momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
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I am so glad that he loved the video! Those kinds of things are the best presents!!!!
A Magical Place at a Magical Time of Year
- Thread starter swwake
- Start date
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
Ha! I love to do the cliffhangers. Glad you're reading and enjoying. I sometimes feel I'm a bit wordy, so I cut it off and finish in a later post.
Yes, he really liked it and I agree - I love the more sentimental, meaningful gifts.
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
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When I left you, Jen and I were getting the house ready, and Chris and Troy were expected to arrive around 7pm. Between about 5:30 and 6, Jen was receiving frantic texts from Troy saying he didn't know what he could do with Chris 'til 7. I called Chris and made (fake) plans to go to the Melting Pot that night with Troy and Jen to celebrate his birthday. I said I'd make the reservation for around 7:30.
More texts between Troy and Jen, and Jen's and my blood pressure is rising and we're getting really nervous.
6pm, some people arrive. We direct them to park next door and hang out on the next door neighbor's patio (we had permission - they were out of town). More call and text me that they are on the way. Jen is getting more "what do I do with Chris" texts from Troy. C'mon Troy, can't you find something to do with Chris for an hour?
So I get this brainstorm and call Chris and say "I thought maybe after a full day out running around, at a festival and in the sun, you might want to come back and shower before we go to the Melting Pot." I was thinking we could get him inside, into the shower, then bring all the guests into the house and he'd see them when he was all fresh and clean.
Nope. "I haven't done anything; I don't need a shower. I'll just change real quick and we'll go." Lovely.
So we went ahead and got the first group of guests into the house. Another group was on their way, and Chris's mom, dad and brother were just pulling into the driveway. We got them to park in a hidden area out back and, just as Chris's mom was RUNNING into the house, Troy comes speeding into the driveway and Chris sees his mom. In reflection, Chris said that if Troy weren't such a maniac driver, he never would have seen his mom. Thanks, Troy!
So Chris comes into the house, thinking something is up, but maybe just his mom and dad had decided to stop by for some reason. And when he walks in, much of the rest of the crew is there. He was quite shocked. So that was fun.
More people trickled in, including a guy we haven't seen in 10 years that we knew from our wakeboarding years, who showed up with his beautiful "new" (to us) wife and little boy. It was great to spend time with friends.
So we all enjoyed Corky's and a few adult beverages. Then we all watched the movie, and EVERYONE in the room made an appearance in the movie. We all had fun reminiscing on our great lives together. Then we moved outside and sat around a bonfire, reminsicing some more, telling jokes and catching up. It was like old times and so much fun. I know Chris really enjoyed it.
Photos. Well, there's (of course) a story there. Somehow, I LOST my camera on one of the flights to Memphis Friday night. I had it in a tote bag under the seat in front of me and it must have fallen out. I know that's where I lost it. I reported it to Continental, and of course they were of no.help.whatsoever. (Did I mention I hate Continental?) So we had no pictures of this magnificent event.
Our friend Melissa (Bryan's wife, the couple who introduced us in '91 and again in '93 - yes we blame them for our love affair!
) ALWAYS has a camera and was kind enough to share her photos with me. So here's one of Chris and Bryan.
Now, before we move on, there's one more piece of the story. Bear with me here, it might get a little <ahem> strange. You see, we have a friend who lives in New Orleans. Her name is Ana and she was, in fact, our wedding planner for our New Orleans wedding. We love our Ana, but she is a little, let's say, New Orleans-y. So we visited NOLA for our anniversary this May and Ana had a few too many vodkas and decided to buy Chris a little souvenir. She went to a voo doo shop and got him a raccoon bone (if you know what I mean). Yes, it was odd. What do you say to that? And what do you DO with a raccoon bone? You can't exactly display it on your mantle.
Fast forward to September 17, 2011. Ana wanted to be a part of Chris's big surprise, but couldn't physically be there, so she did the next best (in her mind) thing. She sent a pinata. Yep. a pinata.
But not just ANY pinata. She bought a cat. And "modified" it. Then shipped the box to Jen's house. (Jen, by the way, said that she had the hardest time keeping the kids from opening the box. What kid doesn't like a box delivered to the house? And what kid doesn't wonder what's in that box? And how do you tell them it's this? You don't.)
So here are the photos:
Mind you, I can't show you the photos of the side view. I believe those might get me banned from the DIS. But I can tell you the cat/raccoon had a bone. You can fill in the blanks.
As if THAT wasn't enough, we took it outside, hung it blindfolded Chris (and others) and started swinging. Well, the candy that came out looked like something you'd see at a bachelorette party, and there were genuine New Orleans condoms. We had to clean that mess up before the kids got home the next day...
In case you're interested in my awesome 40th birthday James Bond-themed video of Chris, here's the link again:
Chris's 40th Birthday Video
Vegas is next!
Let's do some trivia!
44 days until Disney (43) What attraction's outer surface is largely covered with a material called "alucobond"?
a.) Spaceship Earth
b.) Universe of Energy
c.) The Tree of Life
d.) Cinderella Castle
Yesterday's question:
Points:
Tammie - 1 for the answer, 1 for details I didn't have!
Point tally:
Tammie - 42
Ann - 28
Ashley - 15
tankgirl - 12
Amy - 6
brandanobash - 1
More texts between Troy and Jen, and Jen's and my blood pressure is rising and we're getting really nervous.
6pm, some people arrive. We direct them to park next door and hang out on the next door neighbor's patio (we had permission - they were out of town). More call and text me that they are on the way. Jen is getting more "what do I do with Chris" texts from Troy. C'mon Troy, can't you find something to do with Chris for an hour?
So I get this brainstorm and call Chris and say "I thought maybe after a full day out running around, at a festival and in the sun, you might want to come back and shower before we go to the Melting Pot." I was thinking we could get him inside, into the shower, then bring all the guests into the house and he'd see them when he was all fresh and clean.
Nope. "I haven't done anything; I don't need a shower. I'll just change real quick and we'll go." Lovely.
So we went ahead and got the first group of guests into the house. Another group was on their way, and Chris's mom, dad and brother were just pulling into the driveway. We got them to park in a hidden area out back and, just as Chris's mom was RUNNING into the house, Troy comes speeding into the driveway and Chris sees his mom. In reflection, Chris said that if Troy weren't such a maniac driver, he never would have seen his mom. Thanks, Troy!
So Chris comes into the house, thinking something is up, but maybe just his mom and dad had decided to stop by for some reason. And when he walks in, much of the rest of the crew is there. He was quite shocked. So that was fun.
More people trickled in, including a guy we haven't seen in 10 years that we knew from our wakeboarding years, who showed up with his beautiful "new" (to us) wife and little boy. It was great to spend time with friends.
So we all enjoyed Corky's and a few adult beverages. Then we all watched the movie, and EVERYONE in the room made an appearance in the movie. We all had fun reminiscing on our great lives together. Then we moved outside and sat around a bonfire, reminsicing some more, telling jokes and catching up. It was like old times and so much fun. I know Chris really enjoyed it.
Photos. Well, there's (of course) a story there. Somehow, I LOST my camera on one of the flights to Memphis Friday night. I had it in a tote bag under the seat in front of me and it must have fallen out. I know that's where I lost it. I reported it to Continental, and of course they were of no.help.whatsoever. (Did I mention I hate Continental?) So we had no pictures of this magnificent event.
Our friend Melissa (Bryan's wife, the couple who introduced us in '91 and again in '93 - yes we blame them for our love affair!
) ALWAYS has a camera and was kind enough to share her photos with me. So here's one of Chris and Bryan.
Now, before we move on, there's one more piece of the story. Bear with me here, it might get a little <ahem> strange. You see, we have a friend who lives in New Orleans. Her name is Ana and she was, in fact, our wedding planner for our New Orleans wedding. We love our Ana, but she is a little, let's say, New Orleans-y. So we visited NOLA for our anniversary this May and Ana had a few too many vodkas and decided to buy Chris a little souvenir. She went to a voo doo shop and got him a raccoon bone (if you know what I mean). Yes, it was odd. What do you say to that? And what do you DO with a raccoon bone? You can't exactly display it on your mantle.
Fast forward to September 17, 2011. Ana wanted to be a part of Chris's big surprise, but couldn't physically be there, so she did the next best (in her mind) thing. She sent a pinata. Yep. a pinata.
But not just ANY pinata. She bought a cat. And "modified" it. Then shipped the box to Jen's house. (Jen, by the way, said that she had the hardest time keeping the kids from opening the box. What kid doesn't like a box delivered to the house? And what kid doesn't wonder what's in that box? And how do you tell them it's this? You don't.)
So here are the photos:
Mind you, I can't show you the photos of the side view. I believe those might get me banned from the DIS. But I can tell you the cat/raccoon had a bone. You can fill in the blanks.
As if THAT wasn't enough, we took it outside, hung it blindfolded Chris (and others) and started swinging. Well, the candy that came out looked like something you'd see at a bachelorette party, and there were genuine New Orleans condoms. We had to clean that mess up before the kids got home the next day...
In case you're interested in my awesome 40th birthday James Bond-themed video of Chris, here's the link again:
Chris's 40th Birthday Video
Vegas is next!
Let's do some trivia!
44 days until Disney (43) What attraction's outer surface is largely covered with a material called "alucobond"?
a.) Spaceship Earth
b.) Universe of Energy
c.) The Tree of Life
d.) Cinderella Castle
Yesterday's question:
Answer: a. The stone building located alongside the Biergarten Restaurant was to have been the home of a "Rhine River" ride, which would have taken guests on a cruise through the German countryside. It was to offer both education and entertainment by showcasing the cultural heritage of Germany's past and present. The building, which still stands, has been used at various times as a workshop, for prop and float storage, and as a rehearsal studio for performers.
Points:
Tammie - 1 for the answer, 1 for details I didn't have!
Point tally:
Tammie - 42
Ann - 28
Ashley - 15
tankgirl - 12
Amy - 6
brandanobash - 1
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
I guess I scared everyone off with the cat/raccoon pinata thing.
We'll continue with Chris's birthday. After Memphis, we flew (Continental again - ugh - and neither flight was on time) through Houston to Vegas. We stayed 3 nights at the Four Season (host hotel for my work conference). It was a nice trip, but the highlight was our dinner the 2nd night at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris.
I had requested the table "on the point" when I made the reservation, and had told them it was Chris's 40th birthday.
I was thrilled that we got this table.
A side note: If you ever go to Vegas and want to enjoy this view of the Bellagio's fountains, just go up to the bar in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. The bartender told us that anyone can come up there without reservations, and they serve the full menu at the bar. They have some specialty drinks too (like the Eiffel Affair - which is delicious).
So we really enjoyed the Chef's Tasting Menu. A very expensive dinner, with wine pairings, but very, very good. And probably once-in-a-lifetime. I am not sure we'll do that again - sooo expensive. Yet so memorable.
And since I had lost my camera, we bought the professional photo for a whopping $25 added onto our bill. Not the greatest pic (let's just say we should have had it taken BEFORE the wine pairings), but I'm glad we have it. And you can see my dress
Trivia:
43 days until Disney (42) According to Cast Members, why should you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the late afternoon?
a.) The cars are sped up 10%.
b.) The lines are shorter because that's when people eat lunch.
c.) The greats on the tracks is thinner thus your train goes faster.
d.) There are more trains running which moves the lines along faster.
And I'll repost yesterday's question, since nobody has had a chance to guess yet.
We'll continue with Chris's birthday. After Memphis, we flew (Continental again - ugh - and neither flight was on time) through Houston to Vegas. We stayed 3 nights at the Four Season (host hotel for my work conference). It was a nice trip, but the highlight was our dinner the 2nd night at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris.
I had requested the table "on the point" when I made the reservation, and had told them it was Chris's 40th birthday.
I was thrilled that we got this table.
A side note: If you ever go to Vegas and want to enjoy this view of the Bellagio's fountains, just go up to the bar in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. The bartender told us that anyone can come up there without reservations, and they serve the full menu at the bar. They have some specialty drinks too (like the Eiffel Affair - which is delicious).
So we really enjoyed the Chef's Tasting Menu. A very expensive dinner, with wine pairings, but very, very good. And probably once-in-a-lifetime. I am not sure we'll do that again - sooo expensive. Yet so memorable.
And since I had lost my camera, we bought the professional photo for a whopping $25 added onto our bill. Not the greatest pic (let's just say we should have had it taken BEFORE the wine pairings), but I'm glad we have it. And you can see my dress
Trivia:
43 days until Disney (42) According to Cast Members, why should you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the late afternoon?
a.) The cars are sped up 10%.
b.) The lines are shorter because that's when people eat lunch.
c.) The greats on the tracks is thinner thus your train goes faster.
d.) There are more trains running which moves the lines along faster.
And I'll repost yesterday's question, since nobody has had a chance to guess yet.
annmarieda
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2010
- Messages
- 8,548
I guess I scared everyone off with the cat/raccoon pinata thing.
We'll continue with Chris's birthday. After Memphis, we flew (Continental again - ugh - and neither flight was on time) through Houston to Vegas. We stayed 3 nights at the Four Season (host hotel for my work conference). It was a nice trip, but the highlight was our dinner the 2nd night at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris.
I had requested the table "on the point" when I made the reservation, and had told them it was Chris's 40th birthday.
I was thrilled that we got this table.
A side note: If you ever go to Vegas and want to enjoy this view of the Bellagio's fountains, just go up to the bar in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. The bartender told us that anyone can come up there without reservations, and they serve the full menu at the bar. They have some specialty drinks too (like the Eiffel Affair - which is delicious).
So we really enjoyed the Chef's Tasting Menu. A very expensive dinner, with wine pairings, but very, very good. And probably once-in-a-lifetime. I am not sure we'll do that again - sooo expensive. Yet so memorable.
And since I had lost my camera, we bought the professional photo for a whopping $25 added onto our bill. Not the greatest pic (let's just say we should have had it taken BEFORE the wine pairings), but I'm glad we have it. And you can see my dress
Trivia:
43 days until Disney (42) According to Cast Members, why should you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the late afternoon?
a.) The cars are sped up 10%.
b.) The lines are shorter because that's when people eat lunch.
c.) The greats on the tracks is thinner thus your train goes faster.
d.) There are more trains running which moves the lines along faster.
And I'll repost yesterday's question, since nobody has had a chance to guess yet.
Didn't scare me off with the racoon. I have just had a bit of a week... I have been reading, but not posting as much.
What a view you had!!
Your dress is very pretty. That is a good color on you.
As for trivia,
Yesterday was a.) Spaceship Earth>
today, I am a bit unsure...you go faster because the grease. So... I will go with c.) The greats on the tracks is thinner thus your train goes faster. You go faster not because of added cars or because they speed up the cars...so c. makes the most sense to me.
momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
- 5,629
A Spaceship earth...
Alucobond is the shiny metal like material that the panels of spaceship earth are made of...Here is a picture of the alucobond panels being put on.
Some more information about ALUCOBOND...
Of the many innovations incorporated into EPCOT Center when it opened back in 1982, one of the most seen but least recognized is that of Alucobond. Alucobond was first produced in the U.S. in 1978 by Alcan Composites. It was a revolutionary aluminum-plastic composite material, designed to be used in architectural designs to provide a sleek, contemporary appearance with minimal maintenance. Today, Alucobond is widely used for everything from office buildings to gas stations, but one of the first large-scale installations of the material was for the surface of Spaceship Earth. As a testament to its strength and durability, the Alucobond panels of Spaceship Earth still impress after more than 26 years.
Some facts and figures of Spaceship Earth.
Height: 180ft
Weight: 16 million pounds
Construction took 26 months and 40,800 labour hours to build.
Alucobond is the shiny metal like material that the panels of spaceship earth are made of...Here is a picture of the alucobond panels being put on.
Some more information about ALUCOBOND...
Of the many innovations incorporated into EPCOT Center when it opened back in 1982, one of the most seen but least recognized is that of Alucobond. Alucobond was first produced in the U.S. in 1978 by Alcan Composites. It was a revolutionary aluminum-plastic composite material, designed to be used in architectural designs to provide a sleek, contemporary appearance with minimal maintenance. Today, Alucobond is widely used for everything from office buildings to gas stations, but one of the first large-scale installations of the material was for the surface of Spaceship Earth. As a testament to its strength and durability, the Alucobond panels of Spaceship Earth still impress after more than 26 years.
Some facts and figures of Spaceship Earth.
Height: 180ft
Weight: 16 million pounds
Construction took 26 months and 40,800 labour hours to build.
momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
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c...dang Ann beat me on that one too!
Because after the sun has been on the tracks for a while the grease gets thinner and the trains speed up
Because after the sun has been on the tracks for a while the grease gets thinner and the trains speed up
momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
- 5,629
We have a friend who would give the same kind of gift...and she would not have to have a few NOLA drinks in her to do it! Friends like that...you treasure...always counting on them for good memories to rely on when things are tough!
I am so sorry about the camera...I am hoping that soon you will announce that Continental has found it!
Love the dress...what an amazing location in Las Vegas. I made a note to myself if and when I ever get to Vegas that I have see this view!
I am so sorry about the camera...I am hoping that soon you will announce that Continental has found it!
Love the dress...what an amazing location in Las Vegas. I made a note to myself if and when I ever get to Vegas that I have see this view!
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
Oh I know you've had a rough one, but I'm glad things are working out. And I completely understand reading and not posting. Sometimes we just don't have time for DIS, unfortunatelyDidn't scare me off with the racoon. I have just had a bit of a week... I have been reading, but not posting as much.
What a view you had!!
Your dress is very pretty. That is a good color on you.
As for trivia,
Yesterday was a.) Spaceship Earth>
today, I am a bit unsure...you go faster because the grease. So... I will go with c.) The greats on the tracks is thinner thus your train goes faster. You go faster not because of added cars or because they speed up the cars...so c. makes the most sense to me.
Yes, we now know we can enjoy that view without the pricetag, just by hitting the bar for a cocktail. I'm sure we'll do that sometime in the future.
Thanks on the dress. I think the photo is a bad angle, I don't look that fat!
Love your reasoning through the trivia answers!
I think it's great to have friends like that! They keep us on our toes.
No such luck from Continental with the camera. (Did I tell you I hate that airline?)
I loved the dress too! Yep, just go up for a cocktail. The bartender was also super nice.
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
Well, let's tie up some loose ends, shall we?
I mentioned that I lost my camera on the flight. I filed a report with Continental's Lost & Found department and got a message saying something to the effect of "we find hundreds of lost items every day. Please do not contact us further. If we find your item, you will be contacted." So with that, I gave up, we ordered a new camera, and we've moved on.
I also mentioned that our experience with Continental was horrible. This is my third Continental/United trip in the past year, and my third bad experience. I won't bore you with the details, and I don't want to sound whiny. I will say that the way my husband was treated at the Las Vegas airport during check-in was absolutely ridiculous, and he has never been spoken to by ANY person in his life like that before. Continental sent me a survey about our experience, and I was very graphic and detailed in describing how both of us were treated. I have not gotten a response. I just believe they really don't care about their reputation or quality of service. As long as people need to fly their routes, they can continue to abuse them. That is all.
Included in our busy travel schedule was Family Weekend at University of Colorado Sept 29-Oct 1. So we went to Boulder. It was great to see Katie, spend time with her, and enjoy Boulder.
We stayed at the historic Hotel Boulderado.
It was beautiful and had the bonus of having a "corner bar" in the hotel. So we stopped there each night for a nightcap. It was also just steps away from Pearl Street Mall, the quaint shopping, dining and entertainment district of Boulder.
Here is the lobby:
And I was amazed by the stained glass ceiling in the lobby.
Each morning, we got up and jogged Boulder Creek. It is so beautiful. We were excited that it was only 50 degrees there in the morning, while the temps were dropping below 85 overnight at home.
Some photos of the Kappa Alpha Theta house, where Katie lives this year:
The house is over 100 years old and over 28,000 square feet. Around 90 girls live in the house, and it's just beautiful.
The living room:
The sun room:
Composite:
This is a view of the university library across part of Norlin Quad. Isn't it a gorgeous campus?
Continued...
I mentioned that I lost my camera on the flight. I filed a report with Continental's Lost & Found department and got a message saying something to the effect of "we find hundreds of lost items every day. Please do not contact us further. If we find your item, you will be contacted." So with that, I gave up, we ordered a new camera, and we've moved on.
I also mentioned that our experience with Continental was horrible. This is my third Continental/United trip in the past year, and my third bad experience. I won't bore you with the details, and I don't want to sound whiny. I will say that the way my husband was treated at the Las Vegas airport during check-in was absolutely ridiculous, and he has never been spoken to by ANY person in his life like that before. Continental sent me a survey about our experience, and I was very graphic and detailed in describing how both of us were treated. I have not gotten a response. I just believe they really don't care about their reputation or quality of service. As long as people need to fly their routes, they can continue to abuse them. That is all.
Included in our busy travel schedule was Family Weekend at University of Colorado Sept 29-Oct 1. So we went to Boulder. It was great to see Katie, spend time with her, and enjoy Boulder.
We stayed at the historic Hotel Boulderado.
It was beautiful and had the bonus of having a "corner bar" in the hotel. So we stopped there each night for a nightcap. It was also just steps away from Pearl Street Mall, the quaint shopping, dining and entertainment district of Boulder.
Here is the lobby:
And I was amazed by the stained glass ceiling in the lobby.
Each morning, we got up and jogged Boulder Creek. It is so beautiful. We were excited that it was only 50 degrees there in the morning, while the temps were dropping below 85 overnight at home.
Some photos of the Kappa Alpha Theta house, where Katie lives this year:
The house is over 100 years old and over 28,000 square feet. Around 90 girls live in the house, and it's just beautiful.
The living room:
The sun room:
Composite:
This is a view of the university library across part of Norlin Quad. Isn't it a gorgeous campus?
Continued...
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
At the game:
Where else can you see snow-capped mountains in late September beyond the football stadium? Super cool!
CU is in the PAC12 this year for the first time. They're pretty excited about that. But we won't talk about their record. That weekend they lost to Washington State in overtime. But it was so hot, and we were sitting right in the sun, so we left after halftime.
We had to stay through halftime so we could see Ralphie run. Ralphie is the live mascot of the CU Buffaloes. She's a girl (because males are too strong and unpredictable), and she has a group of handlers who have to audition and attend the school on scholarship. Every home game day, she is on display outside the stadium a couple of hours before the game. Then she runs before the game and at halftime.
She starts at one end of the field.
Then she runs to the other end and back around to the other side of the field and right into her trailer.
Run, Ralphie, Run!
One last thing. When shopping in the University Bookstore, I found a shirt I HAD to have! So I bought it.
Trivia, anyone?
42 days until Disney (41) Can you name the boat moored on World Showcase Lagoon in front of The American Adventure pavilion?
a.) "The Adventurer"
b.) "Freedom"
c.) "The Golden Dream"
d.) "Miss Liberty"
Yesterday's:
The sun, which is at its highest and hottest point at noon, heats and melts the grease on the tracks to its thinnest point as the day wears on; thus the train goes faster. The ride's average speed is about 30 mph, but it can reach speeds of up to 33 mph, which is faster than Space Mountain! Be sure to sit in the back of the train if you want the ride to feel even faster!
Points:
Ann - 1 for using deductive reasoning to get to the right answer!
Tammie - 1
The day before:
The shell of Spaceship Earth is composed of thousands of triangular panels made of a substance called "alucobond" (from ALUminum COmposite BOND). This lightweight material consists of two aluminum cover sheets and a core made of plastic. It is stable, yet flexible, and has a smooth surface that is weather resistant, unbreakable, shock resistant, and absorbs vibrations.
Points:
Ann - 1
Tammie - 1 for the correct answer. 1 for the photo. 1 for extra details.
Point tally:
Tammie - 46
Ann - 30
Ashley - 15
tankgirl - 12
Amy - 6
brandanobash - 1
Where else can you see snow-capped mountains in late September beyond the football stadium? Super cool!
CU is in the PAC12 this year for the first time. They're pretty excited about that. But we won't talk about their record. That weekend they lost to Washington State in overtime. But it was so hot, and we were sitting right in the sun, so we left after halftime.
We had to stay through halftime so we could see Ralphie run. Ralphie is the live mascot of the CU Buffaloes. She's a girl (because males are too strong and unpredictable), and she has a group of handlers who have to audition and attend the school on scholarship. Every home game day, she is on display outside the stadium a couple of hours before the game. Then she runs before the game and at halftime.
She starts at one end of the field.
Then she runs to the other end and back around to the other side of the field and right into her trailer.
Run, Ralphie, Run!
One last thing. When shopping in the University Bookstore, I found a shirt I HAD to have! So I bought it.
Trivia, anyone?
42 days until Disney (41) Can you name the boat moored on World Showcase Lagoon in front of The American Adventure pavilion?
a.) "The Adventurer"
b.) "Freedom"
c.) "The Golden Dream"
d.) "Miss Liberty"
Yesterday's:
Answer: c.
The sun, which is at its highest and hottest point at noon, heats and melts the grease on the tracks to its thinnest point as the day wears on; thus the train goes faster. The ride's average speed is about 30 mph, but it can reach speeds of up to 33 mph, which is faster than Space Mountain! Be sure to sit in the back of the train if you want the ride to feel even faster!
Points:
Ann - 1 for using deductive reasoning to get to the right answer!
Tammie - 1
The day before:
Answer: a.
The shell of Spaceship Earth is composed of thousands of triangular panels made of a substance called "alucobond" (from ALUminum COmposite BOND). This lightweight material consists of two aluminum cover sheets and a core made of plastic. It is stable, yet flexible, and has a smooth surface that is weather resistant, unbreakable, shock resistant, and absorbs vibrations.
Points:
Ann - 1
Tammie - 1 for the correct answer. 1 for the photo. 1 for extra details.
Point tally:
Tammie - 46
Ann - 30
Ashley - 15
tankgirl - 12
Amy - 6
brandanobash - 1
annmarieda
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2010
- Messages
- 8,548
What a great family weekend trip! Looks like a great campus and beautiful scenery.
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
It was a fun time. We also got to visit the farmer's market and have some really good meals. The campus is gorgeous and Katie loves it. Too cold for me. brrrrrWhat a great family weekend trip! Looks like a great campus and beautiful scenery.
Thanks - we do have a good time together, and we love each other!Yay! Loved seeing all the photos you posted. You guys look like a wild and crazy fun family
Wish me luck since we're doing Continental to WDW. yikes
Yeah, I'll send good vibes your way. I guess the best advice is: expect the unexpected and go with a low-key attitude. Know that you'll get there sometime, even if there are delays, and take anything any of their lovely employees say to you with a grain of salt. Don't let them upset you.
Your trip is so close!
Native NYer
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
- Messages
- 7,967
Looks like you had a fun visit!
Now, I need to go back and catch up!
Now, I need to go back and catch up!
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
Yep, we had a great visit with Katie. There isn't much to catch up on. I was gone from the DIS for about a month.
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
Let's see, what's happened since CU Family Weekend? I guess the cruise is next.
The idea started out as a girls weekend in NYC, but due to budget constraints, we decided to shift to a short cruise. Three of us high school friends chose the cruise line, ship, and voyage and shared it on Facebook. By the time we left, there were a total of 8 ladies.
If you've ever been a cruise before, you know that it's super risky to arrive the day the ship sails if you are flying. So we got a great Groupon deal at a South Beach hotel for Sunday night before our 4-night cruise on the Carnival Imagination. If you know anything about the Kardashians, it was right next door to their SoBe shop, DASH.
Bottle of white, bottle of red... (anyone catch the reference?) We had dinner Sunday night at an Italian restaurant in South Beach. It was great to get acquainted and re-aquainted - as 4 of the girls had never met. We laughed until we cried many times, and caused quite a disturbance in the restaurant. It was a prelude to a super-fun and super-funny week.
The weather was questionable for the cruise, and it rained the whole time we were in Miami. The day we boarded the ship, the itinerary was changed due to weather in the Caribbean from Key West/Cozumel to Nassau/Freeport. Many passengers were upset, but our group (later self-named the "Nutty Buddies") was unaffected. We just wanted to get away and have a good time together.
Do any of you recall seeing these wonderful pieces of Disney merchandise on the internet a few weeks back?
I'm sure some Imagineer got a hand slap. But one of our group gave these as gifts to all of us on the first day, and this was our drinking cup for the duration of the cruise. If that gives you any idea of what kind of fun group of gals this was.
Since cell phones don't work on a cruise ship, and we had 4 different cabins, we used post-it notes on the outside of our doors to leave messages and let each other know when and where to meet. Well, as you can imagine, that also turned into the chaos that is the Nutty Buddies.
Have any of you read the Bloggess's story about the Big Metal Chicken, Beyonce? If not, it is a MUST-READ. Just do it. You can thank me later.
Anyway, this is what our post-its evolved (devolved?) to:
Curious to know what other passengers trying to get to their cabins thought of these.
Night One was karaoke. And the Nutty Buddies of course had to sing one of the world's longest songs, Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.
(and some random guy decided we needed help with the "guy's part". Whatever.)
Then we got our towel (ahem) animal. It's supposed to be a seal, but after a few drinks of vodka it looks more like a body part than an animal.
I don't think Disney does seals, so don't be looking for these in your resort hotel rooms or on the Disney cruises.
Day 2 was Nassau. We took a cab to Atlantis, where we saw this cool thing in the casino.
and a dolphin sculpture in one of the lobbies.
And that's all we saw of Atlantis. They have changed the policy yet again and only paying day guests and hotel guests can get out to see the pool. Even just to walk around it. We were a little disappointed.
So we went to the beach.
Ok, that's not really us on the beach, but I don't have any good beach pics. But that *is* us all together on the ship with their "professional" photographers. I thought this was a good pic of us all.
Then, it was into Nassau for a bite of lunch, where I found this pirate.
He was looking a little green, so we decided not to eat at that lunch spot and found another.
No trip to Nassau is complete without a visit to Senor Frogs, where we found the "hottest man in the Bahamas".
His name is Carlos. He is from Columbia and speaks poquito English. He's an actor working on his visa to work in the U.S. Aww, who am I kidding? NONE of that matters. He is one cool drink of water. And he can salsa dance. AND we later discovered he was on our ship.
On that note, let's turn in for the evening.
To Be Continued...
41 days until Disney (40). What theme park has the largest merchandise shop?
a.) Magic Kingdom
b.) Epcot
c.) Disney's Hollywood Studios
d.) Disney's Animal Kingdom
Yesterday's question is still up for grabs.
Point tally:
Tammie - 46
Ann - 30
Ashley - 15
tankgirl - 12
Amy - 6
brandanobash - 1
The idea started out as a girls weekend in NYC, but due to budget constraints, we decided to shift to a short cruise. Three of us high school friends chose the cruise line, ship, and voyage and shared it on Facebook. By the time we left, there were a total of 8 ladies.
If you've ever been a cruise before, you know that it's super risky to arrive the day the ship sails if you are flying. So we got a great Groupon deal at a South Beach hotel for Sunday night before our 4-night cruise on the Carnival Imagination. If you know anything about the Kardashians, it was right next door to their SoBe shop, DASH.
Bottle of white, bottle of red... (anyone catch the reference?) We had dinner Sunday night at an Italian restaurant in South Beach. It was great to get acquainted and re-aquainted - as 4 of the girls had never met. We laughed until we cried many times, and caused quite a disturbance in the restaurant. It was a prelude to a super-fun and super-funny week.
The weather was questionable for the cruise, and it rained the whole time we were in Miami. The day we boarded the ship, the itinerary was changed due to weather in the Caribbean from Key West/Cozumel to Nassau/Freeport. Many passengers were upset, but our group (later self-named the "Nutty Buddies") was unaffected. We just wanted to get away and have a good time together.
Do any of you recall seeing these wonderful pieces of Disney merchandise on the internet a few weeks back?
I'm sure some Imagineer got a hand slap. But one of our group gave these as gifts to all of us on the first day, and this was our drinking cup for the duration of the cruise. If that gives you any idea of what kind of fun group of gals this was.
Since cell phones don't work on a cruise ship, and we had 4 different cabins, we used post-it notes on the outside of our doors to leave messages and let each other know when and where to meet. Well, as you can imagine, that also turned into the chaos that is the Nutty Buddies.
Have any of you read the Bloggess's story about the Big Metal Chicken, Beyonce? If not, it is a MUST-READ. Just do it. You can thank me later.
Anyway, this is what our post-its evolved (devolved?) to:
Curious to know what other passengers trying to get to their cabins thought of these.
Night One was karaoke. And the Nutty Buddies of course had to sing one of the world's longest songs, Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.
(and some random guy decided we needed help with the "guy's part". Whatever.)
Then we got our towel (ahem) animal. It's supposed to be a seal, but after a few drinks of vodka it looks more like a body part than an animal.
I don't think Disney does seals, so don't be looking for these in your resort hotel rooms or on the Disney cruises.
Day 2 was Nassau. We took a cab to Atlantis, where we saw this cool thing in the casino.
and a dolphin sculpture in one of the lobbies.
And that's all we saw of Atlantis. They have changed the policy yet again and only paying day guests and hotel guests can get out to see the pool. Even just to walk around it. We were a little disappointed.
So we went to the beach.
Ok, that's not really us on the beach, but I don't have any good beach pics. But that *is* us all together on the ship with their "professional" photographers. I thought this was a good pic of us all.
Then, it was into Nassau for a bite of lunch, where I found this pirate.
He was looking a little green, so we decided not to eat at that lunch spot and found another.
No trip to Nassau is complete without a visit to Senor Frogs, where we found the "hottest man in the Bahamas".
His name is Carlos. He is from Columbia and speaks poquito English. He's an actor working on his visa to work in the U.S. Aww, who am I kidding? NONE of that matters. He is one cool drink of water. And he can salsa dance. AND we later discovered he was on our ship.
On that note, let's turn in for the evening.
To Be Continued...
41 days until Disney (40). What theme park has the largest merchandise shop?
a.) Magic Kingdom
b.) Epcot
c.) Disney's Hollywood Studios
d.) Disney's Animal Kingdom
Yesterday's question is still up for grabs.
Point tally:
Tammie - 46
Ann - 30
Ashley - 15
tankgirl - 12
Amy - 6
brandanobash - 1
momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
- 5,629
Okay...seriously that many pictures of CU...ICK....
I grew up very near CU and being native, well lets just say the only time I rooted for CU was when they were playing Nebraska! Thinking of the Pearl Street Mall made me smile...lots of great Halloween memories from college and my soroity sisters on that street! I love Ralphie, though...the college near hear has a buffaol mascot and handlers too! It is fun to watch Ralphie run when a score is made. I can remember one time when Ralphie got away from the handlers...hmm, it made for lots of laughs! I admit that Katie did pick a beautiful college to attend...I miss home and the mountains in the background...
I grew up very near CU and being native, well lets just say the only time I rooted for CU was when they were playing Nebraska! Thinking of the Pearl Street Mall made me smile...lots of great Halloween memories from college and my soroity sisters on that street! I love Ralphie, though...the college near hear has a buffaol mascot and handlers too! It is fun to watch Ralphie run when a score is made. I can remember one time when Ralphie got away from the handlers...hmm, it made for lots of laughs! I admit that Katie did pick a beautiful college to attend...I miss home and the mountains in the background...
momabaarjo
Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
- 5,629
OMG....
I can't wait to hear more about this cruise! I am dying laughing and letting my imagination run wild! This is something a few of my soroity sisters from college need to do...as soon as we get rid of the kids at home!
I can't wait to hear more about this cruise! I am dying laughing and letting my imagination run wild! This is something a few of my soroity sisters from college need to do...as soon as we get rid of the kids at home!
swwake
RIP our sweet Magic (09/27/10)
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,194
Haha - sorry to post all the pictures of your nemesis! So, where did you go to school? I do love Pearl Street Mall. I can imagine missing the mountains for sure!Okay...seriously that many pictures of CU...ICK....
Oh it was really so much fun. Way more than I can even put into words. You should definitely plan a girls cruise. Most of us didn't wait to get rid of the kids. A bunch of them just left them!OMG....
I can't wait to hear more about this cruise! I am dying laughing and letting my imagination run wild! This is something a few of my soroity sisters from college need to do...as soon as we get rid of the kids at home!
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