I thought we could take a break from the great shoe debacle and talk about day three.
But first...let me continue the great shoe debacle by saying that I went out today with a $15 off coupon for Dick's Sporting Goods in my hands, and the recommendation of my dear friend, Tinkerbellarella, that the sales people there actually know what they're talking about in regard to a running sneaker.
You know what?
They do. I got an awesome salesperson who knew exactly what kind of sneaker I needed by looking at my feet and stance, recommended a couple different pairs, I tried them on, and am now the proud owner of Asics Gel Nimbus sneakers.
And they are like little slices of heaven. Like clouds for my feet. Supportive clouds, if you can fathom such a thing. And they felt so good honestly, I didn't even need to put an orthotic in. AWESOME.
So...loathe the I am to admit it...if I can not work out this whole sandal thing, I'm telling you right now, I'm wearing those sneakers. I can't mess around with a busted up knee and that much walking. I'm not a fan of the feeling of little ovens on my feet, but I'd rather there be lots of Disney walking in my future and not limited amounts because I felt I had to wear "pretty" shoes.
So there you go.
Now! Day three!
I am planning on spending this day at Epcot.
And honestly, I don't have too many hard and fast plans for this day either.
Who's surprised?
I'll definitely be going on Spaceship Earth and I'm either going to Fastpass, or if I get there early enough, walk on Soarin'.
Soarin' is a tough ride for me. The most basic thing is that I'm afraid of heights. The more emotional aspect is that the first time I ever rode it was with my mom and Nemo. It's a special memory for me, and it was Mom's favorite ride in Epcot.
Truth be told, even though the height thing makes me squinchy, I really like this ride. I love the aroma elements worked in with the imagery, and the feeling of soarin' over everything. I even like how the fireworks blast you back a little in your seat.
So every time I go on this ride, I think of Mom. It is IMPOSSIBLE not to. Much like I think that even though I have a lot of little kiddo memories...as in me being a little kiddo...in the Magic Kingdom with my parents, I think in regard to missing my mother, Epcot is the harder park.
Epcot was really my mother's favorite. There was so much about it that she loved. I can't even get into at all. There's too much. It was just more of our place, if that makes sense. And I can't tell you how many happy memories I have with her there. Some just me and her, some with other family, some with her and friends.
So many.
I'm lucky, in a sense, that I've got a DIS meet planned for this night. And the way it all unfolded...well, I knew my mother must have had a hand in it all working out so perfectly.
KatMark and I became friends on the DIS...gosh, I don't remember how long ago. But I can tell you that this wonderful lady was so amazing when my mother was ill, and ultimately, in helping me deal with her passing.
Whenever I describe Kathy to people in my family, I always say, "she was so kind to me when my mother died," and that's how I feel.
Her kindness that reached me through the computer screen, her words of comfort...you can't put a value you on. It is something that binds you in a way that people who have not experienced such a great loss might not be able to understand.
So when I was thinking about booking this trip, I asked Kathy what her dates were. And wouldn't you know it? They overlapped just so slightly with mine!
So I asked her if she'd like to have a little DIS meet.
And she asked me if I'd like to eat dinner with her and her (very understanding of the DIS
) husband.
And I thought, wow! This lovely lady has never met me and she's willing to share a meal with me!
By heritage, I'm part Italian, so sharing a meal is a big deal.
I was so touched by her offer, obviously I said yes!
So my one hard and fast plan for this day is eating dinner with Kathy and her husband, Mark at Cape May Cafe. And I am SO looking forward to it. I've never eaten dinner there, and I can't wait to try it.
And I can't wait to meet Kathy in person. And thank her in person.
Because she's awesome. And I am so grateful.
And wearing your mom's shoes...how perfect! 
