TR May 2010-An Aussie's Journey - California Here we Come

[cdotla]

You are so, so much more ahead of the game than me! Slight panick here...I need to step things up pronto!

As for the shoes...I agree with your thought that you may want another pair. But, don't forget to leave room for any stuff you might purchase Stateside!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sounds like you've got everything under control!

About the shoes - a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes........

I agree. I stopped counting the pairs of shoes in my wardrobe when I hit 30 pairs.

Need shoes? Geez I've got far to many! You can't go wrong with extra shoes. However. DH limited me to just two pairs this trip!

Geez!! If my DH ever limited the things I put in a suitcase, that would definitely be grounds for divorce!!

That's proposterous! You need to wear shoes for one day and another pair the next day, just to give your shoes a chance to dry out after a days wear. That's two pairs of tennies and a pair of dress shoes minimum!

I certainly think I'm coming to think the same as you about my shoes

You are so, so much more ahead of the game than me! Slight panick here...I need to step things up pronto!

As for the shoes...I agree with your thought that you may want another pair. But, don't forget to leave room for any stuff you might purchase Stateside!

Don't panic (where have I heard that before??)...there's plenty of time left to get things organised. And at the end of the day, you can always pick things up in Orlando

I MOST DEFINITELY plan to shop! The last time the three of us went to the US, our bag at this end weighed in at 18 kg. This was with all our clothes, plus 2 soft shell bags inside the main 27" trolley case.
When we came back, we had acquired 2 additional trolley bags and filled both soft shell bags and weighed in at 75 kg.
Our record is 17 kgs going out and 92 kgs coming back. I think this explains why we've ended up with as many bags as we have...every trip to the US bar one, we've bought bags to bring back the shopping!

It's autumn/winter in Oz...so I can't find any walking sandals (eg Teva) for a good price. Any that I've seen are so exhorbitant that I'd rather walk barefeet than pay the price for them.
I think I may bring my existing runners with me as backup to the sketchers. I've had them for about 2 years and they are at the end of their lifespan.
I will then set my sights on purchasing a good walking sandal and a new pair of crosstrainers; throw out the old one when I find the new x-trainers; and that should fix my shoe dilemma.

 

[PrincessInOz]

18 days to go!

So I had a weigh-in planned for tonight. I had it all planned...I was going to feed the family and then go for the weigh-in AND THEN come home to eat.

I know I've been good - not just with the food; but also with the exercising. Even with the change in daylight saving, I've still managed to go 4 times a week (rather than everyday) and cycle 5 km round the velodrome. The only hiccough I had this week was that my shin swelled up like a tennis ball and there was a pretty acute pain as well. I had to ice it and lie down for the better part of a day. The swelling didn't go away for about 5 days. I was pretty worried for a couple of days to the point of calling the doctor for a check-up. Well, it turns out the doctor thought that it was most likely an insect bite and that I should keep it iced, take some paracetamol and call back in 3 days if the swelling hadn't gone. It disappeared in about 5 days and I can now feel where I think the insect bit me. It's still a bit sore to touch but my leg is pretty much back to normal.
So, I made up for the lack of exercise mid-week last week with extra sessions at the weekend. Okay! Okay! I'm deviating from the point....

So, I figured if I waited for dinner, that would be my added insurance for a good result on the scales. The problem was my dinner menu - we did a mixed roast tonight. I went through the freezer at the weekend and have been trying to clear the stock in preparation for this holiday. So, I had a mini rack of lamb (about 4 cutlets) and one very small scotch fillet, plus some chicken tenderloins that I coated and crumbed; plus an assortment of roast vegies. When it all came out of the oven, there was no way I was going to last another 2 hours before having dinner .

I was a little nervous stepping on those scales - especially given the no loss nor gain the last time and also because I wolfed down dinner (all that protein!) - but I'm sooo happy to say that I lost 1.1kg (over 2 lbs). And I couldn't wait to come home to share the news.

For the next 18 days, I plan to continue watching what I eat; getting in 4, if not 5, rides per week down the velodrome of 5 kms each time; going for walks around the city at lunch when I'm working and just adding some more exercising around the house - especially if I'm watching TV.

There is one more weigh-in next week on Monday for me. The following Monday is a public holiday in Australia; so the centre won't be opened; and then we fly out before the next Monday!! So, I'm hoping to lose about 0.5 kg minimum; and then continue the pattern till I get on the plane.

Gosh, when I put it like that, the next 18 days are going to fly by.

I have to do the dwarf thing for the next couple of days (you know, Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it's off to work I go....otherwise also sung as I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go...) so I won't be hanging out on the DisBoard as much. But in case anyone thinks it's safe to come back on.....I'll be ba..a..ck. Till then, thanks again for all your encouragement and humour to date and I hope to catch you all on Thursday.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Geez!! If my DH ever limited the things I put in a suitcase, that would definitely be grounds for divorce!!

Right there with ya! I may have even been known to pack one suitcase that contained nothing but shoes for a vacation.


Congratulations on the weight loss!

 

[TokyoDina]

18 days! Might as well be two weeks as far as I'm concerned haha! I hope you make your goal you sound like you are making very good progress! I'm so happy for you!

Well I had to either give up the shoes or clothes and I can match clothes to one pair of shoes....so I said okay shoes! I'm the type of girl that decided half way through getting ready that I don't like what I'm wearing so I might change it a few times. So I'm bring a lot of dresses and t-shirt jean/shorts combos that match with white shoes. Haha so I'm getting my way ultimatley in the end. And shoes weight a lot in your bag!

 

[PrincessInOz]

14 days to go before I'm on a plane.

I can't believe how quick it's coming round.

 

[SoonerGirl]

One more day and I'll be two week dancin' too! It'll be here before we know it!

 

[kcandbella]

We will all be there soon!!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Wow it sounds like you are totally organised which is great. You can never be too organised that is for sure.

I'm very excited for you.

 

[kschafer]

Yay for the May tripper gang It's almost here

 

[PrincessInOz]

One more day and I'll be two week dancin' too! It'll be here before we know it!

for us all

We will all be there soon!!

I'm so hoping to bump into you and Bella at POR.

Wow it sounds like you are totally organised which is great. You can never be too organised that is for sure.

I'm very excited for you.

Welcome to my PTR Ms. Shuttergirl. Thanks. Can't wait to read your PTR when you go NEXT YEAR!!

Yay for the May tripper gang It's almost here

I know! It seems like...well....January when I was reading all the May-er's PTR and being inspired to write my own.

 

[PrincessInOz]

13 day to go!

It's Disney weather outside in Oz. Blue skies, gentle warm breeze and 25 C. The sort of day you hope for when visiting the Mouse.

Ms. Shuttergirl asked me earlier this morning if I was getting excited about my May trip. I'm still trying to keep the excitement levels down until the 5 day countdown; but yes...when you start to think...in 2 weeks time I'll be doing this or that....yes, I'm getting excited.

Today, I pulled out some summer clothes and started to collect a pile of *potential* holiday wardrobe together. I don't know when you all start your packing and I normally start about 5 days to go...but my work and home schedule is crazy and I thought that I'd have a head start this time.

Anyway, it's a pretty pathetic looking pile at the moment. I'm going to stick with:

• 2 pairs of shorts
• 3 t-shirts
• 1 long pants
• something dressy
• a light jacket
• sleepwear
• bathers
• heaps of underwear and socks
• crocs
• sketchers
• runners

I've looked at waterproof jackets over here and think I'm better off buying these in the US e.g., Walmart or Target or a $2 shop.
I'm also debating whether to bring a pair of jeans along or perhaps buy a pair when I'm over there.
I get the feeling that I've forgotten something....help???

 

[franandaj]

I WAY overpack so you don't want to hear from me what all you are missing...dresses..only one fancy outfit? As I was putting my clothes in the closet today (first stay at VGC) I was remarking to myself that it sure seems like we are staying longer than three days!

Just for the record, I start packing for WDW at least 1 month out if not two!

 

[TokyoDina]

Well this trip I only plan on bringing dresses so....hrm. I would also plan on bringing extra shorts and maybe another part of pants. I am bringing some jeans and shorts just in case for my trip and a pair of sneakers. I hope I don't have to wear them. Sunglasses??

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm an overpacker as well, so you probably don't want to hear from me either! I'll probably be taking 10-12 outfits for our 8 day stay, and 6-8 pair of shoes....... Not to mention sleepwear, and swimwear with matching coverups

 

[lovesdumbo]

I fancy myself a pretty good packer. I do have an Owner's Locker box in Orlando with cell phone & camera charges, laundry soap, toiletries, etc.

I pack for my family of 5 [DH, me, DD(10), DS(9), DD(7)] for our family trips about 8-10 days in 2 checked bags, we each have a backpack, and then 2 more carry on bags.

I don't mind doing laundry on vacation when it is our entire family. My DH takes the kids to the pool while I do laundry.

When I go on trips with just one child I don't do laundry so I tend to also have 2 checked bags. Plus those trips are not in the summer so I have to take more than shorts & Ts.

When I go with DS in May we will wear pants on the plane but not bring any other pants. When I go with the entire family in July we won't have any pants at all. We will each have a sweatshirt/sweater for cold restaurants but I know we won't need cool weather clothes.

hmmm....it it pretty cool here I should start packing for Florida.

 

[kcandbella]

Another chronic overpacker here. I was going to try and fit Bella's and my stuff into one suitcase, but there is NO WAY so I bought her a suitcase. I will probably take 4-5 pairs of shoes for me and at least that for her. I figure if we have extra room in our two suitcases, one carry-on, and two backpacks (yes, FIVE bags for me and a four year old) then at least we have room for souveneirs! Oh yeah, she is taking three costumes, so those take up part of the space...yeah, excuses...

 

[PrincessInOz]

I WAY overpack so you don't want to hear from me what all you are missing...dresses..only one fancy outfit? As I was putting my clothes in the closet today (first stay at VGC) I was remarking to myself that it sure seems like we are staying longer than three days!

Just for the record, I start packing for WDW at least 1 month out if not two!

How's VGC?

I'm a real tomboy sort of person...but I was debating putting one dress into the pile.....

Well this trip I only plan on bringing dresses so....hrm. I would also plan on bringing extra shorts and maybe another part of pants. I am bringing some jeans and shorts just in case for my trip and a pair of sneakers. I hope I don't have to wear them. Sunglasses??

...And the "For" side of the dress is debate looks like winning..I might add one dress to the pile; just in case. Not sure when I'll wear it though.
An extra pair of shorts and pants? Well...if I bring extra, how could I justify shopping?
Yes - sunglasses live in my bag.

I'm an overpacker as well, so you probably don't want to hear from me either! I'll probably be taking 10-12 outfits for our 8 day stay, and 6-8 pair of shoes....... Not to mention sleepwear, and swimwear with matching coverups

I'm getting a strong feeling that I might be under packing here...wonder why?

I fancy myself a pretty good packer. I do have an Owner's Locker box in Orlando with cell phone & camera charges, laundry soap, toiletries, etc.

I pack for my family of 5 [DH, me, DD(10), DS(9), DD(7)] for our family trips about 8-10 days in 2 checked bags, we each have a backpack, and then 2 more carry on bags.

I don't mind doing laundry on vacation when it is our entire family. My DH takes the kids to the pool while I do laundry.

When I go on trips with just one child I don't do laundry so I tend to also have 2 checked bags. Plus those trips are not in the summer so I have to take more than shorts & Ts.

When I go with DS in May we will wear pants on the plane but not bring any other pants. When I go with the entire family in July we won't have any pants at all. We will each have a sweatshirt/sweater for cold restaurants but I know we won't need cool weather clothes.

hmmm....it it pretty cool here I should start packing for Florida.

I have an upmarket tracksuit that I'll wear on the plane. It's super comfortable and keeps me warm. I probably won't use it again until it's time to come home and I'll wear it back on the plane.

And when we're away for 17 days with limited bag capacity, we'll be doing laundry as well. I'm looking at two checked bags and two carry ons at this stage.

Another chronic overpacker here. I was going to try and fit Bella's and my stuff into one suitcase, but there is NO WAY so I bought her a suitcase. I will probably take 4-5 pairs of shoes for me and at least that for her. I figure if we have extra room in our two suitcases, one carry-on, and two backpacks (yes, FIVE bags for me and a four year old) then at least we have room for souveneirs! Oh yeah, she is taking three costumes, so those take up part of the space...yeah, excuses...

Oh yes. Definitely feel like I'm in the minority here regarding under packing.

 

[franandaj]

How's VGC?

AWESOME ! ! ! ! ! ! !

We have a Paradise Pier view room and watched the entire WoC show from our balcony last night. Well we missed the first minute or two, but saw a good 15 or so minutes of it. I forgot a few things (medications) so I had to go home this afternoon. I got both our video cameras, our DSLR, tripods and all that stuff so we can be prepared tonight!

I thought I would feel slighted that we are in a studio (before I'd always done 1 BR and with my parents we did THV and 2 BR). To show that I am having a good time, we've been here for over 24 hours and I haven't taken one bath yet!

I so excited that we'll be back here 3 more times in the next six weeks!

 

[PrincessInOz]

12 days to go!

We're still not officially counting down at home yet and it feels like there is still so much to do before we head off on holiday.

What is it about going on holiday that makes you think about checking perishable items? I don't have ANY issue with the stuff in my pantry....

This weekend, I checked the frozen food situation in my freezer . I have a LOT of food in that freezer and I'm going to have to cook a lot of meals over the next 12 days if I'm to put a dent into this black hole.

So, yesterday I defrosted some prawns and cooked stir fried noodles. I still have 3 more bundles of prawns...I'll use one more bundle next week.

Today, I've made a bolognaise sauce for tonight's dinner. I ended up mixing the mince beef, mince chicken and mince pork together. I made some meatballs so that there wasn't an overload of meat in the sauce but there's still a lot of sauce....and I suspect that I'm going to be freezing half of it for another night's dinner next week.

I have at least 5 x 1 lb bundles of flathead fish. Looks like Monday and Thursday night's dinner this week is going to be home made fish and chips. Oh - in keeping with my compulsive obsessiveness for being tidy, I label everything in my freezer with a purchase date and everything is stored in freezer containers. So, I'll have to check the dates and pick the oldest bundles to use.

We normally have a baked potato, cheese and coleslaw meal on Tuesday nights. DS loves this combination and I won't deviate from the routine.

Wednesday night is dinner at mum's....but she'll also be looking to empty out the freezer.

I have a fortune in chicken tenderloins as well....might have to use these for lunch next weekend.

Thankfully I cleared out some of the red meat last week, with the roast dinner. But there is still about 2 kg (4 lbs) of diced beef!

But what am I going to do with the whole frozen snapper and the 3 whole calamari? And when am I going to eat these....?

Oh well, it looks like there will be some food in the freezer when I get back from holiday.