4 days with no kids PTR?

[wvnative]

Gosh I hope so 'cuz I'm about busting at the seams. And I'm slightly bored at work on this bright, sunny, warm, Friday afternoon.

Cast?
Me, of course. 37, FT single mom (of a teenager), PT student, lover of all things Disney
Her, because I didn't want to go alone. My best friend (aside fom my sister who can't go right now), hasn't been to the park in about 25 years. I know, I know. She's going now. No kids, middle of a divorce and I think she's 33. Thoroughly jazzed about spending several days at the Happiest Place on earth.

Why is the teenager not going you ask. Because she'll be in Chicago on a school tour. She's offically made any mention of Disneyland in her presence taboo. lol Can you tell where she'd rather be? Her flight leaves at about 6 am and we'll be on the road as soon as it takes off. The drive is about 6 hours from Phoenix so we should get there just in time for lunch. From the Red Cart of course. I was recently informed that we will have to deal with the cheerleader invasion but that's o.k. We'll be there for the first day of the Street Party so we'll be sure to take that in.

Anywho... we generally start planning our next trip on the way home from our last one. We did that this time only things got changed. We weren't supposed to go until June. Since I can't afford the cost to send both of us to Chicago, I figured this was only fair. (she disagrees) That said, I've been planning this trip in earnest since mid August. Rooms were booked as soon as the spring rates were released. Normally, I stay at the Desert Inn. This time we got a room at the entertainment rate from HOJO. Couldn't pass up the savings. lol On the top of her list of things to do, POTC. I can't wait to see her reaction to Soarin' as we both have a fear of heights and as much as I love it, it gets to me a little. lol Breakfast at the Carnation Cafe is a must so we have PS for Saturday morning. To make the trip more affordable, we'll bring our own water and pack in a lunch and snacks.

Not including today, I have 17.5 days of work. My calendar says 27 more days to go.

 

[Belle Ella]

Looks like you'll be there one day before we do - 6 hour drives for us both. Aren't you looking forward to that Please inform me though, what is this cheerleader invasion?

 

[wvnative]

Actually I don't really mind the drive. It's a little longer than when we fly (due to all the waiting around) but costs a lot less.

Cheerleader invasion. There are national contests held at the Anaheim Convention center annually. I know for sure they are there the weekend before and I've been told that it's the weekend we'll be there too. It means that the park is likley to play host to cheerleaders while not in competition.

 

[Belle Ella]

I was kidding about the drive. I've done it a couple of times, and I have fun with it. I love driving, so I'm sure that helps out a little.

Thanks for the info

 

[DizNee Luver]

I wish our drive was only 6 hrs...... we're leaving at 5am & should reach Anaheim by 7pm (with stops).
The trip sounds like fun. Sorry your daughter can't come, but you'll still have a blast!! Have fun with all those screaming girls!!!!
The HM should be a hoot with all the teen girls..... cover your ears!!!

 

[RiverLou]

Cheerleader invasion?

I guess Belle Ella and I will see ya there huh?

 

[wvnative]

Cheerleader invasion?

I guess Belle Ella and I will see ya there huh?

Yea, so not thrilled about the cheerleaders. Eh, what are ya gonna do though? I'm sure it'll all be fine.

It looks like we'll even be at the same hotel as you two.

So, the only food/beverage items I have left to buy are the perishables. I'm still debating whether or not I'm gonna take jerky. I'd rather not carry it, but my body normally needs protein. I think I may take some single servings of nuts instead. Less to carry. lol

I've checked and double checked my lists. I only need to pick up quart sized bags (the kid needs one for her carry on toiletries and I'll use them for ice in the cooler) and our park tickets. I'll pick both of those up next week I think.

My friend is coming by tonight for dinner and to finally watch the second half of Pirates 2. I know, she's a bit behind the times, but I'm working on it. lol

24 more days!

 

[wvnative]

O.k. 23 days to go. 14.5 days of work.

My friend came by last night and decided she is jealous of Kira Knightly who not only gets to kiss Orlando bloom, but Johnny Depp. lol She'll be back next Sunday to take in Pirates 3 and possibly other Disney movies she's never seen. I know, I know.

I was recently given a $50 certificate to giftcertificates.com (woohoo go me!)and we've decided to use it for dinner at Tony Romas while we're there. She's never been and we don't have one of those here anymore. Plus, it makes dinner free. lol Now I just have to remember to go order it. Guess I should do that when I'm done here. I'm going to call in a little bit to make PR's for Cafe Orleans. I really want a Monte Christo, but can do without the BB price. We usd to be able to get a pretty good one from Bennigans but alas, they are also no longer here in the valley. I've been craving a corn dog from the Red Cart so badly that I actually had to go get frozen corn dogs the other day. Not nearly as good, but they'll do until I can get there. lol

Apparently my friend doesn't really travel. She's borrowed a bag and had to verify with me that she bought the correct toiletries. lol She did spout off with our countdown though so I at least know she's really exited. haha For some reason she is under the impression that wearing a Disney shirt at Disneyland is "gay". She's free to expres her opinion, but that's what I plan to pack for Disneyland. hehe

 

[wvnative]

O.k. we are offically on the upswing now. Yesterday I made the last of our PS arrangements and ordered that gift card for Tony Roma's. Last night was the final dress rehearsal of the musical. Tonight is opening night and Sunday my life goes back to normal. YAY! My kid is on Spring break all next week which means a little more OT for me. My spring break is the week after, not that it really mnatters since I'll still have to work. lol I think my Saturday class may get the next test as a take home test so I won't miss anything when I miss class on the 28th. WOOHOO! That was supposed to be an exam day. Hopefully we'll find out this week. Tomorrow I have scheduled to be away from the office at a volunteer event but I think I"ll run a couple of errands beforehand. I need to pick up my new contacts and while I'm up that way I think I'll stop and pick up our park tickets as well. It'll all feel more real then.

We've now got 3 more Sundays to watch the remaining Disney movies in our collection. It's our tradition to watch them all in the weeks leading up to a visit. I've lost count on how many more I have to watch but 3 Sundays should cover it.

13 full days and 2 half days of work. 21 days til my vacation starts. AND...22 days left til we leave for Anaheim.

 

[wvnative]

O.k. then.Still didn't get by to pick up our park tickets. Safeway didn't have 4 day hoppers and the mall didn't open until I had to be someplace else. Oh well, there's still time.

So, I thought maybe I could share some of the pics from our last couple of trips. We were there last March. It was my daughter, her best friend, and me. 5 days of Disneyland.
Me, my kid, and her friend.

Then the only picture we always have taken (and that makes us actually look like tourists... lol) The kid and me May 07 for the Pirates 3 premiere.

And this is quite possibly my favorite picture we've ever taken there. So we stand in line at the PFF for what seems like forever. Talk to some princesses, snap some pictures.. yada yada yada. Anyway, on the way out, both girls comment on how cute the guy on the right is. They were very easy to persude to pose for a pic. Just so happens that Snow White is my favorite princess and walks up just as I am about to snap a pic. Following right on her heels is Aurora who is the kid's fav and SNow White convinces her to pose as well. So Sweet 16 trip, best friend (who moved away, 6 months after this trip) cute guy(s), and two favorite princesses after having been mildly dissappointed by the princesses available at the PFF.... priceless.

 

[Belle Ella]

And this is quite possibly my favorite picture we've ever taken there. So we stand in line at the PFF for what seems like forever. Talk to some princesses, snap some pictures.. yada yada yada. Anyway, on the way out, both girls comment on how cute the guy on the right is. They were very easy to persude to pose for a pic. Just so happens that Snow White is my favorite princess and walks up just as I am about to snap a pic. Following right on her heels is Aurora who is the kid's fav and SNow White convinces her to pose as well. So Sweet 16 trip, best friend (who moved away, 6 months after this trip) cute guy(s), and two favorite princesses after having been mildly dissappointed by the princesses available at the PFF.... priceless.

What an awesome picture and story to boot! I love that, and I'm so jealous!!

By the way, Snow White is my favorite too!!

 

[wvnative]

And totally OT but adding to my excitement nevertheless, our guinea pigs found a new home last night. Pretty good money saving deal (almost $800 a year). Plus, now my sister only has to feed the fish and the cats while we're away.

Two weeks from today we'll be playing in Disneyland.

 

[Belle Ella]

Pets sure as heck cost us a lot of money over the span of a year, don't they? I can only imagine the money I wouldn't be spending (or, spending somewhere else) if I didn't have my cat.

2 weeks!! Let's all do a happy dance!!

 

[wvnative]

I'm sure my cats cost me more than I think they do, but I can't imagine not having them around. O.k. maybe I can imagine it at 4 am when I get woken up by someone screwing around in the bedroom or in the first 5 minutes after I wake up in the morning and my big male is yowling about wanting his food. Other than that, I can't see us not having a pet. lol

I stopped on Thurs to pick up our park hoppers and was very disappointed. Neither the Disney Store or Safeway has the 4 day hoppers at the sale price. They both only have the 3 day. So, I was forced to use the print at home option which actually sounds like it will work well. Has anyone used this in the past? I'm actually only disappointed because I like having the hard tickets rather than paper ones. BUT... the point is, we have our tickets! Not much left on my to do list now.

Just 6 full and 2 half days of work and a mere nine days til my vacation starts. 10 whole days until the happiest place on earth.

 

[wvnative]

WOOHOO!!! Doin' the single digit dance.

9 more days!

A few more pics for ya.... have I mentioned we never go to DL without taking a spin in a purple teacup?

...Or that we always start our trip (since we get there at lunchtime) with a corn dog from the Red cart? (and that I go tin trouble with the kid for taking this picture...hehe... she's asking me if I'm really gonna take a pic of her eating.)

... Or that the guy in blue has the bluest eyes we've ever seen and is the main reason she wanted to have her pic taken with the Dapper Dans?

 

[wvnative]

O.k. excited is officially an understatement. lol I have now decided that I must set shorter term goals for the next week. lol I cant' seem to concentrate on anything without it turning into a mental list of the thigns I need to get done before we leave in 8 days. Did I mention that by this time next week I'll officially be on vacation?

My goal for this evening is to meet with my group from English class and complete our project that's due on 4/1. For tomorrow my goal is to stock the soda in the vending machine and get through my two meetings.

 

[Belle Ella]

for being 1 week away from vacation!

I love the ideas abut setting smaller goals. I wish I could do the same thing, like reading the book I have to write a book report on that's due the day before we leave. Sheesh, I need to pay attention to things that are non-Disney.

You're so close!

 

[Belle Ella]

BTW - PM for you!

 

[wvnative]

I'm a list maker at heart anyway. lol Making lists to distract me from my excitement is about the only way I get things done in the weeks before a Disney trip. Guess I should have added take cash for purchase of soda to my list. I had the cash all locked away and was therefore unable to go buy the soda. lol I'll try that again tomorrow. On our wayt o school/work this morniing at abotu 7:15, I told the kid that this time next week she'd be on a plane bound for Chicago. I'm thinking she's not nearly as excited as I am. lol Her response was "yea, for an hour already. That's just too early to have to be on a plane." I have to agree when it's not headed to Anaheim/Orlando.

Today I have two meetings and a lunch to distract me. Technically I could work on editing my essay. I may do a read thru and call it good though. I kind of like it the way it is. Then all my homework would be done. WOOHOO!

 

[wvnative]

So last night there was one of those "this is not mandatory, but I won't be answering any questions outside this meeting" meetings about the school trip. Got some good news and some not so good news. Good news is they no longer have to take semi formal or business casual attire. They can wear their jeans the whole trip. That means we don't have to spend more money on clothes before she goes and she won't need to pack as much stuff. The group also got a donation that covered the tour sweatshirts so I won't have to fork out money for those either. Those things save me time and money!
Not so good news is they'll have a mandatory team building thing the night before they leave. The'll be locked in from 6-10 pm Wed. night. I know it's important but seeing as they have to be at the airport at 4:30 am and I know at least my child will still need to throw some things in her suitcase, I think they could at least shorten the time so they get home at a decent hour. It's not like they'll get much rest on the flight since they have a layover.

On a good note... This time next week, we'll be playing in the park. Today is also one of my half days of work. Most of my office will be going to a spring training game this afternoon. Just 6 more days til Disneyland! 2.5 more days of work.