Now Bring Me That Horizon ~ It Begins P115

[maroo]

Well...let's see...

I could use charts and graphs. :teacher:

But...this is really simple. If you have the AP...then maybe, just maybe, you will take enough trips to allow me to actually meet you in person!

and...uh...I think I have some more orders. :rolleyes1

[eandesmom]

Everyone's favorite kind of arithmetic, right? :lmao:

So today I'm on the WDW website, and I'm really pricing out what our passes cost for this trip and what the price difference is to upgrade us all to annual passes.

And that grand total, with tax would be a little over $632.


And so here I am, sort of wondering, do I have the money to do two more trips in a year? Will I be able to build up my tie dye business enough to actually make some extra money to put towards Disney trips? I've already had a lot of interest, and I'm actually going to start my own little creative venture here. For a long time, creativity and the spontaneity of art has been missing from my life, and it's time to get back into that. Given that I can't go back to school for at least a year (don't know if I mentioned that, but the accelerated program I've found I already missed the deadline for so I'm looking at starting in October of 2010), it gives me plenty of time to take my days off and focus on some things that I really love to do.

But I know these things take time and so I hesitate as to whether or not the $632 is a good idea.

Most likely it is. I mean, if you plan on going for at least another week long trip, it'll save you $200+ on tickets. So that in and of itself is worth it, never mind the possibility of my going in January for a weekend with my mom.

I just need someone...okay, you know what...I need Heidi to tell me whether or not this makes sense. No pressure, hon. :lmao: You're so good with all the number stuff, I really appreciate it when you take it and break it down. :goodvibes

And everyone, please feel free to weigh in. I'm just trying to decide what the responsible choice is here.

Of course, my heart always wants to plan another Disney trip. Who doesn't? :love:

Oh Gosh....I think that's a tough call. You really have to see how realistic those additional trips are, or at least I would before making that kind of commitment. Here's the thing (not to be a wet blanket as I'm usually an enabler). If it were me, and I did the upgrade, then I'd feel I HAD to go again for at least a week to justify it. So by committing to the AP's I'd be committing to at least one more trip whether I should or not.

But....on a much happier note....YOU FOUND A PROGRAM! I didn't realize! Who cares that it's 2010! You found something you like! :banana:

[TarzansKat]

I I want to, yes, but is it really the most fiscally intelligent thing to do right now?

This is exactly my problem. The financial dilemma.


If you have any doubts, why not look into just upgrading yours to an Annual Pass. That way you'd still get to take advantage of any discounts they offer. I think I've read that as long as your going to use them for at least 10 days you'll recoup your money, so even if you just go this fall and then with your mom you'll recoup your money.

I've thought about that as well. I guess my biggest concern is not being able to afford to go with Mom and take the week vacation just the three of us. In all reality, I guess what I'm most worried about is airfare.

In regard to the three of us, we go to Disney every year. Instead of having a whole year to recoup and save, we'll have eight months. I was thinking we'd possibly go in May, take advantage of the beauty of Flower and Garden Festival. In all reality, will we save enough money in time? Probably.


As for the shirts, if your heart is in it, and you enjoy doing it then go for it. I truly believe that doing things you enjoy is one of the most important things in life, and if you can use it to help finance some Disney vacations all the better. At least you won't find yourself begrudging the time you spend working on them.

You know, it has been so long since I have enjoyed something so much. And that to me, is a little sad, but also, very, very exciting. I really like working on them, and I do them at night while DS is sleeping, so it's no big deal. Then they sit and the dye sinks in for 24 hours, so the following night (again, while he's sleeping), I'm able to finish the process.

And it's so neat, because no matter how I think they're going to come out, it's a surprise every time. I love it. :goodvibes

Obviously, I'm the wrong person to put your cofidence in- see previous post(s). :lmao::lmao:

:rotfl2:


But, I do know your business if viable! Go for it!

Indeed, it seems to be. Thanks for the vote of confidence. :thumbsup2

From someone who has an AP for me it was a fantastic deal!! If you are seriously considering taking another trip then it is well worth it not having to buy tickets...and if you are considering 3 trips then you will make back your money!!!! At this point my first day of May trip, made up for my AP and means that the rest of the year thru January I'm going free to Disney..and what better feeling is that!!!

I know how you feel. I remember when I used to get an AP all the time, and it felt so nice to walk through those gates and to know I could park hop and to know all of that and it was so easy. Didn't matter how many days, as long as I could afford a hotel and food. :thumbsup2

I think you should upgrade to APs especially if you are pretty sure you will be taking a vacation next year! Don't forget those discounted rooms and the World of Disney discount as well! :thumbsup2

That's true, and what I would be hoping for is a really nice AP discount. And since this is the last year I can really play around with different times to go, we could certainly be flexible enough to wait for a good AP rate. I had May in mind, but we can be open to other times as well.

Well...let's see...

I could use charts and graphs. :teacher:

But...this is really simple. If you have the AP...then maybe, just maybe, you will take enough trips to allow me to actually meet you in person!

Oh, you and your selfish motivations. ;) Hey, meeting you would be a pleasure! :goodvibes


and...uh...I think I have some more orders. :rolleyes1

WOO HOO!!! Just e-mail me.

And by the by, your second shirt is currently percolating, so to speak. :thumbsup2

Oh Gosh....I think that's a tough call. You really have to see how realistic those additional trips are, or at least I would before making that kind of commitment. Here's the thing (not to be a wet blanket as I'm usually an enabler). If it were me, and I did the upgrade, then I'd feel I HAD to go again for at least a week to justify it. So by committing to the AP's I'd be committing to at least one more trip whether I should or not.

I think in my head I'm already committed to one more trip. The thought of going during a school vacation week (you have firsthand experience with this), I do not relish. I would rather sneak in one more trip, just the three of us, before he goes to public school. So in my heart, it's yes. In my head it's 95%. That 5% of me wants to be financially responsible. We didn't deplete our savings to buy the car, but it will take some time to recover.


But....on a much happier note....YOU FOUND A PROGRAM! I didn't realize! Who cares that it's 2010! You found something you like! :banana:

I can't remember what I've posted about this. :sad2: YES! I found a program!!!!

Actually, it's an accelerated program, and I've decided to go ahead and do that for art, not English. I already have a BFA in Painting, so I can do this accelerated program and get certified to teach art Pre-K - 12. The only difficulty is that it's Friday nights and all day Saturdays, and they highly recommend that you do not work while you're in the program so that you can complete the student teaching in a timely manner. It's all scheduled out and I won't bore you with details, but the kicker of it is that I carry the health insurance, and I highly, highly doubt that the bank will keep me when I suddenly change my availbility on them. All tellers are hired to work Saturdays, and I'm one of the only ones in the branch that works every one. So, time will tell. Maybe something will change for us before then, perhaps my husband can work something out with his work. I refuse to worry about it right now, though, because it's a whole year away. It's just a bit of a thorn in my side, so to speak.

[MRYPPNS]

Ok I'm here. Buy the AP's for all 3 of you. I know that you will want to go alone again after this family trip. Plus there will be no free dining for you in May. You'll get an AP rate for Pop and eat on the cheap. Air fare will be $900 max. And you won't spend hundred's on dollars on stuff BEFORE the trip......why do we all do that? I was guilty of it last year. So buy the APs now so your "May" trip is a done deal.....anything else is bonus.

Are there still 10% off AP coupons still out there????? Does anyone know what I'm referring to?

[Lady Lallie]

Ahhh...Fuzzy Disney Math.

I've been trying to do some of my own today and my brain is failing.

I think you just have to do what you are comfortable with. I don't think if you don't upgrade to APs that it will prevent you from going to Disney in May if you are able too. :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Ok I'm here.

SHE HAS ARRIVED!!!

All hail my math guru. :goodvibes


Buy the AP's for all 3 of you. I know that you will want to go alone again after this family trip. Plus there will be no free dining for you in May. You'll get an AP rate for Pop and eat on the cheap. Air fare will be $900 max. And you won't spend hundred's on dollars on stuff BEFORE the trip......why do we all do that? I was guilty of it last year. So buy the APs now so your "May" trip is a done deal.....anything else is bonus.

Good points, all. I'm actually online right now just pricing things out, getting a feel for what a room might cost, what dining would cost if we chose to do it. This will give me a good budget to go on, and you're right, we will cut way, way down on extraneous spending. It just won't be necessary, at all. The best I can hope for in May is a nice room or AP rate. I know Tink and I got a fantastic one, and that was Memorial Day weekend, so there's definitely hope. And I remember Mom and Nana going earlier in the month, and the public rate worked out better for them than the AP rate.


Are there still 10% off AP coupons still out there????? Does anyone know what I'm referring to?

I actually know what you're talking about, but I think those are pretty much gone now. Not sure.

[TarzansKat]

Ahhh...Fuzzy Disney Math.

I've been trying to do some of my own today and my brain is failing.

I know the feeling.

For me, it must be the tie dye fumes. ;)


I think you just have to do what you are comfortable with. I don't think if you don't upgrade to APs that it will prevent you from going to Disney in May if you are able too. :thumbsup2

I'm afraid that if I don't upgrade to annual passes, come May, I'll be kicking myself! :lmao:

[creativeamanda]

I am doing an annual pass in December, but only for my tickets. Point here? Well, I figure that out of the next 2 trips (I hope--lets see my pay raise first, lol), one will be solo. Instead of doing the dining plan, I am going to do Tables in Wonderland next time and hope there is a 7 for the price of 4 in the summer.

In other words. . .Fuzzy Disney Math.

You do what feels right for you. Maybe you have some gauge of what you will do with the tie dye business by the time you go. . .

[TarzansKat]

You do what feels right for you. Maybe you have some gauge of what you will do with the tie dye business by the time you go. . .

That is true. I have, essentially, two months before we leave, and although that's not enough to determine how it'll do annually, it's certainly enough time to test the waters and see how things go. :goodvibes

[pooh'smate]

I say buy the AP. I too am actually considering this for my trip because I am pretty sure that we will be taking my dd next year. I might not be able to upgrade both of ours but even upgrading one will save us money.

[2xcited2sleep]

Another vote for going for the AP. If not for the whole party at least for your immediate family who for sure will be going at least one more time. And as others said, there are some nifty AP holder discounts. Can't remember if you do dining plan but if you don't could also purchase the Tables in Wonderland card for 20% off meals INCLUDING alcohol. :rolleyes1 You also get a fun AP holder newsletter. :)

[MRYPPNS]

You also get a fun AP holder newsletter. :)

Is it sad that I wish I could get an AP so I could get a newsletter too?

[TarzansKat]

I say buy the AP. I too am actually considering this for my trip because I am pretty sure that we will be taking my dd next year. I might not be able to upgrade both of ours but even upgrading one will save us money.

It is a money saver, especially if you know you're planning another trip within the year.

Another vote for going for the AP. If not for the whole party at least for your immediate family who for sure will be going at least one more time. And as others said, there are some nifty AP holder discounts. Can't remember if you do dining plan but if you don't could also purchase the Tables in Wonderland card for 20% off meals INCLUDING alcohol. :rolleyes1 You also get a fun AP holder newsletter. :)

My mother actually has the Tables in Wonderland card, and I love it! I would definitely purchase one if we were going without a dining plan, which I am actually leaning towards. :thumbsup2

Love how you threw in the comment about the alcohol. Do I scream lush?

Is it sad that I wish I could get an AP so I could get a newsletter too?

No, it's not. I covet my mom's when it comes in the mail. :confused3

[2xcited2sleep]

My mother actually has the Tables in Wonderland card, and I love it! I would definitely purchase one if we were going without a dining plan, which I am actually leaning towards. :thumbsup2

Love how you threw in the comment about the alcohol. Do I scream lush?



No, it's not. I covet my mom's when it comes in the mail. :confused3


Oh no... no offense meant. I am the lush... truthfully. I can actually make $ on the card. :rolleyes1

I do get the AP newsletter and would be happy to email it to anyone who PMs me their address.

[TarzansKat]

Oh no... no offense meant. I am the lush... truthfully. I can actually make $ on the card. :rolleyes1

Oh, I totally wasn't offended, just giving you a hard time. :lmao:

No, I am entirely too excited about all the alcoholic beverages I'd like to have on this trip.

Will I have them all? Probably not.

Will I try? SURE! :thumbsup2


I do get the AP newsletter and would be happy to email it to anyone who PMs me their address.

Aw, shucks! I get it from my mom, but thanks. :goodvibes

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh, I totally wasn't offended, just giving you a hard time. :lmao:

No, I am entirely too excited about all the alcoholic beverages I'd like to have on this trip.

Will I have them all? Probably not.

Will I try? SURE! :thumbsup2



Aw, shucks! I get it from my mom, but thanks. :goodvibes

Oh good! Glad I didn't offend you. And even happier to have some company in the lush camp. ;) Nothing wrong with trying to sample everything. It's the effort that counts! I truly look forward to toasting- at least once- with you! :goodvibes

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Ok with the whole AP thing, I think if you are even a little sure you're going with your mom or even for at least another trip I think you should get it. We used to get it all the time because we would stay for like two weeks and if you are going to be there for more than 10 days than it's cheaper to get the AP. Second, congrats on finding a program that fits you! It's such a relief, isn't it?! Third, I think your buisness you're going to start is a wonderful idea, I definitely think it will at lest bring you a little bit of extra and hey you never know it could blossom into this huge thing! Anyway, I would say a vote for yes for the AP and congrats on the program and your new business!

[TarzansKat]

Oh good! Glad I didn't offend you. And even happier to have some company in the lush camp. ;) Nothing wrong with trying to sample everything. It's the effort that counts! I truly look forward to toasting- at least once- with you! :goodvibes

No, no offense at all. :goodvibes

I think my biggest problem is I talk a big game about all the things I want to try, but I am SUCH a lightweight, it's rarely possible.

And I am definitely looking forward to a toast with you, my dear! :goodvibes

Ok with the whole AP thing, I think if you are even a little sure you're going with your mom or even for at least another trip I think you should get it. We used to get it all the time because we would stay for like two weeks and if you are going to be there for more than 10 days than it's cheaper to get the AP. Second, congrats on finding a program that fits you! It's such a relief, isn't it?! Third, I think your buisness you're going to start is a wonderful idea, I definitely think it will at lest bring you a little bit of extra and hey you never know it could blossom into this huge thing! Anyway, I would say a vote for yes for the AP and congrats on the program and your new business!

Thanks so much. I know you're right on the AP. If you go for more than 10 days, it is cheaper. And I know I'm going to want to do this trip, and I'm pretty sure I'd be kicking myself if I don't upgrade us.

And what a relief to find a program that works! I almost felt like throwing in the towel, but I'm too stubborn to give up on something like that. :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

There's always something. Something my son says, or that we do, or a conversation had that a little light bulb :idea: goes off, and I think, man, that needs to go in the pretrip report.

So here's some fun randomness for you from ye ole TK homestead.

1. You know that if you crank the AC really high in your car, pop in the 50th anniversary CD, and play Grim Grinning Ghots, you almost feel like you're in The Haunted Mansion. To further the effect, close your eyes (not while you're driving, while you're parked, silly!!!!) and visualize it. Yes. I really do that. "When hinges creak in doorless chambers..." :hmghost:

And really, isn't that one of the best feelings in the world? You're standing outside, in the Florida heat, and suddenly the doors open and woosh, it's bone chillingly cold. Ahhhh.....

2. TK - "DS, you know that we're going to Disney World next month right?"
DS - "YEAH!"
TK - "And you know that for the first two days, it's going to be just the three of us, just you and me and Papa. And then on Tuesday, everyone else will come."
DS - "Yes, Mama?"
TK - "So, when we go to Disney World, just the three of us, what do you want to do? What park do you want to go to? What rides do you want to go on?"
DS - "I want to go on the ride with Donald with the pictures in the air."
TK - :scratchin
TK - "What ride?"
DS - "The ride with Donald and the pictures and it moves and the friends...big birds."
TK - .....
TK - "OH!!!!! You want to go on the ride with Donald and the Three Caballeros???" :lmao:

Thank God we're going to Epcot on our first day. :thumbsup2

I'm sure there's more, but I just can't think of it right now. Everyone have a great night! :goodvibes

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

oh god that's so cute. It must be amazing to see Disney through a child's eyes!!

[jenjolt]

Your son is too cute for words!! I love that you have Disney conversations with him and that you share it with us!!!

See your thinking like me when you place yourself in the HM whenever you can LOL!!!!

[MegansMom]

Out of the mouths of babes....I just never get enough when little kiddos come up with great bits of conversations!!!!

[All7OfUs]

When I read that I honestly thought he was talking about the Philharmagic. Either way, I wish I had written more of those cute things they say down. Now the effects of having 3.125% of my brain left have taken their toll, and I cannot remember most of it.

[creativeamanda]

Too cute! I love it when kids say things like that. It just melts your heart.

[Lady Lallie]

That is just too cute. It's funny that of all the things at Disney he picks that ride, you know? It's interesting to see what sticks out in the little ones minds. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

This is exactly my problem. The financial dilemma.

I've thought about that as well. I guess my biggest concern is not being able to afford to go with Mom and take the week vacation just the three of us. In all reality, I guess what I'm most worried about is airfare.


The airfare is what I worry most about too. If it wasn't for the airfare trips would be so much more economical!


I was thinking of you last night when I was doing some bag searching online. I know you had mentioned the possibility of selling the Tye Dye tees on Ebay. I'm not sure if your familiar with the sight but I was poking around on Etsy last night and was thinking it may be a good option for you too. It's a site where people sell all kinds of handmade things. (Very dangerous on the wallet:scared1:). Fees may be a bit less than Ebay. Something to look into at any rate.

[Charleston Princess]

Is it sad that I wish I could get an AP so I could get a newsletter too?

:lmao: I am the exact same way -- I always want APs and DVC for all the cute little things!

1. You know that if you crank the AC really high in your car, pop in the 50th anniversary CD, and play Grim Grinning Ghots, you almost feel like you're in The Haunted Mansion. To further the effect, close your eyes (not while you're driving, while you're parked, silly!!!!) and visualize it. Yes. I really do that. "When hinges creak in doorless chambers..." :hmghost:

:rotfl2: I do this all the time -- especially if we are in the car at night! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

oh god that's so cute. It must be amazing to see Disney through a child's eyes!!

It truly is. I have so many memories from before he was born, and they're great. But I have to tell you, there is nothing like taking a child to Disney World. It's amazing, especially when we have those full circle moments, like he's doing things I did. I love it. :goodvibes

Your son is too cute for words!! I love that you have Disney conversations with him and that you share it with us!!!

I just think it's the little things that make the ptrs interesting, you know?


See your thinking like me when you place yourself in the HM whenever you can LOL!!!!

I totally thought of you when I posted that! :thumbsup2

Out of the mouths of babes....I just never get enough when little kiddos come up with great bits of conversations!!!!

Isn't it amazing what they come out with? I love it!

When I read that I honestly thought he was talking about the Philharmagic. Either way, I wish I had written more of those cute things they say down. Now the effects of having 3.125% of my brain left have taken their toll, and I cannot remember most of it.

I do try to make an effort to write down some of the things he says, or at least tell my husband. That man has a memory like a steel trap.

Too cute! I love it when kids say things like that. It just melts your heart.

It totally does. They come up with the sweetest things.

That is just too cute. It's funny that of all the things at Disney he picks that ride, you know? It's interesting to see what sticks out in the little ones minds. :goodvibes

I know, I guess my boy must really love him some Donald Duck! :lmao:

The airfare is what I worry most about too. If it wasn't for the airfare trips would be so much more economical!


I remember when airfare used to be so much less. It pains me what we pay now. :sad2:


I was thinking of you last night when I was doing some bag searching online. I know you had mentioned the possibility of selling the Tye Dye tees on Ebay. I'm not sure if your familiar with the sight but I was poking around on Etsy last night and was thinking it may be a good option for you too. It's a site where people sell all kinds of handmade things. (Very dangerous on the wallet:scared1:). Fees may be a bit less than Ebay. Something to look into at any rate.

I've heard of it, thanks for the tip. :thumbsup2


:rotfl2: I do this all the time -- especially if we are in the car at night! :thumbsup2

HA! Glad to know I'm not the only one! :goodvibes

[shannn]

So, if I were to order, say-- 6 td tees, would I be enabling? :rolleyes1

[TarzansKat]

So, if I were to order, say-- 6 td tees, would I be enabling? :rolleyes1

Yes. :lmao:

I don't want to get in trouble with the DIS, because I want to state here and now I am NOT trying to solicit my loyal readers. Merely mentioning something that I am thinking of doing and....

THEY ARE FLOCKING TO ME!!!! :rotfl2:

Seriously, if you want info, PM me, and I'll send you my e-mail. :goodvibes

[eandesmom]

You know, it has been so long since I have enjoyed something so much. And that to me, is a little sad, but also, very, very exciting. I really like working on them, and I do them at night while DS is sleeping, so it's no big deal. Then they sit and the dye sinks in for 24 hours, so the following night (again, while he's sleeping), I'm able to finish the process.

And it's so neat, because no matter how I think they're going to come out, it's a surprise every time. I love it. :goodvibes

The pleasure you are getting making them comes through, it's lovely to read :)



I think in my head I'm already committed to one more trip. The thought of going during a school vacation week (you have firsthand experience with this), I do not relish. I would rather sneak in one more trip, just the three of us, before he goes to public school. So in my heart, it's yes. In my head it's 95%. That 5% of me wants to be financially responsible. We didn't deplete our savings to buy the car, but it will take some time to recover.

YES! I found a program!!!!

Actually, it's an accelerated program, and I've decided to go ahead and do that for art, not English. I already have a BFA in Painting, so I can do this accelerated program and get certified to teach art Pre-K - 12. The only difficulty is that it's Friday nights and all day Saturdays, and they highly recommend that you do not work while you're in the program so that you can complete the student teaching in a timely manner. It's all scheduled out and I won't bore you with details, but the kicker of it is that I carry the health insurance, and I highly, highly doubt that the bank will keep me when I suddenly change my availbility on them. All tellers are hired to work Saturdays, and I'm one of the only ones in the branch that works every one. So, time will tell. Maybe something will change for us before then, perhaps my husband can work something out with his work. I refuse to worry about it right now, though, because it's a whole year away. It's just a bit of a thorn in my side, so to speak.

It is a whole year away. Things have an amazing way of working out even if you can't see it now. It sounds PERFECT! And it sounds like you need an AP :)

:love: DS's comment on Donald and the 3 caballero ride!

[TarzansKat]

The pleasure you are getting making them comes through, it's lovely to read :)

Aw, thanks. I really am enjoying myself. :goodvibes


It is a whole year away. Things have an amazing way of working out even if you can't see it now. It sounds PERFECT! And it sounds like you need an AP :)

It's plenty of time to save the money for tuition, that's for sure! :thumbsup2


:love: DS's comment on Donald and the 3 caballero ride!

I know. I know! Don't kids come up with the greatest things? I'm sure you still hear some cute stuff from your kiddos!

[All7OfUs]

they are flocking to me!!!! :rotfl2:



Baaaaa!!

[TarzansKat]

Baaaaa!!

Do I need to start wearing an elaborate bonnet and carrying a curved staff?

[All7OfUs]

Might help... :confused3

[pooh'smate]

Ok TK do you mind if I highjack your thread for a minute? http://bestsmileys.com/pirate/3.gif

I made my itinerary today. Can you tell me if it is ok? I haven't been to Disney since I was 6.

Friday, Nov 27- Arrive @9:55 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 28- Animal Kingdom – Ohanna’s for supper
Sunday, Nov 29- Magic Kingdom - Crystal Palace for breakfast
Monday, Nov 30- Epcot, LeCellier/Rose and Crown
Tuesday, Dec 1-Hollywood Studios, Brown Derby
Wednesday, Dec 2- Break Day, DTD, Visit other resorts, WCC
Thursday, Dec 3- Epcot, Candlelight Processional LeCellier/Rose and Crown
Friday, Dec 4-Hollywood Studios, 50’s Primetime Cafe
Saturday, Dec 5- Animal Kingdom, Boma for supper
Sunday, Dec 6- Magic Kingdom, MVMCP, LTT for lunch
Monday, Dec 7- Whatever Park we want in the morning. Fly Home in the afternoon.

I have LC/RC for both Epcot days because it depends what I get for adr's.
I am planning to take break after lunch on 12/7 because we have MVMCP that night. I also thought it would be a nice way to end our vacation.
Do you think I should change anything? Anybody that has any suggestions feel free to tell me. Thanks

[TarzansKat]

Might help... :confused3

:lmao:

Ok TK do you mind if I highjack your thread for a minute? http://bestsmileys.com/pirate/3.gif

If you come in bringing a pirate smiley like that, you can hijack any time you want! :lmao:


I made my itinerary today. Can you tell me if it is ok? I haven't been to Disney since I was 6.

You haven't been since you were 6? I'm so excited for you!!!!!! :yay:


Friday, Nov 27- Arrive @9:55 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 28- Animal Kingdom – Ohanna’s for supper

I think Animal Kingdom is a good park for your first day. I'm jealous if you get to eat at Ohana's. That was a restaurant I was dying to get a ressie for, but no dice! Just leave yourself plenty of travel time to get from AK to the Poly. At least it'll be easy because you can just take a bus from the park.


Sunday, Nov 29- Magic Kingdom - Crystal Palace for breakfast

I've never had Crystal Palace for breakfast, but I've heard fantastic things about it. And I really, really love that restaurant, and love Winnie the Pooh and friends.

One word of advice here though. I don't really pay a lot of attention to any special websites in regard to touring plans, but speaking from personal experience, Magic Kingdom on the weekend = crowds.


Monday, Nov 30- Epcot, LeCellier/Rose and Crown

Is that an either/or on the ressies or are you doing both? If both, a lot of food. I would try to spread them as far apart as possible. Never mind on that, I see you trying these on a different day as well.


Tuesday, Dec 1-Hollywood Studios, Brown Derby

I love the Brown Derby, so I have pretty much nothing to say here. :lmao: Now are you a fan of tart/sweet alcoholic drinks? If so, I have a recommendation for you that's not on the menu but still in their system. Let me know.:thumbsup2


Wednesday, Dec 2- Break Day, DTD, Visit other resorts, WCC

I love a break day. Seems to be somewhat in the middle of your trip which is good. Are you aware of all the hoopla at WCC?


Thursday, Dec 3- Epcot, Candlelight Processional LeCellier/Rose and Crown

Okay, I get it. You want to eat at Rose and Crown or Le Cellier so you're trying for them on either of these days. Good plan. I didn't do the Candlelight Processional but I've heard it's quite moving.


Friday, Dec 4-Hollywood Studios, 50’s Primetime Cafe

This ressie will be a HOOT for you and your husband. You're going to have a blast! Be sure to mind you p's and q's.;)


Saturday, Dec 5- Animal Kingdom, Boma for supper

Looks good, Boma will be easy to get to from there! :thumbsup2


Sunday, Dec 6- Magic Kingdom, MVMCP, LTT for lunch

I'm not a fan of LTT, but that's because I live in New England. That kind of food is so typical up here, you know? But, I think it'll be a very nice place eat lunch and put you in the holiday spirit for the party that night. :goodvibes


Monday, Dec 7- Whatever Park we want in the morning. Fly Home in the afternoon.

:thumbsup2


I have LC/RC for both Epcot days because it depends what I get for adr's.
I am planning to take break after lunch on 12/7 because we have MVMCP that night. I also thought it would be a nice way to end our vacation.
Do you think I should change anything? Anybody that has any suggestions feel free to tell me. Thanks

The only thing that I might suggest changing is what days you go to what parks. For example, that first Sunday you're going to the MK, is there a party that night? That will cut into your time there, as the park will only be open until 700 for regular (non MVMCP guests).

Other than that, I think you have excellent plans. Just be willing to be flexible about your ADRs in regard to times and be willing to flip days if they're really important to you.

And always, always feel free to ask for advice. :hug:

[MRYPPNS]

If you don't mind, I'll take a crack at it too!

Ok TK do you mind if I highjack your thread for a minute? http://bestsmileys.com/pirate/3.gif

I made my itinerary today. Can you tell me if it is ok? I haven't been to Disney since I was 6.

I love that you are going for about 10 days....that's what I do to.
Friday, Nov 27- Arrive @9:55 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 28- Animal Kingdom – Ohanna’s for supper
I too have done 'Ohana's after AK....works out well. I love 'Ohana's! Make sure that you study your Disney Transportation if you won't have a rental car.

Sunday, Nov 29- Magic Kingdom - Crystal Palace for breakfast
Sundays at MK are usually EMH evening hours and traditionally one of the busiest days to tour MK. I would suggest switching with AK. Do MK on Sat and AK on Sunday unless you have a specific reason for your plan
Monday, Nov 30- Epcot, LeCellier/Rose and Crown
Tuesday, Dec 1-Hollywood Studios, Brown Derby
Wednesday, Dec 2- Break Day, DTD, Visit other resorts, WCC
I always recommend a Break Day right in the middle :thumbsup2 ....
Thursday, Dec 3- Epcot, Candlelight Processional LeCellier/Rose and Crown
Friday, Dec 4-Hollywood Studios, 50’s Primetime Cafe
Saturday, Dec 5- Animal Kingdom, Boma for supper
Again I have done Boma after a day at AK. :thumbsup2 ...be careful with your transportation plans back to your resort if you are using Disney buses....AK might be closed by the time you get out of dinner and the AKL bus might not be going back to the park....know which other theme park or if DTD is closest to your resort.
Sunday, Dec 6- Magic Kingdom, MVMCP, LTT for lunch
Don't forget to get yourself time to pack.....I learned the hard way last time :rolleyes1
Monday, Dec 7- Whatever Park we want in the morning. Fly Home in the afternoon.

I have LC/RC for both Epcot days because it depends what I get for adr's.
I am planning to take break after lunch on 12/7 because we have MVMCP that night. I also thought it would be a nice way to end our vacation.
Do you think I should change anything? Anybody that has any suggestions feel free to tell me. Thanks

I think it looks great and you have some excellent dining choices too!

[pooh'smate]

If you come in bringing a pirate smiley like that, you can hijack any time you want! :lmao:

Anytime :)



You haven't been since you were 6? I'm so excited for you!!!!!! :yay:

Well I actually meant to say I haven't been to MK or Epcot since I was 6.
My family (4 people) and our friends (8 people one being 7 months pregnant) drove to Florida in o ne van and visited friends and family in the south. We were down there for 3 weeks. It was right after Epcot opened because I remember they were still working on some things. I think we spent 2 days at MK and 2 days at Epcot. I did actually go to MGM for 2 days a year apart but that was in 91 and 92 and it has changed so much since then.


I think Animal Kingdom is a good park for your first day. I'm jealous if you get to eat at Ohana's. That was a restaurant I was dying to get a ressie for, but no dice! Just leave yourself plenty of travel time to get from AK to the Poly. At least it'll be easy because you can just take a bus from the park.

I think I am going to go ahead and switch my MK and AK day like Heidi suggested. I will still be able to go to Ohanna's or I can switch my adr's. I can not make them until August 29. So I still have time to change them.

I've never had Crystal Palace for breakfast, but I've heard fantastic things about it. And I really, really love that restaurant, and love Winnie the Pooh and friends.
I have heard good things about it and I want to get into the park early.

One word of advice here though. I don't really pay a lot of attention to any special websites in regard to touring plans, but speaking from personal experience, Magic Kingdom on the weekend = crowds.

We do have PH so if it is too crowded I am not against going to another park. I really don't want to wait to see the castle.


Is that an either/or on the ressies or are you doing both? If both, a lot of food. I would try to spread them as far apart as possible. Never mind on that, I see you trying these on a different day as well.

It really depends what day I can get Le Cellier. This was the one place my dh (he is from Montreal)said he wanted to eat on one of the other trips we had planned that fell through. I will eat at the Rose and Crown the other day.


I love the Brown Derby, so I have pretty much nothing to say here. :lmao: Now are you a fan of tart/sweet alcoholic drinks? If so, I have a recommendation for you that's not on the menu but still in their system. Let me know.:thumbsup2

I have wanted to eat at the BD since the first time I went to MGM. No I can not drink. I think I am allergic to alcohol. I have tried twice and get really sick and break out in hives. Alcohol and I do not mix well. I always look longingly at the drinks. They do look so good.


I love a break day. Seems to be somewhat in the middle of your trip which is good. Are you aware of all the hoopla at WCC?
Yes this is not a certain adr I have one TS credit left so I can eat somewhere else. I am not tied to this one. Where is a good place to eat that is 1 ts at a resort?



Okay, I get it. You want to eat at Rose and Crown or Le Cellier so you're trying for them on either of these days. Good plan. I didn't do the Candlelight Processional but I've heard it's quite moving.

Yes see above.


This ressie will be a HOOT for you and your husband. You're going to have a blast! Be sure to mind you p's and q's.;)
It looks like so much fun.


Looks good, Boma will be easy to get to from there! :thumbsup2
That is what I thought.


I'm not a fan of LTT, but that's because I live in New England. That kind of food is so typical up here, you know? But, I think it'll be a very nice place eat lunch and put you in the holiday spirit for the party that night. :goodvibes

Well I am from Maine. I miss the ocean and NE in general. I grew up there and lived there until I got married, and we moved out here. I like the lunch menu better than the supper menu. I like to have choices when I eat. :laughing:



The only thing that I might suggest changing is what days you go to what parks. For example, that first Sunday you're going to the MK, is there a party that night? That will cut into your time there, as the park will only be open until 700 for regular (non MVMCP guests).
I am going to switch my first AK and MK day as Heidi suggested.

Other than that, I think you have excellent plans. Just be willing to be flexible about your ADRs in regard to times and be willing to flip days if they're really important to you.
I can be flexible. It doesn't really bother me, my dh on the hand not so much. He is not as easy going as I am. I want to have a plan because I want him to enjoy himself so we will go back. ;) I haven't lurked on these boards for a long time for nothing.

And always, always feel free to ask for advice. :hug:

I will and thank you. I will bring more pirates with me next time. I plan on writing a ptr after I tell my dh we are going. He has no idea and I have been planning and saving for this trip for 5 years now. I emailed the person who schedules vacation at his job and he has the time off so now I just need to tell him.

[pooh'smate]

If you don't mind, I'll take a crack at it too!


No by all means, I was hoping you would.



I love that you are going for about 10 days....that's what I do to.
Well I figured 10 days, one for each year we have been married.


Saturday, Nov 28- Animal Kingdom – Ohanna’s for supper
I too have done 'Ohana's after AK....works out well. I love 'Ohana's! Make sure that you study your Disney Transportation if you won't have a rental car
No we are not going to have a rental car. We are staying at POP.

Sunday, Nov 29- Magic Kingdom - Crystal Palace for breakfast
Sundays at MK are usually EMH evening hours and traditionally one of the busiest days to tour MK. I would suggest switching with AK. Do MK on Sat and AK on Sunday unless you have a specific reason for your plan
I have switched my AK and MK day.

Wednesday, Dec 2- Break Day, DTD, Visit other resorts, WCC
I always recommend a Break Day right in the middle ....
I am planning on just taking it easy and visiting some resorts. I am not tied to this adr. I have one ts credit left. Do you have a suggestion for a different ts that you like?


Saturday, Dec 5- Animal Kingdom, Boma for supper
Again I have done Boma after a day at AK. ...be careful with your transportation plans back to your resort if you are using Disney buses....AK might be closed by the time you get out of dinner and the AKL bus might not be going back to the park....know which other theme park or if DTD is closest to your resort.
We are staying at POP. We do have PH right now so we can go to a differnt park after Boma if we want.


Sunday, Dec 6- Magic Kingdom, MVMCP, LTT for lunch
Don't forget to get yourself time to pack.....I learned the hard way last time
I was planning on packing when we went back to the room after lunch.



I think it looks great and you have some excellent dining choices too!
Thanks for you help. Do you know when the Christmas Parade is going to be tapped. I want to be sure to avoid MK on that day. Really if there is anything else please tell me. I am open to suggestions.

[TarzansKat]

Poohsmate, when are you able to book your dining ressies? Did you mention that already, I can't remember. Just curious. :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

AKA: Mom.

:rotfl2:

Alright, so Mom and I went out yesterday to have a day of girlie sort of fun. The flagship Yankee Candle store in MA was having a Halloween themed day, to launch their new product. I was in heaven. First of all, that store is HUGE, and second of all, I am all about Halloween.

We had so much fun. I could probably do a little mini trip report on that one day, but I won't bore you with all the details. Suffice it to say that I loved all the Halloween items, and that was I ever surprised when I almost literally walked into Santa.

Yes, Santa.

Said so on his nametag and everything. When Mom uploads the pictures, I'll let you guys know. He was very, very gracious and took lots of photos with us.

And then I took a lot of silly photos with the Halloween props and things. So much fun.

Anyway, did you know that the Yankee Candle flagship store has a huge Vera Bradley room?

I may have gasped in delight. Possibly.

And quite frankly, I had no intention of buying anything. At. All. Despite DH's insistence that if I wanted a matching set of something, I could easily just further that debt to be repaid. Pirate. pirate:

But my mother! Is she one persuasive woman!

Mom - "TK, you work. You work hard. It's okay to treat yourself once in a while."

TK - "Mom, I can't spend $56 on a bag. I just can't do it."

Now initially, we were really looking at the zip sunglass cases. As you all know, I have the Euro Wallet in Cafe Latte, and I was really just looking for a nice sunglass case so my sunglasses won't get all cruddy and fingerprinty like they usually do.

Well guess what was right next to the dang sunglass cases?

THE HIPSTERS!!!!

For pete's sake, did they market the store knowing I was coming??? :lmao:

It was a cruel twist of fate, that's for sure. But, one of the bonuses about seeing the display is knowing what prints are really not you. As in, quite a few I was considering previously.

And so it happened.

I caved.

I payed retail. RETAIL!!!! I never pay retail for anything. It almost hurt. And then, the oddest thing happened.

I didn't care.

I am being so budgeted, so strict, so hard on myself ever since we bought the car. And for what? There is room in the budget. I've done enough grocery shopping right now to last at least two weeks if not more. (Good meal planning is key.) DH just got a bonus from his regular work and paid from his weekend job. There was cash.

You know?

Never mind that he'd given me the green light.

Let's get back to the topic at hand.

TK - "Mom, I can't spend $56 on a bag."

Mom - "Do you love it?"

TK - "Well, yes."

Mom - "Will you use it?"

TK - "Well....yes."

Mom places the bag in my hands. It feels so soft and looks so pretty.

Mom - "Then just buy it, TK. And get the matching sunglass case. Why not?"

Seriously.

MASTER enabler.

Bless her. :love:

So, without further ado, my new Vera Bradley hipster and sunglass case in Blue Rhapsody.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/August09-2.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/August09-5.jpg

We shall not speak of the cost. Suffice it to say however, that I spent enough to receive a free jar candle, and it smells just delicious! Like fresh apples. A lovely scent. I also received a free Halloween ornament that comes with a vial of fragrance, you place a little on the ornament and it releases the fragrance. It's a happy little skeleton, and he is so dang cute. He, and this skeleton girl were the center of their new Halloween collection. And I also got a really nice travel organzier for $5 with my purchase.

I probably should have taken pictures of all of this, because you may want to see it. :lmao:

At any rate, I love my new Vera. I love her so.

And the only problem, which is so little, so minor, so not even to be discussed is that my Cafe Latte Euro wallet SO does not match. :lmao:

[pooh'smate]

Poohsmate, when are you able to book your dining ressies? Did you mention that already, I can't remember. Just curious. :goodvibes

I can make my dining ressies on August 29.


I love the YC flagship store. My dh and I went there on our honeymoon. That place is huge. I am glad you had fun and I love your new Vera's.

[TarzansKat]

I can make my dining ressies on August 29.


Not too far away! How exciting. :banana::banana::banana:


I love the YC flagship store. My dh and I went there on our honeymoon. That place is huge. I am glad you had fun and I love your new Vera's.

It is huge! I love it there, so much fun. And thanks, I am rather partial to my new Veras.

[MegansMom]

I love your new VERAS!!!!! Those Moms can be quite the enabling breed!!!! You deserve it indeed.....now, I too am "stressed" for you too about what to do about the non-matching Euro wallet....Hmmmmmmmmm........................

[Lady Lallie]

I love that pattern! It is so pretty in person.

It's funny that you went to that store, Marc and I have been talking about taking a trip out there and now I really want to go. :lmao:

I bought some Yankee Candles last week in Vanilla Lime, heavenly let me tell you! Just heavenly.

Good for you buying something for yourself!! Sometimes it feels good to pay retail. :laughing:

[If U Had Wings]

:rotfl:Your mom is good! Seriously if she Dissed we'd all be broke I think.

I love the Yankee Candle store. I made it up there a few years ago for a Longaberger event, and fell in love with the place. It's just huge!! I didn't even know they had a Vera room. I love the Blue Rhapsody pattern. I've had my eye on a few pieces in that pattern, but so far I've been holding out. I'm staying away from your mom that's for sure.

[jmamom]

Your new bags are pretty, and you can never have too many bags. :goodvibes Whenever I feel guilty spending money on myself, I think about how much money my husband blows on drinks and food when he goes out for a boys night. :scared1: Then I can easily justify it. Sounds like a nice day out with your Mom, and that's priceless.

[jenjolt]

Oh I just adore your Veras!!!! I have an enabling mom....seriously did I need 2 pair of jeans...of course not but did I walk out with two yup...thanks to my lovely mom!!!!

I had no idea Vera had things such as lanyards and eyeglass cases now I want one of those to match my mailbag...so you can thank your mom because I believe she has just enabled me as in my other window I have the Vera Bradley online page up LOL!!!!

Glad you were able to have some fun girl time with your mom!!! Those moments are always the best!!!!

[Charleston Princess]

That's a mighty fine looking Hipster in an absolutely gorgeous color -- go TK's mom, Master Enabler!!! :lmao:

So, tell me more about the new Yankee Halloween items -- candles and Halloween -- love them both! Now I need to go check out the website. :rolleyes:

[All7OfUs]

OOOOHHHH, preeeeetttyy!

And you call ME and enabler??!! Sheesh, I think if I want to perfect my craft, I'll have to come over and take lessons from your mom!

[shannn]

GO MOM!!! :banana:

Love it!! That's the pattern I got and I adore it! I have the mailbag and the taxi wallet, but honestly I'm considering another hipster too. I think that is my all time favorite pattern ever.

Congratulations!

(And, if it makes you feel any better, I've been sending tee customers your way like crazy from my pretrippie, so you'll have extra cash soon!)

[TarzansKat]

I love your new VERAS!!!!! Those Moms can be quite the enabling breed!!!! You deserve it indeed.....now, I too am "stressed" for you too about what to do about the non-matching Euro wallet....Hmmmmmmmmm........................

I have recently been informed that I need not worry about the non-matching Euro wallet. ;)

Mom: not only an enabler, but generous as well.

Of course I have not yet received anything, but there was some heavy hinting.

I love that pattern! It is so pretty in person.

It's funny that you went to that store, Marc and I have been talking about taking a trip out there and now I really want to go. :lmao:

It really was so much fun, but so bad on my wallet. All I can say is if you know you're going to go, budget for it. :lmao:


I bought some Yankee Candles last week in Vanilla Lime, heavenly let me tell you! Just heavenly.

I loved the Vanilla Lime! It smelled like a mixed drink to me, very nice.


Good for you buying something for yourself!! Sometimes it feels good to pay retail. :laughing:

It feels so good and so very, very bad. pirate:

:rotfl:Your mom is good! Seriously if she Dissed we'd all be broke I think.

HA! I'll have to tell her that.


I love the Yankee Candle store. I made it up there a few years ago for a Longaberger event, and fell in love with the place. It's just huge!! I didn't even know they had a Vera room. I love the Blue Rhapsody pattern. I've had my eye on a few pieces in that pattern, but so far I've been holding out. I'm staying away from your mom that's for sure.

:lmao:

I really love the Blue Rhapsody, too. Out of all the Vera's I've looked at, it's the most "me" color.

Your new bags are pretty, and you can never have too many bags. :goodvibes Whenever I feel guilty spending money on myself, I think about how much money my husband blows on drinks and food when he goes out for a boys night. :scared1: Then I can easily justify it. Sounds like a nice day out with your Mom, and that's priceless.

See, my husband rarely goes out with the boys. Although I suppose I could equate that Vera to one of his Wii games. :lmao:

Oh I just adore your Veras!!!! I have an enabling mom....seriously did I need 2 pair of jeans...of course not but did I walk out with two yup...thanks to my lovely mom!!!!

Moms. They love to watch their girls spoil themselves. :thumbsup2


I had no idea Vera had things such as lanyards and eyeglass cases now I want one of those to match my mailbag...so you can thank your mom because I believe she has just enabled me as in my other window I have the Vera Bradley online page up LOL!!!!

Oh, honey, they have everything.

No joke, I was with my parents yesterday, and my mom said, did you know "blahblahblah" all about Veras because she went on the website and looked it up. I was so proud and a little nervous. Have I turned her to the dark side? :darth:


Glad you were able to have some fun girl time with your mom!!! Those moments are always the best!!!!

It was a very nice day.

That's a mighty fine looking Hipster in an absolutely gorgeous color -- go TK's mom, Master Enabler!!! :lmao:

:rotfl2: It is mighty fine! :thumbsup2


So, tell me more about the new Yankee Halloween items -- candles and Halloween -- love them both! Now I need to go check out the website. :rolleyes:

I don't know if I should tell you. I'm afraid for your wallet, and you need money for drinks with me in September. :lmao:

In all seriousness, they had an adorable line centered around these very cute skeletons, and of course some Halloween inspired candles. Very, very cute, and smelled soooo good.

OOOOHHHH, preeeeetttyy!

And you call ME and enabler??!! Sheesh, I think if I want to perfect my craft, I'll have to come over and take lessons from your mom!

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

GO MOM!!! :banana:

Love it!! That's the pattern I got and I adore it! I have the mailbag and the taxi wallet, but honestly I'm considering another hipster too. I think that is my all time favorite pattern ever.


I have to agree, I really love that pattern.


(And, if it makes you feel any better, I've been sending tee customers your way like crazy from my pretrippie, so you'll have extra cash soon!)

Oh my goodness! Not necessary, but thank you very kindly. :goodvibes

[MRYPPNS]

Sounds like we need to have a DISmeet at the Yankee Candle store....I havent been to that one in years. Once waited an hour in the parking lot for it to open on a Sunday morning. Hmmmmmm....actually we have to be in CT in November....might have to stop by....DH can take the kids to the snack area.

[TarzansKat]

Sounds like we need to have a DISmeet at the Yankee Candle store....I havent been to that one in years. Once waited an hour in the parking lot for it to open on a Sunday morning. Hmmmmmm....actually we have to be in CT in November....might have to stop by....DH can take the kids to the snack area.

Heidi, I would LOVE a DIS meet there. What a great idea!!!! :goodvibes

[pooh'smate]

That's a mighty fine looking Hipster in an absolutely gorgeous color -- go TK's mom, Master Enabler!!! :lmao:

So, tell me more about the new Yankee Halloween items -- candles and Halloween -- love them both! Now I need to go check out the website. :rolleyes:

I forwarded you an email with a coupon for YC. I hope you can use it.

[TarzansKat]

I forwarded you an email with a coupon for YC. I hope you can use it.

I'm glad you just posted that, because I just got it and was going to send it to her! :lmao:

[pooh'smate]

I'm glad you just posted that, because I just got it and was going to send it to her! :lmao:

Did you get some of the Boney Bunch? Thay are really cute! I posted it because I didn't know if she would know who I was otherwise. The minute I opened it in my email I thought of her.

[TarzansKat]

Did you get some of the Boney Bunch? Thay are really cute! I posted it because I didn't know if she would know who I was otherwise. The minute I opened it in my email I thought of her.

I actually got a little ornament for free of the boy skeleton, he is so dang cute. You know, I'm totally obsessed with Halloween. Goes with being an October baby and all. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Pooh'smate -- I did get the coupon -- thank you so much!!!

TK -- I went and looked at the website -- such spooky cuteness -- I can hardly stand it! The saving grace for me might be the fact that I would have to go to the mall to small all the new scents (can buy without smelling first) -- if I can just stay away from the mall, I will continue to do good on my saving for the October trip! I have such a thing for Halloween though! :rolleyes:

[TarzansKat]

TK -- I went and looked at the website -- such spooky cuteness -- I can hardly stand it! The saving grace for me might be the fact that I would have to go to the mall to small all the new scents (can buy without smelling first) -- if I can just stay away from the mall, I will continue to do good on my saving for the October trip! I have such a thing for Halloween though! :rolleyes:

Oh, I'm with you. I would definitely have to smell all the scents as well. My only saving grace is that I don't burn a lot of candles anymore. It can really smoke up your walls and damage your artwork. And since I'm a painter, and have various paintings all over, I'm very conservative about it now.

I do have to say though, there is nothing like a yummy smelling candle on a cold winter day.

Or fall.

Halloween.

I love it so. :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

Do love me some candles. That's one of the gifts we always ask for from people who ask us what we want to have sent over. They make a lonely, cold night seem so much warmer and brighter. Unfortunately, DH is pretty allergic to strong scents. :guilty:, so I don't get to enjoy them nearly as much as I'd like to.

[TarzansKat]

Do love me some candles. That's one of the gifts we always ask for from people who ask us what we want to have sent over. They make a lonely, cold night seem so much warmer and brighter. Unfortunately, DH is pretty allergic to strong scents. :guilty:, so I don't get to enjoy them nearly as much as I'd like to.

Oh, I can certainly identify with your DH. Strong florals make me absolutely sick. So there's certain ones that I can't even tolerate. I've always been that way, even perfumes can do it to me.

The funny thing is, lo and many moons ago, when I was an assistant manager at a Victoria's Secret store, I was in charge of the fragrance section. That's what we call irony. :lmao:

[eandesmom]

Love it! your mom rocks :)

and every once in a while....treats must be had and full retail must be paid. You deserve it!!!

[ILuvCrush]

love the new Veras TK!! :love:

I have the same pattern but in a different style.... and a matching lanyard:rolleyes1 So I suppose I'm a little partial... but it is one of the prettiest patterns I've seen from them in forever


I'mglad you treated yourself....Mom is right... you deserve a little pampering once in a while!!


I love the scents of candles...especially the autumn/pumpkin and anything with cranberry!!! My DH is a fireman...so open flames are frowned on at my house :( so I don't get to use them much. I have an electric 'crock' that you put the candle inside which works pretty well, but is just not the same.


Paula

[TarzansKat]

Love it! your mom rocks :)

My mom does rock. I'm so lucky! :love:


and every once in a while....treats must be had and full retail must be paid. You deserve it!!!

Thanks! :goodvibes

love the new Veras TK!! :love:

I have the same pattern but in a different style.... and a matching lanyard:rolleyes1 So I suppose I'm a little partial... but it is one of the prettiest patterns I've seen from them in forever

I'm pretty much loving everything that comes in this pattern, so I totally get where you're coming from. Although I do have to say, I am partial to some of the other patterns, but we soooo don't need to go there. :lmao:


I'mglad you treated yourself....Mom is right... you deserve a little pampering once in a while!!

I can't wait to tell Mom how highly revered she is on the DIS for enabling me. Perhaps we should change her offical title in my reports from Mom to TME, for The Master Enabler. :lmao:


I love the scents of candles...especially the autumn/pumpkin and anything with cranberry!!! My DH is a fireman...so open flames are frowned on at my house :( so I don't get to use them much. I have an electric 'crock' that you put the candle inside which works pretty well, but is just not the same.


Paula

Oh, I here you on the fire safety, Paula, believe me. It's scary how many fires are started that way. If I ever do burn candles, I always do it on my stove top. It's an easier area to contain if an accident were to occur.

[TarzansKat]

Check out that ticker.

Amazing, right? :eek:

I do have to say, more so than any other year, this trip is sneaking up on me. I'm fully aware that we're going. We've booked our ADRs, the plans are set, everyone is paid in full. So it's happening.

I just think this the first summer that I've actually been so active, and so happy with being so active, that I haven't had the time to pine away for this trip. Sure, I still talk about it...a lot...and I think about it...a lot, but for the most part, DH, DS, and I, we've been so busy that time is just flying by.

Look at us! Practically halfway through August. Amazing.

Before I know it this trip will be here!

Let the celebration begin!

But before we get all excited about how time is just marching on, I've had some musings of late.

And there's just not delicate way to discuss this, so I'm going to bare it all here. Well...figuratively speaking. I've given birth, no one needs to see me naked. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Anyway, before you all hit unsubscribe over that colorful analogy, let's get to it.

I'm worried. Who's surprised? But this is not an all consuming worry, it's more like a nagging, gnawing, ever present in a silent kind of way worry.

And I'm worried that I've overplanned the trip.

It's a given that during free dining, you have to plan your ADRs. And it's a given that when you're going with that many people, (7 on a couple of days, 6 on the others) that you need to have a game plan.

You need to have the lists in the trip binder of everyone's must dos, because you need to at least try to accomplish some of them.

But I'm worried. I'm worried about whether or not DS will nap, and about following his natural rhythm, and not pushing him too hard. I don't want a repeat of previous meltdowns. They may happen, and I may not be able to prevent them, but I want to engrave in my brain that if he starts acting crazy, he's either tired or hungry or thirsty or a combination of the three. I don't know what it is about getting on Disney property that makes me lose sensibility, but it does. Perhaps it's that regression to childhood mixed with lovely alcoholic beverages. Scary thought.

I'm also worried about Nana. I'm worried about pushing her too hard. She'll keep going and never, ever complain. And I've seen her get tired this summer, and I don't want to do that to her. The thing about Disney is this drive to must do, this drive to must see, this drive to must eat here.

When in all reality, the focus should be entirely different.

It should be a gratefulness to be.

A gratefulness to be with those that you love in place that you love. What gets done gets done. What you see, you see, and where you eat, you eat. If it needs to change, it changes. If people need a break or start acting cranky, you stop. If people start looking tired, you suggest a nap or a happy little visit to somewhere you can sit and sip. Preferably along the lines of a cocktail. :thumbsup2

But honestly. It's writing all this down that I need to do. That I need to remember. Because quite frankly, there is always going to be so much that I want to do, there is always going to be that thing that I didn't get to see, and the vacation is always going to be wonderful despite those things.

Because it doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter at all.

So I'm rethinking my strategy of having to get to the MK close to rope drop, and having to go to Fantasyland straight away. Maybe the adults would like to sleep in since that's their second day (first full day) of vacation. Maybe they'd like to have a leisurely morning and just head to our lunch ADR at the Crystal Palace. Maybe I really need to get into using the fastpass system in Fantasyland, so that we can hop around the park and do different things and still get on those favorites of mine.

And if my son wants to spend his mornings in the pool, what of it?

And if the men want to spend an hour or two in the arcade, who cares?

And if I want to recreate the time when Nana and I sat at the top of the train station on Main Street for hours eating popcorn just watching people go by, who's going to stop me?

It's vacation. It's supposed to be fun.

It's supposed to be spontaneous.

And so I suggest a new strategy (R2). :yoda:

Let the family win. As long as there's none of the waffling on what to do (in which case, I have the must do lists and can easily make suggestions), why not give over some of this "planned" vacation to the spontaneity that my DH and I so loved on our previous trips. Why not?

Why not, on our second day (our first full day, without anyone, just the three of us), why not throw down four brochures on the bed, one for each of the parks and let DS pick which one he wants to go to?

Why the h--- not?

Now there is one slight addendum to this rant.

One slight notation to be made.

And that is an aboslute...non-negotiable...must do must do.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/WDWMay09-0202.jpg

I mean, who would I be if I didn't ride this as many times as humanly possibly?

Pirate. pirate:

[MRYPPNS]

I'll save a spot for you on my park bench. :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

I'll save a spot for you on my park bench. :thumbsup2

Now that would be an unusual DIS meet, right?

Heidi? Would you like to sit on a park bench with me and watch the World go by? :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

that sounds like a wonderful plan. I think extended family trips always require a little give and take to keep the ship sailing smoothly. Definitely listen to what the day is telling you, because nothing is ever written in stone on a Disney vacay! You need to leave a little room to let that pixie dust in.
:goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

that sounds like a wonderful plan.

Thank you.


I think extended family trips always require a little give and take to keep the ship sailing smoothly.

You would definitely be an expert on this! :goodvibes


Definitely listen to what the day is telling you, because nothing is ever written in stone on a Disney vacay! You need to leave a little room to let that pixie dust in.
:goodvibes

I love that! A little room to let the pixie dust in! Perfect! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

You would definitely be an expert on this! :goodvibes

Luckily I'm a true Libra. I'm always the one to keep the peace and everything balanced. It's just my job in the family I guess.



I love that! A little room to let the pixie dust in! Perfect! :thumbsup2

Definitely! You overplan, and you leave no room for the wonderous little things that can happen along the way.

[jenjolt]

I couldn't agree more with you TK!! Sometimes its nice just to go with the flow and let the Disney magic come to you!! We do sometimes plan and plan (which I'm guilty of) and not allow room for spontaneous fun and special memories to made!!!! I think you and your family will have an amazing time together and I can't wait for your trip to get here!!!!

I also feel like this trip is sneaking up on me...really only a month and a half LOL!!!!! Where has the time gone????

[All7OfUs]

Very nice, ummm, non-plan. I think you will be very happy you had the "so, what do we do next" antidote, though. We put up with WAY too many of those slightly tense moments where we wandered in circles the first time we went. Chalked it up to having no clue, and no plan. Never again!

[jmamom]

I'm worried, too. Sometimes I feel like I'm planning a military invasion of Disney World.:rotfl: I definately worry about pushing my kids too hard, right to a meltdown. But then I also worry about not making sure each child gets to do their must-do's. Catch-22 much? I keep going over the schedule, asking do I have enough down time, is that too many late nights in a row, etc, etc. I just have to keep reminding myself that we're supposed to be having fun, not accomplishing a to do list. As long as no one tries to change the big things, like ADR's, I'm going to try to be flexible, and tell myself "We can always come back again another time." Somehow I think you'll have better luck than I will.:rolleyes

[TarzansKat]

Luckily I'm a true Libra. I'm always the one to keep the peace and everything balanced. It's just my job in the family I guess.


Oh, I know how you feel! I am a Libra to the very core, and sometimes it can be so frustrating! :hug:

I couldn't agree more with you TK!! Sometimes its nice just to go with the flow and let the Disney magic come to you!! We do sometimes plan and plan (which I'm guilty of) and not allow room for spontaneous fun and special memories to made!!!! I think you and your family will have an amazing time together and I can't wait for your trip to get here!!!!

Thank you! I think we'll have a good time, too, now that I've gained a little perspective.


I also feel like this trip is sneaking up on me...really only a month and a half LOL!!!!! Where has the time gone????

I know!

Very nice, ummm, non-plan. I think you will be very happy you had the "so, what do we do next" antidote, though. We put up with WAY too many of those slightly tense moments where we wandered in circles the first time we went. Chalked it up to having no clue, and no plan. Never again!

That's the benefit of having those lists. I plan to somewhat memorize them. That way, when we're in whatever section of whatever park and everyone gets that glazed over look like they don't know what to do next, I can say, let's go here! :goodvibes

I'm worried, too. Sometimes I feel like I'm planning a military invasion of Disney World.:rotfl: I definately worry about pushing my kids too hard, right to a meltdown. But then I also worry about not making sure each child gets to do their must-do's. Catch-22 much? I keep going over the schedule, asking do I have enough down time, is that too many late nights in a row, etc, etc. I just have to keep reminding myself that we're supposed to be having fun, not accomplishing a to do list. As long as no one tries to change the big things, like ADR's, I'm going to try to be flexible, and tell myself "We can always come back again another time." Somehow I think you'll have better luck than I will.:rolleyes

I know exactly what you mean. The aim is vacation, not Disney World domination. :lmao: And of course, we all have things we want to do, but it's a matter or prioritizing.

And the fact of the matter is, everyone on this trip has been before. There are no first timers here, so quite frankly, whatever we get to do is just going to be wonderful because all these people were willing to come to the World and celebrate my birthday. And that is a blessing in and of itself.

[eandesmom]

I do think that the older I get, and the older my kids get, the easier it is to let it go and just roll with the crowd. You have great perspective and attitude. No one can maintain it all the time but if you keep in in your thought process, settle on the few "must" do's and allow flexibility everywhere else as needed, you'll be just fine!

This last trip, for us, it was about the kids. So whatever they wanted to do, is what we did. It often was not what we might have chosen and we tried really really hard not to direct traffic. Sometimes we went too far and the kids couldn't decide b/c there were too many options, but for the most part it worked well. I'll actually have a little more structure next time...but not much!

[2xcited2sleep]

I love saving room for some spontanaeity (sp?). Especially recreating the special time with Nana or letting DS choose the brochure in the morning. Perfect!

I do think we DISers can tend toward the overplanning but what you are proposing is perfect. You've done the planning so you have the foundation and alternatives to offer should there ever be a question. But you're aware that the fun and magic can be in the last minute choices. The best of both worlds as far as I can tell!

Love your new Vera and am a total sucker for Halloween and Yankee Candle. Got their new catalog and want so much!!

Hurrah for a month and a half! We're nearing the home stretch! :woohoo:

[TarzansKat]

You have great perspective and attitude.

Thank you, that's a very nice compliment. :goodvibes


No one can maintain it all the time but if you keep in in your thought process, settle on the few "must" do's and allow flexibility everywhere else as needed, you'll be just fine!

That's what I'm hoping for.


This last trip, for us, it was about the kids. So whatever they wanted to do, is what we did. It often was not what we might have chosen and we tried really really hard not to direct traffic. Sometimes we went too far and the kids couldn't decide b/c there were too many options, but for the most part it worked well. I'll actually have a little more structure next time...but not much!

I hear you, and I feel the same way. I want to have a sense of purpose, but not be stuck to it. :thumbsup2

I love saving room for some spontanaeity (sp?). Especially recreating the special time with Nana or letting DS choose the brochure in the morning. Perfect!

Those are the moments that we always remember. Moments that you wouldn't have expected, things that you didn't plan. I can think of so many on my trips that have nothing to do with all my "careful planning."


I do think we DISers can tend toward the overplanning but what you are proposing is perfect. You've done the planning so you have the foundation and alternatives to offer should there ever be a question. But you're aware that the fun and magic can be in the last minute choices. The best of both worlds as far as I can tell!

I agree, it's so easy to overplan, and part of the fun of a Disney vacation is the planning and discussing and whatnot.


Love your new Vera and am a total sucker for Halloween and Yankee Candle. Got their new catalog and want so much!!

Thanks!


Hurrah for a month and a half! We're nearing the home stretch! :woohoo:

I know! Pretty soon I'll be breaking in my pretty new Vera on this trip. :goodvibes

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Love the new vera!! Oh that mom of yours, she knows what she's talking about!

[TarzansKat]

Love the new vera!! Oh that mom of yours, she knows what she's talking about!

Indeed! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Okay, so I love my new DVR. DH did a little research and found an awesome cable package for us that included a DVR and free subscription to HBO. It's a two year plan, and get this...it's cheaper than what we were paying for expanded basic.

Not only do we have a plethora of channels with which to entertain ourselves, it costs less! How cool is that?

Less on cable = more money for Disney.

So suffice it to say, someone...who shall remain nameless...coughcoughahemTKcoughcough...has had a slight addiction to the musical Mamma Mia. And has been watching it.

A lot.

Hence the title.

Anyway, it pertains, because I did have a dream. I've been sick half the week now and last night was the first night I got good solid sleep. My supervisor at work even gave me today off because I'd been dogging it out so well. Long story short, apparently it was a good sleep, because I had a dream.

About our resort.

In my dream, we had just arrived at the Pop Century, and I was so dang excited to be there, to be at the hotel, that I walked up to one of the big, huge, iconic letters and...

I hugged it.

:lmao:

The funny part is that these letters

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSC01892.jpg(courtesy of WDWinfo)

are on the backside of Century Hall, whereas in my dream, they were in the front, in the place of the big numbered year icons. Ah well, it was my dream, I guess I could change the placement, eh? Perhaps we'll have to construct a reenactment photo upon arrival.

So, suffice it to say, I'm excited about the trip and I'm excited about the Pop Century hotel! Normally, I'm meh about staying there, especially about having stayed deluxe so much in the past, but I'm really looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to the food court, and three pools to choose from, and the bright colors, and the feel of it. The vibrant energy of it.

Which is funny, because ever since I threw the itinerary out the window, this is one of the most relaxed trips I think we've ever been on, and we're probably staying in one of the most energetic resorts on the property!

Life is what you make it, however, and I plan to make it fun. Relaxing. Enjoyable. Whatever the mood strikes.

A little bit of a food update as well, Mom just got the brochure for the Food and Wine Festival, and bless her, she made me a photocopy. So I marked that puppy up and circled all the booths I'd like to visit. Frequent. Imbibe from. ;)

Very exciting. :thumbsup2

There's not terribly much left to do for this trip.

I'd like to make another round of tie dye shirts, this time, Halloween themed. I ordered a whole bunch of shirts and dye to get started on my new little endeavor, and while I'm working on that, I thought I'd throw in a few more for us as well. I'm also seriously debating making them for my FIL and Nana. I'm almost positive they would consider wearing it. Almost. Actually, if I did the orange/black Halloween theme, I bet they'd even wear them to the party. That idea has merit.

Anyway, that's one thing left to be done.

Another is the purchase of a booster seat for my son. I plan to pack it in our luggage, as DH and I have decided not to take the big car seat on the plane. Let me tell you, that'll make getting through the airpot so much nicer. I'm really going to appreciate that this year. :goodvibes

And I also need to buy or make a Wall E costume for my son. That idea has pretty much stuck, so Wall E it is. And, in turn, I'll be making an Eve costume for my mom, because as much as DS is convinced that he's going to be Wall E, he's also convinced that my mom is going to be Eve. So cute. :thumbsup2

Other than that, it'll be those last minute things like camera batteries and glow necklaces. You know, the fun stuff.

The trip approaches. A little over a month away and I am finally getting really excited. I mean, I was excited before, but what with kids going back to school, and the local farm stand that predominately sells apples from their orchard (you can hand pick as well) being open, the signs of fall are here. It's almost the end of August!

And autumn is in the air.

Which means the trip is drawing near. pirate:

[creativeamanda]

YAY! For DVR (love mine)

YAY! One month until you go!

I wish I was going with, though. . .

[MRYPPNS]

I'm confuzzeled about the need for a booster seat for DS since you aren't renting a car. Doesn't your towncar service have booster/car seats for kids?


I think tye dyed halloween shirts would be awesome. I still have to find something for me to wear at MNSSHP.

[LegoMom3]

Don't you LOVE LOVE LOVE having a DVR?!!! Dude. Now, I've never seen Mamma Mia but I am a long-time closet Abba fan....:flower3:

Perhaps, instead of "dude", I should be saying "Chiqitita.":confused3

Nah, doesn't have the same ring and it's quite a mouthful when "dude" does a nice job of driving home the point.

So, I'm wondering - again - why I move away from Disney and suddenly I can't wait to go again. The day-trip thing (one particular day aside...:rolleyes:) just didn't do it for me. Is that Disney-blasphemy?

Anywho, I'm getting excited with you and for you in this little PTR. :yay: Go, TK, go!!

.

[jenjolt]

I just how you have just let this trip come into its own and have decided to just enjoy it and relax, that is fantastic!!! I can't believe we are heading into our last month...I still have so much to do!!

I think Halloween tye dye shirts will be amazing cant' wait to see how they turn out!!!

I'm also glad you are feeling better!!!!! It really stinks to be sick during the summer!!

[Charleston Princess]

I am now demanding a re-enactment photo of the hugging of the Pop letters! :laughing: You'll have to wear your Mickey head to show us on your TR. :lmao:

I hope all the rest helps you to feel better!

[MegansMom]

I second CP's notion!!!! ;)

[TarzansKat]

YAY! For DVR (love mine)

YAY! One month until you go!

I wish I was going with, though. . .

Aw. :hug: You changed trips so many times my head was spinning. :lmao:

I'm confuzzeled about the need for a booster seat for DS since you aren't renting a car. Doesn't your towncar service have booster/car seats for kids?

Short answer, no. Long answer, I'll send you in e-mail. Too long for here. :thumbsup2


I think tye dyed halloween shirts would be awesome. I still have to find something for me to wear at MNSSHP.

You know, I always love those pumpkin shirts they come out with at Walmart and Target right before Halloween. We've done those in years past, well, any of the Halloween themed ones really can be a nice alternative to a specific costume. And less hot, that's for sure.

Don't you LOVE LOVE LOVE having a DVR?!!! Dude. Now, I've never seen Mamma Mia but I am a long-time closet Abba fan....:flower3:

Perhaps, instead of "dude", I should be saying "Chiqitita.":confused3

Nah, doesn't have the same ring and it's quite a mouthful when "dude" does a nice job of driving home the point.

I agree, Chiqitita is a mouthful. Dude is so much easier.

And I had never had such a huge love of Abba, I mean, I liked them, but I've since told my DH, I need the soundtrack to that movie! :lmao:


So, I'm wondering - again - why I move away from Disney and suddenly I can't wait to go again. The day-trip thing (one particular day aside...:rolleyes:) just didn't do it for me. Is that Disney-blasphemy?

One day, no matter how amazingly fantastic, so close to perfection it was ;), can't compare to your week long stay.

Although it did come pretty darn close, I think.


Anywho, I'm getting excited with you and for you in this little PTR. :yay: Go, TK, go!!

.

I'm excited for me, too!

I just how you have just let this trip come into its own and have decided to just enjoy it and relax, that is fantastic!!! I can't believe we are heading into our last month...I still have so much to do!!

I don't even think about what we'll do anymore. At all.

This is the most pirate trip I've done in years. Fly by the seat of your pants, try to make it to your ADRs because it takes a heck of an effort to book those, and everything else is up in the air.


I think Halloween tye dye shirts will be amazing cant' wait to see how they turn out!!!

I'm hoping to try to make at least one tonight when I do another batch, so hopefully I can post the results in a few days.


I'm also glad you are feeling better!!!!! It really stinks to be sick during the summer!!

Thanks. Yeah, I've been getting a lot of sleep, so that's helped. Still a bit of a sore throat, and my voice is sort of coming back slowly but surely. I'd love to get out and do something today, but I'm worried I'll wear myself out.

I am now demanding a re-enactment photo of the hugging of the Pop letters! :laughing: You'll have to wear your Mickey head to show us on your TR. :lmao:

I hope all the rest helps you to feel better!

I think we really need a re-enactment photo. :lmao:

And thanks for the well wishes. :goodvibes

I second CP's notion!!!! ;)

Ha! Well, now I have to do it, there are two of you who asked! :goodvibes

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Ooo count me in on that renactment!! Oh you'll love Pop!! We loved it there and would definitely stay there again!! It was just so much fun!

[TarzansKat]

Ooo count me in on that renactment!! Oh you'll love Pop!! We loved it there and would definitely stay there again!! It was just so much fun!

I agree, Pop is so much fun!

And I'll definitely take the picture, I promise. :thumbsup2

[2xcited2sleep]

The DVR is a life changing experience, isn't it? :laughing: Love your dream. Too cute! I am so sad that the summer is ending. The supermarket actually has Halloween candy! :scared: But looking on the bright side am beyond excited about "our" upcoming trip!!

[TarzansKat]

The DVR is a life changing experience, isn't it? :laughing:

It totally is. It's a little scary. :lmao: And all the shows that are on demand? Don't even get me started!


Love your dream. Too cute! I am so sad that the summer is ending. The supermarket actually has Halloween candy! :scared:

I don't know whether or not I should be excited (I love Halloween) or frightened by that prospect!

I have to head to Walmart today, I wonder if they're starting the Halloween merchandising as well. I'll have to let you guys know.


But looking on the bright side am beyond excited about "our" upcoming trip!!

I am very excited as well! :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

That truly was a funny dream!! HA! Hugging a giant letter- try explaining that to someone who's never been there!

They've come to take me away, he, he, ha, ha, ho, ho...

[TarzansKat]

That truly was a funny dream!! HA! Hugging a giant letter- try explaining that to someone who's never been there!

I never quite thought of it that way. :lmao:


They've come to take me away, he, he, ha, ha, ho, ho...

:rolleyes1

[If U Had Wings]

I am so addicted to my DVR! I was thrilled to come home from my little mini-vacation yesterday and find it filled with all my addictions I had missed while I was gone. Best thing ever!

[eandesmom]

DVR's are the bomb!

DH and I get SOOOO cranky when we have to watch a show "live" and actually sit through commericals!

And the beauty is you can save an entire series you are a little bleh about so that in the dog days of summer when there is nothing new one, you have something to watch!

I :love: Mamma Mia. Not as much as my mama does though...it's my ring tone for her :)

I love the idea of Halloween colored tie dye mickey t's!!!

[Sarilas]

Ooh, I see I've returned in time for a new trip to begin!

[pooh'smate]

Ooh, I see I've returned in time for a new trip to begin!

You're back!!!! :wave:

[TarzansKat]

I am so addicted to my DVR! I was thrilled to come home from my little mini-vacation yesterday and find it filled with all my addictions I had missed while I was gone. Best thing ever!

It'll really be nice for my husband. He was taping sooooo many shows, and now all he has to do is click a button. No more VHS! :goodvibes

DVR's are the bomb!

DH and I get SOOOO cranky when we have to watch a show "live" and actually sit through commericals!

And the beauty is you can save an entire series you are a little bleh about so that in the dog days of summer when there is nothing new one, you have something to watch!

I know how you feel, I keep forgetting I can pause live TV and then fast forward through the commercials if I time it right. :lmao:


I :love: Mamma Mia. Not as much as my mama does though...it's my ring tone for her :)

I'm seriously addicted right now. I keep watching it, I have it saved in my dvr.


I love the idea of Halloween colored tie dye mickey t's!!!

I did make some last week. :thumbsup2

Ooh, I see I've returned in time for a new trip to begin!

LARA!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited to see you here!

:welcome: back!!!!! :hug:

You're back!!!! :wave:

DITTO!!!! Very exciting to see Lara!

[Sarilas]

I'm back! I'm even going to try to write my long lost trip report. I have SO much catching up to do!

[TarzansKat]

I'm back! I'm even going to try to write my long lost trip report. I have SO much catching up to do!

I would love it if you would write that trip report!

Take your time catching up, we'll all still be here!

And by the by, Tink and I went to the World together, and have a trip report in progress. I don't know if you've seen it yet, the link is in my siggie. :goodvibes

[pooh'smate]

Well I woke up bright and early 4:45 this morning so I could make my dining reservations. I logged into the systym and then it would only let me make reservations for Nov 27. :headache: So after trying several times I finally wrote my TA and gave her my list. Well she was able to get everything I wanted, even the days I wanted!!!! So here is my list.

11/28- Crystal Palace @ 9am ( I think I am going to change this either to a later time or I might switch days with LTT. I really wanted to get into the park early. Will I still be able to?)

11/29- O'hanna's @ 6:15pm

11/30- LeCellier @ 8:05pm

12/1- Sci-Fi Drive In @ 12:50pm

12/2- Hoop De Do Review @ 7:15pm

12/3- Rose and Crown @ 7:35pm

12/4- 50's Primetime Cafe @ 12:40

12/5- Boma @ 6:25pm

12/6- Liberty Tree Tavern @ 12:00pm

12/7- Tony's 12:20pm


I also am going to see the Christmas Train again tomorrow because Lexi loved it so much she talked her daddy into going to see it with her. I didn't even have to coach her. :rotfl: He was working on Friday when I took her. Maybe this time I will remember to bring my camera.:rolleyes:

Also tomorrow is the day I tell my dh about the trip. He has no idea! I am not even sure how he will react!

[pooh'smate]

I forgot to add that I like your new picture. :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

I would love it if you would write that trip report!

Take your time catching up, we'll all still be here!

And by the by, Tink and I went to the World together, and have a trip report in progress. I don't know if you've seen it yet, the link is in my siggie. :goodvibes

I *did* see it! I am so stoked for you two! I'll read that one after this one... lord knows I have a lot to catch up on...

I'm going to upload food pics to the official thread tonight (now); that should get the proverbial juices flowing. (And I'm waiting to see if I can get my old thread moved out of the completed area and back into action!)

[TarzansKat]

Well I woke up bright and early 4:45 this morning so I could make my dining reservations. I logged into the systym and then it would only let me make reservations for Nov 27. :headache: So after trying several times I finally wrote my TA and gave her my list. Well she was able to get everything I wanted, even the days I wanted!!!! So here is my list.

YAY!!! :yay:


11/28- Crystal Palace @ 9am ( I think I am going to change this either to a later time or I might switch days with LTT. I really wanted to get into the park early. Will I still be able to?)

I'm not sure how early you can get into the park with that ressie. Maybe some of our veterans can comment.


11/29- O'hanna's @ 6:15pm

SO JEALOUS!!! ;)


11/30- LeCellier @ 8:05pm

Nummy.


12/1- Sci-Fi Drive In @ 12:50pm

Very cool, I'm looking forward to this one my trip as well.


12/2- Hoop De Do Review @ 7:15pm

So much fun!


12/3- Rose and Crown @ 7:35pm

Woo hoo!


12/4- 50's Primetime Cafe @ 12:40

You and your DH are going to have so much fun at this one! :goodvibes


12/5- Boma @ 6:25

12/6- Liberty Tree Tavern @ 12:00pm

12/7- Tony's 12:20pm

Looks like you got some great ADRs, hon!


I also am going to see the Christmas Train again tomorrow because Lexi loved it so much she talked her daddy into going to see it with her. I didn't even have to coach her. :rotfl: He was working on Friday when I took her. Maybe this time I will remember to bring my camera.:rolleyes:

Oh, I would love to see pictures if you remember!


Also tomorrow is the day I tell my dh about the trip. He has no idea! I am not even sure how he will react!

Oh, I can't wait to hear his reaction! :goodvibes

I forgot to add that I like your new picture. :goodvibes

Thanks! That's one of the newest tie dye shirts I made, I'm actually debating keeping it for myself. :thumbsup2

I *did* see it! I am so stoked for you two! I'll read that one after this one... lord knows I have a lot to catch up on...

I'm going to upload food pics to the official thread tonight (now); that should get the proverbial juices flowing. (And I'm waiting to see if I can get my old thread moved out of the completed area and back into action!)

Excellent! I'm so looking forward to reading your report.

[TarzansKat]

I am just bursting with excitement over this trip!

And given that I'm having a really hard time getting on the DIS lately, between work and the tie dye shirts and general life, this is going to be one heck of an update.

Speaking of the tie dye shirts, I know that I'd mentioned working on some Halloween ones for us. Well, I did a big batch last weekend, and ended up making mine and DS'. I'm not totally pleased with how DS' Mickey head came out, so he may be getting another one. It's too funny, this is his third tie dye Mickey shirt. A boy can't have too many right?

The great thing about mine is that it's an old tank top that I was getting ready to get rid of because the white wasn't looking so great. Well, heck, through some dye on it and it looks fantastic!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0437.jpghttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0438.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0435.jpghttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0436.jpg

I also made one that I'm debating keeping for myself. I truly have no idea how I got these color combinations, and I love how different they are. This is one of the things I love about tie dye, you really never know what you're going to get!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0439.jpghttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0440.jpg

Now as far as my tie dye to do list, I still have one more tank top for myself, I'd like to make another 1-2 shirts for DH, and my mother actually jumped on board and bought a shirt for me to dye for her. This makes me think...should I make tie dye shirts for Nana and FIL as well? Something to think about. :scratchin I also haven't decided if I'll make DH's the Halloween, multi-color, or both. DS and I have shirts that are just red, blue, and purple, so I might do that for DH. Whatever the mood strikes, eh? :lmao:

A cute anecdote for you as well. Yesterday, we're in the car, and DS says, "Mama, how did you make my colored shirt?" That's what he calls all his tie dye shirts. So I explained it to him, and...I think he may even be making one of his own next time! It's scary and exciting all at once. We'll just have to make sure he's wearing really old clothes we don't care about and very careful with the dye. I'll let you know how that goes. :eek:

Along the lines of things that need to be made, I think I finally figured out a way to make DS a Wall E costume instead of paying an exorbitant amount for one over the internet. So that's on my vacation to do list as well. :thumbsup2 While I'm on a roll, I'll also need to make my mom's Eve costume. And while I'm listing this all here, I just decided to get actual paper and pen and put this stuff down. I'm having trouble remembering everything!

Another thing I like to do before the trip is go through possible outfits just to have an idea of what I'm going to pack.

Now I'll tell you. A lot of people (MOM AND DH) have given me a little criticism about wanting to do laundry on vacation. And to them I say, pishaw!!!! Here's the thing. I don't want to pack a lot. I'm not over-packing. Not over-packing clothes, not over-packing snacks for the room (because there's always too much food with free dining anyway), not over-packing! TK refuses to partake in it! I made myself a packing list for my May trip with Tink and I really stuck to it. I only had enough outfits for the days we were there, with possible one spare. I think the only thing I regretted then was not packing a long sleeved sweatshirt (mine was 3/4) because it was rather chilly one night.

Now the reason I say we'll do laundry is because it's an eight day trip. The laundry rooms are next to the Hippy Dippy Pool. It's so easy to throw a load or two in, go for a swim or lounge by the pool with your cocktail in hand, and come back and check on things. I always like to have detergent with me when I travel with DS anyway, because although he's fully potty trained, and for all intensive purposes a pretty clean kid, you just never know when accidents will happen. Whether we didn't make it to the bathroom in time, or we were having way too much fun eating a Mickey bar, I want to make sure I have the means to launder things while we're there. I don't like stained clothes to sit for that long, it's less likely you'll be able to get the stains out once you get home. And given that we've put so much effort into the tie dye shirts and that he loves wearing them, well, we want to make sure we can clean 'em!

Thank you for reading my rant about laundry. Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't unsubscribed.

Thankfully, I have more exciting news to report!

Lookie what came in the mail this week!!!!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0448.jpg

OH YEAH!!!!! :yay:

That's when you know the trip is really real. It's bought. It's paid for. ADRs are made, and here comes your travel docs! I LOVE IT!!!! There may have been some happy dancing, I won't lie. And some, "Oh my gosh, DH, I'm so excited for this trip! We're GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!" :banana::banana::banana:

I can't wait. But I can, because there are a lot of wonderful family things planned this month, and the time is just going to fly by. Because we are under a month, folks. Isn't that crazy? I think once we hit September (only two more days!!!) I go into a bit of a shock. Because then I can say, I'm going on vacation this month. I'm going to Disney in a couple of weeks.

Which reminds me, I need to schedule a hair cut before the trip. Let's put that on the list, too. :lmao:

And while we're discussing hair cuts which makes me think of changes, let's just say there may be some changes to our non-itinerary plans.

Basically all we have are ADRs, right? So obviously it's one of those that we're thinking about switching around.

Another anecdotal TK clan moment for you.

Monday night, and we're all sitting at the table. We decided to get Chinese take out. So we're sitting there and DS is so into it. He loves Won Ton Soup, he loves chicken and rice (General Tso's and pork fried), he eats it with gusto! And this is a child who eats pretty well, but I mean, this food makes him happy. Do you remember those happy food memories from when you were a kid?

I know when I was little, and my parents owned their deli/gourmet food store at one point, we made cannolis. And I used to go in the back, in the cooler, with a spoon, and just take one swipe of cannoli filling.

Now that's a happy food memory. ;) (And yes, my parents knew. It was not spoken of until recently, but they knew. :lmao:)

So, anyway, I can tell that DS is just loving his food and having such a good time.

And I looked at my husband and said, "DH?"

And he looked at me and said, "Nine Dragons?"

We're so sympatico. :cloud9:

So anyway, it's highly likely that we're going to try to fit in Nine Dragons. I haven't made an ADR...I know, the HORROR!!!!...because every time that I've checked is wide open. I'm not worried. We've got ADRs lined up, and if we really want to commit, I'll make one. If we're not feeling it until the trip, and they're all booked up, we can always try counter service.

And I know from reading eandemom's trip report that Yak and Yeti has some pretty good counter service as well, so there's a few places that we could fill the "chicken and rice" requirement for DS.

So, we'll see. Not even on the vacation yet, and already pirating up and messing around with things. Ah, the life of the TK clan.

I love it. pirate:

[Charleston Princess]

What a lovely long update to enjoy over my Sunday morning coffee! :goodvibes Those are the best because I know I don't have to rush through it to get ready to go to work.

The shirts are looking fabulous, and I definitely think you should let DS make one of his own -- but like you said, wear old clothes while you are doing it! ;)

I think doing laundry on vacation is just fine -- it leaves more room for souvenirs! ;)

Hurray for travel documents and being two days away from saying, "We'll be in Disney this month!" Isn't that a grand thing???

I love DS's food moment -- Chinese take-out is one of my favorites! :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

Have to agree with Jackie on this one...what a great way to start a laid back Sunday morning!!!!

Love your shirts!! They have turned out fabulously and I hope you have a great time with your DS letting him make his own!!!!

I'm with you, even if I do pack way too much, I still like to do laundry at least once because it means less for me to do when I get back home and to me that is worth the time on vacation to throw it in. Having my own laundry is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most staying DVC LOL!!!

HMMM...I think Chinese food sounds yummy and its obvious you DS will enjoy it!!! Like it has been mentioned before this trip is all about having good times and making good memories and not stressing over every little thing! So impressed with that!!!!

[TarzansKat]

What a lovely long update to enjoy over my Sunday morning coffee! :goodvibes Those are the best because I know I don't have to rush through it to get ready to go to work.

I love reading the DIS on the weekends for precisely that reason. No rushing! :goodvibes


The shirts are looking fabulous, and I definitely think you should let DS make one of his own -- but like you said, wear old clothes while you are doing it! ;)


Thank you!


I think doing laundry on vacation is just fine -- it leaves more room for souvenirs! ;)

You make an extremely valid point there. ;)


Hurray for travel documents and being two days away from saying, "We'll be in Disney this month!" Isn't that a grand thing???

It IS grand!


I love DS's food moment -- Chinese take-out is one of my favorites! :goodvibes

Me, too. And it's so...us. I think we have to have it at some point, or it just won't be a TK clan vacation.

Have to agree with Jackie on this one...what a great way to start a laid back Sunday morning!!!!

:goodvibes


Love your shirts!! They have turned out fabulously and I hope you have a great time with your DS letting him make his own!!!!

Oh, thank you!


I'm with you, even if I do pack way too much, I still like to do laundry at least once because it means less for me to do when I get back home and to me that is worth the time on vacation to throw it in. Having my own laundry is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most staying DVC LOL!!!

Mmm....DVC.... :goodvibes


HMMM...I think Chinese food sounds yummy and its obvious you DS will enjoy it!!! Like it has been mentioned before this trip is all about having good times and making good memories and not stressing over every little thing! So impressed with that!!!!

You said it perfectly! :goodvibes

[MRYPPNS]

:woohoo: For Travel docs....hopefully that means my ME luggage tags will be here this week.

[Native NYer]

I love your t-shirts. What a great way to resusitate a dying white tank.

:yay::yay: TRAVEL DOCS :yay::yay:

If you try Nine Dragons, I'm hoping you write a review. We're thinking about it for the next trip.

[Sarilas]

Okay, I'm here and I'm reading!

1. Great cast of characters, but of course. I cannot wait to hear more about everyone!

2. I'm sorry your feelings had been hurt early on; lord knows nobody loves Cap'n Jack like you do! :love:

3. Food & Wine fest AND MNSSHP? YES PLEASE! :thumbsup2

4. I totally get your reasoning behind Pop Century, et al. Nothing feels so good as being in the parks knowing everything is already paid for up front. Relaxing x's 10!

5. I'm glad you didn't totally cave on your wishes for ADR's and such. Pirate. pirate:

6. I have to agree about a lack of reservation the first day. Having that one day to indulge in pure freedom can set the rhythm for the whole weekend.

7. Curious to hear if you got park hoppers!

8. You're totally right. It's not always about the food. Sometimes it's about a dark, cool place to chill out with a burger and a milkshake and r-e-l-a-x. Smart thinking.

9. And then you waiver. :laughing:

10. I totally get the ADR commitment issue problem. As you will read in time... :rotfl:

11. Delicious looking ADR's!

12. Holy-costume-planning-dilemma, batman!

13. Hoping you got the answers to your questions... (On an aside, we enjoyed the Y&Y counter service- on the dining plan! It was like getting take out Chinese with a better view than my own back porch could offer.)

14. I never could get psyched up for Coral Reef; it sounds like a restaurant we have here called The Aquarium!

15. Good for you! You only live once and yada yada yada. And heck yeah it's okay to put two kids in one room; have I mentioned how many kids I have? ;)

16. Oh I miss planning binders and making ADR's... sick, isn't it? :rolleyes1

17. To live IS an awfully big adventure! :hug:

18. Have I mentioned that I get to live with my very own No Way Jose? :rotfl:

19. Hurray for saving money on ressies!

20. Home indecisions and fiscal responsibility... This makes me sad. You CAN have it all you know, TK! :hug:

21. I see Disney Crocs! I can't get over how much cuter they are with Mickey head cut outs all over them.

22. MAN do I have a love-hate relationship with Southwest after our trip...

23. Your FIL sounds like such a sweet guy. And who could turn down a margarita, anytime (anywhere)!

24. Did you purchase airfare or didn't you?... hmmm...

25. I love your list of things you wait for!

26. I love your pirate and pumpkin collection! Where you are of all things pirate, I am more of all things Jack Skellington... sigh.

27. Oooh, do you change to a moderate due to no more slushy coke machines? TURMOIL!

28. I love the look of Pop! It looks like a blast for kids. (Yeah, for kids... that's the ticket...)

29. Wow, they really did drop the price of your tickets!

30. Lots of planning still to do; it seems like it's never ending, even up until the last days in the parks!

31. Making up my mind on ADR's was not one of my strong points. Too many options!

32. I was wondering when the shoe hunt would begin! It's not a TK report without a shoe hunt!

33. Cute binder, and LOVE Nana's hat!

34. You want to go back to school to teach! Wait till you find out what I've been doing the past few months... :lmao:

35. Cute purchases! And a $3 Mickey purse? Kind of mandatory, don't you think? ;)

36. I can't wait to hear how your t-shirt craftiness goes!

37. Batman, Peter Pan, Wall E... ACK!

38. Bag indecision! I can't wait to find out which one you went with!

39. Isn't it terrible that once we make a life-changing decision we can no longer sit idly by and subject ourselves to what was once the norm? Darn you, conscious mind!

40. Bummer about the Vera bag!

41. Oh, the Baggalini! I bought an animal print one and LOVED IT. It carried everything I needed for all six of us, plus a place for my cell phone, KTTW card, etc. Heart it.

42. Headless shots and tie dye Mickey shirts? YES!

43. Oh this new ADR system is scaring me. ACK!

44. The tie dye shirts are really adorable, TK. So creative! (Dye scares me too!)

45. Oooh! Tacking on an extra couple of days for the TK clan?!

46. Wonderful change in plans! That little bit of time away fromt he pack as a whole can make such a big difference.

47. LOVE the PTR rundown!

48. BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY! Knock me over with a freakin' feather!

49. "And my daughter will be turning 30..." God love mothers.

50. I wonder which bag you'll go with; the Baggalini didn't bother my back at all over our 10 days. In fact the ability to lengthen and shorten the strap was a huge convenience for finding comfort.

51. Awe, DS getting his own monogrammed backpack...

52. Cute purchases!!!

53. A new family member! When my son was little I got him a blue and red Beta which he promptly named Downtown, because that's where we bought him from. One day Downtown apparently wanted to watch television with Kyle. On the couch. I won't go into detail. :rolleyes1

54. Upward mobility in your arms... :lmao:

55. Oooh, new car decisions! We've had a bit of angst in that as well. And bought a Honda!

56. Down payment on the rewards Visa! Smart girl!

57. She's beautiful!

58. The new Mickey Tie Dyes are awesome! The Mickey heads are so well defined!

59. When in doubt, always go for the season passes, right?

60. "Donald with the pictures in the air!"

61. Cute bag! I love love love, blue.

62. Oooh, a change in plan and direction...

63. You are getting SO close!

64. Seriously, the new tie dye shirts are fabulous! You're doing such an amazing job.

And I am officially caught up!

[jmamom]

Love the t shirts! Can you believe its less than a month now?:woohoo: How great that your little guy eats so many different foods - mine are sooo picky (well 2 out of 3 are, the littlest is pretty good). Chinese food always sounds good to me! Hope you get to enjoy some at the World!:goodvibes

[Disneyfreak508]

I forgot I subscribed to this thread months ago after I finished reading A Pirates Life for Three, and I recently rediscovered it. My family and I planned a little last minute trip to the world over a week ago, and we're here now. (I'm actually waiting for everyone to wake up so we can head back to MK for some EMH!) But I just wanted to tell you, TK, that this PTR really got me in the disney spirit. Last week I stayed up till 4 in the morning reading all of the chapters. haha. I just wanted to tell you that you have such a wonderful writing style that really keeps my attention. I love your PTRs and your TRs :worship:

Also, I was at Animal Kingdom yesterday and I saw someone with a Lime Green (I think) and Turquoise tie-dye mickey shirt on in the park! I don't know if you made it for them or they made it themselves the same way, but I was excited to connect the internet Disney to the real disney! haha

I love your report so far! I can't wait to see how the rest of it unfolds :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

Woo Hoo for the arrival of travel documents! So exciting!!:woohoo:

As long as you don't mind doing laundry go for it on your vacation. I could never do it because I equate doing laundry to having a root canal. :lmao: Seriously, I put it off normally until a complete lack of undies makes me do laundry. I've even run out and bought more just so that I don't have to do laundry. Whatever makes your life easiest is great!

[All7OfUs]

Hiya!

Those orange and black(?) tie-dyes turned out great!!! Very, very cool!

Laundry on Vacay?? Yeah, at least once. More room for souvenirs, less mess upon return, Are you taking a laptop? You could always use the time to download pictures from the camera. Or read a good book, or give DS a little nappie poo, or?? Might be worth it?

[TarzansKat]

:woohoo: For Travel docs....hopefully that means my ME luggage tags will be here this week.

I can't wait to hear how you like Magical Express. This is your first time using it, right?

I love your t-shirts. What a great way to resusitate a dying white tank.

Seriously! I got a cool new tank and felt thrifty. :thumbsup2


If you try Nine Dragons, I'm hoping you write a review. We're thinking about it for the next trip.

I'll definitely review it for you. I'm going to try to review most of the places we eat, but I don't know if I'll be whipping out the camera for food art at every stop. We'll see. :goodvibes

Okay, I'm here and I'm reading![

Good lord, woman! You commented on everything!
God bless you!!!! :goodvibes


And I am officially caught up!

Thank you so much for reading and commenting on all of it! It's funny to see how your comments progress as my chapters did, and I changed my mind. It's like reliving the ptr through you! :goodvibes

Love the t shirts! Can you believe its less than a month now?:woohoo: How great that your little guy eats so many different foods - mine are sooo picky (well 2 out of 3 are, the littlest is pretty good). Chinese food always sounds good to me! Hope you get to enjoy some at the World!:goodvibes

I can't believe it's less than a month. I am so dang excited about it, but now I feel like I really have a ton left to do. :lmao:

My DS is pretty good about food. There are some things that he'll flat out refuse, but this is a kid who will happily eat a plate of steamed broccoli for dinner. I am very, very lucky.

Of course, that's not to say that he won't be asking me for a treat from every dang cart we pass in the World, but hey, one step at a time. :lmao:

I forgot I subscribed to this thread months ago after I finished reading A Pirates Life for Three, and I recently rediscovered it. My family and I planned a little last minute trip to the world over a week ago, and we're here now. (I'm actually waiting for everyone to wake up so we can head back to MK for some EMH!)

YAY for being in the World right now!!!! :goodvibes


But I just wanted to tell you, TK, that this PTR really got me in the disney spirit. Last week I stayed up till 4 in the morning reading all of the chapters. haha. I just wanted to tell you that you have such a wonderful writing style that really keeps my attention. I love your PTRs and your TRs :worship:

I am touched! Thank you so much for your heartfelt compliments. To know that I put someone else in the Disney spirit, well, that just makes my day. I'm so glad you've enjoyed my writing. :hug:


Also, I was at Animal Kingdom yesterday and I saw someone with a Lime Green (I think) and Turquoise tie-dye mickey shirt on in the park! I don't know if you made it for them or they made it themselves the same way, but I was excited to connect the internet Disney to the real disney! haha

Actually, this is going to sound like quite a sin here, but I haven't made a lime green tie dye yet...well, close to lime green but not quite. So it probably wasn't me, but isn't it neat when the internet Disney and real Disney connect like that?


I love your report so far! I can't wait to see how the rest of it unfolds :goodvibes

Thanks!

Woo Hoo for the arrival of travel documents! So exciting!!:woohoo:

:banana::banana::banana:


As long as you don't mind doing laundry go for it on your vacation. I could never do it because I equate doing laundry to having a root canal. :lmao: Seriously, I put it off normally until a complete lack of undies makes me do laundry. I've even run out and bought more just so that I don't have to do laundry. Whatever makes your life easiest is great!

I don't mind doing laundry. What I despise, is having to put it away. On vacation, that's easier, because it's so much less laundry and so few places for it to go. Ah, the simple life. :thumbsup2

Hiya!

:wave2:


Those orange and black(?) tie-dyes turned out great!!! Very, very cool!

Thank you! I think my DH definitely needs one. :thumbsup2


Laundry on Vacay?? Yeah, at least once. More room for souvenirs, less mess upon return, Are you taking a laptop? You could always use the time to download pictures from the camera. Or read a good book, or give DS a little nappie poo, or?? Might be worth it?

I never even thought about the more room for souvenirs thing until you all started mentioning it. It holds a lot of merit, that's for dang sure.

Although in my case, it's more like, more room for the snack credits I want to use up at the end of the trip. :thumbsup2

I always bring a book with my on vacay, so I'm envisioning some nice sit and read time by the pool. Hopefully with a generous rum libation to keep me pirated up. :lmao:

[MRYPPNS]

I've used ME twice before. The reason we didn't use it last trip is because I wanted to use a rental car instead of the buses for Liam....which did work out very well. I like ME. Simple and easy....the way to start a vaca!

[MegansMom]

Sounds like a lot is going on with the TK clan too!!!! OH SO MUCH TO DO!!!

[TarzansKat]

I've used ME twice before. The reason we didn't use it last trip is because I wanted to use a rental car instead of the buses for Liam....which did work out very well. I like ME. Simple and easy....the way to start a vaca!

Good to know! :goodvibes

Sounds like a lot is going on with the TK clan too!!!! OH SO MUCH TO DO!!!

My to do list is starting to scare me a little. I think I'm going to have to start foisting some of it onto my husband. :lmao:

[maroo]

Thank you for reading my rant about laundry. Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't unsubscribed.



I did unsubscribe! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

Let me explain... for those of you guys with an iPhone...does this happen to you??

I use my iPhone to get on TR's... and I usually press 'Last Page' to get to the most recent page. But right under 'Last Page' is the unsubscribe button...so if my fingers hit the wrong thing........ :eek: Horrible things happen! I actually UNSUBSCRIBED from your report! I was wondering why you weren't updating! :lmao:



So, anyway, I can tell that DS is just loving his food and having such a good time.

And I looked at my husband and said, "DH?"

And he looked at me and said, "Nine Dragons?"

We're so sympatico. :cloud9:



DH responds to "DH".... :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Sorry...couldn't resist!

[TarzansKat]

I did unsubscribe! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

Hot holy carp, I can't believe it! :eek:


Let me explain... for those of you guys with an iPhone...does this happen to you??

I use my iPhone to get on TR's... and I usually press 'Last Page' to get to the most recent page. But right under 'Last Page' is the unsubscribe button...so if my fingers hit the wrong thing........ :eek: Horrible things happen! I actually UNSUBSCRIBED from your report! I was wondering why you weren't updating! :lmao:

Oh, well...now that you explain yourself.

I do however feel, you may need to make this up to me.

Perhaps taking copious pictures of the good captain when you're visiting the Magic Kingdom and posting them immediately upon your return home would soothe my fragile ego. ;)


DH responds to "DH".... :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Sorry...couldn't resist!

Well, no! :rotfl2:

I called him ______, you know. His name. ;)

[Lady Lallie]

I love love love the Halloween shirts! They are perfect. Also the colors on the shirt in your siggie are GORGEOUS! I love them. :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

I love love love the Halloween shirts! They are perfect.

Thank you so much!


Also the colors on the shirt in your siggie are GORGEOUS! I love them. :goodvibes

I'm rather partial to that one! I liked it so much, I decided to keep it for myself. Lucky it was my size! :goodvibes

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

:woohoo: for getting your travel documents!! I can't believe you'll be there in just a few weeks!! I love the new shirts!! I love the way your son's mickey came out on the shirt. I think you should keep it just the way it is!! Oh and if you can try to do the tye dye outside in stuff that doesn't matter if it gets dyed! I tye dyed with some of the kids at the daycare I used to work at and we went outside and it was definitely less mess!! We also put down a garbage bag to try and keep the mess contained as well. I hope that helps at all! Ugh I hate doing laundry but if dbf and I go again then we'll probably do it at least once during the vacation.

[TarzansKat]

:woohoo: for getting your travel documents!! I can't believe you'll be there in just a few weeks!! I love the new shirts!! I love the way your son's mickey came out on the shirt. I think you should keep it just the way it is!! Oh and if you can try to do the tye dye outside in stuff that doesn't matter if it gets dyed! I tye dyed with some of the kids at the daycare I used to work at and we went outside and it was definitely less mess!! We also put down a garbage bag to try and keep the mess contained as well. I hope that helps at all! Ugh I hate doing laundry but if dbf and I go again then we'll probably do it at least once during the vacation.

Thanks for the tips! We actually ended up doing it inside on our tile floor in the kitchen, so that worked out great. We also put DS in one of my DH's shirts, and OMG was that ever so cute. I mean, the shirt came down to his ankles, it was so big. :goodvibes

He actually decided to just make a spiral, not a Mickey head this time, but it came out really good. I'm quite proud of him. :thumbsup2

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Thanks for the tips! We actually ended up doing it inside on our tile floor in the kitchen, so that worked out great. We also put DS in one of my DH's shirts, and OMG was that ever so cute. I mean, the shirt came down to his ankles, it was so big. :goodvibes

He actually decided to just make a spiral, not a Mickey head this time, but it came out really good. I'm quite proud of him. :thumbsup2


Ooo that was a good idea. yeah we didn't have any tile in the daycare so outside was our best bet! Oh that must have been too cute! You must post a pic of his shirt!

[TarzansKat]

Ooo that was a good idea. yeah we didn't have any tile in the daycare so outside was our best bet! Oh that must have been too cute! You must post a pic of his shirt!

I wasn't sure if you guys would want to see it because it doesn't have a Mickey head, but I'll be happy to post it since you're interested! :goodvibes I'll try to get some pics up soon.

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

I wasn't sure if you guys would want to see it because it doesn't have a Mickey head, but I'll be happy to post it since you're interested! :goodvibes I'll try to get some pics up soon.


Of course we want to see it! How silly of you to think otherwise!

[eandesmom]

:cool1:

what a great update! I'm gone for a womens' retreat and come back to the first day of school (and 7 hours ALONE lol) and this lovely lovely update!


Speaking of the tie dye shirts, I know that I'd mentioned working on some Halloween ones for us. Well, I did a big batch last weekend, and ended up making mine and DS'. I'm not totally pleased with how DS' Mickey head came out, so he may be getting another one. It's too funny, this is his third tie dye Mickey shirt. A boy can't have too many right?

They are adorable! I might need one for me :) and no, he can't have too many.


Along the lines of things that need to be made, I think I finally figured out a way to make DS a Wall E costume instead of paying an exorbitant amount for one over the internet.

Now I'll tell you. A lot of people (MOM AND DH) have given me a little criticism about wanting to do laundry on vacation. And to them I say, pishaw!!!! Here's the thing. I don't want to pack a lot. I'm not over-packing. Not over-packing clothes, not over-packing snacks for the room (because there's always too much food with free dining anyway), not over-packing! TK refuses to partake in it!

Now the reason I say we'll do laundry is because it's an eight day trip. The laundry rooms are next to the Hippy Dippy Pool. It's so easy to throw a load or two in, go for a swim or lounge by the pool with your cocktail in hand, and come back and check on things. I always like to have detergent with me when I travel with DS anyway, because although he's fully potty trained, and for all intensive purposes a pretty clean kid, you just never know when accidents will happen. Whether we didn't make it to the bathroom in time, or we were having way too much fun eating a Mickey bar, I want to make sure I have the means to launder things while we're there. I don't like stained clothes to sit for that long, it's less likely you'll be able to get the stains out once you get home. And given that we've put so much effort into the tie dye shirts and that he loves wearing them, well, we want to make sure we can clean 'em!

Thank you for reading my rant about laundry.
And while we're discussing hair cuts which makes me think of changes, let's just say there may be some changes to our non-itinerary plans.

Basically all we have are ADRs, right? So obviously it's one of those that we're thinking about switching around.

Another anecdotal TK clan moment for you.

Monday night, and we're all sitting at the table. We decided to get Chinese take out. So we're sitting there and DS is so into it. He loves Won Ton Soup, he loves chicken and rice (General Tso's and pork fried), he eats it with gusto! And this is a child who eats pretty well, but I mean, this food makes him happy. Do you remember those happy food memories from when you were a kid?

And I looked at my husband and said, "DH?"

And he looked at me and said, "Nine Dragons?"

We're so sympatico. :cloud9:

So anyway, it's highly likely that we're going to try to fit in Nine Dragons. I haven't made an ADR...I know, the HORROR!!!!...because every time that I've checked is wide open. I'm not worried. We've got ADRs lined up, and if we really want to commit, I'll make one. If we're not feeling it until the trip, and they're all booked up, we can always try counter service.

And I know from reading eandemom's trip report that Yak and Yeti has some pretty good counter service as well, so there's a few places that we could fill the "chicken and rice" requirement for DS.


Ok, I'm impressed and dying to see how you make both of those costumes in a way that is packable!

Your vaca my friend and if you want to do laundry to schlep less stuff, I say go for it!

Ah, Y&Y counter service, you are making me think of my egg rolls! I want some now!!! Your DS would probably love the honey chicken that Tink got....

I would suggest reading the nine dragons reviews though....

and :cool1: Mickey Mail!!!!

[TarzansKat]

:cool1:

what a great update! I'm gone for a womens' retreat and come back to the first day of school (and 7 hours ALONE lol) and this lovely lovely update!


Oooo, how was your retreat?


They are adorable! I might need one for me :) and no, he can't have too many.

You know where to find me. ;)


Ok, I'm impressed and dying to see how you make both of those costumes in a way that is packable!

Oh, I think you'll be shocked at how easy they are.

But I reserve the right to withhold my idea until it actually comes to fruition. I'm still a little nervous about it working. :lmao:


Your vaca my friend and if you want to do laundry to schlep less stuff, I say go for it!

Indeed! I'm just so sick of carrying too much stuff! Plus, we'll be packing the booster seat in our luggage, so that's going to take up some room.


Ah, Y&Y counter service, you are making me think of my egg rolls! I want some now!!! Your DS would probably love the honey chicken that Tink got....

I was thinking of that honey chicken and your report, I'm sure he'd love it! Now what is that drink I'm supposed to have for you?


I would suggest reading the nine dragons reviews though....

You know what, I have read them, and I'm pirating up on this one and saying I don't care. Okay, that sounds wrong. I care that people have had bad meals there, but I have to say, I've had years and years and years of eating there, and I've always loved it. If the menu changes mean that the food has changed and it's really that bad, then it's something that I really need to see and decide for myself. I really place a lot of faith in the opinions of fellow Disboardians, and that has served me so well! I learn a lot here, and I am very, very appreciative of the wealth of information available to me.

In this particular instance, though, I'm going to willfully ignore that information and fly by the seat of my pants. Er...ship. Wind in my sails. Take what you can, give nothing back!!!! :lmao:

pirate:


and :cool1: Mickey Mail!!!!

Shortly after I received our information, my FIL's arrived as well, and my mom just got hers, so that's really exciting! It's officially official for everyone. :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

I'm so totally the same way about places to eat.... try it for yourself, decide for yourself! We read some downright atrocious reviews of Hoop's food, but we actually really liked it. (I'm sure the bottomless sangria didn't hurt).

I go with the theming (place) that sounds fun, novel, or exciting, and go with that. The food comes second, cuz let's face it, if we want a certain kind of food (well, not us here, but you all over there) you can just go get it 365 days a year. Seriously, if 9 Dragons is what you want- go, and enjoy! Just be sure to write up a review with lots of pix for all of us to enjoy.

[eandesmom]

Oooo, how was your retreat?

It was good. I've avoided it for years as it's my mom, my sisters, my SIL and one of my sisters friends and it has always felt like my sisters crowd, not mine (I'm a lot older). But my mom guilted me. And while it was fun, it was still my sisters crowd. So I don't know. I would go again but need my own friend if possible. It was fun though, some really good moments. And it made my mama very happy!


You know where to find me. ;)

Seriously considering it. What are your trip dates?


Oh, I think you'll be shocked at how easy they are.

But I reserve the right to withhold my idea until it actually comes to fruition. I'm still a little nervous about it working. :lmao:


I can't wait to see!


I was thinking of that honey chicken and your report, I'm sure he'd love it! Now what is that drink I'm supposed to have for you?

Yak attack :)


You know what, I have read them, and I'm pirating up on this one and saying I don't care. Okay, that sounds wrong. I care that people have had bad meals there, but I have to say, I've had years and years and years of eating there, and I've always loved it. If the menu changes mean that the food has changed and it's really that bad, then it's something that I really need to see and decide for myself. I really place a lot of faith in the opinions of fellow Disboardians, and that has served me so well! I learn a lot here, and I am very, very appreciative of the wealth of information available to me.

In this particular instance, though, I'm going to willfully ignore that information and fly by the seat of my pants. Er...ship. Wind in my sails. Take what you can, give nothing back!!!! :lmao:



Good for you!

[TarzansKat]

Seriously, if 9 Dragons is what you want- go, and enjoy! Just be sure to write up a review with lots of pix for all of us to enjoy.

No problem, my dear!

It was good. I've avoided it for years as it's my mom, my sisters, my SIL and one of my sisters friends and it has always felt like my sisters crowd, not mine (I'm a lot older). But my mom guilted me. And while it was fun, it was still my sisters crowd. So I don't know. I would go again but need my own friend if possible. It was fun though, some really good moments. And it made my mama very happy!

I know what you mean. I won't go into to detail, but my sister is actually about 7 years older than I am, so I totally get it. Glad you had a good time and made mom happy. Sometimes we need that. :thumbsup2


Seriously considering it. What are your trip dates?

Oh, I can see how this convo is going to go. Eandesmom is at home, waiting for her husband. Little does he know what's coming.

Eandesmom - "Honey?"
Her DH - "Yes, dear."
Eandesmom - "I just need to run a quick errand to pick up something."
Her DH - "What's that?"
Eandesmom - "Just a shirt I had custom made, it's real cute, something Disney."
Her DH - "Sounds good. Where are you going?"
Eandesmom - "Well, TK is in Florida right now so I'm just going to stop by and pick it up." :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

And my dates are Sunday, Sept. 27th to Sunday, Oct. 4th. :goodvibes


Yak attack :)

That's right! I'll just have to remember it matches the name of the counter service.

[TarzansKat]

Color me overwhelmed.

Completely and totally overwhelmed. I know I have three weeks, but do you know how much that three weeks is going to fly by? Argh! There's so much left to do and so much going on and I don't know what it is. I don't know why I'm pressuring myself so hard about doing these things or feeling a certain way or trying so hard, I don't know what it is.

If I had to guess, I'd say it's a combination of events, a lot of different life type stuff going on all at once. I've had some changes at my work, which are good in many, many ways, but also nervewracking as well. To make a long story short, our staff has been chopped and hacked. We lost some tellers to other branches, and now we will be permanently "short-staffed." Although the grand pubas (as my manager likes to refer to the back office staff) have deemed we have enough people because we have these fancy new fangled machines to count the money (another long boring story you probably don't want to hear) we are still going to be short. And that means my days will fly because I'll be working my butt off. And don't get me wrong. I'm no stranger to hard work, that's for sure. But it does make me nervous in the sense that PTO will get more difficult, and everything in general, will get difficult. But, the bonus is that a huge majority of the drama I've been complaining about for the past three years has actually been removed from our branch. And that's the good part. I know it's a silver lining. I know it's there.

Just like I know I'll get everything done before this trip. It'll happen. I know it will.

I just don't have a lot of time right now. I haven't even made a countdown calendar. And I guess the problem is I may be getting caught up in the hows and whys and the ideas of the boards, and the ideas of the ways of I've done things in the past.

Doing laundry on vacation is an excuse. Don't get me wrong, it's a good idea, because it's nice to have the option to clean the shirt that's going to get chocolate stains from the Mickey bar. But, I don't want to admit it, but it's also an excuse. It's an excuse to not lose weight before vacation, because I have four pairs of shorts that fit and a whole bunch that don't. And the whole bunch that don't fit me, well, they fit last year for A Pirate's Life for Three and fit me the year before that. So what the heck has happened to me?

Where the disconnect? Why all the emotional over-eating? Part of it is stress, I know that, but what else...

What am I afraid of?

So many things.

The trip not being good. Not being enough. Ugh. I don't know how to explain it without going into huge detail, it's just that this could be the last family trip for a while. And I want it to be good. And I know it will be, it's silly, but I worry about things happening like last year where our flight was way too early and DS was so cranky for those first two days and suffered from a serious case of wanting every piece of candy or junk he saw in the World. And I know, he's a whole year older. And we're able to reason with him now and I know we won't really have these issues. I know that.

We'll have whole new ones. :lmao:

Well, at least I made myself laugh, that's a good sign of the old TK spirit returning.

I'm just overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by a lot of things, and guess the main point is that I really do need this vacation. I really need it a lot.

Oh, gosh. I'm tearing up, my intent was not to go from laughter to tears here. Sheesh.

We just have so much going on. And I know it's like that for everyone, I know this is life and that's what it is and it's not going to get an easier or any better and that I just have to learn how to deal with it.

It's just that it all hit me, all of a sudden.

This is my last year with my son before he goes to public school. I think, for some reason, I'm feeling worse right now than when he'll actually go! And I'm getting these pangs about dropping him off at preschool that I never had before, even though I know it's a good place for him, even though I know he has friends, and he's doing so, so well. It's that selfishness that we all feel as parents, that desire to keep our little ones so close. But my little one is not so little anymore.

That eight month old that I took to Disney for the very first time, he may always be my baby in my heart, but he's a four year old, very grown up, very sweet, very funny boy. I look at his long legs and his sweet smile and how his body is growing and think oh my god! This beautiful creature, this divine blessing grew inside me. What a gift. What a blessed, blessed gift.

Tonight I read him three books before I put him to bed. (Normally it's just one, but I am so clinging to time with him lately. Thank god he's still so lovey.) And I told him, "You know what? I like you."

"Why do you like me, Mama?"

:sad1:

How to even begin to explain to your child why you like them, never mind love them. So I told him, as simply as I possibly could why I liked him and why I loved him. And I ended with, "because you're you. And you're my son. And I love you."

And it's just come crashing down on me all at once, so many life changes, so many things that are out of my control. And I'm faithful, and I believe that God is looking out for me. There are things that have happened lately that make me feel His presence in my life.

I guess I just felt the need to confess, not just to Him, but to you. All my readers, all the people who read this for whatever reason. Laughter. Tears. Inspiration.

Love of pirates.

Whatever floats your boat.

Ha. I didn't even mean to make a funny. :lmao:

Well, my DH is home from work now, so perhaps I'll use that strong shoulder to cry on.

I am looking forward to this trip. And much like I threw out the itinerary, I need to let go of all the idea of what needs to get done. If it does, it does. If it doesn't, oh well. We're still us, and in three weeks, we're going to Disney World.

Say it with me.

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!! pirate:pirate:pirate:

[Native NYer]

:hug: Everything will work out just fine! You'll have an awesome trip :goodvibes

:banana::banana::banana:Three weeks!:banana::banana::banana:

[If U Had Wings]

TK, hang in there! :hug: Just keep telling yourself that whatever happens on your trip, will happen and it's fine. After stressing about my trip for so long, I've taken that up as my new mantra, and so far so good. I think vacations just bring out stress from wanting everything to be perfect, when there is no such thing. If you end up on overload while your there, just tell yourself it's okay to go to your resort, and let your DS decompress at the pool. Remember it's the itineraryless trip. Pirates! pirate:

I've been having the same over eating issues lately myself. While I'm feeling pretty calm about my trip, everything else in my regular life has me feeling torn apart and disconnected lately. I've been dealing, unhealthily by eating. My best medicine, hugs and laughs with my nieces. While on one hand they are a bit painful for me, as they are reminders of what is ultimately missing from my life, they bring me more than I could ever hope for. Even though your DS is getting bigger, it's just changes. He'll be needing his mom for ages. :)

[jmamom]

TK, you are so not alone in your feelings of overwhelmdiness (if that's even a word). I too feel like I have a million things I should be doing, but I have no idea exactly what those things are! Too early to pack, shopping all done, ther must be something else I have to do? Also, none of my clothes fit either. That 10 lbs I was supposed to lose before this trip never happened, and the 5 lbs I lost last spring came right back when the summer goodies started appearing (ice cream, cookouts, etc). I finally gave in and bought new shorts ( at least the summer stuff is on clearance now). Although I suppose if I was really good and I exercised for three straight weeks -, hey is that a cookie?
Oh and those feelings about your little sweetie growing up too fast, they never go away. I look at my 12 y.o. DD, who is now taller than me, and looking more like a teenager than a kid, and I think when did this happen? My littlest will be in full day kindergarten this year, it'll be so weird to be alone so much. But then I think of all the wonderful ways they are growing up, getting responsible, having friends, discovering the things they love to do, and I don't miss the baby days. Except for naps - I will always miss naptime!:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Hang in there, TK! :hug: Sometimes, when I feel like you are feeling, I just take it literally one day at a time.

Your vacation is going to be lovely! And it's okay if you don't have a countdown calendar and all that stuff (I don't either)...

[TarzansKat]

:hug: Everything will work out just fine! You'll have an awesome trip :goodvibes

:banana::banana::banana:Three weeks!:banana::banana::banana:

Thank you! :goodvibes

TK, hang in there! :hug: Just keep telling yourself that whatever happens on your trip, will happen and it's fine. After stressing about my trip for so long, I've taken that up as my new mantra, and so far so good. I think vacations just bring out stress from wanting everything to be perfect, when there is no such thing. If you end up on overload while your there, just tell yourself it's okay to go to your resort, and let your DS decompress at the pool. Remember it's the itineraryless trip. Pirates! pirate:

You're right. I know you're right. And even though I'm so glad that there are no plans, part of me still worries. But this trip will be good because we're just going to go and have a good time. And if that means decompressing at the pool...or the pool bar...so be it. ;)


I've been having the same over eating issues lately myself. While I'm feeling pretty calm about my trip, everything else in my regular life has me feeling torn apart and disconnected lately. I've been dealing, unhealthily by eating. My best medicine, hugs and laughs with my nieces. While on one hand they are a bit painful for me, as they are reminders of what is ultimately missing from my life, they bring me more than I could ever hope for. Even though your DS is getting bigger, it's just changes. He'll be needing his mom for ages. :)

Thank you for sharing that. It's so nice to know that I'm not alone. You know, every summer I have been so successful at getting myself down to a really nice weight before my trip and this year for some reason, it's just not happening.

This morning, I'm turning over a new leaf, and I'm going to try to work out more consistently and eat healthier. No junk in the house until we leave, because quite frankly, there will be plenty of it on vacation. :lmao:

TK, you are so not alone in your feelings of overwhelmdiness (if that's even a word). I too feel like I have a million things I should be doing, but I have no idea exactly what those things are! Too early to pack, shopping all done, ther must be something else I have to do? Also, none of my clothes fit either. That 10 lbs I was supposed to lose before this trip never happened, and the 5 lbs I lost last spring came right back when the summer goodies started appearing (ice cream, cookouts, etc). I finally gave in and bought new shorts ( at least the summer stuff is on clearance now). Although I suppose if I was really good and I exercised for three straight weeks -, hey is that a cookie?

Oh, thank you for sharing! It is that sort of lull where there's a lot of stuff to do, but there's only so much you can do.

And thank you for talking about your weight as well. It's really nice to know that I'm not alone. I just need to stop turning to food to fix things, that's a huge problem of mine, eating when I'm not even hungry but for comfort. A couple of weeks ago, I was really good about stopping when I was full and just by doing that, I lost three pounds. Without even doing any hardcore exercise. I need to get on the ball and combine the two. :thumbsup2


Oh and those feelings about your little sweetie growing up too fast, they never go away. I look at my 12 y.o. DD, who is now taller than me, and looking more like a teenager than a kid, and I think when did this happen? My littlest will be in full day kindergarten this year, it'll be so weird to be alone so much. But then I think of all the wonderful ways they are growing up, getting responsible, having friends, discovering the things they love to do, and I don't miss the baby days. Except for naps - I will always miss naptime!:goodvibes

It is amazing to watch them grow, isn't it? I think it's good that I realize how quickly time is slipping, because it'll make me appreciate what we have all the more.

Hang in there, TK! :hug: Sometimes, when I feel like you are feeling, I just take it literally one day at a time.

That is pretty much how I'm operating right now. One day at a time. And I was able to cross a few things of my to do list, so that's good.


Your vacation is going to be lovely! And it's okay if you don't have a countdown calendar and all that stuff (I don't either)...

Thank you! There are so many things that I'm not doing this time around, so I just need to let go of them and remember many years ago, before I even know about the DIS, I used to just go to Disney. Just go. No plans, barely an ADRs, just family and good times. I want to capture some of that spirit, while still knowing what I know. If that makes sense. :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Awwww, I am sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed. :hug: :grouphug: :hug:

Your trip is going to be FABULOUS. You have put some much love into the planning and non-planning that it couldn't be anything less than fabulous!

Everything will work out. :grouphug:

I am so happy the drama at work has been sourced out! That is awesome! :thumbsup2

[LegoMom3]

Oh TK......:hug: You know if I could fly up there and hug you in person, I would.

Like everyone else has already said, just GO. Don't "expect" a perfect trip. NO trip is ever perfect. Just go and have fun and enjoy your family and forget the real world while you're there. That's what Disney is for!:cloud9:

And think of me on your first trip through "Pirates....":lovestruc

.

[MRYPPNS]

First of all what's up with making me cry on a beautiful Sunday morning? I think you owe me a drink for that!

On the weight subject: I'm 36 yo and had 2 kids in 2 years....any idea what that does to your vacation shorts? :lmao:

As for the trip not being good: ummmm Hello? Have you been reading MY trip report? Talk about not going as planned....I think we averaged 3 attractions a day. But we did have some good moments....in fact some great moments. I like to think of it as a 10 trip for a $5000 first hair cut for Liam. (I'll have to thank Mr. Disney for that pixie dust in October!)

Countdown calendar: I can solve that one for you. On BrookElizabeth's PTR she has a link to a design thread that has the cutest 30 day countdown calendars. You and DS and both have one in minutes!

I think you are a planner by nature so maybe not having plans is causing you stress. I did basic touring plans for my trip but there is something else I did that might help you. For every segment of my trip, I have 1-3 things written down on the plans in a separate box. These 1-3 things are the only things that I really care about doing, anything else in frosting on the cupcake of life. Here's an example. On Friday I will be in Epcot for about 5 hours and these are the only things that I need to "check off":

1. Shopping in UK (that's for Danica's teapot/cup)
2. DIS-Meet with TK and Jackie.

And I'm still willing to share my park bench with you. :hug:

[Charleston Princess]

Yes, just remember #2 at all times!!! :goodvibes:laughing:

[2xcited2sleep]

I know JUST what you mean about feeling overwhelmed, TK. Some weird DIS'er trip planning phenomenon. :confused3 Your trip WILL be "enough." And special. And magical. And amazing.

We just have to get through the next coupla weeks and then we are in our happy place. Together. With lots of DIS friends. How cool is that??!!

[creativeamanda]

Oh, TK! I'm with you. Things will be good and while you are there, just take time to slow down and soak it all up. Those are m intentions in December.

[jenjolt]

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug: Lots of Hugs for you TK :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

Ughh...for feeling overwhelmed....but you know what I get it!! I woke up this morning and was like I have HOW many days until Disney!!! I'm glad you are remembering what this trip is about, not having everything planned...in that sense you have been an inspiration because when its all said and done you will have made memories with the people you love the most in this world and that was all you ever expected to do...and when that's it, how do you not do everything "planned."

No matter what you do between now and leaving day...as long as you pack clothes and have your tickets...oh and the perfect park bag is figured out LOL ....everything else is gravy!!!! :rotfl:

I'm really looking forward to this trip and I'm looking forward to meeting up with you!!!! And its those thoughts that help me get through until then!!!

[TarzansKat]

Your trip is going to be FABULOUS. You have put some much love into the planning and non-planning that it couldn't be anything less than fabulous!

Everything will work out. :grouphug:

Thank you for the hugs and support! I really appreciate it. :goodvibes


I am so happy the drama at work has been sourced out! That is awesome! :thumbsup2

Seriously, it's like a weight has been lifted.

Oh TK......:hug: You know if I could fly up there and hug you in person, I would.

I would LOVE a hug from LegoMom right now.

Just so you know, in a few weeks, I'll be in Disney. ;)


Like everyone else has already said, just GO. Don't "expect" a perfect trip. NO trip is ever perfect. Just go and have fun and enjoy your family and forget the real world while you're there. That's what Disney is for!:cloud9:

You're right. I fall into this trap every year, the perfect trip pressure. It's silly.


And think of me on your first trip through "Pirates....":lovestruc

.

YOU BETCHA!!!!

First of all what's up with making me cry on a beautiful Sunday morning? I think you owe me a drink for that!

Dang! I am so sorry.

And I will happily, happily buy your slushie. Or whatever. ;)


On the weight subject: I'm 36 yo and had 2 kids in 2 years....any idea what that does to your vacation shorts? :lmao:

So what you're saying is, you feel my pain.


As for the trip not being good: ummmm Hello? Have you been reading MY trip report? Talk about not going as planned....I think we averaged 3 attractions a day. But we did have some good moments....in fact some great moments. I like to think of it as a 10 trip for a $5000 first hair cut for Liam. (I'll have to thank Mr. Disney for that pixie dust in October!)

Oh my gosh, a $5000 hair cut.

I know what you mean. Your trip was totally not at all what you expected or planned, but you did have some wonderful moments.


Countdown calendar: I can solve that one for you. On BrookElizabeth's PTR she has a link to a design thread that has the cutest 30 day countdown calendars. You and DS and both have one in minutes!

I will definitely check that out. Thank you so much!


I think you are a planner by nature so maybe not having plans is causing you stress. I did basic touring plans for my trip but there is something else I did that might help you. For every segment of my trip, I have 1-3 things written down on the plans in a separate box. These 1-3 things are the only things that I really care about doing, anything else in frosting on the cupcake of life. Here's an example. On Friday I will be in Epcot for about 5 hours and these are the only things that I need to "check off":

1. Shopping in UK (that's for Danica's teapot/cup)
2. DIS-Meet with TK and Jackie.

And I'm still willing to share my park bench with you. :hug:

This is a great idea! I think I'll make this into my next chapter. Picking 1-3 things that I really want to do per day is just perfect. It still gives me a few goals, but lets us all be very pirate-y about the rest of it.

And I'm so taking you up on that park bench.

As a matter, of fact, as long as Jackie's cool with it, I think we should all meet, get our drinks, and park it somewhere. :thumbsup2

Yes, just remember #2 at all times!!! :goodvibes:laughing:

That's right! :goodvibes

I know JUST what you mean about feeling overwhelmed, TK. Some weird DIS'er trip planning phenomenon. :confused3 Your trip WILL be "enough." And special. And magical. And amazing.

Isn't it funny that you and I hit this point at the same time? Weird!


We just have to get through the next coupla weeks and then we are in our happy place. Together. With lots of DIS friends. How cool is that??!!

I am so looking forward to that. To being there, to meeting everyone. It's going to be amazing.

Oh, TK! I'm with you. Things will be good and while you are there, just take time to slow down and soak it all up. Those are m intentions in December.

Thank you. I do want to slow down and soak it all up.

:hug: Lots of Hugs for you TK :hug:

That was some serious hugging! Thanks!!!


No matter what you do between now and leaving day...as long as you pack clothes and have your tickets...oh and the perfect park bag is figured out LOL ....everything else is gravy!!!! :rotfl:

This is so true. So, so true.

Especially about the park bag. ;)

And also, in my case, shoes. :lmao:


I'm really looking forward to this trip and I'm looking forward to meeting up with you!!!! And its those thoughts that help me get through until then!!!

Me, too!







Thank you to everyone for your unbelievable support. I was in a rare sort of funk last night, and just posting this was like lifting a weight off my shoulders. I feel better now, and thank you for listening to me and offering your hugs and enthusiasm. It's time to get back on the yay rah rah we're going to disney bandwagon. :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Oh man, I am so sorry you were feelin da funk. But I'm glad you're back on board that bandwagon!

(I'm be feeling the same trepadation in the coming weeks as it sinks in that I just planned a trip to the World with two months to prepare.)

[TarzansKat]

Oh man, I am so sorry you were feelin da funk. But I'm glad you're back on board that bandwagon!

(I'm be feeling the same trepadation in the coming weeks as it sinks in that I just planned a trip to the World with two months to prepare.)

Thanks!

I can't believe you planned a trip so quickly! I mean, I've done it before, but you have far more people to consider than I have! Is it the whole family going? I really need to start reading your PTR. :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

Now this chapter wouldn't even be a chapter without Heidi.

So my dear, I dedicate it to you.

And yes, I will still buy you that drink. :thumbsup2

So, without further ado, inspired by Heidi, I bring you:

TK's Three Things -A list which I sat down and compiled this afternoon to reclaim some of my lost excitement about this trip. For those of you who may not read all the in between commentary on my ptr here, Heidi suggested making a list of 2-3 things that I really wanted to accomplish per day. It would give me a bit of planning without having the whole day planned out, since we're really trying to avoid that whole every moment scheduled thing.

So here it is. Oddly enough, it's pretty basic. I just went with my gut, and if I missed something, I'm sure I'll think of it when I'm down there. :thumbsup2

Sunday, Sept 27 -
1. See Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in Epcot
2. The Donald Ride in Mexico

Monday, Sept 28 -
1. Let DS pick the park for the day
2. Roam Downtown Disney (Earl of Sandwich, anyone?) and/or mini golf

Tuesday, Sept 29 -
1. Leisurely morning at resort, meet family in lobby with gifts
2. Epcot - Visa Meet and Greet with whole family
3. Explore Food and Wine Festival/World Showcase

Wednesday, Sept 30 -
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
2. Ride at least one ride with just my dad
3. Sit on a park bench with Nana, hopefully with some popcorn

Thursday, Oct 1 -
1. Relax at the spa, hello DIS friends!
2. Tea at the GF
3. MNSSHP
Okay, I'll admit it. I may be totally pirate about this trip...well, not totally given that I am doing some planning here, but for MNSSHP, we actually have a touring plan. It worked so well for us last year, I plan to duplicate it this year. Start the party by heading to the left to Adventureland. Go through meet and greet with trick or treating at the end (Tarzan). Ride Pirates. Head over to Liberty Square, trick or treat, get ready to watch the Headless Horseman and the Boo to You parade. Ride Haunted Mansion. Continue with trick or treating and meet and greets, head towards Tomorrowland. Ride Buzz. Get DS changed into jams to sleep in stroller. Watch Hallowishes from the bridge to Tomorrowland. Head back to Adventureland after fireworks for DISer ride on POTC. Take LOTS of pictures with DIS friends! Call it a night.

Friday, Oct 2 -
1. DHS - Junky Apple, Villian Candy Store
2. Meet Sorceror Mickey
3. Drinks with Heidi and Jackie

Saturday, Oct 3 -
1. Festival of the Lion King
2. Dinner at the Brown Derby

Sunday, Oct 4 -
1. Chef Mickey's
2. Say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom, use up remain snack credits, shop until I can't fit anymore in my suitcase

So there you have it. My gut instinct must do list. And I have to say, I feel so much better having written it down. Just having these small goals for each day, and letting everything else go wit the flow feels so much more productive than I did before.

I have some plans. Little ones. Teensy ones. I don't really even think of these as plans (with the exception of MNSSHP), they're more goals. And they're the goals of things that are really important.

Like making sure DS gets on the Donald ride, since it's his favorite. Riding one ride with just my dad like I did when I was little. Making sure I sit on that park bench with Nana. I haven't put anything specific for my mom because she and I are doing the spa together, so I know we'll get some quality time. And my FIL and I are really good about that as well, so I'm not worried. Actually, there are tentative plans for Mom, FIL, and I to head to the pool bar one night, so that's something that probably should have gone on the list. :goodvibes

You may note there's nothing in particular that mentions my husband.

And to that I say it's because you haven't had the pleasure of seeing him dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow yet. I could have easily put that on my list, but I know he's doing that anyway. Now that, if nothing else, can certainly get me through the next three weeks. :blush: :faint: pirate:

[jenjolt]

:cool1::cool1:I LOVE IT!!!!!!:cool1::cool1:

What great ideas...I just might have to "borrow" your idea and come up with special goals for myself if you and Heidi don't mind!!!! I think its awesome that you have a few things each day you are really really looking forward too!!!!!

I'm very partial to your October 1st list!! I'm really looking forward to having some time with you at MNSSHP!!! It's going to be a blast!!! Good friends at a great place...doesn't get much better than that!!!

[Lady Lallie]

That is one wonderful list! It's perfect, little plans to give your touring some guidance but nothing that is overwhelming! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Thanks!

I can't believe you planned a trip so quickly! I mean, I've done it before, but you have far more people to consider than I have! Is it the whole family going? I really need to start reading your PTR. :lmao:

Kyle's staying home (teenagers :rolleyes: ) so it'll be Jose and the girls and me. A little bit easier, but not by much. If only the little girls wanted to stay home.. :rotfl:



So there you have it. My gut instinct must do list.

Love it! I could've never made a list such as this for our first trip. As prepared as I was, I wasn't prepared for which things would become favorites and which would just be 'meh'.

This time around I am operating much like your list than a try-to-get-it-all-done schedule. And it is SO much more relaxing!

[MRYPPNS]

:woohoo: I made it on TK's mini list!! :yay:

[If U Had Wings]

I love the list. I think I may have to do a Heidi's 3 things list.

[Charleston Princess]

What a great idea to do the mini-lists!

Woo hoo for being number 3 on the October 2nd list!!! :banana:

Yes, I will be more than happy to park it somewhere after we get our drinks!!! :goodvibes

[Native NYer]

Love the idea of choosing 2-3 things that you really want to do.

Relaxing at the spa sounds wonderful.

Festival of the Lion King is fantastic!!!

Are you shopping for anything in particular on this trip?

[MegansMom]

It is a great list, and it will be a great trip........I JUST KNOW IT!!!!

[TarzansKat]

:cool1::cool1:I LOVE IT!!!!!!:cool1::cool1:

What great ideas...I just might have to "borrow" your idea and come up with special goals for myself if you and Heidi don't mind!!!! I think its awesome that you have a few things each day you are really really looking forward too!!!!!

I'm very partial to your October 1st list!! I'm really looking forward to having some time with you at MNSSHP!!! It's going to be a blast!!! Good friends at a great place...doesn't get much better than that!!!

It really helps to give a slight direction without a hard core touring plan.

I'm looking forward to the DIS meet at MNSSHP, too. I'm sold on the idea that there are so many of us, we'll have our own boat on POTC. Talk about awesome. A whole boat filled with people you know! So cool. :thumbsup2

That is one wonderful list! It's perfect, little plans to give your touring some guidance but nothing that is overwhelming! :thumbsup2

I knew you would appreach the list. :lmao: It's your trademark! :goodvibes

Kyle's staying home (teenagers :rolleyes: ) so it'll be Jose and the girls and me. A little bit easier, but not by much. If only the little girls wanted to stay home.. :rotfl:


HA! Well, I think you're going to have a great time. :goodvibes


Love it! I could've never made a list such as this for our first trip. As prepared as I was, I wasn't prepared for which things would become favorites and which would just be 'meh'.

Oh, I agree. The first trip is really a benchmark and gives you an idea of your real likes and dislikes.


This time around I am operating much like your list than a try-to-get-it-all-done schedule. And it is SO much more relaxing!

Excellent!

:woohoo: I made it on TK's mini list!! :yay:

Of course you did! And I want to thank you so much, because ever since I made the list I am feeling soooooo much better about the trip. It really helped me get down to the essence of that which was important to me.

I love the list. I think I may have to do a Heidi's 3 things list.

I think everyone should do one!


Yes, I will be more than happy to park it somewhere after we get our drinks!!! :goodvibes

You know, there is a lovely bench in France that I have in mind. :thumbsup2


Are you shopping for anything in particular on this trip?

You know, I really don't have a specific shopping list. We always pre-purchase the photopass cd, and I'm big into scrapbooking and pictures, so that is really one of my big souvies. My mom and I split it so that helps to soften the blow.

I actually got some things on my trip with Tink in May so there's nothing in particular that I really need. Need. Ha ha ha. :lmao:

If I had to list it, I'd say these are the things I'm most interested in:

1. Basin - even though I have soap leftover from May, I just love this store
2. Trend E - in Downtown, I stopped here but didn't buy anything
3. MNSSHP - the special Halloween themed merchandise
4. General shopping in Everything Pop (it's just such a great store)

That's pretty much it. Of course I wonder in and out of different stores throughout the stay, and I'm definitely going to be bringing home some specific snacks too. I know we'll hit Goofy's Candy Co and do the make your own thing. I just don't know if they'll survive long enough to make it home. :lmao:

It is a great list, and it will be a great trip........I JUST KNOW IT!!!!

Thank you! I think so, too, now that I got out of da funk. :thumbsup2

[Native NYer]

You know, I really don't have a specific shopping list. We always pre-purchase the photopass cd, and I'm big into scrapbooking and pictures, so that is really one of my big souvies. My mom and I split it so that helps to soften the blow.

I actually got some things on my trip with Tink in May so there's nothing in particular that I really need. Need. Ha ha ha. :lmao:

If I had to list it, I'd say these are the things I'm most interested in:

1. Basin - even though I have soap leftover from May, I just love this store
2. Trend E - in Downtown, I stopped here but didn't buy anything
3. MNSSHP - the special Halloween themed merchandise
4. General shopping in Everything Pop (it's just such a great store)

That's pretty much it. Of course I wonder in and out of different stores throughout the stay, and I'm definitely going to be bringing home some specific snacks too. I know we'll hit Goofy's Candy Co and do the make your own thing. I just don't know if they'll survive long enough to make it home. :lmao:


I also pre-purchase the photopass cd. Makes life so much easier.

Need takes the place of want in Disney. I know I don't need that Mickey t-shirt. But somehow, once inside the gates of WDW, my wants magically transform into a need. As in I need that Mickey head dishtowel even though I don't cook and never use dishes because it has red Mickey heads and I love red and I need a little Disney in my kitchen and I'll just pass out if I can't have it :lmao:

Basin sounds like such a great store. For some reason, I have yet to go in.

And I can't wait to see what Halloween themed stuff you get. I LOVE Halloween :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

I'm so sorry, I"m so far behind, TK!! Our new teammate just arrived on Sunday, and it really takes a lot of time to get someone settled into their new role, well new life, really!

Suffice it to say, I've not had a lot of time to "hang out" with friends here.

I do love your list, though. I"m so glad it inspired you to have a new (or re-instated) zeal for the things to come. It is a simple, easy to accomplish sort of list.

I will have to say, you have me completely excited about Basin!! :woohoo:

[eandesmom]

Color me overwhelmed.

I am looking forward to this trip. And much like I threw out the itinerary, I need to let go of all the idea of what needs to get done. If it does, it does. If it doesn't, oh well. We're still us, and in three weeks, we're going to Disney World.



Just remember to breathe in the pretty colors....breathe out the bad:hug:

I :love: your three things list! What a perfect idea and a fabulous plan. It is the little things that make a trip, if we can all remember that once we get there, even the most compulsive planner will have a great time. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better.

[TarzansKat]

I also pre-purchase the photopass cd. Makes life so much easier.

Agreed. :thumbsup2


Need takes the place of want in Disney. I know I don't need that Mickey t-shirt. But somehow, once inside the gates of WDW, my wants magically transform into a need. As in I need that Mickey head dishtowel even though I don't cook and never use dishes because it has red Mickey heads and I love red and I need a little Disney in my kitchen and I'll just pass out if I can't have it :lmao:

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I can laugh at this, right?

I'm only laughing because it's so, so true.

I really don't need another $50 hoodie. But look, it's so different than the one I bought last time. Than the 20 other hoodies I have at home. I mean, it's even a different color, and it's just so cute! Who cares if it's a $50 hoodie? It's a $50 DISNEY hoodie. :lmao:


Basin sounds like such a great store. For some reason, I have yet to go in.

I don't know whether to hold you back or encourage you. I can see serious damage being done here. :lmao:


And I can't wait to see what Halloween themed stuff you get. I LOVE Halloween :goodvibes

Me, too! It's my favorite holiday. I can't wait to get dressed up for MNSSHP.

I'm so sorry, I"m so far behind, TK!! Our new teammate just arrived on Sunday, and it really takes a lot of time to get someone settled into their new role, well new life, really!

Suffice it to say, I've not had a lot of time to "hang out" with friends here.

Please do not worry! This is a drop in when you can type of thread, no grudges held, just happy to have you here!!! :goodvibes


I do love your list, though. I"m so glad it inspired you to have a new (or re-instated) zeal for the things to come. It is a simple, easy to accomplish sort of list.

Simple and easy to accomplish being the key points. I just am so stressed about so many other things, I will not spend this vacation worrying about what I am and am not doing.


I will have to say, you have me completely excited about Basin!! :woohoo:

As well you should be! ;)

Just remember to breathe in the pretty colors....breathe out the bad:hug:

I'll have to remember that, I like that. Breathe in the pretty colors.

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, by Danny Kaye. "Life is a great big canvas. Throw all the paint on it you can."


I :love: your three things list! What a perfect idea and a fabulous plan. It is the little things that make a trip, if we can all remember that once we get there, even the most compulsive planner will have a great time. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better.

Thanks. I'm taking it one day at a time and trying to keep the stress to a minimum.

[eandesmom]

I'll have to remember that, I like that. Breathe in the pretty colors.

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, by Danny Kaye. "Life is a great big canvas. Throw all the paint on it you can."


I find it helps if I say the colors out loud..

Breathe in.... periwinkle, tuscan orange, aquamarine, lavender, lemon yellow, sage green

Breathe out...chartreuse

:)

[TarzansKat]

I find it helps if I say the colors out loud..

Breathe in.... periwinkle, tuscan orange, aquamarine, lavender, lemon yellow, sage green

Breathe out...chartreuse

:)

I LOVE IT!!! :lmao:

You've got the right way of thinking, my dear. Thanks for making me smile. :)

[All7OfUs]

After reading this, I actually lost a night of sleep trying to figure out how to spell puce. I know, I know, I could have looked it up, like I did just now, but you know, you're warm and cozy and all tucked in.... blah, blah, blah. So, yeah, now I know how to spell the color I'd definitely breathe out. So, everyone together now, in goes the apricot, out goes the puce.

[2xcited2sleep]

LOVE the mini lists! Perfect solution for a little planning but not over-planning. I am, of course, very excited about the DIS meets. But I especially get a giggle out of the "shop until I can't fit any more into my suitcase item." ;)

See you SOON, TK!! I love saying that!! :yay:

[TarzansKat]

After reading this, I actually lost a night of sleep trying to figure out how to spell puce. I know, I know, I could have looked it up, like I did just now, but you know, you're warm and cozy and all tucked in.... blah, blah, blah. So, yeah, now I know how to spell the color I'd definitely breathe out. So, everyone together now, in goes the apricot, out goes the puce.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

And I would have happily told you how to spell puce.

Breathe in the cobalt blue, breathe out the gray.

LOVE the mini lists! Perfect solution for a little planning but not over-planning. I am, of course, very excited about the DIS meets. But I especially get a giggle out of the "shop until I can't fit any more into my suitcase item." ;)

See you SOON, TK!! I love saying that!! :yay:

That's pretty much what I do. Even though I don't buy a lot, it's always like playing a game of Tetris to get everything to fit into the suitcase afterwards. :lmao:

I feel very Mickey Mouse all of a sudden. See ya real soon! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

I know, right?

That which I cannot discuss. It's just so funny, but I spent all morning working on something. That I can't talk about. But really excites me. Let's just say there will be some surprises in store for some people. And that's ALL I have to say about that. Except that I'm really excited. Because it's all coming together now. Mwa-ha-ha.

My evil pirate plans. ;)

Anyhoo, things that I can actually talk about. I was really inspired by MegansMom and one of her recent posts. For those who don't read her PTR (and why aren't you???? ;)), she has a signature scent for every trip. That way, when she's home and uses that scent, she gets all those wonderful memories from the trip.

I actually do this to a certain degree. When I went to Disney in May with Tink, I wanted a specific scent because we were staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It had to say islands and tropical and fun to me. So I ended up with this great Calgon (TAKE ME AWAY!!!!) scent that was pineapple and coconut and smelled divine. I'm still using it, and I think about that trip every time I put it on in the morning.

Now I didn't really think I'd have a specific scent for this trip, but I'm using a soap from Basin right now that has a lovely citrus undertone to it. Yesterday, Mom, Nana, DH, DS, and I all went to a Farm Fest in a neighboring town. Oh my goodness did we have a lot of fun! They had some local vendors with homemade products, a huge area for the kids to play in including a sand pile, a puppet theater, oh the list is endless. It was so great. They even had a display of children's books and for a small donation (you got to pick what you wanted to donate), you could take one with you. DS was so thrilled to pick out a new Disney and friends book, and it's an older one, all about your health and your body. Very, very interesting!

Anyway, little did I think I would spend any money there! But one of the vendors had homemade soaps, lip balm, and lotion. And so Mom, Nana, and I used our whiffers and took a little scent journey.

And do you know what? I actually fell in love with this particular lotion. I was all set to buy it for myself, and Mom decided to treat me. So, not only do I have my coconut pineapple body spray, and my citrusy Basin soap, I now have a lovely Coconut Lemongrass lotion. Oh, does it smell DIVINE!!! It's hard for me to describe it, it's a very light sort of sweet coconut scent with a tang of lemon to it. Very light and refreshing and summery. And it doesn't make me sneeze! I have allergies. :lmao: So that's a huge deal.

Since this is already a girlie sort of chapter, I figured we might as well include some more fashion type stuff in here.

For example, some of you may want to know, what did TK actually settle on for bags...for footwear...for tie dye. And to that I say, here....

These are pretty much the final word on my bags/purses. Obviously, this will vary slighlty, because I'm not sure if I'm going to carry my Vera cargo sling (the red one from December) on the plane, or if we'll just use the backpack and wing it. I'll be able to tell once it gets closer and I see what we're carrying on.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0455.jpg

In the top left is the fleece blue Old Navy bag I used in December. This was great for just putting extra things in the bottom of the stroller, or when I gave up on carrying the big red Vera, just putting wipes and DS' extra outfits in there.

To its immediate right is our new backpack. I'm hoping to pack this lightly for the parks. A spare outfit for DS, his pjs, wipes, our first aid kit, a few of his race cars, and that's pretty much it. Why you may ask? Well, I'll tell you. Because we have the stroller and because we carry bags like this, inevitably EVERYONE asks us to carry their stuff for them. I'm hoping if the bag is lighter with our stuff, it won't be as bad. Also, we'll most likely be the carrier of the ponchos, etc.

In the middle is my new Blue Rhapsody hipster. This will be my park bag the majority of the time. It'll mostly be a purse for me, and hold my sunglasses, wallet, photopass, autograph book, pen, camera, things like that. Things that I want to have readily acessible on my person, so that I don't have to make DH take the backpack out of the stroller or off his back every time we stop to greet a character.

On the bottom left is my black bag from Kohl's. I never returned it. I thought about it and then I discovered something. It goes really, really, really well with my Halloween costume. And that's all I have to say about that. pirate:

Due to technical difficulties, I accidentally posted this before I was done. Continued in the next post!!! :lmao

[TarzansKat]

Sorry, guys. I accidentally hit the enter key on the computer, and wouldn't you know it, posted before I was done. Dang technology. :lmao:

Anyway, we were discussing these.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0455.jpg

In the bottom right corner is my $3 Mickey purse from Walmart. I'm thinking about carrying this if I go off by myself (HA HA HA) or perhaps on my spa day with mom. I'll need to have something with me, but it doesn't have to be a huge bag.

And maybe I'll just change purses whenever the heck I feel like it or not carry them at all, like eandesmom said! ;)

In the middle are my two wallets. The Cafe Latte is the Euro Wallet I purchased on Ebay. It's wonderful because it has nine card slots, so it really holds everything I need. But do I necessarily need all those slots on vacation? Not sure.

The other wallet is a mini zip in Meditterean Blue that my mom won on Ebay. She wasn't as fond of the size of the wallet once she got it. I'm thinking about consolidating for the trip and using this instead of the Euro, but I haven't decided yet. Really I just need to play around with the two and see what works. :thumbsup2

The shoes. This would be the final word, folks. I'm not even going to pretend that I wear sneakers on vacation, because I never do. They feel like ovens strapped to my feet, like pure torture. I will, however, bring a couple of pairs of socks in case I want socks with my Keens for the plane ride. Sometimes bare feet on a plane can be cold!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0456.jpg

So there you have it. My black Keens and my two pairs of Teva flips. I'm hoping to alternate amongst these, and I think that will help a lot. Unfortunately, for the majority of the summer I've had a painful callous on the bottom of my big toe that won't go away. I've tried so many things. It's actually making me a little nervous because I have a pedicure scheduled at the spa. Sorry for the TMI, but I've even tried using a pumice stone, and that only seems to decrease it slightly, but I can't dig into it without making my skin bleed. I realize this is far more about me than any of you wanted to know, but if you have managed to stomach it so far and have any suggestions as to what I can do, please, regale me. :goodvibes

Now, I can't believe I'm saying this, but after a huge round of tie dye this past weekend and the project I was working on this morning, I think for the next couple of weeks I'm going to take a craft break. I've made some more tie dye for our trip, and without further ado, here it is.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0458.jpg

I finally made a set of three for us that actually matches in color, and somewhat in style. I really like these. Even though my circles can be a little off center, I really love the colors, and I'm looking forward to wearing these.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0460.jpg

I made this for my DH. He really loves red and black. Very Jack Sparrow.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0462.jpg

I made this for myself. I'm in love with this shirt. I love the colors, I love how the Mickey head came out, I just love it. I'm sure I couldn't duplicate it if I tried. :lmao:

So my idea for the tie dye is to do the matching shirts one day. We have so much other tie dye that we've made for ourselves, I'll just see which day DS wants to wear what, and then I'll wear my green/blue and ask DH to wear his red/black. We won't be in matching colors, but we'll all be wearing tie dye.

And one thing I have to say that is so great about that is I put DS in a regular tie dye (that he made, shoot I forgot pictures of that) yesterday for the farm fest, and I always knew where he was. Between his beautful auburn red hair and the colorful shirt, I could spot him in any crowd! That's a big plus in a place like Disney.:thumbsup2

That's pretty much it, folks. I've been a busy little bee. Now it's time for me to go clean the rooms I've been ignoring all weekend. Like...all of them. :lmao:

[jenjolt]

MMMMUUUUUUAAAAAAAAHHHHH....this is my evil laugh joining yours because I too have things I can not mention on here...but yesterday was a very delightful day of shopping and I'm so excited about what I cannot mention...how is that for pirate speak...I'm sure you completely understand pirate:

Speaking of costumes...I too bought something yesterday to go with mine...now I'm down to two more things I need, one for my costume and the other is a tiara LOL!!

Love your bags and your shoes!! Which totally reminds me its time to Scotchguard(how in the world am I going to get everything done I need to in the next 17 days LOL).

I love your tye dye shirts, the tank you made for yourself is amazing!! I love it I love it I love it...I want one just like it!! Gorgeous TK really really gorgeous!!!!

Glad you had an amazing day at Farm fest!!! I'm glad you were able to spend time with your lovely family!!!!

[Charleston Princess]

I, too, love the idea of a signature scent for a trip -- your Coconut Lemongrass lotion sounds divine! I think I may want a signature scent, too -- I want to head to Bath and Body Works and smell their Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin scent -- wouldn't that be perfect for my October trip to Food and Wine???

All of the bags are so darling! Love them all!

Your shirts are fabulous! You three are going to be so darling in all of your pictures!!!

[If U Had Wings]

TK, I love all the bags. It's looking like you are ready to go now! I love the blue/green tye dye too. My favorite color combination.

I've been having similar callus problems too this summer. Right on the bottom of my right foot. So annoying, and getting more and more painful everyday. I know how you feel. Ugh!

[eandesmom]

That's right! switch bags just for the heck of it, because you can!:thumbsup2

Ah, things of which we cannot speak...I want me some of that!

Oh wait....check out my new siggie...I've been busy myself :)

Your shirts look fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love the scent idea, I use a coconut milk face wash every day that just takes me to a really happy place.....I think your products would go just fabulously with it!

[Sarilas]

I am absolutely helpless against the scent of coconut. So is my wallet! I love the idea of coconut and lemongrass... my mind is reeling!

[TarzansKat]

MMMMUUUUUUAAAAAAAAHHHHH....this is my evil laugh joining yours because I too have things I can not mention on here...but yesterday was a very delightful day of shopping and I'm so excited about what I cannot mention...how is that for pirate speak...I'm sure you completely understand pirate:

Savvy. ;)


Speaking of costumes...I too bought something yesterday to go with mine...now I'm down to two more things I need, one for my costume and the other is a tiara LOL!!

You must have a tiara!


Love your bags and your shoes!! Which totally reminds me its time to Scotchguard(how in the world am I going to get everything done I need to in the next 17 days LOL).

Do you Scotchguard your backpack? Nylon?


I love your tye dye shirts, the tank you made for yourself is amazing!! I love it I love it I love it...I want one just like it!! Gorgeous TK really really gorgeous!!!!

Thank you! I'm very fond of that color combination, and I think it'll go just beautifully with my new Vera hipster! :goodvibes

I, too, love the idea of a signature scent for a trip -- your Coconut Lemongrass lotion sounds divine! I think I may want a signature scent, too -- I want to head to Bath and Body Works and smell their Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin scent -- wouldn't that be perfect for my October trip to Food and Wine???

The name of that scent makes me hungry. :lmao: I am a sucker for scents that smell like food, and anything that reminds of all...heaven! :cloud9:


Your shirts are fabulous! You three are going to be so darling in all of your pictures!!!

Thank you! I think we will look pretty schnazzy. :thumbsup2

TK, I love all the bags. It's looking like you are ready to go now! I love the blue/green tye dye too. My favorite color combination.

Me, too, I love that color combo! Oddly enough putting all the bags together really made me excited for the trip. Is it too soon for me to start packing? :lmao:


I've been having similar callus problems too this summer. Right on the bottom of my right foot. So annoying, and getting more and more painful everyday. I know how you feel. Ugh!

It's such a bummer, and I just can't get ready of it. I'm going to bring a big supply of bandaids, because those do help so it doesn't rub against my sandals.

That's right! switch bags just for the heck of it, because you can!:thumbsup2


I plan to. And then I'll take a picture of it. And then I'll e-mail it to you. And you'll be so proud. :goodvibes


Ah, things of which we cannot speak...I want me some of that!

Just a five hour flight away... :rolleyes1


Oh wait....check out my new siggie...I've been busy myself :)

Do you have a DISign thread! WOOT!!!! I need to head on over! :goodvibes

Your shirts look fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Love the scent idea, I use a coconut milk face wash every day that just takes me to a really happy place.....I think your products would go just fabulously with it!

Oh, that sounds lovely.

I am absolutely helpless against the scent of coconut. So is my wallet! I love the idea of coconut and lemongrass... my mind is reeling!

Me, too! It's an amazing scent, and normally, I'm not about the homemade lotions, but this is just so well done. :thumbsup2

[MRYPPNS]

I did my shopping that I can not speak of weeks ago!

Too funny that the discussion today is body lotions and soaps. This morning I realized that I was about out of my Pineapple shower gel. I decided that I have to go to Bath and Body anyhow, I might as well pick a new one for my trip. Do we all share a brain??

[TarzansKat]

I did my shopping that I can not speak of weeks ago!

Oh, you're way ahead of me!!! :lmao:


Too funny that the discussion today is body lotions and soaps. This morning I realized that I was about out of my Pineapple shower gel. I decided that I have to go to Bath and Body anyhow, I might as well pick a new one for my trip. Do we all share a brain??

Heidi, is that a straight pineapple scent? I didn't realize they had one.

[jenjolt]

LOL I picked out my White Cherry Blossom bath soap and lotion earlier this summer!!! I have packed away the bath gel already, waiting on the lotion since I have been using it LOL!!!!!

[MRYPPNS]

Heidi, is that a straight pineapple scent? I didn't realize they had one.

Yes... "Fresh Pineapple". It's a light scent.

[TarzansKat]

LOL I picked out my White Cherry Blossom bath soap and lotion earlier this summer!!! I have packed away the bath gel already, waiting on the lotion since I have been using it LOL!!!!!

All this talk makes me want to start packing! I think it's time to take one of my laundry baskets and start setting things aside like I usually do. :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

Look at you all ready to go to Disney...well minus suitcases but that's just minor. :laughing: :rolleyes:

I know I've said it before but I just love your tie dye shirts, they are beautiful! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Yes... "Fresh Pineapple". It's a light scent.

Thanks. :thumbsup2

Look at you all ready to go to Disney...well minus suitcases but that's just minor. :laughing: :rolleyes:

Oh my goodness, I went out tonight to further complete that which cannot be discussed, and I am so dang excited I want to pack now!!! :lmao:


I know I've said it before but I just love your tie dye shirts, they are beautiful! :goodvibes

Thank you so much! I was having a bit of trouble being okay with my blue shirt (of the matching set) so I actually am tweaking it a little bit tonight. Keep your fingers crossed, I hope it works. :eek:

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Well well very cute bags!! You do have quite a few though! I love love love all your tye dye shirts!! Your green tank top one is beautiful!

[Native NYer]

I really love the idea of a vacation scent. I may have to do this :thumbsup2

Your park bag options are great! It's good to have more than one bag. And, of course, more than one pair of shoes.

Your tie dye shirts are so cute. The Mickey heads are perfect. How do you do it?

[All7OfUs]

Okay, so this is EXACTLY why I love my DIS friends so much!! I would never have thought of a signature scent for my trip!! I'm going with Jackie on this one... pumpkin spicy something. You know Halloween/Fall and all that. Nice!! BTW, does anyone know?? You can burn candles in your room, right??

You ALL seem to have some certain things going on that are ummm...private? Well, no matter, seems I can say that even I, a-wayyyyy over here, have a few surprises up my sleeve too. Very fun!

[2xcited2sleep]

Signature scents are a great idea Jen (MegansMom) and TK!

Intrigued by all this shopping of which none of you can speak... :laughing:

Bag and shoe options look terrific, TK! I have to say I'm a huge flip flop wearer but haven't worn in the parks for fear of blisters. Think I'm gonna give it a go this year!

All your tie dye is fantastic. Love the last green and white one! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

You know, the more I think about this the more I think having a signature scent for the trip is crutial. ;) Normally I'm frugal and wear the same scent daily, but then of course I don't get to shop for scents often either. This way I can shop for a scent for the trip AND not feel guilty at Basin buying 'accompanying' scents as well! :woohoo:

[jmamom]

Great update TK, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one bringing more than one bag. (I just can't decide between the baggalini and the LL Bean bag, so I fugre why not use them both?) And the wallets :scared1:- OMG I totally forgot about finding a smaller wallet - my regular one is way too big. Put that on my list right now. The T shirts are adorable, you all will look so cute together. I'm ready to start packing too, hopefully the first days of school will distract me and make time go by faster. Just about two weeks!:yay:

[pooh'smate]

Well after not having a computer for a few days :badpc: and just being busy with life I am all caught up. I can't believe your trip is so close all ready. I love the last tank you made. Those are my favorite colors!

[TarzansKat]

Megansmom, I think we have started a SCENTSATION!!!

I'm so punny. Really. :lmao:

Well well very cute bags!! You do have quite a few though! I love love love all your tye dye shirts!! Your green tank top one is beautiful!

I do have quite a few, and I am lovin' them all! Thanks for the compliments on the shirts.:goodvibes

I really love the idea of a vacation scent. I may have to do this :thumbsup2

If you do, be sure to share what you pick.


Your park bag options are great! It's good to have more than one bag. And, of course, more than one pair of shoes.

This trip for me is about options. :thumbsup2


Your tie dye shirts are so cute. The Mickey heads are perfect. How do you do it?

There's a thread on the DISigns board with instructions. I actually deviate from it slightly and instead of stitching the Mickey head in, I just band up a big circle and paint it on with bleach afterwards. I prefer the more controlled aspect of doing it that way, although, sometimes my circles come out funky, but it's fun. If you want I can PM you the link to the instructions. :thumbsup2

Okay, so this is EXACTLY why I love my DIS friends so much!! I would never have thought of a signature scent for my trip!! I'm going with Jackie on this one... pumpkin spicy something. You know Halloween/Fall and all that. Nice!! BTW, does anyone know?? You can burn candles in your room, right??

I don't think you can burn candles in your room. Not sure on that. Might be a fire hazard?

You soooo need a signature scent. All the cool kids have them. :lmao:


You ALL seem to have some certain things going on that are ummm...private? Well, no matter, seems I can say that even I, a-wayyyyy over here, have a few surprises up my sleeve too. Very fun!

One of the benefits to being across the pond, eh? No none knows what's going on in Liesa's house! :thumbsup2

Signature scents are a great idea Jen (MegansMom) and TK!

I swear we've started something. I blame Jen. She really started it. I just happily admitted to it. :lmao:


Intrigued by all this shopping of which none of you can speak... :laughing:

Heh heh.


Bag and shoe options look terrific, TK! I have to say I'm a huge flip flop wearer but haven't worn in the parks for fear of blisters. Think I'm gonna give it a go this year!

That's so funny because I only wear flip flops to the parks and I never get blisters. I actually should clarify, I can't wear inexpensive flips anymore, they have to have some substance like the Tevas. Gone are the days when I used to get around in nothing but a $2.50 pair of Old Navy flips.


All your tie dye is fantastic. Love the last green and white one! :goodvibes

Thanks!

You know, the more I think about this the more I think having a signature scent for the trip is crutial. ;) Normally I'm frugal and wear the same scent daily, but then of course I don't get to shop for scents often either. This way I can shop for a scent for the trip AND not feel guilty at Basin buying 'accompanying' scents as well! :woohoo:

Oh, I hear you. I rarely if ever shop at Bath and Body Works. I used to be a addicted. Heck, I used to work at Victoria's Secret in college and every now and then (same parent company) we'd get to use our discount there. Nice... :thumbsup2

Great update TK, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one bringing more than one bag. (I just can't decide between the baggalini and the LL Bean bag, so I fugre why not use them both?) And the wallets :scared1:- OMG I totally forgot about finding a smaller wallet - my regular one is way too big. Put that on my list right now. The T shirts are adorable, you all will look so cute together. I'm ready to start packing too, hopefully the first days of school will distract me and make time go by faster. Just about two weeks!:yay:

Oh, gosh, so exciting! Isn't it great to think just about two weeks!!! :goodvibes

Well after not having a computer for a few days :badpc: and just being busy with life I am all caught up. I can't believe your trip is so close all ready. I love the last tank you made. Those are my favorite colors!

Sorry to hear about the computer, glad it's working now! Thanks on the tank, I'm really partial to blues and greens too.

Hey!!! Did you tell your DH yet about your trip???

[Native NYer]

I would love the link! I think I may try my hand at tie dye at home. Hmmm maybe I can make shirts with my 3rd graders.

[pooh'smate]

Hey!!! Did you tell your DH yet about your trip???

Yes I did tell him this past weekend for his birthday! He is very excited. He took it well. He doesn't always handle surprises the best. I was even shocked that I didn't have to talk him into leaving our dd behind. Meaning he will be sad to leave her and miss her but I was prepared for a struggle and he actually sees my point of view.

[Sarilas]

TK, I just heard that Disney announced the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie with Johnny Depp would be released in 2011!

You were the first person I thought of when it was announced. lol

[pooh'smate]

I heard that too today and love the title , "On Stranger Tides". I also thought of TK when I read the info.

[All7OfUs]

I heard that too today and love the title , "On Stranger Tides". I also thought of TK when I read the info.

Now why would you think of our dear TK with a title like that??!:confused3:lmao:

[pooh'smate]

Now why would you think of our dear TK with a title like that??!:confused3:lmao:

Well actually just the fact that they announced it and it official not just a rumor made me think of her. I called my mom first and told her then came and was going to post here but saw that Lara already did. My mom and I have gone to watch all the movies together in the theater. We both love them.

Lara we are going to just miss each other by a week I think in Nov.

TK our trips are exactly 2 months apart!!!

[Sarilas]

Lara we are going to just miss each other by a week I think in Nov.


No way! We'll be there the 14th through the 21st... when are you there?

[pooh'smate]

No way! We'll be there the 14th through the 21st... when are you there?

We are going to be there 11/27 - 12/7. We are staying at Pop.

[Lady Lallie]

Not to enable anymore purchases or anything but I saw a fabulous bag with Johnny Depp on it at Walmart this weekend.... ;) :rolleyes1 pirate:

[Sarilas]

We are going to be there 11/27 - 12/7. We are staying at Pop.

Dang. So close, and yet so far. :guilty:

[TarzansKat]

I would love the link! I think I may try my hand at tie dye at home. Hmmm maybe I can make shirts with my 3rd graders.

I'll PM it to you. I haven't been on for a couple of days, sorry for the delay! :goodvibes

Yes I did tell him this past weekend for his birthday! He is very excited. He took it well. He doesn't always handle surprises the best. I was even shocked that I didn't have to talk him into leaving our dd behind. Meaning he will be sad to leave her and miss her but I was prepared for a struggle and he actually sees my point of view.

Oh, how exciting! I'm very happy for you!!! :goodvibes

TK, I just heard that Disney announced the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie with Johnny Depp would be released in 2011!

You were the first person I thought of when it was announced. lol

I heard that too today and love the title , "On Stranger Tides". I also thought of TK when I read the info.

Now why would you think of our dear TK with a title like that??!:confused3:lmao:

You're all so sweet! I heard about it right away (my mom e-mailed me) and I was so excited! My new co-worker is another die hard Pirates fan, and I think all my other co-workers are a little afraid because now there are two of us. We actually hugged over the fourth film coming out.

Yes.

It's that exciting.

I can't even begin to describe my love of Jack Sparrow.

Captain. pirate:


TK our trips are exactly 2 months apart!!!

Will you do a trip report?

It would help me through the winter doldrums. ;)

Not to enable anymore purchases or anything but I saw a fabulous bag with Johnny Depp on it at Walmart this weekend.... ;) :rolleyes1 pirate:

Oh, sheesh. I need another bag like I need a hole in the head, but you know I'm going to have to go look right? :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, sheesh. I need another bag like I need a hole in the head, but you know I'm going to have to go look right? :lmao:

Ehhh...what is another bag? :lmao: ;)

[TarzansKat]

Ehhh...what is another bag? :lmao: ;)

Oh, you tricky lady. I see what you're doing to me.

Especially after the big announcement of a Pirates IV, I mean surely I must commemorate the occasion somehow! :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, you tricky lady. I see what you're doing to me.

Especially after the big announcement of a Pirates IV, I mean surely I must commemorate the occasion somehow! :lmao:

I almost took a picture with my cell phone. I probably should have. :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

I almost took a picture with my cell phone. I probably should have. :lmao:

For shame, LL. For shame. :lmao:

You know, I was actually in WalMart yesterday, but I ran in so quick before work, I didn't even go past the section with the bags. I now consider this to be a great tragedy. ;)

[Lady Lallie]

For shame, LL. For shame. :lmao:

You know, I was actually in WalMart yesterday, but I ran in so quick before work, I didn't even go past the section with the bags. I now consider this to be a great tragedy. ;)

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: I hope it lives up to your expectations. I thought it would make a perfect bag in the bottom of your stroller. That was my first thought. I don't know what that says about me and the way I think but there you go. :rotfl2:

[TarzansKat]

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: I hope it lives up to your expectations. I thought it would make a perfect bag in the bottom of your stroller. That was my first thought. I don't know what that says about me and the way I think but there you go. :rotfl2:

It just goes to show you that I have so brainwashed all of you with my obsession that when you see anything Johnny Depp or Jack Sparrow, you all think of me.

What that says about me, I don't know. :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

"Well I’ll tell you, it’s about something that’s bigger than me or any single act of legislation. This is about a matter that should be at the highest importance to every American...my hair."

Name that quote.

Anyway, this chapter is of the utmost importance. It is something that all women...and men...deal with on a daily basis. Something that can compliment you, something that is the ultimate accessory.

Your hair.

Now, I know. It seems a little weird to celebrate the TWO WEEK MARK!!!! with a lengthy discussion of my hair, but this two week mark is about change.

Ch-ch-changes.

I've had a lot going on lately, and it's all been oddly, really, really positive. Sometimes it's a little scary, because I almost am waiting for the bubble to burst and unhappiness to settle back in.

Quite frankly, I don't remember the last time I was this happy or at peace. Wait...maybe I do. Hee hee. More on that later.

Anyway, I've had a lot of changes going on. At work, we lost two co-workers to other branches and gained another teller, with whom I'd worked before and absolutely adored. Well, let me tell you, after all the drama from one of the tellers that left (this woman verbally abused me in front of customers on numerous occasions and was generally disruptive to the whole branch), this new teller is a breath of fresh air. She's positive and upbeat and she gives the branch a whole different vibe. I'm happier, I'm happier about doing what I do, and I'm back to loving it again. And that positive attitude has resulted in rewards from management, and referrals galore. When you have a positive attitude, that good karma you're putting out into the universe just comes back to you in spades and I am so blessed and grateful.

I attribute a lot of this to my being ready for change, wanting change, but also knowing that I could not change everything, and learning how to deal. And once I stopped praying to God to change my life and started praying to him to give me the strength to deal with it, that's when everything started turning for the better.

The work situation, the new car, some personal life changes that have been so beneficial.

And you know what? If this is any indication of what my thirties are going to be like, then I say BRING IT!!!! I love it, love it, love it. If I've gained some maturity, some wisdom, and I'm reaping some karmic rewards for it, then I feel extremely blessed, and dare I say, GLAD to be turning thirty.

Finally glad.

And ready for change.

Lots of changes.

The most superficial of which, but arguably one of the most important being...my hair.

You see, I've been wanting this particular hair style for a really, really, really long time. Pretty much ever since they started the Smallville series on televison and Allison Mack's character started sporting the style.

Then, once Twilight came out, and I saw Alice's style, it was a reinvention of this same cut, and ohhhhhhhhhh, how I wanted it again.

Normally I go to the same hairdresser, a lot less expensive than this fancy salon I've been to before. But the fancy salon, although very expensive, has an amazing hair stylist there. She always, always, always gives me an amazing haircut. And for this particular cut, I've made an appointment with her. Even though it's expensive. Even though the cost of upkeeping it will most likely shame me, but I just want to try it.

Just once. My hair grows so fast that even if I don't like it, it won't matter. It does make me a bit nervous. A new hairstyle right before the trip, right before I'm going to meet all these people for the very first time??? :scared1: What am I thinking???

I don't really know, but I know that it's time. I'm bored of my same old style, and I want to try something new. Something new to go with my new attitude, to go with all the good things that have been happening.

Anyway, here's what I'm hoping for. Something like these.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/untitled3.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/untitled-3.jpghttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/pixie-cut-alice-cullen.jpg

I know it would be hard for you to vote for or against given that so few of you actually know what I look like. :lmao:

But anyway, I felt the changing of the hair deserved an announcement. Cross your fingers and think of me at 530pm tomorrow.

Besides...it'll go so great with my tiara. ;)

[eandesmom]

you are glowing! I love it :)

It's an adorable hairstyle! If I thought my hair would do that in a million years, I'd be all over it. Actually I'd just like to look like Alice but that's a whole other story.

Go for it. It's your birthday, you deserve it!

And I will say, 30's are MUCH better than 20's. IMHO. And it gets better from there.

[maroo]

I say GO FOR IT!

I think it will look nice on you! :)

And congrats on all of the encouraging changes in your life. Change can be good!

And 30 isn't so bad. Good years, good years!

[LegoMom3]

Hey look, I made a preview of what that cut will look like on YOU!.....


http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/LegoMom3/untitled-3.jpg



:lmao::rotfl2:

.

[Lady Lallie]

I love Alice's hair from Twilight. I've been coveting that hair cut but I just don't think it will the same on me. :lmao:

You are going to look adorable! I just know. I think it's awesome that you are treating yourself to the expensive salon, every once in awhile you just need to do that!

[Native NYer]

That cut is very cute. I'm sure it'll look great on you,

And yay for going to the expensive salon. I'm all for treating yourself. (My exbf says I spend money like a drunken sailor :lmao:) Salon visits are so relxing and rejuvenating. I say have a mani/pedi while you're getting your hair styled. Am I being an enabler? :rotfl2:

[2xcited2sleep]

What a cute cut! I bet it will look great! And I agree with previous posters that you deserve to splurge and spoil yourself. And a great cut is a good way to go! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I'm positively thrilled that you are now looking forward to your thirties (as opposed to the decade which shall not be named ;)) and that you're in a good place now. I do think life gets better as it goes along!! So stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Bad stuff will happen - it's unavoidable- but you'll handle it. You, your family and your friends - we'll all handle it together. :goodvibes

Hurrah for happy changes, turns for the better, new hair styles and most of all, for TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):):)

[Sarilas]

I cut my hair a month or so ago, very similarly to that! Chopped it all off and I love it. Go for it!

[MRYPPNS]

Hey look, I made a preview of what that cut will look like on YOU!.....


http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/LegoMom3/untitled-3.jpg



:lmao::rotfl2:

.

Now that's pee your pants funny!

[jenjolt]

I love those haircuts...especially Allison Mack's and I think you are going to look fabulous!!! I say GO FOR IT and spoil yourself silly because you deserve it!!!

I'm so glad that everything is going so well in your life TK!! Nothing feels better than when everything is just fitting into its place and their is peace in your life!! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!

I'm very excited to see your haircut!! I know you will look amazing!! I'm going to the stylist the THursday before I leave so we'll both be styling!!

[TarzansKat]

you are glowing! I love it :)

I'm feeling better than I have in a long time.


It's an adorable hairstyle! If I thought my hair would do that in a million years, I'd be all over it. Actually I'd just like to look like Alice but that's a whole other story.

Go for it. It's your birthday, you deserve it!

And I will say, 30's are MUCH better than 20's. IMHO. And it gets better from there.

Thanks for the kind words! My hair is somewhat similar to that right now, but without the level of layers, and it's a bit longer. I think it will look good on me...I hope it will. We'll see. :lmao:

Glad to here it only gets better from here on out!!! :thumbsup2

I say GO FOR IT!

I think it will look nice on you! :)

And congrats on all of the encouraging changes in your life. Change can be good!

And 30 isn't so bad. Good years, good years!

Thank you so much! I'm enjoying all the good changes.

Hey look, I made a preview of what that cut will look like on YOU!.....


http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/LegoMom3/untitled-3.jpg



:lmao::rotfl2:

.

:lmao: I bet you never thought you'd see Allison Mack look like that, eh? From Smallville to Toontown. :rotfl2:

I love Alice's hair from Twilight. I've been coveting that hair cut but I just don't think it will the same on me. :lmao:

I do too. I hope it's easy to style. I'm going to have a convo with my stylist about what it takes to maintain that haircut and see if it's really feasible.


You are going to look adorable! I just know. I think it's awesome that you are treating yourself to the expensive salon, every once in awhile you just need to do that!

Thanks!

That cut is very cute. I'm sure it'll look great on you,

And yay for going to the expensive salon. I'm all for treating yourself. (My exbf says I spend money like a drunken sailor :lmao:) Salon visits are so relxing and rejuvenating. I say have a mani/pedi while you're getting your hair styled. Am I being an enabler? :rotfl2:

Oh, you are SO an enabler.

But I'm going to hold off on the mani/pedi concept, because I am going to the spa at the Grand Flo in a couple of weeks, and I do need to save some of my pennies. ;)

What a cute cut! I bet it will look great! And I agree with previous posters that you deserve to splurge and spoil yourself. And a great cut is a good way to go! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Thanks!

I'm positively thrilled that you are now looking forward to your thirties (as opposed to the decade which shall not be named ;)) and that you're in a good place now. I do think life gets better as it goes along!! So stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Bad stuff will happen - it's unavoidable- but you'll handle it. You, your family and your friends - we'll all handle it together. :goodvibes

Thank you so, so much for this wonderful advice. You are right! Stop waiting for the shoe to drop and CARPE DIEM!!!! And just knowing I have all your support, will it means so much to me. :goodvibes


Hurrah for happy changes, turns for the better, new hair styles and most of all, for TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):):)

HUZZAH for two weeks! I need to get crackin' on selecting my Disney movies for our movie nights.

I cut my hair a month or so ago, very similarly to that! Chopped it all off and I love it. Go for it!

Is it easy to take care of and style? That's my one concern. :goodvibes

Now that's pee your pants funny!

I agree.

I love those haircuts...especially Allison Mack's and I think you are going to look fabulous!!! I say GO FOR IT and spoil yourself silly because you deserve it!!!

Thank you!


I'm so glad that everything is going so well in your life TK!! Nothing feels better than when everything is just fitting into its place and their is peace in your life!! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!

Everything is just fitting and it feels so wonderful. I am so ready to put the twenties behind me. Honestly, I'm so looking forward to being thirty now, no regrets.

Very Sparrow of me. :thumbsup2


I'm very excited to see your haircut!! I know you will look amazing!! I'm going to the stylist the THursday before I leave so we'll both be styling!!

Oh, you sassy thing you, heading to the salon as well! I can't wait to see both our new do's. :goodvibes

[Native NYer]

I can't wait for your report on the Spa at the GF. Spas are my favorite places :cloud9:. Spas and the Bloomingdale's shoe department :lmao:

Between your report on the spa and Jackie's report on AKL, I have next year's trip all mapped out :rotfl2:

[If U Had Wings]

I love the hair style. I'm sure it's going to look fine on you. I've been thinking of cutting mine off lately too, but after growing it long for nearly two years now I've been a bit wary to take the plunge.

[Charleston Princess]

Your new hairdo is going to look fabulous!!!

As you know, Disney officially announced the fourth POTC movie this weekend. Did you happen to see who was on hand to help with that announcement (at the D23 Expo in Anaheim)? Can you imagine being in that audience??? Be still my beating heart!

A Video Clip Just For You: The Real Captain Jack! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)

[jenjolt]

Your new hairdo is going to look fabulous!!!

As you know, Disney officially announced the fourth POTC movie this weekend. Did you happen to see who was on hand to help with that announcement (at the D23 Expo in Anaheim)? Can you imagine being in that audience??? Be still my beating heart!

A Video Clip Just For You: The Real Captain Jack! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)

A very wonderful friend for my birthday got me a D23 membership...if every expo reveals Disney World updates and has Jack Sparrow count me on the next one...I'm so going LOL!!!

[pooh'smate]

Your new hairdo is going to look fabulous!!!

As you know, Disney officially announced the fourth POTC movie this weekend. Did you happen to see who was on hand to help with that announcement (at the D23 Expo in Anaheim)? Can you imagine being in that audience??? Be still my beating heart!

A Video Clip Just For You: The Real Captain Jack! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)

I LOVE IT!!!!!! I can't wait. Every time I see it I get a little giddy inside. I am so addicted to Captain Jack Sparrow. My dh just laughs.

[TarzansKat]

I can't wait for your report on the Spa at the GF. Spas are my favorite places :cloud9:. Spas and the Bloomingdale's shoe department :lmao:

Awww...that's like your mothership. :goodvibes


Between your report on the spa and Jackie's report on AKL, I have next year's trip all mapped out :rotfl2:

:thumbsup2 Happy to help.

I love the hair style. I'm sure it's going to look fine on you. I've been thinking of cutting mine off lately too, but after growing it long for nearly two years now I've been a bit wary to take the plunge.

I'm very, very lucky, or very, very cursed. My hair grows incredibly fast. I can cut it all off, and in a year it'll be at least down to my shoulders if not longer. I must have superhuman hair growing hormones. :lmao:

Your new hairdo is going to look fabulous!!!

Thank you!


As you know, Disney officially announced the fourth POTC movie this weekend. Did you happen to see who was on hand to help with that announcement (at the D23 Expo in Anaheim)? Can you imagine being in that audience??? Be still my beating heart!

A Video Clip Just For You: The Real Captain Jack! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)

I told my mother if I'd been in that audience, I would have died! :lmao:

Thanks for the video clip, I shall scurry off to watch it right now!!!

A very wonderful friend for my birthday got me a D23 membership...if every expo reveals Disney World updates and has Jack Sparrow count me on the next one...I'm so going LOL!!!

That is a very wonderful friend. I want friends like that. :goodvibes

I LOVE IT!!!!!! I can't wait. Every time I see it I get a little giddy inside. I am so addicted to Captain Jack Sparrow. My dh just laughs.

You don't have to explain the addiction to me, dearie. I'm right there with you. I'm just lucky my husband is partaking in it with me. :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Is it easy to take care of and style? That's my one concern. :goodvibes


Oh yeah; I was always ending up in pony tails. Now I just blow dry it quickly and go, or let it dry naturally and straight iron it. SO fast.

[TarzansKat]

Oh yeah; I was always ending up in pony tails. Now I just blow dry it quickly and go, or let it dry naturally and straight iron it. SO fast.

I fall into that as well. If it's not shorter, with some style, up in a ponytail it goes. And while that's cute and everything, I just want something that has a defined cut. Glad to know it's easy to do! I can't wait to go tonight. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I'm very, very lucky, or very, very cursed. My hair grows incredibly fast. I can cut it all off, and in a year it'll be at least down to my shoulders if not longer. I must have superhuman hair growing hormones. :lmao:


Mine too, up to a point. Once it hits my shoulders it slows down. Today it came out looking okay, so I'm not in an immediate rush to cut it. :rotfl: I'm trying to hold out until after the princess marathon in March either way. If I go I'm determined to wear a Belleish offit and need to have a nice pony tail going. :lmao: I have issues obviously.

[TarzansKat]

Mine too, up to a point. Once it hits my shoulders it slows down. Today it came out looking okay, so I'm not in an immediate rush to cut it. :rotfl: I'm trying to hold out until after the princess marathon in March either way. If I go I'm determined to wear a Belleish offit and need to have a nice pony tail going. :lmao: I have issues obviously.

Actually, I like your hair the way it is now. :goodvibes I remember it from some of your more recent photos on the boards, and I think it's a good length for you. :thumbsup2 And for the marathon, I totally hear you on having a ponytail, just so much easier.

[TarzansKat]

Okay, I totally hadn't intended on posting until later tonight, after the new hair and everything. I'm so looking forward to my appointment. :banana:

But I needed to tell you all something.

Jackie.

You have created a monster.


TK's New/Old Obsession (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)


Okay, I was probably already a monster to begin with, but now I'm even more obsessed.

I CANNOT stop watching the Youtube video of Captain Jack! It makes me giddy!

Just thought you all would like to know. pirate:

[LegoMom3]

*sigh*.....Is that not the most GORGEOUS 58-seconds of Internet video?.....:love:

.

[TarzansKat]

*sigh*.....Is that not the most GORGEOUS 58-seconds of Internet video?.....:love:

.

Aye.

[shannn]

That is a beautiful beautiful man. I've known it since I had a poster from 21 Jumpstreet hanging on my wall. :love:

[Lady Lallie]

Am I surprised? No. :lmao:

I love that video, it almost seems like he's a bit embarrassed by the wild clapping...or is it just me? It's nice to see someone so humble.

[jenjolt]

Okay, I totally hadn't intended on posting until later tonight, after the new hair and everything. I'm so looking forward to my appointment. :banana:

But I needed to tell you all something.

Jackie.

You have created a monster.


TK's New/Old Obsession (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)


Okay, I was probably already a monster to begin with, but now I'm even more obsessed.

I CANNOT stop watching the Youtube video of Captain Jack! It makes me giddy!

Just thought you all would like to know. pirate:

pirate:pirate: Suffice to say I may have watched that video you know more than once...or twice...or three times...well I think you're getting picture here!!!! Savvy??? pirate:

[Sarilas]

Oooh, I haven't seen that video till now! I wish we could see the whole thing.

[eandesmom]

Okay, I totally hadn't intended on posting until later tonight, after the new hair and everything. I'm so looking forward to my appointment. :banana:

But I needed to tell you all something.

Jackie.

You have created a monster.


TK's New/Old Obsession (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6Batk62cA)


Okay, I was probably already a monster to begin with, but now I'm even more obsessed.

I CANNOT stop watching the Youtube video of Captain Jack! It makes me giddy!

Just thought you all would like to know. pirate:

Giddy is good! VERY good!

And I can't wait to hear about the hair!!

[2xcited2sleep]

I hadn't seen the video. Oh. My. He is gorgeous. Just what I need... a new obsession. :rolleyes1

[maroo]

I am not sure what this says....

But yesterday (or was it Saturday) when I heard about this....

YOU were the only person I thought of. :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

I almost came over and said something....but figured it was old news by then!

Did you see the movie he was advertising?

Looks like Pirates of the Carribbean On Stranger Tides? Summer 2011!

So...we all have something to look forward to!

[jmamom]

Hope the haircut went well! I always seem to cut mine when there's been changes going on in my life. It seems to me you've done alot of soul seraching lately, and a new cut just helps you feel like a new you! (But not too new, we like the old you just fine!):goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

That is a beautiful beautiful man. I've known it since I had a poster from 21 Jumpstreet hanging on my wall. :love:

:thumbsup2

Am I surprised? No. :lmao:

:rotfl2:


I love that video, it almost seems like he's a bit embarrassed by the wild clapping...or is it just me? It's nice to see someone so humble.

It's funny because when I watch it, I see him break character a little bit, I'm glad someone else noticed it too.

pirate:pirate: Suffice to say I may have watched that video you know more than once...or twice...or three times...well I think you're getting picture here!!!! Savvy??? pirate:

I don't want to tell you how many times I watched it today. :rolleyes1

Oooh, I haven't seen that video till now! I wish we could see the whole thing.

Me, too!

Giddy is good! VERY good!

And I can't wait to hear about the hair!!

I'll be posting about that soon!!! :goodvibes

I hadn't seen the video. Oh. My. He is gorgeous. Just what I need... a new obsession. :rolleyes1

Oh, there's nothing wrong with that kind of obsession. As a matter of fact, it's perfectly healthy.

I am not sure what this says....

But yesterday (or was it Saturday) when I heard about this....

YOU were the only person I thought of. :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

You know, that's not the first time I heard that, and it never gets any less flattering. :goodvibes


Did you see the movie he was advertising?

Looks like Pirates of the Carribbean On Stranger Tides? Summer 2011!

So...we all have something to look forward to!

Yup. It's the fourth pirates film, supposedly Jack is looking for the fountain of youth.

Hope the haircut went well! I always seem to cut mine when there's been changes going on in my life. It seems to me you've done alot of soul seraching lately, and a new cut just helps you feel like a new you! (But not too new, we like the old you just fine!):goodvibes

I think that's true for me as well. And I've actually wanted this style for a long time, so it feels like an affirmation and a letting go. I'll write more about it later, suffice it to say I've gotten it cut. ;)

[Native NYer]

Hope you had a relaxing salon visit!

[Lady Lallie]

It's funny because when I watch it, I see him break character a little bit, I'm glad someone else noticed it too.Oh I am so glad you noticed it too. I thought I was going crazy. :laughing:

[TarzansKat]

Hope you had a relaxing salon visit!

Indeed. ;)

Oh I am so glad you noticed it too. I thought I was going crazy. :laughing:

Nope, not just you. At first I thought...okay, maybe it's me...but no, I definitely see some Johnny peeking through all that Jack Sparrow.

[All7OfUs]

Nice! Very, nice!

(Love the hair, too. But with that ummm... "distraction" you didn't leave much other "thought space" to notice- you know that, right?!)

[TarzansKat]

Nice! Very, nice!

Indeed.


(Love the hair, too. But with that ummm... "distraction" you didn't leave much other "thought space" to notice- you know that, right?!)

I am utterly confused. To notice I know what? :confused:

[TarzansKat]

Every post shall be accompanied by a picture of my favorite rum-soaked, dread-locked, drop dead gorgeous swaggering pirate. In addition, I shall include one of the many of my favorite Captain Jack quotes, in no particular order, from the three films.

Why?

Because it's my pre trip report and I can. :lmao:

And also, because given that 44 seconds of footage, and the news of the Fantasyland expansion, I am super pumped for this trip and I just want to do something fun every day until we leave. So even if I can't do a full on post, I'll still post the picture and the quote.

And you may all feel free to drool. Perhaps keep a spare towel by the keyboards so I don't get blamed for having fried your computers. You have been forewarned. ;)





http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/jack10.jpg

"Son, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?"






I'll give you all a moment.

Now, on to official pre trip report business.

I love my hair. :lmao: I really couldn't stop looking at it last night, running my fingers through it, the whole deal. The trip to salon was well worth it. She spent over an hour cutting my hair and styling it, and we discussed what she was doing, what products to use to achieve the same look. Honestly, even though expensive, it was totally worth it. You just can't beat that kind of service and that kind of quality, you really can't.

Anyway, the big kicker will be if I can style it myself at home. I'll let you all know how that goes later today. I do have to say, because it's so much shorter, I think it's going to take me even less time in the morning once I get the hang of it, and that's a huge plus. Anything that looks cute, like a real style, and doesn't take me time in the morning, well heck, sign me up! :goodvibes That and the fact that I've wanted this style for so long and never had the guts until now, well it just feels like an affirmation. In the words of Mia in the Princess Diaries (books, not film), perhaps I am on my way to self-actualization after all.

Now there has been some talk on the boards on different threads lately of various books. When I took DS to the library, suffice it to say I cleaned out their Disney travel section.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0464.jpg

(Yes those are some Meg Cabot books on the bottom.)

It's not my intent to necessarily read all of these from cover to cover. Just to see if there are any intersting tidbits, things I don't know, little thoughts I could possibly discover. Really, just to see if there's something different that might be fun that I've never thought of.

I also have Realityland coming from interlibrary loan, so I'm really looking forward to reading that as well. And they didn't have a Birnbaum's guide (why ever not???) so I'll be requesting that as well.

Today I'm doing a few trip related things. I'm going to be ordering pieces of the costumes for my mom and DS so that DH and I can start making them before we're in crunch time. I'm going to sit down with DS and watch the new planning DVD. I haven't done that yet.

I've also been on this quest lately to streamline everything, and that includes our apartment. Room by room, I've slowly been dismantling, decluttering, and reassembling. It's cathartic.

Today, I'll be working on the bathroom (and my bedroom if I have time), which will lend itself to taking a look at our travel toiletries and seeing if we need any items to be replenished before we leave. :thumbsup2

That's not too bad of a to do list, I think.

Of course, my excitement factor is increasing rapidly. The closer we get to this trip, the more excited I get. And not because I think I'll do any particular thing or see any particular thing because this is the first trip that I'm really, really learning to let a lot of things go. It's very hard for me, because it's in my nature to try to plan, but it's also in my nature to want not to plan.

Ask me about how all my paintings in art school were based on the duality of mankind and my own personal struggles with it in addition to observing others' struggles with it. That's a story for another time.

For now, we will put that philosophical dilemma on the back burner and focus on the task at head.

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.

That spells relaxation, you know. pirate:

[jmamom]

Glad you love your hair, a good cut is totally worth the extra money, because it grows out nicely too. So actually you saved money, because you don't have to get it redone when it gets shaggy looking. How's that for some fuzzy math? Love the daily picture and quote, but can you keep it up until the movie comes out? Add me to the list of 21 Jump Street fans, he was beautiful then too. You'll love Realityland - that was a great read. You should also look for "Mousejunkies" by Bill Burke, it was pretty funny. I'm way ahead of you on the travel toiletries - mine are already packed. My 5 year old packed her suitcase already. All tshirts, no bottoms and no bathing suits - that would be an interesting vacation! I'm impatiently waiting - 11 more days!:woohoo: