Now Bring Me That Horizon ~ It Begins P115 [Archive] - Page 3 - The DIS Discussion Forums

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 02:25 PM

No!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: Run away! Run away!

But...uh...stay away from 24. It is very addicting! ::yes::

Maroo, I think it's safe to say you know me pretty well by now.

And basically, I need another character addiction like I need a hole in the head.

Point well taken, I'll be avoiding 24. :lmao:

Glad to hear that you are all feeling better and I loved the little picture tour of your home.

I didn't want to quote your whole thing. You never have to apologize to me for telling us how you feel about your trip, or anything like that. I'm happy to listen, support, and advise if I can!

You're going to figure out what's best for you, and you'll know in your heart. Of course you want to take your child and of course you want to go alone with your husband. Trust me, I struggle with things like that all the time! DH and I are dying to get a night out alone, but it so rarely happens. We usually settle for picnics on the living room floor with some junk food and a good movie, and even that is few and far between. Most often we're too tired! Ah, married life. Married life with kids! :lmao: I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I guess the one thing you really need to ask yourself is if you leave DD at home, would you spend the whole time wishing she was there.

Having done a trip with DS and not DH, I can say I surely, surely missed my husband. It definitely felt weird not to have him there, but it was good to spend that time with Mom and Nana...well, when we were having a good time, that is.

So forgive my long ramble, but if you ever want to talk about it some more, just PM me. No judgements here, just happy to lend an...ear. Sorry for the rhyme. :lmao:

And I'm glad you liked the pictorial tour.

Thanks so much for the peek inside your house! I love all the Disney (and Batman) touches! And yes, the Jack thing is quite uncanny! How nice to see so many touches of what you love everyday. Me thinks I have to consider some redecorating... :idea:

Pretty much our whole house is like that. Little touches of Disney or Batman or our artwork everywhere. I love it. We're creative, and I'm not trying to pat myself on the back here. It's just that with being a bank teller (so not what I thought I'd be doing at this point) there's limited room for the kind of creative flow I had going on in college. So it's really, really nice to have that in my home.

First off, I just have to tell you what happened while I was reading your update -- Connor came in so that I could pop an arm on a Lego man for him, and spotted the first Batman pic -- so while I wrestled with popping the arm back in (do you know how hard it is to snap one of those suckers in???), he got to be the first one to scroll through your photos -- he was very impressed as was I! Since I am redoing my kitchen this summer, it made me think that perhaps I should put my pumpkins out year-round also!

You, of all people, should have your pumpkins at year round! You love fall as much as I do!!! :goodvibes I'm excited that Connor got to look at the photos and he liked them too, that's great! And yes, those Lego men...oy vey.

I so want to go to MNSSHP again -- sigh. I wonder if I could find a way to justify it??? :rolleyes1

I think that you could easily justify it. :thumbsup2

Not that I recall.
If my memory serves me correctly, you live in an as-yet-to-be-completed space station ("It is not yet fully operational.") with a red-headed, light saber-weilding Jedi.

Did you ever watch the episode of Robot Chicken about this? I can't remember if we talked about it. It makes me cry I laugh so hard.:rotfl2:

This is over your fridge, yes?
Do you ever pretend, when DH is being particularly obnoxious, as they are wont to do now and then, that Batman has his Batarang aimed directly at the back of his head?

I would.

Don't tell BF. ;)

This is over my fridge. And no, I haven't quite imagine that, but now that you mention it... :scratchin

Hey! Nice card!
Nice lunchbox!

Someone's got taste. ;)

Very good taste.;)

:lmao::lmao::lmao:I would so think that too!http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-merv/batman.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

LOVE the Batman smiley! What until I show my DH.

Tinkerbellarella

05-05-2009, 03:06 PM

Did you ever watch the episode of Robot Chicken about this? I can't remember if we talked about it. It makes me cry I laugh so hard.:rotfl2:

Favoritest. Robot. Chicken. EVER.

Bruce and I quote it all the time.

"It wasn't even fully paid off! Do you have any idea what this is going to do to my credit?"

"You got an ATM on that torso, Light Bright?"

All hail Robot Chicken.

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 03:08 PM

Favoritest. Robot. Chicken. EVER.

Bruce and I quote it all the time.

"It wasn't even fully paid off! Do you have any idea what this is going to do to my credit?"

"You got an ATM on that torso, Light Bright?"

All hail Robot Chicken.

"Where were you???"

"Oh :::snort:::, I made him cry!" :rotfl2:

Tinkerbellarella

05-05-2009, 03:15 PM

"Where were you???"

"Oh :::snort:::, I made him cry!" :rotfl2:

"Umm...cole slaw but I'm not even gonna eat it. What are you getting? I always feel like I order the wrong thing."

"What the bleep! is an Aluminum Falcon?"

Ok, last non-PTR-related, totally-Robot-Chicken-related question:

PLEASE tell me you have seen the Gummy Bear skit.

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 03:29 PM

Ok, last non-PTR-related, totally-Robot-Chicken-related question:

PLEASE tell me you have seen the Gummy Bear skit.

No! Do you think it's on youtube?

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 03:35 PM

Don't do it.

Hold back. Okay, maybe you can laugh a little.

Guys...

I just read something that literally rocked my world. And poor DH doesn't even know.

And before your minds go further into the gutter, it's not that.

I just read that the Pop Century has gotten rid of the slushy coke machines in the food court.

:scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1:

I KNOW!!!! Do you know how upset my DH will be when I tell him? Well, honestly, maybe not that much, but seriously! This is one of the reasons I look forward to this hotel.

And honestly...I don't always look forward to this hotel. I really, really wish we were staying at a mod.

Is it okay if I go take a peek at the website and see what's...

Oh, lookie here. POFQ still available for my dates.

:scratchin

Let's check CBR while we're at it.... :rolleyes1

In all honesty, I talked myself into Pop because everyone wanted the less expensive trip. But I've been spoiled. Spoiled, I say!!!! The Wilderness Lodge has done me in. DONE ME IN!!!!

I want a mod, dang it.

Okay, rant over. Feel free to comment. :lmao:

Tinkerbellarella

05-05-2009, 03:40 PM

No! Do you think it's on youtube?

I know for a fact it is. Just search: robot chicken gummy bear.
For whatever reason, the man and I dissolve into fits of laughter every time we see it.

We're bizarre. What can I say?

Tinkerbellarella

05-05-2009, 03:43 PM

i want a mod, dang it.

Okay, rant over. Feel free to comment. :lmao:

someone get this girl a mod, stat!

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 03:47 PM

We're bizarre. What can I say?

Know it.

Love ya anyway! :hug:

someone get this girl a mod, stat!

:::gasping fitfully:::

Must...stay...at mod...resort!

MUST!!!! :::gasp, sigh:::

maroo

05-05-2009, 04:05 PM

Go for it, sister! :goodvibes

But don't tell Disney you went for the mod because you can't have frozen coke! They will NEVER bring back the frozen cokes, then!! :) :lmao:

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 04:14 PM

Go for it, sister! :goodvibes

I love how you enable me. :thumbsup2

But don't tell Disney you went for the mod because you can't have frozen coke! They will NEVER bring back the frozen cokes, then!! :) :lmao:

HA!!! Good point!

Of course, the big issue is whether or not everyone wants to switch. Given that this is a "family" year, I have to consider what they want.

When really I'd love to pitch a hissy and do what I want, but still. :lmao:

maroo

05-05-2009, 04:20 PM

I love how you enable me. :thumbsup2

Sister...I am actually being blamed for "convincing" people to take entire Disney vacations! Disney Enabler. ::yes::

HA!!! Good point!

Of course, the big issue is whether or not everyone wants to switch. Given that this is a "family" year, I have to consider what they want.

When really I'd love to pitch a hissy and do what I want, but still. :lmao:

And this is why I am glad that I am single! I basically can stay where I want. :rotfl:

But did you see that I am about to go to Disney with DISers I have never met? :lmao: Maybe I should reconsider that family? :scratchin :rotfl:

LegoMom3

05-05-2009, 04:21 PM

Wow.

They say familiarity breeds contempt. I say, familiarity must breed cluelessness, because how long now have I been looking at your signature on a daily basis and I am just finding your TR??!!!???

*ahem*...:flower3:

Well, now that that's over with, I'm jumpin' in with both feet!

I've never had a slushy coke, but I'm bettin' it was a pretty savory treat. Especially in the I've-been-out-at-the-parks-all-day kind of heat exhaustion you can get at Disney.

But DUDE!.....POFQ??!!.....

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I get my pics uploaded from my little foray last weekend, I'll post some nice little shots of the FQ....y'know, just to help the cause a bit....

If enabling can be considered "helping".....
:lmao:

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 04:26 PM

But did you see that I am about to go to Disney with DISers I have never met? :lmao: Maybe I should reconsider that family? :scratchin :rotfl:

I did see that, I just haven't commented yet. Girl, you get to Disney!!! :lmao:

Wow.

They say familiarity breeds contempt. I say, familiarity must breed cluelessness, because how long now have I been looking at your signature on a daily basis and I am just finding your TR??!!!???

*ahem*...:flower3:

I thought you forgot about little ole me. :blush:

I've never had a slushy coke, but I'm bettin' it was a pretty savory treat. Especially in the I've-been-out-at-the-parks-all-day kind of heat exhaustion you can get at Disney.

Slushy Coke + Refillable Mug = DH's heaven

But DUDE!.....POFQ??!!.....

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I get my pics uploaded from my little foray last weekend, I'll post some nice little shots of the FQ....y'know, just to help the cause a bit....

If enabling can be considered "helping".....
:lmao:

I'm between POFQ and CBR for very different reasons. Price is pretty much the same.

Maybe it's time to ante up and call Mom.

:eek:

2xcited2sleep

05-05-2009, 06:52 PM

Call your mom immediately. No slushie = no happy. And if there are deals to be had... :rolleyes1

Let us know how you make out. No laughing here... just enabling. ;)

TarzansKat

05-05-2009, 07:17 PM

Call your mom immediately. No slushie = no happy. And if there are deals to be had... :rolleyes1

Let us know how you make out. No laughing here... just enabling. ;)

Sad that there isn't a slushie to be had at any of the other resorts. I am torn. I still love the Pop food court, for sure, but that was one of the things that made it so special, you know?

So I told DH and it was basically a non-issue. :lmao: I mean, sure, he's disappointed, but I think he's more terrified that I'm thinking of jumping ship, so to speak. Well, in the resort sense, anyway.

Charleston Princess

05-05-2009, 08:33 PM

I say go for CBR -- pirate theme after all! Is it a huge price difference?

Besides, I haven't resort-switched for MONTHS -- I need someone to live vicariously through! ;)

If U Had Wings

05-05-2009, 10:10 PM

I was going to post some pics of POFQ, but couldn't seem to find any of the ones on my computer.

Go ahead and upgrade. It is that unnamed birthday coming up. You deserve it!

LegoMom3

05-06-2009, 06:37 AM

Well, since I still can't upload my pics to post them anywhere....:mad:....you'll have to check out this site: Port Orleans Fan Site (http://www.portorleans.org/)

Lots of nice pictures there!...:rolleyes1

.

TarzansKat

05-06-2009, 07:05 AM

I say go for CBR -- pirate theme after all! Is it a huge price difference?

Besides, I haven't resort-switched for MONTHS -- I need someone to live vicariously through! ;)

I was going to post some pics of POFQ, but couldn't seem to find any of the ones on my computer.

Go ahead and upgrade. It is that unnamed birthday coming up. You deserve it!

Well, since I still can't upload my pics to post them anywhere....:mad:....you'll have to check out this site: Port Orleans Fan Site (http://www.portorleans.org/)

Lots of nice pictures there!...:rolleyes1

.

Oh, my my! Look at that lineup of happy enablers!

Seriously...

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! :grouphug:

Right now, I'm in flux here. Mom and I are in the middle of an unrelated argument, so now is totally not the time to bring up resort switching. Although I did run it by the man, at which point he mentioned the debt to be repaid.

Hmph.

Men. pirate:

Anyway, it's not that big of a difference. A little under $300. Quite frankly, doable to me. The question is my mother and my FIL. Do they feel comfortable with that? And can my DH get over the busses at CBR? Don't know, don't know. Hopefully I'll have an update tonight.

If U Had Wings

05-06-2009, 09:49 AM

Oh, my my! Look at that lineup of happy enablers!

Seriously...

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! :grouphug:

You didn't really expect us to not enable did you? :thumbsup2 You should know this group by now. Especially CP. You know how she is about resort switching. :rotfl:

Right now, I'm in flux here. Mom and I are in the middle of an unrelated argument, so now is totally not the time to bring up resort switching. Although I did run it by the man, at which point he mentioned the debt to be repaid.

Hmph.

Men. pirate:

Nothing wrong with a little debt to be repaid.http://www.pic4ever.com/images/Vishenka_03.gif

Pirate. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/snoozer_08.gif

Hope the argument with your mom blows over soon.

Anyway, it's not that big of a difference. A little under $300. Quite frankly, doable to me. The question is my mother and my FIL. Do they feel comfortable with that? And can my DH get over the busses at CBR? Don't know, don't know. Hopefully I'll have an update tonight.

That's the difference? That's nothing! I'd keep reminding them (nicely of course) - it's your birthday and you'd really love to bump up for your big day.

MegansMom

05-06-2009, 12:18 PM

I have not yet stayed at a value, and sometimes when I think about staying at one I cringe, but then I think I would rather stay there than not go to WDW....but once you go deluxe like the WL, it is hard to go back! Ahh...the difficulties of life!!!! ;)

Tinkerbellarella

05-06-2009, 01:50 PM

I haven't resort-switched for MONTHS

This should SO be your tag. :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

05-06-2009, 01:57 PM

This should SO be your tag. :goodvibes

I don't think I've seen the tag fairy in ages!

Charleston Princess

05-06-2009, 08:46 PM

TK, that isn't a bad difference in price at all -- I hope you are able to make a decision soon! :goodvibes

This should SO be your tag. :goodvibes

:rotfl: It should, shouldn't it??? ;)

LegoMom3

05-07-2009, 04:52 PM

Well looky at what I found!......

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1849928

A thread dedicated entirely to POFQ!....:rolleyes1

I stumbled across it on the main boards....I swear I did!!

.

TarzansKat

05-08-2009, 07:04 AM

You didn't really expect us to not enable did you? :thumbsup2 You should know this group by now. Especially CP. You know how she is about resort switching. :rotfl:

She's the queen of resort swtichin', she is. :lmao:

Nothing wrong with a little debt to be repaid.http://www.pic4ever.com/images/Vishenka_03.gif

Pirate. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/snoozer_08.gif

Well, we all know I'm still working on the one from last year. Why not just add to it!! :lmao:

I have not yet stayed at a value, and sometimes when I think about staying at one I cringe, but then I think I would rather stay there than not go to WDW....but once you go deluxe like the WL, it is hard to go back! Ahh...the difficulties of life!!!! ;)

It is difficult to go back after having gone deluxe.

I have three words.

Covered bus stop. I swear, it makes so much difference. :lmao:

TK, that isn't a bad difference in price at all -- I hope you are able to make a decision soon! :goodvibes

I'm working on it. :thumbsup2

Well looky at what I found!......

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1849928

A thread dedicated entirely to POFQ!....:rolleyes1

I stumbled across it on the main boards....I swear I did!!

.

Shocking how you just "happened" upon that. :lmao:

MegansMom

05-08-2009, 09:01 AM

If U Had Wings

05-08-2009, 10:09 PM

Well, we all know I'm still working on the one from last year. Why not just add to it!! :lmao:

Isn't that the point of finding yourself a hot pirate? You just have to let them think repaying those debts is a tough thing. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/dan.gif

Covered bus stop. I swear, it makes so much difference. :lmao:

I am baffled by the fact that they have no covered bus stops at the values. Why? Is the cost of a covered bus stop that much that they couldn't put one in. Very dumb.

TarzansKat

05-09-2009, 04:08 AM

Okay TK---now you just have me even MORE nervous about staying at a Value!!!! ;)

We are actually thinking of staying at Pop if we go in September......can you tell me some good things about it to alleviate my now worried mind?

Actually, my dear, let me put your mind at ease.

1. I really do love Pop.

2. DH and I had a long talk.

3. My whole next chapter, without ruining the surprise, is going to be about why we're staying there and not resort switching.

Trust me, it is an EXCELLENT resort. There is no reason to worry! And now that I have someone to convince, well, that's just even better! :hug:

Isn't that the point of finding yourself a hot pirate? You just have to let them think repaying those debts is a tough thing. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/dan.gif

Heh heh. You called my husband a hot pirate. I can't wait to tell him. It makes me want to giggle like a schoolgirl. :lmao: I'm so lucky.

I am baffled by the fact that they have no covered bus stops at the values. Why? Is the cost of a covered bus stop that much that they couldn't put one in. Very dumb.

You know, I really don't know. I think at Pop it would mar the appearance of the front of the resort. That's just my humble opinion. But at the others, I don't remember where the busses are situated, it's been so long since I stayed at one.

pooh'smate

05-09-2009, 09:08 AM

Okay TK---now you just have me even MORE nervous about staying at a Value!!!! ;)

We are actually thinking of staying at Pop if we go in September......can you tell me some good things about it to alleviate my now worried mind?

We are staying at Pop, too. :) It had me a little worried too.

Actually, my dear, let me put your mind at ease.

1. I really do love Pop.

2. DH and I had a long talk.

3. My whole next chapter, without ruining the surprise, is going to be about why we're staying there and not resort switching.

Trust me, it is an EXCELLENT resort. There is no reason to worry! And now that I have someone to convince, well, that's just even better! :hug:

We are going to have to have a big a Dis party at the Pop in Sept. if Megan'sMom is going to be there at the same time as us.:dance3:

P.S. Were you really up at 3 am or is the Dis time messed up?

If U Had Wings

05-09-2009, 09:30 AM

Heh heh. You called my husband a hot pirate. I can't wait to tell him. It makes me want to giggle like a schoolgirl. :lmao: I'm so lucky.

Even headless I can tell! Not everyone can look hot while headless. That's when you know you have a keeper. ;)

MegansMom

05-09-2009, 10:41 PM

I hope it all works out, and I can't WAIT to read your next update to hear your reasons why!!!! All I will say is that if we go when we are thinking about it, there will be MANY DISfriends there, and there BETTER be some DISpartying going on!!! ;)

Charleston Princess

05-10-2009, 07:40 AM

Happy Mother's Day, TK!

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 10:17 AM

We are staying at Pop, too. :) It had me a little worried too.

We are going to have to have a big a Dis party at the Pop in Sept. if Megan'sMom is going to be there at the same time as us.:dance3:

We are so going to have a DIS HOOPLA!!!! I'm excited about that. All the more reason to be happy to stay there.

P.S. Were you really up at 3 am or is the Dis time messed up?

Nope, you read that right. DS is having a hard time with his allergies, therefore, a hard time sleeping. It's a trickle down effect. :thumbsup2

Even headless I can tell! Not everyone can look hot while headless. That's when you know you have a keeper. ;)

No joke.

I showed that picture (non-headless) to one of my co-workers.

"THAT'S your husband???"

I said yes.

"Did you marry him because he looks like Jack Sparrow?"

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

First off, I met my husband well before the pirate films even came out, so no. That's just an added bonus. You could say our first film couple was really Batman and Catwoman. But that's sort of personal, so we'll leave that off the family-friendliness I try to employ here. :lmao:

I hope it all works out, and I can't WAIT to read your next update to hear your reasons why!!!! All I will say is that if we go when we are thinking about it, there will be MANY DISfriends there, and there BETTER be some DISpartying going on!!! ;)

I hope to post that update today if DS takes a nap. I had a crazy hectic weekend, and I'm trying to catch up on my DISing.

Happy Mother's Day, TK!

Thank you, hon! I hope you had a wonderful day. :goodvibes

maroo

05-11-2009, 10:35 AM

No joke.

I showed that picture (non-headless) to one of my co-workers.

"THAT'S your husband???"

I said yes.

"Did you marry him because he looks like Jack Sparrow?"

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

First off, I met my husband well before the pirate films even came out, so no. That's just an added bonus. You could say our first film couple was really Batman and Catwoman. But that's sort of personal, so we'll leave that off the family-friendliness I try to employ here. :lmao:

THAT is just full on funny!!! :lmao:

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 01:27 PM

THAT is just full on funny!!! :lmao:

I know, I couldn't believe it when she asked me that. :lmao:

jenjolt

05-11-2009, 01:31 PM

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 01:35 PM

Hey TK!! Okay so I was bummed to hear about the no more frozen cokes at POP too but I love that resort and have stayed there twice and wouldn't hesitate to do it again...of course I haven't done anything but a value before...but that will change in October LOL...staying at SSR..so we'll see how I feel after that indulgence LOL

I can't wait to hear all about why you guys decided to stay at POP...sounds like that will be one great update and I look forward to it!

Hey GIRL!!!! I missed you. I hope things are going okay.

You know, I have always wanted to try SSR. I stayed there a long time ago when it was the Disney Institute, and I'm interested in the decor and the dining options. The only issue I take with it is seeing Downtown Disney from certain parts of the resort. I really like to feel like I'm secluded in a resort, although I'm sure you could request a certain section.

I'm hoping to get my Pop chapter up here soon. :thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

05-11-2009, 01:43 PM

You know, I have always wanted to try SSR. I stayed there a long time ago when it was the Disney Institute, and I'm interested in the decor and the dining options.

Okay, can I say how jealous I am that you got to stay at the Disney Institute? I used to love to go through the brochures and pick out all the classes I wanted to take. By the time I had any money to go they had shut it down. :sad2:

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 01:48 PM

Okay, can I say how jealous I am that you got to stay at the Disney Institute? I used to love to go through the brochures and pick out all the classes I wanted to take. By the time I had any money to go they had shut it down. :sad2:

I actually took an animation class there that was quite excellent. I know my father and sister....I think my sister took a photography class and my dad took something similar to the keys to the kingdom tours they have now. That was really a great place. I used to get it for 50% off with my CM discount. ::SIGH:: The good old days. :thumbsup2

maroo

05-11-2009, 01:59 PM

I actually took an animation class there that was quite excellent. I know my father and sister....I think my sister took a photography class and my dad took something similar to the keys to the kingdom tours they have now. That was really a great place. I used to get it for 50% off with my CM discount. ::SIGH:: The good old days. :thumbsup2

You were a CM!?!?!?!? Where have I been?

We need a history of TK post at some point for us new people! :goodvibes

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 02:22 PM

Yes, seriously.

I'm quoting myself. Conceited? Possibly. Funny? For sure. Necessary? Definitely!

I needed to go back and wade through my old ptr, Will TarzansKat Meet Captain Jack in order to find this little gem for you all. And since that was when all my chapters were quotes from the films...boy was it hard to find the one I wanted!!!! :lmao:

Here goes...

Here's the mission. We can easily expound upon all of the wonderful reasons to stay at the Polynesian. That's easy. What we need is a list of reasons to stay at the Pop Century.

I think it will make me feel better.

Like Skittle hug better.

Because if I list all of the reasons that I like this hotel or want to stay here, then it will help me to get over the $1500-$2000 price upgrade, thereby saving my wallet, helping me to pay off the student loan faster, and perhaps guilting DH into staying there next year for my as yet unspeakable birthday.

I am totally amused by this. My goal was to stay at the Poly or WL for my birthday, and look where we are. :lmao:

We don't discuss numbers, people. :::shhh::::

Alrighty.

Here we go.

I have stayed at the Pop Century for the past two years. It is comfortable. It is a known entity. I love that it is colorful and bright and full of other families with kids.

There are so many things we haven't done yet.

We haven't drawn on the sidewalk with chalk. Or taken a ride on the big wheels. Or played in the Goofy water jets. We haven't taken DS to play on the playground. Or even explored the whole resort.

I haven't walked along the Generation Gap bridge, or taken a picture of myself next to the year I was born.

I look forward to these simple things. I feel like as of yet, I have not given this resort its due. Even though I've stayed there, it's always been with family, and therefore, almost every moment has been planned.

So like I said, this trip is flexible. And I think that Pop will easily lend itself to that flexibility.

I love Everything Pop Shopping and Dining. Actually if you asked me to pick between the two, I don't know which I love more. Although, as I'm scrolling through this to proofread, I see I've devoted several paragraphs to food. I guess its obvious what I love more. I love, love, love that store. I think it's the best of all the Values, and rivals some of the Mods and Deluxes. They have so much fun stuff! And I'm not a big souvie shopper, but I love to walk around there. And the dining, oh ho ho! The dining, the dining...how can I speak of it without salivating and frying the keyboard?

This truly deserves its own paragraph, or several as the case may be. I love eating breakfast here at least once. I know it's not scheduled in my plans, but I may sneak over one day and use one counter service and bring a platter back to the room for us to munch on. I can't do big time greasy, but I loooooooove breakfast on vacation.

I had an awesome sandwich here for lunch last year. I don't remember what it was but it was soooooooooooo good. And I don't remember where I read it, but did you know that as dessert you can get an ice cream sundae? And they'll let you go back for it so that it won't melt while you're eating your lunch/dinner? Ahhh, Never mind tie-dye cheesecake. Or unbelievably soft sugar cookies. Let's not discuss how much weight I gained on my last trip by getting a sugar cookie for a snack every night when we went back to the room. Which I actually had to hide from DS if he was awake, since he would automatically try to steal it. I am serious about my sugar cookies, people...never forget that.

And I love the nachos. Oh, the nachos. They were my early dinner of choice before MNSSHP last year, and let me tell you, they were the right kind of fuel for piratey fun and trick or treating. Oh, so good.

I am literally in :cloud9: thinking of all this food. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that all I've been able to hold down of late is some plain scrambled eggs, toast, and rice.

Alluding to Pukefest 08. Classic, TK. Classic. :lmao:

Oh, I almost forgot! Silly me. I have a deep, abiding love for the World's chicken strips. Much like the Casey's hot dog, chicken strips in the World taste better than anywhere else. I have had them all over the World, and I haven't had a bad one yet. I think my favorite though, came from Gasparilla Grill and Games at the Grand Flo. It was our honeymoon, and DH & I had just gotten some dinner. As we were heading out, we caught a bit of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. That was an unplanned Disney moment. I still get a sort of tingling thinking about how we happened on that, and it's one of my favorite memories.

And I guess whilst discussing Everything Pop Dining, I cannot do it justice without paying homage to one of DH's favorite things about the resort, aside from its non-hefty price tag , ah yes...

THE SLUSHY COKE!

Refillable mug + Slushy Coke = Happy DH

Happy DH = carrying of backpack full o' gear needed for parks with three year old, hauling of stroller onto various and sundry busses/modes of transportation, and doing it with a smile, all because of the Slushy Coke.

R.I.P. Slushy Coke. Only obtainable now at the parks.

Poor, poor TK. Thereby increasing the debt to be repaid. ;)

Now, moving on to DS. I want to see his reaction at Lady and the Tramp. He is currently in love with this movie. I want to see his face light up at the huge Mr. & Mrs. Tato. When we look at my scrapbook at night, my DS can name all the characters on the Pop Century map I saved. He knows that hotel better than I do, I think.

I want to watch him play in the kiddie pool and get doused by the water flowers. I want to see him splash in Goofy's water jets, and ride a big wheel and color with sidewalk chalk. I want to watch him play in the sand on the playground and have a blast without the benefit of characters, or rides, or theme parks.

Because even though we're in the World, isn't that what vacation is really all about? Those stolen moments where your children are just children, and you get to watch it all. Unhindered by the realities of the every day world, and your real job, and how you have to work to afford health insurance because you can't imagine what life would be like if you didn't have it especially when you have to rush DS to the doctor's because he's not holding down any food and you're afraid you'll have to go to the hospital and get him on an IV.

Disney takes away all that. Even if only for eight days. Just me and my boys. I guess, in that sense...it doesn't matter where we stay. Because we're there. In that moment. And for that brief amount of time, I get to live in that moment, too.

Well, that's pretty much it, guys.

DH and I had a long talk, and this is not the year for resort-switching.

Did you hear that thud? CP, honey, get up, it's okay. ;)

It's not the year to spend more, it's not the year to go crazy, and it's not the year to stay anywhere but at the beloved Pop Century Resort.

It's our favorite value for a reason, and we do love it, even with its sad lack of slushy coke. It's a place that is comfortable and familiar, and that I know what to expect. And even if I don't get to do all those things listed in that quote up there, because quite frankly, no matter how much we plan, you can never fit in every single thing you dream of for your trip, in the parks, or at the hotel, we can still enjoy that maybe some of them will happen.

Maybe I'll get some wonderful moments with my family.

My whole family. My parents, Nana, my FIL, my husband, and my son. To have that many people in the World at the same time, will it's just a blessing. And they may drive me nuts and times, all in their own special ways. But I love them like crazy. They make me who I am and proud to be what I am.

A pirate-crazed, Disney-lovin', Pop Century stayin' fool.

Who is truly looking forward to seeing all this again...

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DisneySept2007-0332-1.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DisneySept2007-0122-1.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DisneySept2007-0152-1.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DisneySept2007-0052-1.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DisneySept2007-1812.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DisneySept2007-1802.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI00742.jpg

And quite frankly, there's no way I'd rather be.

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 02:28 PM

You were a CM!?!?!?!? Where have I been?

We need a history of TK post at some point for us new people! :goodvibes

Oh, good lord, my history.

Now that's a LONG book. Maybe even a tome, quite frankly. :lmao:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was a cast member at a local Disney Store. At that time, they were still owned by the Disney Company, and as such we got some excellent park benefits. One of which being a 30-50% discount on hotel rooms, free admission to the parks, etc.

Have I ever told you about how I stayed at the Grand Floridian for my honeymoon? I know I mention it every now and then because it has its roots in my childhood. When I was 10, we stayed at the Grand Flo. Me, Mom, Dad, and my sister. I fell in love with that resort. I told my parents that when I got married I was going to stay there for my honeymoon.

And I did.

And because I was a "cast member," I stayed in the Sugar Loaf Concierge building for half off.

Oh, those were the days. My honeymoon was awesome. But, that's a whole other report. :lmao:

maroo

05-11-2009, 02:46 PM

First of all...wonderful update!

I shudder to think that I would ever quote myself! :eek: I would be so scared of what I have said! :confused3

Oh, good lord, my history.

Now that's a LONG book. Maybe even a tome, quite frankly. :lmao:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was a cast member at a local Disney Store. At that time, they were still owned by the Disney Company, and as such we got some excellent park benefits. One of which being a 30-50% discount on hotel rooms, free admission to the parks, etc.

Have I ever told you about how I stayed at the Grand Floridian for my honeymoon? I know I mention it every now and then because it has its roots in my childhood. When I was 10, we stayed at the Grand Flo. Me, Mom, Dad, and my sister. I fell in love with that resort. I told my parents that when I got married I was going to stay there for my honeymoon.

And I did.

And because I was a "cast member," I stayed in the Sugar Loaf Concierge building for half off.

Oh, those were the days. My honeymoon was awesome. But, that's a whole other report. :lmao:

First...because I am fairly highly educated and have NO IDEA what a tome is...:rotfl2:

tome (tm) n.
1. One of the books in a work of several volumes.
2. A book, especially a large or scholarly one.

That was courtesy of an online dictionary. :lmao: :rotfl:

I would love to read a tome written by you, my friend! :)

Ah...I remember shopping at the Disney Store when I was a teenager. Do they still exist? We don't have one around here.

FIFTY percent OFF?!?! :scared1: Whoa! Now that, right there, is worth getting a job at the Disney Store, folks! I may have to move. Because, while I don't want to move TO Orlando (no fun to plan vacations anymore)...working at the Disney Store would be pretty fun...and I could still take cool vacations!

Did you write a Honeymoon TR? Did I miss it? Link please. :flower3:

If you have not written it yet...There you go...you can start on your tome! (See there, I even used it in a sentence!)

maroo

05-11-2009, 02:48 PM

Oh...

And I love the real pictures of you guys!! Even with the face blotted out, it is cool to see real people!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

LegoMom3

05-11-2009, 02:48 PM

....
Oh, those were the days. My honeymoon was awesome. But, that's a whole other report. :lmao:

Watch it!.....Family board, TK, family board....:rolleyes:

:rotfl2:

Well dang woman now you've made me want to stay at POP! Except that there is no such thing as a "value" resort for the Lego Clan anymore, since we'd need two rooms there. Thus POR. DVC is next, I'm tellin' ya! Especially now that the Treehouses are almost done!

And, *ahem*, where in the parks do they sell slushy Cokes??! Must get one of those!!

.

jenjolt

05-11-2009, 02:50 PM

Great Update and great reasons TK!! I wish you the best trip and I hope you get to have many of those special moments just for you when you see vacation and Disney magic for what it really is!! I know you and your family will enjoy staying at Pop Century!!

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 02:51 PM

First of all...wonderful update!

I shudder to think that I would ever quote myself! :eek: I would be so scared of what I have said! :confused3

Thank you. I know, right? It's amazing what I wrote last year, and how I've evolved since, but I knew that particular chapter in that report really summed up how we feel about Pop.

First...because I am fairly highly educated and have NO IDEA what a tome is...:rotfl2:

tome (tm) n.
1. One of the books in a work of several volumes.
2. A book, especially a large or scholarly one.

That was courtesy of an online dictionary. :lmao: :rotfl:

I would love to read a tome written by you, my friend! :)

I love the word tome. I just love saying it. And do I own a few, mostly about artists. Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci. I'm a wee bit obsessed with the Italian Renaissance. Without a doubt, my favorite time period. To be born in the time of Michelangelo, working in a studio...:::Sigh::: I digress, sorry. :lmao:

Ah...I remember shopping at the Disney Store when I was a teenager. Do they still exist? We don't have one around here.

FIFTY percent OFF?!?! :scared1: Whoa! Now that, right there, is worth getting a job at the Disney Store, folks! I may have to move. Because, while I don't want to move TO Orlando (no fun to plan vacations anymore)...working at the Disney Store would be pretty fun...and I could still take cool vacations!

You know, I have no idea what the discount is now. I worked there so long ago, in college and when I was first married, and then they got sold to The Children's Place and then Disney bought them back, so I don't know what the status is.

Did you write a Honeymoon TR? Did I miss it? Link please. :flower3:

If you have not written it yet...There you go...you can start on your tome! (See there, I even used it in a sentence!)

Actually, I've never written one. That trip was almost seven years ago. Indeed, in June I'll have been married for seven years, but I've been with my handsome pirate for eleven. pirate:

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 02:55 PM

Oh...

And I love the real pictures of you guys!! Even with the face blotted out, it is cool to see real people!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Thanks. I hesitated, but, you really can't see us well, so there you go. :lmao:

Watch it!.....Family board, TK, family board....:rolleyes:

HA!!!! My mind didn't even go there, but yours did for me! :lmao:

Well dang woman now you've made me want to stay at POP! Except that there is no such thing as a "value" resort for the Lego Clan anymore, since we'd need two rooms there. Thus POR. DVC is next, I'm tellin' ya! Especially now that the Treehouses are almost done!

Lego Clan, party of five.

Yup. You are doomed to DVC! DOOMED I SAY!!!! ;)

And, *ahem*, where in the parks do they sell slushy Cokes??! Must get one of those!!

.

Ahhh....typically, The Launching Pad in Tomorrowland. Also, in DHS it tends to move around so you have to look, sometimes it's set up near the backlot in the side streets of "New York," sometimes elsewhere.

I don't remember ever seeing them at the Animal Kingdom, but they do have fantastic slushie tea. Mmmm...

And at Epcot, typically right before Test Track, although it appears to be seasonal, as sometimes, it's closed.

They're fantastic, and DH loves them.

Great Update and great reasons TK!! I wish you the best trip and I hope you get to have many of those special moments just for you when you see vacation and Disney magic for what it really is!! I know you and your family will enjoy staying at Pop Century!!

Thank you! I know we're going to have a great time, regardless. And again, for a lot of reasons, this is not the year to upgrade. :goodvibes

maroo

05-11-2009, 03:10 PM

Thank you! I know we're going to have a great time, regardless. And again, for a lot of reasons, this is not the year to upgrade. :goodvibes

Uh... is there something you are not telling us?

TarzansKat

05-11-2009, 03:15 PM

Uh... is there something you are not telling us?

Pfft. No. In all seriousness, no. But you never know... :rolleyes1

Charleston Princess

05-11-2009, 05:49 PM

2xcited2sleep

05-11-2009, 07:14 PM

TK, I totally get it. :goodvibes And reading your words about why you love Pop and what you have yet to do there, there is no doubt in my mind that is where you belong. You MUST get your picture by the year you were born as this is a momentous trip!

You're going to love it, DS is going to love it, the whole family is going to love it.

And I'm going to love the TR! :yay:

MegansMom

05-12-2009, 12:57 AM

Loved that update!!! Gave me so much to think about in regards to staying at a value!!! Now, you said it was your favorite value...have you stayed at the others?? Is it true that the AS resorts share one bus....for three resorts?!?!?!?!?! Need help understanding!!! Thanks dearie!

TarzansKat

05-12-2009, 08:08 AM

Trying.

To.

Pick.

Myself.

Up.

Off.

The.

Floor.

There, I think I am back up. ;)

I totally understand the reasoning behind staying at Pop. In all liklihood, if MIL is really serious about going with us next year, it is where we will be for our summer trip. I do love it there.

Oh, dear. I hope you didn't sustain too many injuries when you fell. I would feel very, very badly, and need to send you (by way of e-mail) copious amounts of pictures of Indy. ;)

It really is a great family resort, and this trip is really about the family.

TK, I totally get it. :goodvibes And reading your words about why you love Pop and what you have yet to do there, there is no doubt in my mind that is where you belong. You MUST get your picture by the year you were born as this is a momentous trip!

I'm really looking forward to that actually. I had a little breakdown last night (over a lot of things, partly the birthday, partly other stuff) and I think it'll feel good to stand by that year. I've lived this life, and I've earned my triumphs and my heartaches.

You're going to love it, DS is going to love it, the whole family is going to love it.

And I'm going to love the TR! :yay:

Oh, I'm sure this trip report will be QUITE interesting, to say the least. :lmao:

Loved that update!!! Gave me so much to think about in regards to staying at a value!!! Now, you said it was your favorite value...have you stayed at the others?? Is it true that the AS resorts share one bus....for three resorts?!?!?!?!?! Need help understanding!!! Thanks dearie!

Actually, I have stayed at every value. I just have no desire to do the All Stars again, although I think if I were to pick another at this point, it would be Movies. Just because of the icons, I think DS would really like that. I'm not into Sports, but I have stayed there. Actually, that's where DH and I stayed for our first alone to Disney trip together back in college. And I've heard that Music tends to be the quietest. That being said, they're all very similar, but I just happen to have fallen in love with Pop. It's my favorite, hands down.

I can't remember which share busses, if they all do or if it rotates. I'm sure someone else knows for sure. :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

05-12-2009, 08:17 AM

Oh, dear. I hope you didn't sustain too many injuries when you fell. I would feel very, very badly, and need to send you (by way of e-mail) copious amounts of pictures of Indy. ;)

It really is a great family resort, and this trip is really about the family.

Yes, pictures of Indy might help ease the pain. :rotfl:

pooh'smate

05-12-2009, 08:24 AM

Nope, you read that right. DS is having a hard time with his allergies, therefore, a hard time sleeping. It's a trickle down effect. :thumbsup2

Well actually if you had been on an hour earlier we could have had a nice chat. My allergies were bothering me so I couldn't sleep.

As always another great update. I too liked your pictures because it is nice to see people even if they are headless.

I hope you had a great Mother's Day.

maroo

05-12-2009, 06:33 PM

Have you seen this yet?

I can't wait to see a headless HRH as a PIRATE! :)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2156668

MRYPPNS

05-12-2009, 07:35 PM

If for no other reason....POP has the best food court of any resort.

Thanks for the pics of the kids splash area... hadn't seen that before.

Tinkerbellarella

05-13-2009, 11:45 AM

Did you hear that thud? CP, honey, get up, it's okay. ;)

And snort-laughing ensued.

Yes, pictures of Indy might help ease the pain. :rotfl:

Now, I'm going to help TK out and give you this, but I'm NOT responsible if you pass out again. Remember that...

http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/actors_films_images/indiana_jones_temple_of_doom.jpg

Charleston Princess

05-13-2009, 01:58 PM

Sigh of happiness. :cloud9:

TarzansKat

05-14-2009, 10:36 AM

Have you seen this yet?

I can't wait to see a headless HRH as a PIRATE! :)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2156668

I have seen that!

And dude! Headless HRH?

What about headless TK???? pirate:

If for no other reason....POP has the best food court of any resort.

For sure.

Thanks for the pics of the kids splash area... hadn't seen that before.

It's great fun for the little ones. Zero entry, very shallow, and the jets go off every now and then, so it's exciting. We haven't gotten to play in the Goofy water jets yet, so I'm hoping to do that this year.

And snort-laughing ensued.

Seriously, it's not a good day unless I've made you snort-laugh once.:thumbsup2

Now, I'm going to help TK out and give you this, but I'm NOT responsible if you pass out again. Remember that...

http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/actors_films_images/indiana_jones_temple_of_doom.jpg

:faint:

Sigh of happiness. :cloud9:

Ditto.

TarzansKat

05-19-2009, 07:32 AM

So, it happened.

Our flights went down. Significantly. And I sighed. And then waded through everyone's confirmation numbers and got us all credits. Mom's laptop isn't connected to her printer, so I had to do hers and Dad's, and Nana's was purchased by us and Mom as a joint Mother's Day gift, so I did hers, and then there was the four of us, me, DH, DS, and FIL, so suffice it to say I am swimming in confirmation numbers and Southwest Credits.

Basically, they went down to $99 one way, which was something I never could have predicted. It's funny, not to wax philosophical, but is the economy in such a worse state compared to last year that the airlines do need to start lowering rates again? I remember last year, and I checked our flights religiously before we left, and they never went down.

The great thing about Southwest is that you can get a credit and the thing that stinks about Southwest is that you can get a credit. Let me explain. I know, in these times, and in general, I would much rather prefer to have that difference credited back to my happy little Disney Visa, but I know, that's not how they roll. So right now, I'm sitting on a credit that has to be used before April 2010, because that's when I booked the first leg of our trip (April 2009). Did you know that? That you have to use your credit by your book date, not your flight date? Kind of crummy, but that's the way it is.

Another trip to Disney, anyone? :lmao:

In all seriousness, we (meaning the four I booked for) got $188 in a Southwest credit. Now, I'm going to have to figure out what the cost really is for the tickets now, because I'm not going to charge my FIL the original cost, I'll charge him the discounted price, given that most likely I'll be using the Southwest credit. Savvy? If that didn't make sense...don't ask me to explain it again, I'm tired. ;)

So that was my day yesterday.

And something to look forward to, people.

There is a trip binder.

It's pretty.

It's pink.

It's got stuff in it, but no fancy cover. I'm working on it. :thumbsup2

LegoMom3

05-19-2009, 07:43 AM

creativeamanda

05-19-2009, 08:07 AM

You really had a rotten Monday, did you not? Southwest can be good and bad. I remember in 2001 something similar happening with MIL's flight. We never did use that credit. . .

If U Had Wings

05-19-2009, 09:50 AM

Congrats on the credits, but I have to agree what a pain in the rear. You have practically enough for a mom's weekend away somewhere though!

TarzansKat

05-19-2009, 10:43 AM

How 'bout a picture of Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy??....:lmao:

Yeah, I totally missed that reference. And I love that movie. :lmao:

Oh, who am I kidding, I love Duckie. :thumbsup2

Now, isn't it weird about the airfare thing? I mean, we had airfare booked last year with Southwest for the September trip (also booked in April, matter of fact!). I remember booking the first weekend that the September dates were released - they had a sale going on for a pretty darn good price, so I grabbed it and figured I'd watch the DING fares in case they dropped. They didn't. And in fact I'm fairly certain they went significantly UP! But then again, remember what we were paying for gas for our cars last summer??!:scared:

.

You make a good point. Although I'm not thrilled that gas prices are climbing near me, it sure is nothing compared to last year.

You really had a rotten Monday, did you not? Southwest can be good and bad. I remember in 2001 something similar happening with MIL's flight. We never did use that credit. . .

I did, I'm so glad it's Tuesday! I don't know if I'll get to use the credit, but hey, it exists. :lmao:

Congrats on the credits, but I have to agree what a pain in the rear. You have practically enough for a mom's weekend away somewhere though!

Or a weekend with my DH. That would be really, really nice. :goodvibes

maroo

05-19-2009, 10:44 AM

TarzansKat

05-19-2009, 10:47 AM

So...for the newbie here...

What does it take to redeem a Southwest credit? My flights have only gone UP, UP, UP...but just in case they decide to take a dive...how would I even go about trying to get the credit?

Okay, in the event that your flights went down, what you'd want to do is go to Southwest's home page. On the right hand side, you'll see the option to View or Change Your Flight. Once you click on that, it will pretty much walk you through the process. Honestly, I check my flights at least weekly if not more. They can go down and come back up in a 24 hour period, so this is one case where it's actually good to be a little ocd. ;)

And when are you going to Disney again? You gotta spend that credit! :lmao:

There's absolutely nothing solid about how I'm going to use this credit, but having it makes me really want to squeeze in another trip before DS goes to kindergarten.

pooh'smate

05-19-2009, 10:51 AM

I am glad that you were able to get yourself a credit. :woohoo:
You never know when you might need it.
Maybe you and your dh can run away for weekend.;)

TarzansKat

05-19-2009, 10:54 AM

I am glad that you were able to get yourself a credit. :woohoo:
You never know when you might need it.
Maybe you and your dh can run away for weekend.;)

I know!

We could be PIRATES!!!! pirate:pirate:;);)

All7OfUs

05-21-2009, 12:30 AM

So, it happened.

Another trip to Disney, anyone? :lmao:

Hi TK!

I've been lurking on your report since its inception, and was reluctant to post, because when I do start to post, I really want to be faithful and regular. (Like a groupie, ya know?) HA! JK! :rotfl2:

So, I so had to laugh at this!! Really I did. This is EXACTLY how maroo and I started our whole "wanna do Disney together?", thing! You never know what crazy person will PM you and say, "Hey wanna go with us??"

Anyway, loving your pre-trippie! Really, I mean it. It's been so fun to read.

BTW, come on over and join up with maroo and I- right now it's a little slow, but as we get closer we'll be having us some fun!

Liesa

TarzansKat

05-21-2009, 07:00 AM

Hi TK!

I've been lurking on your report since its inception, and was reluctant to post, because when I do start to post, I really want to be faithful and regular. (Like a groupie, ya know?) HA! JK! :rotfl2:

Oh my goodness, :welcome:!!!!!

I'm so happy to have you here. You're going to laugh. I'm subscribed to your ptr with Maroo, but I haven't posted yet, because I also want to be faithful and regular!!! :lmao: Seems like we like each other, I'm glad you were brave enough to make the first move. ;)

So, I so had to laugh at this!! Really I did. This is EXACTLY how maroo and I started our whole "wanna do Disney together?", thing! You never know what crazy person will PM you and say, "Hey wanna go with us??"

Right? I think it's great!

Anyway, loving your pre-trippie! Really, I mean it. It's been so fun to read.

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. :hug:

2xcited2sleep

05-23-2009, 08:21 AM

TarzansKat

05-27-2009, 09:38 AM

Congrats on the airfare discount. And I say it ABSOLUTELY means another trip to Disney!! ::yes::

A pretty pink binder... hmmm... not exactly what I would have expected from the pirate family but I'm sure it's awesome and can't wait to see it! :)

Well, we certainly are a pirate family, but just of a different sort for this trip. Given that we're going with the Peter Pan crew for MNSSHP, I thought it would be nice to have a pink binder with Tinkerbell as our trip mascot.

Pixie dust, anyone? pixiedust:

TarzansKat

05-28-2009, 07:33 PM

Yay! Four months!!!

Can I just say that I'm excited? Big time excited. And part of that is because DS is SOOOOOO excited! He knows he's going to DisneyWorld in September and he's talking about it a lot.

I know this will be the year of our first countdown calendar. The year when I pull out the park maps and say, okay, little nugget / big boy (because quite frankly if I call him little nugget to his face I don't know exactly what he'd do, most likely say, I'm a big boy!!!) what rides and shows do you want to do? This will be the year that we'll stay at Pop and the year the practically my whole family comes, including my dad.

How exciting is that??? The last time I was with my dad in Disney was a trip of just DH, myself, my mom, and my dad back before DS was born. We all stayed at the Yacht Club, and had a GREAT time. We actually got upgraded to the presidential suite (long story...I can hear Maroo begging for the tale now :lmao: ) and it was amazing. Maybe I'll see if I can find some photos from that trip and do a little retrospective of the people we're going with and some of the trips we've done.

But for now, I'm just excited.

And I have so many things to post about, and I really need to pace myself.

I need to run some things by you all, but during my work week, I just can't committ the time to writing decent chapters.

So I don't forget, here's what should be up and coming.

The Debut of the Binder - she (yes, it's a she) needs a cover, dividers, our ressie info, and I need to start collecting information about the trip.

Ressies - I really, really need to pin down want I want to do since our call date is July 1st. Basically that means I have another month to decide, and there are a couple of things I'm up in the air on.

The Itinerary - I have some thoughts about how to change things up, and I'm definitely going to ask for some opinions here.

MNSSHP - Just what did my DS say when I asked him if he was going to be Peter Pan for Halloween this year? And more importantly, what characters did he think everyone else should be? ;)

So that's whats in the works for now. Wish me luck.

Looks like I have some writing to do.

Charleston Princess

05-28-2009, 08:46 PM

Oh, I love the prospect of all your upcoming posts -- especially that one about the binder -- the one you mentioned might be pink with Tink on it???

MegansMom

05-29-2009, 10:22 AM

Can't wait for those posts.....sitting on the edge of my seat!!!!

If U Had Wings

05-29-2009, 11:17 AM

4 Months, that will be here in no time!!! What fun!

Can't wait to hear about who DS is assigning everyone to be for Halloween and the rest of your plans.

All7OfUs

05-29-2009, 11:57 AM

We all stayed at the Yacht Club, and had a GREAT time. We actually got upgraded to the presidential suite (long story...I can hear Maroo begging for the tale now :lmao: ) and it was amazing.

Since I know she's not around, I'll beg for her!! HA! :lmao:

Otherwise, can't wait for those chapters! Dying to see your binder, esp.

Liesa

Tinkerbellarella

05-29-2009, 12:44 PM

The Debut of the Binder - she (yes, it's a she) needs a cover, dividers, our ressie info, and I need to start collecting information about the trip.

A pink binder? A "SHE" binder?
Tink is now partial to your binder.

The Itinerary - I have some thoughts about how to change things up, and I'm definitely going to ask for some opinions here.

Changing things up, hmm...Tink is not surprised.

Tink is also not sure why she keeps referring to herself in the third person.

MRYPPNS

05-29-2009, 02:04 PM

Sadly my binder is gathering dust somewhere :sad1:

I love to plan trips so count me in when we get to the changing things up part!!

PS...hope home life is going good...any updates that you should email me about <wink wink>

TarzansKat

05-30-2009, 07:19 AM

Oh, I love the prospect of all your upcoming posts -- especially that one about the binder -- the one you mentioned might be pink with Tink on it???

Yup, that would be the one.

Pink with Tink.

Sounds like a good title. :lmao:

Can't wait for those posts.....sitting on the edge of my seat!!!!

Ooo, I better hurry up!!!! :goodvibes

4 Months, that will be here in no time!!! What fun![QUOTE]

The wait for my September trips always goes by so quickly because we have so much fun during the summer.

[QUOTE]
Can't wait to hear about who DS is assigning everyone to be for Halloween and the rest of your plans.

It was a dang riot. When I told my mother, she was hysterical. :rotfl2:

Since I know she's not around, I'll beg for her!! HA! :lmao:

I'll have to work it in somehow.

Otherwise, can't wait for those chapters! Dying to see your binder, esp.

Liesa

I'm hoping to post this weekend, but I do have some family time (a rarity since usually DH works weekends) so I don't know how that will go.

A pink binder? A "SHE" binder?
Tink is now partial to your binder.

Changing things up, hmm...Tink is not surprised.

Tink is also not sure why she keeps referring to herself in the third person.

I'm not sure either, but I find it to be rather endearing.

I love to plan trips so count me in when we get to the changing things up part!!

I'm so glad you posted that, because I really need your help with something in particular, and no I'll have no fear of asking! :goodvibes

PS...hope home life is going good...any updates that you should email me about <wink wink>

Nothing on that front yet. :rolleyes1

2xcited2sleep

05-31-2009, 07:40 AM

Lots of good stuff in the works! Can't wait!! :)

TarzansKat

05-31-2009, 09:20 AM

Just wanted to share a link with you guys... :rolleyes1

Just click here.... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32063725#post32063725)

TarzansKat

06-02-2009, 09:24 PM

If you recall, when last we left off, this was one of a list of four that needed to be addressed.

Ressies - I really, really need to pin down want I want to do since our call date is July 1st. Basically that means I have another month to decide, and there are a couple of things I'm up in the air on.

So here I am quoting myself again, because quite frankly, between three, now two reports going on, how am I supposed to remember what I said? ;)

Okay, so I'm going to throw this out there. The ressie dilemma is directly related to the itinerary, so obviously we'll discuss food first.

Because this family does plan its itinerary around its meals.

As well you should.

If you were a self-respecting Disney foodie, that is. :lmao:

No seriously, I never used to be this way. I fondly remember the days when DH and I used to sit at the bus stop of whatever lovely resort we were staying at, wait and see which bus pulled up first, and just go to that park. Luck of the draw. Fly by the seat of your pants. Only one ADR per trip!

PIRATE. pirate:

That doesn't mean we didn't do more sit downs, although I think in those days it may have been 2-3 max per trip. Quite frankly, we weren't all about that then. Then it was going without a plan and enjoying it. And at that point in time, we went so frequently, that was really easy to do.

When you go once a year, or even less, it becomes this concept of MUST fit all this in. Whatever "all this" is. When the reality is that you never will. You just need to find out everyone's favorites and hope for the best with some kind of plan that you're flexible enough to change.

Speaking of flexibility, let's just say that since I took my little weekender to the World with Tink, I am EVEN MORE EXCITED about this trip. It's like I finally got it out of my system, so to speak. I was able to do what I wanted, when I wanted with a traveling companion who was enough like me for us to get along and enough different to...well have some different ideas! (Something new, something different.) And quite frankly, I left that vacation excited.

Excited about my September vacation! Excited about spending it with my whole family! Whereas before I had excitement, but it was really lukewarm. It was a tepid bath of excitement without the fizzy benefit of a bath bomb from Basin.

It was POTC before they added Jack Sparrow. ;)

Oh, who am I kidding, I loved the ride even before, but now it's...well...

Yup. Nothing I can say here is really dis-propriate. Ah well.

So keeping in mind that I am more excited about this trip than ever, let's also keep in mind the various personalities that I'm trying to keep happy. My requests are few and simple. We'll get to those when we talk about the itinerary.

But there's one ADR that's nagging at me, and I'm just not sure if I'm making the right choice.

We have one table service meal, on Wednesday night, with my whole entire family. Initially, the idea was to try something new and go with Ohana's. I really thought I would enjoy the yummy salad, noodles, broccoli, and if I did or didn't like the meat, I knew I'd love dessert. And I know my son would love being able to eat what all the adults eat, and that's one of the nice things about the all you care to eat or buffet style dining. Your child doesn't have to eat the "kid's menu." Which quite frankly, is sometimes...well...carp. High quality carp, but still carp.

So let's review. Here's the menu at Ohana's as posted on Allears.

Starters

Mixed greens with a honey-lime dressing

Appetizers/Accompaniments

Shrimp Skewers
Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings
Wonton Chips

Skewers
Prepared over an oak fire

Grilled Pork Loin
Oak Grilled Tenderloin of Turkey
Sirloin Steak
Hawaiian Sausage
Stir Fried Vegetables

Dessert

'Ohana bread pudding served a la mode with Bananas and Caramel Sauce

Seems to me like a little something for everyone. Well, throw in the wrench.

Mom's not really excited about it. Now she'll go along with whatever the group wants, but she's already talking about getting a Dole Whip afterwards in case the meal s-u-c-k-s. And, to boot, she came up with one of the worst reviews on the net and e-mailed it to me.

Now my mother is not without a sense of problem-solving.

You see, she came up with an alternative. That made me ponder. Because I've read good and bad reviews of Ohana's, and I've read good and bad reviews of Chef Mickey's for dinner.

But that was one of her ideas. Chef Mickey's.

In case you're all wondering, here's what they boast for dinner.

PREMIUM SALAD BAR AND SOUR DU JOUR
Today's Soup: Chicken and Corn Chowder

ON THE CARVING BOARD
Spice Rubbed Prime Rib & Oven-Roasted Bone-in Ham

CHEF'S BUFFET SPECIALS OF THE DAY
Madeira Wild Mushroom Beef Tips
Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Tamarind Glazed Salmon with Pesto and Wasabi Mango Coulis
Penne Pasta with Chicken and Italian Sausage Florentine

WONDERFUL ACCOMPANIMENTS
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Mickey Cheese Ravioli and Marinara Sauce
Rice with Peas
Garlic Steamed Broccoli Polonaise
Mandarin Orange Glazed Baby Carrots

Standard buffet fare, right? I have to admit, nothing about this really thrills me other than the fact that I could see my father and my father in law, oh heck, my whole family getting some big time character interaction. Now, I know that would be fun, but fun doesn't necessarily make food taste good, savvy?

So here we are. Between a rock and a hard place.

Throw in the fact that my husband actually put his foot down about something. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard his little tirade. The man actually had an opinion!

"I take one vacation a year. This is our vacation to Disney. Mom went with Nana in May, you went with Tink in May, this is the vacation we're going on as a family, and as a family, we're deciding where we want to eat. And if not everyone wants to eat where we want to, they don't have to. And if you want to eat at Ohana's, then we're eating at Ohana's. Besides, we always eat at Chef Mickey's for breakfast."

God bless him. Quite frankly, I can't imagine NOT doing Chef Mickey's for breakfast. It's pretty much our standard plan before MNSSHP. Late breakfast, lazy day, late night at the party. It works out great, and it has for the past several years. Part of me doesn't want to mess with greatness.

But part of me is curious about change.

See if we ditched Ohana's, and did Chef Mickey's instead, I wouldn't go there twice in the same vacation. I'd pick up a new character breakfast, and there's one that I haven't tried that I think would be a TON of fun. And that's the safari breakfast with Donald at the Animal Kingdom. Tusker House, is it? I just think it would be so cute to see everyone in their safari gear.

So I do have alternatives.

But part of me waffles. Because I did want to try Ohana. I did want to do something new, and that was my something new.

To further complicate the issue, if you're still following along, I'm having doubts about whether or not I should be trying to fit in Nine Dragons in China. I haven't been there since the renovations, and it's always been a favorite of ours. I don't even need to read current reviews, I'm confident I'll have a good meal there, I always have.

Was that the kiss of death or what? :lmao:

I also found out that Mom and Nana will not be joining us for lunch at the Sci Fi Dine in Theater. They have plans to go to the Brown Derby instead.

Which is funny. Considering that I was thinking of going to the Brown Derby for my big birthday dinner instead of Citrico's. Or another signature restaurant. I swear, I'm a dang mess.

If I could make up my mind, it'll be a miracle. Fortunately, we've got a month.

I invited you all to weigh in. What you like, what you don't, where you've eaten recently, how it was, what you think we'd like, what we wouldn't, it's a free for all my friends.

Bring it. :lmao:

Tinkerbellarella

06-02-2009, 09:44 PM

Because this family does plan its itinerary around its meals.

As way so much of May, huh?

And quite frankly, I left that vacation excited.

Ahhh...all part of my secret master plan. :thumbsup2

It was a tepid bath of excitement without the fizzy benefit of a bath bomb from Basin.

I didn't even buy anything and now I miss Basin. :sad1:

Ok, so without quoting the carp out of you, here's what I have to say:

*Try O'hana. If mom and nana don't want to do it, they'll find something for themselves - Citricos maybe since it's not too far away from the Poly.
*Chef Mick's for breakfast is tried, true and fun. I don't know that this trip is the one to try something new and different in this case. Maybe more so on a just a pirate clan trip.
*You've been waffling on Sci-Fi forever. Keep it. It's worth a shot. It's not a huge loss if it doesn't work out and you'll be more knowlegeable for the future.

Those are just my opinions. :)

TarzansKat

06-02-2009, 09:55 PM

Ahhh...all part of my secret master plan. :thumbsup2

I KNEW IT!!!! ;)

I didn't even buy anything and now I miss Basin. :sad1:

Okay, on a total side note, I finally decided I'm going to use one of the...ahem...six soaps I bought there, and I opted to start with grapefruit. So light. So summery. So makes me think of you patiently waiting through my picking those out. :goodvibes

Ok, so without quoting the carp out of you, here's what I have to say:

*Try O'hana. If mom and nana don't want to do it, they'll find something for themselves - Citricos maybe since it's not too far away from the Poly.

Good point. Mom has already agreed to go if that's what we want, and she's flexible about it, to the point where she's said, if I don't like it, I'll pass on it and get something later.

*Chef Mick's for breakfast is tried, true and fun. I don't know that this trip is the one to try something new and different in this case. Maybe more so on a just a pirate clan trip.

Another good point. Perhaps something to put on the back burner for 2010?

*You've been waffling on Sci-Fi forever. Keep it. It's worth a shot. It's not a huge loss if it doesn't work out and you'll be more knowlegeable for the future.

Those are just my opinions. :)

You're right. I have been waffling on Sci-Fi. When in all reality, I know it'll be good, I know it'll be fun, and I KNOW my DS will go NUTS over eating indoor outdoors in a car. Tee hee.

Plus, now that I know Mom and Nana aren't coming, I won't worry about whether or not they'll enjoy their meal. You know? Since they're going to the Brown Derby, they'll be happy, we'll be happy.

It's all good.

If U Had Wings

06-02-2009, 10:31 PM

I've never done Chef Mickey's so I'm not sure I'm the best one to put my 2 cents in.

The nice thing about Ohana is that all the food is nice and fresh off the skewers. I tend to get a bit scared at buffets. The only one I really get enthused about is Boma.

If you decide to go with Chef Mickey's for dinner, there's always the character breakfast at Ohana .:)

TarzansKat

06-02-2009, 10:34 PM

The nice thing about Ohana is that all the food is nice and fresh off the skewers. I tend to get a bit scared at buffets. The only one I really get enthused about is Boma.

I think I remember Heidi recommending as well, if you didn't like the way a portion of meat was prepared to just wait for the next round because they have no issue with bringing you more, you know?

If you decide to go with Chef Mickey's for dinner, there's always the character breakfast at Ohana .:)

Dangit, woman! I need less choices, not more! :rotfl2:

MegansMom

06-02-2009, 11:20 PM

pooh'smate

06-02-2009, 11:29 PM

If I were you I would stick with Ohana's. This trip is YOUR birthday trip. If you want to go then go.

P.S. I like your new siggy. I especially like your pic.:love: I love me some Jack Sparrow.:love:

maroo

06-02-2009, 11:48 PM

Since I know she's not around, I'll beg for her!! HA! :lmao:

Otherwise, can't wait for those chapters! Dying to see your binder, esp.

Liesa

First of all...

popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::
popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::
popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

Leisa was right...I am salivating for that story!!!!!! PRESIDENTIAL SUITE?!?!?!?!?

Ok...I have to ask...because it is bugging me.

Are you famous? Are you some famous author? Is that why you won't show your face? Some famous artist? A CIA agent?

:scratchin

And I will just have to see what everyone else here says about the food...because I have had none of those meals. :sad2:

TarzansKat

06-03-2009, 06:58 AM

We have always liked Ohanas......always have enjoyed our food and the atmosphere, but that is just us......I think you should go for it and leave Breakfast w/Mickey the way you guys are used to.....as you say, it works well....and if it isn't broke, then why fix it????

You make a good point. One of my fears is that if I change things too much, I won't recognize this trip anymore. We all have certain things we like to do, for us, though it may be "boring" to do the same thing every trip, we really do enjoy breakfast at Chef Mickey's.

If I were you I would stick with Ohana's. This trip is YOUR birthday trip. If you want to go then go.

Good point.

P.S. I like your new siggy. I especially like your pic.:love: I love me some Jack Sparrow.:love:

Thanks! I was fiddling around with it last night to come up with something new, and I thought, I really need a pic of the good captain in here.

"Why is the rum always gone? Oh...that's why." :lmao:

First of all...

popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::
popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::
popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

Leisa was right...I am salivating for that story!!!!!! PRESIDENTIAL SUITE?!?!?!?!?

Ok...I have to ask...because it is bugging me.

Alright, dearie. If I can manage it, I'll get that story up here within the next couple of days. It gets harder for me to get on the Dis during my work week, which is Wed - Sat, but I'll give it the ole college try.:thumbsup2

Are you famous? Are you some famous author? Is that why you won't show your face? Some famous artist? A CIA agent?

:scratchin

:blush:

Nope. I am just your run of the mill Disney / Jack Sparrow nut. I also happen to be worried about two things with regard to the whole face thing. One, there are a lot of less than savory characters out there who would like nothing more than to prey on children. That terrifies me. Two, I've discussed some personal things on the DIS, like work and family and such, and right now I'm still retaining some level of anonymity were anyone to try to figure out who I am. Especially in regard to work. I've definitely complained about it, and I would really hate for it to come back and bite me in the...patoot. :lmao:

And I will just have to see what everyone else here says about the food...because I have had none of those meals. :sad2:

But you will soon!!!! :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

06-03-2009, 07:08 AM

We plan our days around our meals! That is one of the most important parts! :laughing:

Personally, I think you should stick with Ohana's for dinner. We were seriously underwhelmed by Chef Mickey's for dinner -- nothing -- beside the Mickey head oreo bon-bon thingamajigs sticks out in my mind about the food there.

As far as your mom finding a bad review of Ohana's -- that's not hard to do -- I have found bad reviews about every single meal we have eaten or will eat at Disney -- including the Brown Derby! :eek: I have also found bad reviews of every single resort we have ever stayed at -- some people are just impossible to please.

Go with where you want to eat -- especially if DH wants to eat there, too! :goodvibes

LegoMom3

06-03-2009, 08:08 AM

I'm late to this response party and you've already gotten enough great answers to your quandary.....

But can I just say that now it's MY turn to live vicariously through YOU?...I am so missing the planning-out-my-week-long-trip-with-Free-Dining. I mean, it's only natural to plan your trip around your ADRs!:rolleyes:

Trying to wrap my little brain around you and DH waiting at the bus stop and just hopping on whatever one shows up first....It's so....unnatural, yet so...alluring somehow....

And for what it's worth, I'd stick with your plan as-is. I've never eaten at Ohana but we, too, always do Chef Mickey's for breakfast! :goodvibes

.

Tinkerbellarella

06-03-2009, 09:23 AM

So makes me think of you patiently waiting through my picking those out. :goodvibes

Like it was a chore or something! LOL

I think I remember Heidi recommending as well, if you didn't like the way a portion of meat was prepared to just wait for the next round because they have no issue with bringing you more, you know?

We have a Brazilian BBQ a.k.a. churrascuria a.k.a. Rodesian steakhouse near us. The meat is served there like it is at O'hana. When the meat first comes out on the skewers, it tends to be medium-rare. I know you like your meat less pink than that so I'm sure O'hana is like this place - show them what you want and they'll bring it back to cook it some more. It's possible Disney cooks more to medium, though. They like to be on the "safe" side. LOL

And as for why it comes out medium rare (I asked because it's sometimes even closer to rare, depending on the meat) - it continues cooking on the skewer so if they were to cook it any more it would be well done and start to dry out by the time they were halfway through serving.

As far as your mom finding a bad review of Ohana's -- that's not hard to do -- I have found bad reviews about every single meal we have eaten or will eat at Disney -- including the Brown Derby! :eek: I have also found bad reviews of every single resort we have ever stayed at -- some people are just impossible to please.

Seriously. CP is so right. Remember how worried I was about San Angel Inn? And it was one of the best meals of the trip!

maroo

06-03-2009, 10:45 AM

Alright, dearie. If I can manage it, I'll get that story up here within the next couple of days. It gets harder for me to get on the Dis during my work week, which is Wed - Sat, but I'll give it the ole college try.:thumbsup2

:blush:

Nope. I am just your run of the mill Disney / Jack Sparrow nut. I also happen to be worried about two things with regard to the whole face thing. One, there are a lot of less than savory characters out there who would like nothing more than to prey on children. That terrifies me. Two, I've discussed some personal things on the DIS, like work and family and such, and right now I'm still retaining some level of anonymity were anyone to try to figure out who I am. Especially in regard to work. I've definitely complained about it, and I would really hate for it to come back and bite me in the...patoot. :lmao:

No hurry on the story! :) It can definitely be after your work week is over! :goodvibes

I totally get the face thing! And the work thing!

And I can't wait until I have so actual opinions about some different restaurants! :goodvibes

TarzansKat

06-03-2009, 07:37 PM

We plan our days around our meals! That is one of the most important parts! :laughing:

No argument here. :lmao:

Personally, I think you should stick with Ohana's for dinner. We were seriously underwhelmed by Chef Mickey's for dinner -- nothing -- beside the Mickey head oreo bon-bon thingamajigs sticks out in my mind about the food there.

Okay, good to know. :thumbsup2

As far as your mom finding a bad review of Ohana's -- that's not hard to do -- I have found bad reviews about every single meal we have eaten or will eat at Disney -- including the Brown Derby! :eek: I have also found bad reviews of every single resort we have ever stayed at -- some people are just impossible to please.

I know you're right. And it's so much easier to find bad reviews, as opposed to good ones.

Go with where you want to eat -- especially if DH wants to eat there, too! :goodvibes

He is game to try it, which is a big plus for me. And hey! Thanks for still responding to my queries when your trip is so close! I'm amazed you have time to DIS!!! :goodvibes

But can I just say that now it's MY turn to live vicariously through YOU?...I am so missing the planning-out-my-week-long-trip-with-Free-Dining. I mean, it's only natural to plan your trip around your ADRs!:rolleyes:

Feel free to live vicariously. :thumbsup2

Trying to wrap my little brain around you and DH waiting at the bus stop and just hopping on whatever one shows up first....It's so....unnatural, yet so...alluring somehow....

It's not hard, I swear. And some day, I will do it again.

That's a promise.

I may have even suckered Tink into it, we'll see.

And as for why it comes out medium rare (I asked because it's sometimes even closer to rare, depending on the meat) - it continues cooking on the skewer so if they were to cook it any more it would be well done and start to dry out by the time they were halfway through serving.

Thanks for the recommendation. As to that, I think I'll be okay without being medium rare, in the sense that I only plan on eating the turkey and pork, and that won't bother me like it would with red meat.

Seriously. CP is so right. Remember how worried I was about San Angel Inn? And it was one of the best meals of the trip!

So true!

No hurry on the story! :) It can definitely be after your work week is over! :goodvibes

And I can't wait until I have so actual opinions about some different restaurants! :goodvibes

Yeah, I can totally tell I'm not going to have the appropriate amount of time to devote to this. Hopefully I can type it up this weekend.

I can't wait for you to have opinoins about restaurants too! Is that weird? :lmao:

MRYPPNS

06-03-2009, 09:19 PM

I think I remember Heidi recommending as well, if you didn't like the way a portion of meat was prepared to just wait for the next round because they have no issue with bringing you more, you know?

Yup, I wrote that. I've gotten meat that was dry....(never rare) so I just asked for more the next time I saw a server walk by.

Oh....that menu you posted from Allears is wrong. I'll see if I can find a correct one for you.

Now you know what a wonderful time I had at both Chef Mickey's and 'Ohana's in Oct :rolleyes1 and I have to say that the food is way better at 'Ohana's.....hands down.

I think you would be really disappointed if you went to Chef Mickey's for dinner instead of breakfast. Somethings just don't need to be changed...Chef Mickey's for breakfast the day of MNSSHP is an excellent plan...why change it if it works?

Keep the Sci-Fi lunch...you will need the break from Mom and Nana.

MRYPPNS

06-03-2009, 09:23 PM

This is the correct menu :

Entree/Main Course (Dinner)
Ohana's Dinner Adult 5:00pm - 10:00pm - Starters: Pork fried dumplings, Corriander chicken wings, and Mixed Greens with Honey-Lime dressing. Skewers (prepared over an oak fire): Marinated sirloin steak, Asian BBQ pork loin, Mesquite grilled turkey, and non-peeled shrimp. Accompaniments: broccoli and green peas and pad Thai noodles. Sauces: peanut, chimichurri and sweet-and-sour. Dessert: 'Ohana bread pudding a la mode with Banana Foster sauce. Includes coffee, tea and soda. - $26.99

Charleston Princess

06-03-2009, 09:26 PM

Seriously. CP is so right. Remember how worried I was about San Angel Inn? And it was one of the best meals of the trip!

I love it when I am right! :rotfl:

He is game to try it, which is a big plus for me. And hey! Thanks for still responding to my queries when your trip is so close! I'm amazed you have time to DIS!!! :goodvibes

Oh, I always have time to DIS! I will probably be DISing Saturday morning while I wait for everyone to finish getting ready. :rolleyes:

TarzansKat

06-04-2009, 05:32 PM

Yup, I wrote that. I've gotten meat that was dry....(never rare) so I just asked for more the next time I saw a server walk by.

That's what I thought.

Now you know what a wonderful time I had at both Chef Mickey's and 'Ohana's in Oct :rolleyes1 and I have to say that the food is way better at 'Ohana's.....hands down.

I'm glad to know your opinion on this. I was thinking that you would pick Ohana's.

I think you would be really disappointed if you went to Chef Mickey's for dinner instead of breakfast. Somethings just don't need to be changed...Chef Mickey's for breakfast the day of MNSSHP is an excellent plan...why change it if it works?

This is pretty much how my husband feels. It was so shocking to me to see how much he's invested in our little vacation traditions.

Keep the Sci-Fi lunch...you will need the break from Mom and Nana.

:lmao: You said it first. :lmao:

This is the correct menu :

Entree/Main Course (Dinner)
Ohana's Dinner Adult 5:00pm - 10:00pm - Starters: Pork fried dumplings, Corriander chicken wings, and Mixed Greens with Honey-Lime dressing. Skewers (prepared over an oak fire): Marinated sirloin steak, Asian BBQ pork loin, Mesquite grilled turkey, and non-peeled shrimp. Accompaniments: broccoli and green peas and pad Thai noodles. Sauces: peanut, chimichurri and sweet-and-sour. Dessert: 'Ohana bread pudding a la mode with Banana Foster sauce. Includes coffee, tea and soda. - $26.99

Thanks for the correct menu! :thumbsup2

I love it when I am right! :rotfl:

:rotfl2:

Oh, I always have time to DIS! I will probably be DISing Saturday morning while I wait for everyone to finish getting ready. :rolleyes:

HA! It's only funny because it's so, so true.

TarzansKat

06-04-2009, 06:12 PM

I swear. It's a real affliction. One that has troubled me as of late.

Because it wouldn't be a TK PTR if we didn't have some kind of footwear agnst.

I am me, after all! :lmao:

I ordered a few different kinds of sandals from Shoebuy the other day with a great 20% off code. I love 20% off, and my 10% off member discount, and free shipping and returns.

Don't tell Tink though. The purchasing of shoes is her weakness, and I fear the results could be catastrophic.

Also, her BF would kill me. Then again, they do call me The Enabler. Mwa-ha-ha. :lmao:

So the problem is a real one. Working at the bank has really messed up my feet. No joke. And given that I used to wear not the best shoes when I worked in retail in and after college, I really wasn't paying attention to what you really should be wearing on your feet. For example, good shoes...well...they tend to be expensive.

And it's to the point now where I have to remind myself to sit down during my shifts, because even with good shoes, my feet will still hurt at the end of the day. Which is really sad, when you think about it. But that's what I get for working on thin carpet that's most likely laid directly on top of concrete. It hurts. :sad1:

I've been wearing Merrells for a while now, and certain styles work really well for work. It's hard to find a sandal that's appropriate enough for work and could maybe serve my trip as well. I ordered a pair, but they just didn't seem to have enough support. So back they went.

Now, I had a fantastic pair of Teva flip flops, and they were awesome. I say were because I had the misfortune of discovering mid-World Showcase walking on my trip with Tink that those flip flops...well, I think I wore them into the ground. Literally. I remember wearing them the majority of last summer, and for my 8 day Pirate's Life for Three trip, and quite frankly, I think they're done. D-U-N, done. :lmao:

It's sad, because I liked them.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0006-1.jpg

Now, why wouldn't I just buy the same thing? Well, I would, but I can't find them in my size in black.

Anywhere.

On the net.

Trust me, google is my friend, I looked. It may be a discontinued style, I don't know. And I really need black to go with my outfits, I'm not sure anything else will work.

Now I tried on a pair of Keens (part of the original order), but the strap around the back was too tight for my taste, and too enclosed.

Which lead me to believe I might like these.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/os_keen_violet.jpg

Um, yeah. I know I just said that I really need black to go with my outfits. And I'm not so much for the color there, but that's all they have in my size. I'm trying to be objective here. I don't "see" this color on my feet, but if they fit and they're comfortable I may have to forgo convention here and try something new.

Something different.

As the boy would say.

Now I'm also VERY partial to these Keens.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/cs_black_keens.jpg

I have actually tried these before, but could not get over the $80 price tag. :scared1: That hurt. It was painful to imagine. Basically, I wore them around the house, loved the support of the footbed, wasn't sure if the top part would cut into my foot too much during a long day of walking, and sent them back. Because for $80, indecision is not a good thing. Back they go.

However, given the 20%, then 10%, and free shipping and returns, those are actually running me...$57.56. Now that's still pricey, but it's quite a bit better than $80.

The other sandals up there run about $61.16. Not a huge difference here, but one simple thing to remember. The first pair, I can't wear to work. The black ones, I can. And I'd really like some black sandals for work, in addition to a pair of trip sandals. Will they last all summer and for the trip? I have no idea. One step...ha ha...at a time.

And that brings me to the last pair I've been coveting, also Keens.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/Keen_Bali.jpg

Now these run about $60 depending on the web site (Shoebuy doesn't carry them, so no fun discount) but I can't find them anywhere in black in my size. Joy. The thrill of the hunt. The internet hunt.

They will be mine. Oh, yes. They will be mine.

Heck, who even knows if they're comfy. But they look it.

So, I thought we'd take a break here from the ADR angst and switch to shoe angst. Because while both are fun, shoe angst is infinitely easier. Only one person to please, and that's...me. ;)

maroo

06-04-2009, 07:15 PM

TarzansKat

06-04-2009, 07:27 PM

well...

Gosh...I have nothing to say. But, I will still talk. :lmao: I hate lurking on TK's report!

I am not a shoe person. I own about 3 pair of shoes that I actually wear. Black crocks, tennis shoes and a pair of nice black shoes for the rare occasions that I dress up (everyone wears jeans to my church, so I don't get many opportunities to dress up).

Anyway...I am still here...and good luck with the shoes! :)

Not...

a...

shoe person?

Brain still processing, does not compute. ;)

Just kidding, hon. Honestly, my problem is that I have a lot of shoes (from when I used to wear the cutesy non-supportive kind) and I typically wear the same 3-4 pairs of shoes every week. During the winter, it's even less. :lmao: The problem is that I have to have the support, or my feet are killing me.

If U Had Wings

06-04-2009, 10:27 PM

Because it wouldn't be a TK PTR if we didn't have some kind of footwear agnst.

Don't tell Tink though. The purchasing of shoes is her weakness, and I fear the results could be catastrophic.

Also, her BF would kill me. Then again, they do call me The Enabler. Mwa-ha-ha. :lmao:

I don't think Tink needs any help. She didn't get the name Shoeper Girl for nothing.

So the problem is a real one. Working at the bank has really messed up my feet. No joke. And given that I used to wear not the best shoes when I worked in retail in and after college, I really wasn't paying attention to what you really should be wearing on your feet. For example, good shoes...well...they tend to be expensive.

And it's to the point now where I have to remind myself to sit down during my shifts, because even with good shoes, my feet will still hurt at the end of the day. Which is really sad, when you think about it. But that's what I get for working on thin carpet that's most likely laid directly on top of concrete. It hurts. :sad1:

I get the same problem at my part time job. 8 hours on your feet, standing on concrete with a sad layer of carpeting thrown on top. I swear they want us to be crippled by the age of 40. At least they used to let us have chairs for between customers. Now they got rid of them so we have to resort to leaning on the counters. By the end of a shift my poor feet have had it.

Now, I had a fantastic pair of Teva flip flops, and they were awesome. I say were because I had the misfortune of discovering mid-World Showcase walking on my trip with Tink that those flip flops...well, I think I wore them into the ground. Literally. I remember wearing them the majority of last summer, and for my 8 day Pirate's Life for Three trip, and quite frankly, I think they're done. D-U-N, done. :lmao:

Never fails. They always discontinue the good stuff.

Which lead me to believe I might like these.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/os_keen_violet.jpg

Um, yeah. I know I just said that I really need black to go with my outfits. And I'm not so much for the color there, but that's all they have in my size. I'm trying to be objective here. I don't "see" this color on my feet, but if they fit and they're comfortable I may have to forgo convention here and try something new.
[/quote]
I see what you mean about the color. It wouldn't really go with much. You'd just have to decide if the comfort was enough for you to wear them.

I have actually tried these before, but could not get over the $80 price tag. :scared1: That hurt. It was painful to imagine. Basically, I wore them around the house, loved the support of the footbed, wasn't sure if the top part would cut into my foot too much during a long day of walking, and sent them back. Because for $80, indecision is not a good thing. Back they go.

However, given the 20%, then 10%, and free shipping and returns, those are actually running me...$57.56. Now that's still pricey, but it's quite a bit better than $80.

The other sandals up there run about $61.16. Not a huge difference here, but one simple thing to remember. The first pair, I can't wear to work. The black ones, I can. And I'd really like some black sandals for work, in addition to a pair of trip sandals. Will they last all summer and for the trip? I have no idea. One step...ha ha...at a time.

If you think they might dig in they aren't worth any amount of money. You know your feet best, and have to listen to them.

And that brings me to the last pair I've been coveting, also Keens.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/Keen_Bali.jpg

Very cute. I may have to try a pair of Keens. I usually won't wear sandals to Disney because I have a fear of people stepping on my bare toes in crowded places. I like that Keens have closed in toes.

pooh'smate

06-04-2009, 10:34 PM

I LOVE shoes but I haven't been able to indulge in my shoe love since I had my dd. I love all the shoes you posted and must go find the site shoebuy that you talked about. I so need some summer shoes that cover my toes as I am of the clumsy sort and stub my toes often.

Tinkerbellarella

06-05-2009, 08:05 AM

Because it wouldn't be a TK PTR if we didn't have some kind of footwear agnst.

If there ever IS a TK PTR without shoe angst I'm going out and spending every cent I have in the Jimmy Choo store in Copley. Because surely that means the Apocalypse is coming and I need hot shoes for THAT kind of party.

I am me, after all! :lmao:

Don't tell Tink though. The purchasing of shoes is her weakness, and I fear the results could be catastrophic.

Smooth. But you forgot to make this entire post invisible to me.

Also, her BF would kill me.

If this spurs on a trip into Aldo I'll make sure not to mention it's entirely your fault.

Now, I had a fantastic pair of Teva flip flops, and they were awesome. I say were because I had the misfortune of discovering mid-World Showcase walking on my trip with Tink that those flip flops...well, I think I wore them into the ground. Literally.

Seriously, folks. Had I not been hopped up on an Italian Margarita, the air from Mitsukoshi and 6 fathoms deep in sinus pressure, I'd have been carrying her around the WS.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0006-1.jpg

Look! A body-less TK foot photo!

Something different.

Something new.

One step...ha ha...at a time.

::GROAN::

TK you should be ashamed!

I am not a shoe person. I own about 3 pair of shoes that I actually wear. Black crocks, tennis shoes and a pair of nice black shoes for the rare occasions that I dress up.

:confused:

:confused3:

:eek:

:scared:

:crazy2:

:faint:

I don't think Tink needs any help. She didn't get the name Shoeper Girl for nothing.

HERE I COME TO SAVE YOUR FEET FROM THOSE HORRID THINGS YOU CALL PROPER FOOTWEAAAAAAR!!!!!!

Clark Kent's got nuthin' on me. ;)

2xcited2sleep

06-10-2009, 11:03 AM

Well, thanks a lot! Now I have a whole bunch of new shoes to google, covet and possibly purchase! :rotfl:

iu97alum

06-10-2009, 11:20 AM

Dont' forget to go through Ebates if you shop at shoebuy! Then you get your cash back! :) If you don't have an account to Ebates, LMK and I'll send you alink to join 'cuz if a friend joins, both get a little extra cashback bonus! :) Unfortunately, Zappos doesn't pariticpate with Ebates. :(

TarzansKat

06-10-2009, 05:23 PM

I get the same problem at my part time job. 8 hours on your feet, standing on concrete with a sad layer of carpeting thrown on top. I swear they want us to be crippled by the age of 40. At least they used to let us have chairs for between customers. Now they got rid of them so we have to resort to leaning on the counters. By the end of a shift my poor feet have had it.

Funny that I'm responding to this at this moment, because today my feet are KILLING ME!!! :lmao: I seriously need new work shoes, in addition to new sandals.

Very cute. I may have to try a pair of Keens. I usually won't wear sandals to Disney because I have a fear of people stepping on my bare toes in crowded places. I like that Keens have closed in toes.

A lot of the Keen styles do have that closed toe. Honestly, I don't prefer it, I'm more of a flip flop girl, but I'll try it.

I LOVE shoes but I haven't been able to indulge in my shoe love since I had my dd. I love all the shoes you posted and must go find the site shoebuy that you talked about. I so need some summer shoes that cover my toes as I am of the clumsy sort and stub my toes often.

Again, you should totally check out the Keens I recommended to Wings. They have a lot of styles, and they're not all horrendously expensive. I know it's hard with kids to spend money on yourself, but trust me, your feet will thank you. And then you'll thank me. And we'll all be happy. ;)

If there ever IS a TK PTR without shoe angst I'm going out and spending every cent I have in the Jimmy Choo store in Copley. Because surely that means the Apocalypse is coming and I need hot shoes for THAT kind of party.

I am me, after all! :lmao:

:rotfl2:

Just :rotfl2:

Smooth. But you forgot to make this entire post invisible to me.

You know what I should have done? I should have tried to push my son around in his stroller. That would have made the post invisible. ;)

If this spurs on a trip into Aldo I'll make sure not to mention it's entirely your fault.

Please. I would like to have you back here for dinner at some point. :thumbsup2

Seriously, folks. Had I not been hopped up on an Italian Margarita, the air from Mitsukoshi and 6 fathoms deep in sinus pressure, I'd have been carrying her around the WS.

I'm wondering, was it that the shoes are shot, that I was shot (ha ha, more ways the one), or just that we lapped the WS so many times. Or that we were sick too. Oh geez, I don't know. :lmao:

Look! A body-less TK foot photo!

Aren't they purdy?:lmao:

::GROAN::

TK you should be ashamed!

And oddly I'm not. I'm actually quite proud. Go figure.

HERE I COME TO SAVE YOUR FEET FROM THOSE HORRID THINGS YOU CALL PROPER FOOTWEAAAAAAR!!!!!!

Clark Kent's got nuthin' on me. ;)

You so need a costume.

Well, thanks a lot! Now I have a whole bunch of new shoes to google, covet and possibly purchase! :rotfl:

Ha! Sorry. :lmao:

Dont' forget to go through Ebates if you shop at shoebuy! Then you get your cash back! :) If you don't have an account to Ebates, LMK and I'll send you alink to join 'cuz if a friend joins, both get a little extra cashback bonus! :) Unfortunately, Zappos doesn't pariticpate with Ebates. :(

I actually shop through a site called MyPoints. I prefer it because it has most of the stores I deal with. Basically you earn points, and those are redeemable for gift cards. I have a lot of success with them, and with the gift cards it's nice because I can use them for myself or give them as gifts. :thumbsup2

pooh'smate

06-10-2009, 05:31 PM

I was planning on coming over and posting this yesterday and then I got busy and never made it. Yesterday was our favorite pirates birthday. We can't not say Happy BDay to him on TK's ptr. So here goes....
http://bestsmileys.com/birthday1/21.gifHappy Birthday To Johnnyhttp://bestsmileys.com/birthday1/21.gif

TarzansKat

06-10-2009, 05:37 PM

pooh'smate

06-10-2009, 05:37 PM

Again, you should totally check out the Keens I recommended to Wings. They have a lot of styles, and they're not all horrendously expensive. I know it's hard with kids to spend money on yourself, but trust me, your feet will thank you. And then you'll thank me. And we'll all be happy. ;)

I actually shop through a site called MyPoints. I prefer it because it has most of the stores I deal with. Basically you earn points, and those are redeemable for gift cards. I have a lot of success with them, and with the gift cards it's nice because I can use them for myself or give them as gifts. :thumbsup2

It is hard to spend money on yourself when you have kids. I use My Points too and I too get gift certificates with my points. That is the one thing I keep for myself as then I don't feel like I spending money on me but I get something that I enjoy.

TarzansKat

06-10-2009, 05:39 PM

It is hard to spend money on yourself when you have kids. I use My Points too and I too get gift certificates with my points. That is the one thing I keep for myself as then I don't feel like I spending money on me but I get something that I enjoy.

I'm the same way! I just got some of those foaming antibacterial soaps from Bath and Body Works with a $10 gift card I earned through MyPoints, and I was thrilled, because it felt FREE!!! :goodvibes

pooh'smate

06-10-2009, 05:39 PM

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Hey! Somebody has a new ticker... :rolleyes1

Yes I thought it would help make me more accountable if I had to post my results for all to see.:thumbsup2

pooh'smate

06-10-2009, 05:42 PM

I'm the same way! I just got some of those foaming antibacterial soaps from Bath and Body Works with a $10 gift card I earned through MyPoints, and I was thrilled, because it felt FREE!!! :goodvibes

I know I just got a itunes gift card because I wanted new music. I love My Points. It lets me go shopping for me for free. I love that feeling.:goodvibes

TarzansKat

06-10-2009, 05:54 PM

Yes I thought it would help make me more accountable if I had to post my results for all to see.:thumbsup2

Ha! You know what, I knew you had the weight loss one because of the Shrinking Tinks thread, but I mean I just noticed your new vacation one! :lmao:

I know I just got a itunes gift card because I wanted new music. I love My Points. It lets me go shopping for me for free. I love that feeling.:goodvibes

Ooo, an Itunes gift card. I never thought of that. Oh, I could go nuts with one of those. :thumbsup2

pooh'smate

06-10-2009, 06:03 PM

Ha! You know what, I knew you had the weight loss one because of the Shrinking Tinks thread, but I mean I just noticed your new vacation one! :lmao:

Ooo, an Itunes gift card. I never thought of that. Oh, I could go nuts with one of those. :thumbsup2

Oh yes we are going down the Sunday after Thanksgiving and coming back the following Monday. I think the dates are Nov. 29th - Dec 6th. It is looking like it will probably be an adults only trip. I think I may get an annual pass and then we will take a family trip next year.:):yay::):yay:

I was really trying for a $50.00 one but I couldn't wait that long. :)

TarzansKat

06-10-2009, 06:05 PM

Oh yes we are going down the Sunday after Thanksgiving and coming back the following Monday. I think the dates are Nov. 29th - Dec 6th. It is looking like it will probably be an adults only trip. I think I may get an annual pass and then we will take a family trip next year.:):yay::):yay:

Awesome! I'm really excited for you. :yay:

I'm heading off to work out, if I don't get back on the DIS, you have a great night! :goodvibes

jenjolt

06-13-2009, 03:33 PM

TarzansKat

06-14-2009, 08:02 AM

Man now I have to re-evaluate my shoe decisions and see if I should get a new pair of shoes!! Actually I know I need a new pair I guess that is what I will be doing with the summer off, finding a really nice pair of shoes.

I've actually done a lot of ordering / returning since I wrote that chapter, so there will definitely be another shoe chapter in the future.

I'd just like to make a dang decision before I post it.:lmao:

TarzansKat

06-14-2009, 08:24 AM

pooh'smate

06-14-2009, 12:22 PM

Hey, everyone! I have a TON of stuff to update, and I'm hoping to get that done later today. Right now, the boy and I are off to discover the glories of crockpot cooking. We actually use it quite often, this morning I'm going to try to make gyros that we can have for lunch. Wish me luck! :thumbsup2

I am looking forward to the update. If your gyros come out good can you please post the recipe? My dh just asked me to make those last night. I have never made them and he has never had them. He saw them on a comercial and thought they looked good.

2xcited2sleep

06-14-2009, 12:38 PM

Charleston Princess

06-14-2009, 03:31 PM

Good luck on the crockpot gyros, and I am looking forward to the big update!

maroo

06-14-2009, 04:45 PM

jenjolt

06-14-2009, 04:49 PM

I love crockpot recipes let me know how those gyros came out!!! And yay for another update!

TarzansKat

06-14-2009, 06:26 PM

My goodness! Instead of responding to each of you individually, I'm just going to go ahead and post a link to the gyro recipe. They came out quite good. I used all turkey instead of a mix of turkey and lamb. I did doctor the sauce that goes with it a little, and I'm still not totally satisfied with it, so I'll probably look for another recipe on the internet when I can.

Crock Pot Gyro Recipe (http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/07/crockpot-gyro-recipe.html)

By the by, if you have a crockpot, you should really check out this woman's site. It is amazing! She used her crockpot every single day in 2008, and blogged about it and posted the recipes. It's awesome, I get a lot of great recipes from here.

I'm working on the update (and I did a lot of trip stuff today), so it should be posted shortly. :thumbsup2

maroo

06-14-2009, 06:57 PM

gosh...I don't even have a crock pot...but my friends do! It would be just too much food for just me! :goodvibes

I will refrain from posting popcorn since your green light is on. :rotfl:

but...chocolate, anyone?

TarzansKat

06-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Do you ever have one of those posts where you don't even know where to begin? Fortunately for all of you, that means that I have a lot to say, I know how much you all love that.

Right? :lmao:

So without further adieu, let's plunge right in shall we?

The trip sandal anxiety continues. My temporary fix is to order a pair of the Teva Flip Flops I already own, but since I can't find them in black, I ordered what I could find. A color called Dusty Rose. If I end up keeping them, I'll post a picture. They look neutral enough to go with most of my outfits, and different enough that I just have to find some new tank tops. ;) We all know how that works. But honestly, the whole shoe thing is a whole other chapter and I'm still in the process of ordering and returning, so I'm going to hold off and just let you know what the final decisions are.

In the line of clothing, I do have something sort of dorky to admit to. Well, basically, DH and DS get all the fun. They get cool matching clothes, you know? Transformers tees, Pirates, Star Wars, etc. Well, they both happen to have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirts. They're not exactly the same, but I love it when they wear similar clothes. It's like we're themed without being too matchy. And it's adorable.

So imagine my suprise when I found this.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/467854.jpg

I know. It's perfect, right?

I put this on last night and I looked in the mirror and I thought, honey? How old do you think you are? :lmao:

I think that my brain is in serious denial of my upcoming age. Well, quite frankly, I'm just not acknowledging the actual number. I know I'm having a birthday, and hitting a milestone, and that's all well and good, but for some reason, I've been feeling insanely youthful lately.

Speaking of which, I got such a high compliment in that regard. You see, Mom and I had a little girl time yesterday. Our plan was to go to Putney, VT, and have lunch at the Putney Inn. It's very nice. Unfortunately, because of the time I got out of work, we wouldn't have made it. They stopped serving lunch and closed down between lunch and dinner. And they're just wasn't enough to do to make us want to wait for dinner, and quite frankly, when I get out of work on Saturday, I'm starving.

So spur of the moment, spontaneous decision we decide to go to the Publick House instead. For those of you who don't know, that's in Sturbridge, MA. Well, Mom and I had a lovely meal there. As we were sitting down and getting settled, we decided to order a bottle of champagne.

Our server asked if we were celebrating anything, looked at me, and said, like a graduation? I looked at her, and said, Oh god bless you! I couldn't believe she thought I was young looking enough to be graduation from something, high school, college, I'll take it! I said, no, I'm turning thirty this year, I'm far from graduation.

But in a sense, turning thirty is like a graduation. It's the commencement of your thirties, and the end of your twenties. And quite frankly, although I'm enjoying my insane attachment to youthfulness lately...

remember this?

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/467854.jpg

So I'm sad to end the twenties, but excited to begin the thirties. I feel more right with myself. More living in my own skin and being happy where that is. It's a long story, but I'm making some life changes that have really been about what's best for me, and what's best for my family, and that in and of itself has been extremely empowering.

So Mom and I had our champagne, and a nice long lunch, and while I had her captive audience, we decided to do a little Disney brainstorming.

As soon as we started, I knew it would be a chapter. See, one of the biggest problems we've ever had on our trips, especially with a large group is, where do you want to go? I don't know, where do you want to go? Well, what do you want to do? I don't care, what do you want to do?

UGH. Somebody make a decision!!!! :lmao:

We're not doing that on this trip. I refuse. Now that doesn't mean that we'll have a plan that we have to follow to the letter. But it does mean that I need an idea of what everyone (ie, Mom, and Nana) expects to do on this trip. And then I need an idea of what my family expects to do, and that my friends, is how we came up with the lists.

The 2009 Must Do's, if you will.

And yes. I am going to ignore the blatantly obvious Jack Sparrow joke. ;) pirate:

So Mom and I came up with a list of our must do's for each park. Separated into the following categories: rides/attractions, meet n greets, food, and shopping. Today I went over the list with my husband, and he brought to my attention a few things that I'd missed, so that was great.

I know how you all love lists, so without further ado, here they are.

Magic Kingdom 2009 Must Do's

Rides / Attractions -

Tommorrowland - Buzz, TTA, Speedway
Toontown - The Barnstormer (if DS wants to), The Train
Fantasyland - IASW, Peter Pan, Snow White, Dumbo, Philharmagic, Carousel, Teacups, Story Time with Belle
Liberty Square - The Haunted Mansion, The Hall of Presidents
Frontierland - Splash Mountain (is everyone really getting me on this???? :scared1:), BTMRR
Adventureland - Pirates, Pirate Tutorial

Meet n Greets - if DS is willing, Princesses & Tink

Food - Casey's, Dole Whips, Popcorn, Slushy Coke

Shopping - Main Street, WTP shop, Buzz Kiosk, Pirates

Epcot

Rides / Attractions - Spaceship Earth, Figment, The Seas, Test Track, Soarin', Mexico
Kim Possible Adventures, Innoventions

Meet n Greets - Disney Visa, WTP in England, others around WS

Food - Norway Bakery, Pretzel in Germany, Champagne in France, Magarita in Mexico, Food & Wine Festival

Shopping - Art Store, Test Track, the Countries

Do I have to call it DHS?

Rides / Attractions - Toy Story Mania, TGMR, The Little Mermaid, Star Tours, RnRC, ToT, Lights Motors Action, Backlot Tour, HISTK playground, Indiana Jones Stunt Show

Meet n Greets - Buzz / Woody
Sorcerer Mickey (where did they move him to?)

Food - Pretzel, Junky Apple

Shopping - Clothiers on Main Drag, Villain Candy Shop, Pizza Planet Arcade (can you say claw machine?)

Animal Kingdom

Rides / Attractions -
Safari, Lion King Show, Nemo Show, Expedition Everest, Rapids, Walking Trails, The Boneyard, Triceratops Spin (is that what it's called?)

Meet n Greets - Safari Characters at Camp Minnie Mickey

Food - Slushy tea

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Rides -
The Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Buzz (for Mom)

Attractions / Events -
The Headless Horseman
Boo to You Parade
Hallowishes
Trick or Treating

Meet n Greets - AS MANY AS I CAN!!!! :lmao:

Shopping - Special Halloween Merch., Cotton Candy

Bless, you my children, if you read through that whole list.

Now I know what you're thinking. TK! That's a lot of stuff. And to that I say, it sure is. Remember, this is a must do list, but some of it is quite negotiable. And we know in our hearts what's more negotiable than others, and I'm sure we'll plan accordingly. But having these lists, which I am seriously debating carrying with me into the parks, is going to prevent the whole what do you want to do now debacle. I feel a lot of times on these big family trips, everyone is okay with my having planned everything...until we actually get there. And I go through it every year. And I'm sure we'll have some ruffled feathers at some point, and someone (maybe even me) will channel their inner Donald.

I'm just doing the best that I can to prevent that from happening. And that's all you can do. When you have that many people, you can't make them all happy. You just can't.

And I'm okay with that. Moreso I think because I took the nice weekend trip with Tink in May. I got to do what I wanted, when I wanted in the World and it was dang nice. I'm ready to go with my family, I'm excited to go with them, actually.

Can you imagine? ;)

Now, I know what else you're thinking. TK, once you make all those wonderful lists, where do you put them?

Well, I'll tell you.

In this!!!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0225.jpg

Indeed, there she is. My purdy, girlie, pretty in pink trip binder. In case it's hard to read, the title there is "Turning Thirty, and Never Growing Up" This is a page from my son's Peter Pan book. I just couldn't resist it. It reads, "...for Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys (who weren't quite ready to grow up yet) were off on another wonderful Never Land adventure." That's so true.

Not quite ready to grow up yet.

And don't plan on it any time soon. Underneath the picture of Peter and Tink, I have the dates of our trip. Simple, and to the point. That's my lovely trip binder.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0226.jpg

That zippered case is just begging to be filled with MNSSHP tickets. Which, by the by, Mom did order. So those are en route! It's official!

Which brings me to costumes.

Which, at this point, should probably be a whole other post. :lmao:

And if you're still reading, I thank you.

See, I was waffling on the whole Peter Pan thing. There are so many things that I would rather do / be in regards to having fun with my costume, but a lot of what I like isn't conducive to a big group. And Peter Pan really is.

Does anyone remember that Mom and I were having lunch in Sturbridge, MA? The reason that's important is because we were about a mile from Old Sturbridge Village, and Mom had the brilliant idea to go shopping after our meal. Because we were on a quest.

A quest, that, if fufilled, would speak to certain costumes for our group.

And then, we found it. With all the colonial garb.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/June09-7.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/June09-8.jpg

That, my friends, is Nana's bonnet!

Now we have to be characters from Peter Pan! Best part is, that sweet little gem only cost me $7.99. And voila! Nana's costume is done. Nana is...Nana! I mean, honestly, how much easier than that can you get.

How lucky was it that we ended up in Sturbridge, MA instead of Putney, VT? I took as a sign from the MNSSHP gods, my friends. A sign. :worship:

So we are sticking with the original plan. After learning a few DISers were attending the same party as the TK clan, I thought, gosh, how can I not have DH dress as Jack Sparrow.

And although it pains me to say this...because I LOVE him in that costume...this year is about the family. And I think as a group, we'll look adorable. And you just never know how long you'll have that big family to do this kind of stuff with, you know? So, maybe I'll just have to carry a picture of my Jack Sparrow in my wallet.

Then you can all see what I'm talking about when we meet. :cloud9::love:

Of course, he will be Captain Hook, in his own dastardly way. Now I'm not going to go into the devil of a time I'm having procuring our customes as Peter, Wendy, and the Hook.

I think that's quite enough for this evening.

Hope you enjoyed! ;)

2xcited2sleep

06-14-2009, 07:31 PM

Oh, I did enjoy! Oh so very much. It took away a bit of my Sunday night dread- at least for a little bit!

I am giggling over your Ninja turtles tank. Good for you! I think you three will look so cute. Didn't there used to be a turtles meet and greet at the studios? Is there still? :confused3

Love your must do lists! Funny, Hall of Presidents is on mine for the very first time. I totally missed it last year (because I didn't carry lists with me so I highly recommend taking your lists :thumbsup2) and am looking forward to seeing the new Obama animatronic!

Where are there slushie cokes in the Magic Kingdom?

Love seeing champagne and the Kim Possible game on your Epcot list. I cannot wait to play! :yay:

You have Everest on your list but are worried about Splash? I've been on Splash... trust me... if I can do it ANYONE can. ::yes:: I still get scared in Snow White. :sad2:

LOVE your binder. She's very purdy. I've never had a binder. I feel perhaps I need one. Do you take it on the trip with you? Do you take it into the parks with you?

Costumes - I think you all will look perfect as the Peter Pan clan. I will enjoy meeting your hubby no matter who he looks like!

Thanks for the BIG update! :)

LegoMom3

06-14-2009, 07:38 PM

Do you ever have one of those posts where you don't even know where to begin? Fortunately for all of you, that means that I have a lot to say, I know how much you all love that.

Right? :lmao:

Dude!!.....that means I get a lot to read!:woohoo:

In the line of clothing, I do have something sort of dorky to admit to. Well, basically, DH and DS get all the fun. They get cool matching clothes, you know? Transformers tees, Pirates, Star Wars, etc. Well, they both happen to have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirts. They're not exactly the same, but I love it when they wear similar clothes. It's like we're themed without being too matchy. And it's adorable.

So imagine my suprise when I found this.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/467854.jpg

I know. It's perfect, right?

How cool is that?!! I can so picture you in that, you know...:rolleyes:

I put this on last night and I looked in the mirror and I thought, honey? How old do you think you are? :lmao:

Honey, when you're at Disney, the number does not matter!!:thumbsup2

So I'm sad to end the twenties, but excited to begin the thirties. I feel more right with myself. More living in my own skin and being happy where that is. It's a long story, but I'm making some life changes that have really been about what's best for me, and what's best for my family, and that in and of itself has been extremely empowering.

I loved my 30s. I actually feel like mentally I "stopped" at 30. I mean, you definitely gain wisdom as you age, but I don't "feel" like I'm in my *cough*sputter*forties*sniff*....:rolleyes:. I was still trying to figure myself out in my 20s, and it kind of all came together in the 30s. You'll love it!

As soon as we started, I knew it would be a chapter. See, one of the biggest problems we've ever had on our trips, especially with a large group is, where do you want to go? I don't know, where do you want to go? Well, what do you want to do? I don't care, what do you want to do?

UGH. Somebody make a decision!!!! :lmao:

Can't even imagine.....I have a hard enough time trying to organize 5 people!!:eek:

The 2009 Must Do's, if you will.

And yes. I am going to ignore the blatantly obvious Jack Sparrow joke. ;) pirate:

So Mom and I came up with a list of our must do's for each park. Separated into the following categories: rides/attractions, meet n greets, food, and shopping. Today I went over the list with my husband, and he brought to my attention a few things that I'd missed, so that was great.

I know how you all love lists, so without further ado, here they are.

Magic Kingdom 2009 Must Do's

Rides / Attractions -

Tommorrowland - Buzz, TTA, Speedway
Toontown - The Barnstormer (if DS wants to), The Train
Fantasyland - IASW, Peter Pan, Snow White, Dumbo, Philharmagic, Carousel, Teacups, Story Time with Belle
Liberty Square - The Haunted Mansion, The Hall of Presidents
Frontierland - Splash Mountain (is everyone really getting me on this???? :scared1:), BTMRR
Adventureland - Pirates, Pirate Tutorial

Meet n Greets - if DS is willing, Princesses & Tink

Food - Casey's, Dole Whips, Popcorn, Slushy Coke

Shopping - Main Street, WTP shop, Buzz Kiosk, Pirates
Epcot

Rides / Attractions - Spaceship Earth, Figment, The Seas, Test Track, Soarin', Mexico

Kim Possible Adventures, Innoventions

Meet n Greets - Disney Visa, WTP in England, others around WS

Food - Norway Bakery, Pretzel in Germany, Champagne in France, Magarita in Mexico, Food & Wine Festival

Shopping - Art Store, Test Track, the Countries
Do I have to call it DHS?
Rides / Attractions - Toy Story Mania, TGMR, The Little Mermaid, Star Tours, RnRC, ToT, Lights Motors Action, Backlot Tour, HISTK playground, Indiana Jones Stunt Show

Meet n Greets - Buzz / Woody
Sorcerer Mickey (where did they move him to?)

Food - Pretzel, Junky Apple

Shopping - Clothiers on Main Drag, Villain Candy Shop, Pizza Planet Arcade (can you say claw machine?)
Animal Kingdom

Rides / Attractions -

Safari, Lion King Show, Nemo Show, Expedition Everest, Rapids, Walking Trails, The Boneyard, Triceratops Spin (is that what it's called?)

Meet n Greets - Safari Characters at Camp Minnie Mickey

Food - Slushy tea
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Rides -

The Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Buzz (for Mom)

Attractions / Events -
The Headless Horseman
Boo to You Parade
Hallowishes
Trick or Treating

Meet n Greets - AS MANY AS I CAN!!!! :lmao:

Shopping - Special Halloween Merch., Cotton Candy
Bless, you my children, if you read through that whole list.

I did, and I love it! SO want to plan a trip....A real one.

Now, I know what else you're thinking. TK, once you make all those wonderful lists, where do you put them?

Well, I'll tell you.

In this!!!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0225.jpg

Indeed, there she is. My purdy, girlie, pretty in pink trip binder. In case it's hard to read, the title there is "Turning Thirty, and Never Growing Up" This is a page from my son's Peter Pan book. I just couldn't resist it. It reads, "...for Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys (who weren't quite ready to grow up yet) were off on another wonderful Never Land adventure." That's so true.

Again, how cool is that!! That came out great TK! Nice job.

So we are sticking with the original plan. After learning a few DISers were attending the same party as the TK clan, I thought, gosh, how can I not have DH dress as Jack Sparrow.

And so I ask, on a need-to-know basis.....what night are you doing this??!!!:worship:

I think that's quite enough for this evening.

Hope you enjoyed! ;)

Well I could keep reading but yes, I most certainly enjoyed this! Living vicariously, don'tcha know....:thumbsup2

.

TarzansKat

06-14-2009, 07:42 PM

Oh, I did enjoy! Oh so very much. It took away a bit of my Sunday night dread- at least for a little bit!

:yay:

I am giggling over your Ninja turtles tank. Good for you! I think you three will look so cute. Didn't there used to be a turtles meet and greet at the studios? Is there still? :confused3

I know there isn't now, but did there ever used to be one? Wow, I have no idea! :scratchin

Love your must do lists! Funny, Hall of Presidents is on mine for the very first time. I totally missed it last year (because I didn't carry lists with me so I highly recommend taking your lists :thumbsup2) and am looking forward to seeing the new Obama animatronic!

Oddly enough, I don't know if I'll do this one, but Mom informed me Nana really likes it, so it went on the list.

Where are there slushie cokes in the Magic Kingdom?

At the Launching Pad in Tomorrowland, right across from Buzz.

You have Everest on your list but are worried about Splash? I've been on Splash... trust me... if I can do it ANYONE can. ::yes:: I still get scared in Snow White. :sad2:

Oh, my dear. I have mislead you. :lmao:

I will most certainly NOT be going on Everest. That's on the list for my husband! :lmao:

LOVE your binder. She's very purdy. I've never had a binder. I feel perhaps I need one. Do you take it on the trip with you? Do you take it into the parks with you?

I take it on the trip with me, and take pieces into the parks, not the whole thing. I found it particularly useful last year when there were things about the resort (WL) I couldn't remember (where the laundry room was, or what time the electrical water parade went by) and it was in my handy resort info section. :thumbsup2

I also keep park hours, adr info, and a whole bunch of other useful info in there, so I really love it. I never had one until I started on these boards, and I feel it helps. :thumbsup2

Costumes - I think you all will look perfect as the Peter Pan clan. I will enjoy meeting your hubby no matter who he looks like!

I'll be happy to tell him you said that. ;)

Thanks for the BIG update! :)

You're welcome! It was rather cathartic.

TarzansKat

06-14-2009, 07:46 PM

How cool is that?!! I can so picture you in that, you know...:rolleyes:

HA! Good to know. :lmao:

Honey, when you're at Disney, the number does not matter!!:thumbsup2

As you've seen, I do have a tendency to let my inner five year old run free.

I loved my 30s. I actually feel like mentally I "stopped" at 30. I mean, you definitely gain wisdom as you age, but I don't "feel" like I'm in my *cough*sputter*forties*sniff*....:rolleyes:. I was still trying to figure myself out in my 20s, and it kind of all came together in the 30s. You'll love it!

That's pretty much how I feel about it. I think that I'll be less uncertain in my thirties, or at least better equipped to handle things, whereas the twenties where a lot of change for me.

And so I ask, on a need-to-know basis.....what night are you doing this??!!!:worship:

Thursday, October 1st. You SO need to be there. :thumbsup2

Well I could keep reading but yes, I most certainly enjoyed this! Living vicariously, don'tcha know....:thumbsup2

.

Vicarious living is happily permitted on this trip. ;)

maroo

06-14-2009, 08:27 PM

Whoa!

Where to start, where to start!

I like the turtle tops and skirt! :goodvibes

So....you really gonna ride Splash Mountain? :scared1:

I love your must do lists!! And I am going to have to bookmark this page so that I can look up these food hints, too!! Yum!

Love the binder!!

OH MY GOSH!!! The Nana bonnet.... :cloud9: How totally cool is THAT?!

Oh...I am so jealous of the people that get to see you guys all dressed up as Peter Pan's clan! You just have to figure out a way to see if you can meet Peter Pan while you guys are all dressed up...how cool would that be?

Loved the update! And yes, I read the whole thing! I love long updates! Especially long TK updates...always chock full of good stuff! :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

06-15-2009, 12:06 AM

Great update! By the way, you don't ever have to grow up even when you are in your thirties! I have decided that! :laughing:

Binder looks great! :thumbsup2

Hurray for finding Nana's bonnet!

Having must-dos will make the trip run smoother -- hopefully! :goodvibes

TarzansKat

06-15-2009, 08:11 AM

So....you really gonna ride Splash Mountain? :scared1:

Anything is possible. :rolleyes1

I love your must do lists!! And I am going to have to bookmark this page so that I can look up these food hints, too!! Yum!

I'll actually be going more in depth into my must do lists in the next chapter, just so you know. More explanation of what we're doing and who it's for.:thumbsup2

OH MY GOSH!!! The Nana bonnet.... :cloud9: How totally cool is THAT?!

Oh...I am so jealous of the people that get to see you guys all dressed up as Peter Pan's clan! You just have to figure out a way to see if you can meet Peter Pan while you guys are all dressed up...how cool would that be?

I'd love to meet Peter and Wendy, but even more so, I'd love to meet Captain Hook and Smee. Just for the simple fact of I would love to see Captain Hook's reaction to another Captain Hook. :lmao:

Loved the update! And yes, I read the whole thing! I love long updates! Especially long TK updates...always chock full of good stuff! :goodvibes

Thank you!

Great update! By the way, you don't ever have to grow up even when you are in your thirties! I have decided that! :laughing:

Well, dang, if CP says it, it must be so! :hug:

Having must-dos will make the trip run smoother -- hopefully! :goodvibes

This is something Tink and I did for our May trip. In advance, we talked about our must dos for each portion of our trip. Granted, our lists were very short, but we still had an idea of what the other wanted to do, and I think it really helps to go in with that loose game plan. :thumbsup2

MRYPPNS

06-15-2009, 09:57 AM

Your Nana is going to look so dang cute as Nana! Loves it!

jenjolt

06-15-2009, 10:00 AM

:worship::worship: I HAVE BEEN INSPIRED :worship::worship:

Okay I don't know if it was the lists or the binder or probably both but you have lit a fire under me...I'm in full out planning mode (of course the bug bites when I'm in a location where I can't do anything about it LOL) but when I get home a new binder will be made...well almost I'll use the materials but I'm going to find a catching title ( I LOVE YOURS btw) and away I will go LOL!

How awesome is that hat...it is definitely a sign that is most definitely a Nana hat and I can't wait to see your costumes in person ( that is if you don't mind...LOL I'll be the third musketeer with Christine and Paula at MNSSHP LOL)!

You guys have a plan and as a fellow Libra I'm in awe...you have a plan and have agreed to be flexible that is awesome!! Yay for girl time with your mom!!

Can't wait to hear more details about your lists!!

Once again what a great update and I look forward to more!

TarzansKat

06-15-2009, 10:09 AM

Your Nana is going to look so dang cute as Nana! Loves it!

Thanks! :goodvibes

:worship::worship: I HAVE BEEN INSPIRED :worship::worship:

Oh, I was seriously inspired yesterday. Today, not so much. :lmao:

Okay I don't know if it was the lists or the binder or probably both but you have lit a fire under me...I'm in full out planning mode (of course the bug bites when I'm in a location where I can't do anything about it LOL) but when I get home a new binder will be made...well almost I'll use the materials but I'm going to find a catching title ( I LOVE YOURS btw) and away I will go LOL!

Good for you! I just figured it's almost time for me to make my ressies, I really need to get everything else in order.

How awesome is that hat...it is definitely a sign that is most definitely a Nana hat and I can't wait to see your costumes in person ( that is if you don't mind...LOL I'll be the third musketeer with Christine and Paula at MNSSHP LOL)!

Of course I would love to meet you, you silly nut! :lmao: I'd love to meet all three of you actually, and if you'd like to meet me and my crazy family, bless you. :rotfl2:

You guys have a plan and as a fellow Libra I'm in awe...you have a plan and have agreed to be flexible that is awesome!! Yay for girl time with your mom!!

Of course, I'll probably waffle, but I'm sticking with the costume decision.

For now.

Okay, for always, because I really can't do any of my other ideas and have it be conducive to the group thing. Plus, we'll always have a solo family trip in 2010 to do whatever we want. :lmao:

Can't wait to hear more details about your lists!!

Once again what a great update and I look forward to more!

Thanks!

All7OfUs

06-18-2009, 12:05 AM

Love the suit, it's very cute!

Also, I think the Peter Pan idea is so clever! That little bonnet is so sweet, and I know Nana is going to be a perfect, well, Nana!

Yes, I read the ENTIRE list of to-dos as well, and think it looks fab. In fact, it would be almost identical to mine, except mine would have fewer meet and greets. Just not my thang.

So much to share this time- great update!

If U Had Wings

06-18-2009, 09:26 AM

I don't know how I managed to miss your update. :headache: The boards seem to be doing that alot to me lately. I missed LL's last week too.

I love the binder. Very cute! All the Peter Pan themeing is adorable. I think it's perfect for MNSSHP. Just think of how comfortable your going to be as Wendy. A nightgown and nice flat shoes this year. No heels! Hopefully those characters will be out that night for pictures. The whole family would make a great photo op!

MegansMom

06-18-2009, 12:57 PM

Loved the update---especially the binder reveal.....it was my favorite part!!!! You guys are going to look SO cute....I wish there could be a way that you could post a picture of you all...without faces maybe?!?!?!?! I want to see that so badly!!! :(

jmamom

06-18-2009, 03:54 PM

I've been lurking on your PTR for a while now and I just realized that my trip is the same week as yours! We're planning to do MNSSHP on Tuesday the 29th, though, so we won't get to see the Peter Pan gang in person (or with heads). Love the binder, good luck with the ADR's. Are you going to try to do it online? I hear good things about it so far.

TarzansKat

06-18-2009, 04:31 PM

Also, I think the Peter Pan idea is so clever! That little bonnet is so sweet, and I know Nana is going to be a perfect, well, Nana!

I can't wait to give it to her. I'll have to take pictures of her face when she opens it! :lmao:

Yes, I read the ENTIRE list of to-dos as well, and think it looks fab. In fact, it would be almost identical to mine, except mine would have fewer meet and greets. Just not my thang.

You know, I wasn't always all about the meet and greets, but I really love it. For myself and my son. You never know what kind of experience you'll have, and it's exciting!

I don't know how I managed to miss your update. :headache: The boards seem to be doing that alot to me lately. I missed LL's last week too.

No worries, mate. I have a hard time getting on the boards in general during my work week, so no problems. :thumbsup2

I love the binder. Very cute! All the Peter Pan themeing is adorable. I think it's perfect for MNSSHP. Just think of how comfortable your going to be as Wendy. A nightgown and nice flat shoes this year. No heels! Hopefully those characters will be out that night for pictures. The whole family would make a great photo op!

I KNOW! I didn't even mention that in my post, but it's going to be so AWESOME to go in flat shoes!!!!!!!! I'm mega excited about that. Maybe I'll last longer into the night. :lmao:

Loved the update---especially the binder reveal.....it was my favorite part!!!! You guys are going to look SO cute....I wish there could be a way that you could post a picture of you all...without faces maybe?!?!?!?! I want to see that so badly!!! :(

I'm sure I'll figure out a way to post a picture. :thumbsup2

I've been lurking on your PTR for a while now and I just realized that my trip is the same week as yours! We're planning to do MNSSHP on Tuesday the 29th, though, so we won't get to see the Peter Pan gang in person (or with heads). Love the binder, good luck with the ADR's. Are you going to try to do it online? I hear good things about it so far.

:welcome: And thank you for coming out of lurkdom! I'm happy to have you here. Who knows, maybe we'll run into each other. :goodvibes

TarzansKat

06-20-2009, 04:29 PM

I promise that this update will eventually be about my trip.

Unfortunately, much as we would like to lose ourselves...well, heck, I would like to lose myself in the world of trip planning...in the World, life sort of gets in the way. But in a good way.

And I guess I'm looking for a little support from my dear DIS friends. And it's not just of the sandal variety. That's a whole other issue.

Basically, this week has been weird for me. Weird, in a good way. I've had a lot of angst over the whole trip sandal thing and it's made me cranky. Which made me realize that my desire to be able to control the sandal situation wasn't really about the sandals at all but about life.

It's amazing how footwear can be a metaphor for what's lacking.

Oh, Tink. Is that crazy or what? Anyway :rolleyes1, moving on.

I basically had a realization. The more I think about this trip, the closer we get to me turning thirty. And the closer we get to me turning thirty, the more I think about the things I haven't done. And in the past, it was more along the lines of, I haven't bought a house...I haven't had another baby...I haven't done this, I haven't done that.

And now, it's something entirely different. Not so much focused on what I don't have, but focused on what I CAN do. And what I can do, and what I'd like to do. And it's amazing, for me, as a wife and a mother, to finally turn the tables back on myself, and say, wait a minute. Wait, wait.

Where did I get lost in this wonderful life here? Where did we lose TK?

What happened to the girl who was so determined?

How did I end up as a bank teller? That is the million dollar question, isn't it? Well, I can tell you how. After I gave birth to DS, I was layed off. I chose to stay home for a year, and right before DS' birthday, my husband was layed off. It was then a mad dash of who could find a job first, and who could find a job with health insurance. Enter the bank. I originally started part time working 20 hours a week, and I was able to carry our insurance. My husband found a job right around the same time, but no insurance for the whole family, just him. So basically, I needed to work.

It wasn't a choice, it wasn't an option, I needed to. But I aslo needed to for me. Because I had an almost one year old, and I didn't get out a lot. We had little playgroups and things here and there, but there wasn't a lot of adult conversation in my world. And so I was looking forward to that. It was filling a void I didn't even realize was there.

Fast forward to now. I've been with the bank for three years. My son is four. He's more independent. We're all more independent, and yet closer than we've ever been as a family. Instead of having him with my parents all the time (which has been hard some days), he'll be starting preschool (full days) two days a week. We're easing into it during the summer, and if it goes well, he'll go to three days for the school year.

It'll give me more freedom, and him the structure and time with children that he so desperately needs. It will also allow me to really enjoy him on my days off, and have some time with him before he goes to kindergarten. (We've got one more full year of preschool.)

I guess the point here is, I don't have a baby anymore. I have a very beautiful little boy who is quickly turning into a big boy. Almost overnight, it seems. And that stay at home mom who needed to get out of the house and have some adult interaction...well...she's not the same mom anymore.

And I mean that in an entirely good way.

This job did what it was meant to do. But I never meant for it to be a career. I never meant to spend the rest of my life there. I happen to be very good at what I do. I say that not out of arrogance but out of high praise and annual reviews. The thing is, I can be good at a lot of things, because in my family we believe if you put your mind to it, you do it, and you do it all out. And that's the way we are. Workaholics, hard core, to the very core.

And you know what I discovered? I'm going to be thirty and I don't want to spend the rest of my life at the bank.

I don't want to be that far from where I started. As an artist, with a BFA in painting. Someone who loves children and always has. Someone who loves to read, loves to write, loves to talk, loves to listen.

Loves new ideas and thinking and learning.

Can you see where this is going?

It's something I've always thought about, but I never had the confidence in myself, never the push to do something until now.

Right now. This week.

I started looking up information about going back to school. So I can teach.

There. I said it. I want to be a teacher. My grandfather, I'm sure, is smiling on me from heaven.

Granddad was a teacher. Nana is a teacher. My mother also has a degree in education. I guess when they say apples don't fall far from the tree, it's true.

But just to throw a little wrench in the works, I have no desire to teach art. Which is unfortunate, because that's what my degree is in. No, no, I want to be difficult and teach something else.

Something I love, and something I'm good at, and something that I can be passionate about.

English. Literature, reading, writing, whatever you want to call it, that's what I want to do. CP, have you fallen out of your chair yet? I so need to send you an e-mail.

The fact of the matter is that I've finally realized that no matter what I do there will always be drama. There will always be stress.

But what I do right now? What I do for work? There's no reward in it. I hate to be so demeaning, but anyone can do my job. Anyone can be taught how to use that computer and how to hand out money for a living. Anyone can be taught how to sell a product. There's no ultimate satisfaction in it, no thrill in knowing that you've made someone's life better, that maybe you've enriched them in a way they won't even realize until they've been out of high school 10+ years.

I can remember all my high school English teachers. Their lectures, the Shakesperean plays we studied, everything. Everything. It has such meaning to me, even now. I want to do that. Even if I can touch one life, isn't that better than sitting at the same station, day after day, doling out cash, waiting for the weekend to come so you can be with your family again?

Don't get me wrong. I have fun at the bank. I'm a have lemons make lemonade kind of gal. But I have tears in my eyes talking about this. It makes me sad to think that what I do has such a small impact. And I'm not one of those kind of people who can just look at a job as a job. I want it to mean something, I want it to be more. I want to be satisfied when I come home, even if it was stressful, because I want to do something I love.

I don't love what I do. I love my family. I love "the boys." I love being a wife, a mother, sister, daughter, niece, auntie, you name it. I love my big crazy family.

But loving my family doesn't mean that I have to be unhappy. It doesn't mean that I need to keep searching for ways to get around this birthday, to ignore what it really is. A sign. The end of the twenties and the beginning of something new.

Maybe even the year I go back to school and get certified to do something else. I don't deny it will be hard, I don't deny it will be rough.

But the end result?

A piece of the happiness pie? How can you put a price on it?

Continued in next post....

TarzansKat

06-20-2009, 04:56 PM

Okay, I did not expect that to take up a whole post. Forgive me! :lmao:

Let's indulge in a little shallowness here and talk about my misplaced trip sandal anger. So Fruedian. Anyway, what I don't want to discuss is how many different sandals have made their way through these doors and gone right back out again.

Where my husband works, they have a UPS pick up each day, and his co-workers now call him, "the shoe guy."

It's that bad.

That's how many returns I make him bring to work for me. For shame, TK. For shame. :rolleyes1 :lmao:

God bless him. I should really thank him. Perhaps for Father's Day! :thumbsup2

Anyway, right now, I'm wearing these around the house.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0230.jpg

They seem to be comfortable. I say seem to be because I find it almost impossible to figure out how comfortable shoes are while wearing them on carpeted indoor environments. You need a good outside walk to really get the idea, but unfortunately for returning capabilites that's a big no no. So inside it is. These are Keens, Venice H2 in black.

And yes, those are my pasty white legs. The blessings of being Irish without the benefit of my son's beautiful auburn red hair. Ah well. Now you know why I burn so easily. :lmao: And no, my toenails are not green. That tiny bit of green is a little Spongebob bandaid because some pair of cute little kitten heels I thought would be fun to wear to work gave me a fun little blister. :::sigh::: I have shoe angst.

When I say that they seem to be comfortable I mean in comparison to the plethora of other shoes I've tried on. What really is putting a bee in my bonnett is that the black Teva flip flops I love seem to be discontinued, and I'm not sure if I mentioned this already, but I can only find this color:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/6627-675799-d.jpg

Okay. I'm not a pink and tan kind of girl. Pink and chocolate brown, maybe. Pink? Hmm...not so much. Unless we're talking pirate princess pink, but that's usually pink and black. What I mean to say is, I love my black flip flops. They go with everything. Much like those black Keens would probably go with everything. However, do I love them enough to have shelled out around $64 for them? I don't know. They seem nice. Now, I did go ahead and order the pink and tan...or as they call it "Dusty Rose" Teva flips, because quite frankly, that's the best flip flop bar none. Ever. So there. Now those pretty puppies ran me about $25. Which is AWESOME.

So we have a couple of problems here. Either we can run with the whole Keen thing and see how these work and they'll match my current wardrobe, or we can just know that we'll bring the black Teva flips, most likely have to use the dusty rose Teva flips, and quite frankly, TK will need a new wardrobe.

Honestly. I just don't think that pink/tan combo goes with jeans and a black tank top. Am I too picky? Someone tell me I'm too picky. God, why do I care? :lmao:

Well, I care, because 15 years from now, I'm going to have to look at the photos from vacation, that's why!!! :rotfl2:

So to sum up:

I love the black Teva flips and can't find a replacement pair anywhere on the net. I've even tried Ebay.

I don't love the color of the dusty rose flips, but I'm willing to settle for them given the price and the fact that I know they're the most comfortable flips ever. This also gives me the possibility of buying some new tanks, or maybe even using the DISigns board and making some fun tanks. More on that later.

I'm wearing the Keens around the house to try to get a feel for them and I'll keep you posted.

I guess for this trip, I'm going to have to learn how to rotate shoes, and hope that serves me well. I just really don't like having to pack a lot. I love being able to have one pair of sandals that suits the whole trip. Ah well.

Now on to the whole fun tanks thing. I'm definitely thinking about making my own this year and doing some iron on transfers. DS has plenty of shirts, and I know I can't really get the whole family in tees they'd like. So I've focused on myself with this one. One I know I'd really like to make is for our DHS day. I already happen to have a navy tank that I'd love to put a Sorceror Mickey on. I love Mickey in his sorceror costume. It's so dang cute. I have a few other ideas, but I'll leave those for if I actually make them.

That doesn't mean, however, despite all my trip agnst and tank pondering that I haven't made a few little trip purchases along the way.

Without further ado, here they are...

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0231.jpg

DS needs a new bathing suit. Not necessarily because he is a 6/7, but because he's really not a 4/5 anymore. I swear, they should make an in between size. :lmao: After much ado trying to purchase various character swimsuits for him, I discovered something. My son doesn't want characters on his swimsuits. Tees, tanks, yes. Swimsuits, not so mcuh. So he is quite pleased with this pair of trunks, and I am too. Walmart, $6. You can't go wrong.

The big pens with Finding Nemo! I've always read on the boards that the big pens are easier for characters to grip and I found these in the Target Dollar Spot. Quite frankly, they're just cute, and I think they'd be fun to carry.

And the purse. Because I need a new purse like I need a hole in the head.

But wait. Wait until you hear how much that cutie patootie Mickey purse was.

$3.

Walmart.

Gotta love it. Couldn't resist. Called my name, as a matter of fact.

So there you have it, folks. A whole bunch of wardrobe, and cute pens. Hopefully in the next post I can get back to the to do list and revisit the discussion of ADRs, since I'm fairly certain my calling date is July 1st.

That's not too far away! :yay:

jenjolt

06-20-2009, 05:04 PM

TarzansKat

06-20-2009, 05:13 PM

Awwww...TK from one teacher to a future one I wish you all the luck in the world. Being in teacher not only takes your mind but it takes your heart and I know you will fulfill that role completely. If you would ever like to pick my brain feel free. I love my students and I love what I do, sometimes the beaucracy can be a bit much but at the end of the day its about those children in my room and that keeps me going!! Good Luck and like I said its not about reinventing the wheel so don't hesitate to ask anything!

As far as the sandals...awww I'm still inspired I really need to get on with this shoe business its only 3 months away I need to stop slacking LOL!

Thank you so much, Jen! I will probably PM you as I think of questions I may have. Right now I'm researching what it would take to get certified in my state and if there are any accelerated programs I can take. Most of them tend to be all day Saturdays, and because I work at the bank (and have to, to carry our insurance), that's a no go. I'm hoping someone offers night courses or something so that I can make this happen!

And I get you on the bureaucracy. Basically, I deal with that now, so quite frankly, it can't be worse. And I've worked for lots of different parts of corporate America, so I'm fully aware of what political nonsense I may be jumping in to. :thumbsup2

Now, hon, remind me, who are you going with in September?

jenjolt

06-20-2009, 06:23 PM

Thank you so much, Jen! I will probably PM you as I think of questions I may have. Right now I'm researching what it would take to get certified in my state and if there are any accelerated programs I can take. Most of them tend to be all day Saturdays, and because I work at the bank (and have to, to carry our insurance), that's a no go. I'm hoping someone offers night courses or something so that I can make this happen!

And I get you on the bureaucracy. Basically, I deal with that now, so quite frankly, it can't be worse. And I've worked for lots of different parts of corporate America, so I'm fully aware of what political nonsense I may be jumping in to. :thumbsup2

Now, hon, remind me, who are you going with in September?

I'm going to be joined by ILuvCrush(Paula) and will be meeting up with 2xcited2sleep (Christine)!!

Yes I have no doubt you'll be a great teacher!

MRYPPNS

06-20-2009, 08:15 PM

It makes me sad to think that what I do has such a small impact.
Don't dis-credit yourself so much because you never really know what impact you can make on people everyday. Here's an example of what I mean. A few months ago when I was still pregnant and feeling horrible....I think it was when I could barely walk.....I had a carptasic day...tears and everything....everyone I had had contact with that day was mean/rude or uncaring.....until I went thru the drive-thru at Dunkin' Donuts to get a slushie. The girl that served me was so sweet and friendly it brightened my whole lousy day. I can't tell you how much better I felt just from the girl at the drive thru who had a kind word for me. So you may currently not be curing cancer or teaching the next Hemmingway; you may be brightening someones day in ways that you don't know.

I say go for it! Your 30's are for finding and becoming the real you :cheer2:

TarzansKat

06-20-2009, 08:25 PM

I'm going to be joined by ILuvCrush(Paula) and will be meeting up with 2xcited2sleep (Christine)!!

Yes I have no doubt you'll be a great teacher!

Okay. I knew there was a potential meet with all of you, I just couldn't remember how you all fit together. :lmao:

So you'll be at the party on the 1st of Oct, too, right? :goodvibes

Don't dis-credit yourself so much because you never really know what impact you can make on people everyday. Here's an example of what I mean. A few months ago when I was still pregnant and feeling horrible....I think it was when I could barely walk.....I had a carptasic day...tears and everything....everyone I had had contact with that day was mean/rude or uncaring.....until I went thru the drive-thru at Dunkin' Donuts to get a slushie. The girl that served me was so sweet and friendly it brightened my whole lousy day. I can't tell you how much better I felt just from the girl at the drive thru who had a kind word for me. So you may currently not be curing cancer or teaching the next Hemmingway; you may be brightening someones day in ways that you don't know.

I say go for it! Your 30's are for finding and becoming the real you :cheer2:

Aw, hon, thanks. :hug: You know, after I wrote all that, I thought, I may not feel like I'm doing a lot, but maybe I am helping people by caring for them and making them feel secure with their money in a time when things are so uncertain. That must be worth something! :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

06-20-2009, 11:44 PM

TK, I think that teaching sounds like a fantastic idea. Especially having a child at home, it gives you similar hours. And such a wonderful thing to pass on a love of literature.

I think for the price the dusty rose shoes will be fine. You can always crop your feet out of all the pics later. :lmao:

Charleston Princess

06-21-2009, 12:04 AM

I did manage to stay upright in my chair, TK! :goodvibes

I think you would be a wonderful literature teacher! Kids respond to teachers who love their subject matter, and I know you love literature! It's perfect for you! :hug:

TarzansKat

06-21-2009, 06:57 AM

TK, I think that teaching sounds like a fantastic idea. Especially having a child at home, it gives you similar hours. And such a wonderful thing to pass on a love of literature.

That's one of the things I know I'll love about it. I've never actually wanted to work full time, and I know teachers take home a lot of work as well, but to have the summers off and the same hours as my son? It's a wonderful trade off.

I think for the price the dusty rose shoes will be fine. You can always crop your feet out of all the pics later. :lmao:

Ha! So on the DIS, not only will I be known as the Jack Sparrow lovin' girl with the cropped head, I'll also be the Jack Sparrow lovin' girl with the cropped feet. :rotfl2:

I did manage to stay upright in my chair, TK! :goodvibes

:yay:

I think you would be a wonderful literature teacher! Kids respond to teachers who love their subject matter, and I know you love literature! It's perfect for you! :hug:

Thank you so much! It means a lot to me to hear that from you, given that's what you do.

You've all been so wonderful with supporting me, and I really, really appreciate it.

TarzansKat

06-21-2009, 11:18 AM

I have to start this chapter with a little something funny.

Yesterday, DS and I discovered (much to my delight) that POTC Dead Man's Chest was on USA. Of course, we watched. We came in right around the part where Will leaves to find Jack and ends up on the island.

As we were watching that whole debacle progress, eventually, everyone is fleeing the island. Will is in the lead with Gibbs, Pintel, and Ragetti, and the other pirates are running. But, where, dear friends, is Jack?

"Mama, where is Jack Sparrow?"

At which point, Jack comes running up the beach with the whole tribe chasing him. And the other pirates are in a huge rush to get onto the Pearl.

And my DS cries out, "MAMA!!!! THEY ARE LEAVING JACK SPARROW BEHIND!!!!" If you could have pictured his face as a smilie, it would have been this one :eek:.

My boy was so upset. I wish I could convey the tone and inflection of his voice at that moment, and when I didn't answer him fast enough, he said, "MAMA!!!! Why are they leaving Jack Sparrow? They need to wait for him!"

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

God bless him. Loves Jack almost as much as I do, methinks. "Honey, they won't leave Jack Sparrow. Don't worry, they won't leave without him." And as Jack boarded the ship, my DS breathed a huge sigh of relief.

I won't talk about what happened when we watched the end. :scared1:

Moving on to trip related nonsense. ;)

I've been bummed by the sad lack of Disney tank tops this year. Usually Kohls has a nice variety in the juniors section, and I can get away with shrinking an XL and it'll fit just fine. I'm not wowed by any of the ones on the Disney site, and I just can't find them anywhere else.

What is a girl to do?

Order a whole bunch of plain ones, and make your own!!!

So I have several ideas here, if you'll bear with me.

I mentioned this one yesterday. I have a nice navy blue tank that I think this would be adorable on, and I'd love to wear it to DHS.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/SorcerorMickey.jpg

Now, I've always wanted to do something along these lines. I think I like the silhouette better. What do you think?

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/Peter.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/PeterBlk.jpg

And, in honor of long ago conversations with CP and my new...:::Sigh::::...pink flip flops:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/ChesireCat.jpg

I also think this is the year, folks. The year to try something I've wanted to do for a long time. In honor of Pop Century, and my crazy little family, it's time. :hippie: It's time to brave the world of tie dye Mickey shirts.

Oh yes.

And I will wait until DH is home before I attempt them. I have the instructions from the DIS boards, and quite frankly, it doesn't look too bad, but I'd really love some reinforcements on this one. I don't know whether or not we'll let DS be involved. It seems mucho messy. Which is fine. I mean, we have tile floor. I'll just have to make sure none of us are wearing clothes we particularly care about when we're using the dye. :lmao:

I know we're not taking a vacation the three of us, we have the big group. And I just don't see the big group doing a matching tee thing. First of all, some of our group, well...they're not tee shirt people. So I won't force the issue. But I would like something for the three of us, and it would make a nice family picture. In honor of Pop, in honor of loud and bright and colorful, and in honor of how crazy we are, I think the Mickey tie dye tees will be just perfect! I actually have a white tank top that is pretty much see through and was being relegated to sleepwear, but now I have an even better us for it. One of our local craft stores has Hanes tees on sale for adults and toddlers for $2 a piece, so that's just perfect!

I'll let you all know when the tanks / shirts are here and we start the creative process.

It should be messy, and fun. Some of my favorite things. :thumbsup2

MRYPPNS

06-21-2009, 12:20 PM

I love the idea of Mickey Mouse tye dyed shirts....I especially liked the ones that Crissy bought on ebay....real no mess no fuss with those!

Charleston Princess

06-21-2009, 02:03 PM

Oh, I do like the idea of making your own t-shirts -- especially the Cheshire Cat one and the tie-dyed ones! Those will be perfect for Pop! :thumbsup2

Poor DS and Jack Sparrow -- did you go ahead and tell him that Jack comes back in the third one?

2xcited2sleep

06-21-2009, 02:32 PM

I also love the idea of custom tye dye t-shirts. They fit perfectly with the Pop theme. Would you mind sharing the directions and any tips after you try it? :flower3:

I think I like the Peter Pan profile better too. Both are just adorable. Making t-shirts is something I'm hoping to try too. And if the weather here in New England continues to be so crappy, I'll have plenty of time to try it!

Too cute that your son has inherited your affinity for Capt Jack! :goodvibes

jenjolt

06-21-2009, 03:53 PM

Awww..the idea of tyedye tshirts sounds really fun!! I'm sure you guys will have a great time making them...maybe your DS can help LOL!!!

Really like the Turning 30 Peter Pan one!!

And to answer your question from before, yes I will be there Oct 1st at the party!

TarzansKat

06-21-2009, 09:10 PM

I love the idea of Mickey Mouse tye dyed shirts....I especially liked the ones that Crissy bought on ebay....real no mess no fuss with those!

Ah, I didn't realize she got some there! That certainly takes the mess out of it! :thumbsup2

Oh, I do like the idea of making your own t-shirts -- especially the Cheshire Cat one and the tie-dyed ones! Those will be perfect for Pop! :thumbsup2

I knew you would love the Cheshire Cat one. I'm afraid even though that quote is from the movie, only my DIS friends will get it. I told my mom tonight and she gave me a very blank stare.:lmao:

Poor DS and Jack Sparrow -- did you go ahead and tell him that Jack comes back in the third one?

You know what, we actually didn't talk about it, I think we "distracted" ourselves with something else. And I haven't talked to him about the third one because while the violence in the first two is really questionable for my four year old, we can really pass it off (mostly) as bad pirates, etc. In the third, what with the hangings in the beginning and some of the grosser stuff when they're sailing through the cold cold ends of the earth, I just think that's nightmare fodder, so I don't know when I'll let him watch it.

What do you think? When did you start letting Connor get into that kind of stuff?

And now we have totally segued away from a pre trip report into parenting, but if you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear your thoughts! :goodvibes

I also love the idea of custom tye dye t-shirts. They fit perfectly with the Pop theme. Would you mind sharing the directions and any tips after you try it? :flower3:

I sure will share! I actually found the thread on the DISigns board, and I love that it has pictures!

Tie Die Mickey Shirts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1210609)

I think I like the Peter Pan profile better too. Both are just adorable. Making t-shirts is something I'm hoping to try too. And if the weather here in New England continues to be so crappy, I'll have plenty of time to try it!

My only quest now is to figure out if I'm able to get ride of the white outline that usually exists around the images, it really stinks if you're trying to put it on a colored tee. Although, I've got some ideas on how to make it work, so no biggie if I can't figure it out.

Too cute that your son has inherited your affinity for Capt Jack! :goodvibes

And not at all surprising. We so need to see a pirate tutorial at MK, and now, not just for my benefit.

Awww..the idea of tyedye tshirts sounds really fun!! I'm sure you guys will have a great time making them...maybe your DS can help LOL!!!

I'm not sure. On the helping thing. It looks really, really, really messy. And normally, that doesn't phase me, I mean, we play with playdough, we cook together...but none of that stuff can dye your skin. :scared1:

Really like the Turning 30 Peter Pan one!!

And to answer your question from before, yes I will be there Oct 1st at the party!

WOO HOO!!!! I'm so looking forward to meeting you. :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

06-21-2009, 10:00 PM

You know what, we actually didn't talk about it, I think we "distracted" ourselves with something else. And I haven't talked to him about the third one because while the violence in the first two is really questionable for my four year old, we can really pass it off (mostly) as bad pirates, etc. In the third, what with the hangings in the beginning and some of the grosser stuff when they're sailing through the cold cold ends of the earth, I just think that's nightmare fodder, so I don't know when I'll let him watch it.

What do you think? When did you start letting Connor get into that kind of stuff?

And now we have totally segued away from a pre trip report into parenting, but if you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear your thoughts! :goodvibes

I have always gone with my gut instinct on movies -- if I didn't think it was too bad, then I let Connor watch it. With the third Pirates movie, we went to see it in the movie theater and I had no idea the beginning would be like that. I was disturbed by it. Connor would have been almost eight, I think.

Now, there have been movies that he wanted to see that I wouldn't let him, because I had read various things about them beforehand. There was one kind of recently, but now I can't remember what it was -- it made Connor mad though that I wouldn't take him.

Bottom line though -- I always go with my gut instinct -- if I think it is too heavy, we don't watch it.

2xcited2sleep

06-22-2009, 06:19 AM

I sure will share! I actually found the thread on the DISigns board, and I love that it has pictures!

Tie Die Mickey Shirts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1210609)

Thanks! The pictures are very helpful. I looked quickly and think it may be too complicated for me. I am VERY craft challenged. There's sewing involved!?! :eek:

Can't wait to see how yours turn out. I'm sure they'll be adorable!! :)

TarzansKat

06-22-2009, 08:32 AM

I have always gone with my gut instinct on movies -- if I didn't think it was too bad, then I let Connor watch it. With the third Pirates movie, we went to see it in the movie theater and I had no idea the beginning would be like that. I was disturbed by it. Connor would have been almost eight, I think.

Now, there have been movies that he wanted to see that I wouldn't let him, because I had read various things about them beforehand. There was one kind of recently, but now I can't remember what it was -- it made Connor mad though that I wouldn't take him.

Bottom line though -- I always go with my gut instinct -- if I think it is too heavy, we don't watch it.

That's pretty much how I feel about it, but like you said, I was disturbed by the beginning of that film, so I can't imagine how he would feel about it, given the age of one of the people on the gallows. I just can't imagine having to explain that.

I guess that's a good rule of thumb. If you can't imagine having to explain it, maybe you're not ready to watch it. :thumbsup2

Thanks! The pictures are very helpful. I looked quickly and think it may be too complicated for me. I am VERY craft challenged. There's sewing involved!?! :eek:

I'm nervous about the sewing, too! I can't remember for the life of me what a basting stitch is. I'll have to google it. Fortunately for me, my husband can...yes, ladies, hold yourselves back...hem pants, so he's familiar with the basics.

Little known facts about my pirate lookin' DH for you. :lmao:

Anyway, I'm hoping if I can't do it, he can. He's also meticulous about that kind of stuff, so I can see us having a good time with this.

Can't wait to see how yours turn out. I'm sure they'll be adorable!! :)

Thanks! I'll keep you posted!

If U Had Wings

06-22-2009, 09:59 AM

TarzansKat

06-22-2009, 10:29 AM

Love the t-shirt idea! Our tye dyed shirts where a huge hit last year. Everywhere we went cm's and other guests kept stopping to ask where we got them. We had only intended on wearing them one day, but my sil washed the bunch of them one night and we all wore them a second time as well. Alot of our favorite pictures were from the days we all wore our shirts. It gave some nice unity to the pics. Here is one of my favorites.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/Disney%202008/FamilyEpcotFavShot.jpg

My brother bought ours off of a seller on e-bay. They had only had regular adult t's listed, but he contacted them and we did a special order with them. That way everyone could have the kind of shirt and size they wanted. August in Orlando, I definitely prefer tanks over t'shirts. I was going to make them myself, but when my brother came up with this idea I just got lazy!

Okay! Now that you posted the picture, I do remember this from your trip report. And you're right, it does lend a nice unity to your photos. I really enjoyed the photos of us in our pirate's life for three shirts last year, and I figure just because we're going with family doesn't mean we still aren't our own little triumvirate. :thumbsup2

I totally forgot that yours were from Ebay! That must have been so nice.

Me, however?

I'm down with forcing...I mean...enjoying this project with my husband. ;)

maroo

06-22-2009, 10:32 AM

I love the Peter Pan (colored one) and the Turning 30...I would definitely love to see the CM's reaction to that one! :goodvibes

And I love the Mickey Head T's, too!!

The rest of your family is gonna be jealous that you guys are getting all of the attention and have the coolest pics! :thumbsup2

TarzansKat

06-22-2009, 10:45 AM

I love the Peter Pan (colored one) and the Turning 30...I would definitely love to see the CM's reaction to that one! :goodvibes

You know, I could always make both. :lmao: I do have six days worth of shirts to play around with here. :thumbsup2

I think the silhouette would like great on a white tank.

The rest of your family is gonna be jealous that you guys are getting all of the attention and have the coolest pics! :thumbsup2

HA! They'll live. ;) And you know what, if they really want them, I will totally make them tie dye tees. :goodvibes

TarzansKat

06-22-2009, 12:26 PM

Oh my, oh me, oh my.

Nothing can ever be simple, right? No. Because if it was simple, well, life just wouldn't be as much fun. And honestly, I'm trying to look at this as a fun problem. Well, to me it's not really even a problem, but when dealing with the opinions of a big group. Let me backtrack.

DS is very into pretend play right now. "Mama, I'm a doggie. Woof, woof. Doggies don't like to get their hair brushed." :goodvibes So. Stinkin. Cute.

Then, this conversation, which I didn't get to hear all of, but was retold to me by my husband. I was hysterical.

DS - "Papa, I'm sad."

DH - "Why are you sad?"

DS - "Because I don't have a Batman costume."

DH - "You're sad because you don't have a Batman costume? If you're Batman, " (DH's all time favorite for those of you who don't know), "then who am I?"

DS - "You can be Robin!" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Just picturing someone who can authentically dress like Jack Sparrow dressing like Robin was enough to send me into a fit of giggles. A huge fit. I'm still getting over it.

So lately, DS has been a lot of things. And wanted to be a lot of things.

And one thing he's not interested in being? Peter Pan.

At. All. :confused3

Okay, I'm not going to force him. I don't believe in it. He's old enough to have an opinoin, he should be able to have one. Not necessarily the train of thought of everyone else, who think I should just pack a costume for him and he'll want to wear it because that's how everyone else is dressed.

Yeah. I know my son. So not going to work. We better make darn sure that if we pack a costume we're not sure he's going to wear that we have a back up. Like his pirate costume he's worn for the past several years, which is so easy. White tee, blue shorts, striped waist sash, bandana, fake earrings, coins, and little treasure chest. Simple, to the point. Now he could easily be a pirate and we could still all be characters from Peter Pan. Basically, Mom has in her head that DS is going to be Peter, and that's that. So she's not really down for him being a pirate and us all being from Peter Pan without Peter. I think it'd still be pretty obvious who we were, but okay. So you all know how my Libran personality can easily flip and flop to different ideas for our crew. Now I know that I already bought the bonnett for Nana, and I get that. But today, my son was so excited.

So excited.

Because I asked, "What do you want to be for Halloween when we go to Disney World?"

"WALL E!!!!"

Oh boy. :confused3 :lmao:

Now, how the heck am I going to find/make a Wall E costume? Is the boy going to want to be this a week from now? Will he want to be Batman or a Transformer (another huge favorite in our house right now)? Who knows, right? I mean, he's four. We have 3 months until our trip. That's a whole boatload of time to change your mind.

So, I went on Ebay and found a seller in the UK that has Wall E costume from their Disney store, and it's very cute and really looks like something he would wear. And he's told me he wants it. I'm going to wait and make sure he really does.

I already thought of a cute way to make an EVE costume (and it's so simple, I would LOVE it), but then who would everyone else be?

Do we all have to match? According to my mom, yes. She wants to do the matchy group thing. And I get it, I do. It's just frustrating when you want to let a four year old be a creative four year old. I even asked him, at her suggestion, if he wanted to be Wall E for Halloween at home and be Peter Pan in Disney.

His answer? "No." :lmao:

Now, if we wanted to do characters from Batman, and do a big group, that could be SO easy. DS as Batman, DH...ha hahahahahaha...as Robin, me as Catwoman (haha, Katwoman), and everyone else as various assorted villians. I could easily make my mom into Poison Ivy and Nana into Harley Quinn, and I know we could get my FIL to be the Joker or the Riddler. Anyway, there's a ton of Batman characters, so there's no issue there. We'd just have to switch gears. But, the boy has never said he wants to be Batman for the party.

Hold on.

I just asked again, and he said, "Wall E." :lmao:

So far, to tide him over, I made this.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI02342-1.jpg

But when I was done making it, he essentially told me it was good for now, but he really "needed" the other costume from Ebay. Does this child take after his mother, or what? Spooky. ;)

What's an obsessive planner to do? I know I have three months but this irks me. Lack of flexibility is so dang frustrating. Whether it's from adults or kids! :lmao: I'm just not sure. He'd make such a cute Wall E. Part of me would love not to do the group costume and part of me would.

Help! :lmao:

If U Had Wings

06-22-2009, 01:20 PM

Me, however?

I'm down with forcing...I mean...enjoying this project with my husband. ;)

You are a brave, brave woman!

As for the costumes for MNSSHP, give it a month. You have three, and see how he feels then. I know that my nieces are always changing their minds about what they want to be. You never know what they will see between now and then that may make them change their minds. You always have the back up pirate costume if needed.

If you end up really wanting to do a group thing, you can start to nonchalantly suggest the batman thing and just see if he shows any interest. I would not worry about what everyone else thinks though. Let DS be something he likes, and go from there. If you end up with a group costume fine, if not that's good too. Maybe even ask your DS for ideas on group costume ideas and who everyone should dress up as?

maroo

06-22-2009, 01:33 PM

I guess this is sorta like kids asking for XXXXXX for Christmas in Oct and then YYYYYYY for a few months and then cry because they whispered in Santa's ear that they wanted ZZZZZZ for Christmas and didn't get it. :lmao:

How do you guys keep up?!? :confused3

We had the same problem with William when we went in Oct 08 (and only a month to play with costumes)...we brought 2 costumes with us to prevent a meltdown and do you know what he ended up wearing?! His taekwondo outfit. That he has and wears 3 times a week? :confused3 We didn't even have to bring a costume. :rotfl:

But we were not cool enough to think about matching! :cool2: Those were in my early DIS days! :lmao:

MegansMom

06-22-2009, 03:40 PM

Quick Thoughts on your many updates:

1. I am a high-school English teacher....on hiatus as a stay-at-home Mom---and I know you would be a great addition to our workforce AND you would love every minute of it!!! Go for your dreams sweetie!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

2. Get the Dusty Rose flips---at least you know they are comfortable. If you "need" to get a few more tanks to "match," then so be it....tanks are pretty easy to find on sale....especially right before September!!! BESIDES....you can always ask people to take your picture from the knees up....then you will NEVER know what your footwear looked like!!! ;)

3. I liked the silhouette logo with Peter the best.....AWESOME!!!

4. I would wait on the costume thing....see if he changes his mind at all. If you want to help persuade him into the Peter Pan thing, you could always rent that movie and watch it together as a family.....might be fun!

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 09:31 AM

You are a brave, brave woman!

It's a blessing...and a curse. :lmao:

As for the costumes for MNSSHP, give it a month. You have three, and see how he feels then. I know that my nieces are always changing their minds about what they want to be. You never know what they will see between now and then that may make them change their minds. You always have the back up pirate costume if needed.

Good point. I've decided to hold off on asking him, but I do have the Wall E costume in My Ebay, so I can access it for purchase if he still talks about it. :thumbsup2

If you end up really wanting to do a group thing, you can start to nonchalantly suggest the batman thing and just see if he shows any interest. I would not worry about what everyone else thinks though. Let DS be something he likes, and go from there. If you end up with a group costume fine, if not that's good too. Maybe even ask your DS for ideas on group costume ideas and who everyone should dress up as?

You know what? We were hysterical yesterday over who DS thought everyone should be, because of course, he thought everyone should be robots from Wall E.

And then DH and I were mad with laughter over thinking that I would be one of the rogue robots in the mental ward who gets busted out. Of course, I'd be the one with paint all over itself. :lmao: We even thought of a really cool way to make the costume. See, this is the problem. We're too creative for our own good, and there are too many good ideas.

I guess this is sorta like kids asking for XXXXXX for Christmas in Oct and then YYYYYYY for a few months and then cry because they whispered in Santa's ear that they wanted ZZZZZZ for Christmas and didn't get it. :lmao:

How do you guys keep up?!? :confused3

Quite frankly, I don't know. This is why I rarely to never buy in advance for him for Christmas. The only thing I do is buy birthday presents for my DS around Christmas, because I have an idea of what he likes, and with him being a February baby, the mind doesn't change too much between then.

We had the same problem with William when we went in Oct 08 (and only a month to play with costumes)...we brought 2 costumes with us to prevent a meltdown and do you know what he ended up wearing?! His taekwondo outfit. That he has and wears 3 times a week? :confused3 We didn't even have to bring a costume. :rotfl:

First of all, I'm just impressed that he had is taekwondo outfit with him. :thumbsup2 Talk about an easy fix.

Quick Thoughts on your many updates:

1. I am a high-school English teacher....on hiatus as a stay-at-home Mom---and I know you would be a great addition to our workforce AND you would love every minute of it!!! Go for your dreams sweetie!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Thank you so much! What a doll you are. I'm in the process of researching schools, so far I've found one that's only full time, and I'm waiting to hear back from two others on how their programs are.

2. Get the Dusty Rose flips---at least you know they are comfortable. If you "need" to get a few more tanks to "match," then so be it....tanks are pretty easy to find on sale....especially right before September!!! BESIDES....you can always ask people to take your picture from the knees up....then you will NEVER know what your footwear looked like!!! ;)

I'm definitely keeping these flip flops. And, I'm not wearing them. At all. Maybe around the house the week before to break them in, but that's it.

3. I liked the silhouette logo with Peter the best.....AWESOME!!!

I'm rather fond of that one myself. I can't wait to get all my plain tanks so I can start designing. Which reminds me, I'm out of dark tee transfers. Need to pick some up! :thumbsup2

4. I would wait on the costume thing....see if he changes his mind at all. If you want to help persuade him into the Peter Pan thing, you could always rent that movie and watch it together as a family.....might be fun!

You know, we've actually watched the movie, and he was sort of into it for a while, but the mood changes. Maybe it'll change back. :lmao:

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 09:58 AM

I hope you all don't mind the rapid fire updates here. It's just that I have some time this morning. DH and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary yesterday, and my parents kept DS overnight so we could go out. What's a girl to do with a free morning?

DIS!!!! :goodvibes

I also can get so much done on my days off in the way of updates, that I feel obligated to get it all out so that when I'm starving for the DIS during my work days, at least I can be comforted in that I've left something for you to read.

This morning's topic is simple.

A little bag named Vera.

Does everyone remember this one?

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/118187_3_1.jpg

That's my Vera Bradley cargo sling. Now let me tell you, it's a really nice bag. But having brought it on my May trip, it's almost a little too bulky without having a stroller to plop it into. And I'm thinking about shifting how we carry things for DS anyway. Now that he's older, fully potty trained and the whole shebang, we really don't need as much stuff with us during the day. I'm thinking we'll be carrying a spare outfit, jams, an overnight diaper, wipes, and sunblock. That's pretty much all he'll need. Now, I'll need all the things that would normally go in my purse, my camera, and an autograph book if he wants to do that. When I went in December, I was lugging around that cargo sling with everything that goes in my purse, and all his stuff, plus some little toys like the Disney matchbox cars he likes.

It's heavy. Especially with a full container of wipes in it. And wipes are just useful, let's face it. So finally, on the third day, Mom and Nana, who were operating on a better brain capacity than I was, suggested that we use some of the totes I bought us...

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/on613760-05p01v01.jpg

and separate out the really heavy things into those. So into the totes went the wipes, clothes, etc, and in the cargo sling stayed my purse type stuff. Then Mom or Nana would carry the tote on rides when we needed to (we didn't feel comfortable leaving it in the bottom of the stroller depending on what was in it), and it made it so much easier on my back. Vera bags are comfortable, but when you've got a lot of weight pulling across you all day long, it starts to hurt.

So, I'm thinking this is a really good strategy and there are plenty of people who could easily carry a tote bag onto a ride, like DH, FIL, whoever. I'll carry my bag, and they can carry the tote, and we'll have everything we need. We'll probably need a tote just for the ponchos! :lmao:

So I got to thinking. I know I purchased that cute little Mickey purse for three dollars, but I'm not sure it's going to cut it for everything I'd like to have on me.

And there was a showgirl.

Her name was Vera.

And she calls to me. That wily woman. ;)

Because on another trip report...maybe CP's...we were discussing how well her Vera went with her hotel.

And it made me think. What matches Pop? :scared1:

It's almost too scary to contemplate, isn't it?

So I've been debating between several colors. I thought about going the Ebay route, but there are some on sale on the website, and I'm really interested in the hipster style. I love the across the body, hands free concept. I had a bag that I used on every Disney trip of that style, and sadly, it is finally falling apart.

So without further ado, here are my choices:

The first three shown here retail for $56. The only coupon code I can find right now is an extra 10% off of the sale items. The last color I'm showing you, is on sale.

Cupcake Green
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/10447021.jpg - Why am I so obsessed with green lately? Is it my Peter Pan complex showing through?

Mediterrean Blue
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/10447017.jpg - I'm pretty sure this would match most of what I own, and go with jeans really nicely.

New Hope Garden
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/10447015.jpg - This SCREAMS Pop Century Resort. However, although I love it (I've seen it in person), I'm not really sure that it's me, but it comes with a great cause. 10% of the purchase price goes to the VB Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

Daisy Daisy
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/10447007.jpg - I love this not only because it's on sale, but because the pattern reminds me of pool liners. It makes me think of summers with Nana and Granddad and swimming.

Yes, I am a sentimental fool.

So the first three would be $56 plus shipping, the last would come out to $37.80 plus shipping. Lovin' the price on that last one, but not sure what to do. You all know me pretty well. What do you think?

If U Had Wings

06-23-2009, 10:12 AM

You just know I'm going to blame you as I'm singing the Copa all day today right? :lmao:

I love the Daisy Daisy print! It's my favorite hands down. Very, very cute, and I'm not normally a huge Vera person. it definitely has a summertime/poolside vibe to it.

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 10:17 AM

You just know I'm going to blame you as I'm singing the Copa all day today right? :lmao:

At the Copa...COPA CABANAAAAAAA!!!! :lmao: Sorry. I just had to do it.

I love the Daisy Daisy print! It's my favorite hands down. Very, very cute, and I'm not normally a huge Vera person. it definitely has a summertime/poolside vibe to it.

Oddly enough, I'm not a huge Vera person either. There are some prints on which I'd have to channel my inner Thumper. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. :scared1:

Bless you for loving the one that's on sale! :thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

06-23-2009, 10:23 AM

At the Copa...COPA CABANAAAAAAA!!!! :lmao: Sorry. I just had to do it.

That has to be one of the catchiest songs ever, although for me the worst is Paul Simon's song "Cecilia". I hear even a note of two of that stupid song and I'll be singing it continually for a week at least. No clue why.

Oddly enough, I'm not a huge Vera person either. There are some prints on which I'd have to channel my inner Thumper. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. :scared1:

You are so right. Some of them just make me cringe a bit. I think it's mostly because I'm not really a "print" person. My wardrobe tends to run a bit bland with lots of solid colors, and maybe a little bit of plaids. My one exception is my unabashed love for Lilly Pulitzer prints. I'm always out in search of great ebay deals on them, since they are out of my budget normally.

Bless you for loving the one that's on sale! :thumbsup2

It's the blue/green combo. It's my favorite, and I love that the print looks like a mosaic pool.

pooh'smate

06-23-2009, 10:41 AM

I haven't been around much lately because I have been crazy busy. How dare my life get in the way of my dis? Anywhoo just want to say that I think no make that KNOW you will make an awsome teacher. I love that last Vera bag. I too don't normally like those bags but that one does say summer to me. Last but definately not least a big CONGRATULATIONS on seven years of marriage. Hope you had a great evening with your pirate:. ;);)

maroo

06-23-2009, 11:10 AM

Ok...somehow I missed a "teacher" update?!? I will go back in a sec and figure that out...

Imagine me getting lots on a pre-trip report. :lmao:

Serves me right.

Anyway...Wipes. We have to carry wipes with us to meet Lauren's needs (unfortunately she will always have to carry that junk around and will never outgrow it. :sad:) and I have discovered something...Sam's Club and some regular stores have these "refill" packs that are small and only have about 40 wipes in them. They are not terribly expensive and come in a box of about 8 or 10 packs. I particularly like the ones with the plastic top (not the adhesive top, those get messed up over time) that snaps shut. The wipes stay nice and moist and don't take up so much room in my purse or bag.

You may already know about those...but we like them. We also like to basically use them up at her home until they have about 10 wipes in them and stock pile those and just carry about 10 wipes with us at any given time. Cuts down on the medical stuff we have to lug around all day in addition to the camera, etc. ;)

And I LOVE the Daisy bag!!!! :love:

And you are going to push Liesa (All7ofUS) over the edge on getting a bag...she has been eyeing these Vera bags for a while and now "everyone" (on the DIS, of course) is getting one! :rotfl: But Liesa is missing this update because she is on a plane going back to her far away country (36 hours of flying. :sad2:).

maroo

06-23-2009, 11:23 AM

Whoa...

Maroo missed a MASSIVE update!!!

A teacher? :teacher: A teacher! :cloud9:

That is awesome, TK! I can't wait to hear your teacher stories! My family was a bunch of teachers, too!

But, this has me crying this morning because Lauren's grandmother was a teacher. She taught English (and it sounds like you guys have the same passion) and Drama. She taught for many years and is one of those teachers... The kind that her students remember forever. The kind that other educators talk about in this tone of voice filled with admiration. And she started teaching later in life because she was on the mission field (Nigeria) for the first decade or so of her working life.

She retired some time ago and they named the auditorium after her. :love:

Now she is in rehab trying to relearn to walk and it just doesn't look good. But her students are sending me messages on Facebook and people are coming out of the woodwork to help her. Because she has poured into so many people over the years.

So - Go for it, TK! You would be a wonderful teacher! What a major difference you will continue to make in your world as a teacher. :thumbsup2

Normangirls

06-23-2009, 12:00 PM

His name was Mickey
He was a cartoon
With big white gloves upon his hands
He sometimes lives at Disneyland

Her name was Minnie
She wore a red dress
She dated Mickey for a while
But he wouldn’t walk her down the aisle

And there was Donald, too
And Mickey’s friend named Goof
There were parades and lots of fireworks
My favorite’s “Boo to You!”

O.K., that's all I got.

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 01:30 PM

You are so right. Some of them just make me cringe a bit. I think it's mostly because I'm not really a "print" person. My wardrobe tends to run a bit bland with lots of solid colors, and maybe a little bit of plaids. My one exception is my unabashed love for Lilly Pulitzer prints. I'm always out in search of great ebay deals on them, since they are out of my budget normally.

I'm pretty much the same for my work clothes, but non-work warddrobe tends to be more colorful and print-filled.

I wear a lot of basic black to work, and although it's slimming and cute, it's also bo-ring! :lmao:

It's the blue/green combo. It's my favorite, and I love that the print looks like a mosaic pool.'

I am leaning towards this as my favorite. I get to have blue and green, two of my favorite colors! :goodvibes

I haven't been around much lately because I have been crazy busy. How dare my life get in the way of my dis? Anywhoo just want to say that I think no make that KNOW you will make an awsome teacher. I love that last Vera bag. I too don't normally like those bags but that one does say summer to me. Last but definately not least a big CONGRATULATIONS on seven years of marriage. Hope you had a great evening with your pirate:. ;);)

Thanks so much for your kind words! I know how you feel about life getting in the way of the DIS. I feel that every time I have to go back to work. Um, yeah, this work thing is cramping my style. :lmao:

Imagine me getting lost on a pre-trip report. :lmao:

Serves me right.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

You may already know about those...but we like them. We also like to basically use them up at her home until they have about 10 wipes in them and stock pile those and just carry about 10 wipes with us at any given time. Cuts down on the medical stuff we have to lug around all day in addition to the camera, etc. ;)

I buy the Kirkland Wipes from Costco, and they have about 80 in a pack intitially...I think, so that's why they're so heavy. I'll definitely have to take a peek and see if I can find the ones you're talking about. I do find though, because we have sensitive skin, we can't do anything that's scented or has extra lotion, etc, in it. That's why those Kirkland ones are so great. I can wipe his face with them and he doesn't get a rash, whereas with some Huggise brand ones, he will.

And I LOVE the Daisy bag!!!! :love:

Thanks! Daisies are so happy anyway.

And you are going to push Liesa (All7ofUS) over the edge on getting a bag...she has been eyeing these Vera bags for a while and now "everyone" (on the DIS, of course) is getting one! :rotfl: But Liesa is missing this update because she is on a plane going back to her far away country (36 hours of flying. :sad2:).

Oh, that woman needs her a Vera! I'll be sure to tell her when she's back on.

Whoa...

Maroo missed a MASSIVE update!!!

A teacher? :teacher: A teacher! :cloud9:

That is awesome, TK! I can't wait to hear your teacher stories! My family was a bunch of teachers, too!

Yup. A teacher. A place I knew I'd end up eventually, and it took me a while to get there, but now I have a goal and purpose, I'm sooooo much more at peace.

She retired some time ago and they named the auditorium after her. :love:

Now she is in rehab trying to relearn to walk and it just doesn't look good. But her students are sending me messages on Facebook and people are coming out of the woodwork to help her. Because she has poured into so many people over the years.

So - Go for it, TK! You would be a wonderful teacher! What a major difference you will continue to make in your world as a teacher. :thumbsup2

Oh, she sounds like a wonderful woman. I hope she has an easy recovery, the poort hing. Talking about teaching makes me nostalgic, because my grandfather (who's no longer with us) was one as well. He loved a lot of the things that I love, teaching, acting, art, music. He was an all around guy. Makes me a little weepy, too. :hug:

His name was Mickey
He was a cartoon
With big white gloves upon his hands
He sometimes lives at Disneyland

Her name was Minnie
She wore a red dress
She dated Mickey for a while
But he wouldn’t walk her down the aisle

And there was Donald, too
And Mickey’s friend named Goof
There were parades and lots of fireworks
My favorite’s “Boo to You!”

O.K., that's all I got.

OMG! That is AWESOME!!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I seriously want to print this out and put it in my trip binder. :rotfl2:

maroo

06-23-2009, 01:43 PM

Normangirls

06-23-2009, 01:47 PM

Hi, Maroo!

Just a lurker here, but I wanted to "thank" TK for putting that song in my head.

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 02:00 PM

Hi, Maroo!

Just a lurker here, but I wanted to "thank" TK for putting that song in my head.

Apparently you should lurk less, and post more.

Wit is a wonderful quality.

And you're welcome. ;)

maroo

06-23-2009, 02:11 PM

Hi, Maroo!

Just a lurker here, but I wanted to "thank" TK for putting that song in my head.

I thought this was a poem you wrote! :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2:

You should definitely post more! You totally made my day with that!

:flower3:

Nuwanda9

06-23-2009, 03:31 PM

At the Copa...COPA CABANAAAAAAA!!!! :lmao: Sorry. I just had to do it.

Oddly enough, I'm not a huge Vera person either. There are some prints on which I'd have to channel my inner Thumper. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. :scared1:

Bless you for loving the one that's on sale! :thumbsup2

First off, let me say that I am enjoying your TR!! Secondly, I am not a Vera fan myself but since coming to the Dis I have found myself many a time on the VB website looking for deals! I got a hipster which I tried out on a trip (trial run for my trip to WDW in December!) and loved it. The hipster might be a little small for your needs, tho. I just got a bucket tote which was on sale and I used the 10% coupon. Got to love a sale where you can get a $57 purse for $22.50! I say, got for the sale!! :thumbsup2

jaynesherer

06-23-2009, 03:54 PM

What happened to the Teva Ochoa's you bought for the Christmas trip? I think you bought them in 3 colors? Could you wear them?? Were they comfortable?? I have been eyeing a pair and want to know if they are comfortable.

Also, have you thought about a bagallini messanger bag. We have this and it works great, and has pockets for everything, and is comfortable wearing.

We are planning a trip for December 1-12, and staying at POR. I am worried about crouds but really want to see Disney once at Christmas. Also our twins turn 8 on December 8th, so its their Golden Birthday and a surprise trip. We usually go every year in late January and early February. We will go back to those times but one time for Christmas first.

Keep the report coming!! I love it!

Charleston Princess

06-23-2009, 04:08 PM

I love your Vera choices -- like you said, I think the Hope Garden one screams Pop the most, but all of them would match your resort nicely. I think I like the Daisy one or the Cupcake Green one the best for you! :goodvibes

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 06:24 PM

First off, let me say that I am enjoying your TR!! Secondly, I am not a Vera fan myself but since coming to the Dis I have found myself many a time on the VB website looking for deals! I got a hipster which I tried out on a trip (trial run for my trip to WDW in December!) and loved it. The hipster might be a little small for your needs, tho. I just got a bucket tote which was on sale and I used the 10% coupon. Got to love a sale where you can get a $57 purse for $22.50! I say, got for the sale!! :thumbsup2

Hey! :welcome: to the DIS, my friend!

I think the Hipster will work for me as long as I carry one of my other totes or DH has a backpack to keep the bigger stuff in. I am all about getting myself a new bag. :lmao: I'll admit I had huge guilt about the cost (even on sale) and DH just said to me, just buy it! Say no more, dear husband. :thumbsup2

What happened to the Teva Ochoa's you bought for the Christmas trip? I think you bought them in 3 colors? Could you wear them?? Were they comfortable?? I have been eyeing a pair and want to know if they are comfortable.

First off, :welcome:! Second, WOW!!!! I can't believe someone actually remembers that! Yes, I did buy them from Sierra Trading Post for a very, very good deal. Something like $17 a pair. I've worn the white/black ones since then, and I have to tell you, they definitely do not have enough support for me. I believe I wore them all of half a day on the way down and I knew they wouldn't be enough for Disney. I like them at home, around town, and I debated returning the green and blue, but for that price, it's probably not worth it for me to ship them back. I don't know if I'll wear them, and quite frankly I'd love to get rid of them. What size do you wear? :lmao:

Also, have you thought about a bagallini messanger bag. We have this and it works great, and has pockets for everything, and is comfortable wearing.

I know I've heard of the baggalini brand on the DIS, but wouldn't even know where to begin. Thanks for the suggestion, I'm going to go ahead and google it.

We are planning a trip for December 1-12, and staying at POR. I am worried about crouds but really want to see Disney once at Christmas. Also our twins turn 8 on December 8th, so its their Golden Birthday and a surprise trip. We usually go every year in late January and early February. We will go back to those times but one time for Christmas first.

Keep the report coming!! I love it!

Oh, my goodness, what an exciting trip, and an exciting birthday for the twins! Honestly, I felt the weekend that we went in December was very, very crowded, but I don't think it's like that during the week. I think on the weekend you get a lot of locals who want the same thing we want...to see our beautiful parks decorated for the holidays! And it's really an experience everyone should have at least once, I think.:goodvibes

I love your Vera choices -- like you said, I think the Hope Garden one screams Pop the most, but all of them would match your resort nicely. I think I like the Daisy one or the Cupcake Green one the best for you! :goodvibes

Thank you, hon. I was wondering how you liked your hipster on your trip?

maroo

06-23-2009, 06:29 PM

I love my baggalini! :love:

I can't find the link...but someone on the Theme Park Hints board gave me a great link to a website that sells them AND a website to get a code (www.retailmenot.com) and I got mine for $28 with shipping.

I bet they would help you over there to find a good site that has them...I know it was not the baggalini site...it was another one that sold them, too.

Then they shipped it to the wrong place (I ordered it three days before I left on that quick trip) and I got TWO by the time I got the first one, too! :lmao:

And I think they have lime green in some baggalini types. But I got mine in black because it matches more stuff and still use it when I am not at the parks.

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 06:48 PM

Thanks for the info, Maroo! I love that retailmenot website. It is fantastic for coupon codes. Use it all the time! :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

06-23-2009, 06:49 PM

Thank you, hon. I was wondering how you liked your hipster on your trip?

Um, well, even with the bigger size from the design I had last year, I still ended up changing to the little lime green backpack on day 3. The hipster actually plays into one of my less-than-stellar moments on the trip. :rolleyes1

TarzansKat

06-23-2009, 06:52 PM

Um, well, even with the bigger size from the design I had last year, I still ended up changing to the little lime green backpack on day 3. The hipster actually plays into one of my less-than-stellar moments on the trip. :rolleyes1

Huh. Without getting into something you feel wasn't your finest moment :hug:, did you just feel like you didn't have enough room in it? And what's the lime green backpack, a baggalini or something else?

Can I interrogate you about your bag choices???? :lmao:

maroo

06-23-2009, 06:55 PM

eandesmom

06-23-2009, 07:04 PM

Signing on quite late here :)

Couple of notes..

VERY cool on the teacher thing. Scary, exciting and wonderful all at once.

Teva flip flops are the bomb but...might I suggest you check out the keen Waimea h2's? I think they are more comfy than the Venice or Newports but give better arch support than the Tevas. They come in black. I just got the rice bag ones to replace a similar flip flop that Keen doesn't seem to make any more that I did quite a bit of hiking in. Pricey but waterproof, antibacterial and worth it (IMHO lol).

http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=130617

Also on the Teva's, have you checked locally? I got mine at our local REI and it was not a color they had online. Just a thought.

I'm SO with you on the pink comment!

Love your tank top ideas and shirts. Here's the thing. Let it go on the Halloween family thing. Pick your battles. As you know a happy child who will put on their costume without a meltdown is far more important than how cute everyone looks in the pictures. Although there are other models...Wall-R?

On group T's...you can get something with the year on it it but not Disney related and you might be surprised with everyone wearing them. My family did that in 04. A team 2004 shirt from old navy. Fairly ugly actually but cute in a group picture.

There are adorable female tanks and T's once you get there....a million times cuter than what's online or at department stores, so you may want to reserve a spot for some shopping :) or check ebay.

Lastly. Vera. I love the prints but I find they get too bulky to quickly to look as cute on as I'd want. And as much as I like the prints by themselves...having them match my outfits always opened up a whole other issue so...I don't go there. But they are cute (and yes, it does look like pool tiles!).

lol :)

Charleston Princess

06-23-2009, 07:09 PM

Huh. Without getting into something you feel wasn't your finest moment :hug:, did you just feel like you didn't have enough room in it? And what's the lime green backpack, a baggalini or something else?

Can I interrogate you about your bag choices???? :lmao:

Oh, I plan on writing a whole chapter about that episode -- don't you worry! ;) If I am going to be writing about the rest of the family and their diva moments, I figure I better include mine, too. :laughing:

Frankly, it just wasn't big enough and I don't even carry that much. Here are the typical contents of my purse at Disney: VB zippered ID case that holds my driver's license, KTTW card, and cash, a pack of gum, my camera (which isn't very big), my phone, and a park map (why I don't know since I can navigate those parks with my eyes closed). But some days I would also end up with Chelsea's phone, Charles's blood sugar meter, and assorted small purchases like a magnet or postcards.

So, I switched. The lime green backpack is actually a Nike one that my FIL gave to Chelsea forever ago. It's very small for a backpack and perfect for tossing all the carp that one accumulates during a day at a park. I keep coming back to it.

Uh oh. popcorn::

:eek:

Oh, trust me -- everyone had a temper tantrum in my family on this latest trip. ;)

If U Had Wings

06-23-2009, 11:18 PM

eandesmom

06-24-2009, 01:04 AM

I have to pipe in about Baggalini's. I bought a lime one from Bags Buy this year for my trip. I ended up really loving it. I liked all the pockets, and the fact that it was a bit water resistent. My last trip I had carried a Vera like knapsack, I had liked it, but when it got wet, (and it did because it rained constantly) I didn't like it quite so much.

My only issue with my baggalini was that it was a sling style, and a large strap cutting me across the chest isn't always the most flattering for me, but I was very comfy wearing it just over one shoulder. If you like sling styles this wouldn't be an issue.

I think I bought that one lol! Never used it. It is cute but...Also have a Kavu Keeper, never used. I really need to sell these :) Both very practical, very cute but not really me. At the end of the day I'm a backpack in the locker and everything else goes into my pockets. Cargo Capri's are my bag of choice lol. I thought I could make them work. They have a ridiculous amount of pockets!

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k308/eandesmom/107614_2_1.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k308/eandesmom/19334_29_1.jpg

TarzansKat

06-24-2009, 05:59 PM

VERY cool on the teacher thing. Scary, exciting and wonderful all at once.

Exactly. I'm having a really hard time finding a school that has what I want that takes non-traditional (working) students. A little frustrating, but what can I do?

Teva flip flops are the bomb but...might I suggest you check out the keen Waimea h2's? I think they are more comfy than the Venice or Newports but give better arch support than the Tevas. They come in black. I just got the rice bag ones to replace a similar flip flop that Keen doesn't seem to make any more that I did quite a bit of hiking in. Pricey but waterproof, antibacterial and worth it (IMHO lol).

I've actually tried the Keen Balis, and I think the Waimea is similar. The problem I had with those is that they really cut into the top of my foot.

Love your tank top ideas and shirts. Here's the thing. Let it go on the Halloween family thing. Pick your battles. As you know a happy child who will put on their costume without a meltdown is far more important than how cute everyone looks in the pictures. Although there are other models...Wall-R?

You know what? I am totally with you on this one. It's just my mom is stuck on the whole Peter Pan thing. I'm going to post about it later, I just...I'm having a hard time right now. :sad2:

There are adorable female tanks and T's once you get there....a million times cuter than what's online or at department stores, so you may want to reserve a spot for some shopping :) or check ebay.

Oh, for sure! I always reserve a spot for shopping!!! :thumbsup2

So, I switched. The lime green backpack is actually a Nike one that my FIL gave to Chelsea forever ago. It's very small for a backpack and perfect for tossing all the carp that one accumulates during a day at a park. I keep coming back to it.

Thanks for your big description. I know how you feel. I had a bag like that, that I used every year for Disney, and it's finally falling apart. At the seams, literally. If it were even close to being held together, I'd use it, but it has finally met its end. :sad1:

My only issue with my baggalini was that it was a sling style, and a large strap cutting me across the chest isn't always the most flattering for me, but I was very comfy wearing it just over one shoulder. If you like sling styles this wouldn't be an issue.

I do like the idea of the sling style. To me, it's just my comfortable, but again, it depends on how big the strap is. One reason that I'm partial to the Veras.

TarzansKat

06-24-2009, 06:36 PM

I know, I know. What kind of a title is that?

Two words.

Toy. Story.

Lately, we've been watching. And we own Woody and Buzz. And when DS pulls Woody's string, and he says, "There's a snake in my boot," it becomes, "There's a frack in my boat."

No, DS, it's, "there's a snake in my boot!"

DS - "There's a frack in my boat!" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

And so we begin this angst filled chapter with a little bit of laughter. Because, quite frankly, I could use some. I've got a lot of personal stuff going on today, and I find that when there are situations I can't control, I always turn to the trip and see what I can tweak, any ressies I didn't think of, any different way to do the plans. Sometimes it drives me crazy, and sometimes it feel so helpful to have control over something.

You get me?

Something! Tomorrow, my son starts his new preschool and I'm very, very glad, but also a little nervous. I'm 99% sure he's going to love it, but it's the first time I'm leaving him with someone for full day care other than family, and no matter how wonderful the place is or how great a time I know he's going to have, it still is a little exciting and nervewracking all at once.

I'm sort of unhappy with work, since I decided to make a major life change, little things seem harder to put up with. I just need to remind myself they are little things. One day at a time, one step at a time, this job equals health insurance for my family and I need to make it work so I'm not miserable.

I'm having trouble finding a college that has the program I want that takes a non-traditional (working) student. Never mind the cost. I can't even think about that yet.

And I just have to put it out there. It makes me sad to write this, but today we're going to discuss TK's fatal flaw.

Trying to make everyone happy.

It especially pertains to this trip. Even though I know it's impossible, even though I know my mother will never, ever like everything I pick, I still try to talk to her about the trip. Solicit her opinion, even. And it always, always blows up in my face and makes me so upset.

And then I talk to my husband and he reminds me that this is our trip. That everyone was invited along for our family vacation. And that if they don't want to come, they don't have to. And that if they don't want to eat where we want to eat, they don't have to.

God bless him. For the most part, that's true. But there's also the slight element of nothing you plan or do is possibly going to live up to what I think it should be, so you can't even try. And I'm sure that if she knew I felt this way she'd be horrified and think I was misinterpreting her.

It's hard to misinterpret that she hates the menu at Ohana's, but that when I suggest alternatives, she doesn't seem really excited about those either.

It's hard to misinterpret that she won't acknowledge the fact that it would be better to let DS be what he wants for MNSSHP instead of trying to force our ideas onto him. I really, really take exception to stifling the creativity of a child. If he doesn't want to be Peter Pan, heck, even if he changes his mind and doesn't want to be Wall E, as long as I can come up with / make whatever he wants to be, then that's all that matters. This shouldn't be stressful. This should be fun.

And right now, I don't feel like it's fun. I feel stressed. Because every time I try suggest a new idea for an ADR or for costumes I get a non-reaction. Or a face that indicates that's not what she wants.

And I have such a hard time dealing with that. Why am I so worried about what everyone else wants? Don't answer that. I know you'll all say it's because I'm a nice girl who loves my family and wants to make them happy but it's also because I can be a big ole pushover.

And this really brings into sharp relief why I HATE family trips. There, I said it. Ms. Family Orientation herself just said it. I'm glad we're all going. I'm really looking forward to being in the World with my Dad. That hasn't happened since before my son was born, so at least 5-6 years.

But traveling with my Mom is traveling with my Mom. I love her. She's my mother and she's one of my best friends, and once upon a time our idea of Disney used to be the same. And now, it's still sort of the same, but mine is slightly different. And that is totally okay with me. Because she should be able to go off and do her own thing. But if she wants to do our thing, it would just be nice if there were less rigamarole about it. Less, well, we just want you all to be happy, when that's not always true. Admit you have wants, that's fine. Make your own ADRs, that's fine. I don't have a problem with it, I don't. I do have a problem with complaints and lack of problem solving.

And it just makes me feel like I don't know what to do.

Like I want to hang it all.

Which I won't. I mean, we are going. And my son is so excited to go to Disney in September with everyone. I guess I'm just frustrated because this trip could be the last one for a long time. In 2010, my DS will go to kindergarten, and who knows what point I'll be at in my education, and maybe we won't be able to make it to the World.

Alright, I'm going to stop the rant, be grateful you're still reading and tell you about my ideas. See what you think and if you have any other suggestions. I'm open, and I appreciate your input.

Tuesday - Arrival Day - I'm going to make a reservation tonight. I hadn't been planning on it. I like getting there and having a totally open evening. But with that many people (we'll be seven), I really think we should have a dinner reservation. So, since we're going to Epcot and it's been such a long time, I'd really like to try Nine Dragons. I haven't been since it was renovated, and my DS loves Chinese food. Heck, we all pretty much love Chinese food, so I'm excited about this.

Wednesday - The Last Full Day with my Dad - AM plans are for the Magic Kingdom. I had wanted to do dinner at Ohana's, but I'm not sure. My mom's not thrilled and I'm totally second guessing myself. Part of me thinks it would be so much fun to head to MK early, and then eat a late breakfast (1120) at Chef Mickey's. Kind of like breakfast for lunch. I can just picture the seven of us with those characters, and it would be kind of nice to work it into the day. I could see some really good pictures, and then we could focus more on rides instead of character meet and greets.

Thursday - MNSSHP Day - If we ditch Ohana's and go to Chef Mickey's, this morning will be completely open. Seriously? I LOVE the idea of an open morning. I love having nowhere to go. We could wake up and go swimming, we could go to Downtown. I had an awesome lunch at EoS, so that could be really nice to do before the party. Even a later lunch to tide us over. Or just having fun at the hotel. Nothing wrong with that, you know?

Friday - DHS Day - Sci Fi Dine In for Lunch. Non-negotiable. It'll just be me, DS, DH, and FIL for this one, and there's some DHS stuff we want to do that Mom's not interested in, so this could be a nice time apart day. Most likely, we'll end up paying for this oop, since I'm filling up our TS credits elsewhere, and this seems like the least expensive one. (Given that I'll most likely just get an app or salad and we won't all order dessert. I mean, I have my Villian Candy Store and junky apples to think of!)

Saturday - AM - Animal Kingdom, PM - Dinner Ressie at the Brown Derby. I know, right? Originally, I was all about Citrico's for my birthday dinner. Now, not so much. Another point of contention. The thing is, during my May trip, without revealing too much, I had some...digestive issues. And the Brown Derby has things on the menu I can eat, that I love, that do not make me sick. And I really want to pick a restaurant that has food I can enjoy and won't leave me...in the bathroom all night. Sorry, tmi. :lmao: Anyway, everyone likes the Brown Derby, so this is cool, but I know when I change my mind it can throw people off.

Sunday - We have a lot of time before we leave. I've seriously considered putting another ADR on this day. I really liked having a character breakfast on our last day on the December trip. It was rather nice. I've been thinking about Tusker House, but I'm not sure. I'm really open to suggestions here, but I just think the safari gear would be so cute. It would take a chunk of time to go to AK and back, and that's the only thing that makes me hesitate...do I really want this to be my last park? Or, am I brave enough to try Crystal Palace again? Maybe it would be different for breakfast. You know, now that I'm rambling and you're all still listening, maybe I could make this a ressie just for the three of us. I mean, I can ask everyone if they want to come, and if they don't, they don't have to. That could work right? Hmmm....:scratchin I'll have to talk to DH. I've always been intrigued by food art from CP for breakfast. It looks really yummy. Hmmm...

Well, guys, thanks for listening. I really needed to get that out. I know I hint and dance around the issue and I just can't anymore. It's too hard when it's so frustrating.

Thanks again.

eandesmom

06-24-2009, 08:45 PM

DS - "There's a frack in my boat!" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

ok, this may not make you smile but all I thought when I saw this was Battlestar Galactica. Frack is a another word for....

Trying to make everyone happy.
And right now, I don't feel like it's fun. I feel stressed. Because every time I try suggest a new idea for an ADR or for costumes I get a non-reaction. Or a face that indicates that's not what she wants.
But traveling with my Mom is traveling with my Mom.

Like I want to hang it all.

Oh :grouphug: wow. You poor thing! Major life changes all around and a huge group trip on top of it. I'm totally new to your TR and gosh, I want to give you a hug!

You sound like my sister if she was planning a trip that my mom would be on. She completely stresses about it and feels my mom reacts much the same way to her. Even though it "is" your trip, it doesn't make it any easier. One thing we did on our huge trip 4 years ago (20 of us, 2 rental houses and my super planning mom) was lay it all out for her very very early on. We told her that there were just too many of us, too many agenda's to try to be together all the time. We picked 1 or 2 nights to plan eating dinner together and other than that, just did the best we could to hook up as much as possible. We had a couple of days that were planned to be together at certain parks, and others that were open. This really helped us do what we wanted without feeling bad but still see her enough. In that situation, Ohana, if she doesn't have an idea she likes better I'd just do it and kindly explain that you'd love to eat with her but need to book something and if she wants to come up with something else or do her own thing, that's ok too. It is impossible to please everyone and sometimes you just have to make a choice and move on.

We have a blended family of 6. Someone is always less than thrilled. I try to pick the lesser of evils and that's really all I can do. So when it came to our ADR's everyone got one they loved and everyone got one they probably could have skipped. At the end of the day, it worked out. I will be in your boat for our next big trip (somewhere between 6 and 20 depending on who all goes). It will be interesting to see how it shakes out, I can me feeling like you do. Heck I feel like it right now just with the 6 of us a a summer camping trip, thwarted no matter which way I turn (the joys and blessings of blended family life and 2 households). Just know, this too shall pass and you will have an AMAZING trip but also know you can't change other people. If she wants to disagree about you forcing your child into a costume he doesn't like, that's her choice. Choose what you compromise on and hold on what you believe in, that's all you can do. It is ok to "agree to disagree" :)

ADR Thoughts

We had a bad experience at the CS here but I'd be willing to try it, it would be a really fun group place and for 7 you definitely want ressies. Trust me as a group of 6 or more (always), you will want them. I've been in WDW as a big group without them, no fun. Funny part is, as a big group, you might have an easier time at some places![/B]
Bfast could be a good compromise
ITA! An "planned" lazy day is key :) I think that's the whole point of CS[/B]
your birthday, pick what you want, enough said :)
I just heard a HORROR story about CP so I don't think I will go there anytime soon. Due to kitchen "issues" they were closed and didn't call ANYONE to tell them. So everyone with an ADR was just out of luck. Ruined a certain 10 year olds birthday. CP offered no placement elsewhere, no compensation, just "we're sorry". They ended up at CS at Pecos. Aack! I'd do Tusker lol.

--------------------------------------------
Listen to Mustn'ts, child,
Listen to the Don'ts.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.

-Shel Silverstein

If U Had Wings

06-24-2009, 08:49 PM

I do like the idea of the sling style. To me, it's just my comfortable, but again, it depends on how big the strap is. One reason that I'm partial to the Veras.

PM me if you'd like to borrow mine. I only really use it on vacations, so it just sits there otherwise. I won't need it until December. :) Even if you just would like to check one out without having to go through the rigamarole of having to order and send things back.

Something! Tomorrow, my son starts his new preschool and I'm very, very glad, but also a little nervous. I'm 99% sure he's going to love it, but it's the first time I'm leaving him with someone for full day care other than family, and no matter how wonderful the place is or how great a time I know he's going to have, it still is a little exciting and nervewracking all at once.

Completely understandable. Just think about how much fun he's going to have, and how much he'll enjoy telling you all about it.

I'm having trouble finding a college that has the program I want that takes a non-traditional (working) student. Never mind the cost. I can't even think about that yet.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope you find something. They definitely don't make it easy for working adults. :sad2:

And I just have to put it out there. It makes me sad to write this, but today we're going to discuss TK's fatal flaw.

Trying to make everyone happy.

Your a libra, it's unavoidable. I always feel the same way. I make myself a wreck trying to keep everyone happy and content.

It's hard to misinterpret that she hates the menu at Ohana's, but that when I suggest alternatives, she doesn't seem really excited about those either.

It's hard to misinterpret that she won't acknowledge the fact that it would be better to let DS be what he wants for MNSSHP instead of trying to force our ideas onto him. I really, really take exception to stifling the creativity of a child. If he doesn't want to be Peter Pan, heck, even if he changes his mind and doesn't want to be Wall E, as long as I can come up with / make whatever he wants to be, then that's all that matters. This shouldn't be stressful. This should be fun.

And right now, I don't feel like it's fun. I feel stressed. Because every time I try suggest a new idea for an ADR or for costumes I get a non-reaction. Or a face that indicates that's not what she wants.

I don't mean anything personal by this, but it's sounding like she's just being difficult. All you can really do is listen to her concerns, and try to incorporate a few of the things that preferably she's most concerned about. But on a group trip it can't be all about her and what she wants. You have to go with what's best for everyone.

Halloween costumes are such a small insignificant part of the vacation overall, it's not worth making yourself miserable over. Go with what makes DS happy, because he is the child and who's most important, and your mom should want him to be happy on this trip. I'm sure she'll be fine once your there and she sees him having a great time.

And this really brings into sharp relief why I HATE family trips. There, I said it. Ms. Family Orientation herself just said it. I'm glad we're all going. I'm really looking forward to being in the World with my Dad. That hasn't happened since before my son was born, so at least 5-6 years.

But traveling with my Mom is traveling with my Mom. I love her. She's my mother and she's one of my best friends, and once upon a time our idea of Disney used to be the same. And now, it's still sort of the same, but mine is slightly different. And that is totally okay with me. Because she should be able to go off and do her own thing. But if she wants to do our thing, it would just be nice if there were less rigamarole about it. Less, well, we just want you all to be happy, when that's not always true. Admit you have wants, that's fine. Make your own ADRs, that's fine. I don't have a problem with it, I don't. I do have a problem with complaints and lack of problem solving.

I completely agree and can commiserate, especially after our difficulties last year. My SIL and her dad, no matter how much they love one another really don't travel well together at this point in their lives.

Which I won't. I mean, we are going. And my son is so excited to go to Disney in September with everyone.

Just stay focused on this, and when everyone starts giving you grief remind them of this. Last year my brother, SIL and I had to pull both fathers aside at various times and remind them of this. I don't know what it is about grown grandparents at Disney sometimes. Learn to go with the flow!

Tuesday - Arrival Day - I'm going to make a reservation tonight. I hadn't been planning on it. I like getting there and having a totally open evening. But with that many people (we'll be seven), I really think we should have a dinner reservation. So, since we're going to Epcot and it's been such a long time, I'd really like to try Nine Dragons. I haven't been since it was renovated, and my DS loves Chinese food. Heck, we all pretty much love Chinese food, so I'm excited about this.

I think a ressie for the first night is a good idea. Everyone should be at their happiest at this point, and it makes a nice start to the trip. Nine Dragons is a great choice.

Wednesday - The Last Full Day with my Dad - AM plans are for the Magic Kingdom. I had wanted to do dinner at Ohana's, but I'm not sure. My mom's not thrilled and I'm totally second guessing myself. Part of me thinks it would be so much fun to head to MK early, and then eat a late breakfast (1120) at Chef Mickey's. Kind of like breakfast for lunch. I can just picture the seven of us with those characters, and it would be kind of nice to work it into the day. I could see some really good pictures, and then we could focus more on rides instead of character meet and greets.

I don't think you could go wrong with either of these choices. Chef Mickeys would provide a greater variety of foods for you mom though, and the picture opportunities would be fantastic. (And getting to bypass some of the meet and greet lines would be a great bonus).

Thursday - MNSSHP Day - If we ditch Ohana's and go to Chef Mickey's, this morning will be completely open. Seriously? I LOVE the idea of an open morning. I love having nowhere to go. We could wake up and go swimming, we could go to Downtown. I had an awesome lunch at EoS, so that could be really nice to do before the party. Even a later lunch to tide us over. Or just having fun at the hotel. Nothing wrong with that, you know?

I think a free morning is a great idea, and an even better argument for Chef Mickey's the day before. A free morning is great for some decompression from too much family togetherness.

Friday - DHS Day - Sci Fi Dine In for Lunch. Non-negotiable. It'll just be me, DS, DH, and FIL for this one, and there's some DHS stuff we want to do that Mom's not interested in, so this could be a nice time apart day. Most likely, we'll end up paying for this oop, since I'm filling up our TS credits elsewhere, and this seems like the least expensive one. (Given that I'll most likely just get an app or salad and we won't all order dessert. I mean, I have my Villian Candy Store and junky apples to think of!)

I'm thinking of doing this one this trip too, just because I've never been there and want to check it out. It will be a nice break for your family.

Saturday - AM - Animal Kingdom, PM - Dinner Ressie at the Brown Derby. I know, right? Originally, I was all about Citrico's for my birthday dinner. Now, not so much. Another point of contention. The thing is, during my May trip, without revealing too much, I had some...digestive issues. And the Brown Derby has things on the menu I can eat, that I love, that do not make me sick. And I really want to pick a restaurant that has food I can enjoy and won't leave me...in the bathroom all night. Sorry, tmi. :lmao: Anyway, everyone likes the Brown Derby, so this is cool, but I know when I change my mind it can throw people off.

Brown Derby sounds like a great choice! It's one of my favorites.

Sunday - We have a lot of time before we leave. I've seriously considered putting another ADR on this day. I really liked having a character breakfast on our last day on the December trip. It was rather nice. I've been thinking about Tusker House, but I'm not sure. I'm really open to suggestions here, but I just think the safari gear would be so cute. It would take a chunk of time to go to AK and back, and that's the only thing that makes me hesitate...do I really want this to be my last park? Or, am I brave enough to try Crystal Palace again? Maybe it would be different for breakfast. You know, now that I'm rambling and you're all still listening, maybe I could make this a ressie just for the three of us. I mean, I can ask everyone if they want to come, and if they don't, they don't have to. That could work right? Hmmm....:scratchin I'll have to talk to DH. I've always been intrigued by food art from CP for breakfast. It looks really yummy. Hmmm...

Are you planning on doing a park your last morning? If you are, and you really want to do a character breakfast I'd pick one near the park I want to go to. If your not planning on going to AK, it's a bit of a hike to get over there just to eat. There is always the ones at the resorts - Lilo and Stitch at Ohanas, Alice at the Grand Flo, and the one over at Cape May.

Well, guys, thanks for listening. I really needed to get that out. I know I hint and dance around the issue and I just can't anymore. It's too hard when it's so frustrating.

Hang in there! Just remember it's just a vacation, and no matter what you do, or how much planning goes into it things will change, and not everything is going to work out perfectly. Do your best, and leave some room to enjoy being there with everyone you love most! And give everyone who starts to drive you nuts and remind them that the important part is to enjoy being together. :)

TarzansKat

06-24-2009, 09:10 PM

ok, this may not make you smile but all I thought when I saw this was Battlestar Galactica. Frack is a another word for....

:rotfl2:

For once, I was being naughty, and didn't even know it!!!! :lmao:

Oh :grouphug: wow. You poor thing! Major life changes all around and a huge group trip on top of it. I'm totally new to your TR and gosh, I want to give you a hug!

Well, thank you, my dear! A little compassion makes the world go round, and I certainly appreciate it. I'm feeling not at all myself today, and your big hug makes me smile. :hug:

You sound like my sister if she was planning a trip that my mom would be on. She completely stresses about it and feels my mom reacts much the same way to her. Even though it "is" your trip, it doesn't make it any easier. One thing we did on our huge trip 4 years ago (20 of us, 2 rental houses and my super planning mom) was lay it all out for her very very early on. We told her that there were just too many of us, too many agenda's to try to be together all the time. We picked 1 or 2 nights to plan eating dinner together and other than that, just did the best we could to hook up as much as possible. We had a couple of days that were planned to be together at certain parks, and others that were open. This really helped us do what we wanted without feeling bad but still see her enough. In that situation, Ohana, if she doesn't have an idea she likes better I'd just do it and kindly explain that you'd love to eat with her but need to book something and if she wants to come up with something else or do her own thing, that's ok too. It is impossible to please everyone and sometimes you just have to make a choice and move on.

Wow. 20! I thought I had problems with 6-7. That's a lot of people. It's so hard in these situations. I know I should just say, this is what we're doing. If you'd like to join us, you can. But it's hard! I want everyone to like what we're doing. What's wrong with me? :rotfl:

We have a blended family of 6. Someone is always less than thrilled. I try to pick the lesser of evils and that's really all I can do. So when it came to our ADR's everyone got one they loved and everyone got one they probably could have skipped. At the end of the day, it worked out.

You know what, good for you. I need to take a tip from you and just go with it.

It is ok to "agree to disagree" :)

Am I allowed to print that out and hand it to people at will? ;)

ADR Thoughts

We had a bad experience at the CS here but I'd be willing to try it, it would be a really fun group place and for 7 you definitely want ressies. Trust me as a group of 6 or more (always), you will want them. I've been in WDW as a big group without them, no fun. Funny part is, as a big group, you might have an easier time at some places!

I'm sorry, hon, what do you mean by CS?

ITA! An "planned" lazy day is key :) I think that's the whole point of CS
I am all about the planned lazy day. I am seriously leaning towards this now.

your birthday, pick what you want, enough said :)
Never mind that I'm turning thirty and appear to be going through my mid life crisis way early. :lmao:

I just heard a HORROR story about CP so I don't think I will go there anytime soon. Due to kitchen "issues" they were closed and didn't call ANYONE to tell them. So everyone with an ADR was just out of luck. Ruined a certain 10 year olds birthday. CP offered no placement elsewhere, no compensation, just "we're sorry". They ended up at CS at Pecos. Aack! I'd do Tusker lol.

Wow! I didn't hear about that, but that's horrible. We didn't have the best experience there the last time we at there, but it was a grumpy child and nothing to do with food or service.

--------------------------------------------
Listen to Mustn'ts, child,
Listen to the Don'ts.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.

-Shel Silverstein

That's a great quote. :goodvibes

PM me if you'd like to borrow mine. I only really use it on vacations, so it just sits there otherwise. I won't need it until December. :) Even if you just would like to check one out without having to go through the rigamarole of having to order and send things back.

Oh, sheesh! You don't have to do that, but thank you! I will let you know if I change my mind. Right now, I went ahead an ordered a Vera. After DH, insisted, how could I resist? ;)

Completely understandable. Just think about how much fun he's going to have, and how much he'll enjoy telling you all about it.

He's been very into the whole process. Picking what blanket and lovey he wants to take for nap time, knowing I have to label some of his clothes now, telling me what he wants for lunch. It just...he's growing up. You know?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope you find something. They definitely don't make it easy for working adults. :sad2:

What's killing me right now is the lack of options, and the pricetag. If I could just find a state university with a good program, they're significantly less.

Your a libra, it's unavoidable. I always feel the same way. I make myself a wreck trying to keep everyone happy and content.

I know. It's an endearing and horrifying quality, all in one.

I don't mean anything personal by this, but it's sounding like she's just being difficult. All you can really do is listen to her concerns, and try to incorporate a few of the things that preferably she's most concerned about. But on a group trip it can't be all about her and what she wants. You have to go with what's best for everyone.

No, that's the thing. I know she is. And she's having a hard time right now personally as well. Having had my son for three days a week, now that he's going to a new school, she's down to one. So I think there's some, I understand what you're doing is best for him, but I resent you for taking him away from me going on right now. Having family watch your children can be unbelievably complicated. :sad2:

Halloween costumes are such a small insignificant part of the vacation overall, it's not worth making yourself miserable over. Go with what makes DS happy, because he is the child and who's most important, and your mom should want him to be happy on this trip. I'm sure she'll be fine once your there and she sees him having a great time.

You know what the thing is? I'm not really jazzed about being Wendy. I like the idea of how comfortable the costume is, but it's not something I would pick on my own unless we were doing this whole group thing. And I'm having a devil of a time finding Captain Hook accessories (the coat, etc) to add to DH's pirate clothes from his Jack Sparrow costume. Part of me really really wants to hang it all and let everyone go as who they want. I even thought of how we could use Nana's bonnet and have her be one of the women who chases the pirates if we went that route (with DH as Jack and myself as Elizabeth again). I thought it was funny, my mom didn't. :lmao:

I think a ressie for the first night is a good idea. Everyone should be at their happiest at this point, and it makes a nice start to the trip. Nine Dragons is a great choice.

Exactly. And it'll be a nice break from the World Showcase.

I don't think you could go wrong with either of these choices. Chef Mickeys would provide a greater variety of foods for you mom though, and the picture opportunities would be fantastic. (And getting to bypass some of the meet and greet lines would be a great bonus).

I think a free morning is a great idea, and an even better argument for Chef Mickey's the day before. A free morning is great for some decompression from too much family togetherness.

I'm really leaning towards this. I also keep forgetting that we have park hoppers (and Mom and Nana have annual passes), so anyone could really do whatever they wanted on the free morning, you know? And I really wanted to try Ohana's, but Mom's displeasure with it has really put a damper on it for me. At least I know for a fact that she likes Chef Mickey's, we eat there every trip. :thumbsup2

I'm thinking of doing this one this trip too, just because I've never been there and want to check it out. It will be a nice break for your family.

I just found out on another thread that they have yummy alcoholic beverages too. Ask me how much more excited I am now? :yay:

Brown Derby sounds like a great choice! It's one of my favorites.

You can't go wrong with the Derby. :thumbsup2

Are you planning on doing a park your last morning? If you are, and you really want to do a character breakfast I'd pick one near the park I want to go to. If your not planning on going to AK, it's a bit of a hike to get over there just to eat. There is always the ones at the resorts - Lilo and Stitch at Ohanas, Alice at the Grand Flo, and the one over at Cape May.

You make a good point. I also thought of a possible princess breakfast in Norway. I'd love to do that, but given that my son has a bit of stranger anxiety (only with adults, not usually kids), I don't know how he'd react to that.

Hang in there! Just remember it's just a vacation, and no matter what you do, or how much planning goes into it things will change, and not everything is going to work out perfectly. Do your best, and leave some room to enjoy being there with everyone you love most! And give everyone who starts to drive you nuts and remind them that the important part is to enjoy being together. :)

Thank you for your kind words. I really needed a good reminder of why we take these trips in the first place.

To enjoy ourselves.

And it is a vacation. From your lips to God's ears. :lmao:

eandesmom

06-24-2009, 10:19 PM

Wow. 20! I thought I had problems with 6-7. That's a lot of people. It's so hard in these situations. I know I should just say, this is what we're doing. If you'd like to join us, you can. But it's hard! I want everyone to like what we're doing. What's wrong with me? :rotfl:

Well of course you do, we all do. Bear in mind I come from a large family so we are always at least 6! My mom has gotten a lot better with age, with multiple grandkids, us all laying down the law before the event...and a glass or two of chardonnay or a gin and tonic helps. I can play dictator too when I want to:lmao:

One thing that helped on this last trip was balancing buffets with sit downs. Most of the buffets have basic (boring lol food) so for those who want exotic, it works, if not fine too. Boma is a great example of that for us. 2 out of our 4 kids are less adventuresome, 1 quite a bit so. I refuse to let her dictate what the rest of us eat. We did actually pick one place that really was each persons top choice and it balanced out amazingly well.

Yes, your birthday, you may print out and hand out at will. repeat after me. "It's my birthday and we are going where I want to". End of conversation.

I'm sorry, hon, what do you mean by CS?

LOL Counter Service.

Never mind that I'm turning thirty and appear to be going through my mid life crisis way early. :lmao:

Just wait till 40. Amazingly it is so much more angst free.

OMG the CP thing boggles my mind. What is worse is my friend is a travel agent! And her son is autistic. Apparently he handled it better than she did. I would have been. Well...you wouldn't want to see me if htat happened to me.

Alright...here's another quote for you

---------
If you're going through hell
keep going.

-Winston Churchill.

TarzansKat

06-24-2009, 10:25 PM

One thing that helped on this last trip was balancing buffets with sit downs. Most of the buffets have basic (boring lol food) so for those who want exotic, it works, if not fine too. Boma is a great example of that for us. 2 out of our 4 kids are less adventuresome, 1 quite a bit so. I refuse to let her dictate what the rest of us eat. We did actually pick one place that really was each persons top choice and it balanced out amazingly well.

One of the reasons I love buffets so much is because I'm not terribly fond of children's menus. My son is much more adventurous, and much more interested in eating what we're eating that so called kid's food. So it's nice, because at buffets, he can have whatever he likes.

Yes, your birthday, you may print out and hand out at will. repeat after me. "It's my birthday and we are going where I want to". End of conversation.

Maybe I need to put that on a shirt! :lmao:

LOL Counter Service.

Okay, that's what I thought! I wasn't sure if you were referring to a restaurant. I can see why with a large group CS could be a bit of a nightmare.

Just wait till 40. Amazingly it is so much more angst free.

I just need to remember, this too, shall pass. :goodvibes

OMG the CP thing boggles my mind. What is worse is my friend is a travel agent! And her son is autistic. Apparently he handled it better than she did. I would have been. Well...you wouldn't want to see me if htat happened to me.

I don't even know how I would have reacted. Especially if I had a disappointed child.

Alright...here's another quote for you

---------
If you're going through hell
keep going.

-Winston Churchill.

I watched Meet the Robinsons for the first time tonight. I swear this relates. It had a great theme to it, and a great quoet.

-----------
Keep moving forward.

-Walt Disney

;)

If U Had Wings

06-24-2009, 10:29 PM

Oh, sheesh! You don't have to do that, but thank you! I will let you know if I change my mind. Right now, I went ahead an ordered a Vera. After DH, insisted, how could I resist? ;)

Can't resist that!

He's been very into the whole process. Picking what blanket and lovey he wants to take for nap time, knowing I have to label some of his clothes now, telling me what he wants for lunch. It just...he's growing up. You know?

It's a bit scary watching them grow up. I can't believe my younger niece will be starting first grade next year. She's completely unenthused about having to go to school all day long. :rotfl:

You know what the thing is? I'm not really jazzed about being Wendy. I like the idea of how comfortable the costume is, but it's not something I would pick on my own unless we were doing this whole group thing. And I'm having a devil of a time finding Captain Hook accessories (the coat, etc) to add to DH's pirate clothes from his Jack Sparrow costume. Part of me really really wants to hang it all and let everyone go as who they want. I even thought of how we could use Nana's bonnet and have her be one of the women who chases the pirates if we went that route (with DH as Jack and myself as Elizabeth again). I thought it was funny, my mom didn't. :lmao:

I don't blame you, Wendy's not really all that exciting. I say just go with whatever you want to be! I love the idea for using the bonnet. You'd just have to give her a rolling pin to chase after him again. Ha!

I'm really leaning towards this. I also keep forgetting that we have park hoppers (and Mom and Nana have annual passes), so anyone could really do whatever they wanted on the free morning, you know? And I really wanted to try Ohana's, but Mom's displeasure with it has really put a damper on it for me. At least I know for a fact that she likes Chef Mickey's, we eat there every trip. :thumbsup2

Ohana's may be an easy thing to give up to make your mother happy. Then you can insist on having your way somewhere else, like MNSSHP. ;)

I just found out on another thread that they have yummy alcoholic beverages too. Ask me how much more excited I am now? :yay:

You'll be looking for that drink after a week of family vacation!

Thank you for your kind words. I really needed a good reminder of why we take these trips in the first place.

To enjoy ourselves.

And it is a vacation. From your lips to God's ears. :lmao:

You'll end up having a wonderful time!

TarzansKat

06-25-2009, 06:39 AM

Can't resist that!

I know! When the man gives the green light for seemingly frivolous spending, it's best to take advantage. ;)

It's a bit scary watching them grow up. I can't believe my younger niece will be starting first grade next year. She's completely unenthused about having to go to school all day long. :rotfl:

I think I'm having a harder time with this than I will with public school, since this is the first time he's being taken care of by non-family. I got a little misty while I was packing his lunch in his new Transformers lunch box.

I wrote him a little mama loves you note. Am I a dork, or what? :blush:

I don't blame you, Wendy's not really all that exciting. I say just go with whatever you want to be! I love the idea for using the bonnet. You'd just have to give her a rolling pin to chase after him again. Ha!

So I've been totally eyeing these custom made pirate wench costumes on ebay. Who doesn't want to be Jack Sparrow's wench? :lmao:

Ohana's may be an easy thing to give up to make your mother happy. Then you can insist on having your way somewhere else, like MNSSHP. ;)

I'm really leaning towards this. DH and I discussed it last night, and we think the open day is a good idea.

You'll be looking for that drink after a week of family vacation!

And that ressie is about mid-vacation, so I'm sure it'll be needed even then! :rotfl2:

You'll end up having a wonderful time!

I know that in my heart. I'm glad I have the DIS and such wonderful people to share my planning with. I sometimes feel like no one else get its. Thank god I found a place where everyone's as crazy as I am.

We're all mad here, right CP? ;)

Charleston Princess

06-25-2009, 07:21 AM

Oh, TK! It can be so hard trying to make everyone happy on a family trip! :hug:

Actually, it sounds like you need more than one hug! :hug::hug::hug:

I like your plans -- also, we love, love, love the Tusker House buffet -- the characters in their safari gear, the theming of the restaurant, and the food itself. Whether you want Animal Kingdom to be your last park is the big question here, I guess.

If U Had Wings

06-25-2009, 09:11 AM

I think I'm having a harder time with this than I will with public school, since this is the first time he's being taken care of by non-family. I got a little misty while I was packing his lunch in his new Transformers lunch box.

I wrote him a little mama loves you note. Am I a dork, or what? :blush:

Maybe, but in a sweet good mama dork way! :)

So I've been totally eyeing these custom made pirate wench costumes on ebay. Who doesn't want to be Jack Sparrow's wench? :lmao:

:confused3 I have no idea. Heck, that job becomes available I'm quitting my job immediately.

I'm really leaning towards this. DH and I discussed it last night, and we think the open day is a good idea.[quote]

Your son will probably love the free day too. The first year we went to Disney with the whole family, and the nieces were 2 and 5, they'd be fine for so long in the parks and then all they wanted was the pool. Kids just love the pool!

[QUOTE=TarzansKat;32427451]I know that in my heart. I'm glad I have the DIS and such wonderful people to share my planning with. I sometimes feel like no one else get its. Thank god I found a place where everyone's as crazy as I am.

We're all mad here, right CP? ;)

I know exactly what you mean. I love being able to have this community with people who love it as much as me.:lovestruc

TarzansKat

06-25-2009, 07:04 PM

Oh, TK! It can be so hard trying to make everyone happy on a family trip! :hug:

Actually, it sounds like you need more than one hug! :hug::hug::hug:

Thank you. I love a virtual hug from my gal CP! :hug:

I like your plans -- also, we love, love, love the Tusker House buffet -- the characters in their safari gear, the theming of the restaurant, and the food itself. Whether you want Animal Kingdom to be your last park is the big question here, I guess.

Oh, that is so good to know! I'm just having a hard time deciding. :lmao:

:confused3 I have no idea. Heck, that job becomes available I'm quitting my job immediately.

I think Tink and I would fight you for it. ;)

Your son will probably love the free day too. The first year we went to Disney with the whole family, and the nieces were 2 and 5, they'd be fine for so long in the parks and then all they wanted was the pool. Kids just love the pool!

I love the fact that it's right in the middle of the trip as well. :goodvibes Want to swim? Sure. Go to the arcade? Sure. Drink for TK from the pool bar? SURE!!!!! :thumbsup2

I know exactly what you mean. I love being able to have this community with people who love it as much as me.:lovestruc

Me, too. :goodvibes

MRYPPNS

06-25-2009, 09:18 PM

TK- I'm so happy to hear that you found a pre-school that you like! :woohoo:

And then I talk to my husband and he reminds me that this is our trip. That everyone was invited along for our family vacation. And that if they don't want to come, they don't have to. And that if they don't want to eat where we want to eat, they don't have to.

Are you sure that this is how your Mother views your vacations together? Because actions speak louder than words and her actions are screaming out other-wise. This could be the root of it all.

Nine Dragons...good luck with that one. I read MickeyNicki's review and I know I won't be setting foot in there :scared1:

Charleston Princess

06-25-2009, 09:21 PM

Nine Dragons...good luck with that one. I read MickeyNicki's review and I know I won't be setting foot in there :scared1:

I thought the exact same thing when I read Nicki's review!

If U Had Wings

06-25-2009, 09:46 PM

I think Tink and I would fight you for it. ;)

As I am the only single unattached gal, I think I should get first dibs. :rotfl:

TarzansKat

06-25-2009, 09:49 PM

TK- I'm so happy to hear that you found a pre-school that you like! :woohoo:

Thank you! And he had an AMAZING first day. I can't tell how much I feel like a weight has been lifted.

Are you sure that this is how your Mother views your vacations together? Because actions speak louder than words and her actions are screaming out other-wise. This could be the root of it all.

You're probably right. DH and I had a long talk last night, and my hurt feelings were the final straw for him. He said he's done. This is his one vacation per year, and he doesn't want to do this any more. I can't blame him, it was only a matter of time before we both realized that we needed to focus more on our on little family unit. Unfortunately for me, I knew it would happen once we took a trip just the three of us, but what's done is done.

Nine Dragons...good luck with that one. I read MickeyNicki's review and I know I won't be setting foot in there :scared1:

I thought the exact same thing when I read Nicki's review!

I haven't read her review. I almost did last night and I thought, no. You're stressed enough without reading one review that will make you feel worse and second guess yourself. Because the thing is I've tried restaurants based on people's reviews and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. And I highly value her opinion, for sure, she writes some of the best reviews and takes some of the best food pics I've ever seen on the DIS. But I know how prone I am to waffling, and so for now, I am remaining blindly ignorant.

TarzansKat

06-25-2009, 09:50 PM

As I am the only single unattached gal, I think I should get first dibs. :rotfl:

Hmph.

Well, I did sort of marry a Jack Sparrow so I guess I don't have much of a leg to stand on here. :lmao:

If U Had Wings

06-25-2009, 10:18 PM

Hmph.

Well, I did sort of marry a Jack Sparrow so I guess I don't have much of a leg to stand on here. :lmao:

Exactly. You have your own. Jack is mine, mine, mine! :rotfl:

TarzansKat

06-26-2009, 06:20 AM

Exactly. You have your own. Jack is mine, mine, mine! :rotfl:

Ha! :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl: I still think you're going to have to fight Tink for him. ;)

If U Had Wings

06-26-2009, 09:32 AM

Ha! :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl: I still think you're going to have to fight Tink for him. ;)

:) That's okay, I've been working out lately. I may be a bit older, but I'm wiley! I think I can hold my own. :lmao:

jaynesherer

06-26-2009, 10:16 AM

This breakfast is so good and so much fun. You get Lilo and Stitch and Mickey and friends in Hawaiian dress-up. Ohana's is so nice for this Character breakfast. We do this breakfast every year.

Jayne

MegansMom

06-26-2009, 04:37 PM

So glad HRH enjoyed his new preschool!!! YEAH!

DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO!!! You said it yourself, plan what you all are going to do, what you are going to eat....and if she doesn't want to do that, she can make her own plans.

I like the green/blue vera!

TarzansKat

06-26-2009, 06:27 PM

:) That's okay, I've been working out lately. I may be a bit older, but I'm wiley! I think I can hold my own. :lmao:

I'm laughing at this mental image of you pysching yourself up.

"I'm wiley. I can take her!" :lmao:

This breakfast is so good and so much fun. You get Lilo and Stitch and Mickey and friends in Hawaiian dress-up. Ohana's is so nice for this Character breakfast. We do this breakfast every year.

Jayne

Hi there! You know, I'd been wondering about that one, and thanks for the recommendation. When I looked at the menu on Allears, it didn't wow me, but I love to hear someone tell from firsthand experience that they enjoyed it. :goodvibes

So glad HRH enjoyed his new preschool!!! YEAH!

Big ole sigh of relief right there!

DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO!!! You said it yourself, plan what you all are going to do, what you are going to eat....and if she doesn't want to do that, she can make her own plans.

Thank you, hon. I'm currently formulating a plan I think will really have something for everyone. And quite frankly, if it doesn't, I'm going to have to wash my hands at this point and just go with the flow.

I like the green/blue vera!

Thanks! I'll do a big reveal once my new Vera arrives. :thumbsup2

TarzansKat

06-27-2009, 01:44 PM

Hey, guys! I just have time for a really quick update here, so I'm going to throw a whole bunch of stuff together in a mish mash hodge podge before we head to my cousin's high school graduation party, and hope you all like it.

I got the Vera bag today. I loved how it was packaged, I felt like I was opening a present! Unfortunately, a very expensive, very disappointing present. I loved the Daisy Daisy print and that's what I ended up ordering. I have to tell you, as soon as I took it out of the bag, I loved the colors and may have even uttered a little sigh of contentment.

Then why is it going back? On further inspection of my new purchase, I discovered a LOT of hanging threads. And I don't just mean a few, I mean...a ton. And not just at random points, I mean right where a seam ends. Not good. For the amount of money I spent on that bag, I expect better workmanship.

I sound so snobbish.

That's not it. It's that DH and I are frugal. We will spend money on something we really want, but if it's a lot of money, it better dang well be worth it. Honestly, this bag does not feel worth what I payed, at all. Which is sad, because it's so cute. My solution is to see if I can find some of the older styles on Ebay and hope that the crafting is better. I mean, there were even threads coming off on my clothing when I tried it on. Sad, but true. Back it goes. Fortunately, there's a store near me where I can easily return it, so no biggie.

I'm getting very, very excited about my ADR window, which opens up on July 1st! I'm apprehensive about online booking, but after reading how easy it was on 2xcited's PTR, I think I'm going to give it a go. The fact that you can get in at six am is great, too, because I have to work that day and I'm usually up anyway. I'm got a few tricks up my sleeve, some possible changes / reshuffling of ideas for the itinerary and our ressies, so I'm excited.

I want to thank you all for listening to my angst and offering your support. I sure needed to vent, and it was nice to feel listened to.

I can hear my menfolk getting ready which means I need to get ready, too!

I think there was more, but hopefully I'll have more time later. :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

06-27-2009, 02:39 PM

That's too bad about the bag TK. I don't blame you at all. For what they charge for those bags there shouldn't be a loose thread anywhere. There is no excuse for that.

Charleston Princess

06-27-2009, 10:32 PM

What a shame about the Vera! I have never had a problem with loose threads or shoddy workmanship, so I am shocked. Apparently the quality inspectors were not paying attention on the day they sent your bag off to make its way in the world. :headache:

Can't wait to see what your ADR changes might be...

Hope you are having a fabulous time at your cousin's graduation party!

TarzansKat

06-28-2009, 08:05 AM

That's too bad about the bag TK. I don't blame you at all. For what they charge for those bags there shouldn't be a loose thread anywhere. There is no excuse for that.

I know, it's very frustrating!

What a shame about the Vera! I have never had a problem with loose threads or shoddy workmanship, so I am shocked. Apparently the quality inspectors were not paying attention on the day they sent your bag off to make its way in the world. :headache:

I have to say, the cargo sling I used in December is wonderful! Beautifully made, I guess that's why I was so surprised. My mother heard a rumor during one of our Disney trips that the Veras are being manufactured elsewhere now (China, maybe?) and whoever she heard this from said there had been a decline in workmanship. Go figure. :confused3

Can't wait to see what your ADR changes might be...

For what was initially a laid back vacation, I have plans every day. :lmao: It's so different when you have that many people to feed.

Hope you are having a fabulous time at your cousin's graduation party!

We had an amazing time! I have to say though, seeing him all grown up (and his older brother) throws me for a loop. Between them and my other cousins, I feel like saying, when did this happen? You're all perpetually four to me! :rotfl2:

TarzansKat

06-28-2009, 10:36 AM

As do we all, right? :lmao:

I think one of my best, and arguably most annoying qualities is my ability to amuse myself. Case in point...my PTR chapter titles. Add that to my uncanny ability to burst out laughing at my job for no apparent reason, leaving my co-workers to stare at me in wonder, and we'll, you've got someone who, when in a good mood, just creates their own brand of funny.

It doesn't help that so many things during the day remind me of Disney. Rides, attractions, shows, characters, you name it, if there's even the most tenuous connection, it's in my head before you can say Jiminy Cricket.

I think what unnerves them the most is not when I sing "Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me," in its entirety, but when I start with the whole macabre, "Welcome, foolish mortals...there's always room for one more...any volunteers???" :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Honestly, the ability to amuse yourself, especially when you're not thrilled with your work environment, well it's dang priceless.

What's not priceless, but acutally quite pricey is this whole trip bag thing. Hence the baggage, trip bag, baggage, ADR issues, drama, baggage.

You get the idea.

Anyway, the Vera is going back. Most likely today, once I get my unmotivated self showered and out the door. I have no motivation for errands, but alas, they need to be done.

And I got to thinking. And I didn't want to. I didn't want to be like everyone else. But sometimes, being like everyone else is not quite so bad, especially if everyone else has good ideas.

What am I rambling about?

The Baggalini. :lmao:

I had really underestimated the appeal of this bag. Well, I know they have a whole huge line, but when I say this bag, I mean, this one:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/bagga121602_64244_jb.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/bagga121602_64242_jb.jpg

I'm showing you the lime green just so you can see the structure of the bag. It's harder to tell in the photo of the black one, but that's actually what I ordered. Basic black goes with everything, and as you can tell from my ranting about shoes, that's pretty much what I have in my wardrobe. Lots of jeans and black with some colors thrown in here and there.

I'm pretty sure this is the one that Wings said she had, and maybe even Maroo, too? I like the fact that it's a messenger style strap that goes across my body. I really prefer the feel of that rather than the traditional style backpack. I also feel like it's unisex enough for myself and DH to carry without looking out of place, because if he doesn't want to do the across style, he can just throw it over his shoulder.

Here's the product description:
Product Description (Women's baggallini MES160 Messenger Bagg)

This functional and stylish bagg features a variety of pockets with zippered compartments and a concealed organized pocket for PDA, keys, pens/lipstick, business cards, checkbook, coins and more. This comfortable one strap bagg keeps your cell phone or money at your fingertips in the hidden pocket on the front strap. Made of lightweight water resistant Ripstop Nylon fabric.

Dimensions: 13" x 10" x 4"

Weight: 16 oz

I don't know if you're aware, but I go nutty over a bag with a lot of pockets. The more pockets, the happier I am. I love to have everything for myself and DS separate, and to keep everything in it's place. It makes life so much easier when you're not rifling through one big interior pocket to find everything.

I really want to love a Vera bag, because I love color and prints and they're fun. But after all your rave reviews of the Baggalini brand, I thought I'd head over to bagsbuy.com and just check it out. Well, it turns out this bag was actually on sale. It was on sale for $37.45 down from $44.95. I found a coupon code for $10 off my purchase, and go the first time customer discount of 10% off.

All told, this bag cost less than $25 with shipping. Quite frankly, I don't think I'm going to be able to do much better than that. I'm really hoping that when this arrives, I like it and it works. I really need to get something in place, because even though we have three months, I still feel like this is one duck I need to get in a row.

So far, this is how the shopping cards lie. We're keeping the following:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/242943_30841_41.jpg http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0230.jpg - These Keens in black. All told, cost was under $65. I've been wearing them around the house and I like how they feel and look. They're sporty, and cute.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/6627-675799-d.jpg - These Teva flips. All told, cost was under $25. They don't match a lot of my wardrobe, but they're too comfortable to let go since I can't find black ones.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0231.jpg - DS' new swimsuit, my new Mickey purse, and the Nemo pens for character signing. I have to say, I really love this black purse. I used it yesterday, and it was very comfortable to wear. If I don't like the Baggalini, I'll be using this as a purse, and then a tote to carry DS' stuff in. That's my last resort. You'll know I've given up when I tell you that's what I'm doing. Not because I don't like the purse or anything. I think it's just the fear that I'd leave it somewhere. That's one of the reasons I like the cross body bags, because when you sit down on a ride, it's attached to you. When you leave, attached. You know? And with a four year old, it's so easy to get distracted.

So there you have it. I see through my Kohls tracking that the tanks I ordered have arrived, so maybe in our near future there will be a post about homemade shirts. I did go out and buy the tie dye kit, and DH does have the weekend off, so hopefully we can at least get started on these. It's exciting!

One of the most fun parts of preparing for the trip I think, is making all the neat stuff to go along with it.

It also helps to distract me from the impending ADR countdown. :scared1:

Normangirls

06-28-2009, 06:01 PM

It also helps to distract me from the impending ADR countdown. :scared1:

Tell me about it. We are going 9/27-10/9 (long trip, long story), and my 90-day window opens up tomorrow. I am freaking :scared: out.

I actually came in to the office tonight to "practice" the on-line system!

Anyway, love the new bag.

TarzansKat

06-28-2009, 06:20 PM

Tell me about it. We are going 9/27-10/9 (long trip, long story), and my 90-day window opens up tomorrow. I am freaking :scared: out.

I actually came in to the office tonight to "practice" the on-line system!

Well, it's definitely nice to know I'm not alone in my fears.

Here's some pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: for you, I hope you get what you want!

Anyway, love the new bag.

My trip totally overlaps yours, I just noticed...have we talked about this before? I can't remember. Maybe we'll run into each other. ;)

Thanks on the bag, I hope it works. :goodvibes

maroo

06-28-2009, 06:36 PM

That's my bag!!!!!!! The black one! :banana: :banana: :banana:

I actually have TWO.

I got that exact style and LOVE IT.

now, i gotta go back and read the rest of your post.

maroo

06-28-2009, 06:42 PM

I crack myself up. I could not even hold on for 2 more lines to realize that you already KNEW I had that bag. :lmao:

$25 is a GREAT price!

I think you will love the bag and all of the pockets. There are MORE pockets inside.

In fact...if you think you "lost" something... Go through each pocket one by one, even the inside ones...I have "lost" a couple of things, only to find them later in the inside, inside front pocket of my bag.

I carry that thing around all the time now. My poor lime green Mickey head is long gone.

Normangirls

06-28-2009, 06:58 PM

My trip totally overlaps yours, I just noticed...have we talked about this before? I can't remember. Maybe we'll run into each other. ;)

I hadn't mentioned it, since I usually just lurk/stalk/live vicariously!

I also never mentioned the Vera Bradley sale in Ft. Wayne, Indiana a few months ago (the company is based there). My secretary went, and got my daughters pajamas, cell phone holders, and bags, and she didn't spend more than $10 on any of that. And the bags. Oh, the bags. It's like a little slice of heaven.

But I won't tell you about that.

So, if you see a bunch of people in head-to-toe Ohio State gear, with the Mom barking (nicely, with love in my heart) at everyone to stay together, reading her trip plan and her dining ressie numbers, three little girls dressed up like fairies at MNSSHP, and DH acting like one of the kids? Yeah, that's us. Sorry.

jenjolt

06-28-2009, 09:30 PM

What does a girl have to do TK to get you to tell exactly what you can fit into that bag so I know if I want to get one like it LOL...I have a backpack that I use and I love it...of course it needs to be scotchguarded again but that's a whole nother story!!!

So anyways I'm still dealing with my own shoe dilemna and I figure I need to get on the ball so I can break those shoes in!!

Now don't dread the ADRs too much I was able to make all of mine today and had great success...of course the OCD in me will be calling back tomorrow to verify all of my reservations and make sure they are intact LOL!!!

Nuwanda9

06-28-2009, 10:44 PM

That is too bad about the Vera bag! I can't believe they let it leave the building like that. Thinking maybe you wouldn't notice, perhaps? I think not! :laughing:

How are those Teva flops? I am looking for a good pair to bring on my trip. Something with support. I like the looks of the ones you got.

If U Had Wings

06-28-2009, 10:52 PM

The lime green one is the exact one that I got. I love all the pockets on it. Especially the one on the strap. It's wonderful that I don't have to take off the entire bag to use that pocket.

TarzansKat

06-29-2009, 07:25 AM

I crack myself up. I could not even hold on for 2 more lines to realize that you already KNEW I had that bag. :lmao:

You crack me up, too, but in a totally good way. I love your enthusiasm. :thumbsup2

$25 is a GREAT price!

I think you will love the bag and all of the pockets. There are MORE pockets inside.

The thought of that many pockets is so exciting to me!

In fact...if you think you "lost" something... Go through each pocket one by one, even the inside ones...I have "lost" a couple of things, only to find them later in the inside, inside front pocket of my bag.

Good to know, thanks. Totally sounds like something I would do.

I carry that thing around all the time now. My poor lime green Mickey head is long gone.

The only thing I got concerned about (just yesterday) is whether or not I'll be fitting DS' spare clothes in that main compartment. I think it'll work if I roll them.

I hadn't mentioned it, since I usually just lurk/stalk/live vicariously!

Well, you lurk/stalk/live vicariously to your heart's content, but don't hold back! If I'm going to run into a DISer, it's good to know. I'll keep the crazy to a minimum. ;)

I also never mentioned the Vera Bradley sale in Ft. Wayne, Indiana a few months ago (the company is based there). My secretary went, and got my daughters pajamas, cell phone holders, and bags, and she didn't spend more than $10 on any of that. And the bags. Oh, the bags. It's like a little slice of heaven.

But I won't tell you about that.

Oh my dear lord. Can I come visit so I can go to the sale? :goodvibes

So, if you see a bunch of people in head-to-toe Ohio State gear, with the Mom barking (nicely, with love in my heart) at everyone to stay together, reading her trip plan and her dining ressie numbers, three little girls dressed up like fairies at MNSSHP, and DH acting like one of the kids? Yeah, that's us. Sorry.

HA!!!! :lmao: No need to apologize.

If you happen open a very frazzled looking woman with an entourage of 5 or 6 other people, wearing a custom made tank (did my first one last night!), with a husband who bears a resemblace to a certain rum soaked pirate and a child with the most beautiful auburn red hair you've ever seen...well, that would be us. :lmao: Are you going to the MNSSHP on the 1st of Oct?

What does a girl have to do TK to get you to tell exactly what you can fit into that bag so I know if I want to get one like it LOL...I have a backpack that I use and I love it...of course it needs to be scotchguarded again but that's a whole nother story!!!

Oh, hon, if you want to know what fits in there, I'll be happy to put that in one of my chapters. I'm going to have to test it out anyway, so I'll most likely pack it like we're going on the trip and see how it works/looks/feels. :thumbsup2

So anyways I'm still dealing with my own shoe dilemna and I figure I need to get on the ball so I can break those shoes in!![QUOTE]

It's quite a pain, I get your angst.

[QUOTE]
Now don't dread the ADRs too much I was able to make all of mine today and had great success...of course the OCD in me will be calling back tomorrow to verify all of my reservations and make sure they are intact LOL!!!

Oh, I hear you. I want to make my ressies online and then call and make sure they exist! :lmao:

That is too bad about the Vera bag! I can't believe they let it leave the building like that. Thinking maybe you wouldn't notice, perhaps? I think not! :laughing:

It is quite a bummer because it was so cute.

How are those Teva flops? I am looking for a good pair to bring on my trip. Something with support. I like the looks of the ones you got.

I can't speak highly enough of them. I have a really, really hard time with walking shoes for Disney. Years of working on threadbare carpets covering concrete floors, and improper support in my college years has really ruined my feet. It's awful.

Enough about that, though, sorry! The Teva flips are the most supportive I've ever worn, and the black ones I had lasted...about a year, I think. I still wear them around though, they're just not as supportive as when I first got them.

The lime green one is the exact one that I got. I love all the pockets on it. Especially the one on the strap. It's wonderful that I don't have to take off the entire bag to use that pocket.

What exactly do you fit in that front pocket?