Do you ever get depressed over.....

[zeitzeuge]

These are the moments where I think that my Disney obsession runs a bit too far.

Our trip is 3 months, 3 weeks and 6 days away. I keep reading on the DL forums about people talking about their upcoming trip that's weeks away or how they just got back. Then I look at my ticker and it shows almost 4 months away for us. I get all bummed and depressed.

What's not helping, is that it's been a tough year. We've both lost most of our friends due to my last years break up with the ex. Finances have been tight. We made a pact to have all of our bills paid off by end of July and both trips this year paid for in advance. I shouldn't complain. Based upon our budget, we'll be 80% debt free by July and 100% by september. Both trips (Pride in San Francisco in June and Disneyland in September) are 100% paid for in advance, including spending money. This is hopefully putting us in a good space to buy a home by the end of the year.

But all of this has caused us to become hermits. No going out for drinks and/or dinner with friends much at all. Eating at home all the time, taking our lunches to work. Even going to movies seems like a luxury right now.

So all I can think about is heading to Disneyland. I've done all the planning that I can. I check out Disney sites weekly to see photo updates. I've watched so many Disney movies it's not even funny.

Why in the HECK does that place cause me to be this way?

It's seriously not normal.........

[rpmdfw]

It's seriously not normal.........

Eh. Normal is BORING!

And highly over-rated!

I know where you're coming from in terms of things seeming really depressing because you're not able to DO THINGS because you're being financially responsible, but at this point, you're SO CLOSE! Focus on the light at the end of that tunnel. Focus on the trips. Things will get better. And you're lucky that you KNOW when the "better" part will begin.

Don't let it get you down. You're doing the right thing, and you're doing it well. The sacrafices you're making now, will pay off big time. And when you're having a rough time, come here and talk to us. That's what we're here for.

:hug:

[zeitzeuge]

Thanks honey. :) I do need to visit here more often. I've been away for a little while.

I know the payoffs are so going to be beneficial and really help us out. Plus knowing that our trips are already paid for helps. Maybe our June trip to SF will help get over the "we're hermits and not doing anything" sort of funk we're both in. Going from social butterflies to hermits is never an easy transition.

It's gotten me to draw some pretty depressing work. Guess that's a bonus. :)

[rosiep]

These are the moments where I think that my Disney obsession runs a bit too far.

Our trip is 3 months, 3 weeks and 6 days away. I keep reading on the DL forums about people talking about their upcoming trip that's weeks away or how they just got back. Then I look at my ticker and it shows almost 4 months away for us. I get all bummed and depressed.

What's not helping, is that it's been a tough year. We've both lost most of our friends due to my last years break up with the ex. Finances have been tight. We made a pact to have all of our bills paid off by end of July and both trips this year paid for in advance. I shouldn't complain. Based upon our budget, we'll be 80% debt free by July and 100% by september. Both trips (Pride in San Francisco in June and Disneyland in September) are 100% paid for in advance, including spending money. This is hopefully putting us in a good space to buy a home by the end of the year.

But all of this has caused us to become hermits. No going out for drinks and/or dinner with friends much at all. Eating at home all the time, taking our lunches to work. Even going to movies seems like a luxury right now.

So all I can think about is heading to Disneyland. I've done all the planning that I can. I check out Disney sites weekly to see photo updates. I've watched so many Disney movies it's not even funny.

Why in the HECK does that place cause me to be this way?

It's seriously not normal.........


I'm just like this. I focus on my Disney trips almost to the exclusion of anything else. Most of my friends good naturedly laugh at my obsession, and my husband, god bless him, supports it.
I have wondered about the nature of this for a long time. The fact is, I like being a kid at heart. Make no doubt about it, when i need to be a strong woman, I am...but for the most part, walking through my daily life...I prefer to be whimsical and youthful.
My love of Disney just recalls the few times in my young life when I believed in magic. There wasn't enough of it then and now....I'm making it for myself as often as I can!

[Sphyrna]

Just keep the faith and remind yourself why you're doing it all. Being financially free and saving for a house is a big deal and will make it all worth it. This month I should finally have all my credit cards paid off!! As close as it is I still can't imagine what it will be like not having to make the huge payments. It will be so nice to start saving money instead of paying off debt. Just start focusing on your trip in June, it's not that far off. Then you'll get out and have some fun to make up for your time being a hermit.

[kingLouiethe1]

I am so on the same boat with you. This past year has been tough not going out to happy hour with coworkers, not going out for drinks with friends, hardly any dinners out, all to pay for this wedding.

Not that I'm complaining, it's totally been worth it, but it has been a little difficult and depressing. The part that's not depressing is how much money I was able to save in a year, and realizing how much money I sort of flitter away on nothingness, sometimes I feel like I've got not a lot to show for it.

The hubby is excited though, because he likes to save and budget and be responsible. He's trying to talk me right now into a plan that would allow us to retire when we're 50, which would totally rock. Only thing is we would have to continue the current level of "hermit" age, for like the next decade.

Which wouldn't be a terrible thing, my friends just think of me as the cheap guy now, so they know we can go for coffee or rent a movie and stay in. And I have my annual Disneyland pass, so that is my cheapest form of entertainment (if I bring my own lunch, which I often do :rotfl:)

And also I've told him if we continue that level of aggressive savings I need an annual release, just one really great vacation a year that I can focus on every time someone invites me to bar and I have to say no. He says I can book our Disney world trip for late September or early October with the free dining :yay:

[MonorailMan]

I'm kind of the opposite when it comes to the days leading up until the trip. I get even more excited because I have something to look forward to. What's always depressing to me is the night before you have to head home. That always bothers me.

On the other hand, I know exactly what you mean about being unable to go out and do anything. I'm currently at a point where I don't go out unless I absolutely have to because I don't want to/can't pay for more gas. Financially speaking, living week-to-week isn't even the best way to describe it. It's more like living day-to-day right now. And what's depressing is that I honestly don't see a vacation being planned anytime for the next couple years for me. :sad1:

[jenn&nelsonrego]

There is not much more that I can say than what has already been said... So I will do what I am best at:

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug: :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug: :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

I am squishy, people like to hug me... and I like to hug people (well, people I know)!

[OrlandoMike]

It's weird really, I get depressed every time I head to Disney World......:confused3

[kingLouiethe1]

It's weird really, I get depressed every time I head to Disney World......:confused3

Talk yo your doctor about prozac!

Caution: Side effects may include suicidal thoughts, sudden outbursts of anger, uncontrollable weeping or other mild reactions.

[Kaler131]

I'm just like this. I focus on my Disney trips almost to the exclusion of anything else. Most of my friends good naturedly laugh at my obsession, and my husband, god bless him, supports it.
I have wondered about the nature of this for a long time. The fact is, I like being a kid at heart. Make no doubt about it, when i need to be a strong woman, I am...but for the most part, walking through my daily life...I prefer to be whimsical and youthful.
My love of Disney just recalls the few times in my young life when I believed in magic. There wasn't enough of it then and now....I'm making it for myself as often as I can!

You sound just like me Rosie!!:goodvibes

[jenn&nelsonrego]

It's weird really, I get depressed every time I head to Disney World......:confused3

That is understandable... but just think of the magic you create for the rest of us! :wizard::goodvibes:laughing:

[ToddyLu]

:thumbsup2 Just picture yourself, its a beautiful day, sipping your favorite beverage watching people walk by the DL castle......and knowing that YOU ARE DEBT FREE!!!!!:banana:How cool is that.

I definitley think you need the trip in June--that should be really helpful. DH thinks that I am way too obscessed and need to step away from the DIS....dang it boy, step away from the WDW lover and let me be....I work really hard as a nurse and he wants to tease me about my 'puter time in the evening. I used vacation days earlier this year to stay home and be the loving wife...but come October I am going "home". We have not paid our Disney Visa off yet but very close--then we get Disney bucks to use on the trip weeeeehooooo!

My back was killing me today, I was a grump this morning, got in my car, slipped in my Wishes CD and it took me to my happy place. That and Welbutrin XL--have a terrific trip and for the next week I will be sending you both great wishes as you head toward a terrific fun summer trip and debt freeness.:woohoo:

[unfreshdiva1]

It's tough. I moved to Orlando thinking I had many friends. After "ex" and I went from being friendly to not speaking turns out none of them were "my" friends. I go to Disney alone (my new man of 1 1/2 years lives 2 hours south but we see each other every other weekend until I move back down next year). Disney solo can be fun at times, but so much better when you are with someone you love.:goodvibes

[Kaler131]

It's tough. I moved to Orlando thinking I had many friends. After "ex" and I went from being friendly to not speaking turns out none of them were "my" friends. I go to Disney alone (my new man of 1 1/2 years lives 2 hours south but we see each other every other weekend until I move back down next year). Disney solo can be fun at times, but so much better when you are with someone you love.:goodvibes

Awwww!:hug:

[starann]

I was wondering where you had been...Ithen looked for your blog link and saw it was gone (I'm not above internet stalking...jk!).


Anyway,DH and I are in a similar boat of digging ourselves out of debt. We have cuteating out way down (now ifwecanboth focus on bringing lunches towork, we'd be in decent shape), movies are a HUGE treat, and shopping for myself is long gone (although Ididjust get some new summer stuff for work at OldNavy, using a 25% off coupon.....it wasn't much fun ifyou were interested, I've gained so muchweight:mad:). It seems like when there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.....something happends, like a tree falling on our house, needing a new carand so on!

I am a nurse and the hospital cut ALL overtime, and that was about 20-30 hours a month for me....ugh!


One thing my friends and I have tried to start doing is a 'game night' We all bring over appetizer type foods, someone brings a board game (some of the new onesare fun....we stay away from monopoly or anythign else that cantake hoursand hours) and we play (and sometimes drink). It's a nice night 'out' and we don't feel like hermits! And itgives us a reason to clean really good!:lmao:

Next month me and 4 girlfriends are doing a sleepover night!

[Crashdown]

not to bring you down... we only have 17 days till WDW!!! woo-hoo...

[rosiep]

You sound just like me Rosie!!:goodvibes

hugs right back at you!! :hug:

[kingLouiethe1]

hugs right back at you!! :hug:

After Rosie hugs you it's usually a good idea to check she didn't lift your wallet :rolleyes1

[rosiep]

not to bring you down... we only have 17 days till WDW!!! woo-hoo...

And you're not taking me????? :headache:
Some admirer you turned out to be ;)

[NHdisneylover]

:hug:I too can relate to feeling left out and depressed when finances keep you from doing the things you have always done. We don't even go to movies anymore--saw two last year and have not seen any yet this year:rolleyes1

Anyway, I want to piggyback on startann's advice of having a game night. It is a lot of work (and sometimes MORE depressing at first becasue you compare everything to what you sued to do), but make the effort to get OUT and find low cost or free things to do.

We do a lot of game nights. Or have friends over for wine and cheese. Everyone brings a bottle (nothing realyl pricey--rarely over $10) and one type of cheese and we just nosh and drink and chat the night away. On our own we make an effort to go take a picnic somewhere and go out hiking, etc (okay not great hiking in Dallas but some nice lakes to go to and hang out on the beach:upsidedow). We check online or in the paper and find free concert and fairs and go and people watch.
No, it is not the same, but it feesl good to have plans.

If you are so incliend you can get involved in a local community theatre. Start working on a show and you suddenly find yourself with NO free time whatsoever and (hopefully) some fun people to hang out with:rotfl2:

[wallyb]

"Well, That's a turd in a punch bowl" :guilty:

Happy now?
Wally is bummed out. :sad2:

[UKMark]

Sometimes it's only our obsession with Disney World that keeps us going. During April this year Mark's Dad was diagnosed with cancer, my Aunt (one of the ladies who helped raise me) died, both of our debit cards were cloned and our bank accounts were emptied, then to top it all our land lord asked us to move out of the house we've lived in for 7 1/2 years :sad2: :sad1:

I think the only thing that kept Mark & I sane (well, fairly sane) was planning our next trip to WDW. We're taking my Mum and Step-Dad and we're going to make sure they have the trip of a lifetime. :cheer2: It's great to have something to look forward to, even if it is 6 months away :thumbsup2

[jamieandben]

"Well, That's a turd in a punch bowl" :guilty:

Happy now?
Wally is bummed out. :sad2:

:lmao::rotfl: Freak!:laughing:

[zendisney]

Hey my partner and I are obsessed too. It isn't weird. We call it DLD when we leave Disney. We call it Disney Let Down. We have now devised a new way to adjust when we leave Disney. We leave Disney... we call it a "soft leave" and stay in Florida for a couple of days... This year we are going to stay at Vero Beach. It seems to help. We just started it this last year, It worked pretty well for us. We are very obsessed. Our three year old makes pretend ADR's on her toy phone and she constantly talks Disney. Her teacher told us... " Lakyn talks about disney a lot." My in- my-head response... "Like this is a problem?" Anyway we plan our next-next trips before we even take the next trip. We joined DVC on both coasts... So I guess I am a Disney addict too. Hello, my name is Carla and I am obsessed with all that is DISNEY. :hippie:

[OrlandoMike]

Our three year old makes pretend ADR's on her toy phone


:rotfl2: :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[zeitzeuge]

:hug:Thanks for all of the advice and kind words.

We really ARE excited about the upcoming trip. I think what makes it worse is that last year we went three times: February, July and December. Of course, that won't be a possibility ever again unless I win the lottery. We'll always go once a year and twice if we're really lucky. I think this year is only one trip because we decided to do a Non Disney (gasp!) and go to San Francisco. It's tough when you want to go to Disneyland/world all the time. We basically had to sit down and force ourselves to plan a trip elsewhere. :rotfl:

So we decided last night to go out and have a few drinks with friends. Of course that turned into more then we wanted. Hangovers at work are NO fun. We decided that we're going to get out of town for Memorial Day and I'm taking Steven back home with me to Nebraska to meet family. It's a short trip that will only cost us gas money. I think that once we start getting out of town and doing things, our excitement will build and we'll feel less like hermits.

With the very few friends that we have, getting them to have a game night or a dinner club (potluck style) is almost impossible. I can't tell you all how many times we've tried and had it fail. We have good intentions, but it just seems to fizzle out quickly. I guess we get an A for effort.

[NHdisneylover]

Sometimes it's only our obsession with Disney World that keeps us going. During April this year Mark's Dad was diagnosed with cancer, my Aunt (one of the ladies who helped raise me) died, both of our debit cards were cloned and our bank accounts were emptied, then to top it all our land lord asked us to move out of the house we've lived in for 7 1/2 years :sad2: :sad1:

I think the only thing that kept Mark & I sane (well, fairly sane) was planning our next trip to WDW. We're taking my Mum and Step-Dad and we're going to make sure they have the trip of a lifetime. :cheer2: It's great to have something to look forward to, even if it is 6 months away :thumbsup2

I can so totally agree with that. We have really tough weeks and we just keep saying to ourselves and each other that we have Disney to look forward to.
Sorry about your:hug: tough times

[rpmdfw]

With the very few friends that we have, getting them to have a game night or a dinner club (potluck style) is almost impossible. I can't tell you all how many times we've tried and had it fail. We have good intentions, but it just seems to fizzle out quickly. I guess we get an A for effort.


For this to work, all of the friends have to really be into doing it. We've been doing game night/pot luck with our group of friends about once a month since we gave up on finding a "new place to hang out" after the Adventurers Club closed, just so we can remain social with each other (and to be honest, we love the fact that it's SOO much cheaper). We've also done movie night at home and everyone pitches in for pizza. This also isn't terribly expensive and might appeal to people who don't want to play games. It helps that we've got friends with a projection TV and we watch movies on the whole wall, of course. But again, everybody has to want to do it for it to work.

[soulmates]

I'm kind of the opposite when it comes to the days leading up until the trip. I get even more excited because I have something to look forward to. What's always depressing to me is the night before you have to head home. That always bothers me.

On the other hand, I know exactly what you mean about being unable to go out and do anything. I'm currently at a point where I don't go out unless I absolutely have to because I don't want to/can't pay for more gas. Financially speaking, living week-to-week isn't even the best way to describe it. It's more like living day-to-day right now. And what's depressing is that I honestly don't see a vacation being planned anytime for the next couple years for me. :sad1:

I too am like this. I get EXCITED!! I totally LOVE all that comes with the planning. To me, it's half the fun. I love reading trip reports, dining reviews...all of it. I've watched the Disney Planning DVD so many times, poor Christy is OVER it. :sad2:

I feel for you, but your trip is ALMOST here!! Wish were going the same time, I'd love to share that drink we almost had in Dallas! :hug:

[rosiep]

In this economy A LOT more people are turning to home entertainment. James and I have a group of friends that play guitars and hand drums. We all meet pretty regularly at someone or others house to chat, eat pot luck and sing. Sounds corny, but I absolutely love it. No one person is over burdened playing host, it's very informal so everyone is relaxed and new people are always welcomed.
I am frugal by nature, and honestly the only things I ever spend money on is food and Disney (and my daughters..but they're special). James and I are also homebodies so this saves us money too.
Disney seems to be the only thing I splurge on.

There are worse things eh?

[soulmates]

What a cool idea Rosie? We have such a small circle of friends, that wouldn't work. We just moved here less than 2 years ago...so only have 3 other couples, we hang out with.

We're homebodies too. Christy is in law enforcement which means, NO weekends off. That's DD's & my time, and it's usually, at home. We're thinking of doing some wine tastings over the summer...but that's really it. Cool idea!!

[rosiep]

What a cool idea Rosie? We have such a small circle of friends, that wouldn't work. We just moved here less than 2 years ago...so only have 3 other couples, we hang out with.

We're homebodies too. Christy is in law enforcement which means, NO weekends off. That's DD's & my time, and it's usually, at home. We're thinking of doing some wine tastings over the summer...but that's really it. Cool idea!!

We're the newcomers to the group, my neighbor of several years started inviting us along..and well..it was right next door...so we went and everyone was sooo friendly. It's been a year now and I can't tell you the difference it has made in my life. I always come away happy and have actually started to sing along.
I love to sing, but only in private and around my family. Singing in public is for me what standing naked in public is for others :lmao::lmao::lmao:
But this group is so accepting and encouraging....so I am comfortable singing along and am not self conscious at all. :)

[soulmates]

We're the newcomers to the group, my neighbor of several years started inviting us along..and well..it was right next door...so we went and everyone was sooo friendly. It's been a year now and I can't tell you the difference it has made in my life. I always come away happy and have actually started to sing along.
I love to sing, but only in private and around my family. Singing in public is for me what standing naked in public is for others :lmao::lmao::lmao:
But this group is so accepting and encouraging....so I am comfortable singing along and am not self conscious at all. :)


Ya know, I would have NO problems singing in public, but the naked...ahhh, not in THIS lifetime! :eek: You crack me up!! ;)
Our group of friends really aren't the singing type, but they ALL love wine. We have yet to introduce the one couple to our other wine loving friends. I think we'll have to do the wine tasting thing and follow it with a nice meal. We could do that monthly...yeah, good idea Chris!!

[Sphyrna]

honestly the only things I ever spend money on is food and Disney

I'm sure it helps not having a huge clothing budget! :lmao:

[rosiep]

I'm sure it helps not having a huge clothing budget! :lmao:

I like that you get me! :thumbsup2

[OrlandoMike]

Cedar Point opens tomorrow and I'm stuck in Orlando......talk about depressing! :sad2:

[zeitzeuge]

I'm officially not bummed at the moment. :goodvibes We're heading out to rainbowranch.net for the weekend to hang out with about 300 hairy bears. Grrrr!

We made 300 jello shots for the event. They have little gummi bears floating in them. :)

[M4travels]

I'm officially not bummed at the moment. :goodvibes We're heading out to rainbowranch.net for the weekend to hang out with about 300 hairy bears. Grrrr!

We made 300 jello shots for the event. They have little gummi bears floating in them. :)


Off to check out Southwest Fares.......

[zeitzeuge]

Off to check out Southwest Fares.......

It's a great place. Set on a nice lake. Gay owned/operated. Full of cabins, tent spots, trailers and about 200 permanent trailer residents, pavilion, pool, stage. There's going to be a beerbust meet/greet tonight, BBQ potluck, comedy drag show, bear beauty contest and the Furball Dance tomorrow night. We were lucky and got a great cabin on the lake for his event and the fall event, Fall Fur Fest.

My Ex partner and I started these events at The Ranch. Since we broke up, I haven't been back much at all. Looking forward to see everyone.

[rpmdfw]

We made 300 jello shots for the event. They have little gummi bears floating in them. :)

Okay, THAT is funny!:rotfl2:


:worship:

[wallyb]

We made 300 jello shots for the event. They have little gummi bears floating in them. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=astISOttCQ0
:banana::banana::banana:

[Sphyrna]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=astISOttCQ0
:banana::banana::banana:

I love that song!! We play and mention it at work all the time. The most quoted line is "Three times you can bite me". :rotfl2:

[jjjmranch]

Being debt-free is just a wonderful feeling! It's an awesome sight when you see your credit card bill and there is no finance charge. Think of that as extra money saved!

We're not very outgoing social people, but my friends and I love to get together once a month and play Five Crowns. It's a card game. It's a pretty low-key get together, but it's just nice to be able to hang out and play without spending big bucks on entertainment. Maximum 7 players, so it's small but still a lot of fun.

Enjoy your weekend getaway!

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I'm officially not bummed at the moment. :goodvibes We're heading out to rainbowranch.net for the weekend to hang out with about 300 hairy bears. Grrrr!

We made 300 jello shots for the event. They have little gummi bears floating in them. :)

wOO-hOO! sOUNDS LIKE fun!!!!!

Oops Capslock was on momentarily but what the heck, let's mix it up!

Sounds like fun and the gummi-bears are a stroke of genius!

You know -- it is really odd... how Disney sneaks in and becomes such a focus (raises hand, nods, and whispers under my breath "me too") But the best part for me is that by sharing this peculiar little obsession, I've got to know all you folks.

Anywho -- it's good you're feeling better... and these current hard economic times? Well -- one of the few good things about being old is having lived through recessions before and knowing that we WILL come out of this one. Right now, I'm packing my lunch (PB&J), cutting coupons, and riding the bus to work -- maybe I'll lose a few pounds and I sure have met some inneresting folks on the bus -- LOL!)

HUGS to everybody here! :grouphug:

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Cedar Point opens tomorrow and I'm stuck in Orlando......talk about depressing! :sad2:

Ohhhhhh, Sweetie -- that is just too sad.

[zeitzeuge]

I think this weekend was what both of us really needed. Just to get out of town (or the house for that matter) and simply DO something. We drank, danced, slept and ate the weekend away.

Now if someone could tell my liver that everything is going to be ok.

[kingLouiethe1]

I think this weekend was what both of us really needed. Just to get out of town (or the house for that matter) and simply DO something. We drank, danced, slept and ate the weekend away.

Now if someone could tell my liver that everything is going to be ok.

Sorry, my liver is in much the same state. We had Long Beach Pride this weekend and we live on the parade route, so we had to have a party, and then we had to go barhopping. My liver is very very mad at me right now. It says the last 3 vodka tonics were uncalled for :mad:

[jenn&nelsonrego]

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq180/jennrego1929/Random%20DIS%20stuff/funny-pictures-cat-has-a-message-to.jpg