Adulting is Hard, So I'm Running Away! ~ An Oct 2016 PTR ~ Update 10/19: Peace Out, Yo!

[emilyhuff]

So0o0o am I the only curious one wondering if you made and successfully obtained any ADRs for your Feb trip

 

[cinderkelly]

So0o0o am I the only curious one wondering if you made and successfully obtained any ADRs for your Feb trip

Me too! I was wondering the same thing. Very interested to know how it all worked out......especially where you'll be for your farewell breakfast Cuz I have a secret!!

 

[GreyStr0ke]

Hi Billie! Long time lurker and huge fan of yours after reading that epic dinning report you wrote way back when. I might actually be going during part of your trip, but that will depend on this new employment opportunity. Your fans are dying for an update here! No pressure or anything.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Yeah yeah busy busy new cats books... You can't leave it like this!

 

[Shoppergurl1020]

Billie! Where did you go?

You're trip is getting close! Dying to hear your FP+ updates! Hoping you had some pixie dust sprinkled on you that morning

 

[Elevationist]

Okay, okay! I'm going to try and fire off some quick replies then get to work on an update... Before you people show up at my house with torches and baseball bats.

I am in awe of your spreadsheets, especially your Food and Wine list. I need to find that peach drink at China. It sounds delicious.

It all sounds so delicious! It's a good thing I have 4 visits to Epcot planned during my trip.

Your vacation schedule looks great. It will be a lot of fun to plan for the two different types of trips. It is always fun to do something new.

I'm really looking forward to all of it!

Okay, I'm going to be a very bad commenter right now, because all I can think to say is OMG.

The spreadsheets. The kitty. The cruises. It's all so much OMG!! Seriously!!

I think multiple OMGs is great commenting!

Also, I'm super impressed that you're doing birthday cruises as a thing. All I do on my birthday is sit on my butt and ignore the world.

I did too until last year, and now I'm spoiled! Now the idea of just sitting home on my birthday like previous years is just too depressing!

Joining in!! Not quite caught up but I've read the most recent stuff. YAY on the foster failure!!!! I'm staff to 4 felines myself.

Mad respect! 3 has got both my hands full for sure!

Awesome plans overall -- totally jealous of your spreadsheets. I do a mock spreadsheet for my trips (hand-drawn.....) as I've never mastered the computer version.

Would you believe I know somebody else here on the DIS who also draws up mock spreadsheets my hand? You're not alone, my friend!

And yes, adulting is quite a challenge some [most?!] days....

Would you believe I have this very image saved on my computer already? I think I saw it at some point and saved it to use in a future post on this PTR, then forgot about it!

If you get there for rope drop you won't even need to do single rider. That's what I did and got to ride twice by 9:20

If all goes according to plan that morning, I won't get there until between 10am-11am, so an hour or two after rope drop. I think I'll still be fine for Single Rider, though!

Well that explains it then! Some of those had me scratching my head there for a minute

And of course, I switched quite a few of them up between the time I made my last post and my actual FP+ day!

Seriously? This is beyond my procrastinator mind's apprehension

It's pretty extreme, I know. But when I'm bored at work and can't DIS, I have to find some way to entertain myself!

Well now you're just making me hungry.... and jealous...

I'm always HUNGRY. Welcome to my world! MY NAME IS BILLIE AND I LOVE TO EAT! (Yep, totally stole your line.)

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and your little furfamily

Thank you!!

I also did one cruise in my early 20s with my family. Loved it and always wanted to go on another one but haven't gotten around it yet. Would LOVE a cruise to the Canary Islands. Hopefully soon

I'm really looking forward to it!

Lucky duck you! I hate those da** single supplements.

I KNOW, RIGHT?!

You've got some great vacations coming up. Good for you!

Thanks! I can't wait!

OH wow lots of fun stuff coming up

I know! I'mma be a busy girl!

I just want to give Cupcake smooches on her snoots!! She's so adorable. I ain't even going to judge you because I wouldn't have been able to give her up either. In fact, I have to avoid the pet stores around like the plague on the weekends because of all the adoption events.

She would probably just bite you. She's WILD. She's a tiny terrorist. And yes, I learned the hard way about avoiding PetSmart on a Saturday! The last time I forgot and stumbled in during an adoption event, I left feeling miserable that I couldn't take home all the babies. It was AWFUL.

Seriously made me bust out laughing. I should probably stop reading your PTRs while I'm at work.

Dude, for real though! I actually had one person, upon me sharing my exciting news about booking myself on my first cruise, immediately scrunch up her nose and say, "Yeah, but it's on the Elation..." I seriously wanted to punch that B right in her snooty F'in face.

I'm so glad you're finally getting to go on a cruise. DH and I are already talking about doing a Disney cruise on our next vacay (2018). I figure that will give us plenty of time to save up for it.

Yesss, do it, I hear NOTHING but good things! I'm hoping to do this in 2020 for my 40th birthday!

Love love love your plans. I feel like I still have soooo much left to do to get ready for our trip.

All I really have left to do is buy a few things (replenish the sunscreen and Aleve, some cute Halloween earrings, a new swimsuit since mine is too big after losing so much weight, silly little stuff like that), continue tweaking all my spreadsheets then print them and put them in a folder or binder, and do the actual packing. Everything else is DONE!

Look at those bright eyes!
Can't believe how much she's grown. So glad you are able to keep her!

She's a MESS!!!

Great update! I like your new birthday tradition. You've got me thinking...

Thinking is good! You need a birthday tradition, too!

I am so ready to go anywhere right now!!! I love your spreadsheet!

I haven't heard much from you, is your October trip still happening?

And I am glad you are happy with your decision to keep Cupcake. She will keep everyone on their toes!

Good lord, does she ever. She's INSANE.

Yay! So glad that Cupcake has found her furever home with you!!

Yeah, me too. She is wild, and drives me up a wall sometimes, but then goes and be's totally adorable and makes up for it all.

How is the Atkins plan going?

I moved away from the Atkins plan a while ago, and now do more of what's called a LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) diet. I should talk about my weight loss in the post I'm going to do tonight, actually. Thank you for the reminder!

I am still here and reading!

Well, that makes one of us...

I know you've heard this a bazillion times by now but I always knew Cupcake had already found her forever family. She seems to really love her Mama and her brothers!

Yeah yeah yeah!

So awesome that you've got so many trips booked! We did Carnival for our very first cruise and I thought it was great. And I love the way NCL does singles cabins, that's really cool. I think it's important as a TA to try them all so you can give your clients honest feedback.

Yes, I'm really looking forward to both cruises! And since I'm determined to take 2018 off from traveling, I'm currently planning to try Royal Caribbean in December 2019, and finally Disney Cruise in December 2020!

Spreadsheet heaven! I have a loose idea in my mind of what I need to pack for Sept. but they haven't fully gelled in my head yet

I'm an overplanner. It keeps me entertained!

Sounds like you've had a fantastic summer reading tons of books. You look amazing, btw! How's the 5k training going?

It's going well!...... When I actually bother to train. Ooops!

I totally want to go on that cruise with you next year! Is that super creepy?

No, not creepy! Do it!

I knew RC had single cabins I didn't realize NCL did too.

NCL was the first major ocean cruise line to really embrace the solo traveler, when they built 128 solo studios on the Epic back in 2010! Then RCCL started to get with the program! RCCL has a very limited amount of solo studios though, and no exclusive solo lounge. (That being said, I'm tentatively planning on checking out their solo studios on the Harmony of the Seas in 2019!)

My sister and I just got back from a RC birthday cruise for me. The most relaxing vacation I've ever been on. And nothing like hearing Happy Birthday over and over!

Excellent! Happy belated birthday!

Your fastpass day must be getting close.

It was Monday!

So0o0o am I the only curious one wondering if you made and successfully obtained any ADRs for your Feb trip

Hmmm... Guess maybe I should finally start the PTR for that trip, huh?

Me too! I was wondering the same thing. Very interested to know how it all worked out......especially where you'll be for your farewell breakfast Cuz I have a secret!!

The Wave, Feb. 25th, 10:15am. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET?!?!

Hi Billie! Long time lurker and huge fan of yours after reading that epic dinning report you wrote way back when.

OMG THERE'S A BOY IN MY THREAD. THIS NEVER HAPPENS.

I might actually be going during part of your trip, but that will depend on this new employment opportunity.

Oooh, new employment opportunity! That sounds like a very good thing!

Your fans are dying for an update here! No pressure or anything.

I know, right?! They're RABID!

Yeah yeah busy busy new cats books... You can't leave it like this!

Sure I can. My last update was freakin' EXCITING. I can totally leave it that. Hard to top that anyhow.

Billie! Where did you go?

Book-Land. Seriously. Also, not having the DIS at work has seriously cut into my DIS time. I just don't DIS much at home! I'm trying to get better, though!

You're trip is getting close! Dying to hear your FP+ updates! Hoping you had some pixie dust sprinkled on you that morning

I did indeed! I'm going to start work on an update right now!

 

[Elevationist]

56 days until WDW!
****************************************************

Hey, ya'll!

Okay okay okay! So YES, my FastPass+ day was this week, on Monday morning. And YES, it was super successful! I changed some things around from my original plan that I posted in my last update, and I was able to get everything I wanted, and at the times I wanted (or at least within 15 minutes of them).

Once I had all my FP+ in place, then I sat down and worked out my loose touring plan. I don't like to do a rigid minute-by-minute touring plan, but I do like to have an idea of what times scheduled things are happening each day, and what things I would like to accomplish in between those times:

YAY! I'm feeling pretty good about things! Anything you see with a question mark after it is because the time, or the event itself, is in question. Of course, one of those things in Rivers of Light. I know the Jungle Book show is supposed to end in early September, but I haven't seen anything about RoL being ready to debut in it's place. And absolutely no idea what to expect for times. So much so, that I have booked for that night not one, not two, not three, but FOUR dinner ADRs for that night:

If they ever give us some actual information about what to expect, I'll narrow it down and cancel 2-3 of the above. HURRY IT UP, DISNEY.

Oh hey, also... I know several of you are going to be there the same time I am, at least for part of the dates. So! I think it's about time we start talking about some firm DisMeet times, don't ya'll?!

@SnowWhiteOz and I have already worked it out, and she'll be joining me for my Beaches & Cream ADR on 10/24!

@hokieinpa , are we still gonna meet up in the Boardwalk vicinity on the night of 10/21?

@IowaTater , what's our plan, lady?!

@cajunfan , are you still planning on arriving on my departure day?

Who else?! Step up, slackers! Take a look at my itinerary overview below, and hit me up with any suggestions you have where you see that our plans overlap!

A few of you have asked how my ADRs went yesterday morning for my February family trip. I guess that means it's time I start up my PTR for that one, huh? Because, you know, I do SUCH an excellent job of updating and regularly maintaining one PTR... Why not have two going?!

(No seriously, I'll get a new PTR link for ya'll soon, I promise!)

Aaaaaand that's all the Disney talk that I have for the moment. I was reminded earlier that I haven't mentioned much about my weightloss here in a while. No, it's not because I fell off the wagon. Quite the opposite, in fact...

As of this morning, Aug. 25, guess who's lost 78 pounds (*EDIT, 08/26, 8:57am: Make that 80 lbs!*) since January 1st?

I'm slacking on training for the 5K in February, however. Well, sorta. I'm not getting to the gym as frequently as I should be, but when I am, I'm still making excellent progress. So there's that, at least. Going to try to get back on a regular workout schedule on Monday!

Okay, that's all I have for you ruthless people tonight! I'm going to try to pacify ya'll with this adorable photo of Cupcake bedding down on all the MagicBand boxes that I can't bear to throw away...

...Did it work?

Seriously though, thank you all for sticking with me, despite my infrequent updates! I'm trying to be better, I promise!

 

[Dentam]

OMG THERE'S A BOY IN MY THREAD. THIS NEVER HAPPENS.

Welcome back!! Looking forward to reading your update!!

ETA: And low and behold, there it is!!

ETA Again: 78 lbs - HOLY TOLEDO!!! GREAT JOB!!! I'm jealous! All I seem able to do is maintain. I don't have very good willpower!

Your trip is shaping up nicely it looks like! I want to go!!

 

[Keels]

I *MAY* be there on the 27th, so hopefully I can run into you at Trader Sam's!

And your 5K training - the weight loss is AMAZING, so you're obviously doing something right with your training!! How are you feeling???

Just remember, running the 5K is your reward for the hard work you put in before the race - it's all part of a process in making you the best, healthiest you that you can be!

Keep at it, lady! You're doing awesome!

 

[soniam]

Wow! 78lbs is epic and amazing. Good job on all that hard work. I know you aren't working out as much as you want, but preparing and sticking to a specific diet is time consuming and requires a lot of patience.

 

[ariane37]

I'm trying really, really hard not to Dis too much tonight because I have soooo much still to do before we leave for DISNEY Saturday, but I had to say how wonderful on your 78lb loss That is truly something to be proud of! Even if ignoring your Dis friends isn't However adorable kitty pictures always win you points

 

[IowaTater]

First off, congrats on the 78 lbs!!! That is amazing. I won't talk about how my lifestyle change is going.

@IowaTater , what's our plan, lady?!

Okay, so looking at your schedule & mine, the 21st is good. Not only will we both be at HS at the same time, our FP+ for Toy Story are pretty close together too. We are also going to be at AK at the same time on the 22nd but I'm think the 21st might work better. What do you think?

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

@SnowWhiteOz have already worked it out, and she'll be joining me for my Beaches & Cream ADR on 10/24!

Looking forward to it.



I meant the meet - not the Ice-cream I swear!

Aaaaaand that's all the Disney talk that I have for the moment. I was reminded earlier that I haven't mentioned much about my weightloss here in a while. No, it's not because I fell off the wagon. Quite the opposite, in fact...

As of this morning, guess who's lost 78 POUNDS since January 1st?

Great work Billie!

Keep it up

 

[cajunfan]

Congrats on the weight loss!

I unfortunately had to cancel the fall trip. Hated doing it, but just do not have the funds. One day we will meet IRL!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Great Job!!! I am so so happy for you and your weight loss!!! doing a great job!

Hell i might just fly down for some of these dis meets!!!

 

[sunnysideup3]

Billie, we'll be in Epcot the night of the 27th, too! Let's try and meet up!! It will be me and my husband and my oldest... the youngest is staying with grandma and grandpa! But would love to meet ya!

 

[chunkymonkey]

OMG 80 lbs?!?!?! That's wonderful!!! Awesome awesome news!
Can I ask what you are doing? My sister (chunkysis) is trying to lose the same amt of weight. But it's so hard for her.

Your plans look great! LOL on the 4 ressies for Boma...I know, we've all done it when making ADRs. HAHA.
I have a tentative plan for Feb. I guess I should get crackin on the PTR too...but I am so lazy on the PTR side especially since I'll be doing a TR for disneyland!
We'll be there from Feb 23-28th at the Contemporary. Part of me wants to stay longer so that we'll hit the first part of the F & G festival again. But I have plans to be back in May (since we will have annual passes n all!) for May the 4th. Never been there on that day so I think that will be pretty fun for us.

My ADR day for feb is this sunday, and I have NO IDEA what to make. I really have not had time to think about it due to work because we're leaving next friday for california. so it's just werk, werk werk werk werk...for me.

I know I want to to California Grill for my bday. and The Wave too since we're staying at the contemporary. I think we'll do different meals than we did earlier this year just to mix it up. Although can't leave without my beloved Ohana. I do want to do LTT, 1900 Park Fare (dinner), Crystal Palace (breakfast), and maybe try Tiffins. I do also want to check out the new Art Smith homecoming in DS. Fried Chicken n Donuts? Sign me up.

BTW what days are we overlapping?

 

[Bethislucy]

CONGRATS!!!!! that is amazing.

 

[Shoppergurl1020]

WOW Billie!! Congrats on that amazing weight loss! You should be so proud!

Your plans look great! Glad the pixie dust worked and you got everything you wanted!

I might be in Disney during the same time you are (too hard to stay home during F&W when I live so close). I was able to snag a FP+ for FEA during my trip. I see you were able to get one too, are you excited to ride it and see what they did?

 

[GreyStr0ke]

OMG THERE'S A BOY IN MY THREAD. THIS NEVER HAPPENS.

Oooh, new employment opportunity! That sounds like a very good thing!

I feel special. lol

In all seriousness though your weight loss is incredible.

Shoppergurl1020 is my sister and we are trying everything possible to make a trip happen during your time and hope we can meet up at some point with you. You need to keep us updated on the Boma situation on Friday, otherwise we would like to meet up with you at Epcot on Sunday.