The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[Flossbolna]

Good luck with your exam!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

The Mickey Mail I was SO hoping would arrive has met some sort of horrible transit demise!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

The good news is that I made a call today to the company MKBekka works at and was all but guaranteed a job for the summer after I pass my NCLEX and get my license.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Some VERY cool things have happened this weekend, and I can't wait to share! But for now, if you think about it, my last regular exam is at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

Excited to hear about the cool stuff. For now, good luck and God bless on the exam!

 

[glennbo123]

I totally thought that Capt. Oblivious was going to post that.

 

[Steppesister]

Best score on an exam (this term) yet! Have a meeting, am taking NariPoo out for lunch, then plan to spend the rest of the day here. Thanks for your presence and good thoughts!

 

[KatMark]

Best score on an exam (this term) yet! Have a meeting, am taking NariPoo out for lunch, then plan to spend the rest of the day here. Thanks for your presence and good thoughts!

 

[nodnol]

Congratulations!

 

[Flossbolna]

Best score on an exam (this term) yet! Have a meeting, am taking NariPoo out for lunch, then plan to spend the rest of the day here. Thanks for your presence and good thoughts!

Well done!! Now you just need to rock the Final!!

Also, thanks for the info on the Check Off. That is an interesting kind of exam, but I am sure that it is very important!!

 

[Steppesister]

Okay, bear with me Peeps. I just got home after a lovely lunch with some random people (NariPoo declined) and am onto uploading a few pictures and writing a little update. Well, big for me. First... some long-overdue replies!!

 

[Steppesister]

Ummm... not in this house. I guess the actual importance is a 1 but the stress that goes along with it is a 10.

Yeah, I understand the stress of getting it done. The drama can at times be unbelielvable. And unnessary. But genrally the rule in most families I know.

Now I remember why I like you so much!

Dole Whips. The End.

What about when watching Wishes?

It is a close 2nd. Just not as special due to lack of nostalgic resons.

Now the talk tonight was about heading to DL next summer again. There is close to a 0% chance we will be in WDW 10/16.

Well, That's (NOT) Nice!

Gotta love being a DISer!

It's always a party!

Whoo Hoo! that's nice!!!

I understand what you are saying. Reading and responding to your PTRs/TRs were a whole lot of fun. There were times people went off on tangents and it took up 3, 4, or 5 pages.

I'm not on as much because:
a) Now having 3! kids they keep me very busy
b) I've tried to limit my DIS time because I was spending waaay too much time on here
c) FB has allowed me to stay connected with people
d) FB is easier to pop in and out of if I have a free minute or 2
e) I've tried to stay off the DIS & the computer in general when Melody is off from work in order to have a 'real' relationship with the person who is in front of me than 'virtual' ones. (I hope that makes sense and doesn't come across as rude or hurtful to anyone)

I do understand! And your life will not be little-kids-forever. At some point, you will have a bit more free time as they get older and develop their own intestests with friends and hobbies. Meantime, we love when you ARE here, and enjoy your company as you can give it.

I also understand about FB. Often I only have a few minutes between classes or studying, and DISsing does take a bit more time to sit and digest.

 

[Steppesister]

I wasn't a good student in high school, I was a social butterfly, but college was a different story, I worked hard and graduated with honors. Maybe one day I will go back, I love where I am working now and super happy, I think when I tire of it or need something more that's when I will go back to school, right now I'm loving my 9-5 no weekends work schedule. Gives me more time to plan Disney and see Leom.
Your FB posts are fun to read, I enjoy hearing about your school successes. I'm proud of you too!!!!

Ty, college I think in general does make one "grow up" so to speak to a level beyone cliques and personas. At that point you are paying GOOD money for your education and to throw that away is a huge reality check if you blow it. I'm SO proud of you too. Taking REAL steps to a better life if such a great thing!!

Seeing your family is a great reason to be satisfied with your present situation. No shame in that whatsoever! Keep up the good work, Girlie!

It's so amazing to have the support of friends near and far. It really encourages me and keeps me on track to fulfill this little dream of mine. Thanks for having the time to cheer me on!

Hi Liesa Just checking in again !!I read ll Tim's replies to you!! Tim I have been absent too long too !!I never got into Face Book to be honest it just is not my style. I find such silly stupid stuff on there . I soo much prefer the Dis , we have fun and I have made so may wonderful friends on it !! I am glad I pushed myself to take the time again .

I'm glad you're here too Rosie!! I love the people here and although it does take more time invested, generally, you get out of what you put in to ANYTHING. FB has its place and I use it pretty extensively to hear news of family and friends, I don't use to build friendships or relationships. If that makes sense.

It is different and I guess the economy has something to do with it. More Work less help and less DIS time.

I imagine it does too. Hopefully, that will even out soon...

 

[Steppesister]

I know I'm one of your pranksters who just doesn't have the time I used to for pranking. I agree with the comments that have been posed by others, except in my case I can't blame it on Facebook -- I am the last holdout! I've been close to signing up a couple of times, but just never got around to it. And I'm surviving! But Instagram has taken some of my DIS-time. And X box. And kids using the computer at night for schoolwork. And I wholeheartedly agree with Magdalene about checking the DIS on your phone, it's terrible for trying to comment.

Ok, the one thing I absolutely can relate to is the kids using the computer at night for homework. We only have 2 laptops in the house right now, total, and I am almost ALWAYS on mine watching online lectures. The other one is almost non-functional. We really need another one badly. I guess that is why Momma is in skewl. X box is one I can't relate to, but my kids can. It eats up incredible amounts of time.

FB is rather addictive. I'd hold out...

And I'm just not sure if I'll write a TR for my next trip. I'd like to document it, but I'm afraid I'll just keep saying the same things I've already said.

The times they are a'changin'!

REALLY?! Not that we'd ever really ever get tired of hearing everything all over again. You know that, right...?

We have been to Narcoosee's and loved it!!!

Our family loves games, too--what game are you waiting on?

So 1 vote for Narcoosee's. And a strong one at that....

We just got Betrayal at House on the Hill and really like it. It'll be a nice change from our usual Settlers of Catan.

Heck, I went cross eyed just reading that.

Oddly, Labor and Delivery is talked about in terms of 5 P words as well...

Passenger (Baby); Passageway (Birth Canal); Powers (Contractions); Psyche (the Mother's will to deliver); and Presentation (the way baby is sitting in pelvis)

Congratulations! I'm sure that's a big relief to have that all taken care of so you don't have to worry about finding something.

It is!! And it may not be the only job offer I get. Nurses are incredibly demanded right now.

Delegation is the best part of being in charge of something!

You betcha! And I do it well. My kids can attest to that.

Hi mom.

She is on vacation in San Antonio now, so she said she'll try after she gets home.

Oooh. Sounds fun. Are you gonna tell us what it is or are you saving that for a later update?

Betrayal at House on the Hill. See post below...

 

[Steppesister]

I've been to Flying Fish, and it was awesome. Link to Flying Fish chapter. Never been to Narcoosee's, so can't compare.

Hi Liesa's mom!

Thanks!! I remembered you'd been there, and didn't have time to go a'huntin'. I will go back and read during Spring Break!

Never been to Narcoosee's...my husband will NOT dress up on vacation (plus I'm not really a "fancy meal" kind of gal). We've not been to Flying Fish, but Nicki swears by the place...she and Todd love it and go almost every trip.

I guess that's a valid reason not to go to a Signature place. And you're right, not a burger and fries kinda place.

So, 2 votes for Flying Fish. Both are looking like good contenders for a celebration dinner.

Hi Liessa !! Have never been to either Narcosse's or Flying Fish , so can't help!!! What are your dates for October 2016 !! I will definately arrange that the P &P vacation is that time , so we can at least have a BIG MAMMOTH MEET somewhere !! Maybe we can take over an entire restaurant for a night or a PARK We did the MAY MAMOUTH MEET a few years ago and it was a lot of FUN!!!!

I'm thinking the 2nd week of October? I want to hit up BOTH F&W AND MNSSHP. So need to plan around those. Did I mention how excited I am?

It'll be SO great to see you again!! And yes, a BIG Meet would be so amazing!! It was a lot of fun to meet so many and hang out for the day. I LOVED our DC time together.

 

[Steppesister]

oops

 

[Steppesister]

Just thought are Tee Shirts being considered, they should have something about Camel Dung on them or BlANkINSTAN !!!

I always consider Camel Dung T-shirts an appropriate option for social get-togethers. I mean, seriously... can you think of a better conversation piece?!

I have been both to Narcoosee's and to Flying Fish and I much prefer Flying Fish.

Katharina I went to Narcoossee's for her birthday meal in 2010: From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition: Narcoossee's Chapter

We also went to Flying Fish that trip: From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition: Flying Fish Chapter

My first Flying Fish review is this: 2009 Dining Review Flying Fish

Katharina and I returned in 2011 to FF and had a not totally wonderful experience due to the convention crowds at that time: A Birthday Trip without a Birthday: Flying Fish Review

And then Michael and I had a meal at Flying Fish in 2013 (yes, FF is my favourite singature restaurant in WDW): From the Sea to the World (2013 edition): Flying Fish

2013 it was as wonderful as ever!

So, what are the differences? First, I think I love the whimsical atmosphere of the Boardwalk better than the Grand Floridian. I also seem to prefer the menu. Since I am not a seafood lover, Narcoosee's seems to concentrate more on it. I like fish, but not crab, lobster etc. And it seems like there is more of the later at Narcoosee's. I find Narcoosee's itself a bit plain looking, the FF is full of fun things to look at but still elegant. And while our one visit at Narcoossee's our server was really not that magical, we only ever had wonderful service at FF.

Hope this helps!

(
Ok, that is definitely a worthy reading list for Spring Break. (First I need to spend some time catching up on all the threads I so dearly miss and need to!) I will make my way through them, look at the present menus, and make a decision on my Official Celebreation Meal.

The differences you pointed out are actually note-worthy. I can't afford lobster (although I do love it), so something to consider for sure. I do want elegant, but I also want quiet-ish, but not boring. Do you consider FF to be "loud". I don't want to have to yell across the table to have a conversation. I think Boma's was kinda frenentic and "loud"- comparable?? (I LOVED Boma's- don't get me wrong! I'll be going back there someday!)

Been only to FF but loved it!!!!! At least USPS put a message on the package so you are not left hanging but good thing you aren't going soon. I guess at this point I hope you get it at all.

Another vote for FF! It's def in the lead.

Well, it turned out that they hadn't been updating the tracking website at all, because it came Saturday while the site (STILL) says it's in Florida!

Have a great last week of schoon before spring breack! I know you will rock that Final!! Are you still in the running for an A?

I think I am... I am going to do a quick calculation when I'm done with replies before I write my update so it can be accurate.

Liesa, good luck with your exam!

I'm looking forward to read about cool things.

Good luck!

Thanks, Friends!! More in the update.

 

[Steppesister]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Yeah... almost 3 weeks later...

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

<<< had me a bit of this...

Excited to hear about the cool stuff. For now, good luck and God bless on the exam!

I think you will enjoy the next update...

I totally thought that Capt. Oblivious was going to post that.

As he should have. But I can always count on you, Glenn.

Thanks, Kathy!! It was a good feeling walking out!

Congratulations!

Thanks, Katharina!

Well done!! Now you just need to rock the Final!!

Also, thanks for the info on the Check Off. That is an interesting kind of exam, but I am sure that it is very important!!

And I will study hard for it. My study girls and I are going away for a long weekend (Friday-Sunday) to study together. No distractions!! Woot!

Yes, they really need to make sure we know what we are doing before we get to the bedside of a real live human. Keeping us safely practicing is their #1 priority!

 

[Steppesister]

Chapter 13: M is for MORE Mickey Mail​

It has been a long time since I've had some genuine, uninterrupted time to just sit all by myself and “play”. I get 5 minutes here or there, which is not nearly enough to get my thoughts down “on paper” to share with you all. You may ask me if I actually have anything to share today that is even remotely interesting, because I confess the past several updates have been anticlimactic at best. I promise this one was worth waiting for. And even has a little Disney in it. By now I'm sure you're on pins and needles. I hope you don't use one to deflate the giant bubble I now have you sitting on. And I hope to not burst it with my own in the form of bad writing. It's been a while since creative writing was part of my repertoire.


Friday evening, while I was at Clinicals I saw a FB post (yes, I was on a break) of an acquaintance of mine. A young gentleman, from the dance group I used to go to when I had a life, (If you are new to my writing, my girls and I were (and hope to be again someday) involved in a group that does English Country Dancing- think Pride and Prejudice style dance.) posted that his wife, whom I had met once a year or so ago, was in labor in a hospital about an hour away. They had been transferred from another birthing center when a minor complication arose, and were all alone, frightened, and in unfamiliar territory being that this was their first child. The ensuing comments scared me, which ranged from bad and ill-informed information, to simply perverse and disgusting “advice”. I posted back that I would be happy to drive to the hospital to doula her through the birth and offer whatever support I could. Truly it would be a win-win deal, as that was exactly the content we were in the middle of, and what better way to reinforce my learning than to see it firsthand?!


To my extreme delight and surprise I got a text at 4:30AM saying they would love my presence and, if I was still willing, to come; I was needed. She was still in labor, having a VERY difficult time and Dad needed relief. I didn't get it until 8:00 that morning, but was at the hospital by 10:00. To make a long story shorter, Mom was in her 24th hour of labor with all of her hopes of a natural birth dashed.


For the next 10 hours I coached her, comforted her, gave accurate information as I could, and guided her in making some medical decisions that needed to be made like having her membranes broken so labor could progress (she'd been “stuck”, dilated at 7 for 4 hours with no progress and needed some “encouragement” to allow the Nurse Practitioner to intervene for her and her baby's safety). It was not a happy, everything-is-rosy kind of birth, but not every birth is. And now, after seeing a pretty seriously dysfunctional situation, and knowing I can still cope and function as a level-headed professional, I think I could go the direction of L & D. Time will tell...


To end your suspense, Mom and Baby are fine and healthy physically, but have a long road ahead psychosocially. Maybe when they visit I can point them in the right direction for some counseling and further help.





So, that was how my weekend began...

Sunday was a really low-key day filled with family and food and fellowship. The new game did come and we played several times. The food was great (Kazakh pilau- Google Uzbek Plov if you're interested), and it was a rather typical Sunday, although I was feeling incredibly guilty for not studying for today's exam. I'd already blown off studying for the birth, and now to not be in the books another whole day was killing me!!

Monday was a TRUE study day beginning at 9:00 and bed at 11:15. Really no comment, except that halfway through, my good friend and study buddy got an urgent phone call telling her that her daughter had been in a quite serious accident during track. She missed her high jump and fell off the mat, hitting her head causing a really serious concussion. She was having seizures, was vomiting, and out cold for about 5 minutes. A 911 call and ambulance ride later, she is now at home on strict bedrest for a week or so. Poor thing. She had JUST gotten her braces off earlier that afternoon.

But Tuesday brought good things though! How good you ask??

Well, let's start with this:





A little LONG-AWAITED Mickey Mail came to a mailbox near me. A 100% genuine 8 Day Park Hopping little beauty with everyone's favorite mouse's portrait on the front!! 1+1+1= 3


3 down, at least one to go!! Progress, ANY progress is GREAT progress!! Don't you agree?? Yes, this trip is definitely taking the slow boat to China (and Morocco, and Canada, and Japan, and Norway... et al.) but baby steps. And here's some other great news. I have saved a little money along the way, and that's a good thing, right? Ticket prices went up last month, and I figure I saved about $10 a ticket, maybe more, by beating the price hike, AND I saved $17 per ticket so far by going through Undercover. Let's see, that's at least $81 so far. Hmmm..... might be almost enough for a meal for the 2 of us at Flying Fish AND Dole Whips for everyone for dessert. Or, maybe it's all of 1 person's adult beverages, assuming said person gets one $8 drink per day.


Ok, so, onto some other things that made Tuesday extra special... The Mail Carrier just may get a stocking stuffer in Dec. for this day's delivery alone.


I came home from my Study Group at 11:00 PM and fell straight into bed without even opening my ticket or the “other little goodie” waiting for me. Instead I waited until the morning just before leaving the house for my exam. Lo and behold, a couple of little Angels had sent a most wonderful surprise to me, completely unexpected, and it was this:





It was absolutely the MOST perfect thing I could have had arrive and open on THIS particular morning!!!! A little emotional pick-me-up; a perfect little piece of bling to add to my jacket and sit my exam with me. Marv and Pat, I LOVE my Nurse Minnie, and can't ever thank you enough! You are very thoughtful, and it really lifted my spirits this morning and gave me the smile I needed going into the last regular exam of this term.


YO!! While I am on the subject of pins, I wanted to include these, which I've been meaning to show you all for sometime. I know most of you aren't into pins, and really neither am I much, but this was kind of a fun find from WAAAAAY back. While I was working as a CM at DLR in 1986, we all received a nifty little set of these:






One for each area of the park. As far as I understood it at the time, this was a CM exclusive set not available to the general public. I have NO idea how much they'd be worth to a real trader, but it might be worth a look-see. Who knows?? Maybe a small mint. Or an 8-day Hopper. Which is approximately of equal value.



Ok, back to today's exam. I did very well today. I got my best score yet at 92%! I am pleased with that score, not only because it was my best attempt, but also because I truly didn't think I had enough study time put in. Now, onto the analysis of where I stand: if my calculations are correct, with the small amount of extra credit I got for passing my check-offs on the first attempt (1 entire percentage point added to my overall percentage if I'm already passing with a 75% or above for each), I need to get an 87% or higher on my FINAL to get an A in the class. I cannot remember what I got on my FINAL last term, but it will be close. Very close. It will definitely not be the end of the world if I don't get an A, I mean seriously, who has ever asked a nurse what they got in Nursing School?!, but it would be nice to hold onto my 4.0 for as long as I can. I worked hard to get it, and I'll work hard to keep it.


So, in exactly 1 week, this term will be wrapped up after tomorrow's Presentation Day, a whole Clinical Day on Pediatrics on Thursday, and a LONG weekend of studying. In fact, my study group is going away Friday morning to study for 3 days at my hubby's aunt's condo so we can be uninterrupted and focused. Because seriously, I can't focus when laundry is screaming at me and dishes are piling up. And they do. At least at my house.


I'll leave you with a sunrise I got to experience on my way to school a couple of weeks ago just to make you smile. Peace Friends...

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Congratulations again on your successful test score! I had no idea your surprise would arrive that quickly, but I'm glad the timing worked out so well where you had a little "good luck" charm to go with you today. That is an amazing pin set you got as a CM! Those type pins, along with Disney classics, are so cool to me.

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations again on your successful test score! I had no idea your surprise would arrive that quickly, but I'm glad the timing worked out so well where you had a little "good luck" charm to go with you today. That is an amazing pin set you got as a CM! Those type pins, along with Disney classics, are so cool to me.

Thanks! It was fun to carry Minnie with me, and I showed her off to a few classmates as we settled in behind our computers.

RIGHT?! I wonder how many actually still exist as complete sets? I think they are cool as well, and I may find either a buyer or just keep them. Not sure yet...

 

[GoofyFan1515]

I would think the sentimental value and rarity/uniqueness of those pins would make them worth more than they may or may not be in terms of $$$, but if you DO decide to look for a buyer, let me know..............

 

[Steppesister]

I will for sure. I need to start with some research and find out if they have any value and if so, what I'm looking at. (Here's a little PTR secret that I'll just leave right here for the frequent and faithful) I wish I may, I wish I might... have a very special dinner at Vic and Al's. I don't know if I will go by myself, or with Mike, but it's something I've been wanting to do for quite some time. I'll just leave that there for a tantalizing little tidbit and you can do with it what you'd like.