The Dis Goes to Italy 5/24 - 6/1/2012 Viva Italia!!!!

[Chropistopy]

Also check out her Etsy page

http://www.etsy.com/shop/khallion

 

[Smokey'sMom]

Also check out her Etsy page

http://www.etsy.com/shop/khallion

Love love the Dr Who stuff!!

Thanks Christy!

 

[Smokey'sMom]

Disney is genius at giving us happy childhoods in the current moment! Love the Easter layout, and it is super fun to see the different eggs. I didn't quite get what it would be like from the description of the event, glad it was so fun!

I had one of those rooms at the Beach Club, too. Big trucks rumbling by do not say resort vacation.

Terrific news about your Alaska trip! I consider a stop in Seattle mandatory for any of our adventurers coming this way...

I have put Il Mulino on my must eat list. Fun to have a new place to look forward to!

My band played eight shows at Moisture Festival last weekend. It was a whirlwind of aerial acts, juggling, shadow puppets, comedy, music, plate spinning and friends from all over the world. One of my favorite acts was Zipcode Man, who as his name implies knows the cities and neighborhoods for the entire world by zipcode. He asks audience members for their zipcodes and then blows them away by knowing the name of their town. The smaller the town or the more exotic the location the more impressed the audience becomes. He often can also name a neighborhood restaurant in the zipcode. During our late show on Saturday he got a standing ovation. Now that's variety!

What fun! It sounds like a blast. Does Zipcode man study, or does he have an eidetic memory? Either way, what a feat. I would totally be impressed.

I'd love to hear one of your concerts.

 

[stenogoddess]

Christy: Great link! Some folks are so talented!

Heather: Has Zip code man seen my glasses? I can't find mine because, well, I don't have my glasses. grrrr I have ONE drink last night and broke my routine and now my glasses have done a runner!

Who Fans: Saw the show last night - no spoilers - but thought it was great. Not sold on Clara yet but do love the mystery surrounding her so am willing to wait for some chemistry to grow.

In honor of the most excellent Animal Kingdom segment this week I went ahead and did my Animal Kingdom layout from our trip. We slept in this day so didn't get there early enough for the yeti or the safari, but had a super nice day just walking around and relaxing. Some things of note on the layout: Please note the hippo. This is important because I NEVER see the hippo, like ever. Jeri and I play our game where he keeps pointing out the shadow of the hippo and it all looks the same to me! But this day the hippo is all the way out of the pond! Also note the pretty lady on the left side with me. Her name is Autumn and she is a server at Yak and Yeti. My sister, Autumn (15) thinks NO ONE is EVER named Autumn (hair flip) and this just proves that, yes, someone else is! And she's a really great server so extra tip for her for being (wait for it) AWESOME! Lastly check out the otter on the right side. We caught the otters doing enrichment to get checked out by the trainer and get some treats. It was really fun to watch. Our girl otter would run up on top of a log, stand up on her back legs to show her belly, which was the "trick", but then she would spread her arms and her fingers out to catch her fish so it looked like she was saying TA-DA with jazz hands. Also, they just get fish. No cornbread or banana pudding or anything. Personally, I'm not doing jazz hands for just fish. So in that way it's good I'm not an otter! Or an otter trainer as I would totally be slipping them the "good" stuff!

Enjoy the layout and I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend!

 

[Circusgirl]

What fun! It sounds like a blast. Does Zipcode man study, or does he have an eidetic memory? Either way, what a feat. I would totally be impressed.

I'd love to hear one of your concerts.

I think that he studies, but it is amazing no matter how he does it.

Christy: Great link! Some folks are so talented!

Heather: Has Zip code man seen my glasses? I can't find mine because, well, I don't have my glasses. grrrr I have ONE drink last night and broke my routine and now my glasses have done a runner!

Who Fans: Saw the show last night - no spoilers - but thought it was great. Not sold on Clara yet but do love the mystery surrounding her so am willing to wait for some chemistry to grow.

In honor of the most excellent Animal Kingdom segment this week I went ahead and did my Animal Kingdom layout from our trip. We slept in this day so didn't get there early enough for the yeti or the safari, but had a super nice day just walking around and relaxing. Some things of note on the layout: Please note the hippo. This is important because I NEVER see the hippo, like ever. Jeri and I play our game where he keeps pointing out the shadow of the hippo and it all looks the same to me! But this day the hippo is all the way out of the pond! Also note the pretty lady on the left side with me. Her name is Autumn and she is a server at Yak and Yeti. My sister, Autumn (15) thinks NO ONE is EVER named Autumn (hair flip) and this just proves that, yes, someone else is! And she's a really great server so extra tip for her for being (wait for it) AWESOME! Lastly check out the otter on the right side. We caught the otters doing enrichment to get checked out by the trainer and get some treats. It was really fun to watch. Our girl otter would run up on top of a log, stand up on her back legs to show her belly, which was the "trick", but then she would spread her arms and her fingers out to catch her fish so it looked like she was saying TA-DA with jazz hands. Also, they just get fish. No cornbread or banana pudding or anything. Personally, I'm not doing jazz hands for just fish. So in that way it's good I'm not an otter! Or an otter trainer as I would totally be slipping them the "good" stuff!

Enjoy the layout and I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend!

I love your Animal Kingdom pages. I have been a huge fan ever since my very first visit, when I had a whole day of exceptional animal viewings and experiences. I worked at the Cincinnati Zoo when I was a vet student, and am really impressed with AK's care and husbandry as well as the detail and depth of the art design.

I hope the glasses have turned up!

My most favorite thing this week at Moisture Festival was Scott Lands and his marionettes. He was the lead puppeteer for "Team America, World Police" and the Princess Diary movies, and does a totally amazing live show. He builds his own fantastically beautiful marionettes, and was a complete wow. The little puppets had tremendous character and their choreography was perfect.

 

[Smokey'sMom]

I think that he studies, but it is amazing no matter how he does it.




I love your Animal Kingdom pages. I have been a huge fan ever since my very first visit, when I had a whole day of exceptional animal viewings and experiences. I worked at the Cincinnati Zoo when I was a vet student, and am really impressed with AK's care and husbandry as well as the detail and depth of the art design.

I hope the glasses have turned up!

My most favorite thing this week at Moisture Festival was Scott Lands and his marionettes. He was the lead puppeteer for "Team America, World Police" and the Princess Diary movies, and does a totally amazing live show. He builds his own fantastically beautiful marionettes, and was a complete wow. The little puppets had tremendous character and their choreography was perfect.

Heather,

The Moisture Festival sounds like a blast. So many really cool activities. I can see you in the middle of everything.

My head just might return to normal in the next few days. I'm recovering from a particularly nasty upper respiratory infection. My head is still clogged so I'm constantly asking Jack to repeat things.

 

[stenogoddess]

As I'm pretty well trapped inside hiding from tree pollen I thought I would work on a little scrapbooking. You would think I would be cranking these things out, but my allergy medicine makes me really lethargic. I have literally watched hours of NCIS and Castle in one sitting. I'm not proud of it, but I can't seem to get my butt off the sofa. I figure I maybe have another or week or so and hopefully I'll be freed! Of course, by then it'll already be hot as hell, but what can ya do?

If someone were to point out that I have now scrapbooked a LO that is essentially of a restroom, they would not be wrong! But it's such a pretty restroom! I love this new little area. I wish they would go back and spiff up some of the other resting areas because this one really takes the cake. They even put in a water feature!

Also these are some of my first photos with my new camera, a Sony Nex5N. They are pretty sharp. I'm really happy with the new camera. No more hand going numb from the weight of the DSLR and no more making Jeri carry it around for me! Win/Win Plus, the camera has almost all the functionality of the DSLR, so really it's wonderful. I'm just so pleased with it, and that almost never happens!

 

[Smokey'sMom]

As I'm pretty well trapped inside hiding from tree pollen I thought I would work on a little scrapbooking. You would think I would be cranking these things out, but my allergy medicine makes me really lethargic. I have literally watched hours of NCIS and Castle in one sitting. I'm not proud of it, but I can't seem to get my butt off the sofa. I figure I maybe have another or week or so and hopefully I'll be freed! Of course, by then it'll already be hot as hell, but what can ya do?

If someone were to point out that I have now scrapbooked a LO that is essentially of a restroom, they would not be wrong! But it's such a pretty restroom! I love this new little area. I wish they would go back and spiff up some of the other resting areas because this one really takes the cake. They even put in a water feature!

Also these are some of my first photos with my new camera, a Sony Nex5N. They are pretty sharp. I'm really happy with the new camera. No more hand going numb from the weight of the DSLR and no more making Jeri carry it around for me! Win/Win Plus, the camera has almost all the functionality of the DSLR, so really it's wonderful. I'm just so pleased with it, and that almost never happens!

Love the photos. Your new camera rocks. I hope your allergies are a thing of the past. I've been knocked out by a upper respiratory infection. It was not fun at all! We're having windows replaced at the house so all is chaos there. Ill be glad when they finish!

The scrapbook sheets are really pretty. I would definitely want to hang out there.

 

[stenogoddess]

Hey gang! Here we have the new ride Journey Under the Sea (loved it) and the Ariel meet and greet combined. Hope you enjoy it!


In other news: Jeri's job position has been eliminated, which we kind of knew was coming. I thought we had a plan in place wherein Jeri would work for a commercial air company and then slowly grow his own residential business on the side. Today I found out Jeri has decided to forgo the slowly growing his business idea and on May 1st says he is going to officially go out on his own without the benefit of the safety net of the commercial company. I have had three heart attacks so far, but luckily I know how to totally freak out while still smiling and nodding my head. The list of things rolling through my head like a freight train includes but is not limited to life insurance, heath insurance, mortgage payments, and you know, food (cat + people.) Not to mention the moment of pure selfishness when I considered my travel plans. (doesn't he know Kevin said the word Ireland in my hearing?)

I know that sometimes life requires a leap of faith. But off the side of the Grand Canyon? Really?

 

[jcb]

Hey gang! Here we have the new ride Journey Under the Sea (loved it) and the Ariel meet and greet combined. Hope you enjoy it!


In other news: Jeri's job position has been eliminated, which we kind of knew was coming. I thought we had a plan in place wherein Jeri would work for a commercial air company and then slowly grow his own residential business on the side. Today I found out Jeri has decided to forgo the slowly growing his business idea and on May 1st says he is going to officially go out on his own without the benefit of the safety net of the commercial company. I have had three heart attacks so far, but luckily I know how to totally freak out while still smiling and nodding my head. The list of things rolling through my head like a freight train includes but is not limited to life insurance, heath insurance, mortgage payments, and you know, food (cat + people.) Not to mention the moment of pure selfishness when I considered my travel plans. (doesn't he know Kevin said the word Ireland in my hearing?)

I know that sometimes life requires a leap of faith. But off the side of the Grand Canyon? Really?

Given the photos you just posted, I'll just say "darling it's better, down where its wetter, take it from me." So, I hope Jeri's "plunge" is highly successful. I admire someone who is willing to take risks for what he wants to do. I also hope you survive it. . . .

 

[stenogoddess]

Given the photos you just posted, I'll just say "darling it's better, down where its wetter, take it from me." So, I hope Jeri's "plunge" is highly successful. I admire someone who is willing to take risks for what he wants to do. I also hope you survive it. . . .

Thanks Jack! So far so good I would say. I'm wading through all the forms the State wants us to have. Gracious, the paperwork! I feel like I need a compass, a map and a seeing eye dog just to get through the labyrinth. Why they can't just use bullet points and say bring these five things and your money I will never understand.

 

[Minesota]

I was there, you will have a nice trip

 

[Chropistopy]

Kevin discussed the 2014 DIS exclusive Ireland trip on the podcast today. Is there anyone from our merry band of travelers considering this trip? I'm debating between the Ireland trip and the September trip. The September trip will work out better timing wise...but Ireland has been at the top of my travel wish list for a long time. The Ireland trip also includes my birthday....Happy Birthday to me?

 

[jcb]

Kevin discussed the 2014 DIS exclusive Ireland trip on the podcast today. Is there anyone from our merry band of travelers considering this trip? I'm debating between the Ireland trip and the September trip. The September trip will work out better timing wise...but Ireland has been at the top of my travel wish list for a long time. The Ireland trip also includes my birthday....Happy Birthday to me?

Cathie has been reading the Irish Times on her Kindle for several years now. Where do you think she wants to go?

I'll drink to Ireland on your birthday.

 

[Smokey'sMom]

Me too! I will definitely toast you on your birthday. Buy you a drink even, should you go to Ireland. Twist, twist. Are you still with your trainer? I joined weight watchers. Wish me luck.

Lauren, are you finished with the mountain of paperwork yet? I hope all is going well with Jeri's work.
Cathie

 

[JWren1234]

Kevin discussed the 2014 DIS exclusive Ireland trip on the podcast today. Is there anyone from our merry band of travelers considering this trip? I'm debating between the Ireland trip and the September trip. The September trip will work out better timing wise...but Ireland has been at the top of my travel wish list for a long time. The Ireland trip also includes my birthday....Happy Birthday to me?

I'm debating both trips as well, not sure which one I'd choose.

Jason

 

[jcb]

I'm debating both trips as well, not sure which one I'd choose.

Jason

How could you chose anything over a trip that includes (at least it has historically included) the opportunity to "taste the good life at the Guinness Storehouse®."

OK seriously, the other trip would undoubtedly be ultra cool too.

 

[stenogoddess]

Y'all know me, I want to go everywhere! And Ireland is really, really high up on my list. But I've got two kinda issues. 1, I don't know how we're going to be set up money-wise next May. Hopefully great! But Ireland is a big commitment for a hopefully. 2, I've already booked a cruise with Tracey for Alaska over my birthday for that year. (It's over July 29 so feel free to come with!) And I've really been wanting to go to Alaska for a while now and have even booked it before and moved it a couple of times for other things. Plus, Alaska is cheaper than Ireland so that part is nice. No matter what happens I'm not in a position to put down a deposit on May 22 to hold our spots anyway. Not that I haven't spent the last two hours with my trust abacus and computer trying ideas and pricing things out. Ireland is soooo cooooolllll! But Alaska is pretty neato too. Plus, hey, my birthday with bad Disney cake! What's not to love about that I ask ya?!?!?

So that's what's pinging around my head at the moment on Ireland!

Thanks, Cathie, for asking after Jeri. He's been on his own for three weeks now, and so far so good. Things have been very positive and we're legit with the State and the Feds so that's good too. We have a bank account and accept PayPal and everything! I'm still a bit nervous and keeping my fingers crossed. Jeri on the other hand keeps saying gleefully that it's only going to get hotter! I've never seen him so excited for the summer to come before. It's a little disturbing.

PS: I lost 30 pounds with Weight Watchers! You can do it too! I know you can! Good luck!!!!!

 

[Smokey'sMom]

Lauren,

Alaska sounds like fun. We went several years ago on Norwegian, and would love to go back on Disney. A great birthday present. I really hope that you and Jeri can (and want to) come on the Ireland trip. It wouldn't be the same without you. I'm glad to hear that all is legit, and more importantly that business is going well. I feel sure that it will get hotter, and so will Jeri's business.

Thanks for the encouragement on WW. I would never have thought that you ever needed to lose even a pound. I'm trying to stay with it and make better food choices. Exercise and staying active seems to matter more than what I eat (within reason) but everyone says the opposite for them.
Cathie

 

[JWren1234]

How could you chose anything over a trip that includes (at least it has historically included) the opportunity to "taste the good life at the Guinness Storehouse®."

OK seriously, the other trip would undoubtedly be ultra cool too.

The Guinness Storehouse sounds awesome, I love anything involving beer!

I made my decision last night, I'm choosing Ireland. I like the dates of the trip, and that I can save a vacation day by going over Memorial Day. Very excited!

Jason