Dragging a grumpy DH back to the World ~ Single Digits!! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 02:24 PM

Okay, I'm going to try this again. I've wanted to do one of these, but I'm really bad about updating and remembering about it. I AM GOING TO DO THIS!

TRIP DETAILS:

Who? Me and DH -- it's a miracle I convinced him to go this year!!!

When? Sunday, August 23rd - Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Where? We're staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge for five nights and Pop Century for one night.

Airline Tickets? Southwest -- got a GREAT deal...$137/per ticket!!

Car Rental? Enterprise (booked on their website, no codes), $145.10 (tax inc.), Compact

Tickets? Undercover Tourist (www.undercovertourist.com) -- I subscribed to Mouse Savers and got an even better discount...love that site!

UPDATES:

About us (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29834031&postcount=2)
How I convinced DH... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29834448&postcount=3)
October 2008 trip photos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29834700&postcount=4)
Grr...Apple (iPod related) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29835439&postcount=7)
Ways to beat the August heat... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29836876&postcount=8)
Is my iPod going to be fixed?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29853250&postcount=16)
Tour Guide Mike subscription (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29893574&postcount=22)
Airfare watch (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29893853&postcount=23)
Kitties (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29900376&postcount=26)
Winter wonderland (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29929266&postcount=31)
Airfare Watchdog and Yapta (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29929614&postcount=32)
Snow Delay for work! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29940553&postcount=33)
RIP evil iPod...hello cute, new pink iPod! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30082211&postcount=38)
Yes, I'm a pin-a-holic! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30083207&postcount=42)
Pin display board (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30090236&postcount=43)
Counting calories (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30135196&postcount=52)
Past WDW trip photos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30139563&postcount=55)
Diet - Week 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30207211&postcount=60)
New pin (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30207290&postcount=61)
Another new pin (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30216949&postcount=64)
Keith Urban tickets!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30266762&postcount=68)
Top ten must dos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30272754&postcount=83)
Diet - Week 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30308944&postcount=94)
Happy Valentine's Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30309727&postcount=97)
Budget (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30329689&postcount=105)
Downgraded to standard room at Pop (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30331356&postcount=109)
Airfare (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30350344&postcount=122)
Sick...boo! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30460504&postcount=128)
Diet - Week 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30460669&postcount=130)
To dine for free, or not? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30475263&postcount=134)
Airfare update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30488552&postcount=141)
If we do the DDP... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30510482&postcount=155)
Diet - Week 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30580365&postcount=166)
DH's Birthday (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30605409&postcount=172)
Rental car search (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30665273&postcount=180)
Shopping, shopping, shopping (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30712401&postcount=185)
Pins (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30713861&postcount=189)
Diet - Week 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30752138&postcount=194)
Diet - Week 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30884969&postcount=204)
More pins!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30978990&postcount=212)
My first tag! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31119206&postcount=227)
It's been a hard few weeks... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31200388&postcount=236)
Good news/bad news (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31242008&postcount=246)
We bought our airline tickets...and the Unofficial Guide! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31333792&postcount=248)
Tentative itinerary -- first attempt (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31349999&postcount=254)
No DDP for us (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31450361&postcount=259)
New Haircut/Highlights (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31451322&postcount=260)
Strongly considering renting DVC points (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31464666&postcount=268)
Upgraded to Villas at the Wilderness Lodge (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31475427&postcount=275)
Villas at the Wilderness Lodge (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31476234&postcount=277)
Renting DVC Points -- the process and the money we saved (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31484758&postcount=284)
Lost Wallet Returns (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31485458&postcount=288)
More Pins!! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31502239&postcount=303)
Feeding the addiction even more (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31541187&postcount=311)
Planning another WDW trip (December 2009) (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31576772&postcount=316)
Where, oh where are the August park hours?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31671949&postcount=333)
Park Hours!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31693515&postcount=337)
Wanted: Nice point & shoot camera (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31767451&postcount=356)
Updates, updates, updates (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31925352&postcount=376)
Memorial Day Weekend -- FINALLY BOUGHT MY CAMERA!! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32005956&postcount=388)
ADRs (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32009239&postcount=397)
Found a cheaper rental car rate!! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32231091&postcount=416)
New bag (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32281248&postcount=423)
So the obsession begins... (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32296623&postcount=431)
New ADR -- made online (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32300529&postcount=436)
USPS is evil! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32450323&postcount=450)
Shopping!! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32482128&postcount=455)
Baby clothes (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32482201&postcount=456)
Weird trip related dreams (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32579178&postcount=478)
OT: Baby Shower Help (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32649660&postcount=488)
Prayers Needed (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32708084&postcount=493)
Update on Erik (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32735462&postcount=499)
Finally...our itinerary (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32945173&postcount=521)
Food, food and more food! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32957944&postcount=526)
Packing List (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33039166&postcount=547)
Universal and Updated Itinerary (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33097013&postcount=558)
Itinerary Help! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33097134&postcount=560)
Which Bag to Bring?? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33132529&postcount=567)

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 02:29 PM

Cast of crazies...er, I mean characters:

Kirsten (that's me)
I just turned 26 in December. I'm in denial that I'll be [GASP] 3-0 in just less than four years. :scared: I work in the not-for-profit industry, and enjoy it most of the time. I actually got my B.S. in Recreation/Tourism Management, but I'm obviously not using that right now. It sounded good at the time - and it didn't require math to graduate. I'm preparing to take the LSAT in June - I'm sure I'll complain a lot throughout this PTR about it. I love being around kids - especially my nieces and nephews; can be pretty sarcastic - which some people don't understand; love dry humor, but HATE slapstick comedy(unless it has Cary Grant in it); have no concept of an "inside" voice; laugh uncontrollably when I'm nervous; give my opinion very freely - even if it's not requested; can be very blunt (yep, it gets me in trouble); watch the same movies over and over again; hope to own a donkey at least once in my lifetime; can be VERY random at times (as demonstrated by this little blurb); can be extremely indecisive; love to wear heels - even if it makes me tower over everyone else; can't lie very well; think Starbucks is evil; LOATHE bicycle riders - especially when they're on the sidewalk and that pretty much sums it up.

I've been to WDW at least 30 times and I still feel like I haven't been enough times! My first trip was in 1983, when I was just about 3 months old. I still count it, as I attribute this early exposure to the reason I'm currently obsessed. My parents used to take us down each spring break. We always stayed off-site.

In 2005, I did a brief internship at Universal Orlando. I HATED IT. However, I got to go to UO for free, and wound up going over to WDW a bunch of times too. It was during this time I had my first taste of staying on-site. My sister's family came down and stayed at POR and I of course had to spend a few nights with them. I loved it! I couldn't understand why we never had stayed on-site before. I was hooked! Since then, we've stayed All-Star Sports (NOT A FAN -- there was POOP on smeared all over our toilet when we got there and mousekeeping wasn't too willing to clean it up) and Pop Century. While I loved POR b/c of the ambiance and the great swimming area, I have a very close fondness of Pop. I love the location, the rooms are fine, the lake on property is fun to walk around and I love Classic Hall. Plus, Pop is cheap!

Here's an awesome picture of me this past Christmas:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1959/244/48/6852884/n6852884_48356332_2650.jpg

Aaron (wonderfully grumpy DH)
DH is about to turn 27 in February. He could care less about his age. He's a full-time student, and has a crappy PT job he hates. He loves baseball like I love WDW. He's also obsessed w/ Italian food and cheese. He can be pretty grumpy -- especially when he told me to go at least one full day without talking about WDW (psh, like that could actually happen). He doesn't get WDW, but he does go along with it...most of the time. He's a semi-vegetarian who eats some hamburgers and chicken Parmesan from Carrabba's. Other than that, he doesn't like meat. DH is the type of guy who, as soon as he wakes up, immediately turns on ESPN and has to catch up on whatever he missed the night before. He claims he's not a huge fan of other sports other than baseball, but he sure does watch A LOT of ESPN.

Aaron had never been to WDW before he met me. In fact, he had only been to Kentucky and that was it. His family doesn't travel. I knew I would have to break him in! Our first trip to WDW was in 2003 w/ my DSister and DM. It was bittersweet, as it was the first trip since my Dad died. It was really nice to experience something so fun (his first trip) during something that could've been really sad. Aaron thought it was just...okay [GASP]. Of course, that didn't stop me from dragging him back a couple more times.

Here's an action shot of grumpy DH holding our grumpy cat, Bogart:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1953/244/48/6852884/n6852884_48547056_9986.jpg

How we met:
Just b/c I wanted to throw this in. DH and I met on a blind date when we were 19. It was my first ever, and I really didn't want to go. A mutual friend of ours thought we should meet, and I figured he'd keep bugging me about it until I caved. We saw the "Scorpion King" and Aaron and I talked all the way through it. I was amazed that he was so cute and normal (I was use to cads). We started dating soon afterwards and got married four years and a couple months later. :)

Here's one of my favorite wedding pics:
http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v46/244/48/6852884/n6852884_33713791_5723.jpg

And just a few random ones...

DH absolutely HATES Epcot.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998335_86.jpg

During our last trip together in December 2007.
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998340_1365.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998351_4663.jpg

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 02:47 PM

Okay, so DH is not a WDW. He doesn't get it. He thinks the rides are too "kiddy" and he hates Disney characters. But, he does LOVE Florida, Universal Orlando, miniature golf and Giordano's (yep, that's a pizza place). He also enjoys making me happy.

I had been bugging him a lot lately about trying to book a trip before I went back to school. He kept coming up w/ some lame excuses about wanting to go someplace that was NOT Disney. :sad2: Sad - I know. We actually argued over it a few times because I really, REALLY wanted to go. I figured it would take A LOT of convincing, or perhaps some luck. That's when I started hoping for a pin code offer. The current 4/3 promotion wasn't really beneficial to us b/c we have left over tickets from a previous trip. I thought about free dining, but we don't really eat at a lot of TS restaurants and DH is a picky eater anyway. And...how could he miss eating at Giordano's, Sweet Tomatoes and Flippers??

So...a few weeks ago I opened up my email and found the elusive 40% pin code waiting for me!!!!!! :cool1: Needless to say, I was beyond excited. I knew this was my chance to win DH over. I was right! We figured out the only dates that we could go was the last week of August - right before classes started back up for him. I was hoping for December, as I love Christmas at WDW. But, I could deal with August...I mean, it's going to be H-O-T, but I'm going to be at WDW!!!!!!

We wound up getting a preferred room at Pop Century for $65/nt (including tax). How sweet is that?! I put a request in for a king, so I'm hoping for the best.

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 02:58 PM

My sister and I celebrated her 33 birthday at WDW back in October. It was the first time I'd been around Halloween time. We went to MNSSHP and had a blast! We loved dressing up and trick-or-treating was so much fun. I went as one of the HM stretching room portrait ladies and my sister was a pirate wench.

I can't remember her name, but we met the woman who sits out by the HM during MNSSHP -- she was awesome!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47122292_4145.jpg

I was BEYOND excited. I found one of my HG pins from a trader at DTD. SWEET!!
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47092985_3850.jpg

Don't mind my incredibly creepy face...I adore Stacy and Aaron is terrified of her for some reason. :confused3
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47093001_8396.jpg

What rope drop looked like at DHS on Sunday, 10/12 (the day before Columbus Day). I love the expression of the guy in the lower right corner.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47105087_7651.jpg

SSE -- I love how my sister's Mickey ears were apart of this pic.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47086181_1445.jpg

I just love the reflection in this pic.
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47105096_9738.jpg

tazdev3225

01-22-2009, 03:11 PM

Love the pre TR so far. I was at DHS that Sunday but didn't think it looked that crowded. We got there right after the rope drop.

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 03:17 PM

Love the pre TR so far. I was at DHS that Sunday but didn't think it looked that crowded. We got there right after the rope drop.

Welcome...and thanks! I'd say all those people rushed right over to TSM as soon as possible. It was insane! I walk fast, but that was a bit much. I think it might look worse than it was b/c we somehow managed to get up to the very front of the line (for rope drop). I was determined to ride TSM!!! That ride is so fun. :thumbsup2

Did you do MNSSHP while you were there?

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 03:28 PM

This is not related to the trip at all, but I broke my iPod. Actually, I think it came broken and I just got the bum end of the deal. I got a refurbished one off NewEgg.com around Thanksgiving time. It worked great and everything was just peachy. Well, it won't charge now. It says it is charging but it still winds up being dead. I've tried four four different computers and nothing! :sad:

Unfortunately, New Egg only had a 30 day warranty so I can't send it back to them. They said Apple should be able to fix it b/c there was a manufacturer's warranty on it as well. That didn't work either. Sadly, I'm just out the $$ -- not to mention I have no tunes to listen to while I work out. Sad, sad day. :sad2:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/apple-sucks.png

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 04:38 PM

I've never been to WDW in the summer. In fact, I always swore I would NEVER go during the summer months. I was afraid of the crowds...the heat...the humidity...the hurricanes! All of those concerns flew out the window when DH said he would/could go the last week of August. It was huge to even get DH to agree to go, so I had to hump at the chance! So now, I'm left with collecting ideas on how to enjoy a trip to WDW during the "Oh my gosh, I'm going to melt" days of summer.

I did a search using "August" as my subject and came up with A LOT of weather threads - I do mean A LOT! That quickly became depressing. Here are a few quotes I got from that:

"The heat and humidity are brutal. Bru-tal! We are walking around in shorts and t-shirts and melting..." :scared:

"...you feel you are being poached as soon as you step out of your room!" :crazy2:

"Hurricane season runs from June to end of September." :scared1:

But, I did manage to find some good quotes too:

"I hate the heat, BUT it was still tolerable. With no lines, we didn't spend a lot of time outside..." :thumbsup2

"We didn't witness any large crowds either (we were there the last week of August)." :)

"I kept reading all the horror stories about the humidity/heat/hurricanes /etc.... and got myself prepared for the worst. You know what? It wasn't bad at all. " ::yes::

Regardless of all the scary things I've noticed about August, I think we're still going to have a blast! I've also collected some great tips on how to beat the heat while at WDW:

Drink LOTS of water
Head back to your resort for an afternoon break
Have at least one change of clothes available per day
Carry a misting fan w/ you
Wear sunscreen - apply before you head out for the day for it to set it
Wear lightweight clothing that doesn't cling tot he body
Take advantage of the AC and eat lunch inside
Pray that a hurricane does not hit while you're there
Ride TTA - it's a nice way to sit and try to cool down --- Thanks tinkgurl!

I'm sure I'll be adding to this list later on.

pipermae

01-22-2009, 09:46 PM

Jumping on the Grumpy DH bandwagon! :cool1:

WDWRocksMySocks

01-22-2009, 10:18 PM

Jumping on the Grumpy DH bandwagon! :cool1:

Welcome! :wave2:

I'm really determined to stick with this through all 212 days that I have left, and then of course after we get back too.

I showed DH the PTR, and he called me a nerd. Psh, he just doesn't appreciate DIS! He did agree with the title though, so at least we see eye to eye on something. I don't think that I mentioned how opposite DH and I truly are. A lot of people can't figure out how we wound up together. I wish we had more in common (at least WDW), but I'm glad we're different. He's opened my eyes to so many new and interesting things that I would never found myself enjoying before. It's funny how life works out some times.

TxRabbit

01-22-2009, 10:35 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

01-23-2009, 08:38 AM

Hi Kirsten,

I came over to read about YOUR trip plans!

I wouldn't worry too much about the heat in the end of August. The fact is that it's hot and humid. If it rains, then it can be even MORE humid. You just have to deal with it. The change of clothing is really essential, especially if you head back to the room for a rest in the afternoon.

I tell you what. The BEST sunscreen is Blue Lizard. It can be really hard to find. You might have to buy it online. It isn't exactly cheap, but it is SO worth it. I have fair skin and DH is a red head, so naturally DS came out fair too. Blue Lizard is waterproof and rated for 4 hours! That FOUR HOURS! Most are only rated for 90 minutes. It's made in Australia which has higher standards for sunscreen than the US. We used it on our August trip and we didn't burn AT ALL.:thumbsup2

It can be frustrating to not have someone share in your trip planning enthusiasm. DH really likes going to Disney, but all the planning can make him nuts.

But that's why we are here! We love it and can't get enough.:rotfl2:

Hey!!

Thanks for the encouraging words about August. It's so easy to look for all the negative things about going in August, but who cares? We're going to WDW and a humid day there is still better than a gorgeous day here in Indiana! Plus, it gets REALLY humid here in the summer - not Florida humid, but humid. I'm sure we'll have a blast!!!

Thanks for the heads up about Blue Lizard. I've never heard of it, but will definitely check it out. As you can see from my pics above, I'm extremely fair skinned. In fact, I think I could cause eye damage if you stare directly at my skin in the sun. :rotfl: I guess that's what happens when you have Irish blood running through your veins.

It definitely is frustrating when DH doesn't share my enthusiasm for our trip. But, you're completely right -- that's why we have DIS! I'm so glad we all have each other one here to empathize w/ our excessive trip planning and ODD (Obsessive Disney Disorder). :disrocks:

tinkgurl

01-23-2009, 11:05 AM

Drink LOTS of water
Head back to your resort for an afternoon break
Have at least one change of clothes available per day
Carry a misting fan w/ you
Wear sunscreen - apply before you head out for the day for it to set it
Wear lightweight clothing that doesn't cling tot he body
Take advantage of the AC and eat lunch inside
Pray that a hurricane does not hit while you're there

Those are all good tips. We always go in the summer because it's the only time we can all go. It honestly isn't that bad if you're smart and don't let it get to you and ruin your vacation.

Going back to your resort for a break to swim/nap is a great idea. We always do it and that helps give us our second wind for the rest of the night. After we're done with our swim/nap we always change into a different set of clothes for the night because you do tend to get a bit sweaty/sticky! Try finding a nice sunscreen that won't be oily. I hate feeling all greasy all day on top of sweaty/sticky. The AC is always nice and we each had hand held fans. Want to take a break? Head into some gift shops...or at the MK: ride the TTA!

autumnpalm

01-23-2009, 11:25 AM

Hey there!!

Just wanted to reassure you a little with regards to the weather. My mother and I went in late July of this past year and were prepared for it to be absolutely brutal. After reading all of the warnings here on the DIS, I was worried that by visiting WDW in July, I would be taking my life into my own hands LOL.

Honestly, yes it was hot. But we drank a LOT of water, took midday rests and swam (definitely the most helpful thing), mixed air conditioned attractions with non and brought a misting fan. We survived!!! Yes, we were hot, but looking back I don't remember the heat... I remember all the magical memories we made. If you do the things you already listed, you should be okay!

Joining in for what looks like it's gonna be a great PTR!:goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

01-23-2009, 12:06 PM

Those are all good tips. We always go in the summer because it's the only time we can all go. It honestly isn't that bad if you're smart and don't let it get to you and ruin your vacation.

Going back to your resort for a break to swim/nap is a great idea. We always do it and that helps give us our second wind for the rest of the night. After we're done with our swim/nap we always change into a different set of clothes for the night because you do tend to get a bit sweaty/sticky! Try finding a nice sunscreen that won't be oily. I hate feeling all greasy all day on top of sweaty/sticky. The AC is always nice and we each had hand held fans. Want to take a break? Head into some gift shops...or at the MK: ride the TTA!

:wave2: Thanks! I figure I'd start an ongoing list, seeing as everyone seems so doom and gloom about going in the summer. I'm definitely adding "ride the TTA!" to the list. That's great advice!!! That's one of my favorite rides. It's supposed to reopen mid-August, so I hope it stays on schedule. I'll be so sad if that AND Space Mountain are closed during our trip.

I used to do the parks like a commando. I never wanted to take a break and wanted to go, go, GO! But, we took breaks during our trip in December '07 and it made DH far less grumpy! :thumbsup2 Okay, maybe it made me a little less grumpy too. It was so nice to relax and just enjoy our time there.

Hey there!!

Just wanted to reassure you a little with regards to the weather. My mother and I went in late July of this past year and were prepared for it to be absolutely brutal. After reading all of the warnings here on the DIS, I was worried that by visiting WDW in July, I would be taking my life into my own hands LOL.

Honestly, yes it was hot. But we drank a LOT of water, took midday rests and swam (definitely the most helpful thing), mixed air conditioned attractions with non and brought a misting fan. We survived!!! Yes, we were hot, but looking back I don't remember the heat... I remember all the magical memories we made. If you do the things you already listed, you should be okay!

Joining in for what looks like it's gonna be a great PTR!:goodvibes

Hey! :wave2: Thanks for some reassurance. It's so nice to hear all the positive things about going to WDW in the summer. It's so easy to focus on the negative things in life, but hard to see the good. I'm glad you and your mom had a great time!

WDWRocksMySocks

01-23-2009, 02:14 PM

I got some possible good news about my iPod. I work in an IT department (I'm not a computer person myself), and one of the guys here had the same problem with the same type of iPod. He suggested ordering a new battery and he'll put it in for me. He did it for his and it worked perfectly. So...there might be hope for it after all! :goodvibes

pipermae

01-23-2009, 02:31 PM

I showed DH the PTR, and he called me a nerd. Psh, he just doesn't appreciate DIS!

DBF did the same for me! I told him it was either that, or he has to follow me around for the next 4 months and listen to my constant Disney talk! He decided that a PTR was no longer too nerdish. :rotfl2:

WDWRocksMySocks

01-23-2009, 03:01 PM

DBF did the same for me! I told him it was either that, or he has to follow me around for the next 4 months and listen to my constant Disney talk! He decided that a PTR was no longer too nerdish. :rotfl2:

:rotfl2: DH and I had lunch together and I was telling him how great it was that I started a PTR b/c people on the DIS appreciate the obsessive Disney chatter. It's like Mecca to me! He's just glad he doesn't have to hear me drone on about it...only 7 more months!

autumnpalm

01-23-2009, 03:54 PM

Sometimes I think the DIS makes me talk about Disney MORE in real life!:rotfl:

I hope everything works out with your iPod!! Mine break on me allllll the time... but I still can't live without 'em!

tinkgurl

01-23-2009, 05:12 PM

I'm definitely adding "ride the TTA!" to the list. That's great advice!!! That's one of my favorite rides. It's supposed to reopen mid-August, so I hope it stays on schedule. I'll be so sad if that AND Space Mountain are closed during our trip.

Tell me about it...they're both gonna be closed when I'm there. :sad1: The TTA (I still call it the people mover) is one of my favs!

WDWRocksMySocks

01-25-2009, 08:33 PM

I hope everything works out with your iPod!! Mine break on me allllll the time... but I still can't live without 'em!

Thanks! I know a lot of people who've had issues w/ theirs too, but I'm like you -- I'm obsessed!

Tell me about it...they're both gonna be closed when I'm there. :sad1: The TTA (I still call it the people mover) is one of my favs!

Aw, that is such a bummer! It's so funny how TTA has a cult-like following. I've seen where people are more upset w/ it being closed that SM. Btw, we still call it the PeopleMover too!

WDWRocksMySocks

01-25-2009, 08:42 PM

I've read a lot about Tour Guide Mike (http://tourguidemike.com/) and all of his wonderful advice his site has offered to many DISers. I was always curious to see if a subscription really was worth it, or if it was just commonsense that many Disney veterans already knew. Normally, we've gone during value season and the crowd levels have been quite manageable. Since this is our first trip in the summer, and I've heard mixed reviews about crowd levels I figured why not give it a try. I bit the bullet and decided to subscribe. I know the park hours have not been released yet, but I figured I could spend a lot of time getting acclimated to the site and read all those great articles he has -- there are A LOT. I'm still undecided as to whether I think the information will be useful, as its a lot of stuff I already knew. I've enjoyed lurking in the forums on there, and I think the touring plans will be worth it. But now, I'm wondering if I shouldn't have just bought the Unofficial Guide book instead and used their website. I know I don't probably need either one, but I always appreciate a few extra pointers that will help alleviate wait times - especially if it does wind up being crowded. It's always nice to be prepared to fight the masses!

WDWRocksMySocks

01-25-2009, 08:56 PM

I've been on fare watch for a decent airfare since we booked the hotel. Unfortunately, it's still pretty early and I have yet to really see any good deals under $200. I'm listing what I've found so far:

Indianapolis to Orlando

Expedia = $186.20/per person on AirTran

I don't really mind flying on AirTran. We used them on our trip in October and had no problems. Well, actually they changed our itinerary at least five times but it always worked in our favor (we were changed to a nonstop flight that arrived a lot earlier -- like we originally wanted).

I prefer Southwest though. I like that you don't have to pay extra for luggage and the seating really doesn't bother me either. Now, I just wish I knew when they would release their late August fares. :hourglass

Ooh, I also got the planning DVD in the mail yesterday. I didn't request one, so I maybe they send them to everyone who books?? Either way, I'll still watch it b/c it's about Disney. If only they could send me a copy of the "Top 7" w/ Stacy. That would be awesome! I guess I'll just be happy to watch it on YouTube instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se_7yLlRzeM.

"Look at all those lazy people in the lazy river!" :lmao:

autumnpalm

01-26-2009, 12:47 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

01-26-2009, 09:14 AM

I love Stacey!! She truly gets me in the Disney spirit!

Google actually has the entire video up here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3565027122658478429

It's not the best quality, but it still makes me smile.

It's all Wham!!:thumbsup2

I had quite the time looking for airfares... the best ones I found were on Priceline, and after that was Expedia for about $20 a ticket more. We've always used Expedia in the past, so I've got my fingers crossed that Priceline is okay!

I have a subscription to touringplans.com but not TGM. I really only use the best days calendar, so I went with the cheaper website. I'm interested to hear your opinions of TGM as your planning continues!

Yay, another Stacy fan!! Thanks for the video link, that is awesome!! Stacy is the first thing I have to watch as soon as we get into the room. Everyone in my family (including DH) thinks she's creepy. Whatever, they just don't get it.

I've never used Priceline for airfare, but now I'm going to take a look to see what kind of prices I could get. I'm really hoping I can find something under $175, which shouldn't be too difficult b/c I always see deals for $145 on Travelocity. I'm hoping SWA has a Ding fare sometime.

I probably should've signed up for touringplans.com, but I really wanted to see what all the fuss was about over TGM. It's been interesting so far.

WDWRocksMySocks

01-26-2009, 09:35 AM

I realized that I failed to introduce the rest of my family. Besides Aaron and myself, we have two very sweet, and very crazy kitties.

Bogart
We got her from Aaron's friend. His cat had kittens and we first got to see them when they were just about 1 day old. It was love at first sight! Aaron hated cats and really didn't want one. But, of course that didn't stop me. He has fallen in love w/ her and wouldn't give her up for the world. Bogart is a very sweet (but also grumpy) cat who loves to cuddle, loves to knock anything off of a table with her paws and really loves playing with mice.

Here's a pic of her trying to check out DIS:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/0113092038-1.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Bogart.jpg

Linus
He was a rescue cat from the local shelter. He came from a cat lady who had about 50 cats seized from her house. I was worried how he would fit in in Bogart, but the transition wasn't too bad. Linus is a very funny cat. He loves to eat bread sticks, drink from the toilet, talks to everyone and play with his favorite pink mouse. He was named after Humphrey Bogart's character in Sabrina, in case you were wondering.

Here's a pic of him being grouchy:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Linus-1.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Linus-2.jpg

And here's a pic that depicts just about everyday at our house (the cats all over me, not me just sitting on the couch w/ nothing to do...although, that does happen more than it should):
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/cats.jpg

WDWRocksMySocks

01-26-2009, 08:04 PM

Woo-hoo! I just realized that we moved into the six month range!!!

Unfortunately, we still have 208 more days to go. WDW is sounding mighty good right now, especially since we're currently under a winter storm warning. :cold: :cold: :cold:

tinkgurl

01-26-2009, 08:08 PM

Haha love the pics of the cats. They are adorable.

I LOVE Stacey! There are so many people who can't stand her, but that's all we watch whenever we're back at the room. :)

WDWRocksMySocks

01-27-2009, 03:55 PM

Haha love the pics of the cats. They are adorable.

I LOVE Stacey! There are so many people who can't stand her, but that's all we watch whenever we're back at the room. :)

Thanks! They are definitely...special. ;)

DH is one of those people who can't stand her. She creeps him out for some reason. :confused3 Or, maybe it's me who creeps him out when I start quoting her. I'm not really sure. Ha!

autumnpalm

01-27-2009, 03:59 PM

Oh, your kitties are SO SO cute!! I just love cats, but can't have them because of allergies.:sad1: They are so darling though!

And add me to the list of people who love to watch Stacey!:rotfl2:

WDWRocksMySocks

01-27-2009, 04:01 PM

We're still under a winter storm warning. It hasn't been too bad, up until now. We got about 4-5" on snow last night. It's the pretty, fluffly kind of snow! Unfortunately, it just started sleeting and now everything is getting icy...great! The last time we had ice, both of my grandparents fell and hurt themselves. :sad1: They're okay now, but it was awful at the time. I hope the sleet turns back to snow. I can deal with snow.

I took some pictures of what's been going on. They're kind of crappy quality, I took them w/ my cell.

What it looked like outside my office window this morning - very pretty!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/downsized_0127090800.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/downsized_0127090759.jpg

It was deeper than I thought.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/0127091527.jpg

Yep, that's quite a bit of snow.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/0127091526.jpg

WDWRocksMySocks

01-27-2009, 04:16 PM

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/

I just heard about this website on the radio this morning. The local station was interviewing someone who works for Trip Advisor and she suggested it. It tracks airfares for most of the airlines (kind of like Kayak) and lets you know where the best deals can be found. I haven't signed up for the newsletter yet, as I'm always skeptical of giving my email out. But, it looks like a promising way to keep an eye out for low airfare [crosses fingers].

I plugged in our travel dates and so far, the cheapest fare is still the AirTran one. So, we'll see what happens.'

http://www.yapta.com

I just found this one on a transportation thread. It looks similar. It sounds like the same type of deal as the other site.

It shows AirTran for $179.20 as the cheapest option.

WDWRocksMySocks

01-28-2009, 08:03 AM

Hell has officially frozen over! The university I work for is closed until noon (at least) today!!! :cool1: They said they'll make another assessment later this morning to determine if it will be closed all day. Lets hope so!! :goodvibes I'll post more pictures today of all the wintery goodness.

WDWRocksMySocks

01-28-2009, 08:09 AM

Oh, your kitties are SO SO cute!! I just love cats, but can't have them because of allergies.:sad1: They are so darling though!

And add me to the list of people who love to watch Stacey!:rotfl2:

Thanks! You know, I'm actually allergic to cats too. :upsidedow They don't bother me nearly as bad as they used to. I started allergy shots last summer.

Okay, I have to ask. Do you guys have any favorite Stacey quotes? Mine is definitely, "Look at all those lazy people in the lazy river." Haha, I'm officially a dork.

Lynn5700

02-03-2009, 09:14 PM

KIRSTEN!!!! I just found this in your siggy!!!!! you crack me up! I'm entertanined by this PTR! Love it.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-03-2009, 09:25 PM

KIRSTEN!!!! I just found this in your siggy!!!!! you crack me up! I'm entertanined by this PTR! Love it.

Hey Lynn! Welcome!!! I've been so neglectful the past few days on updating this. Although, we still have such a long time until our 90 day window opens all I can talk about is random stuff (which I'm really good at!!). Thanks for coming and checking it out!! :) Btw, I love your pic in your siggy. You guys are too cute!!

Lynn5700

02-03-2009, 09:34 PM

Thank ya hunnie! So are you guys!

Yeah when you get to your 90 day window you will be planning like crazy and be so excited!!! It hits ya then!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-03-2009, 09:34 PM

Well...it died - my evil iPod from hell that is. It's officially poo. Unfortunately the warranty was up (it was 30 days) and I had to replace it. Well, I didn't have to b/c I don't actually NEED an iPod. Although, I really think I may need one b/c it really encourages me to workout. Sad, isn't it? There is just something about listening to Keith Urban and Aerosmith that makes me want to work up a sweat. I wound up getting this:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/ipod.jpg

It's a 16GB nano and I love it -- especially since it's pink (which is my signature color)! I made sure to get a two year warranty on it...just in case. I know I probably don't need a two year warranty, but I'm now officially paranoid thanks to my first experience w/ an iPod. I just seem to repel technology!

Moral of the story -- do not go cheap and by a recertified product. It rarely is a good idea!

Lynn5700

02-03-2009, 09:36 PM

OOOH I love the PINK Ipod!!! Awesome!!!! I have the little light blue nano when the ones that came out in 07. Then is 08 they came out with the hot pink. oh well.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-03-2009, 09:37 PM

Thank ya hunnie! So are you guys!

Yeah when you get to your 90 day window you will be planning like crazy and be so excited!!! It hits ya then!

Thanks! Yeah, we only have about 164 days left...ugh, that seems like FOREVER!!! I'm still debating on whether or not we'll do the DDP. DH is such a picky eater so I don't know if he'd like any of the TS restaurants. Crazy. I know, right? He's an odd one!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-03-2009, 09:39 PM

OOOH I love the PINK Ipod!!! Awesome!!!! I have the little light blue nano when the ones that came out in 07. Then is 08 they came out with the hot pink. oh well.

Don't you hate when they don't come out w/ the colors all at once? Boo!

I'm so sad, I even bought matching pink headphones. The guy at Best Buy was trying to sell me the better, more expensive ones and I told him, "No, I have to have the pink ones. I don't care how they sound as long as they are pink." Ha, you should have seen his face!!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-03-2009, 10:25 PM

My name is Kirsten, and I'm a pinaholic. I had my first pin trading experience in December 2007 and it opened the gates to this crazy world where you just can't get enough pins! Ha, yes I'm a dork - but really, it's so addictive!! Thankfully, Aaron is an enabler and support my habit wholeheartedly. Just tonight he was so excited because he just won three pins on eBay to give me for Valentine's Day! Woo-hoo!!

I collect several different types: Haunted Mansion, monorail, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Splash Mountain, MVMCP and pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy. Here are my current holy grail pins (Aaron got me the dynamite one, and I won the tightrope one off eBay). :thumbsup2

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/HMtxt.jpg http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/HM2txt.jpg

My name on pinpics is the same as DIS (WDWRocksMySocks). I don't have a lot, but the collection is growing.

I'm trying to debate on how many I should take w/ us in August. I already have about ten, but need at least 40 more. I took about 50 with me in October. My sister thought I was nuts, but I used them all and even bought more to trade while we were down there. See, I told you I'm an addict!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-04-2009, 11:18 AM

TxRabbit

02-04-2009, 01:14 PM

Love the pink Nano. My parents gave me a first generation Nano for Christmas in 2006. It really does help with the work outs. I totally understand.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-05-2009, 02:23 PM

Love the pink Nano. My parents gave me a first generation Nano for Christmas in 2006. It really does help with the work outs. I totally understand.

Okay, I'm glad I'm not alone thinking that. Some of my friends thought I was crazy. I just found that listening to my favorite songs really distracts me from wanting to stop my workout before I really should. I need all the help I can get. I'm so unmotivated right now. The bitterly cold weather zaps the energy out of me.

autumnpalm

02-05-2009, 08:49 PM

TxRabbit

02-05-2009, 09:22 PM

Cold weather does not help AT ALL.:sad2:

I always have to do some sort of reward system. One successful system to jump start working out again was to reward myself with a song for each work out I did for the first two weeks. I was shooting for 3 a week. Then I did something like every other work out. And then once a week. And at the end of the month or 6 weeks or something, a whole new CD if I did every work out that I wanted to do. It was a good system because I really enjoyed listening to the new songs on my workouts. Oh. And you can ONLY listen to your new songs when you work out.

olafgypsy

02-05-2009, 09:57 PM

Lurker here, LOVING this PTR!! I can totally sympathize with the anti-Disney DH. When I saw the 4 / 3 deal I was soooooooo excited and I begged my husband to go with me, and he said, "I would rather save my money to go to a REAL place." So, I convinced my mom and two sisters to join me in the World instead. But someday, I will get the DH there. He loves animals, so I think I could tempt him with the AKL. :thumbsup2

WDWRocksMySocks

02-06-2009, 11:49 AM

You are definitely not alone. The only way I can force myself to work out is if I have music. I have very specific workout playlists and without them, I am completely unmotivated.

Love your pin board! It's so cute how it mimics the real pin cards.:goodvibes

Isn't it funny how music can really just put you in the mood to work-out harder and longer? I even occasionally find myself shakin' my booty on the elliptical. I'm sure I'm going to fall off one of these days!

Thanks! I love when people come over to our house - I force them to look at it. I don't care if they want to or not, I make them look! Ha, I'm a great hostess! :thumbsup2

Cold weather does not help AT ALL.:sad2:

I always have to do some sort of reward system. One successful system to jump start working out again was to reward myself with a song for each work out I did for the first two weeks. I was shooting for 3 a week. Then I did something like every other work out. And then once a week. And at the end of the month or 6 weeks or something, a whole new CD if I did every work out that I wanted to do. It was a good system because I really enjoyed listening to the new songs on my workouts. Oh. And you can ONLY listen to your new songs when you work out.

You are SO right!! I workout w/ Aaron, and if it's below 20 we convince ourselves it's too cold to workout. Ha, we're such bums!

I love your idea of a reward system! I think that would really help me, as I really do like instant gratification (yes, I'll admit it!). Hmmm...now I'm going to have to figure out what my reward could be. I'll get back to you on that.

Lurker here, LOVING this PTR!! I can totally sympathize with the anti-Disney DH. When I saw the 4 / 3 deal I was soooooooo excited and I begged my husband to go with me, and he said, "I would rather save my money to go to a REAL place." So, I convinced my mom and two sisters to join me in the World instead. But someday, I will get the DH there. He loves animals, so I think I could tempt him with the AKL. :thumbsup2

:welcome:

I lurk on so many PTR and TR too!

Ugh, isn't it "fun" to have a Disney-hating DH? :sad2: I'm so happy you were able to use the great deal w/ your sisters and your mom to go . You'll still have a blast! My sister and I went in October and it was so fun having a girls trip. Although, it is a lot more special when you go w/ DH. You need to woo him with one of the tours, like the backstage safari tours. That would be so much fun!!: I'll cross my fingers for you. Ooh, and maybe you could get a 40% code to further convince him - it worked for us!! goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-06-2009, 12:09 PM

It is 197 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds until Sunday, August 23, 2009 until WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to post it. I'm just so elated we're finally below 200 days! I'm just so easily excited. :rotfl:

autumnpalm

02-06-2009, 12:12 PM

Yay for being in the "100"s!!!:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-06-2009, 12:30 PM

I've set a goal for our upcoming trip. I want to lose 30 lbs by August 23rd. It's very attainable and I KNOW I can do it. My biggest problem with weight stems from my love of eating CRAP. No, not actual crap...but the high calorie, high fat food that is easy to obtain. I love the ease of eating out. My love of fast food has been a hard habit to break. My Dad used to joke about building a drive-threw window in our kitchen for me. So, obviously, my fast food roots run deep -- too deep. It wasn't too bad when I was a teenager b/c it never caught up w/ me. Unfortunately, all those White Castle burgers are definitely starting to take their toll. BOO!!!

I decided that the easiest way for me to become a better eater, and lose weight is to track my calorie intake. I hope this will encourage me to eat smaller portions and not so much fatty food. I found a great tracker to help me with my progress:

http://caloriecount.about.com/

According to this, I need to consume about 1700 calories to lose my weight by August. That really doesn't sound like that big of a sacrifice, but for some one who is used to eating out A LOT and eating a lot of bad things...it's HARD! It's not that I don't enjoy a homecooked meal, fruits, or vegetables - I just LOVE convenience. As I right this, I realizing just how sad and spoiled I sound. That's okay. I've realized where my weakness is, and I am determined to change!!! ::yes::

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/quarterpounder.jpg

Each week, I plan to track my progress on here. Hopefully, I can stay away from the evil grease empire. Wish me luck!!

TxRabbit

02-06-2009, 01:09 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

02-06-2009, 03:35 PM

I definitely wish you well on your calorie counting extravaganza!!!

I KNOW how hard it is to break the fast food habit. And when DS starts talking about how HE would really like to eat this or that, it makes it doubly hard to resist!

I would encourage you to plan hamburgers at home in your meal rotation. One of the hardest things about maintaining a new eating plan is when we cut out our very favorite food. Hamburgers aren't wonderful, but what is WORSE is all the fries and what not that goes with it. Use your calorie counter to figure out a decent hamburger meal that doesn't break the bank, so to speak. That will help with feeling deprived as you try to cut back on calories.

The other thing that I would recommend is to take some time to make food easy to eat. We were on a kick there where we were having burgers on Friday nights (to kick that fast food habit). I let DS have chips, but I made a potato salad for DH and I. I had so many recipes that I had wanted to try. It was less calories than fries and so much healthier. I made Chipotle Potato Salad, so good, with a spicy vinagrette dressing and southwest inspired ingredients. I made a tropical herb potato salad. Anyway, my POINT is that it was so easy to just make a sandwich or something simple and have a super yummy tasty side salad to go with it already made for the weekend.:thumbsup2

I'm rooting for you and 30 pounds!:cheer2: My ultimate goal is 50. I haven't quantified a goal before Disney yet.:scratchin

:thanks:

A lot of my family lives close by and they LOVE to eat out. So, of course I get sucked into their evil web b/c they make it sound so tempting. I need willpower!

You know what's funny, I only really like White Castle hamburgers. Those little things are SO yummy! But, I really LOVE fries and cheese sticks. Mmm, so good - especially w/ cheese! I used to love getting the Aussie Cheese Fries from Outback, and then Aaron came across this article:

http://www.menshealth.com/20worst/worstfood.html.

According to that, those stupid things have about 2900 calories in them! :crazy2: I guess I'm not surprised, but I liked being delusional and thinking they weren't that bad. I really need to take your suggestion, and come up w/ healthier side items. I love salads, so I think I might start pre-making them so then I can just grab one and go. I was also thinking about doing a fruit salad, or just plain fruit. That way, I can get something that's a bit sweeter too!

Thanks for the support! It's always really nice to have others around to help motivate you in something like this.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-06-2009, 03:58 PM

Woo-hoo, this is my 2,000 post! So exciting, I know.

I decided I'd share some old pics from WDW trips that I've taken in the past.

December 2007
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998344_2594.jpg

With my nephews in January 2007
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998159_9871.jpg

Apparently, I'm too big for the stroller...bummer.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998169_3008.jpg

I just love the facial expressions in this one.
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v236/244/48/6852884/n6852884_43998171_3620.jpg

Proof that I was able to get Juliet on the bus before 9am! Not an easy fete.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47122286_2214.jpg

olafgypsy

02-06-2009, 09:11 PM

autumnpalm

02-07-2009, 12:01 AM

Love the pics. I have the same one with my mom and I in the wooden thing (what are those called?:rotfl2: ). It's a great photo op!:goodvibes

Good luck with your weight goal! Although I have to say, in your pictures I think you look great!:grouphug: But I get the health thing, so I wish you the best.:)

WDWRocksMySocks

02-07-2009, 12:37 PM

I LOVE your picture of the Magic Kingdom all decked out for Christmas!! It must be so magical to go there for the holidays. Do they have Christmas trees in the rooms, though? I don't know if I could do without a Christmas tree . . .

I totally sympathize about the fast food addiction. Although, for me, it's NOT about the convenience. It is really about the taste. I LOVE that fake grill taste on the Burger King hamburgers, they are my favorite. And the greasy, salty, french fries. Mmmmmmmmmmmm. I am getting hungry just writing this!

That reminds me: which restaurant do you think has the best burger in WDW?

The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year to go!! It's extra magical. The decorations are amazing and the atmosphere can't be beat! We actually bought a tiny Christmas tree to put in our window. We went the second week of December, so the crowds weren't bad and we still got to celebrate Christmas at home (a must for me). You MUST try to go to WDW at least once during Christmas. It's AMAZING!!!!!!

Oooh, I love that fake grill taste too! It's so good, and the smell is even better. And the fries....YUM! I was just looking at how many calories were in a medium order of fries at Wendy's -- 490! :eek: Needless to say, I won't be eating those for awhile. DARN IT!

My favorite burger at WDW has to be at Peco Bill's or Cosmic Ray's. I love they way they taste and I load up on the cheese sauce and all the other fixings from the toppings bar. Man, I love those topping bars!!!!

Love the pics. I have the same one with my mom and I in the wooden thing (what are those called?:rotfl2: ). It's a great photo op!:goodvibes

Good luck with your weight goal! Although I have to say, in your pictures I think you look great!:grouphug: But I get the health thing, so I wish you the best.:)

I think they are called stocks, or something like that. I love taking pictures there - especially when we hoisted my little nephew up. It was a great picture op!

Thanks!! My BMI is classified as the upper side of normal weight. However, I just feel BLAH and I really want to look good in a two piece! I just feel icky, so I'm hoping to tone up and look good when summer rolls around. So far, it's been going quite well. It's still the first week of it, but I'm hopeful I can do it!! :goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-10-2009, 09:41 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

02-10-2009, 09:54 AM

Weekly Weight Loss: 2 lbs :thumbsup2
Total Weight Loss: 2 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 4 :banana:

I think I've been doing really well, thus far. I've been really trying to stick to eating healthier options and staying away from that evil greasy stuff. I didn't have fast food all week, well I had Subway Saturday (if that counts). I did splurge Saturday. Aaron and I went to Red Lobster and I over indulged on biscuits. BUT...I only went over my daily calorie intake by about 200 which isn't bad for splurging!

I've been really trying to limit how much pop I drink as well. I've been able to stick to 12 oz of Dr. Pepper per day. I think that's pretty good -- especially since I LOOOOOVE Dr. Pepper. I'm drinking about 5-6 bottles of water a day, which equals out to about 85-100 oz a day. Based on information I found online at the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283), I'm definitely meeting the recommended dietary water intake. :thumbsup2

I'm going strong! I just hope I can stay on the wagon!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-10-2009, 10:00 AM

Last night, I got sucked into eBay and bought a new pin (a bit shocked I was able to stop at just one). It was a "Buy it now", so I got it for $13+$3 shipping. It retailed for $10.95, but I could never find it when we were there in October. I love this pin!!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Pin-2.jpg

twinmom

02-10-2009, 10:55 AM

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cP4FDQoAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg

I keep eyeing this book whenever I'm at Barnes & Noble. I realize I probably don't really need to buy it, seeing as I have DIS and already subscribed to TourGuide Mike. But, I just love reading it! It has a lot of helpful information and it makes for great bathroom reading! :rotfl: Yeah, that was probably TMI. I'm really starting to wish that I purchased this book instead of getting subscription to TGM. To TGM's defense, I have not looked at the site a lot as it's not particularly useful until the park hours are released. There is TONS of articles on that site that are helpful. But, it is a lot of information I already knew. I'm still holding out a complete judgment until I see my complete touring plans and put them to use during our trip. Then I'll be able to give a full review of TGM. I still think I may breakdown and buy the UG. Amazon has it for a little less that $11.

I really don't think you will regret buying TGM. After park hours are out using his what park to go to on what day is great. I have noticed it is not being kept up to date. A friend bought it for her Jan. trip and I think she said it didn't even mention Toy Story Mania in its touring plan.

I bought the Unofficial Guide when I first started going to WDW and it kindof depressed me. I thought it approached things in a negative light. I may feel differently now but 10 years ago thats how I felt.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-10-2009, 11:30 AM

I really don't think you will regret buying TGM. After park hours are out using his what park to go to on what day is great. I have noticed it is not being kept up to date. A friend bought it for her Jan. trip and I think she said it didn't even mention Toy Story Mania in its touring plan.

I bought the Unofficial Guide when I first started going to WDW and it kindof depressed me. I thought it approached things in a negative light. I may feel differently now but 10 years ago thats how I felt.

Thanks for the reassurance about TGM. I think you're right. I've really heard some great things about it - especially the best days part. That's actually one of the reasons I joined. I kept hearing about how awesome it was so I had to see for myself. Plus, we're going at the end of August and I've heard mixed things about how big the crowds will be. I figure, every little piece of advice will help w/ the crowds. I just hope he's updated his site to include TSM now [crossing my fingers].

That's a bummer it depressed you. I've noticed that they seem to take a more sarcastic approach to it. I really love reading it whenever I'm in the bookstore. I think it probably has a lot to do w/ the fact that it's about WDW. I'll read anything about WDW!! I'm such a junkie. :rotfl:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-10-2009, 05:43 PM

WOO HOO!!!!!!! I just won one of my HG pins off eBay. I wound up winning it for $25.00 (includes shipping). YAY...I'm SOOOOO excited!!!! :banana: :yay: Now, I just have two more to go to finish off this set.

http://www.pinpics.com/img/p477/pin23853

autumnpalm

02-10-2009, 05:47 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 11:43 AM

Those HM are so neat. I've never seen them before!

I have the 2003 and 2008 version of the UoG and I like them. They are a little negative, but they do have a ton of information and I like the tear out touring plans and ride ratings. It's the most extensive Disney guidebook I've found so far... although there really isn't a lot of difference between the two versions I've got so I probably won't be buying it again.

It costs like 9 bucks to subscribe to the website, so I figure you might as well get the book too off Amazon for 2 bucks more since the book includes a subscription to the website.

Aren't those cool? I discovered them on PinPics one day and immediately became obsessed! Thank goodness for eBay (sometimes at least). I can't wait to complete the set.

I think I might go ahead and buy it off Amazon. I really don't need to, but I think I'd really enjoy comparing notes and just reading through it.

Lynn5700

02-13-2009, 11:46 AM

Oh I collect HM pins!!!! Love them!! they are really cool!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 11:48 AM

Okay, this has absolutely nothing to do w/ WDW but it fits in w/ my random PTR anyway.

I was able to get floor seats for Keith Urban in June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana: :yay: :banana: I am so excited! We're in the 5th row, in the second section of floor seats (basically, like in the 25 row overall). I am so excited!!! Oh, and I just found out that he's coming to the Indiana State Fair the week before our WDW trip. I'm hoping that I can go see him then too, but we'll see.

Le sigh...
http://imgsrv.wycd.com/image/wycd2/UserFiles/Image/Artist/Keith_Urban.jpg

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 11:53 AM

Oh I collect HM pins!!!! Love them!! they are really cool!

Aren't they, though? I wish I could go to DL for the Haunted Mansion O'Pin House kick-off event (http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/event?id=41329). I'm seriously drooling over some of those pins!!!

TxRabbit

02-13-2009, 12:23 PM

Weekly Weight Loss: 2 lbs :thumbsup2
Total Weight Loss: 2 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 4 :banana:

I'm going strong! I just hope I can stay on the wagon!

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Way to go!!!

It's hard breaking a soda habit. I know. I had it with Diet Coke. Oof. I finally decided enough was enough. I had found some info that really made me think I needed to quit soda, and on April 1, 2007 I decided that I would quit.

I just check out the UoG from my local library.:thumbsup2

HeatherBelle614

02-13-2009, 02:46 PM

Subbing!!

I love the picture of you on Christmas morning; so cute!!

Complain all you want about the LSAT! I'll join you, if you don't mind! We can get through it together.

I'm excited to hear you love POP so much! This will be our first time there!

We went in June last year; it was hot and humid, but not unbearable. Just stick with your plans, and you'll be fine!!!

I love the MNSSHP pics; I'm keeping my fingers crossed they have the decor up early this year like they did last year! It was so funny; I asked the CM that booked us about that, and she said she wasn't sure, but we could push back our trip dates for a week and we'd probably be 110% set. Well, I explained to her that I'm taking the LSAT on September 26, so I couldn't change our dates. She proclaims "SO AM I!!" I stayed on the phone with this CM for almost 45 minutes talking LSAT/law school!

HeatherBelle614

02-13-2009, 02:58 PM

P.S. I have two kitties, too!! Baby (Dirty Dancing) and Meeko (Pochahontas!)

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 03:50 PM

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Way to go!!!

It's hard breaking a soda habit. I know. I had it with Diet Coke. Oof. I finally decided enough was enough. I had found some info that really made me think I needed to quit soda, and on April 1, 2007 I decided that I would quit.

I just check out the UoG from my local library.:thumbsup2

Thanks!!! The pop habit really is a tough one to break. I really love drinking water, but sometimes I just feel the need for some flavor with a meal. I've started buying fresh lemon to add to my water in these instances. But, man...I love Dr. Pepper. I feel like a junkie or something. :rotfl:

All this talk about UG makes me want to go grab a copy now.

Subbing!!

I love the picture of you on Christmas morning; so cute!!

Complain all you want about the LSAT! I'll join you, if you don't mind! We can get through it together.

I'm excited to hear you love POP so much! This will be our first time there!

We went in June last year; it was hot and humid, but not unbearable. Just stick with your plans, and you'll be fine!!!

I love the MNSSHP pics; I'm keeping my fingers crossed they have the decor up early this year like they did last year! It was so funny; I asked the CM that booked us about that, and she said she wasn't sure, but we could push back our trip dates for a week and we'd probably be 110% set. Well, I explained to her that I'm taking the LSAT on September 26, so I couldn't change our dates. She proclaims "SO AM I!!" I stayed on the phone with this CM for almost 45 minutes talking LSAT/law school!

Hey Heather, thanks for stopping by! :wave2:

So glad to have someone else taking the LSAT this year. Too funny the CM you spoke with is taking it too. I'm really stressing over it - moreso than actually law school itself, which I think may be a bit irrational. I'm happy to have someone to commiserate with. I'm actually thinking about switching the date to the September, because:

1) The June test is on a Monday. I was planning to take the day off from work to take it. If I switch to the September date, which is on administered on a Saturday, I will not have to use PTO.

2) I made a mistake on the calender, and thought the Keith Urban concert was the weekend after the LSAT. D'oh! :headache: The June test is the day AFTER the Keith Urban concert. So, I'd have to sell the tickets.

3) Switching to the September date will allow me for more time to prepare.

I'm just nervous about switching it b/c what if I just procrastinate and psych myself out? Ugh, I feel like I'm having a moment of panic here. :sad2:

Okay, now on to the fun Disney stuff...

Pop is a lot of fun! I think its by far the best value resort of the three. I've never had a problem with the bus system, and the location is pretty good. I hope you guys enjoy it!

MNSSHP was a lot of fun!! I loved dressing up and trick-or-treating in the MK. Such a blast!!!!!! I thought I read somewhere that the fall decorations went up last year around the first week of September or late August. Hopefully, they'll be up in time for your trip. Unfortunately, I think ours is a little too early for it.

P.S. I have two kitties, too!! Baby (Dirty Dancing) and Meeko (Pochahontas!)

Love those names - very cute!! You should post pics in your PTR. :thumbsup2

HeatherBelle614

02-13-2009, 04:04 PM

autumnpalm

02-13-2009, 04:08 PM

Oooh, just reading all this LSAT talk is making me feel smarter.:lmao:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 04:19 PM

Well, if you take the September test, we can keep encouraging each other to study!! I really disliked that the June test was on a Monday, too. Not really prime for people who work full time jobs.

If you take it in September, you can get all of your applications in and finished this summer. Then, when you get your scores back, all you have to do is eletronically send them to the schools you're applying to; you'll be entirely finished! I was just afraid if I took the June test, I'd be too freaked out about the actual test to work on the application part of it.

Maybe we can talk the DH's to let us girls meet up at WDW for a mini-trip to celebrate being done with the test? Whatdya think? :rotfl:

I could hear DH now: "You want to go to WDW..again..within a month...so you can celebrate with a girl you met on the DIS?" Haha. He makes fun of how often I'm on DIS as it is, but he means well. He'll get sucked in one day!

Ok, back to work. Lunch is almost over!

You're convincing me to switch to September! I need someone to suffer through it with. :rotfl: I honestly hadn't given a lot of thought to the application process in June. I've been so focused on the LSAT that I kind of just pushed that idea WAY out of my head. WHOOPS! I mean, obviously I knew I was applying but I just put that as a secondary focus...or something. :scared: What a great idea though! Thanks Heather!!!!!

How are you preparing for the LSAT? I was thinking about taking a course, but I really don't think that would do me much good. I've been using the PowerScore books and they've been great. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 (Sorry, I LOVE emoticons!)

I love the idea of taking a post-LSAT WDW trip to celebrate! Who cares what our DHs think -- we can leave them behind if they complain. :lmao: I'm so nice. I could just picture what Aaron's reaction would be to that. He'd think I was nuts -- which I kind of am, but in a good way.

Aaron makes fun of my DIS obsession too. Although, he used to play this dorky game called World of Warcraft so he has no room to judge! :rotfl2:

Oooh, just reading all this LSAT talk is making me feel smarter.:lmao:

HA! :rotfl: :rotfl2:

debraW76

02-13-2009, 04:24 PM

I found your PTR from Heather's and wanted to pop in to say Hi. :flower3: I was at DHS on the exact same morning last October at rope drop!! We thought it was crowded too. At first I thought the weird guy in your photo was my husband as he also had dark hair and a beard. But no, fortunately it wasn't him :rotfl2:

Did you see a very impatient looking brunette with a double stroller and 6 kids standing by the TSM FP line thinking that was the line for the ride? IF so that was me!!

I will have to go through my photos to see exactly where we were at rope drop. We divided up and my DH went to TOT to get FP while I took the kids and my mom to TSM. However my mother got "confused" and wound up following my husband instead of me. So instead of it taking him just a few minutes to get there and back to us it wound up taking around 30 because she can't walk very fast or very far without stopping for a break.

So anywhooo we did get some added entertainment by having to wait so long. When he finally caught up to us we were in line for TSM (still outside) and a woman came by yelling at her mom in line beside us saying "I AM LEAVING NOW MOM!! YOU CANNOT RIDE THIS F***KING RIDE!!! IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE G**DA** CAR BY THE TIME I GET THERE I AM LEAVING YOUR SORRY A** HERE!" Then she walked off and came back screaming at her again "MOM I MEAN IT I AM LEAVING NOW GET OUT OF THE FU**ING LINE. YOU CAN GET YOUR OWN DA** RIDE BACK TO ILLINOIS!!"

Did you by chance see all that?? I felt so bad for the mom and I was embarressed for the kids that were with her. Way to end a lovely vacation.

Love the pre TR so far. I was at DHS that Sunday but didn't think it looked that crowded. We got there right after the rope drop.

What rope drop looked like at DHS on Sunday, 10/12 (the day before Columbus Day). I love the expression of the guy in the lower right corner.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v349/244/48/6852884/n6852884_47105087_7651.jpg

debraW76

02-13-2009, 04:28 PM

OK, this is where we were that very morning at rope drop

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=242664713/PictureID=6035552852/a=143477589_143477589/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 04:48 PM

I found your PTR from Heather's and wanted to pop in to say Hi. :flower3: I was at DHS on the exact same morning last October at rope drop!! We thought it was crowded too. At first I thought the weird guy in your photo was my husband as he also had dark hair and a beard. But no, fortunately it wasn't him :rotfl2:

Did you see a very impatient looking brunette with a double stroller and 6 kids standing by the TSM FP line thinking that was the line for the ride? IF so that was me!!

I will have to go through my photos to see exactly where we were at rope drop. We divided up and my DH went to TOT to get FP while I took the kids and my mom to TSM. However my mother got "confused" and wound up following my husband instead of me. So instead of it taking him just a few minutes to get there and back to us it wound up taking around 30 because she can't walk very fast or very far without stopping for a break.

So anywhooo we did get some added entertainment by having to wait so long. When he finally caught up to us we were in line for TSM (still outside) and a woman came by yelling at her mom in line beside us saying "I AM LEAVING NOW MOM!! YOU CANNOT RIDE THIS F***KING RIDE!!! IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE G**DA** CAR BY THE TIME I GET THERE I AM LEAVING YOUR SORRY A** HERE!" Then she walked off and came back screaming at her again "MOM I MEAN IT I AM LEAVING NOW GET OUT OF THE FU**ING LINE. YOU CAN GET YOUR OWN DA** RIDE BACK TO ILLINOIS!!"

Did you by chance see all that?? I felt so bad for the mom and I was embarressed for the kids that were with her. Way to end a lovely vacation.

:welcome:

I was laughing so hard when I read you thought that guy was your husband. :lmao: That would've been so hilarious! I'm sorry you guys had such a hassle trying to get in line. The herd of people over there was just frightening. As soon as I got my fastpasses, I got out of there. I was a bit scared in that mob. :scared1:

Man, I missed that! Some people should just can't handle crowds, or people in general. :sad2: I did see some crazy woman yelling at another crazy woman at Epcot the day before. There husbands physically had to restrain them. I felt really bad for their kids too. I understand the crowds are stressful, but geez!

OK, this is where we were that very morning at rope drop

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=242664713/PictureID=6035552852/a=143477589_143477589/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

Oh, bummer -- I missed being in that shot by just a few feet! I had to have seen you, because I would've been standing just ahead of you and to the left. That's crazy, eh? If you saw a big, tall blondish/brownish/whateverish woman looking like she was about to get trampled -- that was me!

debraW76

02-13-2009, 04:54 PM

debraW76

02-13-2009, 05:04 PM

This is just too funny.

This woman here (cropped from your photo) could be my mom. It is a bit blurry to tell for sure.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo190/debraw76/n6852884_47105087_7651.jpg

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 05:08 PM

Here is another photo. I am sure you are in it somewhere because I think I spotted my mom in yours...

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=242664713/PictureID=6035553173/a=143477589_143477589/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

I think I spotted one of the guys in this photo in the one I took too, although it's hard to tell.

This is just too funny.

This woman here (cropped from your photo) could be my mom. It is a bit blurry to tell for sure.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo190/debraw76/n6852884_47105087_7651.jpg

:lmao: :rotfl: I'm seriously cracking up over this! Too funny.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 05:09 PM

I saw this great idea on autumnpalm's PTR, and decided to "borrow" it. :)

Here is a list of the top 10 things DH and I MUST do during our trip:

Visit each of the monorail resorts - I've been to WDW at least 25 times and have never done this. I always say I am going to, but it never happens. This year, it WILL happen!

Attend morning EMH at one of the parks - I love to get up early, but my family does not. Therefore, we've never been able to attend the AM EMH. Aaron is flexible though, so I think we might be able to do it this trip.

Use PhotoPass - Shameful, I know. We've never taken advantage of this great idea. I love all the pics I've seen on TR that were PP pics. I'm hoping to get in on one of the PP shares on DIS. Now, if only I can remember to look into that in late March - early April.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour - I have wanted to do this tour for quite some time, but never seem to actually do it. Aaron said he wouldn't mind, and I think I'd really enjoy it.

Trade pins with Scoop - I 've never seen him, and I'm determined to meet him this year!

Attend EMH at AK - this is something I'm just hoping to do b/c I ALWAYS miss it by just one day during our past trips.

Watch SpectroMagic - I've never actually stopped to watch it! I know, shameful. Although, technically I did see parts of it once while I was on Splash Mountain. It was kind of cool to see all the floats coming out while we rounded the corner -- pretty neat perspective.

Trade pins with the super-traders - I did this for the first time last October, and I really enjoyed it. Now that I've overcome the intimidation, I want to look through all the pins and see what else I can get. It was pretty fun and I got an awesome pin! :thumbsup2:

Buy a Christmas ornament - I wanted to create a tradition where I bought a new ornament each year. Well, I've been to sporadic about it and now I really want to force myself to do it.

Convince Aaron that he loves WDW - I'm crossing my fingers!!

debraW76

02-13-2009, 05:10 PM

I'm gonna send mom over here to see what she thinks. Like I said though, she is a little slow (God bless her) so it may take her a few days to find you. :goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-13-2009, 05:11 PM

I'm gonna send mom over here to see what she thinks. Like I said though, she is a little slow (God bless her) so it may take her a few days to find you. :goodvibes

Okay, I'll be on the lookout. If it's her, I'm going to laugh so hard. Such a small world...

ckdsnynt

02-13-2009, 05:19 PM

I figured I'd post a picture of how I display my pins (for now at least). My sister helped me make a board that was inspired by the pin cards. I bought a giant piece of cork board material. I traced out the ears using plastic bowls and traced the head using a plate (yes, I'm very scientific). We cut it out using a box cutter and an Exacto knife (the box cutter worked MUCH better). I then used heavy duty spray paint and covered it with black felt material. I think it turned out really well! I'll have to take a better picture of it with my camera. I was lazy and just used my cell phone.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/0203092132.jpg
I saw your pin board and love it! Here's my problem - I love collecting pins but I have a bad habit of forgetting which ones I have and I have a tendancy to buy the same ones I already have! No I am not kidding! Do you have some sort of system for keeping track of yours or am I just bordering on senility and there's no hope for me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer to spend money on new pins rather than sometimes buying ones I already have. Thanks.

lisalonglash

02-13-2009, 06:55 PM

Funny what a search for "grumpy husband" comes up with on the DIS - your PTR was one of the results LOL

OK, a few things:

(1) We love Stacey too!!! All four of us LOL My 9yo ds seriously loves her - it's so cute! :rotfl2:

(2) Your pictures are great! The ones of your kitties made me want to snuggle with my PoleyBear cat :love:

(3) My husband was definitely grumpy on our first trip (with my in-laws (his family)), but this time he's really excited about our trip. He's coming home with the book I wanted from Chapters today - the WDW Passporter 2009 :banana:

Looking forward to more - great writing! :thumbsup2

HeatherBelle614

02-14-2009, 11:00 AM

I'm glad to help!! I just want to be done with the app process by the time I take the test, so that's how I'm looking at it! I know you can do the apps after the June test, but after studying so much, I don't think I'd be motivated. Instead, I'm using the apps as a break from studying right now. :lmao:

I took the Kaplan prep class and HATED it. I didn't get much out of it at all and thought it was a pretty big waste of money. (They're so expensive.) I use the Princeton Review books; there's a study guide that comes with a CD that is really helpful. I also have their book of the Top 147 law schools in the nation; right now, it's so colorful with different Post-It sticky tabs - where I'd like to go, where DH wouldn't mind living, which schools have a program I'm interested in, cost, etc. It's a VERY helpful book!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! :hug:

autumnpalm

02-14-2009, 12:10 PM

Oh my gosh, Spectro is my all time favourite Disney parade. I really hope you can catch it, it's beautiful. I have the music on my iPod! LOL

If you do the Keys tour, I would love to hear what you think of it. I'm really excited to do it.:dance3:

Photopass really is great. Are you thinking of doing the photo session at one of the resorts? We've been just thrilled with ours!! They're so much fun.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-15-2009, 10:01 PM

I saw your pin board and love it! Here's my problem - I love collecting pins but I have a bad habit of forgetting which ones I have and I have a tendancy to buy the same ones I already have! No I am not kidding! Do you have some sort of system for keeping track of yours or am I just bordering on senility and there's no hope for me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer to spend money on new pins rather than sometimes buying ones I already have. Thanks.

Thanks!! I have never bought the same pins, but I have traded for them. I actually had to call DH and ask him if I had some of the ones I traded for in October. I usually just buy limited edition pins, so they aren't there the next I return.

Do you have a PinPics account? It's a great website that you can use to do an inventory on your pins. You can list them in three categories: collection, tradeables and pins you want. I love it! It's also a great way to view other traders collections, and you can even set up trades on there. My name is WDWRocksMySocks on there. Check it out!! :thumbsup2

Funny what a search for "grumpy husband" comes up with on the DIS - your PTR was one of the results LOL

OK, a few things:

(1) We love Stacey too!!! All four of us LOL My 9yo ds seriously loves her - it's so cute! :rotfl2:

(2) Your pictures are great! The ones of your kitties made me want to snuggle with my PoleyBear cat :love:

(3) My husband was definitely grumpy on our first trip (with my in-laws (his family)), but this time he's really excited about our trip. He's coming home with the book I wanted from Chapters today - the WDW Passporter 2009 :banana:

Looking forward to more - great writing! :thumbsup2

:welcome:
Haha, that's hilarious! Glad to have you stumble across it - especially since your a cat-loving, Stacey fan w/ a former grumpy DH! :rotfl: What do you think changed his grumpy ways for your upcoming trip? I'd love to receive any advice!!

Also, what do you think of the Passporter?

I'm glad to help!! I just want to be done with the app process by the time I take the test, so that's how I'm looking at it! I know you can do the apps after the June test, but after studying so much, I don't think I'd be motivated. Instead, I'm using the apps as a break from studying right now. :lmao:

I took the Kaplan prep class and HATED it. I didn't get much out of it at all and thought it was a pretty big waste of money. (They're so expensive.) I use the Princeton Review books; there's a study guide that comes with a CD that is really helpful. I also have their book of the Top 147 law schools in the nation; right now, it's so colorful with different Post-It sticky tabs - where I'd like to go, where DH wouldn't mind living, which schools have a program I'm interested in, cost, etc. It's a VERY helpful book!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! :hug:

Yes, thank you!!! I was planning on doing the application process after the exam, but it sounds like an excellent plan to do it before. I'd love to get it all done and not have to worry so much. I am so glad we found each other on the DIS!!! I definitely needed someone else who is in the same boat. It really helps. :thumbsup2

That's too bad Kaplan didn't help you. I was afraid of that, and now you've confirmed my fears. I almost took the class last summer. I really like using the study guides better. That way, I'm able to work at my own pace and find a way to relate to the material. So far, the "LSAT Logic Games Bible" by PowerScore has been my favorite. I swear, those logic games drain my soul!!! :sad2:

Did you have a Happy Valentine's Day?

Oh my gosh, Spectro is my all time favourite Disney parade. I really hope you can catch it, it's beautiful. I have the music on my iPod! LOL

If you do the Keys tour, I would love to hear what you think of it. I'm really excited to do it.:dance3:

Photopass really is great. Are you thinking of doing the photo session at one of the resorts? We've been just thrilled with ours!! They're so much fun.

I've heard such great things about Spectro, and from what little I've seen I think it's all true! I really hope we get to see it. I've really fallen in love with the music for it. I listen to Live365 a lot and always get so excited when the Spectro music comes on.

Well, we haven't decided on it...yet. I'll be working my powers of persuasion on Aaron in hopes to convince him. I hope you guys have a lot of fun during the tour. You go in June, right? I look forward to reading your TR!

I would LOVE to do one of the photo sessions. However, having Aaron's picture taken is like pulling teeth. He hates it! I figure I'll be able to at least pose for some while in the parks. At least he better do it!!!

lisalonglash

02-15-2009, 10:51 PM

:welcome:

Thank you! :goodvibes

Haha, that's hilarious! Glad to have you stumble across it - especially since your a cat-loving, Stacey fan w/ a former grumpy DH! :rotfl: What do you think changed his grumpy ways for your upcoming trip? I'd love to receive any advice!!

Reasons he's not grumpy this time:

- It's just our family of four this time (last time was a GG with all my in-laws - his family; which was fine with me, but not so much fine with him). My best friend, her fiance and my adorable goddaughter may be joining us we hope, but we have travelled with them before in Europe and we travel very well together :thumbsup2

- The money for this trip was his gift to me for our 15th anniversary in December 2008 :love: (because I was whining about going on vacation :lmao:)

- We'll be able to do what we want, how we want, when we want this time. THAT is a huge part of his non-grumpiness, I'm sure

- We had a lot of fun last year at WDW. We loved the weather, loved the parks, loved the hotel and just generally had a great time

Trust me, if MY dh can be "ungrumpified", your dh can become a happy camper - I promise! :hug:

Also, what do you think of the Passporter?

I LOVE it so far! I still love my Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids book, but the sheer organizational possibilities of the Passporter are super! I'm looking forward to being able to loosely plan our days, but I'm waiting for WDW to post their park hours - won't happen for ages, I'm sure! :mad:

autumnpalm

02-16-2009, 01:00 AM

We're actually going to WDW in the first week of May. Our June trip was supposed to be to Disneyland but that's been postponed for now because of changing conference dates.

I know what you mean about pictures being like pulling teeth. It took a lot of convincing to get my brother to be in the photos... PLUS he was really sick on the day of the session so he got a gold star for being such a good sport! Then we let him go back to the Poly and sleep on a hammock until we had to leave.:laughing:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-16-2009, 08:33 AM

Thank you! :goodvibes

Reasons he's not grumpy this time:

- It's just our family of four this time (last time was a GG with all my in-laws - his family; which was fine with me, but not so much fine with him). My best friend, her fiance and my adorable goddaughter may be joining us we hope, but we have travelled with them before in Europe and we travel very well together :thumbsup2

- The money for this trip was his gift to me for our 15th anniversary in December 2008 :love: (because I was whining about going on vacation :lmao:)

- We'll be able to do what we want, how we want, when we want this time. THAT is a huge part of his non-grumpiness, I'm sure

- We had a lot of fun last year at WDW. We loved the weather, loved the parks, loved the hotel and just generally had a great time

Trust me, if MY dh can be "ungrumpified", your dh can become a happy camper - I promise! :hug:

I LOVE it so far! I still love my Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids book, but the sheer organizational possibilities of the Passporter are super! I'm looking forward to being able to loosely plan our days, but I'm waiting for WDW to post their park hours - won't happen for ages, I'm sure! :mad:

What a wonderful anniversary gift!! When is your anniversary? When is your trip? Ha, so many questions! You should start a PTR! It's really fun, and quite addictive once you get going.

I guess I don't really blame him for being grumpy about traveling w/ other people. I really enjoy going w/ a few number of people, otherwise it gets to be such a hassle in attempting to please everyone -- especially when they insist you all stay together like my family does. :rolleyes1 DH has already stated he refuses to go back to WDW w/ my family. I don't mind, b/c ITA!!! It's so difficult to find compatible traveling companions. I hope your best friend and her family will be able to come along. That sounds like fun!

I'll have to check out the Passporter the next time I'm at the bookstore. I absolutely love spending countless of hours pouring over the WDW travel books. It's such a fun waste of time!

We're actually going to WDW in the first week of May. Our June trip was supposed to be to Disneyland but that's been postponed for now because of changing conference dates.

I know what you mean about pictures being like pulling teeth. It took a lot of convincing to get my brother to be in the photos... PLUS he was really sick on the day of the session so he got a gold star for being such a good sport! Then we let him go back to the Poly and sleep on a hammock until we had to leave.:laughing:

Oh no, I hadn't seen that you pp your DL trip. I'm heading over to your PTR now to get up to speed. Bummer! But, yay that your WDW is a little sooner than I thought. :thumbsup2

Aw, your poor brother. Being sick at WDW would be awful! But what a trooper. I saw some of your session pics on your PTR and they turned out really well. I wish I could convince Aaron to do that. Hmmm...maybe some day?

Oh, and sleeping on a hammock at the Poly sounds REALLY good right about now...stupid Mondays!!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-16-2009, 09:03 AM

Weekly Weight Loss: 2 lbs
Total Weight Loss: 4 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 3

I am really fortunate that I lost 2 pounds this week. I was doing really well at the start of the week. The weather was really nice, and we were able to FINALLY go outside and walk on our favorite trail. It much more enjoyable than walking the track at the YMCA. We walked about 4 miles on Monday and then on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the weather turned icky by Wednesday and we didn't workout again until Sunday night. Whoops! Not to mention, I kind of gorged myself on Valentine's Day. I fell off the wagon and ate Wendy's, which kind of made me sick and I couldn't even finish it. For dinner, we went to Carrabba's and I ate WAY too much there. Oh, it was so good though!! I still have managed to just drink 12 oz of Dr. Pepper per day. So, that's something -- right? I'm really hoping I can stay focused this week. :goodvibes

debraW76

02-16-2009, 09:36 AM

Keep up the good work. :thumbsup2
You are doing great :cheer2: :cheer2:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-16-2009, 09:40 AM

Keep up the good work. :thumbsup2
You are doing great :cheer2: :cheer2:

Thank you!!!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-16-2009, 09:52 AM

I'm not really a big fan of Valentine's Day -- for several reasons. I don't really think that there needs to be one day that we devote to showing that we love our significant other. That should be done EVERY day. Although, I must admit I really enjoy getting gifts from Aaron on V-Day.

It's also a difficult time of year for me and my family. My Dad passed away six years ago last Thursday (2/12). The first V-Day Aaron and I ever spent together was at a funeral home, at my Dad's viewing. Needless to say, it's a hard time to deal with -- regardless of the years that have past.

Aaron has always been very supportive in making the day special, without going over the top. This is something I really appreciate, especially as I find myself getting grumpy over during this time. We decided to spend the day up in Indianapolis. We went to the "Half Price Bookstore" -- which we love. Aaron found a lot of great deals, me...not so much. We had dinner at Carrabba's, which is our favorite Italian restaurant. Mmm, so good! We also did a bit more shopping and came home to watch "V for Vendetta".

He also decided to feed my pin addiction this year! He got me five different pins, which I really enjoyed. I'm always impressed b/c he really acts like he hates all things Disney, yet he did such a great job picking these out!

http://pinpics.com/img/p1366/pin68302

http://pinpics.com/img/p1345/pin67255

http://pinpics.com/img/p751/pin37557

http://pinpics.com/img/p1335/pin66761

http://pinpics.com/img/p843/pin42172

He also got me some flowers -- Gerber Daisies are my favorite!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/VDay.jpg

lisalonglash

02-16-2009, 12:22 PM

What a wonderful anniversary gift!! When is your anniversary? When is your trip? Ha, so many questions! You should start a PTR! It's really fun, and quite addictive once you get going.

Yes, it really was an amazing anniversary gift! I woke up to a bottle of my favourite champagne surrounded by cash in the middle of the kitchen table with a chocolate rose (that Bernard Callebaut store is just too darn close lol). I just sort of looked at it, then asked him what store he robbed :lmao: After he stopped laughing, he told me that the money was for me to plan a vacation again - because I had so much fun planning and enjoying the vacation last time. :love: Oh, our anniversary is December 28 and that was our 15th :cloud9:

As for a PTR, I think I'd rather do a TR, but I've never done one before and some of the TRs I've read (including yours) are very well-written! It's a bit intimidating to think about writing one :scared1:

I guess I don't really blame him for being grumpy about traveling w/ other people. I really enjoy going w/ a few number of people, otherwise it gets to be such a hassle in attempting to please everyone -- especially when they insist you all stay together like my family does. :rolleyes1 DH has already stated he refuses to go back to WDW w/ my family. I don't mind, b/c ITA!!! It's so difficult to find compatible traveling companions. I hope your best friend and her family will be able to come along. That sounds like fun!

Yes, the "staying all together in one big lump o' people" thing got old quickly :rotfl2: We had the best time the last two days of the vacation - when we simply told everyone which park we were going to and then we just went there without waiting kwim? :goodvibes

Thank you, yes, I hope they will be able to join us too - we miss them, they live WAY too far away (just outside of London, UK) :sad2:

I'll have to check out the Passporter the next time I'm at the bookstore. I absolutely love spending countless of hours pouring over the WDW travel books. It's such a fun waste of time!

Check it out, it's neat! I really like all the pockets at the back and the way they've organized the restaurant and ride information - very easy to reference!

:hug: to you for this sad time of year. :thumbsup2 to your dh for being able to cheer you up some with his thoughtful gifts.

We don't "do" Valentine's Day - at all LOL We celebrate any other day BUT V-Day - yeah, we're rebellious like that :rotfl:

HeatherBelle614

02-16-2009, 01:38 PM

Great job on the diet!!

I'm sorry to hear about your February story; that's so sweet that he's so supportive, though. What a fab guy to buy you those pins!!

Since you seem to be my top pin collecting friend, can you rec anywhere to get an inexpensive lanyard? I need one for DF; I found Belle and Cinderella lanyards yesterday for DM & myself..for $1.00 at Michael's!! DH already has one, so I need to find a good price on one for DF...

WDWRocksMySocks

02-16-2009, 02:41 PM

Yes, it really was an amazing anniversary gift! I woke up to a bottle of my favourite champagne surrounded by cash in the middle of the kitchen table with a chocolate rose (that Bernard Callebaut store is just too darn close lol). I just sort of looked at it, then asked him what store he robbed :lmao: After he stopped laughing, he told me that the money was for me to plan a vacation again - because I had so much fun planning and enjoying the vacation last time. :love: Oh, our anniversary is December 28 and that was our 15th :cloud9:

Wow, what a great and funny way to present the gift! I would have thrown the money in our bed and rolled in it a few times. :lmao: I totally would, too. Congrats on celebrating your 15th anniversary!! Aaron and I are planning to celebrate our 3rd in June. :lovestruc

As for a PTR, I think I'd rather do a TR, but I've never done one before and some of the TRs I've read (including yours) are very well-written! It's a bit intimidating to think about writing one :scared1:

Thanks for the compliments. :) This is actually my second attempt at a PTR. I started one for our October trip, and then just forgot about it. Now, I've gotten sucked in. Plus, I love to write and it's kind of like an escape for me. You should try it, or at least do a TR. You will already have at least one reader in me! :thumbsup2

Yes, the "staying all together in one big lump o' people" thing got old quickly :rotfl2: We had the best time the last two days of the vacation - when we simply told everyone which park we were going to and then we just went there without waiting kwim? :goodvibes

YES! It really gets old...and frustrating. My biggest complaint is slow walking. I walk at an obscene pace while I'm at WDW. So, I'm constantly having to stop and wait for everyone. It drives me nuts. I know, I need to be more patient and calm about it. But really, it annoys me!

Thank you, yes, I hope they will be able to join us too - we miss them, they live WAY too far away (just outside of London, UK) :sad2:

Oh wow, I thought I had it bad because my best friend lives in Utah (I'm in Indiana). How did you guys meet? I really hope it works out for you guys. What a fun trip that would be!

Check it out, it's neat! I really like all the pockets at the back and the way they've organized the restaurant and ride information - very easy to reference!

Ooh, I like the idea of the pockets. I really love the idea of being organized. Unfortunately, I'm not so big on the practice of it.

:hug: to you for this sad time of year. :thumbsup2 to your dh for being able to cheer you up some with his thoughtful gifts.

Thank you!! It's something that I assumed would get easier to deal with as time progresses. However, it has not. I think you just learn to cope with it in better ways and do the best you can to handle it. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss him.

We don't "do" Valentine's Day - at all LOL We celebrate any other day BUT V-Day - yeah, we're rebellious like that :rotfl:

HA! I kind of like the rebellion of it. But, if celebrating it means DH will get me pins...well, I kind of want to go along with it. :rotfl:

Great job on the diet!!

I'm sorry to hear about your February story; that's so sweet that he's so supportive, though. What a fab guy to buy you those pins!!

Since you seem to be my top pin collecting friend, can you rec anywhere to get an inexpensive lanyard? I need one for DF; I found Belle and Cinderella lanyards yesterday for DM & myself..for $1.00 at Michael's!! DH already has one, so I need to find a good price on one for DF...

Thanks!!! It's been hard, but I'm determined.

Yeah, February definitely became a difficult month 6 years ago. But, DH does a wonderful job in supporting me and helping me get through it. My sister actually came over on Thursday and we watched "Bachelor Mother" together and ate take-out. It was a nice way to spend the evening.

You know, I still use the same lanyard that I got when I first started trading (2007 - not too long ago). I always talk about how I'm going to get a new one, but I never do. I've seen non-Disney ones on eBay for a decent price. But, I don't think you'll be able to beat $1 b/c of shipping. Are you going to use it for trading?

lisalonglash

02-16-2009, 03:43 PM

Wow, what a great and funny way to present the gift! I would have thrown the money in our bed and rolled in it a few times. :lmao: I totally would, too. Congrats on celebrating your 15th anniversary!! Aaron and I are planning to celebrate our 3rd in June. :lovestruc

I thought about rolling around in it, then realized that I'd be laughing so loudly I would've woken our children a bit too early :lmao: An early congratulations to you and Aaron :daisy:

Thanks for the compliments. :) This is actually my second attempt at a PTR. I started one for our October trip, and then just forgot about it. Now, I've gotten sucked in. Plus, I love to write and it's kind of like an escape for me.

Well, I'm very much enjoying this PTR and looking forward to the next installment :thumbsup2 Thanks

You should try it, or at least do a TR. You will already have at least one reader in me! :thumbsup2

Thanks :hug:

YES! It really gets old...and frustrating. My biggest complaint is slow walking. I walk at an obscene pace while I'm at WDW. So, I'm constantly having to stop and wait for everyone. It drives me nuts. I know, I need to be more patient and calm about it. But really, it annoys me!

Oh yes, the slow walking bugged me too :headache: Luckily, my boys walk as quickly as I do - we walk together quite often and they've just grown up walking quickly thanks to me ::yes:: Now, dh on the other hand, well he's just learnt over the years that he needs to catch up to us :laughing:

Oh wow, I thought I had it bad because my best friend lives in Utah (I'm in Indiana). How did you guys meet? I really hope it works out for you guys. What a fun trip that would be!

Funny story - short version is that she was my second ex-fiance's roommate. I dumped him and kept her :lmao: I really hope that they're able to come - I want to snuggle my goddaughter!

Ooh, I like the idea of the pockets. I really love the idea of being organized. Unfortunately, I'm not so big on the practice of it.

Yeah, you and me both :rotfl: However, this time, I'm determined to be more organized with WDW stuff and I really think the Passporter will help :upsidedow

Thank you!! It's something that I assumed would get easier to deal with as time progresses. However, it has not. I think you just learn to cope with it in better ways and do the best you can to handle it. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss him.

:hug:

HeatherBelle614

02-16-2009, 10:00 PM

What is "Bachelor Mother?" I haven't heard of that movie!

I'm just using the lanyards for our DIS board lime green Mickey heads. I'm doing my best to wait up for pin trading after law school; too pricey for me right now and I know I'd be addicted quickly!

autumnpalm

02-16-2009, 10:05 PM

Hugs... I'm sorry Valentine's is so rough for you.:hug:

I absolutely LOVE the Half Price Bookstore though! I'm a huge reader and growing up my mom used to let me pick out a book every time we went. And that's so sweet of your DH to get those pins for you. The Happy Easter one is soooo cute!:goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

02-17-2009, 08:52 AM

I thought about rolling around in it, then realized that I'd be laughing so loudly I would've woken our children a bit too early :lmao: An early congratulations to you and Aaron :daisy:

That's so funny! I can just imagine if you woke your kids up to you rolling around in a bunch of money. :rotfl2: "Mommy, where did you get ALL that money? And why are you rolling around in it?!?" :lmao:

Oh yes, the slow walking bugged me too :headache: Luckily, my boys walk as quickly as I do - we walk together quite often and they've just grown up walking quickly thanks to me ::yes:: Now, dh on the other hand, well he's just learnt over the years that he needs to catch up to us :laughing:

Funny story - short version is that she was my second ex-fiance's roommate. I dumped him and kept her :lmao: I really hope that they're able to come - I want to snuggle my goddaughter!

It definitely sounds like you got the better end of that situation! :thumbsup2 How old is your goddaughter? My BFF is having a little girl in July, and I can't wait until we can all plan a trip to Disney together. It will be so fun!

Yeah, you and me both :rotfl: However, this time, I'm determined to be more organized with WDW stuff and I really think the Passporter will help :upsidedow

You'll have to let me know how it works for you. Right now, I'm just using a folder to keep all my stuff together. I have a lot of stuff on my computer, but I'm more of an electric copy type of gal -- until the trip rolls around of course. Although, all I have taken care of is our hotel. We don't do ADRs so it makes things a bit easier to deal with.

What is "Bachelor Mother?" I haven't heard of that movie!

I'm just using the lanyards for our DIS board lime green Mickey heads. I'm doing my best to wait up for pin trading after law school; too pricey for me right now and I know I'd be addicted quickly!

"Bachelor Mother" is an older move with David Niven and Ginger Rogers. She finds this baby on a door step and everyone believes the baby is hers. And of course, David Niven plays the love interest. I had never seen it before, but now it's one of my favorites! I have a love for old movies. My all-time favorite is "It's a Wonderful Life". I love anything with Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Katharine Hepburn, etc...My boss likes to joke that I'm a 60 year old trapped in a 26 year old's body. :rotfl:

Oh, cool! I think I might try the lime green Mickey head thing too. After all, I've become OBSESSED with DIS as of late. :surfweb: You should check eBay, they had a bunch of different types of lanyards that should work for DF. I saw a bunch for $1, but I didn't notice the shipping cost.

You are VERY smart to not get involved in pin trading until after law school. It's extremely addictive. I'm a total junkie!!

Hugs... I'm sorry Valentine's is so rough for you.:hug:

I absolutely LOVE the Half Price Bookstore though! I'm a huge reader and growing up my mom used to let me pick out a book every time we went. And that's so sweet of your DH to get those pins for you. The Happy Easter one is soooo cute!:goodvibes

Thank you! I'm so glad that I have Aaron in my life. He really does provide me with such strength and support -- even when I'm not so nice. Which is hardly ever, b/c I'm really a wonderful person. :lmao: And deeply sarcastic too.

What kind of books do you read? Isn't that store great?! You can find some really amazing deals there. I snagged a copy of "Gone with the Wind" for only $1! I also love looking at their history section.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-17-2009, 09:45 AM

It's about time I posted our (tentative) budget. As a pin trader, I'm sure this is bound to change. But, it's a good place to start.

LODGING = $332.16
Pop Century (standard) - $55.36*6 nights = $332.16

AIRFARE = $360.00 (projected)
Hoping to get a great deal with Southwest. :goodvibes

RENTAL CAR = $150.00 (projected)
Again, hoping for a great code through Mousesavers.com (http://www.mousesavers.com/).

TICKETS = $471.00
All tickets will be purchased on UnderCoverTourist.com (http://www.UnderCoverTourist.com), unless UO comes out w/ a great deal (like the $84.95 one two years ago).

WDW
We're currently debating on two types of tickets for Aaron. I'm not sure if we want non-expiring days for him.
6 day park hopper = $272.00
6 day park hopper w/ no expiration = $348.00

Universal Orlando
2 Park Unlimited Admission - $99.95*2 = $199.00

FOOD = $350.00
WDW Park Food = $150.00
Universal Food = $40.00
Sweet Tomatoes = $28.00
Carrabba's = $42.00
Flippers = $20.00
Giordano's = $25.00
Groceries (breakfast items, bottled water, snacks, etc...) = $45.00

SOUVENIRS = $200.00
Pins - $100 - $30 Disney Rewards = $70
PhotoPass Share (tentative) = ??
T-Shirt(s) = $30.00
Egyptian stuff from the Mummy ride = $100

BUDGET GRAND TOTAL = $1863.16

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 10:21 AM

tinkgurl

02-17-2009, 10:24 AM

Those flowers DH got you are so beautiful! And proud of you on the progress of your weight loss! :)

WDWRocksMySocks

02-17-2009, 11:00 AM

Great job on your weight loss progress!:banana:

We did the same thing on V-day, only we ate at Johnny Carino's, which is similar to Carraba's.:lmao: We did our best to not overload on bread...hmmmmmm. And the olive oil dip...hhhmmmmm. I'm making myself hungry thinking about it!

It looks like you are going to have so much fun on your trip. We love Sweet Tomatoes.

Do you think your ticket plans would change if they extend the 4/3 deal? You don't have to get a dining plan to get the park tickets...

Thanks!! I kind of had a bad weekend, but I've been good so far this week...all two days of it anyway. :rotfl:

We were just talking about Johnny Carino's. We've never been. How would you compare it to Carrabba's (assuming you've been)? Aaron LOVES Italian food so he's always excited to try to new places.

Mmm...Sweet Tomatoes is one of my favorite restaurants. I just love salad and that place is like heaven to me! Sometimes I wish we would try the DDP and try some of the TS restaurants, but I don't think I could give up Flipper's, Sweet Tomatoes and Giordano's...oh, and DH would DIE if he didn't go to Carrabba's.

I was thinking about the 4-3 plan. I need to figure out the cost and see how beneficial it would be for us. I already have tickets, so it's not a line item on our budget. But, if it's worth it I would definitely consider it.

Those flowers DH got you are so beautiful! And proud of you on the progress of your weight loss! :)

Thanks!! I love Gerber Daisies, and the fact they were pink made them even better.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-17-2009, 11:09 AM

I called this morning to make the final payment on our hotel reservation. While I was talking to the reservation specialist, I decided to downgrade our preferred room to a standard. I was thinking about it, and realized that we don't really need to be all that close to Classic Hall. We enjoy walking and I think it may be a bit more peaceful away from it. I did request a high floor in the 50's section. I realize this is the farthest away from the bus stop, but I also know you might be able to catch a glimpse of the fireworks (at Epcot, I believe) from the top level over there. I thought about requesting a room close to the lake. I may change my mind, who knows?

I also contemplated upgrading our reservation to a moderate, but Aaron said no. :sad1: It would've cost $603.48 to do so. But, with the downgrade we're paying $332.16. If I had upgraded, I don't think we would've gone to Universal. So, I definitely think I did a good thing.

autumnpalm

02-17-2009, 11:38 AM

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 11:41 AM

We were just talking about Johnny Carino's. We've never been. How would you compare it to Carrabba's (assuming you've been)? Aaron LOVES Italian food so he's always excited to try to new places.

Mmm...Sweet Tomatoes is one of my favorite restaurants. I just love salad and that place is like heaven to me! Sometimes I wish we would try the DDP and try some of the TS restaurants, but I don't think I could give up Flipper's, Sweet Tomatoes and Giordano's...oh, and DH would DIE if he didn't go to Carrabba's.

I've only been to Carrabba's once. Carino's is much more convenient to get to, so when we are in the mood, that's where we head. I could compare it to Olive Garden easier...

The complementary bread is a small/medium loaf, with a crusty thin crust and super soft inside. They bring a plate of toasted garlic with it and add the herbed olive oil to the plate to make the oh so wonderful dip for the bread. The olive oil is on the table so you can keep refilling the plate.:rolleyes1

They charge 0.99 for unlimited soup or salad. Salad is a choice between a Ceasar or the house, which is greens, tomatoes, carrots, and maybe some cucumber? I leave off the croutons. You have a choice of some very tasty dressings. The unlimited salad is served plate by plate, not from a big central bowl.

They have a couple entree salads on the menu but by far the menu is pasta based. Their menu is divided into a section for traditional favorites and house specialties. Traditional favorites has the things like lasagna, eggplant parmigana (sp?), etc etc and some combos. The house specialties has a mix of pasta dishes (we really enjoy the spicy chicken and shrimp) and a few grilled choices where the side dish is pasta. When we went, DH and I tried to be good (wheat is a big no no on the food plan we are on) and we ordered grilled salmon with a honey citrus glace, sauteed spinach, and a side of angel hair pasta with Roma tomatoes (which was so simple and yet tasted SOOO good with all that butter!).

Their dessert is pretty good. I haven't tried too many. This past time around they had a special valentine raspberry tiramisou (sp?) which was absolutely incredible. We split it and I could have SO easy eaten my own, it was so light and fluffy and wonderful.

Sorry for such a big post on your PTR, but I can't compare the two, so I thought I would walk you through Carino's so you could make your own comparison.;)

I love salad too. Sometimes I just crave going to Sweet Tomatoes for it. DS loves thier mac and cheese. He thinks it's the best ever.

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 11:43 AM

What are some of your favourites? I'm always looking for something new to read!

Do you like romance? Ever read Virginia Henley? She's a little racy but she writes a great story. Historical romance.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-17-2009, 12:08 PM

When we stayed at the POP we had a standard room and loved it. We were on the third floor of the 50s building, facing the lake. Beautiful view, quiet, steps away from the bowling pin pool and not too far at all to the food court and bus stop. If we stay at the POP again, that is where we will request!!! The walk really didn't seem far at all to Classic Hall.

I read mostly fiction, although I love biographies. Gone with the Wind and White Oleander are my two favourite fiction books. As far as memoirs/biographies go, I love A Long Way Gone, A Nurse's Story, Dancing on my Grave... I just finished reading all of those recently.:goodvibes What are some of your favourites? I'm always looking for something new to read!

So glad to hear you enjoyed that view, as I'm hoping that's about the area we get. I figured it would be a lot more peaceful in that area. In October, we were in a preferred 60's room (not facing the pool) and it was very loud. In fact, while I was in the bathroom one time I thought my sister had invited a group of people into our room -- it was THAT loud. :scared:

I'm a huge "Harry Potter" fan, and I really enjoyed the "Twilight" series. Although, I don't think Stephenie Meyer is a great writer. I did enjoy the books though. I love reading biographies. My favorite is "Theodore Rex" and "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" both by Edmund Morris. He's a fantastic writer! I just started reading "Walt Disney: An American Original" by Bob Thomas. Although, I don't have a lot of time to read b/c of LSAT stuff.

I've only been to Carrabba's once. Carino's is much more convenient to get to, so when we are in the mood, that's where we head. I could compare it to Olive Garden easier...

Sorry for such a big post on your PTR, but I can't compare the two, so I thought I would walk you through Carino's so you could make your own comparison.;)

I love salad too. Sometimes I just crave going to Sweet Tomatoes for it. DS loves thier mac and cheese. He thinks it's the best ever.

Thanks for explaining it so thoroughly! I appreciate that, as it gives me a good idea of what to tell Aaron about it. :thumbsup2

So, do you think it's better than Olive Garden? We don't really care for OG
that much, except I do love that salad!

Do you guys have a Sweet Tomatoes near you? I actually wrote to them asking for one in Indiana. :laughing: The closest one is either in St. Louis or Chicago. My sister and I actually took a road trip up to Chicago a few years ago just to go to Sweet Tomatoes and IKEA. We did wind up going to Wrigley Field and Navy Pier too, but that was on the spur of the moment. Obviously, we are driven by our stomachs. :rotfl2:

Do you like romance? Ever read Virginia Henley? She's a little racy but she writes a great story. Historical romance.

DMIL just gave me a copy of one of Virginia Henley's books. I'm not sure the name of it, though. She loves romance novels, and she'll give them to me once she reads them. I'm a closet romance novel fan. :laughing:

autumnpalm

02-17-2009, 12:45 PM

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan!!! I can't wait until Universal opens up their Harry Potter land. It sounds so neat!

I'll look into Edmund Morris next time I'm at the bookstore.:goodvibes

TxRabbit

02-17-2009, 12:54 PM

So, do you think it's better than Olive Garden? We don't really care for OG that much, except I do love that salad!

Do you guys have a Sweet Tomatoes near you?

DMIL just gave me a copy of one of Virginia Henley's books. I'm not sure the name of it, though. She loves romance novels, and she'll give them to me once she reads them. I'm a closet romance novel fan. :laughing:

I like Carino's better than OG. The atmosphere is better IMO. It has a little bit of that cellar vibe going with dark woods, but also the tuscan feel with gold and red. There are more booths at Carino's too, whereas most OG don't have too many booths. We only go to OG now when we really want THAT salad. I used to buy the salad dressing from them to try to cut down on our eating out. It's the dressing really, that makes it so good.

Sweet Tomatoes isn't too convenient to get too. We have to make a point to go there. Which is probably good.:laughing:

I like historical romance...:goodvibes

lisalonglash

02-17-2009, 01:08 PM

That's so funny! I can just imagine if you woke your kids up to you rolling around in a bunch of money. :rotfl2: "Mommy, where did you get ALL that money? And why are you rolling around in it?!?" :lmao:

Yep, I would've had to come up with some sort of plausible excuse for that one - this trip is a total surprise for our boys! They have no idea that we're going :rotfl: Two reasons for that - (1) if they don't know, they can't tell dh's family (he doesn't want them to know beforehand kwim?); and (2) if they don't know, they won't be harassing us about it :lmao: Oh, and because we just wanted to surprise them :lovestruc

It definitely sounds like you got the better end of that situation! :thumbsup2 How old is your goddaughter? My BFF is having a little girl in July, and I can't wait until we can all plan a trip to Disney together. It will be so fun!

Yep, I definitely did get the better part of that! :thumbsup2 She will be 2yo on September 1 - we haven't seen them since last summer when they came here to visit :sad2: We miss them! :sad1:

You'll have to let me know how it works for you. Right now, I'm just using a folder to keep all my stuff together. I have a lot of stuff on my computer, but I'm more of an electric copy type of gal -- until the trip rolls around of course. Although, all I have taken care of is our hotel. We don't do ADRs so it makes things a bit easier to deal with.

So far, so good - well, I haven't been printing out every bloody thing I can find on WDW this time like last time yet :rotfl2: I NEED Disney to release the park hours for September though! :headache:

I, too, am a bibliophile, but I'm way too cheap to buy books new (I read too quickly to justify that in our budget lol) so I buy them at our local library. There's always a sales shelf there and the paperbacks are 3/$1.00, sometimes 4/$1.00 :banana: My preferred genres are thriller/suspense/mystery :coffee:

Thanks to your encouragement, I'm really thinking about doing a TR (maybe even a PTR), but I would be doing that on another site :angel: The very idea still makes me :scared:, but perhaps I'll try!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-17-2009, 03:13 PM

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan!!! I can't wait until Universal opens up their Harry Potter land. It sounds so neat!

I'll look into Edmund Morris next time I'm at the bookstore.:goodvibes

Oh yeah, me too!! I am so excited for it.

You should...he's really a great author. "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" actually won a Pulitzer. He's also known for his Ronald Reagan bio, but I haven't read that yet. I'm a huge Theodore Roosevelt fan, so I may be a bit bias. I also really like David McCullough a lot.

I like Carino's better than OG. The atmosphere is better IMO. It has a little bit of that cellar vibe going with dark woods, but also the tuscan feel with gold and red. There are more booths at Carino's too, whereas most OG don't have too many booths. We only go to OG now when we really want THAT salad. I used to buy the salad dressing from them to try to cut down on our eating out. It's the dressing really, that makes it so good.

Sweet Tomatoes isn't too convenient to get too. We have to make a point to go there. Which is probably good.:laughing:

Ooh, I think I'd really like that atmosphere too. I always get a bit claustrophobic when I go to our local OG. I swear they have crammed as many tables as they possibly could in a tiny little space. That salad, well dressing (you're right), makes it worth it. I actually have a bottle of it in my fridge right now. It's not exactly a healthy option, but it's just so dang good!

Yeah, if we had a Sweet Tomatoes close by I'd probably spend WAY too much money on eating out. It's just so yummy!!

Yep, I would've had to come up with some sort of plausible excuse for that one - this trip is a total surprise for our boys! They have no idea that we're going :rotfl: Two reasons for that - (1) if they don't know, they can't tell dh's family (he doesn't want them to know beforehand kwim?); and (2) if they don't know, they won't be harassing us about it :lmao: Oh, and because we just wanted to surprise them :lovestruc

Aw, I think that's really cool that you're surprising them! I would love to do that when we have kids. We kept out last trip a secret from my Mom. We felt that if she found out she'd just invite herself along and drive us all crazy. :scared: I was so impressed that I was able to keep my mouth shut for so long -- so was my sister. :rotfl: When you do tell the kids, make sure you capture on camera. I think the reactions would be priceless!!

Yep, I definitely did get the better part of that! :thumbsup2 She will be 2yo on September 1 - we haven't seen them since last summer when they came here to visit :sad2: We miss them! :sad1:

Ugh, that's a long time! I hope it all works out. It stinks to be so far away from a close friend, especially when there are kids involved. I'm so sad that I don't get to be there for my best friend when she has her baby shower and baby. :sad1:

So far, so good - well, I haven't been printing out every bloody thing I can find on WDW this time like last time yet :rotfl2: I NEED Disney to release the park hours for September though! :headache:

Ugh, don't you hate having to wait 90 days out?! I swear, whoever came up w/ that idea just needs to get the boot!! I don't make ADRs, but I would really like to see my touring plans on TourGuideMike. It's really annoying!!! I have to wait until May, and that just seems like a very LONG time.

I, too, am a bibliophile, but I'm way too cheap to buy books new (I read too quickly to justify that in our budget lol) so I buy them at our local library. There's always a sales shelf there and the paperbacks are 3/$1.00, sometimes 4/$1.00 :banana: My preferred genres are thriller/suspense/mystery :coffee:

Wow, that sounds like a great sale! I wish we had something like that around here. The Red Cross does a book fair once a year, and I've found some really great deals there. I found the fourth "Harry Potter" in mint condition for only $2! A friend of mine got a copy of a Frank Capra bio signed by Frank Capra for about $3. I was envious over that one.

Thanks to your encouragement, I'm really thinking about doing a TR (maybe even a PTR), but I would be doing that on another site :angel: The very idea still makes me :scared:, but perhaps I'll try!

WHAT?! You mean, there is another site other than DIS?!?! :lmao: You should definitely start one. It's hard at first, and even bit discouraging if you just have lurkers and no responders. But, after you get into it it's a lot of fun!

lisalonglash

02-17-2009, 04:06 PM

I'm sorry you won't be able to be with your friend for her baby shower and the baby's birth - I know how hard that is :(

Wow, that sounds like a great sale! I wish we had something like that around here. The Red Cross does a book fair once a year, and I've found some really great deals there. I found the fourth "Harry Potter" in mint condition for only $2! A friend of mine got a copy of a Frank Capra bio signed by Frank Capra for about $3. I was envious over that one.

You should definitely check your local library - I think most of them do have a sales area :thumbsup2 Wow, great deals on your HP book and the Capra bio! :goodvibes

WHAT?! You mean, there is another site other than DIS?!?! :lmao:

Well, maybe one or two other sites, hey? :rotfl2: Just google "WDW Enchanted" - you'll find it :cheer2: That's where I think I'm going to attempt a PTR/TR :eek:

lisalonglash

02-17-2009, 04:11 PM

LODGING = $332.16
Pop Century (standard) - $55.36*6 nights = $332.16

AIRFARE = $360.00 (projected)
Hoping to get a great deal with Southwest. :goodvibes

RENTAL CAR = $150.00 (projected)
Again, hoping for a great code through Mousesavers.com (http://www.mousesavers.com/).

TICKETS = $471.00
All tickets will be purchased on UnderCoverTourist.com (http://www.UnderCoverTourist.com), unless UO comes out w/ a great deal (like the $84.95 one two years ago).

WDW
We're currently debating on two types of tickets for Aaron. I'm not sure if we want non-expiring days for him.
6 day park hopper = $272.00
6 day park hopper w/ no expiration = $348.00

Universal Orlando
2 Park Unlimited Admission - $99.95*2 = $199.00

FOOD = $350.00
WDW Park Food = $150.00
Universal Food = $40.00
Sweet Tomatoes = $28.00
Carrabba's = $42.00
Flippers = $20.00
Giordano's = $25.00
Groceries (breakfast items, bottled water, snacks, etc...) = $45.00

SOUVENIRS = $200.00
Pins - $100 - $30 Disney Rewards = $70
PhotoPass Share (tentative) = ??
T-Shirt(s) = $30.00
Egyptian stuff from the Mummy ride = $100

BUDGET GRAND TOTAL = $1863.16

Can I please steal this idea for my not-yet-actually-decided-if-I'm-doing-one-or-not PTR? :rotfl2:

Of course, your numbers look much better than mine will - between four people instead of two and that bloody awful US$ exchange rate (which better go back up before we go or we may have to cancel :sad1: ), my numbers are higher :sad2:

HeatherBelle614

02-17-2009, 09:14 PM

We're doing a standard room, too! Honestly, my reasoning was it's further to walk, so I can have an extra funnel cake every day. :lmao:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-18-2009, 08:51 AM

I'm sorry you won't be able to be with your friend for her baby shower and the baby's birth - I know how hard that is :(

I was going to try and fly out, but we really should save the money since I'm planning for school in 2010. I'm planning to make her a quilt that is inspired by the Nightmare Before Christmas (her nursery theme). I've picked out a few pieces of fabric, but now I need to find some NBC fabric to tie it all together. My sister is helping me with the project. She's far more creative than I am.

Well, maybe one or two other sites, hey? :rotfl2: Just google "WDW Enchanted" - you'll find it :cheer2: That's where I think I'm going to attempt a PTR/TR :eek:

Ha! I found the site. You should PM me the link to your PTR/TR. I'd love to read it. I'm sure it will be great!! Trust me, if I can do it...ANYONE can. :thumbsup2

Can I please steal this idea for my not-yet-actually-decided-if-I'm-doing-one-or-not PTR? :rotfl2:

Of course, your numbers look much better than mine will - between four people instead of two and that bloody awful US$ exchange rate (which better go back up before we go or we may have to cancel :sad1: ), my numbers are higher :sad2:

I like the title of your PTR. :rotfl: By all means -- steal any ideas that I have here. I usually steal...er, borrow them from someone else's PTR anyway.

I hope the exchange rate goes back up so you can go on your trip. :goodvibes Who knows what will happen in this current state.

You know, when I put my budget together it took away some of the magic. I mean, obviously I knew it was going to expensive. But, I was definitely disenchanted seeing the bottom line. Oh well, it's to be expected when you go to WDW!

We're doing a standard room, too! Honestly, my reasoning was it's further to walk, so I can have an extra funnel cake every day. :lmao:

:rotfl2: :rotfl: I was laughing so hard when I read that! That's EXACTLY what I was thinking too. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

WDWRocksMySocks

02-18-2009, 09:18 AM

Okay, I've been (not so) patiently waiting for Southwest to release their late August fares. They are released on April 7th, which is in 47 more days! But really, who is counting? :rolleyes1 I just wish I could book our tickets!! For some reason, once you book the airfare it solidifies the trip...for me at least.

I've been tracking airfare on Yapta for a few weeks, and the lowest fare on there is $205 on AirTran. While I don't have any negative opinion about that AirTran, I would really prefer to fly Southwest. Plus, I have a feeling I'll be able to get a lot better fare with SWA. :goodvibes

Here's what I've been able to find so far:

AirTran: $205 (nonstop both ways)
Continental: $220 (layover in Memphis...boo!)
Delta: $240 (layover in Memphis)
Northwest: $241 (layover in Memphis)

debraW76

02-18-2009, 01:40 PM

OK so I finally got my mom over here to look at that picture to see if that was her. She didn't know she could post here too so I copied her comment from my PTR. She's so funny :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Hey, sorry it tookm so long to get back here, but I looked as close as I could at the crowd photo, and guess what, you just might be right. I think that is me there in that crowd. You know, the one with the totally confused look:confused: on her face. I think that is when I discovered that I was following the wrong person:rotfl2:, and couldn't keep up wjth him. So, I called you to see where you were, and when I got there, I was trying to find your :laundy: face in the crowd, or maybe one of the younguns'pirate: princess: :angel: :happytv: princess: :charac4: , but I guess I was just looking to hard. You kniw what they say about hiding in plain sight. Well, I got to get out of here for right now, and take a quick run:car: to Winn Dixie. They have their Plant City Strawberry ice cream on sale right now, and I haven't had any since this time last year. Be sure you get some YumYum for Baby Tau:angel:. I'll see everyone later:surfweb: :wave:

autumnpalm

02-18-2009, 03:10 PM

I hear you on booking flights! I love having that out of the way. We found a great deal with Delta through Priceline... have you checked that site? It was about $180 each way out of Buffalo. Not too bad!
:banana:

HeatherBelle614

02-18-2009, 10:01 PM

Booking airfare is such a horrible pain in the rear-end. I'm so glad we're driving this time!

Pixie dust your way for a great find, soon!!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-19-2009, 09:00 AM

OK so I finally got my mom over here to look at that picture to see if that was her. She didn't know she could post here too so I copied her comment from my PTR. She's so funny :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

HA!! I actually just finished replying to that on your PTR. I was laughing so hard when I read that this morning. Your Mom is hilarious!! I also think it's really cool you have your Mom on DIS. :thumbsup2

I hear you on booking flights! I love having that out of the way. We found a great deal with Delta through Priceline... have you checked that site? It was about $180 each way out of Buffalo. Not too bad!
:banana:

Isn't it such a feeling of relief once you get it booked? It really tells me -- "Hey, you're actually going to WDW!!" Although, technically I could still cancel it if I had to. But, fortunately I don't think like that. :goodvibes

I have been checking Priceline, thanks to your PTR actually! :thumbsup2 I haven't found anything below $205 yet -- which, sounds cheap compared to your fare. Typically, we can find airfare below $200 for Orlando. I'm just hoping that's still the case this year. :goodvibes

Booking airfare is such a horrible pain in the rear-end. I'm so glad we're driving this time!

Pixie dust your way for a great find, soon!!

Ugh, it really is!! :headache: I actually calculated how much it would save us to drive and it was just over $100. Aaron figured it wouldn't be worth it, and I have to agree w/ that. Otherwise, I really wouldn't mind driving -- I kind of like it.

HeatherBelle614

02-21-2009, 01:49 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

02-23-2009, 07:54 PM

Ugh, I've been rather busy the last few days and to top it off...I recently came down with something. Blech! :sick: I've been running a fever since Saturday evening, and stayed home from work today. NyQuil has become my new best friend!

On Saturday, I helped my sister move into her new house (which is really nice) and I think being in and out of the cold made me sick. It started snowing and the temperature was about 25-30 all day. It was icky. It took all day, but we did get her settled in. I wound up moving, setting up and making 5 beds that day. :scared: It was A LOT! But, I was glad to help get it all set up for my nephews.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-23-2009, 07:55 PM

Airfare for all four of us would be around $1,000.00. So, that's why we're driving! My mom has a new mini van, and DH has a portable DVD player, so we should be set. Plus, I figure that's 4 extra days of vacation and doing Disney stuff with the family! DH has already started to burn Disney songs on to CDs and pick out which movies we'll be watching in the car. :banana:

I don't blame you for driving. Just think, that's more money you can save or use at WDW! Having a portable DVD player really helps too. What movies are you thinking about taking? Has your DH downloaded any of the Disney attraction audio yet? I've added a few to my iPod. I like to close my eyes and think I'm at WDW.

I actually enjoy driving to WDW. I really love when you enter Florida and start seeing all the Disney signs. I also love stopping at this one welcome center and looting all the travel brochures. I LOVE them!! Oh, and I also like getting the free orange juice too. :thumbsup2

WDWRocksMySocks

02-23-2009, 08:02 PM

autumnpalm

02-23-2009, 08:06 PM

debraW76

02-23-2009, 09:15 PM

sorry you have been sick. hope you are feeling better now. I can't give any advice on the healthy dinner options - we eat the same things over too. Potatoes, meat, bread, and something that can be counted as a vegetable. Tonight we had goulosh (my husbands recipe), mashed taters, mac and cheese, green peas, and croissants.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-24-2009, 02:45 PM

Whoops I have no idea why I wrote $180 each way. I meant $180 round trip. Whoops!:rolleyes1

Don't get discouraged by what the scale says... it's so easy to get unmotivated by numbers but even though you may not have lost weight, your body is undoubtedly healthier from the workouts.:thumbsup2 Good for you, 4 times in one week! I really have to get off my butt more often LOL.

I hope you're feeling better. :grouphug:

Ha, I was wondering about that! But you never know the price differences b/t all the different airports and such. $180/rt sounds like a much better deal!

Thanks! I'm starting to really understand that. I've really noticed that my body feels a lot better than it has in the past. I really wasn't sore at all after moving my sister. In the past, I would've felt so out of shape and miserable after just about 2 hours of moving. So, that is definitely encouraging.

I'm starting to feel a bit better...as I sit here in my office w/ the heater cranked up to 85 and a space heater going full blast! Ha, maybe I should've stayed home today??

sorry you have been sick. hope you are feeling better now. I can't give any advice on the healthy dinner options - we eat the same things over too. Potatoes, meat, bread, and something that can be counted as a vegetable. Tonight we had goulosh (my husbands recipe), mashed taters, mac and cheese, green peas, and croissants.

Thanks!

I'm glad to hear we're not the only ones who eat the same thing over and over. It's so hard to branch out for dinner -- well, when you're cooking it yourself at least. It's also hard to cook healthy! I just have to keep reminding myself how I want to look hot for Mickey. :rotfl:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-24-2009, 03:26 PM

Free dining is being offered during our trip, and we have the option to take advantage of it. We usually just eat at CS restaurants and then go to off-property restaurants for dinner (i.e. Sweet Tomatoes, Carrabba's, etc...). But, I would love to branch out and experience more TS restaurants that we've never been to. The only thing that worries me, is that DH is an extremely picky eater and I'm worried he wouldn't enjoy many of the TS places. :headache: Decisions, decisions...

I decided to break down the free dining plan and compare it to what we have now (40% pin code). Here it is:

Current Plan
Hotel
$332.16 -- Pop Century (standard, 6 nights using 40% pin code)

Tickets
$272.00 -- 6 day hopper (only for Aaron purchase on MouseSavers (www.Mousesavers.com))

Food
$350 -- (this includes meals at off-site restaurants)

Free Dining Plan
Hotel
$553.50 -- Pop Century (standard, 6 nights)

Tickets
$79.88 -- 1 day base ticket (for me)
$292.88 -- 6 day hopper (for Aaron)

40% PIN CODE TOTAL = $954.16
FREE DINING TOTAL = $926.26

TOTAL SAVINGS USING FREE DINING CODE = $27.90

autumnpalm

02-24-2009, 05:11 PM

lisalonglash

02-24-2009, 05:42 PM

That's a tough one for two adults - very close in price! I'm not sure what I'd do in your place, sorry :confused3 If you're worried about your dh not being happy with WDW's dining choices, that's probably one big con to the DDP for your family kwim? Of course, if you show him the menus and he thinks he'd be happy eating on-site, then go for the DDP - less to think about once you're on-site :thumbsup2

Free dining would be a significant savings for us - for our family of four, DDP would cost us US$910 for our 7 night vacation (2 x adults, 1 x 10yo, 1 x 7yo = US$130/day). My 40% code at ASMu is currently saving us about US$300 for 7 nights. Not a hard choice for us, should FD come available! :lmao:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-24-2009, 08:07 PM

I am a HUGE fan of Disney food so I would vote for Free Dining.:laughing: Even if your DH is a picky eater, there are soooo many different restaurants at Disney. Maybe you could have him look over the menus at allears.net with you and pick out things he'd like? There's a ton of awesome info over on the restaurant board. :thumbsup2

You know, I've been to WDW so much yet have NEVER taken advantage of the DDP! Crazy, eh? We've never been during free dining, and have never thought it would be beneficial since we like to go off-site too. We've decided to sit down and check out the menus together. I'm currently narrowing down options of places I'd like to go, so cross your fingers for me!

That's a tough one for two adults - very close in price! I'm not sure what I'd do in your place, sorry :confused3 If you're worried about your dh not being happy with WDW's dining choices, that's probably one big con to the DDP for your family kwim? Of course, if you show him the menus and he thinks he'd be happy eating on-site, then go for the DDP - less to think about once you're on-site :thumbsup2

Free dining would be a significant savings for us - for our family of four, DDP would cost us US$910 for our 7 night vacation (2 x adults, 1 x 10yo, 1 x 7yo = US$130/day). My 40% code at ASMu is currently saving us about US$300 for 7 nights. Not a hard choice for us, should FD come available! :lmao:

Yeah, it's a hard decision for the two of us! I'm starting to get pulled in though, after looking at all the menus. ARGH, this is HARD!!! :headache:

I think it's supposed to be offered through October 1st -- at least that's what the pin offer states. So, assuming it's offered to the general public again, you should be able to get it for your trip! :goodvibes That would be a great savings for you guys.

HeatherBelle614

02-24-2009, 09:19 PM

debraW76

02-24-2009, 10:22 PM

How did you get free dining? Was that a public code or a pincode?

We did FD in october and loved it. But we were feeding 6 kids! Honestly if it were just DH and me, I would like the freedom of being able to eat anywhere in Orlando and not be confined to Disney. But with a family it is more convenient to eat in the parks or resort than to get everyone loaded in the car and drive anywhere.

Tough choice.

WDWRocksMySocks

02-25-2009, 10:10 AM

Yup, I think he has already downloaded every Disney song out there - theme park and soundtrack related. Haha. The main movie on his list is Brother Bear. That's his fav, and what my PTR is named after. (Although, no one ever figured it out when I asked people to guess! Haha.)

I love TS meals at WDW, so I'd have to say go with DDP PIN; that's what we're doing, actually!

Don't you just love Disney music? It makes me so happy! In fact, I'm listening to the DIS Radio station on Live365 right now wishing I was at WDW. Sigh...

What's your favorite TS restaurant?

How did you get free dining? Was that a public code or a pincode?

We did FD in october and loved it. But we were feeding 6 kids! Honestly if it were just DH and me, I would like the freedom of being able to eat anywhere in Orlando and not be confined to Disney. But with a family it is more convenient to eat in the parks or resort than to get everyone loaded in the car and drive anywhere.

Tough choice.

We have a pin, but I'm sure it will be offered to the public some time in April.

Ooh, I bet that saved you a bunch with 6 kids! It's so hard trying to decide w/ just two people. We'll have a car, so it really makes sense to just do our own thing and not worry about the DDP. Plus, when I told DH that we would do the DDP, he was sad about missing out on Flippers, Sweet Tomatoes and Carrabba's. Ha!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-25-2009, 10:27 AM

I received an email alert from Expedia this morning. They are having a US Fare Sale with fares starting at $46/one way. You must book by Thursday, March 5 and travel by November 4. Once I saw that, I knew I should check it out. Here's what I found:

Expedia: $166.20/round trip on AirTran + $15 checked baggage fee = $181.20/each

AirTrain website: $159.20/round trip + $15 checked baggage fee = $174.20/each

A part of me thinks I should wait and see what Southwest has to offer. I still have about a month until they release their August date. I'm sure I'll still be able to find something below $180 if I wait a month, right?

Beka

02-25-2009, 10:33 AM

Oh my god, that pic of you at Christmas is cracking me up! I'm totally on!

tinkgurl

02-25-2009, 10:35 AM

I love the Dining Plan! :thumbsup2

Beka

02-25-2009, 11:08 AM

So...a few weeks ago I opened up my email and found the elusive 40% pin code waiting for me!!!!!! :cool1:

I *clearly* have been reading too much of my nursing text books, and not enough Disney. What the heck is this 40% thing?

WDWRocksMySocks

02-25-2009, 11:23 AM

Oh my god, that pic of you at Christmas is cracking me up! I'm totally on!

:welcome:

Thanks for stopping by! Ha, isn't that pic awesome? It's definitely one of my best. :rotfl:

I love the Dining Plan! :thumbsup2

I think everyone is pushing me towards that direction. I really want to try it!
I *clearly* have been reading too much of my nursing text books, and not enough Disney. What the heck is this 40% thing?

WHAT?! You mean, you'd rather study then waste countless hours on DIS?! For shame! :lmao: I'm right there w/ you. I'm studying for the LSAT and take time in between to get my Disney fix.

The 40% offer is a room only discount. It was sent to randomly selected recipients through email or snail mail. I'm not really sure if there is any rhyme or reason how you get selected. I am registered online, and figure that's how I got the email. :confused3

debraW76

02-25-2009, 11:43 AM

Ooh, I bet that saved you a bunch with 6 kids! It's so hard trying to decide w/ just two people. We'll have a car, so it really makes sense to just do our own thing and not worry about the DDP. Plus, when I told DH that we would do the DDP, he was sad about missing out on Flippers, Sweet Tomatoes and Carrabba's. Ha!

Yes it did. We hardly ever buy convenient food (drinks, popcorn, etc) in the park. Simply because buying say one snack times 6 would be almost $30! But with the dining plan the kids got to get at least one treat a day. That saved us several times because we could give them sugar when they were reaching their limit. Just enough of a boost to make it through one more ride!

Off topic but I have a funny story about Carrabbas. I went there once (in Bham) with some friends. I ordered a cup of coffee. Afterwards, I was wanting a refill and seeing how the waitress didn't pick up on the fact my cup was empty I decided to ask. "Could I get another cup of coffee please?" She looked at me funny and asked back "You want another cup of coffee?" Again with a puzzled look on her face. "Yes, please" I responded. and away she went.

A few minutes later she brought me another cup of coffee. Oh well, I thought. Maybe it was easier than just refilling the cup I already had. So we finish our meal and when she brings me my bill she charged me for 2 cups of coffee. Yes, TWO cups of coffee.

I stopped her and asked if they didn't have free refills on coffee. She said "Yes, we do offer free refills but you asked for another cup." I just sat there in complete disbelief until finally :idea: she got it. "Oh!" she said. And took the other charge off my bill.

DisneymoonJess07

02-25-2009, 01:17 PM

So I read your whole thread last night and then didn't say anything or subscribe or anything...:sad2:

Hi :wave:

I feel you on the grumpy husband. Mine was not thrilled about going, but seems to be getting more and more into it as things progress. I haven't talked yet to him about doing anything to make things "real" but that's besides the point :rotfl:

Hope your day is going well.:cool2:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-25-2009, 03:33 PM

Yes it did. We hardly ever buy convenient food (drinks, popcorn, etc) in the park. Simply because buying say one snack times 6 would be almost $30! But with the dining plan the kids got to get at least one treat a day. That saved us several times because we could give them sugar when they were reaching their limit. Just enough of a boost to make it through one more ride!

Off topic but I have a funny story about Carrabbas. I went there once (in Bham) with some friends. I ordered a cup of coffee. Afterwards, I was wanting a refill and seeing how the waitress didn't pick up on the fact my cup was empty I decided to ask. "Could I get another cup of coffee please?" She looked at me funny and asked back "You want another cup of coffee?" Again with a puzzled look on her face. "Yes, please" I responded. and away she went.

A few minutes later she brought me another cup of coffee. Oh well, I thought. Maybe it was easier than just refilling the cup I already had. So we finish our meal and when she brings me my bill she charged me for 2 cups of coffee. Yes, TWO cups of coffee.

I stopped her and asked if they didn't have free refills on coffee. She said "Yes, we do offer free refills but you asked for another cup." I just sat there in complete disbelief until finally :idea: she got it. "Oh!" she said. And took the other charge off my bill.

I bet those snack credits came in handy when the blood sugar levels were dropping. Have you even seen the "John & Kate Plus 8" WDW episode? All their kids start having breakdowns b/c it's midday and their blood sugar levels are dropping. Oh my gosh, it's horrible but also hilarious. I can laugh now b/c I don't have kids. But, it won't be funny when I'm in that situation. :scared1:

:rotfl: Your Carrabba's story cracked me up. That poor, POOR waitress. :sad2: She didn't sound very bright. At least she didn't make you pay for the second cup. That's just too funny.

So I read your whole thread last night and then didn't say anything or subscribe or anything...:sad2:

Hi :wave:

I feel you on the grumpy husband. Mine was not thrilled about going, but seems to be getting more and more into it as things progress. I haven't talked yet to him about doing anything to make things "real" but that's besides the point :rotfl:

Hope your day is going well.:cool2:

Hey Jess, welcome! Thanks for stopping by and delurking yourself. :thumbsup2 I always wonder how to suck people in and post on my PTR. It's hard!

Glad to hear he's coming along. My DH is too...but VERY SLOWLY (think snail pace). This is actually going to be our first trip away as a married couple. We weren't able to afford a honeymoon when we got married (3 years ago this June) and we've traveled w/ family a few times since, but nothing alone. I'm so excited!! :banana:

tinkgurl

02-25-2009, 03:37 PM

DisneymoonJess07

02-25-2009, 03:57 PM

Hey Jess, welcome! Thanks for stopping by and delurking yourself. :thumbsup2 I always wonder how to suck people in and post on my PTR. It's hard!

Glad to hear he's coming along. My DH is too...but VERY SLOWLY (think snail pace). This is actually going to be our first trip away as a married couple. We weren't able to afford a honeymoon when we got married (3 years ago this June) and we've traveled w/ family a few times since, but nothing alone. I'm so excited!! :banana:

This is exactly our situation, except that we have done one family trip and by the time we get to Disney a couple of smaller trips but to visit people (or schools) so no real honeymoon. We are super excited for an actual honeymoon!!:banana:

Beka

02-25-2009, 06:03 PM

Weekly Weight Loss: 0 lbs...but, nothing gained
Total Weight Loss: 4 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 4

Well, I didn't lose any weight this past week. :sad2: But, I am relieved that I didn't gain anything either. I really need to find some better food options - especially for dinner. I feel stagnate in the food department. I eat a lot of the same thing and I'm starting to get tired of it. Any ideas?

What do you typically eat? Pre-make some salads. Too bad your DH doesn't like meat (I try to do healthy low-carb, or at least limit refined carbs, but have to anyway.) We do meatballs in cream of mushroom or marinara sauce; lots of crock pot meals, chili, soups. Allrecipes.com has tons of ideas, and can even send you daily recipes.

40% PIN CODE TOTAL = $954.16
FREE DINING TOTAL = $926.26

TOTAL SAVINGS USING FREE DINING CODE = $27.90

That's another $27.90 you can spend on pis. Hello?:banana:

HeatherBelle614

02-25-2009, 09:35 PM

Oh man; my fav TS?

Cape May Cafe character breakfast
Crystal Palace
Chef Mickey's
Sci-Fi Drive-In
Cinderella's Royal Table

And, I have a ton of fav CS, too! I think you should go for the DDP; part of the experience to me is eating at all of the Disney restaurants.

I will definitely help you make choices, if you'd like the help assuming you do the DDP!!

TxRabbit

02-26-2009, 09:26 AM

I think doing the DDP would be like a total immersion into the whole Disney experience. Maybe DH would end up liking it more and more, especially if he was eating some tasty food! That's are hard decision though, especially if he has his heart set on eating at the other restaurants. Do you think he thinks of it as being his break from Disney, since he doesn't like it quite as much?

With the price difference between the two, you could still go to Sweet Tomatoes AND do the DDP!:rotfl:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-26-2009, 11:02 AM

Honestly, with the dining plan, everyone gets an entree and dessert...we thought it was well worth it because we have been able to try things that we normally wouldn't have tried! I say go with it. Besides...you'll be walking it all off at the parks. ;)

We don't normally eat THAT much food while we're at the parks. We usually share a CS meal and then have a few snacks during the day. But, I would love to branch out and try new things like you said. Over indulging is a part of the vacation experience, and you're right...we will be doing LOTS of walking to balance it all out. :thumbsup2

This is exactly our situation, except that we have done one family trip and by the time we get to Disney a couple of smaller trips but to visit people (or schools) so no real honeymoon. We are super excited for an actual honeymoon!!:banana:

You guys definitely deserve to have a nice, relaxing honeymoon! :goodvibes

What do you typically eat? Pre-make some salads. Too bad your DH doesn't like meat (I try to do healthy low-carb, or at least limit refined carbs, but have to anyway.) We do meatballs in cream of mushroom or marinara sauce; lots of crock pot meals, chili, soups. Allrecipes.com has tons of ideas, and can even send you daily recipes.

Well, I'm focused more on portion control and calorie intake. I've been slowly trying to incorporate healthier food options too. I eat a lot of fish (mainly Tilapia), salads (croutons are my weakness), sandwiches (use one slice of bread and 2 oz of meat), fresh veggies (carrots, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, green beans) and fresh fruits (strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes, raspberries, etc...). I need to find recipes that are healthy and appeal to me. I've found a few things on Allrecipes.com and so far I've loved them all. It's just finding stuff that is appealing, yet good for me too. Plus, DH and I don't like the same things so I'm basically cooking for one. :headache:

That's another $27.90 you can spend on pis. Hello?:banana:

Ha, I like your thinking!! :thumbsup2

Oh man; my fav TS?

Cape May Cafe character breakfast
Crystal Palace
Chef Mickey's
Sci-Fi Drive-In
Cinderella's Royal Table

And, I have a ton of fav CS, too! I think you should go for the DDP; part of the experience to me is eating at all of the Disney restaurants.

I will definitely help you make choices, if you'd like the help assuming you do the DDP!!

I've never been to any of those...and I call myself a Disney fan. HA! :lmao: I really want to try CRT and Chef Mickey's the most. I think I'd really enjoy them both. I think the Sci-Fi Drive-In would be fun too -- I love the cars!

Thanks for the offer, Heather! I will definitely keep that in mind if I convince DH! :)

I think doing the DDP would be like a total immersion into the whole Disney experience. Maybe DH would end up liking it more and more, especially if he was eating some tasty food! That's are hard decision though, especially if he has his heart set on eating at the other restaurants. Do you think he thinks of it as being his break from Disney, since he doesn't like it quite as much?

With the price difference between the two, you could still go to Sweet Tomatoes AND do the DDP!:rotfl:

YES...ITA!! That's one of the main reasons why I want to do the DDP. Well, that and I want to try some TS restaurants...finally. I do think he'd rather not do it b/c eating at the other places really offers him an escape from WDW while we're there (yeah, I know :sad2:).

Well, I want Sweet Tomatoes and he wants to go there, Carrabba's and Flippers. So, it starts adding up if we do DDP and go to all three of those places. It'd be so nice if DH would just magically agree w/ everything I say. :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

WDWRocksMySocks

02-26-2009, 12:08 PM

TxRabbit

02-26-2009, 01:34 PM

CS Restaurants
Cosmic Ray's - MK
Peco Bill's - MK
Flame Tree BBQ - AK
Wolfgang Puck Express - DTD LOVE IT!!!:thumbsup2
Toy Story Pizza Planet - DHS
Earl of Sandwich - DTD

TS Restaurants
Chef Mickey's - CR I'm excited for our first time this trip!
Tutto Italia Ristorante - Epcot I'm seriously debating this one as a possible lunch ressie on my one wing it Epcot lunch day.
Cinderella's Royal Table - MK (takes 2 TS credits) I think everyone should eat in the castle once! We enjoyed it tremendously. It was the highlight of our trip with DS and his interaction with the princesses. Nothing like getting kissed by Snow White to make a young man feel special!Boma - AKL SOOOOO good. I loved the soups so much. They were really really good. Am I am a zebra dome fan too.
Whispering Canyon Cafe - WL Totally excited for our first time this trip!

Snack Options
Main Street Bakery (cupcake for DH is a MUST) - MK Oh yes. There are several good choices here!Sleepy Hallow (funnel cake to share) - MK You betcha. Funnel cakes are YUM!
Boulangerie Patisserie (Some type of pastry for DH)- Epcot I am pumped for this one myself!Harambe Fruit Market (Fresh pineapple for both) - AK Mmmmm. LOVE pineapple.
Goofy's Candy Company (Build your own...for both) - DTD THE best.
Everything POP (Breadsticks for DH and salad for me) - PC Salad for a snack credit is a pretty sweet deal. I was just reading about that on a snack thread...
KRNR (Smoothie for me)- DHS

Okay, I'm officially starving now!

And so am I, officially super duper hungry. Isn't it fun thinking about all the yummy food to eat? I think part of it is because you can get so much info about all the different food choices. It totally adds to the excitement!

Maybe you could find and show DH some yummy pictures. Check out the food porn thread. There are tons of pics there. But don't look at it while you are hungry.:sad2:

shordiebecka

02-26-2009, 03:32 PM

I've tried my best to catch up to your PTR...They get so long!!!

We have a lot in common- both on a weight loss plan, i also had a non functioning pink ipod nano, and we both have grumpy disney boyfriend/husbands..

Looking forward to the rest of your PTR!!!

WDWRocksMySocks

02-27-2009, 09:31 AM

And so am I, officially super duper hungry. Isn't it fun thinking about all the yummy food to eat? I think part of it is because you can get so much info about all the different food choices. It totally adds to the excitement!

Maybe you could find and show DH some yummy pictures. Check out the food porn thread. There are tons of pics there. But don't look at it while you are hungry.:sad2:

I love the commentary you added on the restaurant choices -- thanks! Some of my favorite pictures from your PTR are the ones when you ate at CRT. It looked like you guys had so much fun! Oh, and don't you love that confirmed snack listing over on the DDP section of the restaurant board? I was hoping to see the yogurt parfait on the list, but didn't see it. Maybe I missed it?

It's so fun looking at all the menus and planning out our meals. Mmm...I totally think w/ my stomach!! :laughing: Oh, and the food porn is great, thanks for suggesting it!

I've tried my best to catch up to your PTR...They get so long!!!

We have a lot in common- both on a weight loss plan, i also had a non functioning pink ipod nano, and we both have grumpy disney boyfriend/husbands..

Looking forward to the rest of your PTR!!!

:welcome:

So glad you stopped by! The grumpy BF title is what grabbed my attention to your PTR. I'm like, I totally relate!!! Good luck on the weight loss. It's kind of been a roller coaster for me. Some times it's really easy, and then other times it sucks.

HeatherBelle614

02-28-2009, 11:12 AM

I decided to plan out which restaurants we'd like to try, if we go ahead and do free dining. The one thing that really stresses me about this, is the whole schedule issues. Free dining means :headache: for getting ADRs, which means I don't get to look at at our touring plans closely until after I make all of our ADRs. It won't be a HUGE deal, since we'll have park hoppers and we can just eat and then hop to another, less crowded park. But, still...it's annoying! :mad:

Sunday, August 23 - Saturday, August 29 = 6 days worth of credits

CS Restaurants
Cosmic Ray's - MK This is such a fun area, pretty good food. I prefer Pinnochio's to be honest, though.
Peco Bill's - MK
Flame Tree BBQ - AK So good! We have to eat here every time; it's a requirement from DH.
Wolfgang Puck Express - DTDJust don't eat at the restaurant; we've eaten on both levels, and it was bad both times! Express is great, though!
Toy Story Pizza Planet - DHS
Earl of Sandwich - DTD

TS Restaurants
Chef Mickey's - CR You have to eat here!
Tutto Italia Ristorante - EpcotWe ate here trip before last; it was pretty good Italian food. I'm picky though as my dad's side of the family is Italian. It's gorgeous, too!
Cinderella's Royal Table - MK (takes 2 TS credits) The food is nothing to write home about, but it's still OK. You're mainly paying for the atmosphere here. We normally go every trip.
Boma - AKL
Whispering Canyon Cafe - WL

Snack Options
Main Street Bakery (cupcake for DH is a MUST) - MK
Sleepy Hallow (funnel cake to share) - MK
Boulangerie Patisserie (Some type of pastry for DH)- Epcot
Harambe Fruit Market (Fresh pineapple for both) - AK
Goofy's Candy Company (Build your own...for both) - DTD
Everything POP (Breadsticks for DH and salad for me) - PC
KRNR (Smoothie for me)- DHS

Okay, I'm officially starving now!

I agree; find pictures. There used to be a food porn thread over on the restaurant boards; I haven't been there in a while, but they'll help you out if you can't find it!

Beka

02-28-2009, 02:19 PM

It's still there, they're working on the 3rd one!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1919687

debraW76

02-28-2009, 04:46 PM

I am starving now too!

TxRabbit

02-28-2009, 05:38 PM

It's so fun looking at all the menus and planning out our meals. Mmm...I totally think w/ my stomach!! :laughing: Oh, and the food porn is great, thanks for suggesting it!

Does this mean that you have gone with the free dining? Are you doing the DDP?:confused3 popcorn::

autumnpalm

02-28-2009, 09:53 PM

Ooh I'm curious if you'd decided to go with free dining too! You have a great restaurant list there.:thumbsup2

WDWRocksMySocks

03-02-2009, 08:24 AM

I agree; find pictures. There used to be a food porn thread over on the restaurant boards; I haven't been there in a while, but they'll help you out if you can't find it!

DH is really picky about Italian food too. He'll eat at Olive Garden, but doesn't really care for it (he calls it faux-Italian). I'm worried that if we go to Tutto Italia Ristorante, it won't be very good. I haven't really heard much about it on the boards. I couldn't find any food porn for it either.

It's still there, they're working on the 3rd one!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1919687

Thanks, Beka!

I am starving now too!

That's the number one problem w/ looking at all the food porn. I wind up starving...even if I've already ate! I'm a food addict for sure. :rotfl:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-02-2009, 08:29 AM

Does this mean that you have gone with the free dining? Are you doing the DDP?:confused3 popcorn::

Ooh I'm curious if you'd decided to go with free dining too! You have a great restaurant list there.:thumbsup2

We are currently deciding on whether we'll go to Universal. If we go to UO, then we won't be doing the DDP. If we don't go to UO, then we'll definitely be doing DDP!!

DH loves Universal, and I just got the Mouse Savers email advertising a great deal -- 2 day/ 2 park tickets for $75.00+tax.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-02-2009, 08:39 AM

Weekly Weight Loss: 2 lbs
Total Weight Loss: 6 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 4

Okay, I'm so relieved that this past week went well! I stayed on track and did my best to withstand temptation (i.e. heading to White Castle for lunch). I just wish it would warm up so we could walk outside. I'm desperately getting spring fever!!

debraW76

03-02-2009, 08:41 AM

debraW76

03-02-2009, 08:42 AM

i guess we were posting at the same time. Congrats on your 6 lbs!

WDWRocksMySocks

03-02-2009, 08:47 AM

I know this may be an unpopular opinion, but it sounds like you and grumpy DH ;) like the flexibility and therefore I would recommend you keeping the money and doing your own dining plan. Especially if you are planning on going outside the World. It just gives you so much more control. If I had no kids that is what I would do. :thumbsup2 jmo.

Look at you, being all rebellious and standing up against the DDP. :lmao: I appreciate a different view point, as the insight definitely helps! I've always wanted to experience free dining -- even if it's just once. The one thing that really freaks me out about it is having to do ADRs and the control that looms over your head. We're kind of, "fly by the seat of your pants" types of people so I'm worried about having a set time to eat.

I know, I just need to make up my mind and choose an option already! I do have DH convinced about free dining, however he might change his mind once he sees the ticket prices for UO.

i guess we were posting at the same time. Congrats on your 6 lbs!

Great minds think alike, right?

Thanks! I'm definitely starting to notice...and I already feel a lot healthier!!

Beka

03-02-2009, 11:23 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

03-03-2009, 11:05 AM

I seem to remember a few people saying on the FP thread that at Tutto there were some really good dishes. I remember one being some kind of cream sauce, but since I try to avoid those I didn't pay much attention. I don't remember if they said the lasagna was good or not. I agree with your DH about Olive Garden.

I was able to find a few dining reviews that talked about Tutto on the restaurant thread. I'm going to post links on here in a bit.

Yeah, I tend to agree about OG too. But man, I sure do love that salad dressing!! :thumbsup2

WDWRocksMySocks

03-03-2009, 11:23 AM

I failed to mention that Friday was Aaron's 27th birthday! He was having some reservations about being 3 years closer to the big 3-0. But, overall he took it really well. We had a great weekend celebrating his birthday. We spent Friday night with both our families, which consists of: my Grandparents, Mom, two sisters, my four nephews, Aaron's parents and one of his nephews. We went to dinner at Olive Garden, which I must say...wasn't all that great, but he did get their chocolate cake that he loves so much. Afterwards, we all came back to our house to open presents. Here are some pictures from that:

DH and his nephew.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/AT.jpg

Me and DH
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/AK.jpg

DH with some of our nephews.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/ABoys.jpg

Me, my sister and a few of our nephews.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/JKBoys.jpg

On Saturday, we had a few of our friends over to celebrate. Aaron requested a homemade Italian dinner. I made chicken parmesan, alfredo sauce, mashed red potatoes and garlic cheese bread from scratch. Here's the recipes I used:

Chicken Parmesan
8 oz. chicken breast, split and pounded thin
Black pepper and kosher salt to taste
1 egg, beaten
2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
1 oz. Romano cheese, grated
2 tbs of Italian seasoning
2 oz. olive oil

Alfredo Sauce
1 oz unsalted butter
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and white pepper, to taste
3 oz grated Romano

Mmm...so good!

Yeah...I was in the kitchen for awhile that day. THANK GOODNESS for a friend who helped. Otherwise, I think I'd still be cooking! Sadly, I didn't take any pictures of the food. :sad2: However, I did take a few when he blew out his candles.

Ha, I love this one!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Abday.jpg

Here's a great action shot of DH licking the icing off the candles.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Candles.jpg

debraW76

03-03-2009, 11:32 AM

WDWRocksMySocks

03-03-2009, 12:19 PM

Hey! What is wrong with the big 3-0?
It looks like you had a lot of fun. I love Italian food and we usually eat at olive Garden for my BD too! The alfredo recipe looks yummy. My DH makes his with cream cheese but yours sounds less fattening.

Ha, nothing is wrong with 30...unless you're DH. He's just freaking out a bit b/c he's just not finishing his undergrad work and he feels like he should have more accomplished by the time he turns 30. I told him he should be proud that he's getting a bachelor's degree (first one in his family!!!!!) and it doesn't matter what his age is. I also think he's a bit freaked out about it b/c we both agreed that we'd start trying to conceive at 30. :goodvibes

Mmm...cream cheese sounds good! I'd love to have that recipe. I'd say it's probably right up there in fat/calories. I used heavy cream, which had an enormous amount of fat and calories in it. But man, it was GOOD!!!

shordiebecka

03-03-2009, 12:23 PM

yummm your food sounds so good! I'm 8 lbs down on a low fat diet so all i can do is dream and wish!

Make a decision about dining yet?

Beka

03-03-2009, 01:05 PM

I was able to find a few dining reviews that talked about Tutto on the restaurant thread. I'm going to post links on here in a bit.

Yeah, I tend to agree about OG too. But man, I sure do love that salad dressing!! :thumbsup2

Oooh the salad & breadsticks are good! I like to get an order of alfredo sauce for the breadsticks, but my thighs get mad at me cuz it makes them grow.

autumnpalm

03-03-2009, 05:14 PM

Looks like a great birthday. The recipe you made sounds DELICIOUS. Mmmm if I had any cooking skills whatsoever I would totally go make that for dinner tonight! Did you make the cake yourself too?

Congrats on 2 more pounds lost!:cheer2: Sounds like you're doing awesome.:goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

03-05-2009, 09:27 AM

yummm your food sounds so good! I'm 8 lbs down on a low fat diet so all i can do is dream and wish!

Make a decision about dining yet?

That is awesome -- congrats!!! :goodvibes What kinds of food are you eating on your diet? I need any suggestions I can get.

I think we're going to do it!!! It's like pulling teeth to get DH to decide, though. I know we're not planning on going to Universal now, which I'm kind of sad about. But, I am really excited about free dining!!!! Hopefully, I'll get a decision from him very, VERY soon. ::crosses fingers::

Oooh the salad & breadsticks are good! I like to get an order of alfredo sauce for the breadsticks, but my thighs get mad at me cuz it makes them grow.

Aaron loves to get a side of alfredo too. I just stick to dipping the breadsticks in the salad dressing, which I'm sure isn't that healthy. But it's SOOO good. Mmm...

Looks like a great birthday. The recipe you made sounds DELICIOUS. Mmmm if I had any cooking skills whatsoever I would totally go make that for dinner tonight! Did you make the cake yourself too?

Congrats on 2 more pounds lost!:cheer2: Sounds like you're doing awesome.:goodvibes

Yeah, it really was a lot of fun! The recipe is incredibly easy and extremely good. You should try it! Oh, and yeah I made the cake and a friend helped me decorate. We were trying to cook and do the cake at the same time. I thought I was good at multi-tasking, but apparently not so much in the kitchen.

Thanks!! It's been tough to stay away from all those fatty foods I used to love so much. I also LOVE candy, so that's been tough too. But, now I really feel like I don't miss all that stuff too much. :goodvibes My biggest thing is portion control. It's hard!

tinkgurl

03-05-2009, 11:16 AM

Here's a great action shot of DH licking the icing off the candles.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Candles.jpg

I love licking the icing off the candles! :laughing:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-06-2009, 11:18 AM

I've debated on whether we actually need a car this trip. However, I start thinking of not having one, and the control freak in me really starts panicking.

We always like to have a car while we're there because...

We're control freaks who want to go where we want, when we want.
We like to eat off Disney property.
I love shopping at the outlets.
We like to have the option of using the car to get around on Disney property...just in case.
We usually go to Universal.
We HAVE to go to the Florida Mall at least once during our trip.
We are considering spending a day at the beach.

So, I've started tracking car rental rates. Last October, I was able to find a really sweet deal through Alamo (7 days for $90/total!!!). I'm hoping that I get lucky again. I am a religious user of MouseSavers and their "Rental Car Discounts" (http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html) page is AMAZING!!!! I highly recommend it.

Here's what I've been able to find so far:

Alamo
On-site
$269.40 for an economy car using Wal-Mart code (#430710)
$460.11 for economy car using NO code (YIKES!!!)

Budget
On-site
$306.12 for compact car using Budget code (U110900)
$279.22 for compact car using SWA Rapid Rewards code (U109700)
$302.70 for compact car using NO code

Enterprise
Off-site
$299.29 for compact car using travel code from work
$278.11 for compact car using NO code

Dollar
On-site
$463.84 for economy car using SW Rapid Rewards code (SW2358)
$463.84 for economy car using NO code

Avis
On-site
$317.82 for compact car using Avis weekly code (MUWA054)
$317.82 for compact car using NO code

Thrifty
Off-site
$469.16 for compact car using NO code

TxRabbit

03-06-2009, 12:42 PM

HeatherBelle614

03-08-2009, 12:33 PM

DH looks like he had a great birthday!! We aren't big OG fans, either. It's really a hit or miss with their food, for some reason. I do LOVE their desserts though; but, I gave up dessert for Lent so going to OG would be a horrible temptation for me!

Ugh to those rental car prices! I hope something comes along that is like that Mousesavers deal you found last year, soon! Pixie dust your way!!

DisneymoonJess07

03-08-2009, 12:38 PM

Looks like you've been doing some good research on rental cars.

I remember the very first time we went to Disney, we stayed off site and rented a car. It was this tiny little two door white car, a Geo Metro, and we loved it for the days we were there. Of course it's different when you stay on property, and I think part of us loving te car was that it was part of the Disney magic for us. So, it was loved :)

And DH looks like he's enjoying himself on his birthday!!

WDWRocksMySocks

03-09-2009, 10:34 AM

It's amazing to me how some of those costs with the codes are higher than with no code.:eek: I hope you can find as good a deal as you found before.

I was thinking about renting a bigger car for our drive to WDW, but the prices are outrageous. I just can't justify the cost as much as I would like to spare my car the mileage.:confused3

Seriously! Some of those prices are just astronomical, and the codes aren't help either. Boo!!! I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that I'll find a better deal closer to August.

You might check again a few weeks before you trip. I have been able to find great last minute deals before w/ Alamo. :goodvibes

DH looks like he had a great birthday!! We aren't big OG fans, either. It's really a hit or miss with their food, for some reason. I do LOVE their desserts though; but, I gave up dessert for Lent so going to OG would be a horrible temptation for me!

Ugh to those rental car prices! I hope something comes along that is like that Mousesavers deal you found last year, soon! Pixie dust your way!!

He did have a great birthday! We all had A LOT of fun. :thumbsup2 Mmm...you're so right about OG's desserts. Have you ever had their pumpkin cheesecake? Oh my gosh, it is AMAZING!!! We know the manager there and he gave me a full cheesecake for my birthday back in December. It was so nice of him...and it was so tasty!

Thanks for the pixie dust...we need it! :goodvibes

Looks like you've been doing some good research on rental cars.

I remember the very first time we went to Disney, we stayed off site and rented a car. It was this tiny little two door white car, a Geo Metro, and we loved it for the days we were there. Of course it's different when you stay on property, and I think part of us loving te car was that it was part of the Disney magic for us. So, it was loved :)

And DH looks like he's enjoying himself on his birthday!!

Yeah, I spent awhile looking at all the different sites and became really bummed after awhile. It's still early though, so hopefully we'll find something.

I love to stay on property, but I still feel we need to have a car. It definitely adds a bit of non-Disney magic to our trip. DH would go stark raving mad if he was stuck on Disney property for seven days straight. :laughing:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-09-2009, 10:47 AM

I made my first WDW trip purchases on Saturday!! We went to the Edinburgh Premium Outlets (http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=51), which is very similar to the Orlando sans the Disney outlet -- boo! I scored some really sweet deals. I wound up buying four pairs of shoes and a winter coat (not for WDW). I spent way more than I anticipated, but I'm impressed w/ the deals I got.

Crocs - Sale: $4.99 Originally: $24.99
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Pink-1.jpg

Crocs - Sale: $4.99 Originally: $24.99 (Btw, DH HATES these. He thinks they are way TOO bright. I disagree -- the brighter the better!)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/hotpink.jpg

Puma - Sale: $24.99 Originally: $50
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Puma.jpg

Nike - Sale: $69.99 Originally: $110
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Shox.jpg

Nine West - Sale: $44 Originally: $160
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/coat.jpg

tinkgurl

03-09-2009, 11:26 AM

Crocs - Sale: $4.99 Originally: $24.99
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/Pink-1.jpg

Crocs - Sale: $4.99 Originally: $24.99 (Btw, DH HATES these. He thinks they are way TOO bright. I disagree -- the brighter the better!)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/hotpink.jpg

Oh wow! I haven't seen this style of Crocs before! They are cute! :)

TxRabbit

03-09-2009, 11:46 AM

You found some great deals!

I agree with you. I LOVE those bright shoes! So fun!

I have noticed that the last minute rental car deals seem to be the best. I noticed that when I was shopping for rates. I'm not overly fond of the idea of racking up the miles on my car, so I'll keep looking at the car rates, but planning on driving my own.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-09-2009, 12:00 PM

Oh wow! I haven't seen this style of Crocs before! They are cute! :)

Thanks! They are super comfy and great for the parks.

You found some great deals!

I agree with you. I LOVE those bright shoes! So fun!

I have noticed that the last minute rental car deals seem to be the best. I noticed that when I was shopping for rates. I'm not overly fond of the idea of racking up the miles on my car, so I'll keep looking at the car rates, but planning on driving my own.

I just love outlet shopping! Although, I told myself I was going to stop shopping so much so I could save for some extra WDW money. Oops!

Well, I'll definitely be sending you some pixie dust for hopes of finding an awesome deal! pixiedust:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-09-2009, 12:05 PM

I won an awesome eBay auction for 30 pins. They wound up costing about $1.60/per pin (including shipping)...not bad! It was a grab bag lot, so I had no clue what to expect. But, I actually wound up getting some really cute pins, including seven limited edition ones. I got them from 52jcmdisneypins (http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/52jcmdisneypins_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ ). I highly recommend them to anyone looking for trader pins.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/pins.jpg

Now, I have about 50 pins to trade. I think I might get 10-20 more, depending on what kind of deals I find. Here's a picture of the collection I'm taking with us in August.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/traders.jpg

Beka

03-09-2009, 06:51 PM

Really cute shoes!:thumbsup2

shordiebecka

03-10-2009, 09:18 AM

are the crocs comfortable? i really like them but i feel like they will fall off my feet! I have super wide feet though so i dunno!

Ps- amazing pins! I've been thinking about getting into pin trading, but i don't know where to start.

HeatherBelle614

03-10-2009, 10:31 PM

Uhm, want to go shoe shopping for me?? Seriously; if they're true to size, maybe we could figure something out!! I'm in LOVE with those crocs! I haven't seen them before, either! I have to buy all new shoes, literally. I just recently found out (after fracturing my foot in multiple places on our WDW honeymoon) that I have some major permanent damage in my feet from years of dancing. So, I've been banned from heels and really any flats that aren't supportive. No more flip flops! I haven't found any cute crocs like you got!

WDWRocksMySocks

03-11-2009, 10:38 AM

Really cute shoes!:thumbsup2

Thanks!

are the crocs comfortable? i really like them but i feel like they will fall off my feet! I have super wide feet though so i dunno!

Ps- amazing pins! I've been thinking about getting into pin trading, but i don't know where to start.

I really like the style I got, and they are super comfy! I walked around WDW in them last year w/ no problem. I've never done the clog type ones though. My sister has (she has wide feet too) and she was not a fan. She got really bad blisters from them.

You should pin trade!!! But, I warn you -- it's EXTREMELY addictive. Be prepared to spend lots of $$ and become obsessed. I would suggest getting a pin lot off eBay, a good price is about $1.60-$1.80/per pin (including shipping). I just recently bought two lots off of the seller 52jcmdisneypins and had great luck. They ship fast and really great quality pins.

Here's a great link about pin trading (http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/page?id=getStarted).

Uhm, want to go shoe shopping for me?? Seriously; if they're true to size, maybe we could figure something out!! I'm in LOVE with those crocs! I haven't seen them before, either! I have to buy all new shoes, literally. I just recently found out (after fracturing my foot in multiple places on our WDW honeymoon) that I have some major permanent damage in my feet from years of dancing. So, I've been banned from heels and really any flats that aren't supportive. No more flip flops! I haven't found any cute crocs like you got!

I would love to help you out. Unfortunately, the only sizes they had left were 5, 10 and 12 in womens. My poor MIL was so sad b/c they didn't have her size. It was kind of crazy in the Crocs outlet. Do you live close to an outlet? I know they have some of that style online, but they are $19.99 instead of $4.99. :sad1: You should check out Crocs outlet (http://www.crocs.com/products/outlet/). You might find something you like. I also highly recommend Nike Shox or Adidas Bounce. They are both very comfy for WDW and walking in general.

I didn't know you got hurt on your Disneymoon. :hug: That is awful! What happened?? I can't image getting hurt on vacation, let alone on your honeymoon. Do you think you'll have any problems walking around the parks all day? You could always get an ECV and run people over! :laughing: I can't imagine not being able to wear heels. I could survive w/o flip flops, but heels would do me in.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-11-2009, 10:56 AM

Weekly Weight Loss: 1 lb
Total Weight Loss: 7 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 4

This past week was a bit of a struggle. I wound up eating pizza for the first time in at least a month. Whoops! I was doing really well, but I felt lazy and didn't want to cook. So, we wound up getting pizza on Wednesday. It sure was good, though. The weather was really cooperative, so we were able to go walking on the trail twice! I don't mind going to the Y, but DH really hates it. He likes being outside and it's hard for him to get motivated when he's stuck indoors walking in a circle (on the track).

I really need to start tracking the food I consume better. I've gotten a bit lazy with that, as well. I tend to eat the same things, so it's not too hard to guess my calorie intake. But, I know as soon as I stop tracking I start eating more calories and gain weight. Hmm...I need to really kick my butt in gear!

Here's a recipe I want to try this week:

Salmon with Lemon, Capers, and Rosemary (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/salmon-with-lemon-capers-and-rosemary-recipe/index.html)
Ingredients
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
8 lemon slices (about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1/2 cup Marsala wine (or white wine)
4 teaspoons capers
4 pieces of aluminum foil

Directions
Brush top and bottom of salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Place each piece of seasoned salmon on a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal. Top the each piece of salmon with 2 lemon slices, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of wine, and 1 teaspoon of capers. Wrap up salmon tightly in the foil packets.

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Place the foil packets on the hot grill and cook for 10 minutes for a 1-inch thick piece of salmon. Serve in the foil packets.

debraW76

03-11-2009, 12:47 PM

autumnpalm

03-11-2009, 06:50 PM

Love your Crocs! I like the bright ones, they're really cute.:goodvibes

Ughh car rentals are INSANE. I'm looking into them right now and trying to bid through Priceline but even then it comes out pretty pricey. Thanks for posting the codes, I'm going to try some of them directly through the sites and see if I can get a better deal. I've been checking the transportation board for codes but I am not so good at searching.:laughing:

HeatherBelle614

03-12-2009, 07:00 PM

Well, darn!

Honestly? I got so excited on our first morning there, ran to the door, opened it, and split my fourth toe from my little toe with the bottom of the door. I put a bandaid on that sucker, and ran out the door again.

Turns out, 6 months later and after being told many, many times from DH and DM to go to the doctor, I gave in. I had fractured it in multiple places, but when they x-rayed it, I found out I have a lot of permanent damage and bone loss from ballet. I had a cast on for 8 weeks (through the holidays, too. It was horrible timing.) I'm working on at-home therapy right now, and have to go have inserts made for my shoes to wear the rest of my life so my feet don't get worse. Long story short, but I've dislocated and fractured my feet in so many spots over the years that they healed incorrectly, and some of the bones in my arch are slowly separating - literally. There's no cure, just preventative measures to keep it from getting worse.

Oh well; ballet was worth it. Although, I had a pity party with my heels for a couple weeks.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Cute crops. I've never seen that style before. I wear the 'ugly' ones to the pool. I always choose comfort over fashion while on vacation until I get home and look at the pics then I can't beleive I wore that. Last year I sported a fanny pack. I love it while in the parks :cloud9: but the pics are awful!! :headache:

Thanks! Ha, my sister wears the "ugly" ones when she walks her dog in the morning. She attempted to wear them in WDW, but they gave her blisters. :headache: I completely understand what you mean about comfort over fashion. It's a great idea while you're there, but looking at the photos you begin to question yourself. I always notice I look incredibly rough in my Disney pics. I blame it on the humidity. :scared:

Love your Crocs! I like the bright ones, they're really cute.:goodvibes

Ughh car rentals are INSANE. I'm looking into them right now and trying to bid through Priceline but even then it comes out pretty pricey. Thanks for posting the codes, I'm going to try some of them directly through the sites and see if I can get a better deal. I've been checking the transportation board for codes but I am not so good at searching.:laughing:

Don't you love the bright pink/fuchsia ones? DH told me they reminded him of my Mom...which is NOT a good thing.

Yeah, I know! :headache: I'm hoping that they will get better as the dates come closer. You should check Mousesavers car rental page (http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html). They always have GREAT codes over there. I love that site! :lovestruc Did you know you can combine a discount code w/ a coupon? I did that last year, and it helped me get an AWESOME rate! Good luck!!!

Well, darn!

Honestly? I got so excited on our first morning there, ran to the door, opened it, and split my fourth toe from my little toe with the bottom of the door. I put a bandaid on that sucker, and ran out the door again.

Turns out, 6 months later and after being told many, many times from DH and DM to go to the doctor, I gave in. I had fractured it in multiple places, but when they x-rayed it, I found out I have a lot of permanent damage and bone loss from ballet. I had a cast on for 8 weeks (through the holidays, too. It was horrible timing.) I'm working on at-home therapy right now, and have to go have inserts made for my shoes to wear the rest of my life so my feet don't get worse. Long story short, but I've dislocated and fractured my feet in so many spots over the years that they healed incorrectly, and some of the bones in my arch are slowly separating - literally. There's no cure, just preventative measures to keep it from getting worse.

Oh well; ballet was worth it. Although, I had a pity party with my heels for a couple weeks.

Aw...I'm so sorry! :hug: I'm also sorry for laughing at your story while I read it. I could TOTALLY imagine myself doing something like that too. :lmao: Did it not bother you at all while walking around the parks? Although, something tells me that pain is just not the same at WDW. It's so much easier to overlook.

Your poor feet! Having a cast on through the holidays would stink. I hope your therapy goes well. :goodvibes I'm glad that you enjoyed doing ballet, though. It's good to know the feet injuries are not in vain! I'm definitely having sympathy pains for you, and am mourning the loss of your heels. :sad1:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-13-2009, 10:03 AM

ONLY 162 DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE!!!!!!

Okay...that's just slightly depressing. I can't wait until we're in the double digits! THANK GOODNESS that spring is approaching. I'm seriously suffering from some B-A-D cabin fever. I'm OVER winter!!

tinkgurl

03-13-2009, 10:22 AM

THANK GOODNESS that spring is approaching. I'm seriously suffering from some B-A-D cabin fever. I'm OVER winter!!

Oh my gosh ME TOO!

HeatherBelle614

03-14-2009, 03:49 PM

Oh, me too! We've had nothing but rain clouds and the 30s again since Tuesday! I know that may not be cold to some people, but we were in the 70s on Monday! Ugh!

Beka

03-14-2009, 04:59 PM

Oh, me too! We've had nothing but rain clouds and the 30s again since Tuesday! I know that may not be cold to some people, but we were in the 70s on Monday! Ugh!

Unless you're a polar bear, 30 is cold.

It's cloudy & cold today. Double yuck.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-16-2009, 09:26 AM

Oh my gosh ME TOO!

Oh, me too! We've had nothing but rain clouds and the 30s again since Tuesday! I know that may not be cold to some people, but we were in the 70s on Monday! Ugh!

Isn't it awful? This past weekend wasn't too bad. It was in the mid-upper 50's...which felt balmy! It might even be up to 70 by tomorrow. :crosses fingers:: I'd still be content w/ 50's right now. I'm just tired of the cold and dreariness. BLECH!

Unless you're a polar bear, 30 is cold.

It's cloudy & cold today. Double yuck.

HA! I completely agree. I consider anything that's under 50 degrees cold. Too bad I live in Indiana. I really need to consider moving somewhere warm and tropical. :cloud9:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-18-2009, 03:32 PM

Weekly Weight Loss:1 lb
Total Weight Loss: 8 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 2 -- I was a slacker last week!

I was a total slacker this past week. I actually broke down and ate White Castle. :scared: Oh, it was so good! I don't really know why I did it, but I don't regret it...not one bit. Mmm, I love that place. We also didn't work out that much this week due to a freak allergic reaction I suffered from one of my allergy shots. I suffer from SEVERE allergies and get shots about once a week. Normally, I never have any issues with them. About a week and a half ago I had an extreme reaction to one that actually sent me to the hospital two days later. Needless to say, I didn't really feel like working out last week. Allergies can be so debilitating and downright cruel. Top them off with asthma and eczema and it's really NO fun. :headache:

debraW76

03-18-2009, 03:37 PM

Beka

03-19-2009, 08:51 AM

HA! I completely agree. I consider anything that's under 50 degrees cold. Too bad I live in Indiana. I really need to consider moving somewhere warm and tropical. :cloud9:

Just one more reason as to why I love the deep South! :lovestruc (Sweet tea & the food are another bonus, or a negative, depending on how you look at it.:goodvibes )

Weekly Weight Loss:1 lb
Total Weight Loss: 8 lbs
Days Spent Exercising: 2 -- I was a slacker last week!

I was a total slacker this past week. I actually broke down and ate White Castle. :scared: Oh, it was so good! I don't really know why I did it, but I don't regret it...not one bit. Mmm, I love that place. We also didn't work out that much this week due to a freak allergic reaction I suffered from one of my allergy shots. I suffer from SEVERE allergies and get shots about once a week. Normally, I never have any issues with them. About a week and a half ago I had an extreme reaction to one that actually sent me to the hospital two days later. Needless to say, I didn't really feel like working out last week. Allergies can be so debilitating and downright cruel. Top them off with asthma and eczema and it's really NO fun. :headache:

Sorry about your horrible reaction! Yikes! But congrats on the weight loss! Now that DH & I are back from our NC trip we're going to get serious, plus, he got me a Wii Fit! :banana:

HeatherBelle614

03-19-2009, 09:22 PM

Oh! I've always wanted to try White Castle! Mmm. I love hamburgers; that's my weakness!

WDWRocksMySocks

03-20-2009, 10:02 AM

Yikes! about the allergies!!

8 lbs deserves 8 bananas
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Yeah, really! Allergies STINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love the 8 bananas. :thumbsup2

Just one more reason as to why I love the deep South! :lovestruc (Sweet tea & the food are another bonus, or a negative, depending on how you look at it.:goodvibes )

Oh, I'm so jealous. I'd love to have warmer weather year round and all that southern fried goodness! Mmmm...

Sorry about your horrible reaction! Yikes! But congrats on the weight loss! Now that DH & I are back from our NC trip we're going to get serious, plus, he got me a Wii Fit! :banana:

Ooh, a Wii Fit! You'll have to let me know how that works out for you. My nephews have a Wii and I love doing the boxing game. It seriously works out your love handle region. I was simply amazed -- doesn't take much for me. :rotfl:

Oh! I've always wanted to try White Castle! Mmm. I love hamburgers; that's my weakness!

You've never had White Castle? ::GASPS:: Ha! It's so good, but so bad for you. I love those greasy little sliders. Mmm. They also have really good cheese sticks. It's definitely the only fast food place that I would ever miss not having around. Ok, I shouldn't be talking about White Castle b/c I DO NOT need to eat that again this weekend. But man, it was so yummy!

autumnpalm

03-20-2009, 05:56 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

03-24-2009, 05:36 PM

I've never eaten at White Castle either but yum, it sounds good!

Congrats on the 8 pounds!:grouphug:

Here is 8 cheerleaders!;)
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Oh man, you and Heather really are missing out! White Castle is so good. They have the BEST sliders anywhere. Mmmm...yummy! Too bad I think it helped cause me to gain TWO pounds this past week. Eeeeeekkk!!! :scared1::scared1: I was doing so well, too. I knew it would happened eventually, I've been seriously slacking off the last couple of weeks. BOO!!!

autumnpalm

03-24-2009, 05:38 PM

Okay this might make me sound kinda clueless but... what exactly is a slider? I've never heard that word before.:blush:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-24-2009, 05:46 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

03-24-2009, 05:51 PM

Okay this might make me sound kinda clueless but... what exactly is a slider? I've never heard that word before.:blush:

It's a steam-grilled, square shaped burger that White Castle has trademarked as "Slyders". I'm not really obsessed w/ White Castle, I swear...well, ok maybe just a little. They serve them with onions and pickle. I usually pick those off, but the onion does leave a pretty good flavor. Mmm, so good. But, they do have a tendency to make people run for the...bathroom, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, that does not include me. Ha, too much information I'm sure.

Here's a picture:
http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/hotbytes/userpix/26_white_castle_1.jpg

And this one seems to capture its true, greasy goodness:
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2371622/whitecastlefastfood428918l-main_Full.jpg

debraW76

03-25-2009, 05:37 PM

Hello, my name is Kirsten and I'm a pin-a-holic. Seriously...I can NOT stop buying pin lots on eBay. It's an illness, I truly think it is. Once you get bitten by the pin bug, there is seriously no hope for you -- NONE.

I won an auction a few weeks ago for 15 pins for $24.50, which equals out to $1.63/per pin (including shipping). Not too shabby. I bought them from the same seller as before, 52jcmdisneypins (http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/52jcmdisneypins_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ ).

Here's a picture of this lot:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/kmphilli/100_2669.jpg

I also just bought 15 pins from tradepinsforyou (http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/tradepinsforyou_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ ). They have a "pick your lot" auction with pins for $1.54/each (includes shipping, too!). So, I just bought 15 pins for $23.10. How sweet is that? Hmm...some times I feel guilty about buying pin lots on eBay to trade at WDW. I always wonder if I'm getting fake pins. I've never actually had a problem with the quality of pins I've received. But, I'd hate to get fake ones and then trade them at WDW unknowingly. I'd feel horrible doing that.

So, I've spent a total of $95.60 for 60 pins. That equals out to about $1.59/per pin (including shipping). Not bad, but I should probably start saving my money for our trip. I need to stay AWAY from eBay for awhile. :rolleyes1
I purchased some pins off ebay too. But then I saw some rather heated threads on here about buying second hand pins and trading them in the parks :scared1:
I don't have a problem with it. If it has no visible defects I dont see what the big deal is. I am not trading for the value of them but wanted to give them to our kids for them to trade for fun. But the 'real' pin traders get very upset when you say that because they pay full price for theirs and fear getting stuck with an imposter pin.
So anyway, just be careful about saying you bought off ebay and are planning on trading in the parks or else you may get an earful :rolleyes1

It's a steam-grilled, square shaped burger that White Castle has trademarked as "Slyders". I'm not really obsessed w/ White Castle, I swear...well, ok maybe just a little. They serve them with onions and pickle. I usually pick those off, but the onion does leave a pretty good flavor. Mmm, so good. But, they do have a tendency to make people run for the...bathroom, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, that does not include me. Ha, too much information I'm sure.

Here's a picture:
http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/hotbytes/userpix/26_white_castle_1.jpg

And this one seems to capture its true, greasy goodness:
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2371622/whitecastlefastfood428918l-main_Full.jpg

:rotfl2: When I read autumnpalm's question about the sliders and then your post about the pins I thought she was asking about Slider pins! When I saw your pic of the burger I was like WTH? :rotfl2:

WDWRocksMySocks

03-26-2009, 11:19 AM

I purchased some pins off ebay too. But then I saw some rather heated threads on here about buying second hand pins and trading them in the parks :scared1:
I don't have a problem with it. If it has no visible defects I dont see what the big deal is. I am not trading for the value of them but wanted to give them to our kids for them to trade for fun. But the 'real' pin traders get very upset when you say that because they pay full price for theirs and fear getting stuck with an imposter pin.
So anyway, just be careful about saying you bought off ebay and are planning on trading in the parks or else you may get an earful :rolleyes1

Ha, thanks for the heads up! I haven't really seen a lot of negative reactions to eBay but I can only imagine. :scared: Some of these "debates" on here get a bit...lively, shall we say? I understand why people would get upset about the eBay pins. But, I would NEVER trade anything that I suspected was low quality or a fake pin. I'm like you, I don't trade for the value I do it b/c I want to have fun.

Actually, that made me think of how many times I have seen fake pins (Sedesma especially) on CMs lanyards. I've traded for a few fakes ones, not knowing of course. I could definitely spot the difference. They were BAD quality and didn't even have the right logo on the back. So, yeah...that would upset me, too. I'll just make sure I'm careful on here b/c I don't want to get flamed. :headache:

:rotfl2: When I read autumnpalm's question about the sliders and then your post about the pins I thought she was asking about Slider pins! When I saw your pic of the burger I was like WTH? :rotfl2:

HA! Not the same sliders. But, I really do love those slider pins too. :rotfl:

debraW76

03-26-2009, 11:47 AM

Here is the link ;)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2099914

Wasn't Lost awesome last night? I mean, not as good as some of the other episodes but it was still good.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-26-2009, 12:40 PM

Here is the link ;)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2099914

Wasn't Lost awesome last night? I mean, not as good as some of the other episodes but it was still good.

Eeeekkk...that thread now has me terrified! I'm not sure what I should do -- send them back, keep them, trade them?? YIKES!! I've compared some of them to ones I already had (through buying at the parks) and those all seemed to be the same quality. But, on some of them I've simply looked at them to see if they seemed fake to me. Obviously, I'm not trained to spot a fake so who knows if they are real or not. They don't stick out to me like the fake ones I have recognized before. So, who knows? Oh man, this is sad. I guess I personally don't care if I have pins (my keepers) that are fake b/c I don't intend to trade them away. BUT...if the ones I do have as traders are fake I don't want to give that away to someone else. Man, oh man.

Onto happier things...Lost was really good! Everyone here at work has not watched it yet so it was killing me not to have anyone to discuss it with. :headache: The ending was what really did it for me. I was so shocked that Sayid actually shot him! Also, was it Ben who drove the van into the house? I thought it was implied, but I wasn't sure. I can't wait to see episodes w/ Sun, Locke and Ben. I really can't wait to see Ben's reaction when he sees Locke is alive. Do you think Ben already knows that he didn't really kill Locke? And why the heck is Sun not in the 70's w/ everyone?? So many questions!! :eek:

debraW76

03-26-2009, 01:08 PM

Eeeekkk...that thread now has me terrified! I'm not sure what I should do -- send them back, keep them, trade them?? YIKES!! I've compared some of them to ones I already had (through buying at the parks) and those all seemed to be the same quality. But, on some of them I've simply looked at them to see if they seemed fake to me. Obviously, I'm not trained to spot a fake so who knows if they are real or not. They don't stick out to me like the fake ones I have recognized before. So, who knows? Oh man, this is sad. I guess I personally don't care if I have pins (my keepers) that are fake b/c I don't intend to trade them away. BUT...if the ones I do have as traders are fake I don't want to give that away to someone else. Man, oh man.

Onto happier things...Lost was really good! Everyone here at work has not watched it yet so it was killing me not to have anyone to discuss it with. :headache: The ending was what really did it for me. I was so shocked that Sayid actually shot him! Also, was it Ben who drove the van into the house? I thought it was implied, but I wasn't sure. I can't wait to see episodes w/ Sun, Locke and Ben. I really can't wait to see Ben's reaction when he sees Locke is alive. Do you think Ben already knows that he didn't really kill Locke? And why the heck is Sun not in the 70's w/ everyone?? So many questions!! :eek:

I wouldn't worry about the pins. Trade and be happy :hug:

At least you have some one at work to talk to about LOST! We have 110 employees and not one watches lost. I have questioned everyone - and can't find a single person. Guess that is why I like the lost thread so much.

Yea, I think Benny set the van on fire and ran it into the house. Sorry, I don't have an explanation for Sun.

WDWRocksMySocks

03-26-2009, 01:11 PM

At least you have some one at work to talk to about LOST! We have 110 employees and not one watches lost. I have questioned everyone - and can't find a single person. Guess that is why I like the lost thread so much.

Yea, I think Benny set the van on fire and ran it into the house. Sorry, I don't have an explanation for Sun.

WHAT?! Out of 110 people, no one watches??? WEIRDOS! :rolleyes1 I love looking at the LOST thread, but I rarely post.

So, do you think Ben killed Penny? And where the heck is Desmond?? Man, this show just brings up more and more questions. It drives me nuts, but I'm hooked!

Beka

03-26-2009, 09:48 PM

debraW76

03-27-2009, 10:40 AM

WHAT?! Out of 110 people, no one watches??? WEIRDOS! :rolleyes1 I love looking at the LOST thread, but I rarely post.

So, do you think Ben killed Penny? And where the heck is Desmond?? Man, this show just brings up more and more questions. It drives me nuts, but I'm hooked!
I found someone yesterday. I thought the same thing - surely there is someone here who watches so I just started asking very *loudly* "DOESN'T ANYONE HERE WATCH LOST" and finally I was directed to someone who works downstairs. :goodvibes

I love Lost too! We have to save up a few episodes on the DVR, cuz when we get done with 1 episode we always say "Ah! I wanna see what happens next!"
I am the same way. At the end of every episode I get mad because I have to wait a week to get any more answers. But I couldn't handle not watching either. That makes my stomach hurt just thinking about letting it sit on my TiVo. :sick:

Beka

03-27-2009, 10:49 AM

I found someone yesterday. I thought the same thing - surely there is someone here who watches so I just started asking very *loudly* "DOESN'T ANYONE HERE WATCH LOST" and finally I was directed to someone who works downstairs. :goodvibes

I am the same way. At the end of every episode I get mad because I have to wait a week to get any more answers. But I couldn't handle not watching either. That makes my stomach hurt just thinking about letting it sit on my TiVo. :sick:

'K, since you're a fan, you'll appreciate this. We got DS a onesie that says "There's a smoke monster in my closet" :laughing: It's so cute!

debraW76

03-27-2009, 11:16 AM

'K, since you're a fan, you'll appreciate this. We got DS a onesie that says "There's a smoke monster in my closet" :laughing: It's so cute!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: I LOVE IT!!

I saw a onesie that said "I ripped mama a new one"

WDWRocksMySocks

03-27-2009, 01:47 PM

I love Lost too! We have to save up a few episodes on the DVR, cuz when we get done with 1 episode we always say "Ah! I wanna see what happens next!"

Ooh, another Lost fan! I should really do what you guys do. After ever episode I want more. The thing that REALLY drives me nuts is that you're often left wondering what's going on w/ other characters b/c they tend to focus on different groups each week. I want to know what Locke's up to...and I really hope he kicks Ben's butt when he seems him!

I found someone yesterday. I thought the same thing - surely there is someone here who watches so I just started asking very *loudly* "DOESN'T ANYONE HERE WATCH LOST" and finally I was directed to someone who works downstairs. :goodvibes

HA! I did the same thing. I stepped out of my office and asked if anyone watched. I found two people, but one isn't up to date b/c he doesn't have cable at his house. The other one hadn't watched the most recent episode yet. I hate when that happens, b/c I'm impatient. I want to talk about it the day after.

I am the same way. At the end of every episode I get mad because I have to wait a week to get any more answers. But I couldn't handle not watching either. That makes my stomach hurt just thinking about letting it sit on my TiVo. :sick:

:lmao: I was like this on Wednesday. I usually watch American Idol, but the thought of NOT watching Lost was just too much for me to bare. Plus, Idol has been slightly underwhelming this season.

'K, since you're a fan, you'll appreciate this. We got DS a onesie that says "There's a smoke monster in my closet" :laughing: It's so cute!

Do you have any pics of him wearing the onesie? That sounds so cute!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: I LOVE IT!!

I saw a onesie that said "I ripped mama a new one"

They make onesies that say anything, don't they? I'm actually looking for some cute onesies for my BFF. She's due in July and they have a really funny sense of humor.

Here are some that I'm looking at:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41f72Llrx-L._AA280_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41llP6K2w9L._AA280_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51v72fAPHJL._AA280_.jpg

debraW76

03-27-2009, 03:30 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

04-01-2009, 11:29 AM

Love the onesies! Baby Tau has a t-shirt that says
"I STILL live with my parents".
I laughed so hard when I saw that because my dear BIL does still live with his mom and he is 27. I put it on the baby and proudly showed my BIL the shirt. He didn't think it was funny at all.

The other one he has says
"It's my brothers fault".

Ha, your poor BIL. I'm sure he didn't like it, but I find it hilarious. I'm amazed just how many onesies there are out there w/ funny little sayings. They all crack me up. I've been trying to find some for my BFF and I'm a bit overwhelmed.

WDWRocksMySocks

04-01-2009, 11:31 AM

WOO...I got my first tag!!!!! I was posting in another thread, and just happened to notice it. So exciting!!! It's very appropriate for me as well, seeing as I do live in southern Indiana and all. :lmao: Ooh, I'm so excited!

DisneymoonJess07

04-01-2009, 11:36 AM

Congrats on your first tag! That's very exciting!!!

debraW76

04-01-2009, 01:10 PM

Congrats on your first tag!
I've given up on the tag fairy. I say dumb things all the time but he/she never notices!

lisalonglash

04-01-2009, 01:21 PM

Woohooo on getting your first tag! :banana: I was ridiculously excited when I got mine - I still get a kick out of it :lmao::cool1:

HeatherBelle614

04-04-2009, 02:58 PM

Mmmm. I love sliders!!

Ok, I'm lost and clueless, but what is the tag fairy??

Even though we don't plan on having a baby any time soon, my aunt got me two onsies for Christmas as a gag gift. They're packed way, but I'm saving them because they're so cute!

One has a picture of a tiny baby crib, and below it says "Party at my crib - 2AM."

The other is black, and it says (in white) "This IS my little black dress."

autumnpalm

04-04-2009, 03:41 PM

Congrats on your tag!!!:cheer2::dance3::banana::cool1:

debraW76

04-04-2009, 05:11 PM

tinkgurl

04-04-2009, 08:42 PM

I'm jealous you got a tag. :laughing:

WDWRocksMySocks

04-06-2009, 01:04 PM

Congrats on your first tag! That's very exciting!!!

Thanks, I was really excited!! I told DH and he just didn't get it. :rolleyes1

Congrats on your first tag!
I've given up on the tag fairy. I say dumb things all the time but he/she never notices!

Ha, I'm like that too! I'm so happy that I finally got some recognition for it. :thumbsup2

Woohooo on getting your first tag! :banana: I was ridiculously excited when I got mine - I still get a kick out of it :lmao::cool1:

Don't you love the tag fairy? I'm highly (and easily) amused by tags...and by everything else too!

Mmmm. I love sliders!!

Ok, I'm lost and clueless, but what is the tag fairy??

Even though we don't plan on having a baby any time soon, my aunt got me two onsies for Christmas as a gag gift. They're packed way, but I'm saving them because they're so cute!

One has a picture of a tiny baby crib, and below it says "Party at my crib - 2AM."

The other is black, and it says (in white) "This IS my little black dress."

Mmm...aren't sliders yummy? If only they could find a way for them to be healthy! DARN.

The tag fairy patrols the board waiting for people to say something amusing and they will "tag" it and put under your name (where your "custom user title" goes). I happened to be talking about mullets one day and got tagged. I never thought I'd get tagged...I was beyond excited! :banana:

I have a ton of stuff saved for our future babies. My Mom jokes, and calls it our "hopeless" chest. My MIL has found some really cute stuff throughout the time DH and I got married. Now, I just hope we have a girl to wear all this stuff.

Congrats on your tag!!!:cheer2::dance3::banana::cool1:

Thanks!!

I'm jealous you got a tag. :laughing:

:rotfl: You just need to go around different threads talking about the most ridiculous things you can think of...then it will happen for you! :goodvibes:goodvibes :rotfl2:

WDWRocksMySocks

04-06-2009, 01:26 PM

I haven't really had a lot to say these past few weeks. It has definitely been one of THOSE months (already). First off, we've had A LOT of home issues to attend to. I figured I'd use bullets below, YES...there are THAT many issues:

New dryer decided to just quit working -- there was problems with the wiring and it has since been repaired.
New stove also decided to quit working -- it was not installed properly (by Sear's) and the power shorted out. It was repaired last week.
Roof decided to get a hole in it and start leaking...eek! This is still in the process of being repaired.
TERMITES...We have TERMITES!!! They swarmed into our house and they were EVERYWHERE. It was disgusting. Even our cats wouldn't walk on the ground b/c there were so many of them . --- An exterminator came last week and took care of business.
Our front door had to be replaced because it would not stay closed. -- This really wasn't a big issue, but after experiencing the others it still annoyed me.
Our shower was leaking into our basement, causing the wooden floor beams to rot. :eek:Thankfully, we got this taken care of quickly and the damage to the floor is not too severe.

That list just seems...depressing. We are currently living in a 90+ year old home that's been in my family since it was built. DH and I thought it'd be a good idea because he's in school and I'm preparing to go back. We live there rent free. But now, I'm thinking I really miss that nice, luxurious townhouse that we moved from. You know, the one that is only 3 years old that has those BIG walk-in closets and such? Yeah...that's the one we miss. Oh well, this whole experience really has prepared us for homeownership...or something like it.

To top off a month of interesting luck, I lost my wallet on Friday at Wal-Mart. :sad1: I normally put it my purse, but we were just running in and for some reason my wallet wasn't in my purse. No big deal, right? WRONG! I managed to make it through the check-out with my wallet. Somewhere between the register and the car I lost it. We've searched our house and my car -- nothing. I was hoping that some good Samaritan found it and turned it in. I called Wal-Mart a few times but to no avail. BLECH! So, I spent the majority of this morning calling my bank, credit card companies, insurance company, etc...to cancel/order replacement cards. Man, that was fun! :rolleyes1 Thankfully, none of my cards had been used. BUT...I lost my WDW ticket! :sad2::scared::scared1::headache: I didn't make a copy, like I should have. I didn't lock it up in a fire box, like I should have. I put it in my wallet thinking it was a good place b/c I would never lose my wallet. DUH!! How stupid was that "logic"??? :mad: Such a bad idea.

PSA -- Make sure to copy, take a picture or scan the back of your tickets. In the event you lose them, this will make it EXTREMELY helpful to get them replaced.

Good news is...my Grandma has offered to buy my replacement ticket. :cloud9: I had everything budgeted out and I was really concerned that I might not be able to afford to drop an additional $271 on another ticket (I used UndercoverTourist.com to buy them). She felt really bad for me and agreed to help out. THANK GOODNESS!!! Still, I'm really annoyed that I even have to buy another ticket. The silver lining (I suppose) is now we'll both have 6 day tickets, which means we'll be able to go to the park more than originally planned. :thumbsup2

TxRabbit

04-06-2009, 04:10 PM

WDWRocksMySocks

04-07-2009, 03:58 PM

:scared1:

:hug:

How horrible about your wallet!! I feel for you. Big hugs. How wonderful that none of your cards were used.

That's very nice of your Grandma to help with the cost of a replacement ticket.

Your home issue list is longer than mine but I sympathize with the spirit of it. Our issue was rats in the attic.:eek::scared: Luckily they didn't nest up there. Apparently they were just using the attic as a playground.:confused3 And now we have rat traps all around the base of our house. Every other woe is minor compared to what you have been dealing with.

Dealing with an older house is a lesson in an of itself. Mine is only 20 years old, but still, once you have to start dealing with things, you realize how nice it is to have a newer home. (Our previous two houses were new construction.) It's just that I can't stand the pack-em-in neighborhoods with all the houses on top of each other (it feels that way anyway) and NO TREES!

Here's hoping that April is MUCH better. pixiedust:

Thanks! I know, I feel really blessed that nothing was charged to them. I have to head to the license branch after work to get my license. :headache: That place always gives me hives...I swear! I usually sit there and wait for HOURS. Wish me luck! :goodvibes

Yuck, rats?! That doesn't sound minor to me. I'm seriously creeped out by rodents. I'm definitely sending you some good "bye bye rodent" vibes. :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

I just love the character of (most) older homes. The house that we're living in has a lot of history -- my grandma grew up in it. It's fun to hear all of her memories of it. BUT...now it's just a money-sucking leach -- SAD!

I completely agree with you about the "pack-em in" neighborhoods. My sister lives in one of those and it's just so...blah. Her house is awesome, but there are no trees and very little green space. Plus, I can see right into her neighbor's bedroom window...which they don't use window treatments for. :scared: You really can get an eye full -- and not in a good way. :scared1:

TxRabbit

04-07-2009, 04:45 PM

Thanks! I know, I feel really blessed that nothing was charged to them. I have to head to the license branch after work to get my license. :headache: That place always gives me hives...I swear! I usually sit there and wait for HOURS. Wish me luck! :goodvibes

Yuck, rats?! That doesn't sound minor to me. I'm seriously creeped out by rodents. I'm definitely sending you some good "bye bye rodent" vibes. :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

I just love the character of (most) older homes. The house that we're living in has a lot of history -- my grandma grew up in it. It's fun to hear all of her memories of it. BUT...now it's just a money-sucking leach -- SAD!

I completely agree with you about the "pack-em in" neighborhoods. My sister lives in one of those and it's just so...blah. Her house is awesome, but there are no trees and very little green space. Plus, I can see right into her neighbor's bedroom window...which they don't use window treatments for. :scared: You really can get an eye full -- and not in a good way. :scared1:

pixiedust: for having to deal with the drivers' license. I have to do the same thing myself. And SOON. I got pulled over yesterday because I didnt' have my current registration sticker on my car. OK. So I've not had the sticker on for hmmmm 10 MONTHS and finally yesterday, I got pulled over. The deal is that I'm current, I just have to find the silly sticker, which I misplaced, and I keep forgetting, etc etc. Anyway, I got a warning on the sticker, but I got a citation because my address isn't current on my license!:sad2: The guys said that it is often a "fix it ticket" and once I get my address updated, they will cancel or waive the fine or something. I really hope so. No guarantees there.

Meanwhile. I have to go to the license place. I couldn't do it online for some reason. I found out that it's because my license was showing "Unclear." This freaked out the cop that pulled me over of course, which is how I ended up on the side of the road for over half an hour for a paper violation. It turns out that someone didn't record the fact that I surrendered my Kansas license in 2004!!:headache:So they think I have two licenses.:mad:So I have to go into the place to update my address and sign an affidavit that says I don't have my KS license any longer. *sigh*

And of course, now the pressure is on, because I have to do this before my court date.:eek:

Sorry to go on and on on your PTR, but seriously, I'm sending happy fast line happy worker vibes your way hoping that it comes back my way!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

WDWRocksMySocks

04-07-2009, 04:57 PM

pixiedust: for having to deal with the drivers' license. I have to do the same thing myself. And SOON. I got pulled over yesterday because I didnt' have my current registration sticker on my car. OK. So I've not had the sticker on for hmmmm 10 MONTHS and finally yesterday, I got pulled over. The deal is that I'm current, I just have to find the silly sticker, which I misplaced, and I keep forgetting, etc etc. Anyway, I got a warning on the sticker, but I got a citation because my address isn't current on my license!:sad2: The guys said that it is often a "fix it ticket" and once I get my address updated, they will cancel or waive the fine or something. I really hope so. No guarantees there.

Meanwhile. I have to go to the license place. I couldn't do it online for some reason. I found out that it's because my license was showing "Unclear." This freaked out the cop that pulled me over of course, which is how I ended up on the side of the road for over half an hour for a paper violation. It turns out that someone didn't record the fact that I surrendered my Kansas license in 2004!!:headache:So they think I have two licenses.:mad:So I have to go into the place to update my address and sign an affidavit that says I don't have my KS license any longer. *sigh*

And of course, now the pressure is on, because I have to do this before my court date.:eek:

Sorry to go on and on on your PTR, but seriously, I'm sending happy fast line happy worker vibes your way hoping that it comes back my way!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

My sister got a citation for the very same thing! :eek: So sorry you got pulled over. I once got pulled over twice in the same week...whoops. My sister got pulled over twice in the same week by the SAME cop. :laughing: Neither of us got a ticket, though. :confused3

:goodvibes:goodvibes pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:
I'm sending all the good vibes and pixie dust back to you in hopes that you have a nice, stress free visit to the license branch. Can you make an appointment at yours? I didn't know you could do that. Unfortunately I need to get my license sooner, rather than later so I'm braving it without one today and hoping for the best.

Ugh, that stinks someone forgot to enter in the right information. BOO!!! :headache: I hope that everything gets taken care of for you. Make sure to take several forms of mail (i.e. bank statement, phone bill, etc...) that prove you live where you currently do. I know several people who have went to the BMV waited and waited until they were told they didn't have the sufficient documentation to prove their current residence. :scared: I have a whole stack of information (including my current birth certificate and ss info) to prove I am who I am. I hope it's enough.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

Lynn5700

04-07-2009, 05:04 PM

OMG girl you have so much going on!!! I hope the next few months fly by for you and you have better luck!!

yay for the fairy tag getting you!! I love it loL!

Lynn5700

04-07-2009, 05:08 PM

Did you say that qoute on the American Idol thread?

debraW76

04-08-2009, 01:52 PM

Sorry you are having a rotton week. Here's to hoping it will get better.

autumnpalm

04-08-2009, 02:03 PM

Oh my gosh. You sure have been through a lot this past month.:hug: Life always seems to pile all the bad things together, doesn't it?:rolleyes: I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping things get better soon. Sending hugs!:grouphug:

WDWRocksMySocks

04-08-2009, 04:28 PM

OMG girl you have so much going on!!! I hope the next few months fly by for you and you have better luck!!

yay for the fairy tag getting you!! I love it loL!

Seriously...it's been stressful these last few weeks! :scared: But, I've been finding the humor in it all and just decided to laugh it off. I'm just hoping I've gotten all my bad luck out of the way this year. I'm ready to have some fun, dang it!

Don't you love the tag fairy? I was so excited!! Yeah, it was from the last week in the Idol thread (which I just love!!). I'm not sure why I was on a mullet kick. I think it was that hideous hairstyle that Allison had. :eek:

Sorry you are having a rotton week. Here's to hoping it will get better.

Thank you!!! :hug:

Oh my gosh. You sure have been through a lot this past month.:hug: Life always seems to pile all the bad things together, doesn't it?:rolleyes: I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping things get better soon. Sending hugs!:grouphug:

Seriously...when it rains it pours! Life is definitely funny like that. Thanks for the positive thoughts! It's funny, b/c I've just decided to roll with the punches. I started laughing over all my special "luck" this past month. Nothing else you can do, you know?

WDWRocksMySocks

04-08-2009, 04:40 PM

Good news...

I emailed Undercover Tourist yesterday about my lost ticket. Well, they called me almost immediately and they were able to fax over a copy of my ticket!!! :woohoo: :yay::woohoo: I was BEYOND excited!!! The lady was so nice, and EXTREMELY helpful! Now, all I need to do is give Disney the ticket information and I can get a replacement ticket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance3:

At first, I had my doubts about using Undercover Tourist to buy my ticket. Now, I'm so happy I did. I HIGHLY recommend them! They have great ticket prices and AWESOME customer service! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

More good news...

I was able to get my license taken care of yesterday. It only took me about 15 minutes, too!!! Unfortunately, the picture is just HIDEOUS! They told me that I couldn't show any teeth if I wanted to smile. Well, if someone tells me I can't do something then of course I'm going to do it. The person got me right before I was about to smile. Oh well...at least I didn't have to wait long!

Not so good news...

On my way to work yesterday, my car died THREE (yes, THREE) times in the middle of the road (of course). :mad::headache: It's not that very old, and I've never really had any problems with it. But of course, this week I would. Thankfully, I was able to get to work safely. My Grandpa picked up my car yesterday afternoon and was able to drive it over to the repair shop. We still don't know what's wrong with it, though. :sad2: I swear...

debraW76

04-09-2009, 10:57 AM

Oh Dear! :hug:

WDWRocksMySocks

04-14-2009, 02:05 PM

So, first off...things are going much, MUCH better! Nothing has leaked, no bug invasions, wallet accounted for and all appliances are operating properly. PHEW! :woohoo: I'm hoping we've gotten all of those hideous home repairs out of the way...at least for now. On to the updates...

I broke down and bought the Unofficial Guide (http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=0)on Friday night. Aaron received a gift card for Christmas that he didn't really care to use, so he gave it to me!! I didn't even have to beg, or anything. :thumbsup2 I must say, I LOVE the book. I love to read all the different advice/opinions that other readers have submitted. I even found one sent in from Bloomington, IN -- where I'm from! I also like that I now have access to the crowd calender (http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14) on the Touring Plans website. I'm currently working on a tentative itinerary for our trip -- obviously, very tentative as I STILL have to wait until May 25th for our 90 day window...ugh! :headache: I also have a subscription to TGM, so I'm excited to compare the two.

Oh...and I FINALLY purchased our airfare today!!! :yay::woohoo::banana: Southwest released dates through October 30th today and I just happened to luck out with an awesome fare of $137.20/per person. The only bad thing (not terrible, not what I wanted) is our departure/arrival times:

Sunday, August 23
Depart Indy at 11:30am
Arrive MCO at 1:50pm

Saturday, August 29
Depart MCO at 9:35am
Arrive IND at 12:00pm

I actually hoping to extend our trip for one day, and depart Disney on August 30. Unfortunately, Aaron starts class on August 31 and wanted some time to relax and get his stuff together on Sunday. BOO!! So, I wish we were getting there a bit earlier (think 9am) and leaving a bit later (think 6pm). BUT...I'm still really excited to get such a great rate AND we don't have to worry about paying to check our bags! :woohoo: