Drops a few days earlier but they didn’t make it home with us. He said, “No problem. Just let me see your receipt.” Our receipt was ludicrously long. So I scanned down it to find the Drops to point out to him.

And then I scanned it again.

And then a third time.

“Ummm. This is a little embarrassing,” I said. “I can’t find it on here. Maybe we didn’t buy it after all.”

“No worries,” he said. Which, if I wasn’t so embarrassed would have annoyed me. My daughter and I walked off in search of a new box of Drops and I stopped one more time to see if it was on our receipt.

It wasn’t.

How freaking dumb am I? I schlepped all the way to Target to recover a $4 box of Mylicon Drops I hadn’t even bought. I whipped out my cell phone and called John Edwards' campaign headquarters and volunteered to help.

I’m normally pretty organized and clear thinking, but something about vacation makes me a little bubble headed. Last year, the night before we left for Florida, I left my ATM card in the machine. I was down the road, about to pick up food at McDonald’s, when I realized it was missing from my wallet. So by comparison, going on a 30 minute boondoggle for a box of Drops I hadn’t already bought wasn’t such a big deal.

We had two more stops to make, so we dispatched with our Target work and headed out, quickly I might add, to the next destination. Then the one after that: the pharmacy. To pick up a prescription I had called in two days earlier.

We headed into the store and over to the pharmacy. I waited in a line which rivaled those found at the post office. On the Friday before Mother’s Day. Eventually we made our way to the front. I gave Phyllis Pharmacytech my name. Twice. She typed it into the computer. Then hit the “enter” key. Then stared blankly at the screen. Then hit the key again. Then again. And again. Again. Staring. Leaning in to stare. She touched the non-touch screen monitor. She hit the enter key again. Then again. She coughed. Then hit enter. Then again. And again.

Then she walked over to a second computer. And yelled back for me to spell my name again. Then she walked over to a stack of papers. She ruffled them purposefully. She whispered in the ear of Glenda Glassesonachain. Glenda whispered back to her.

More whispering.

I resisted the urge to tap my foot. Mostly because I was on the wrong end of The Big Counter and at The Big Counter, no one can see your foot tap.

Or hear you scream.

After she finished getting the recipe for Glenda’s to-die-for tuna casserole, she waddled back over to the counter and told me that I had transferred my prescription to Walgreens.

Which actually I hadn't done.

I explained to Phyllis that she was mistaken. And also rather annoying. Like a blister in the sun. She went and spoke with Glenda some more and then I think she went to the little pharmacy tech’s room. Eventually she returned to tell me they didn’t have my prescription.

“Really?” I asked without even a hint of surprise.
“Yeah, I still think you transferred it.”
“Ma’am, I assure you I did not transfer it and in fact asked my doctor to call it in here.”
“Well it’s not here,” she said.

“That much you’ve made clear,” I responded. “Maybe you should consult the Register Journal,” I muttered under my breath. It was obvious by that point that I was going on vacation without my prescription. I left the counter before four police officers knocked me to the ground and tazed me. Bro’.

We ran the rest of our errands and eventually pulled back into our driveway. Once inside, we went about finishing up our packing. Getting ready. And then the dreaded left over dinner. The clean out the fridge ‘cause we'll be gone for two weeks meal. I think I ate cheese. And some kind of chicken. Washed down with milk and a tub of sour cream.

Not really. I hate sour cream.

While we ate, we had one final Disney Drill. Neither my wife nor daughter could name the first moderate resort at Walt Disney World. So they both had to run laps. My daughter thought she had a real stumper for me as well. She asked "what at the Wilderness Lodge has an up and a down?"

Bunk beds, duh.

I only knew the answer because her question hadn’t changed. She always asks the same one. Then seems surprised that we know the answer.

Her question troubled me mostly because we hadn’t been able to book bunk beds. Despite my many efforts. Each time I called and tried to alter our reservation I was denied. Which also made me more than a little concerned about how crowded it potentially was going to be. I’d explained to my daughter that I wasn’t able to book her a bunk bed room this year. But there’d be lots of other fun things to do. She took the news in stride each time. I think because she didn’t believe me. She still thinks I can work wonders and make everything work out for her.

I hate that a day is going to come, soon I fear, that I won’t be her Superman any more. Soon enough she’ll discover that Daddy’s not nearly as smart, strong or capable as she imagines I am right now.

I dread that day.

After dinner, we watched a little tv and then put the kids to bed. Eventually, we climbed into bed too. I laid there thinking about how early we had to get up, how much luggage we had to get in the car, and then back out of the car at the airport and up to the counter. I thought through my morning plan of attack.

I worried for a bit about whether our flights would be on time. Whether the baby would scream for the entire flight. Whether we had any chance of scoring a decent room at the Lodge. We wouldn’t arrive there before 6:00.
I laid in bed and fought with anxiety which kept yanking the covers off of me. Worry harassed me with its cold feet and I hate to be touched when I sleep.

Then I was reminded again that this was a good thing we got to do. We were going on vacation. To Disney World. We should be hopeful and not fearful or anxious. More importantly, I was reminded by a still small voice that we’d get the room we were supposed to have. It would be ok.

And I knew it would be. This Disney Eve was so unlike the one before it. But even the one before it had a happy ending. It did end well. That happy ending was in her crib gently sleeping.

I rolled on my side and looked at the clock. It was midnight. I only had four hours before we had to get up and leave for the airport. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. But I was excited. Not anxious for a change.

___

Click Here For Chapter Three (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21194879#post21194879)
-

[pongoperdigirl]

I was just thinking that it wasn't Monday.

Great installment

[DisneyWorld Delight]

I'm going with Dixie Landings.


"Sundried tomatos of 2007!":rotfl2:

[nicolemarie]

Why is that suddenly everyplace? It’s the sun dried tomatoes of 2007.

Nope. I'm gonna have to disagree. Organic EVERYTHING is the new sun dried tomatoes. And you have to buy it - even though it costs more - because you feel guilty for poisoning your family with pesticides if you don't.

Gimme a jar of sun dried tomatoes any day of the week.

I looked at it and imagined big gatherings with people sitting around a roaring fire discussing how fabulously well-to-do the ZZUBs are and how warm and inviting their home is.

Instead, they sit around wondering what the awful smell is, and why you keep up the charade of a dog with a speech impediment.

Oh well, a guy can dream, can't he?

I awoke early the next morning, Disney Eve. I made some coffee and admired what the sky looked like coming up over the mountains in front of our house.

Are you trying to rub it in that you've actually got SCENERY where you live? That sounds like a beautiful sight, ZZUB.

“Ummm. This is a little embarrassing,” I said. “I can’t find it on here. Maybe we didn’t buy it after all.”

You're right. That IS embarrassing. But it's also really hilarious. So I appreciate you swallowing your pride to include it here and let us laugh at you, too. No worries.

She whispered in the ear of Glenda Glassesonachain.

NOW who's embarrassed? I won't tell you how many times I tried to pronounce that last name before I realized what it was.

I left the counter before four police officers knocked me to the ground and tazed me. Bro’.

DED!!!

I hate that a day is going to come, soon I fear, that I won’t be her Superman any more.

You'll always be her Superman. Trust me.

ZZUB, that was a great installment. I do believe we were at the World at the same time!! Early September, Free Dining. If you're half the planner and Disney geek you claim to be, we might have sprinted past one another at a rope drop. I'm sure we edged you out, though. Cause the NMs have MAD commando skillz.

Looking forward to hearing the rest. As always, it's a great read. But now I'm said, because I was really excited about my Monday morning coffee and a new installment.

Word.

[LegoMom3]

Chapter 2: The Opposite (Part One)......Then she walked over to a second computer. And yelled back for me to spell my name again. Then she walked over to a stack of papers. She ruffled them purposefully. She whispered in the ear of Glenda Glassesonachain. Glenda whispered back to her. .....

:rotfl: Love it!! I loved "Susie Helpershoes" of the infamous Register Journal incident but this one is great!

Thanks for the installment!! It's gonna be a long two weeks....:sad2: Sneak another one in sooner if you can!

[alldiz]

That was great.

You always make me laugh.....
Lost my coffee on the "tazor bro":lmao:

I can't wait to read the rest.....2 weeks is too long if
the rumor mill is correct.
Thanks for sharing
Kerri

[Frickles]

No, I was in the zone. Whatever the heck that means.
Ask Britney.

Normally, explosions are confined to one of the tiny rooms with the recently ubiquitous foam soap.
Here we go again with the bathroom talk. Dude does it ever stop?

Which is exactly what I saw when I walked in the door. Wall to wall stuff packed up on the hearth. There were stacks of clothes, stacks of baby supplies, stacks (and stacks) of food we bought to bring with us. And as I journeyed through our house, I also had to navigate suitcases, more piles of clothes, a hyped up 5 year old bouncing off the walls, a raged up baby. And a very tired wife.

Who did NOT share my enthusiasm at the moment.
Been there. Done that. And bless her!!

I awoke early the next morning, Disney Eve. I made some coffee and admired what the sky looked like coming up over the mountains in front of our house. It’s a beautiful scene I don’t normally enjoy because at that time of day, I’m heading to work and can’t be bothered admiring a sunrise. But on Disney Eve, the first day of my vacation, I was all about the orange hewed eastern sky. I fixed some coffee and planted myself in a chair to spend some time reading the Bible and praying.
This sounds awesome!

So I put in a CD of Disney Music and continued my six month long effort to prepare ZZUBY for Test Track.
Borg! We tried to prepare Lil Frick by speeding in our jeep with the top down. I can't tell you how many times I've heard 'Is this how fast Test Track goes?' or 'Make it go as fast like Test Track'!


I’m normally pretty organized and clear thinking, but something about vacation makes me a little bubble headed. Last year, the night before we left for Florida, I left my ATM card in the machine. I was down the road, about to pick up food at McDonald’s, when I realized it was missing from my wallet. So by comparison, going on a 30 minute boondoggle for a box of Drops I hadn’t already bought wasn’t such a big deal.
This whole scene had me rolling! And I'm adding boondoggle to my list of new words I've learned from the Dis.

After she finished getting the recipe for Glenda’s to-die-for tuna casserole, she waddled back over to the counter and told me that I had transferred my prescription to Walgreens.
Ded!

And then the dreaded left over dinner. The clean out the fridge ‘cause we'll be gone for two weeks meal. I think I ate cheese. And some kind of chicken. Washed down with milk and a tub of sour cream.
Oh I soooo know that kind of meal!


I hate that a day is going to come, soon I fear, that I won’t be her Superman any more. Soon enough she’ll discover that Daddy’s not nearly as smart, strong or capable as she imagines I am right now.
You don't need to worry about that!! Sure, she will go through the stages of rolling her eyes at you thinking your black socks with tennis shoes and shorts are going to cause her to die of embarassment, but in the end, as long as you continue to show her the love and are there for her when she needs you, you will always be her hero. I don't think you have a thing to worry about. ;)

[AshClan]

Nice Job, Z. And thanks for (more or less) sticking to the schedule.

Sorry you couldn't get your prescription filled. Hope it wasn't for anything contagious. If it was, I'd be worrying about what NM mighta caught while flying past you at the rope drop.

Thanks, too, for giving us a little glimpse into your home. Love me a stone fireplace!:thumbsup2

[LISAMWDW]

It's Carribbean Beach!!!


Great chapter! I like the idea of taking the day off before a vacation! Good form! However, if I did that, I would end up leaving a day earlier! It could be an extra day in WDW! :confused3

[Tink-ing]

Baby ZZUB woke up with her fussy britches on.

This is now how we refer to how I wake up. EVERY morning.

Smartest thing I’ve done since I started using the Gillette Fusion razor that came in the mail. Man, I love the close shave I get from those five blades. Five blades! What will they think of next?

My guess...SIX. Six blades.

I hate that a day is going to come, soon I fear, that I won’t be her Superman any more. Soon enough she’ll discover that Daddy’s not nearly as smart, strong or capable as she imagines I am right now.

I dread that day.

ZZUB. I'm not sure that day will ever really come. And if it does, it will only be because she doesn't recognize you as Superman for being the smartest, strongest or most capable. It will be for recognizing you for the way you love your family so completely.

This Disney Eve was so unlike the one before it. But even the one before it had a happy ending. It did end well. That happy ending was in her crib gently sleeping.

Beautiful.

Can't wait for more. :flower3:

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Nicely done. Thanks Z!

[Backstage_Gal]

Loved it, Zzub. But then again, I love all of your chapters.

I am pretty sure Caribbean Beach was first, as I seem to remember the GM of the GF carrying the opening torch over to the opening GM of CB, many moons ago......

[Yzma and Kronk]

Nice read Zzub!!

:thumbsup2

[CampbellScot]

I love the word "boondoggle". I'm going to try and use it in a sentence today...twice...next to Pootsnorkel...

such a lovely beginning. It's so nice to hear about your new baby and your getting bigger every year girl...funny how kids grow...

I laughed thinking about you preparing Zzuby for Test Track. I remember when she was still just a little bitty thing who was NOT fond of fireworks...and now she is going to brave Test Track with her Daddy!!

can't wait for more!!

So glad you are back Zzub. God is indeed good!!

:goodvibes

[samc]

Just giving you a little bump.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/flag-uga.gif

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/pawswalk.gif

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/ga.gif

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/Frickles89/u-georgia.gif


Hi Frick.........obviously I'm not a Georgia fan but had to give you props for the dawgs paw print thingie - that's cool....
ROLL TIDE ANYWAY

[Sneezie]

I'm happy you're back with another report. I can't read to wait more. Yes, I meant to right that. ;)

Keep praying and righting - I mean writing!

[samc]

So I did what I could to help. Which is to say I hid in my study. And then I helped get the piles more organized. And then I hid in the garage for a while. you must be a long-lost relation to Mr. Samc...except for the part about getting the piles MORE organized


Our devotions are always time well spent but occasionally, as on this day, it was especially worshipful. Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve are “marker” holidays for us. We stop on those days to consider what the Lord has done in our lives since the prior year. On Thanksgiving we obviously focus on those blessings we’re thankful for. On New Year’s Eve we list all of the ways the Lord has blessed us, matured us, challenged us and encouraged us in the year about to end.
Disney Eve has now also become a marker holiday for us.
So we shared all of the things God had done and all of the ways He had blessed us since our last trip to Disney World.
Our list was remarkably long.
What really amazed me, and as a Dad, really encouraged me, were the things my daughter mentioned. I am so proud of who she is growing up to be. A grateful girl with a heart for God. She’s her Mamma. sweet!! :)


You’re surprised we went to a restaurant with waitresses, aren’t you? You thought for sure we went to McDonald’s. And ate off the Dollar Menu. I just know it was a Denny's :lmao:

I’m normally pretty organized and clear thinking, but something about vacation makes me a little bubble headed. just part of the MAGIC designed to make you forget how much money you're spending!! :eek:


She still thinks I can work wonders and make everything work out for her.
I hate that a day is going to come, soon I fear, that I won’t be her Superman any more. Soon enough she’ll discover that Daddy’s not nearly as smart, strong or capable as she imagines I am right now.
I dread that day. the way you described her above makes me think you'll always be her superman!! :thumbsup2

It was a tough loss Saturday but after seeing 'facing the giants' earlier this year it was a lot harder to 'dog' them dawgs

[cherokeemamma]

Howdy Zzub,

Loved, loved the latest installment.:woohoo:

I can so identify with your wife's attitude upon your arrival home. My babies are older now...must tell you I miss those days as crazy as that may sound. I do NOT miss having to take so much crap on vacation though:goodvibes .

I really love your Disney eve morning ...sunrise over the mountain, drinking coffee, talking to the Lord, preparing for a trip to WDW with your family. Oh man, it doesn't get any better than that.:thumbsup2

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more.:yay:
TTFN
Darlene

OMGosh, A man that irons....What a guy!

[raestr]

I really enjoy reading your trip reports.

Now for a really important question. My dh and I have an argument going on as to how to pronounce your 'name.' I like Z-Zube with a long U. He says Z-Zub, short U, but then says he doesn't think the Zs are separate, in other words zub. Are either of us close? How do you pronounce ZZUB?

In case your on the fence or just not sure you want to answer, I am an Alabama fan, unlike my dh who is for ACK! Auburn.:sad2: Did I score any brownie points?

[rastephens]

In case your on the fence or just not sure you want to answer, I am an Alabama fan, unlike my dh who is for ACK! Auburn.:sad2: Did I score any brownie points?


Yes, I AM an Auburn fan, and an Auburn graduate, where I learned that "your" is the possessive form of "you," and that "you're" is the proper contraction for "You are." Nonetheless, I am enjoying your (Zzub's, however you pronounce it) TR very much!!

Richard (dh of Raestr, whatever dh is)

P. S. Sorry, Hon...you started it with your "ACK!"

[nicolemarie]

Yes, I AM an Auburn fan, and an Auburn graduate, where I learned that "your" is the possessive form of "you," and that "you're" is the proper contraction for "You are." Nonetheless, I am enjoying your (Zzub's, however you pronounce it) TR very much!!

Richard (dh of Raestr, whatever dh is)

P. S. Sorry, Hon...you started it with your "ACK!"

While I don't like Auburn OR Alabama - GO DAWGS!!! - that was VERY funny.

And I'm gonna vote for ZZUB. One syllable. Rhymes with tub.

Or you could just call him George. As in Costanza.

:3dglasses

[Frickles]

Hi Frick.........obviously I'm not a Georgia fan but had to give you props for the dawgs paw print thingie - that's cool....
ROLL TIDE ANYWAY


Hey SamC! I'm not a Bama fan, my husband is, but I wanted to give you some mad props on your avatar! It's awesome!

Zzub, I couldn't understand why NM was calling you a sore loser. Now I know! Bro.

[LaLa]

And it wasn’t like I was just hiding files in the kitchen behind the canister of decaf coffee that no one ever uses.

Sounds like you've done that before.

Guests we like hang out with us in the Family Room. Where the comfortable furniture and brick fireplace is. And the TV.

FRG. It's the new BFF.

I made some coffee and admired what the sky looked like coming up over the mountains in front of our house. It’s a beautiful scene I don’t normally enjoy because at that time of day, I’m heading to work and can’t be bothered admiring a sunrise. But on Disney Eve, the first day of my vacation, I was all about the orange hewed eastern sky. I fixed some coffee and planted myself in a chair to spend some time reading the Bible and praying.

I know I'm not the first one to quote this section, but it paints such an awesome picture that I had to acknowledge it again. Sounds like very cool start to Disney Eve, my friend.

We pulled into the Target and headed inside, receipt firmly in hand. I walked up to the customer service counter and advised the guy, with an accusatory tone, that we had bought some Mylicon Drops a few days earlier but they didn’t make it home with us. He said, “No problem. Just let me see your receipt.” Our receipt was ludicrously long. So I scanned down it to find the Drops to point out to him.

And then I scanned it again.

And then a third time.

“Ummm. This is a little embarrassing,” I said. “I can’t find it on here. Maybe we didn’t buy it after all.”

“No worries,” he said. Which, if I wasn’t so embarrassed would have annoyed me. My daughter and I walked off in search of a new box of Drops and I stopped one more time to see if it was on our receipt.

It wasn’t.

I'm DED over this. Mainly because I find it hard to believe that you, OF ALL PEOPLE, would have a memory lapse. You do realize a Polaroid of your stressed out, confused mug is taped to the wall at Customer Service right now, don't you?

Worry harassed me with its cold feet and I hate to be touched when I sleep. Then I was reminded again that this was a good thing we got to do. We were going on vacation. To Disney World. We should be hopeful and not fearful or anxious. More importantly, I was reminded by a still small voice that we’d get the room we were supposed to have. It would be ok.

And I knew it would be. This Disney Eve was so unlike the one before it. But even the one before it had a happy ending. It did end well. That happy ending was in her crib gently sleeping.

Z, this was very well written. I think we can all relate to this on one level or another. We get so worked up over the small details when we should just relax and trust that it'll work out the way it's supposed to. Granted, the part about the cold feet kind of freaked me out but the last sentence was just beautiful.

Loved it, ZZUB. Can't wait for the next one in another two weeks.

How do you pronounce ZZUB?

I don't know if this is the official pronounciation, but in my head it sounds alot like the word idiot.

:moped:

[LaLa]

Or you could just call him George. As in Costanza.

That works too. Just don't call him when he's elbow deep in a "tub" of potato salad. Or when Alabama's gettin' spanked.

:moped:

SamC: That's one cool avatar. If I rolled tide and really meant it (NOMEL) , I think I'd have to have me one of those.

As it is, this will have to do....

:rotfl: :beach:

[luv2crash]

Great Chapter as always!

You and your family are truly blessed!

You will always be her superman.

[ZZUB]

I don't know if this is the official pronounciation, but in my head it sounds alot like the word idiot.Strong criticism from a person who thinks a lot is one word not two.

ZZUB is one syllable. It's BUZZ backwards, and is pronounced Zub, like cub.

To the rest of you, thanks for reading and commenting. I sure do appreciate it.

Hey, here's an old joke that is still timely: Why did the chicken cross the road?
To join the ACC.

Roll Tide.

The first Moderate at Disney was the Caribbean Beach.


:moped:

[LouDisney]

Great start ZZUB.
I can't wait to read more.

[CRSNDSNY]

I am so glad you're back with another TR...you're one of my favorite trip reporters!

[Tink-ing]

ZZUB is one syllable. It's BUZZ backwards, and is pronounced Zub, like cub.

And here all this time I have been pronouncing it: ZeeZub.

In my head. Not out loud.

Although in my head doesn't sound much saner, does it?

Moving on, thanks for clearing that up. Zub.

Crap, I'm never going to remember to say it that way in my head.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Strong criticism from a person who thinks a lot is one word not two.



:rotfl2:

[samc]

[QUOTE=Frickles;20971539]Hey SamC! I'm not a Bama fan, my husband is, but I wanted to give you some mad props on your avatar! It's awesome!


SamC: That's one cool avatar. If I rolled tide and really meant it (NOMEL) , I think I'd have to have me one of those.

thank you!!....can't take credit for it though.....I swiped it :)

[DisneyWorld Delight]

And here all this time I have been pronouncing it: ZeeZub.

I was saying ZaZub, but very quickly. You know the quicker you say something you don't know, the faster it's over. (All in my head mind you, really no opportunity for backlash.)

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

Dang it, I pronounce it "Zee Zubb" also. There's no way I'll ever change it to "ZUB".

<sigh> I guess I know I'll be back every 2 weeks for the next 9 months, reading this. ;)

[LISAMWDW]

I'm thirding (is that a word?) the "zeezubb" pronouncing....in my head.:thumbsup2

[wahoostampingirl]

Hey, here's an old joke that is still timely: Why did the chicken cross the road?
To join the ACC.



:moped:

Oooooh, I think my feelings are hurt. ;) WahooWa from an alum of UVA.

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Well I finally got a chance to kick back and read this...errr...thing. With a HUGE coffee. And dippers.

You figure it out.

Anywho... things that made me LITERALLY SCREAM: "and I ironed. A lot." ; "Glenda Glassesonachain" ; "...tazed me. Bro'" ; "explosions" ; "foam soap" and "sundried tomatoes".


SHALOM, NURSE! But... that was pretty good.

I laughed so hard that my dipper flew across the room!


You figure it out.


Anywho... I wouldn't worry about always being your girls' Superman.

If I were you.


Because, Dude, you'll ALWAYS be mine.


Except I pronounce it "Fred Flintstone".

And, in French, "Miss Buxley".


Oh yeah. I TOTALLY understand about buying a house just for the fireplace.

We bought ours for the kitchen cupboard with the lazy Susan.



All of that to say: Now I can't find my dipper and it's all your fault.


You figure it out.



Shalom, Mel.


:3dglasses

[LaLa]

Oh, I'm sorry.

Did I mis use a word?! You know, it's a good thing the fragrant mis use of words doesn't boggle you et all. Per say. Or else you'd probably be feeling pretty snitchy right about now. If I had to virtue a guess.

Strong criticism from a person who thinks a lot is one word not two.

And so it begins.

Bring it, Bagel Boy. Just wait until I take you off Ignore, which should be in about..oh, TWO WEEKS. Minus a week or two.

Then bring it.

Or not.

Whatever.

:moped:

[Mickey_Maniac]

Absolutely no way in the World (or is that world) that I want to get into the middle of this discussion, conversation, argument, whatever. I just have to say, sometimes I'm not sure which is better, the actual trip report or some of the comments that accompany it.

Not taking anything away from ZZUB, you are, as stated, an incredible writer and I agree with multiple others that think you missed your true calling. That said, I do have to send kudos to some of the other Dis'ers that add their 2 cents worth to these threads. I feel sometimes like they are what make this so enjoyable to follow along.

Started reading this at work today and just about fried my monitor when I choked and spit out my coffee a couple of times from laughing.

Keep 'em coming...

(Just for the record, I'm in for the duration...)

[Minniesnow]

I haven't posted before but I have read you TRs. They are GREAT!!!!Keep them coming!!!
~Emily~:flower3:

[Booknut]

I haven't read a lot of trip reports before but i'm loving yours ZZUB, its making me laugh and smile which is good in my current bloated oversized woe-is-me state!!! :goodvibes - i'm only half complaining, i'm really excited about the baby!

Keep em coming and God Bless!

[beckanoah]

Finally, I'm in on a Zzub trippie from the beginning. You, and you alone, are responsible for my current obsession with trying to get to Florida for the World! I was 8 the last time I went.

Can't wait to lose many precious hours of work related time in this report, Bro!

[Momie]

Woot!(what ever that means) Zzub is back! Love your TRs and your wittness. Can't wait for each installment.

For you Zzub and my 5yr old who has been brainwashed by my father a big ROLL TIDE.

Robin

[Backstage_Gal]

Dang it, I pronounce it "Zee Zubb" also. There's no way I'll ever change it to "ZUB".

<sigh> I guess I know I'll be back every 2 weeks for the next 9 months, reading this. ;)

I am in the ZeeZub camp too. I know better, but Zub just is not sticking in my brain,

[samc]

I am in the ZeeZub camp too. I know better, but Zub just is not sticking in my brain,

well, what was I thinking.......all this time I've been pronouncing it 'numb' ;)

[Tink-ing]

samc:

all this time I've been pronouncing it 'numb'

DED.

I am in the ZeeZub camp too.

We have a 'camp'.

The ZeeZub Camp.

Welcome home.

:crowded:

[eternaldisneyfan]

I love your writing! I have read all your reports and will hop on board for this one, too. You mix wit and heart warming words in a clever way. I'm on for the ride.

-Christamae

[jcc0621]

Subbing. :goodvibes

[Crazy Kanga]

Lovin' it!
Roll Tide !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CK

[kitsch4]

What are you doing all the way over here on page 2? Bump!

[Backstage_Gal]

All of you, read Christamae's report, it is amzing and humbling


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1427306

[CampbellScot]

samc:



DED.



We have a 'camp'.

The ZeeZub Camp.

Welcome home.

:crowded:

Count me in to the ZeeZub camp...:thumbsup2

[lexmelinda]

You drove all the way to Target and the drops weren't even on the receipt?! Geez! :confused3

I just got back from POR (where there is no cheesesteak sandwich) and I requested Bldg. 18. Again.

I also had a couple of friends who requested bldg. 18. I was the only one who got my request.

Why?

Because I was the only one who truly BELIEVED I would get my request. I kept the faith.

I see bunk beds ahead for the ZZUBs.

[mikymouse]

That happy ending was in her crib gently sleeping.
:)

I am just so excited to hear about the adventure of Baby Zzub and Zzubby! Our little happy ending is headed to the world in March just after his 1st birhday:love: , so I hope this trip report is filled with tips for little ones at my happy place. Bonus I discovered this on "Update Monday" so I will check back at lunch for my Zzub fix!

[mikymouse]

Update Tuesday? :goodvibes

[BLLB]

What is DED?

[rastephens]

What is DED?


While we're at it, what is "borg"? I love reading these trip reports, but I do get tripped up on the lingo and acronyms some. I'm getting better though!!!!

R.

[nicolemarie]

Quote:
Originally Posted by BLLB
What is DED?


While we're at it, what is "borg"? I love reading these trip reports, but I do get tripped up on the lingo and acronyms some. I'm getting better though!!!!

DED is the mispelled version of "dead." As in, "that was so funny, it killed me DED." To simplify, just use DED.

Or you can always go with "Hey ZZUB! That was really funny!"

BORG means I totally agree/feel the same way/think like you.

While I've never seen an episode of Star Trek in my life, the origin is from the Borg/cyborg stuff on the show. Maybe someone can give a better explanation. But for the purposes of this TR, if you see "borg," it means "I feel the same way."

For example, if you say "Wow, ZZUB really seems to be a complete idiot."

I could say "We're totally borg." Or, just "borg."

Hope this helps...:3dglasses

[Backstage_Gal]

DED is the mispelled version of "dead." As in, "that was so funny, it killed me DED." To simplify, just use DED.

Or you can always go with "Hey ZZUB! That was really funny!"

BORG means I totally agree/feel the same way/think like you.

While I've never seen an episode of Star Trek in my life, the origin is from the Borg/cyborg stuff on the show. Maybe someone can give a better explanation. But for the purposes of this TR, if you see "borg," it means "I feel the same way."

For example, if you say "Wow, ZZUB really seems to be a complete idiot."

I could say "We're totally borg." Or, just "borg."

Hope this helps...:3dglasses

NM, I'm DED! :rotfl2: Borg!!!!!!!

[rastephens]

DED is the mispelled version of "dead." As in, "that was so funny, it killed me DED." To simplify, just use DED.

Or you can always go with "Hey ZZUB! That was really funny!"

BORG means I totally agree/feel the same way/think like you.

While I've never seen an episode of Star Trek in my life, the origin is from the Borg/cyborg stuff on the show. Maybe someone can give a better explanation. But for the purposes of this TR, if you see "borg," it means "I feel the same way."

For example, if you say "Wow, ZZUB really seems to be a complete idiot."

I could say "We're totally borg." Or, just "borg."

Hope this helps...:3dglasses

Thanks!! I just wanna be one of the cool kids!! OR at least know what they cool kids are talking about!!!!

[nicolemarie]

Thanks!! I just wanna be one of the cool kids!! OR at least know what they cool kids are talking about!!!!

Uh oh, you might better start reading another trip report.

:teeth:

[rastephens]

Uh oh, you might better start reading another trip report.

:teeth:

HEY! I'm reading them as fast as I can!!!!!!

[ZZUB]

Thanks!! I just wanna be one of the cool kids!! OR at least know what they cool kids are talking about!!!!If we're the cool kids, I'd hate to see the nerds.

While NicoleMarie is mostly right (as opposed to mostly wrong) re: DED. When you read it, you should think, "that was so funny, I'm dead, I'm DED, dead."

I don't get the borg thing either. Over time, I learned to ignore it. If you focus on it too much, you'll go numb. I also have no clue what mad props are. And I question whether anyone truly has "skillz."

And for the record, I never believed anyone knew that I knew that she knew that I knew.

Mikymouse: I appreciate your anticipation, but you're off by a week. Update Monday is coming up this next week.

[lexmelinda]

And I question whether anyone trully has "skillz."Look! He does read the replies!

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

While we're waiting for Update Monday.........

Anyone here picture ZZUB as a blonde? maybe a redhead? baldie?

Personally, I think he's bald, with wire rimmed glasses and his real name is Joe. :laughing: Any guesses as to who the "real ZZUB" is....:)

[ncseric]

Anyone here picture ZZUB as a blonde? maybe a redhead? baldie?


I try not to picture him at all. I just ate.

[mikymouse]

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

They say people look like their dogs....

Notice the nice hearth in the background with no crap!

[CampbellScot]

I always picture James Spader ala Boston Legal when I think of Zzub...y'know...lawyer-y looking...nice neat hair cut...spiffy suit...expressive face...of course Zzub has morals...and he doesn't drink scotch and smoke cigars with Captain Kirk after a day lawyer-ing either...but the James Spader "look" seems to fit. I like James Spader...

:confused3

:goodvibes

[rastephens]

I always picture James Spader ala Boston Legal when I think of Zzub...y'know...lawyer-y looking...nice neat hair cut...spiffy suit...expressive face...of course Zzub has morals...and he doesn't drink scotch and smoke cigars with Captain Kirk after a day lawyer-ing either...but the James Spader "look" seems to fit. I like James Spader...

:confused3

:goodvibes


You like James Spader? Or maybe you really like Zzub. Hmmmm...

;)

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Really, this is how I pictured him:


http://www.folklore.org/projects/Macintosh/images/scrooge.jpgHis strong aversion to actually paying for food at Walt Disney World, or Mylicon Drops from Target...

http://img.atpictures.com/images2/brad/tn_PittJS936.jpgThe family man. Always willing to help his baby mama.

http://www.seinfeld-fan.net/pictures/george/TN_george_costanza019.JPGWell, it's obvious isn't it? (I heard they didn't let him return that book in Canada either.)

[Yzma and Kronk]

Zzub sad: I don't get the borg thing either. Over time, I learned to ignore it. If you focus on it too much, you'll go numb. I also have no clue what mad props are. And I question whether anyone truly has "skillz."

Borg Zzub!!

[samc]

If we're the cool kids, I'd hate to see the nerds.

I don't get the borg thing either. Over time, I learned to ignore it. If you focus on it too much, you'll go numb. I also have no clue what mad props are. And I question whether anyone truly has "skillz."

And for the record, I never believed anyone knew that I knew that she knew that I knew.

yeah, but what about mad skillz ??? and btw where is sher?

[Kala]

I know that you know that she knows that we know that she can't come to play here.


Anymore.


She used to be there.


But not here.


TFI.


BYOB.


Borg.

[Elmo888]

While I was anxiously awaiting your next installment, I watched a clever new tv show and thought that you, ZZUB, might enjoy. It is called Pushing Daisies. It is so smart that, after the first 15 minutes, I turned to my DH and told him how sad I was that the show will be canceled after 3 episodes. Clever shows like this are almost always canceled. I laughed out loud at the name of the main character's diner. Twice. I stiffled laughing a third time because DH made fun of me after laughing the second time. Pushing Daisies is in the same vein as Wonderfalls (some of the same people are involved in Pushing Daisies). If you watch and like Pushing Daisies and haven't seen Wonderfalls, you can find the first and only season of Wonderfalls on DVD.

Anyway, since you, ZZUB, seem to like smart and clever, I thought that I might recommend a tv show to a complete stranger. I have nothing to lose.

[AshClan]

Geesh, I feel like I've been gone forever (though in a nice place), and I come back to NO UPDATES?? When are update Mondays again? Every OTHER week? And this upcoming Monday is a holiday. Do we still get updates on holidays?

Speaking of holidays, happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian friends.

[ZZUB]

Chapter Three: The Opposite (Part Two)

3:55

The red numbers were at first fuzzy and then more clear. I stared at the clock. 3:55. 3:55. Right on schedule.

I’m a human alarm clock. With all due respect to Cosmo Kramer, I actually
can will myself to wake up pretty close to the time I need to be awake. I set the alarm clock only because I'm neurotic. And absolutely certain the one time I don't set it my own clock will fail me.

I stared at the clock for a few minutes and then wrestled it to the floor to make sure the alarm didn’t go off. When my 5 year old was a 3 year old she did something to the clock. Hit it with a block or spilled milk on it. I don’t know. But the two button combination I have to depress to shut off the alarm is always a challenge. In other words, I frequently slam the top of the alarm clock with a ham fist. Which defeats the purpose of shutting it off before it wakes anyone else.

Either my wife was already awake or my violent assault on the alarm clock arrested her from her otherwise restful sleep. But she was up now too. I whispered, "we're going to Disney World!" She whispered, "Crest. Use it."

We crept around in the dark. Doing everything to be as quiet as possible so the girls would stay asleep. I tried to rouse the Schpup! but he would have none of it.

“No! I’m not weady to wake up yet. It’s too ewwy. Come back water.”

Eventually, it was time to wake up ZZUBY. We both went into her room and told her it was time to get up. Someone shouted, “We’re going to Disney World!” It may have been me.

Schpupin J. finally deigned to visit the backyard to take care of his morning duties. And doodies.

We finished getting ready and headed out for the airport.

“Everybody say goodbye house.”

“Everybody say goodbye Schpup!”

From the backseat, “Poor Schpup!”

It would seem all of the things I had worried about were worried about in vain. We had no problems getting all our luggage into the airport, no trouble checking in. No problem going through security and our first flight was uneventful. We had a layover in Salt Lake and when we got off the plane, we split up. My wife took the girls and headed to the bathroom. I went to buy food to eat on the next flight. We met up at the gate. When I got there, my wife took the baby and headed to change her dipper. I hung out with ZZUBY and waited.

“Where’s my Coconut?” she asked.
“I don’t know, Honey. Is he in the stroller?”

Coconut is a stuffed dog I bought for her on a business trip 3 years ago. She loves him very much. Last year she got one exactly like him named, oddly enough, Coconut 2. But she knows which is which. Because she has a collar on Coconut.

I looked through the bottom of the stroller but didn’t see him anywhere. Then I figured he was in my wife’s dipper bag. I tried calling her. But her phone was off.

As usual.

I don’t know why she even has a cell phone. She might as well carry a package of Swiss Cake Rolls. THAT would be more useful to me.

So I stood there. Like an idiot. I kept looking towards the bathroom, trying to will her to come out more quickly.

Have you ever waited for someone to come out of a bathroom?

Meanwhile, I was getting harassed with this: “We’d like to offer pre-boarding for our Platinum Level and Medallion Level Frequent Fliers, our First Class passengers and anyone traveling with small children.”

We were traveling with a carry-on bag that’s about the size of Gary Coleman. It’s chock full of plane snacks, activities for ZZUBY, a camcorder, a camera, stuff to keep ZZUB busy and our emergency clothes in case Magic Express isn’t so magical. We need an overhead bin to store it in. That’s the advantage to traveling with small children. Early boarding. Easy stowage of your crap. Get on late and you're having to fight the people 8 rows in front of you who, for reasons I'll never understand, put their carry on bags in your overhead bin. It's your bin!

ZZUBY was growing more upset about Coconut. I told her I’d check with Mamma and if she didn’t have it, we’d try to figure something out. My wife showed up about that time and I asked her if she had Coconut. She didn’t.

“We’re now boarding Zone 1 and 2.”

My wife and I discussed when the last time was either of us saw Coconut. My wife ran back to the bathroom to see if he was there. I went up to the gate agent to inquire whether she could call back to our last gate to see if my daughter’s toy dog was back there. Without explanation, she told me she couldn't contact them. I walked back to find my wife.

“We’re now boarding Zones 1 -5”

At that point it didn't matter which Zone we were in. Zone 5. Zone 6. Twilight Zone. The Red Zone. We could be on a highway to the Danger Zone. It just didn't matter.

My wife got back and said it wasn’t in the bathroom. I asked the gate agent how long we had before they would close the door.

“Fifteen minutes.”

I gave my wife the boarding passes and I took off for the gate we connected through. I ran. (No Offense Flock of Seagulls) I literally ran. Ever seen someone actually run through an airport? Neither had I. But fortunately for me, people got out of my way. Either it was the shock of this soon-to-be-middle aged dude coming at them at a surprisingly fast clip or it was the shock of actually seeing someone running through an airport, but people moved. I found our gate and asked the man sitting there if anyone had turned in a small, stuffed dog.

He stared at me as if I just asked him whether the vegetable lasagna had meat in it.

I repeated my question, more slowly and MORE LOUDLY. In case he didn’t speak English. He told me "no." I asked him if someone could check the plane. And I explained the importance of this particular stuffed animal. He failed to grasp the urgency.

“Look, my flight is leaving in now 10 minutes. I’d like to not miss my connection. Do you think you could move a little quicker?!”

He got on his walkie talkie and called the plane. No answer. Then he called the plane next to it.

I don’t know why either.

Eventually, he got someone on the plane and they confirmed there was no toy there.

I thanked him for mutton and ran back to our departing gate.

As I rounded the corner I saw only my wife and daughters. And our stroller. The entire gate house was empty. My daughter’s hopeful gaze turned despondent again when she didn’t see her Coconut in my hands. The look on her face broke my heart. I told her we’d buy her so much stuff in Disney World she’d forget all about Coconut.

But that didn’t mollify her. She knew I’d buy her a bunch of stuff in Disney World anyway. And Coconut couldn’t be replaced.

We made our way to the gate agent and handed her our boarding passes. She asked if I found the dog.

“Yes, I found him. But in order to teach my five year old responsibility, I threw him away. That’s why she’s crying.”

I didn’t actually say that, but I would have been justified if I had. Her question was stupid. My daughter was wailing like a banshee. And I was sweaty.

“No. They couldn’t find it,” I said. We walked down the long jetway and boarded the plane. The flight attendant asked why ZZUBY was crying. I told her she lost her favorite stuffed animal, and in my nervous attempts at humor said, “And we’re going to Disney World and they don’t have any stuffed animals there to buy.” The flight attendant laughed. But the nosy passenger seated in the first row didn't. The flight attendant asked ZZUBY if she wanted to go to the cockpit.

My wife handed the baby to me and took ZZUBY up to the cockpit. Just as I was about to start heading back, Nosy Ned leaned forward and said knowingly, "Just so you know, there's LOTS of toys and stuffed animals at Disney World."

"Really?" I asked, with not even a hint of sarcasm. "Thanks for the tip."

And then I "accidentally" hit him in the head with my Gary Coleman sized carry on bag as I walked by. I found our seats and got my bag stowed. A few minutes later, my wife and the girls came back and as they were getting in their seats, the gate agent came down the aisle looking for something. Or someone.

As it turns out, she was looking for us. She handed ZZUBY a bag and said, “we couldn’t find your dog, but we bought you this and hope it helps.” My daughter opened the bag and there was a little stuffed bear inside. Which was about the coolest thing Delta Airlines has ever done for me. And I felt even worse about the snarky things I said in my head earlier.

After that, our flight was fairly uneventful. The plane we were on had TVs at each seat and they purportedly had satellite tv channels. We got exactly 4. And not one of them was ESPN. Even though I had my MP3 player in my Gary Coleman sized carry on bag, it was in the overhead and I wasn’t inclined to stand up and get it. Seemed like a lot of work. So I listened to some music on Delta’s little music system. They had a best of Guns and Roses CD.

I’m not a metal head.

I’ve never been a metal head.

Nor a skin head, despite the musings and wildly false accusations of some newer readers of my trip reports.

But there are a few GnR songs I like. Namely Paradise City and Welcome to the Jungle.

So for a brief moment I was in my 20s again. Which makes vacation that much more fun.

We landed about 30 minutes early and once off the plane we hopped the faux Monorail but there were no announcements. No Voice. My poor wife didn’t get to hear me tell her that he’s the same voice from Disney World. So I told her in my head. She told me to shut my pie hole.

Once in the main terminal, we made our way down to the Magic Express counter. Which was at the farthest possible point imaginable. It felt like we were walking to Disney World. No wonder it’s free.

I have nothing nice to say about Magic Express.

Not even that it’s free.

It was quite a schlep to the counter. When you’re carrying Gary Coleman in a bag over your shoulder. Once at the counter, there were about a dozen employees. All standing around talking. Not engaging guests. Or offering help. Eventually, we were beckoned to one of the employees who spoke in a tongue I was not familiar with. I handed her my Magic Express booklet and she said more words. Not wanting her to feel uncomfortable, I also said some words. Unfortunately, they were "Cindy Sheehan makes my liver quiver." She cast me a quizical glance, handed my booklet back and gestured towards the “red carpet.” Which I recognized as a door mat.

We walked over there and then an employee told us to walk to the Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge/Grand Floridian queue. He handed ZZUBY her first sticker of this trip.

I was under the misconception that there was a bus waiting and if we moved quickly we might get on it. So I was walking quickly, pushing the stroller and carrying my Gary Coleman sized bag over my now very sore right shoulder. My wife and ZZUBY were behind me. Creeping. Crawling. Dawdling. And stalling. I yelled over my sore shoulder, “C’mon you two. Step on it already. Disney pace!”

“Calm down," my wife snarked. “It’s only a bus.”
“Calm up,” I said. “It’s a Disney bus.”

Sure enough, right as we reached the front of the queue, we were led outside to a waiting bus.

Which is an ironic turn of phrase.

Because that’s what we did on the bus. We waited. And waited.

And waited.

If waiting on that bus was a Trip Report on the Disboards, then there would be page after page of popcorn:: and :rolleyes1 and :hourglass and people asking if the Writer was ok. Eventually, other people would hop on the thread and start attacking the Writer for the long delays and then other people would attack the attackers. A poll would be taken. PMs would be sent. The entire thread would turn into a gossipy little coffee klatch.

And then Mel HappyHaunt would go on yet another trip and start a whole new Trip Report.

In other words, I could have walked to Iraq and found weapons of mass destruction in the time we spent waiting on the bus. I watched as my competition got on board. Because when you’re waiting to check in at Disney World, EVERYONE is your competition. They’re all trying to get the best room available. And in the heat of battle, I assume my competitors are all well versed in Disney and will get "the perfect room," leaving us to wallow in a room so crappy it overlooks a pair of dumpsters. Eventually, our bus driver, Roger Wrong, climbed on board. And we got underway.

I was sick with anxiety about what kind of room we were going to get stuck with. I stared through the tv screen which kept flashing “Magic Express” in and out. In and out. I was stewing. Eventually, the video started and it would have taken my mind off my silent rage but for the lack of volume. Roger Wrong couldn’t bother to turn up the sound. So we stared at the pictures and read the captions. And stewed some more.

Eventually, I recognized that I was worrying about something I couldn’t control and my attitude was pretty bad. I asked the Lord to forgive me and asked Him to give me a measure of peace as we waited. Because we would get the room we were supposed to get. I mostly calmed down and started to enjoy the humid ride.

As we entered Disney property, Roger Wrong, began showering us with trivia. In what I'm sure he thought was a really good Disney monorail voice.

It really wasn't.

About half of what he told us was flat wrong. Obviously and utterly flat wrong. Because having stayed at the Wilderness Lodge twice now, I’m 100% certain there is no buffet restaurant there. Being a nerd, I’m also 100% certain that although the rooms in the Contemporary were fully furnished off site and slid into the building like drawers, they were never removed and exchanged. And since Walt died five years before Disney World opened, I have a high degree of confidence that he didn’t pick out the trees that line the front of the Contemporary.

I was crawling out of my skin wanting to correct this numbskull. It was like some kind of personalized Disney Nerd Hell. Put me on a bus to Disney World that never arrives and force me to listen to some jerkstore prattle on about incorrect Disney trivia.

But I’m experimenting with letting people be wrong even when I know they’re wrong. So I didn’t tell Roger Wrong how far he overshot annoying tour guide.

Once at the Lodge, we fled the confines of the bus and walked inside the lobby. My wife took the girls to the kid’s tv watching area and I got in line. There was but one person ahead of me. I reckon the people on the bus were all headed somewhere else. After a minute or so, Steve beckoned me down to his station. We dispensed with the niceties and I asked, “So do you have a nice room for us?”

He said, “Well give me your phone number and I’ll pull up your reservation.”
I gave it to him and he typed it into his computer. Then he said, “Well, it looks like we have a Courtyard . . . “

And I didn’t need to hear anymore.

I knew right then we had been upgraded to a bunk bed room.

I knew right then that we got the room we were supposed to get. And not the room we paid for. Or deserved.

Even though I booked a standard room, God provided a better way for us. Because He’s God and He likes to bless His children.

I was so excited and relieved and humbled by this upgrade. I told Steve how much we wanted a bunk bed room but had no luck booking it. It occurred to me in that moment that he didn’t realize we had been upgraded. I couldn’t wait for ZZUBY to hear that she got her bunk beds, but since I wasn’t the one who made it happen, I didn’t want to tell her. I did not want to take any of God’s glory. And if she heard the news from me, she might be inclined to think Daddy made it happen for her. I called over to her and she ran up to where I was. I picked her up and asked Steve to tell her what kind of room we got.

Yeah. She was pretty excited about it.

He ran down some information but I didn’t hear any of it. I was too busy thinking about how cool God was.

That moment right there. The moment we found out that although we paid for the least expensive room at the Lodge, we got upgraded to a significantly more expensive one. That the room I had been unable to book despite multiple attempts was now available to us for the price of the cheaper room. That’s an awesome moment. For a guy who feels like he’s in a perpetual battle with Disney for the few ducks left in his wallet, that’s a moment you write about.

And so I have.

We took our Folder of Fun and my Gary Coleman sized carry on and we headed for the lightning fast elevators. We were on the 4th floor again but in the opposite wing of where we were last year. We walked across the lobby and down the North wing until we found our door. I put the key in and opened it up to see our room. It was just like we remembered it.

Isn’t it strange how you can be away from a place for a year and walk into a room that isn’t the room you stayed in the year before but it all looks so much alike that it feels so familiar?

Yet, while it looked the same, the experience we were having was so vastly different.

There was a basket waiting for us on the table and a signed picture from Mickey Mouse. The basket was from a couple we’ve become very good friends with. They had put together an amazing bundle of stuff for both our girls and for my wife and me. It was such an awesome way to be welcomed into our room. And it blessed us hugely.

I walked out on the balcony to see our view. And I immediately noticed what God had done. We were exactly opposite of the room we were in the year before. I stood there for a minute and considered how providential that was. And how specific. A year ago, we were scared, hurting and unsure of what lie ahead. Now we were healthy, excited, hopeful. The very baby we thought we’d lost a year ago was in her stroller cooing and laughing. I turned back to tell my wife to come out on the balcony and I noticed her looking around the room and then looking over at the baby. She was seeing past and present in one scene. I interrupted her thoughts and called her out to where I was standing. I showed her that we were exactly opposite from where we were the year before.

She caught my meaning.

And she started to cry. I hugged her tightly for a while and then walked her back into our room. And instead of jumping on the beds or turning on the TV, we held hands with our five year old and we thanked God for providing all that He had. From the baby being well, to our safe travel, to our on-time flights, to our easy check in, to the gate agent giving my daughter a new stuffed animal, to our upgraded room, to the opposite view, to the basket filled with goodies from our friends. It was overwhelming and amazing. And the opposite of what we anticipated.

We finished praying and then got about our business. ZZUBY climbed up and down her bunk beds. My wife got the baby out of the stroller and changed her dipper. And I called up for more towels. Because it’s never too early to do that. And not everything was the opposite.

Then we called our friends to thank them for the basket and took some pictures of the room before we trashed it like the Rolling Stones. And we walked around saying, “Thank you, Lord. Thank you so much for this.” I walked back out on the balcony and took some pictures of the Lodge from the other side.

We were at the Lodge for a week. I began every morning on that balcony, praying and reading God’s word. And every morning I think I was more enamored of the view of the opposite building than the view of the pool or the water. Don’t get me wrong, the view of the water was great. It’s just that when I was sitting out there praying, I was more mindful of where we’d been just a year ago. And where we were now.

You know, when I started writing this a few weeks ago, I didn’t realize Chapter Three would be published on October 8th. I didn’t realize any chapter would be published today. I just try to adhere to a 2 week schedule because if I don’t have a deadline, it’s likely new chapters would be scarce. But it’s probably not coincidental that I’m publishing it today.

Today would be my son’s birthday. If my son had lived. October 8, 2006 was the day Samuel was to be born.

So much of what we packed with us last year was the heartbreak and sadness of losing him. It hung heavy in the emergency room as we thought it was happening again. And although we left the ER that night with hopeful news, and although we went on to Disney World and had a nice time, it was undeniably true that we were laden down with a year’s worth of sadness.

I didn’t realize how depressed I was last year at Disney World. Until I sat down on our balcony that first morning. We knew things weren’t right last year, but until I sat on a balcony across from where I sat a year before, I didn’t fully grasp how depressed I was then.

And how unburdened and free I felt now.

It occurred to me that our trips to Disney World truly mark our lives. We go back there and walk the same Mainstreet, ride the same rides, and in this instance sit on the same balcony. We can’t help but see it through a split screen. The then and the now. I considered just how profoundly God had moved us out of that season into this one. So very different than the one before. The distance from the balcony across the courtyard to where we were now wasn’t very great. In feet. Even in time, it had only been a year.

But the distance between what I looked at the year before and what I was looking at now . . . well, I reckon I don’t have the words to describe the difference.


______

Click Here for the Bonus Chapter (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21266014#post21266014)

[BigDogMom7]

Wow - I get to be first to comment on the latest installment! Zzub - I've been lurking and crying and celebrating with you for awhile now. I'm really glad you and your lovely family are at a good point, and at WDW again! Love your writing.:love:

[CRSNDSNY]

:surfweb: What a great way to start off a Monday morning.

Thanks! :goodvibes

I even have my husband reading your TR.

[nicolemarie]

Well, ZZUB. I just can't tell you how excited I was to pour my hot coffee into the newest Mickey Mouse mug and start reading this morning.

So it's a good thing you stuck to the schedule. And this installment was worth the anticipation. Let's start with this:

I stared at the clock for a few minutes and then wrestled it to the floor to make sure the alarm didn’t go off. When my 5 year old was a 3 year old she did something to the clock. Hit it with a block or spilled milk on it. I don’t know. But the two button combination I have to depress to shut off the alarm is always a challenge. In other words, I frequently slam the top of the alarm clock with a ham fist. Which defeats the purpose of shutting it off before it wakes anyone else.

Dude. I know you can't be losing the Battle this bad. Seriously. For TWO YEARS you've been struggling with a messed up alarm clock? Just buy you a new one!! They don't cost very much, and I'm sure Mrs. ZZUB would appreciate it. You could have even gotten it at Disney World.

I whispered, "we're going to Disney World!" She whispered, "Crest. Use it."

DED.

Coconut is a stuffed dog I bought for her on a business trip 3 years ago.

We have a dog named Coconut, too. It's an American Girl doll accessory. Is ZZUBY into American Girl?

Nosy Ned leaned forward and said knowingly, "Just so you know, there's LOTS of toys and stuffed animals at Disney World."

"Really?" I asked, with not even a hint of sarcasm. "Thanks for the tip."

DED again!! You must really be working on letting folks be wrong. Because that one is almost too good to pass up. You could have busted out your accordian file of ADRs, resort info, park maps that you don't need - duh - but still like to collect, and your trip report notepad.

Then said, "I'm ZZUB. 'Nuff said."

“Calm down," my wife snarked. “It’s only a bus.”
“Calm up,” I said. “It’s a Disney bus.”

I gotta side with you on this one.

I walked out on the balcony to see our view. And I immediately noticed what God had done. We were exactly opposite of the room we were in the year before. I stood there for a minute and considered how providential that was. And how specific. A year ago, we were scared, hurting and unsure of what lie ahead. Now we were healthy, excited, hopeful. The very baby we thought we’d lost a year ago was in her stroller cooing and laughing. I turned back to tell my wife to come out on the balcony and I noticed her looking around the room and then looking over at the baby. She was seeing past and present in one scene. I interrupted her thoughts and called her out to where I was standing. I showed her that we were exactly opposite from where we were the year before.

Wow. Nothing God does is accidental. Although we may not always slow down enough to see the incredibly neat ways He speaks to us, I'm glad y'all were tuned in for this. Because it's awesome. And a reminder of His promises. To change mourning into laughing, and sorrow into joy. I could hear this story over and over, and I think it would only get better each time. Thanks for sharing it with us, ZZUB.

Today would be my son’s birthday. If my son had lived. October 8, 2006 was the day Samuel was to be born.

Y'all may not be able to throw him a party, but I guarantee you he's enjoying one. My prayers are with you and your family today.

But the distance between what I looked at the year before and what I was looking at now . . . well, I reckon I don’t have the words to describe the difference.

ZZUB, this was a FANTASTIC installment. It was HUGELY funny - as always - but more than that, it was an encouragement. I've loved getting to know the ZZUBs over the past couple of years, and it's a really neat thing to hear how God has brought you through some really tough times into a place of joy and happiness. There probably isn't anywhere I'd rather celebrate God's goodness to my family than Disney World. I love that He used the room location of your vacation, which is, of course, the thing that sets the tone for a Disney Nerd's vacation, to remind you that He's in full control. And He intends to bless you beyond measure.

ZZUB, thanks for sharing. May you and your wife and daughters feel God's presence with you today.

NM

[LegoMom3]

Chapter Three: The Opposite (Part Two)

...He ran down some information but I didn’t hear any of it. I was too busy thinking about how cool God was. ...
-


That one line says it all....;) AWESOME, awesome installment, Zzub!!:thumbsup2

[DisneyWorld Delight]

“Where’s my Coconut?” she asked.

I am holding out hope that Coconut is waiting at home in her bed.

I was sick with anxiety about what kind of room we were going to get stuck with.

I hate that anxiety. I do it to myself and my husband, who apparently thinks I control the daily vortex of his life, does it to me too. Sometimes it's just impossible to smell the roses when you are trying to control your own destiny.

[Momie]

I wanted to read chapter three before I did my morning devotional and now I think I did both at once. You took me back to a time in my life that I believe was simular to yours and your wifes and helped remind me of the Glory of God. Thanks Zzub!

Great report as always, what a truley amazing gift you have!

Good game Saturday!:yay:

[mikymouse]

I showed her that we were exactly opposite from where we were the year before.


Brilliant and Beautiful!

[LISAMWDW]

Tears in my eyes good!

E'nuff said :goodvibes

[KodakFigment]

[B]


She told me to shut my pie hole.
-

Zzub, you are not only funny you're very stealthy too. ;)

[B]

I immediately noticed what God had done. We were exactly opposite of the room we were in the year before. I stood there for a minute and considered how providential that was. She caught my meaning. And she started to cry.

-

Me too. It's the daily miracles disguised as everyday things that allow us to see God if we are looking.

[lexmelinda]

I knew it! Bunk beds!

If you'd checked in at noon or at 5pm the results would have been the same, my friend. What an awesome upgrade and a wonderful testimony to blessings big and small.

:hug:

[Tink-ing]

ZZUB - this may well be one of the most beautifully written pieces I've ever read. I don't know that I could properly put into words how very touching this was.

Thank you.

:flower3:

[CampbellScot]

I'm SO going to use the "calm up" thing. Loves it!!!

You are so right. God IS Cool!!! I'm so glad to know how your family has grown and been restored and healed by God's love and mercy. Thank you for sharing that with us. Thank you for reminding me that all storms have an end and it IS possible to come out the other side, a little battle weary but richly blessed...with bunk beds...and little sisters!!!

Y'all are always in my prayers, most especially on this day.

and I'll have to agree with NicoleMarie...it's time for a new alarm clock buddy!!!

can't wait for more!!!!:goodvibes

[luv2crash]

This chapter was so touching. Thanks.

[cherokeemamma]

Loved your latest installment. I was moved to tears. Not a good thing when you are dealing with allergies. :rolleyes:

The best thing of all Zzubb was you realized all of the great things God has done for you and your family; the least of which is bunkbeds at WL, but awesome all the same.:)

Thanks for sharing!:goodvibes

[samc]

Chapter Three: The Opposite (Part Two)
-

this installment was the opposite of NUMB......and recent Alabama FOOTBALL

it was INSPIRING......and GOOD......and ENCOURAGING......and FUN......and other opposites that I know you know and all that! :woohoo:

[LouDisney]

I was so excited to see another installment and it was awesome!! I am hoping Coconut is still at home too!!!

[AshClan]

Phenomenal installment, Z.

In fact, you've rendered me speechless. Quite the feat, that. ;)

[Minnie Lor]

Thank you, ZZUB for reminding me to see God in the smaller things in life and to not take for granted His blessings in the larger part of life.

[pongoperdigirl]

In fact, you've rendered me speechless. Quite the feat, that. ;)

That ain't a lie.

KIDDING! (LYMI Ash)

Zzub. That was a heart wrenching installment. Great writing and I can't wait to see how this trip goes.

[Backstage_Gal]

Wonderful installment. So happy that you are so "opposite" this year!

[CJsMom]

Lurking, laughing and crying - it must be another vicarious trip to Disney with the Zzubs! Thanks so much! :thumbsup2

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

Thank you ZZUB for another wonderful installment. :thumbsup2

Samuel is in my prayers today. :angel:

[Tanya90210]

I'm in!!! Loving your report as always ZZUB :thumbsup2

Very moving last chapter.... Glad to also hear you got the bunkbeds....

[Yzma and Kronk]

Excellent Chapter Zzub!



Just as I was about to start heading back, Nosy Ned leaned forward and said knowingly, "Just so you know, there's LOTS of toys and stuffed animals at Disney World."

And this made me laugh so hard I just about "Zzubed" all my Canadian Thanksgiving pie!

:thumbsup2

[MissMagnolia]

Caught up and ready for more!

[MinnieCandi]

Wow! Amazing! Touching! Beautiful! Thank you:goodvibes

[Frickles]

Awww Zzub this was amazing to read. Seriously, I kid you a lot, but you know I just think y'all are precious and I'm glad you have been led to Him and that He has led you through the tough times. Could you imagine them without Him? Your words about your faith are always inspiring. Thanks for such a sweet read.

[mrsksomeday]

I walked out on the balcony to see our view. And I immediately noticed what God had done. We were exactly opposite of the room we were in the year before. I stood there for a minute and considered how providential that was. And how specific. A year ago, we were scared, hurting and unsure of what lie ahead. Now we were healthy, excited, hopeful. The very baby we thought we’d lost a year ago was in her stroller cooing and laughing. I turned back to tell my wife to come out on the balcony and I noticed her looking around the room and then looking over at the baby. She was seeing past and present in one scene. I interrupted her thoughts and called her out to where I was standing. I showed her that we were exactly opposite from where we were the year before.

She caught my meaning.

And she started to cry.


And I cried too, still crying as I write this. You are an amazing writer, able to bring us almost into the situation. I am so glad you have baby Zzub. I am so sorry for the sadness in the past, you and your family were very deserving of the gifts God has given you. I feel honored to be reading this, it is amazing.

[beckanoah]

Great installment.

I laughed and I cried! brilliancy!

[raestr]

Assuming you are sure Coconut was with you on the first plane, maybe Gary Coleman got lonely in that bag. Hopefully, when you open the carry on bag, Coconut will pop right out!

[1000thhappyhaunt]

You mentioned that you are experimenting with letting people be wrong even when you know they're wrong.

Funny that.


B/c I'm experimenting with letting people be wrong even when I know that they know that I know that they know they're wrong.

And... using voicemail.

As well.

(Nevermind. Long story. No time.)


I'm ALSO experimenting with letting people be wrong even when I know they're bald.

In addition I'm experimenting with letting people be wrong even when I know they're they're a raging, right-wing, metal head, fanatic Republican.

Finally... I'm experimenting with letting people be wrong when I know they've got a big brain, a good heart and an ego the size of Montana.

NOMontanaDisneyFan.



I'm also totally with you on carrying Gary in a bag over my shoulder.

Except I prefer Gary Sinise to Gary Coleman.


Clearly I've got bigger guns than you.


And we're insanely borg.


As for everyone's debate about what ZZUB really looks like: I can answer that!!!!!


I think.


He looks... LIKE:








A boy.




Named Sue.




You also know what I hate about ZZUB?


He's NOT always wrong. (Apart from not Kelly Ripa-ing that bus driver)


And in that vein I can say I truly enjoyed the ending to this latest chapter. It made me very happy for y'all. And it made me feel shivers down my spine. In a good way. As opposed to the usual kind. And it made me wish I had your strong faith and trust. And it made me want to find it too.


Also: the above paragraph makes me want to torture myself with a head of cabbage.


Oh.


Nevermind.


DONE!


Mon petit chou.


Cheers, Mel happyhaunt


:3dglasses


P.S. Gary Coleman called. He and Gary Sinise want their dignity back.

It's a union demand.


As far as I can tell. It was a mindboggingly boring stupid voicemail.

[alldiz]

You had me at the "swiss cake rolls":lmao: :rotfl2:
I hear ya.....cell is NEVER on when ya need it...

This chapter was so good......It felt extra sentimental.

The realization of the close call you had last year was overwhelming,
along with the great joy you have at looking at baby zzuby.

Thats what ya call a 360....so happy you shared with us

I wish I had your faith....I think THAT is the "secret".

I had to laugh at myself when I was soooooo happy you got
your bunkbed rooms......I felt like I had the UPGRADE.

Oh...glad to hear I'm not the only one on the ME bus that plans their
positions for the run to front desk to get "the best room" My DH thinks
I'm crazy.....well I am:rolleyes:

Can't wait till the next chapter.
Kerri

[DJR]

After much research I've discovered a picture of ZZUB. Except for maybe the hair thing.












http://a.abc.com/media/primetime/bostonlegal/images/season/4/bios/christianclemenson/gallery/02.jpg

Loved the installment BTW.

[disney junky]

In heaven we're gonna hang out some together. :thumbsup2

[Jake & Crew]

[B]“
“Yes, I found him. But in order to teach my five year old responsibility, I threw him away. That’s why she’s crying.”



And then I "accidentally" hit him in the head with my Gary Coleman sized carry on bag as I walked by. We walked over there and then an employee told us to walk to the Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge/Grand Floridian queue. He handed ZZUBY her first sticker of this trip.


I was sick with anxiety about what kind of room we were going to get stuck with. I stared through the tv screen which kept flashing “Magic Express” in and out. In and out. I was stewing. Eventually, the video started and it would have taken my mind off my silent rage but for the lack of volume. Roger Wrong couldn’t bother to turn up the sound. So we stared at the pictures and read the captions. And stewed some more.

Eventually, I recognized that I was worrying about something I couldn’t control and my attitude was pretty bad. I asked the Lord to forgive me and asked Him to give me a measure of peace as we waited. Because we would get the room we were supposed to get. I mostly calmed down and started to enjoy the humid ride.

As we entered Disney property, Roger Wrong, began showering us with trivia. In what I'm sure he thought was a really good Disney monorail voice.

It really wasn't.

I was crawling out of my skin wanting to correct this numbskull. It was like some kind of personalized Disney Nerd Hell. Put me on a bus to Disney World that never arrives and force me to listen to some jerkstore prattle on about incorrect Disney trivia.

But I’m experimenting with letting people be wrong even when I know they’re wrong. So I didn’t tell Roger Wrong how far he overshot annoying tour guide.

And I didn’t need to hear anymore.

I knew right then we had been upgraded to a bunk bed room.

I knew right then that we got the room we were supposed to get. And not the room we paid for. Or deserved.

Even though I booked a standard room, God provided a better way for us. Because He’s God and He likes to bless His children.

I was so excited and relieved and humbled by this upgrade. I couldn’t wait for ZZUBY to hear that she got her bunk beds, but since I wasn’t the one who made it happen, I didn’t want to tell her. I did not want to take any of God’s glory. And if she heard the news from me, she might be inclined to think Daddy made it happen for her.

He ran down some information but I didn’t hear any of it. I was too busy thinking about how cool God was.


I walked out on the balcony to see our view. And I immediately noticed what God had done. We were exactly opposite of the room we were in the year before. She caught my meaning.

And she started to cry. I hugged her tightly for a while and then walked her back into our room. And instead of jumping on the beds or turning on the TV, we held hands with our five year old and we thanked God for providing all that He had. From the baby being well, to our safe travel, to our on-time flights, to our easy check in, to the gate agent giving my daughter a new stuffed animal, to our upgraded room, to the opposite view, to the basket filled with goodies from our friends. It was overwhelming and amazing. And the opposite of what we anticipated.

And we walked around saying, “Thank you, Lord. Thank you so much for this.” I walked back out on the balcony and took some pictures of the Lodge from the other side.

We were at the Lodge for a week. I began every morning on that balcony, praying and reading God’s word. And every morning I think I was more enamored of the view of the opposite building than the view of the pool or the water. Don’t get me wrong, the view of the water was great. It’s just that when I was sitting out there praying, I was more mindful of where we’d been just a year ago. And where we were now.

Today would be my son’s birthday. If my son had lived. October 8, 2006 was the day Samuel was to be born.

I didn’t realize how depressed I was last year at Disney World. Until I sat down on our balcony that first morning. We knew things weren’t right last year, but until I sat on a balcony across from where I sat a year before, I didn’t fully grasp how depressed I was then.

And how unburdened and free I felt now.

It occurred to me that our trips to Disney World truly mark our lives. We go back there and walk the same Mainstreet, ride the same rides, and in this instance sit on the same balcony. We can’t help but see it through a split screen. The then and the now. I considered just how profoundly God had moved us out of that season into this one. So very different than the one before. The distance from the balcony across the courtyard to where we were now wasn’t very great. In feet. Even in time, it had only been a year.

But the distance between what I looked at the year before and what I was looking at now . . . well, I reckon I don’t have the words to describe the difference.


-

You live the Word, honor the Word, and share the Word. That is true Grace.

One of the best talents He gave you was the gift of writing with humor, humbleness and reality. This gift you share with many and the Blessings are many.

There is such a reason for sharing on 10/8, while those of us who work on our faith can not always grasp His reasons, it is such peace to know the love He has for us. I understand in full the pain on the opposite side and the feelings one has once you are in the "upgraded" room. It is not victory for we would not chose this path for the upgrade, it is a powerful peace.

Peace to all the ZZUBS, especially Samuel. May God continue to bless you, next time you are in doubt read your words outlined above, for they truly are His words in your life.

[rastephens]

After much research I've discovered a picture of ZZUB. Except for maybe the hair thing.












http://a.abc.com/media/primetime/bostonlegal/images/season/4/bios/christianclemenson/gallery/02.jpg

Loved the installment BTW.

Whaddya think, Miss Cammie? Still hot for Zzub???

Cammie and Z-zub sittin in a tree....

:rotfl:

[ZZUB]

Chapter Three was on the long side. So I didn't include any of these pictures. But here are some Lodge photos that will illustrate, in part, what we love about the place.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/6d86475c.jpg

This really is an impressive building.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/df5b1229.jpg

Not a flock of seagulls at all.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/2f2fa9f0.jpg

The lobby. This picture is kind of blurry. It's not you. Well, it is you. But the picture is blurry as well.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/0f376979.jpg

Can you spot the hidden Mickey?

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/9d1218b2.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/a8ce42ee.jpg

Mercantile: from the Latin, mercantus meaning: a money sucking vat of over priced crap you just have to buy.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/d976ca7d.jpg

I'm a towel thing scrooge. I'd rather the maids just clean the room and not waste time with stupid little towel things. This highlights one of the differences between me and my wife. She walked in the room and squealed, "Oh, look! It's a Mickey head made out of towels!" I saw the same thing and grumbled, "why did the maids waste clean towels on that filthy bedspread?"

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/1ca4472c.jpg

These pictures really fail to do the room justice. We were showing our pictures to some friends and when you look at them through someone else's eyes, the room looks kind of cheap and crapy. It actually isn't. The room is kind of warm and comfortable. Lavish it ain't. But it's not cheap looking either. Which makes me wonder if this is Britney Spears' problem. Maybe the camera adds 15 layers of tawdry and tacky. Maybe in person she's sweet and demure.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/9e6f24b7.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/226fb819.jpg

The waterfall in the Lodge Courtyard.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/9dacf081.jpg

These are the extra towels we asked for.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/ee568c8d.jpg

Our view.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/04048f43.jpg

The opposite.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/e3c4b89f.jpg

I don't make a habit of responding to posts on here, but Disney Junky, your comment was one of the coolest things anyone has posted in 3 1/2 years of writing Trip Reports. Also Jake & Crew, I appreciate what you wrote. If anything I do brings glory to God, then I am grateful.

Until next time, Roll Tide or die trying.

:moped:

____

Click Here For Chapter Four (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21411279#post21411279)

[LegoMom3]

Coming from someone who will likely never see in the inside of the Wilderness Lodge (well, as a paying guest, at least...!), I really appreciate these photos! They are especially cool with Live365 playing in the background!:thumbsup2 Thanks for giving us another angle on the life of the Zzubs!

[ncseric]

I can hear the strains of Aaron Copland (aka the Beef For Dinner song) as I look at the pictures. We're not staying there this time, but it's an impressive place. Thanks for sharing.

[DJR]

Our view.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/04048f43.jpg

The opposite.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/e3c4b89f.jpg



:moped:

OK, so what did you do with the dumpsters?

[kaylea]

Wow. Wow. I'm new to ZZub trip reports, but I'll be following along with this for sure. I'm honored to be invited to share this with you, joys and sorrows both. Thank you!

[lexmelinda]

The room is kind of warm and comfortable. Lavish it ain't. But it's not cheap looking either. Which makes me wonder if this is Britney Spears' problem. Maybe the camera adds 15 layers of tawdry and tacky. Maybe in person she's sweet and demure.I think that may be the funniest thing you've written in a while. It deserves one of these. :lmao:

[Tanya90210]

Great WL photos.... I think the rooms look really cool.... we eventually hope to stay there too :)

[alldiz]

Whaddya think, Miss Cammie? Still hot for Zzub???

Cammie and Z-zub sittin in a tree....

:rotfl:

:lmao: :rotfl2:
Kerri

[mickey mouse lover]

Zzub, I wish I had the gift of putting into words exactly how much I enjoy reading your trip reports. I usually read them myself at first and then to my husband later on.(he likes me to read to him :confused3 ) I have the toughest time reading and crying at the same time. I look forward to every report. All I can say is please continue to go on these trips and do the reports. It is so refreshing this day and time to see someone that has such a great faith in the one true God and doesn't mind sharing their beliefs. Our prayers go out for you and your family. We feel like we have shared all of the things your family has been through. You have been truly blessed and in turn we have too, just by your sharing with us. For that, I thank you.

Now, I''ll just have to wait popcorn:: for another chapter. :coffee:

[Kala]

I have mixed feelings about the "schedule".


I love knowing when I will be able to read the next chapter...


I hate knowing that it will be a full 2 weeks until I get to know what happens next...


I love when I get a special "bonus" of photos and captions



I kinda miss checking each day to see if maybe there's another update



Anything is better than checking day after day and getting nothing... nada... zilch... forgotten and abandoned...



oops, did I type that outloud????


TFI... thanks so much for you heartfelt and beautiful report, I so look forward to each and every chapter. I have found myself re-reading you previous reports in the weeks between installments, cause it's hard to wait...

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Anything is better than checking day after day and getting nothing... nada... zilch... forgotten and abandoned...


*Cough* Mel *Cough* :rolleyes1

[pongoperdigirl]

Funny thing about that Merchantile is that even if you aren't staying there, you still buy crap there.
Example: My anniversary trip in August, we were there to eat at WHispering Canyon Cafe. I went to the Merchantile, while my husband and his brother were putting on a fashion show of sunglasses and hats. My sister in law and I were purchasing soap. Yes, soap. I bought one bar of Sasquatch Sweat Soap (which was for a friend, she is known as Sasquatch), and one bar of Beaver Butt Soap.
So yea, that place can make you waste money like crazy.

[Booknut]

Brilliant trip report, it really touched me. And I loved the photos too, the Wilderness Lodge is so beautiful, hopefully one day we can stay there (more likely we'll just visit for lunch but one can always hope!).

[ArielRae]

Zzub, I wish I had the gift of putting into words exactly how much I enjoy reading your trip reports. I usually read them myself at first and then to my husband later on.(he likes me to read to him :confused3 ) I have the toughest time reading and crying at the same time. I look forward to every report. All I can say is please continue to go on these trips and do the reports. It is so refreshing this day and time to see someone that has such a great faith in the one true God and doesn't mind sharing their beliefs. Our prayers go out for you and your family. We feel like we have shared all of the things your family has been through. You have been truly blessed and in turn we have too, just by your sharing with us. For that, I thank you.

Now, I''ll just have to wait popcorn:: for another chapter. :coffee:

Oh my! :teleport:
It was as if you read my mind.
I too read these to my DH.
He really enjoys them ZZUB.
I totally agree with you mickey mouse lover.

[mandypandy818]

I stumbled upon your last trip report about a year ago while searching for reviews of Chef Mickey's. I had no clue what I was getting into when I read that chapter! I was hooked. I then had to go back and read it from the beginning along with the other TRs. I don't think I can describe what they've meant to me. They've made me laugh and cry. They've been such a spiritual encouragement and blessing. What an awesome testimony you and your family have after what you've experienced. Your faith is encouraging to us all.

I also have to say that I will never eat at Teppanyaki or go near the bathrooms in Canada.

I also must thank you. Your reports have led me Lala's reports (which I love!) NM's reports are next. And yes, all of this TR reading has confirmed my Disney dorkness in my hubby's eyes.

Besides our faith, we have something else in common. I'm gwad to see my famiwy isn't the onwy one that has a dog with a speech impediment. Except my dog doesn't say "Woll Tide", she's a pwoud Gamecock fan, much to my husband's dismay.

You had mentioned you dreaded the day when your little girl no longer saw you as Superman. I'm 27 yrs. old, married to a wonderful man who loves me, allows me to be a Disney dork, and most importantly loves the Lord. I've got a very blessed life. Having said all of that, I still need my Daddy and he is still my hero (Superman). Even though I am hundreds of miles from home, I know that I can call on him for anything and he's always there. He loves the Lord, loves his family, encourages others with his testimony, and can always make me laugh with his jokes. He doesn't take the credit for any of the good that comes from his life, but instead, points right back to our Heavenly Father and gives Him the glory. It's for that reason that I'm so proud to call him Daddy. I see that same humble pattern in your writing. Coming from a daughter's eyes, you're on the right track to always hold that "Superman" status with the little Zubbs.

So, I just wanted to finally comment and let you know how much I enjoy the reports. What a blessing! What an encouragement! What a stench! :scared:

I've been DED more times than I can count. (Maybe Frickles can help me with that.....) Keep it coming!

[Frickles]

I've been DED more times than I can count. (Maybe Frickles can help me with that.....)

Now I'm DED! :teacher:

[CampbellScot]

WOW!!! Your room looked just like our room...in fact, I thought it WAS our room for a second...

except our room was on the ground floor...cuz one of our kids jumps off balconies...which is freaky...in an uncool deadly sort of way. So no view for us...except of the ground...and ducks that are totally shameless and peck on the sliding glass door when they are scouting for more bread...or pizza flavored goldfish...

*ahem*

The latin meaning for the word Mercantile...:lmao: We came out of there one day with the Lincoln Logs Wilderness Lodge set...I know...we lost the Battle for the wallet BIG TIME in the Mercantile. It's going to be an AWESOME Christmas present though!!!:cool1:

Love the pics!!!

I too am THRILLED by the Towel Animal Thing. THRILLED!!!

[LaLa]

Because I got to read not only a very cool and moving Battle For My Wallet chapter upon my return, but also a BONUS chapter as well.

Complete with pictures!

I'm with your wife though. The towel animals are pretty cool. Although this year, instead of enticing mousekeeping to leave them for us with tips served up in cool little preprinted envelopes, we decided to break out of the mold. Travel the road less traveled. Mix it up a little bit. We scared them instead. Well, the boy attempted to anyway. Which might explain the complete and utter lack of towel animals this year.

And the bag of garbage left in our sink.

But enough about that. On to more important things...

ZZUB, I think everything that could have been said about the Opposite Chapter has already been said so I'll just echo what others have posted. That was an amazing piece of writing. From beginning to end. It was hilariously funny and moving all at the same time. God IS very cool and I love the fact that He reminded yall of just how far He'd brought you in one year's time with your room location. That's awesome. Thank you for sharing your testimony with all of us, ZZUB.

Like DisneyJunkie said, we'll hang out in Heaven one day.

If waiting on that bus was a Trip Report on the Disboards, then there would be page after page of popcorn:: and :rolleyes1 and :hourglass and people asking if the Writer was ok. Eventually, other people would hop on the thread and start attacking the Writer for the long delays and then other people would attack the attackers. A poll would be taken. PMs would be sent. The entire thread would turn into a gossipy little coffee klatch.

And then Mel HappyHaunt would go on yet another trip and start a whole new Trip Report.

This was so funny I fell out of my chair and found a dangling particle.

How's that letting people be wrong when you know they're wrong thing working out for you right about now?


:moped:

[Backstage_Gal]

And then Mel HappyHaunt would go on yet another trip and start a whole new Trip Report


How funny, Mel posted this today:

Anywho... I came back late last Monday night from a trip to DISNEY WORLD!!!

:rotfl2:

[eternaldisneyfan]

ZZUB,

I am here for the duration. I love all your reports. You have the perfect mix of humor and sentimental. Keep it up!

-Christamae

[Hayloburger]

ZZUB,
I, too, just stumbled onto this trip report...and then, I had to go back and read 2006's....so, after spending all day reading 2006, do us all a favor..... Get PUBLISHED!!!! You are sure to be on the best sellers list!!! Please, it will be so much easier for all of your fans to read! Why, we could even carry the book around the World, like the "Passporter" or Birmbaums.

Keep the installments coming!!
Thanks for the good reads,
Hayloburger (Go BLUE...Maize and Blue...MICHIGAN...The Big House.....oh, and thanks for beating those buckeyes!)

[Angrypenguin]

ZZUB,
I, too, just stumbled onto this trip report...and then, I had to go back and read 2006's....so, after spending all day reading 2006, do us all a favor..... Get PUBLISHED!!!! You are sure to be on the best sellers list!!! Please, it will be so much easier for all of your fans to read! Why, we could even carry the book around the World, like the "Passporter" or Birmbaums.

Keep the installments coming!!
Thanks for the good reads,
Hayloburger (Go BLUE...Maize and Blue...MICHIGAN...The Big House.....oh, and thanks for beating those buckeyes!)

I just wanted to throw out a "Hail to the Victors!" call in there. We're back in the top 25! :lmao: :woohoo:

[LaLa]

...and instead, I found diddly squat. What's up with that?

I thought for sure by now you'd have posted a Double Bonus chapter filled with pictures of the following:

The inside of the bathroom in Canada

Your favorite restaurant ever, Le Cellier

A half eaten funnel cake

A splash of vomit

The ZZUBs standing behind a big dish at Chef Mickey's

A slab of Butter Grilled Pound Cake

And of course, four Maelstrom Fastpasses

We're waiting, ZZUB. Chop Chop. Whatever that means.

:moped:

[whogirl'smom]

I saw you had started this report right before we left for WDW on the 6th, so I knew I would have an installment to look forward to when we returned! As always, you did not disappoint; just when I was falling out of my chair laughing, I find myself crying, too. We, too, realized God's blessings in our life while at Disney (but not in such a heart wrenching way), and He is good. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

By the way, big ballgame coming up this weekend...our cat says "Go Vols!" to Schpup!

[praisehisname]

Hey Zzub! I'm all caught up again, and loving your report. I've been reading parts of it to DH, and we both have been touched by what you and your family have gone through over the last year.

And as for this comment:

Have you ever waited for someone to come out of a bathroom?

Are you serious? I'm thinking your wife and daughter know all about that!

Denise

[Minniesnow]

Kepp em' coming!
~Emily~:flower3:

[ZZUB]

ROLL TIDE!
41-17
Man, that felt good.

[1000thhappyhaunt]

ROLL TIDE!
41-17
Man, that felt good.


ROLL TIDE!! BAYBEEE!!!!



Man, that felt better.

[whogirl'smom]

Just rub it in, why don'tcha?;) Still wore my orange proudly today!

[rcymrcym]

Or the comments.

I am semi-new to this whole board thing, but I have completely wasted a beautiful day outside by reading your trip report and the comments and the rebuttal comments.

And my girl keeps wondering what I am doing "working on the computer." She wants to play Toontown.

Little does she know I am enjoying some excellent writing and storytelling. And now, I am going to stay up just a little longer and try to read some more of LaLas trip report and bug CambellScott to add something to hers too.

Thanks for sharing your gifts!

[ZZUB]

Chapter Four: Twirl the Napkin, Twirl the World

We love Chef Mickey’s.

We probably shouldn’t.

As I sit here, detached by thousands of miles and several weeks from our dinner there, I can think of many things wrong with it. To begin with, the service was abysmal, horrendous, dreadful and three other words that also describe what Kris Kristopherson’s voice sounds like.

Our waitress happened to look like Kris Kristopherson as well.

But love Chef Mickey’s we do. And we try to eat there on the first night of our trip. That was a good idea back in the day when we lived on the east coast and were arriving in Disney World after a few hours in the car. It is a less spectacular idea now that we live on the left coast and arrive in Disney World only after getting up early and being crammed into two planes, losing a Coconut, trying to find a Coconut, waiting endlessly on a bus and then being spilled into the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge. So now we're thinking that maybe eating at Chef Mick’s on the first night is no longer a good idea.

But that is now, this was then.

Once we finished surveying our room, ripping into the gift basket, sanitizing everything. Twice. And taking pictures, we “freshened up,” whatever the heck that means. Then we headed for the lobby. We had 8:00 reservations at Chef Mickey’s so we had some time for an initial assault from the Mercantile.

It was our first night, and we had been upgraded, and the view was the opposite, and all of that. But that’s not why we willfully surrendered to the Mercantile’s wiles. No, we were drawn to its siren song because we’re idiots. Idiots who seemingly can’t get enough Disney crapola.

Actually, the first walk through is fun. We we’re in a great mood. We generally don't buy anything on the first night. We look. We touch. We smell. I smell. I’m a smeller. I’m a squeezer and a smeller. Which sometimes gets weird. Especially at the grocery store. They’re a little funny about squeezing and smelling the bread. And donuts.

We didn’t have a lot of time, so we left the Merc, our Key to the World unscathed, and walked down the ramp, out the door, into the blessed humidity and out the boardwalk toward the dock. My wife wondered where the ducks were. I looked at my watch and reminded her it was their break time. Duh. Once at the boat dock, we met and started talking with a nice couple and their 5 kids. They looked tired. Fancy that.

Our boat arrived and after a little tour of Bay Lake (read: a stopover at Ft. Wilderness), we arrived at the Contemporary. I understand there are people who don’t like this hotel. They’re entitled to be wrong. And I am continuing my experiment of not correcting stupid people in their wrongness. However, I think the Contemporary is beautiful. It is one of three structures which “are” Disney World for me. And although I’ve never stayed there, I try to go there on every trip.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/1ffc67c4.jpg

Once inside, we rode up to the Fourth Floor and got in line to check in at Chef Mick’s.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/fdf9ce16.jpg

For us, this line always seems long. And slow moving. Like The English Patient. But with more of a plot. The family in front of us was having issues. Problems. And odors. While I resisted a squeeze of the very squishable looking mom, the smells were unavoidable.

Can’t we agree on mandatory deodorization at the turnstiles and front doors of the hotels? I’ll take one for the team if it means my nose is never assaulted by the unwashed, deep fried, oversmoked again.

There appeared to be 20 of them. All of them in a large, pimple like cluster, right in front of us. Once they got to the podium, they all began talking at the poor CM. Loudly. He eventually solved their problem and sent them off to stand behind a large dish. We checked in with little fanfare. I asked about how long before our table was ready and he said about 15 minutes. He tried to send us to the large dish but I told him I would sooner French kiss Nancy Pelosi than stand for that picture. He laughed nervously, and wondered who Nancy Pelosi was. We headed off to BVG. Because we’re the ZZUBs and we love us some BVG.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/1fca046c.jpg

As we walked around the store looking at the Disney Crap they sell and comparing it in our minds with the crap we had just seen at the Merc, I noticed a woman sitting on the floor.

She was naked.

From the waist down.

Welcome to Disney World!

I wondered what Paris Hilton was doing in the Contemporary. This woman seemed too old to be a young, boozy heiress. I tapped my wife and directed her eyes toward the Naked Woman. She did a picture perfect double take. And then she moved in for a closer inspection. I kept my distance because I avoid naked women who aren’t my wife. For her part, my wife managed to get close enough to confirm that Naked Woman was in fact naked from the waist down. Or wearing a barely visible thong. Either way, Mrs. Z was grossed out.

“Her butt is on that nasty floor!” she shrieked.

”I know,” I said. “Think of all the nasty germs that she’s exposing herself to.”
“Forget that! We walk on this floor! What if her butt diseases get on our feet?!”

Our coaster started buzzing so we had to leave for dinner before Naked Woman removed her tuchis from the floor. Still, my wife was certain she'd now have to burn her new sandals. I tried to allay her fears. I pointed out that Naked Woman was planted, so to speak, in one spot. And our shoes had not yet trod where Naked Woman hadn’t feared to bare. Or something like that.

We walked back up to the podium and turned in our no-longer blinking coaster. We were shown to our table which was right by the buffet. Baby ZZUB seems to be intolerant of Auburn Fans, Rosie O'Donnell and lactose. So my wife avoids any dairy or dairy products. I had this noted on all of our ADRs and sure enough, right after we sat down, someone who purported to be the chef came out to talk with her. He then walked her through the buffet and pointed out the things she could and couldn’t eat. He also told her that when she was ready for dessert to let Kris Kristopherson know and he would make her a dairy free, gluten free dessert. The Chef. Not Kris Kristopherson. She was busy disappearing for 30 minutes at a time. Not earning her guaranteed 18% tip. One imagines it takes 30 minutes to find her way to the designated smoking area, blow noxious fumes into the air and then wander back into the restaurant. If only she'd been a guest in the resort. Then she could stand on her balcony and smoke. You know, and flagrantly flout the rules. Because no one in the rooms around her minds smelling her smoke.

Who put this soap box here?

We gave Kris our drink orders and I took ZZUBY and headed to the buffet. Once back at our seats, the parade of characters started coming by.

The week before we left for Disney World, my five year old colored some pictures for the characters. She made one for Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Belle. She told me she planned to give the pictures to them. Now, we don’t normally encourage drawing pictures for small people in costumes. But she did this of her own accord. And that my little girl wanted to do something nice for someone else, well that’s so sweet, it makes the Butter Grilled Pound Cake (may it rest in peace) seem like a rice cake.

Since we were going to see Mickey and Minnie our first night, I kept her pictures with me. I gave them back to her when we got to Chef Mick’s. My wife was a little worried that “Mickey” and “Minnie” might seem disinterested and so crush my daughter’s spirit. I was pretty sure she was wrong and that they would act excited. I imagined they might even keep the pictures, too.

As usual when it comes to Disney stuff, I was right. When ZZUBY gave Minnie her picture, she acted very excited, touched her mouth with her hand and then carefully folded the picture and put it in her pocket.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/6e03c12a.jpg

Dinner was as good as it ever was. The service was as bad as it ever was. Having already earned her 18% tip, Kris Kristopherson set out to abandon us. My suspicions were first aroused when she dropped off two glasses of tea each for both me and my wife and two boxes of juice for my daughter. That said, “I don’t plan on being seen for the next 30 minutes, so drink up me hearties. Yo Ho.” I drink a lot. I need to be properly hydrated for all of my smelling and squeezing. Two glasses of tea is nothing for me. I have a three refill minimum. When Kris Kristopherson didn’t reappear, I was left to seek refills of my drink from the table next to us. They had a carafe.

The tough thing about Chef Mickey’s is the food is good but the desserts are better. So you have to budget your stomach space. It’s a tough call for me. Yet, I think I found the right balance between parmesan potatoes and little bitty German chocolate cake squares. And sno caps.

But if I go to Chef Mick’s for the food, my daughter goes for the napkin twirl. She loves getting to stand up, twirl her napkin and squeal. Because we never do that at home. I reckon she doesn’t have to stand, but she thinks she does. She’s quite a proficient napkin twirler mind you. And if throwing my hard earned money around the Merc and BVG says vacation to me, then ZZUBY twirling her napkin says vacation to her. She tried to interest her baby sister in the art of the napkin twirl. But Baby ZZUB failed to grasp it, so to speak.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/c11453c6.jpg

Once dinner was over, we began to make our way out but not first without a stop off at the Chef Mickey’s bathroom. It wasn't so much a ginger induced reason. I go there more out of habit. Some cry when they see the arches, some must ride Space Mountain, others must have a Dole Whip. I have to use the bathroom at Chef Mickey's. It’s a tradition. A Disney Thing.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/330295cf.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/46a2c61e.jpg

It was filthy. Memo to Disney: scrap the Year of a Million Dreams and replace it with the Year of a Million Cleans. I for one would rather have the place looking nice again rather than some dreadfully silly looking pair of blue and white mouse ears.

We took the boat back to the Lodge on what had turned out to be a really nice, cool evening. The breeze off the lake was pleasant. We got off the boat and began the walk up the boardwalk, the lights of the Wilderness Lodge shining in front of us.

My wife was pushing the baby in the stroller. I had my arm around her and with my other arm, I was holding ZZUBY’s hand. We walked along a few feet and I gave voice to my inner monologue. I stopped, “I know this sounds corny, but seriously, I don’t mind working hard 50 weeks a year if we get nights like this. Being here, being together. This is good. This is a good time. When I’m stuck on a problem, or working late, I dream about this night. This right here. This is the thing I think about when I’m driving home.” I squeezed them tightly. Because I'm me and that's what I do.

And then I switched it up before it got all blubbery, like Extreme Home Makeover. “Reckon if Magic Express delivered our bags?”

We moved a little more quickly from that point. Inside the Lodge, over to the elevator, up to the fourth floor, down the hall, down another hall. Finally, our door.

I threw it open and was stunned by what I saw.

I can’t believe we brought this much crap!

It was all piled up in the hallway to our room. Like the Magic Express dudes just opened the door and flung our 8 billion bags inside. I moved it around so my wife and daughters could come inside. Then we got situated. "Sitched," if you're a ZZUB.

My wife gave the girls their baths while I unpacked my stuff and got the other bags ready for my wife to unpack.

Unpacking at Disney World is HUGE to me.

It still is.

I have a three night rule. If I’m going to be in a hotel for three nights or longer, I unpack. I initiated that rule in August 2001 when, for the first time, we stayed for three nights. Because we now routinely stay for longer than three nights, each time we start getting situated, I hearken back to the time when we couldn’t afford to stay for more than a night. I like to think about where I’ve been, or hadn’t you noticed that about me yet?

Once my stuff was put away and my bag neatly stowed between the bunk beds and the wall, I began unpacking the food into the cool as all get out food drawers over the fridge.

Here’s my drawer. Good stuff. The tan bag on the right is Almond M&Ms. Those rock!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/a1783802.jpg

Here’s my wife’s drawer. Healthy crap. The jelly beans are mine. They didn’t fit in my drawer.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/e874e994.jpg

Once the girls were done, I hopped into the shower for a sweet rinse off. After I was done and my wife got all her stuff put away, I jacked the camera into the port on the front of the TV and we looked at our pictures from our first night at Disney World. I love that time of day. I took some pictures of the Schpup! and my car before we left so we could look at them again while we were on our trip.

We finished looking at the surprisingly large number of pictures I shot on that first day and night and then we finished getting ready for bed. But we didn’t fall into a sweet sleep with dreams of our idyllic first night dancing in our heads.

No, the quiet peace of the first night of our vacation was upended by something truly disturbing and in fact, shocking. Something that has never happened before.

________

Click Here For Chapter Five (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21625071#post21625071)

[rcymrcym]

We too are looking forward to a first night at Chef Mickey's. And yes, we will have to check out the facilities since they come so highly rated!:thumbsup2

Thanks for the new chapter!

[MEK]

Oh No....you di' nt! :eek:

ZZub, you better not keep us all waiting a week for your next installment! AHHH! arrrrrggggh!

[desamnik]

Again, a great read.

But what could be more shocking and disturbing than finding a 1/2 naked person in the BYG at the Contemporary?!?

And now we have to wait 2 weeks to find out?

I actually have put these Sunday night reports on my Outlook Calendar so I know when to watch for them :)

[DptyDogg]

I stopped, “I know this sounds corny, but seriously, I don’t mind working hard 50 weeks a year if we get nights like this. Being here, being together. This is good. This is a good time. When I’m stuck on a problem, or working late, I dream about this night. This right here. This is the thing I think about when I’m driving home.”

I can't agree more, it's been over a year since our last trip but there is nothing like that casual stroll back to your room with your family, just soaking up that disney feel.

these last 50 days seem like an eternity.

[Backstage_Gal]

Zzub, another fabulous report, loved it. And baby Zzub looks adorable just by looking at her hair. I bet you are a fiine looking family. But then, we already knew that just from reading your reports. Which is not really what counts, we know your "inside" by now, which is the very best.

Thanks for your reports.

PS: I think that sounded scrambled, but I am too tired to fix it. so I go with the flow for now.

[jamal]

ROLL TIDE!
41-17
Man, that felt good.

Now I'm gonna puke.

Thankfully, the chapter redeemed you, as it was about our favorite First Night ritual, Chef Napkin Twirl's.

My thirteen year old son rates it 'beastly.'

I think that's good.

Memo to Disney: scrap the Year of a Million Dreams and replace it with the Year of a Million Cleans.
That earned you a dancing banana.:banana: Baby ZZUB (ZZUBella?) might enjoy it under her napkin.

[magicforever]

I had taken a month break from the Dis. I didn't expect to see anymore trip reports from. What a nice surprise. You will make the breaks between Calc and Chem much more enjoyable. Thanks for your service and your stories.

[Tanya90210]

We walked along a few feet and I gave voice to my inner monologue. I stopped, “I know this sounds corny, but seriously, I don’t mind working hard 50 weeks a year if we get nights like this. Being here, being together. This is good. This is a good time. When I’m stuck on a problem, or working late, I dream about this night. This right here. This is the thing I think about when I’m driving home.” I squeezed them tightly. Because I'm me and that's what I do.


Excellently said... I feel the same way!!!

[beckanoah]

AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrggggggggggggggggggggggggggh.................. .... (beckanoah falling off the cliff)

[AshClan]

No, we were drawn to its siren song because we’re idiots.

The first step is admitting you have a problem. But no need to drag the girls down with you. I'm thinking the only idiot in the family is the one writing this trip report. (But I'm the same kind of idiot, so I ain't judging.)

I smell.

Um, Yeah. I think we already knew that, but thanks for sharing.

Our boat arrived and after a little tour of Bay Lake (read: a stopover at Ft. Wilderness), we arrived at the Contemporary.

The one thing I really don't like about the WL. That Ft Wilderness stopover gets tiresome real fast.

As we walked around the store looking at the Disney Crap they sell and comparing it in our minds with the crap we had just seen at the Merc, I noticed a woman sitting on the floor.

She was naked.

From the waist down.

Welcome to Disney World!

Seriously. Is this true or just a happyhaunt-like embellishment? Because this really confuzzled me. Or disturbed me. Or both.

Memo to Disney: scrap the Year of a Million Dreams and replace it with the Year of a Million Cleans. I for one would rather have the place looking nice again rather than some dreadfully silly looking pair of blue and white mouse ears.

I'm with ya there, buddy!

Here’s my drawer. Good stuff. The tan bag on the right is Almond M&Ms. Those rock!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/a1783802.jpg

Here’s my wife’s drawer. Healthy crap. The jelly beans are mine. They didn’t fit in my drawer.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/e874e994.jpg

Holy crap, mister! HOW MUCH junkfood do you need for one trip?! My stomach hurts just looking at that 1st picture. And Jelly Bellies. I didn't know that people really ate those other than during the Easter season. And with free dinning to boot. I'm starting to think we should be calling you TUBB. Or better yet, TTUB.:rolleyes:

No, the quiet peace of the first night of our vacation was upended by something truly disturbing and in fact, shocking. Something that has never happened before.


Well, I know it wasn't snoring or passing gas from your side of the bed. 'Cause I'd be shocked if that had never happened before. Let me guess....Did the food drawers collapse under the weight of the junk food? Or did Mel's dumpster guys show up after all???

Thanks for a Monday morning diversion. Now I guess I'll just cross my fingers for another bonus chapter before we hit November.:rolleyes1

[OhMari]

upended Someone got sick.

[Frickles]

However, I think the Contemporary is beautiful. It is one of three structures which “are” Disney World for me.
So Borg! My fondest memories of Disney include magically riding the monorail through the Contemporary. For me, that meant we were REALLY there, and I have always wanted to stay there. I just went on a girl's trip to Disney and we had dinner at California Grill. I had never been to the top of the Contemporary, and it blew me away. Now I'm jonesing for a tower, MK view, room. How sweet is this view?

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z153/maelstromphoto/DisneyandBaldHead090.jpg


I’ll take one for the team if it means my nose is never assaulted by the unwashed, deep fried, oversmoked again.
ded!

As we walked around the store looking at the Disney Crap they sell and comparing it in our minds with the crap we had just seen at the Merc, I noticed a woman sitting on the floor.

She was naked.

From the waist down.
I would ask you to explain, but I know you don't really comment. Did she have on a skirt that was hiked up to her waist or something? Was she in her swimsuit? Was she toting a big spoon? (((shudder)))


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/c11453c6.jpg
This is the sweetest little picture and it put a big ole grin on my face because I still have baby fever! I'm so happy she is here and healthy!!!


Memo to Disney: scrap the Year of a Million Dreams and replace it with the Year of a Million Cleans.
I AGREE! I am not even going to tell you what I saw at the Beach Club pool bathroom. I'm still having nightmares about it. And, I can't mix up a batch of brownies without gagging.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/a1783802.jpg

I haven't tried the almond M&M's but I suspect that the Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are going to be the cause of a massive weight gain for me. I'm cracking up because you are so excited about your snack drawer!

Loved all the pictures Zzub! And, I must add this.....

:cheer2: WAY TO GO ALABAMA!!!!:cheer2:

Even though I'm not fond of Bama, I dislike Tennessee even more and I'm so glad you guys socked it to 'em!

sorry Jami.

[mikymouse]

Nothing says vacation like a full stash of untouched Cherry Pop Tarts.. next year you will have to pack four boxes since Baby Zzub will be ready for the good stuff.

We are going to Chef Mickey's our first night too. This is a tradition... well it is was only once but when we do it next year it will be a tradition. My DH loves buffets and although I normally hate buffets I really hate waiting in line for characaters more. There are many reasons to hate buffets but top on my list is 1.) Line Skippers 2.) Bad Service 3.) Old food 4.) Someone ALWAYS sneezes on the buffet line right in front of me so I always leave hungry, grossed out and looking for packaged snacks immediately. Maybe I will put some Cherry Pop Tarts in my purse so I will not starve at Chef Mickey's.

Picture of Baby Zzub hiding behind the napkin twirl was my favorite part!

[LaLa]

Sorry Melly, just couldn't resist.

As we walked around the store looking at the Disney Crap they sell and comparing it in our minds with the crap we had just seen at the Merc, I noticed a woman sitting on the floor.

She was naked.

From the waist down.

Welcome to Disney World!

This is the part where I went numb. Completely and utterly numb.

“Her butt is on that nasty floor!” she shrieked.

”I know,” I said. “Think of all the nasty germs that she’s exposing herself to.”
“Forget that! We walk on this floor! What if her butt diseases get on our feet?!”

And THIS is the part where I dry heaved for a good twenty minutes. You just can't bring a visual like that to a forum that self proclaimed germaphobes frequent, ZZUB. It's too much. In fact, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to throw out MY shoes now (all of them) because I walked on that carpet as well recently. BVG carpet. It's the new Disney concrete.


For us, this line always seems long. And slow moving. Like The English Patient. But with more of a plot.

DED.

However, I think the Contemporary is beautiful. It is one of three structures which “are” Disney World for me. And although I’ve never stayed there, I try to go there on every trip.

Borg. As you know, we try to eat at CM's on our arrival night as well. Sometimes it doesn't always work out, but we cannot go to DW without having a meal at Chef Mickey's. Our trip just doesn't seem complete without it. But it's not because the structure screams Disney to us, or because we love watching kids who have had way too much sugar kidnap and haul off Mickey as he's reaching out to take one of our kid's autograph books, or even because of the insanely good desserts. No. The real reason we go to Chef Mickey's on each trip is so we can walk down these stairs at the end of the meal before heading off to our next adventure....

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/330295cf.jpg

Speaking of which, the entire place reeked of ginger and german chocolate this go round. For some odd reason.

I smell.

That would explain it.

Now, we don’t normally encourage drawing pictures for small people in costumes.

I find it hard to believe you don't encourage her to draw pictures for the Oven Mitt Man.

ZZUB, this installment was hilarious and insanely well written, as usual. It was worth the wait. I love the fact that Minnie gave your little girl's drawing some love by tucking it into her pocket. But more than that, I love the fact that a certain Disney Daddy took a picture of the moment so the memory would always be fresh. That's really sweet. And speaking of sweet, I LOVE the picture of Baby ZZUB! So funny. I don't even have to see the rest of that sweet baby's face to know she's adorable as all get out. Before you can blink your eyes, she'll be drawing pictures of her own and joining her big sister in the Napkin Twirl Around The World.

Hopefully they won't try to pop each other in the face with them.

NOSugaredupkidsatChefMickey's.

Dude. Two bags of Pizza Goldfish?! I can't believe you didn't bring three. They're that good. I only hope you brought some drinks with you.


:moped:

[Frickles]

Holy crap, mister! HOW MUCH junkfood do you need for one trip?! My stomach hurts just looking at that 1st picture. And Jelly Bellies. I didn't know that people really ate those other than during the Easter season. And with free dinning to boot. I'm starting to think we should be calling you TUBB. Or better yet, TTUB.:rolleyes:

:rotfl:

[alldiz]

OK.....talk about a cliffhanger....

2 weeks will be an eternity.

Seriously....I believe everything....I need more info on the naked
lady....
Is that true....how did you not ask her if she needed a twirling
napkin to cover herself:lmao:
Kerri

[DisneyWorld Delight]

...and three other words that also describe what Kris Kristopherson’s voice sounds like. Is NOTHING sacred?



http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/330295cf.jpg
Is your wife concerned you are now specifically taking pictures for the trip report, or is she used to your eccentric (read: disturbing) behavior?


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/a1783802.jpg
All 3 boxes of frosted cherry? Hmmmmmm...interesting...

[samc]

ROLL TIDE!! BAYBEEE!!!!



Man, that felt better.


AUBURN LOST

EVEN BETTER BAYBEE!!!!!!!!
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Momie]

Are we to assume that you are trying to earn the Pirates Of The Caribbean clock (as advertised on the box) with all those pop tarts?

I think you might want to rethink your posting schedule if you are going to give us cliffhangers, we will be needing it more than every two weeks. I have spent all my patience on my kids and have none left for waiting on cliffhangers.

Another great post! And this time I did my Bible study before reading your post.

Roll Tide back at you! That was a good game!

[maxiesmom]

Snowcaps! Borg!:yay:

And Zzub, you really do need to stay at the Contemporary sometime. I know it gets a bad rap from many, but they don't know what the heck they are talking about! It is sooooo Disney! And I'm sorry, but you cannot compare anything to the ability of being able to walk to the Magic Kingdom.

[LISAMWDW]

:lmao: Love the snack drawers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool1:

[mellvswdw1]

ZZUB,

I have been a lurker of the Disboards for about 5 years there are two reasons I was finally drawn out of lurkerdom....1) to see if I really needed to give into the Croc world and 2) to thank you for many belly laughs, some tears, and a few "why did he go there?!" statements! You put what WDW is to me so eloquently every chapter. I hope to have children some day and share with them what you and Mrs. Z share with your kiddos every trip. I leave for the happy place in a few sleeps, I'll be sure to say hello to the facilities at CM for you ;) !

P.S. Where is the picture of the Yoo-Hoo?

[whogirl'smom]

That's a lot of snacks! We lugged back home almost all the snacks and little cereals (you know the ones in plastic bowls that you can just pour the milk in?) and applesauce we took with us. Next year, I just need to pack 4 boxes of gummies.

I just don't understand how people can pay thousands of dollars on a WDW vacation and forget the $2 purchase of some Arrid XXXtra Dry to cut the funk. Ugh, just remembering the couple in front of us on the Safari ride....it was early in the morning, so you just knew it was two-day funk...bleeech!

Baby Zzubby is sooo cute! Is that red hair I see?

[jamal]

Last edited by AshClan : Today at 12:08 PM. Reason: Do you guys eat the clothespins before or after the poptarts?!

DED!

That may be the one that boots her out as fave screen name, Frick.

Frickalicious sad: So Borg! My fondest memories of Disney include magically riding the monorail through the Contemporary. For me, that meant we were REALLY there, and I have always wanted to stay there. I just went on a girl's trip to Disney and we had dinner at California Grill. I had never been to the top of the Contemporary, and it blew me away. Now I'm jonesing for a tower, MK view, room. How sweet is this view?
Do it baybee! Last room and you can touch Space Mtn!

Frick the Gagger sad: I AGREE! I am not even going to tell you what I saw at the Beach Club pool bathroom. I'm still having nightmares about it. And, I can't mix up a batch of brownies without gagging. Thanks for that. Go back to cookies and ham.

Ash-is-on-fire: I'm starting to think we should be calling you TUBB. Or better yet, TTUB.Line of the day.

[Yzma and Kronk]

UUUmmmm Cherry Pop Tarts!

:dance3:

[Tink-ing]

They’re a little funny about squeezing and smelling the bread. And donuts.

Never pictured you as a donut squeezer, ZeeZub. Then again, how else are you to know they're fresh, right?

However, I think the Contemporary is beautiful. It is one of three structures which “are” Disney World for me. And although I’ve never stayed there, I try to go there on every trip.

Sooo with you on this one. I will stay there someday. And the Poly. AFTER I win Powerball. Which means, based on historical evidence, I'll likely be 94.


As we walked around the store looking at the Disney Crap they sell and comparing it in our minds with the crap we had just seen at the Merc, I noticed a woman sitting on the floor.

She was naked.

From the waist down.

I'm something other than...or more than numb...or I'm totally gullible and/or missed an inside joke. I want to ask what this woman was doing sitting waist-down-nekkid on the floor...and yeeeeet, I don't want to know.

Dinner was as good as it ever was. The service was as bad as it ever was.

Thank you. The Talking Heads 'Once In A Lifetime' is now stuck on mental repeat.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n212/nothingtoseehere-moveon/c11453c6.jpg

Sweetest non-picture of a baby. Ever.

Unpacking at Disney World is HUGE to me.

It still is.

I have a three night rule. If I’m going to be in a hotel for three nights or longer, I unpack. Here’s my drawer. Good stuff. The tan bag on the right is Almond M&Ms. Those rock!

Borg, borg, borg!

But we didn’t fall into a sweet sleep with dreams of our idyllic first night dancing in our heads.

No, the quiet peace of the first night of our vacation was upended by something truly disturbing and in fact, shocking. Something that has never happened before.


-

Great. Now I'm going to have to create a countdown ticker that won't fit in my siggie thanks to the 'new rules' in anticipation of Monday, 11/5/07.

[eternaldisneyfan]

Noooooo! I must know the ending???

Alas, like all the best blessings in life, I will have to exercise patience...

Lovin' it!

-Christamae

[Montana Disney Fan]

I wondered what Paris Hilton was doing in the Contemporary. This woman seemed too old to be a young, boozy heiress.

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

Good one. :thumbsup2

[LouDisney]

Another great update ZZUB. I noticed your excitement for last weekend's AL. game. I am not a football fan myself...yeah I know, I am very un-Alabamian. My family and I were at WDW last week, for 10 days and our last day there, our last full day, the 3 guys in our party spent Saturday afternoon at the ESPN Club watching the game.