A pregnant mama, Mr. Crazypants, and Ga-Gae celebrate Epcots 30th! TR LINK-10/16!

[CandleontheWater]

Horray for the running skirt! For future reference, you'll have to say how you liked them in the parks. I'm a runner, and I'm curious to see if they were comfortable with a lot of movement and walking.


A second trip! That's fantastic. AND a potential stay in AoA...I'm very envious right now. It sounds great, and you'll be introducing your new one to Disney at an early age.

I wore the skirt when I walked on the treadmill yesterday and it was very comfortable. I'm liking it very much and think I'll probably get a few regular ones after I have the baby.

Its is imperative that we get this baby to Disney quickly, must start the indoctrination right away!

Glad the skirts fit! I bet they're super cute.

How exciting for your April trip! I bet April is an awesome time to go. I've always wanted to go in the spring!

Aww, I hope your brother and his new girl work out! That's great for him.
And it would be SO much fun for yall to stay in a Cars suite! I'm in love with Art of Animation, I think it's such a great addition!

I love the spring at Disney, Flower and Garden is so lovely at Epcot! I think it would be awesome to try out a Cars suite, Everett would just be so excited to sleep at Radiator Springs.

Congratulations on the $160 saved. I hope that they do indeed keep record of the fact that it is a split stay so you don't have to change rooms.

I really like your ADR changes. I love the food at WCC and I'm sure Everett will enjoy the atmosphere. I think the breakfast change to 11:15 at Chef Mickeys is a good idea too. It also makes that breakfast feel a little more cost effective when you can justify it as a lunch too.

EPCOT plans look good! I hope Everett gets that extra inch to let him ride Soarin with you. If that's the incentive you need to get him to eat, then exploit it for all it's worth. I think that's a good call to deal with him not being able to ride later if he doesn't grow enough.

That would be nice if they do a soft opening of F&W. That would be great to get to try some of the things before the massive crowds arrive.


Nothing says 80's like the Norway pavillion.

Well, mainly the movie, but this picture is pretty awesome.

DHS plans look great too. I can just see Everett showing everyone around his hairy belly.

I know you'd approve of the WCC change! I also agree that its nice to have a meal do double duty, especially and expensive character meal!

So if you see a toddler outside of Soarin' crying "I drank my milk, let me ride!" that might or might not be my son- just a warning!

Chef Mickey's!!! That definitely makes a lot of sense. Good thinking!

HAHAH, that Maelstrom photo. The kid in the striped shirt is my favorite.

That sounds like a great day! Your description of Everett's obsession with Beauty and the Beast was hilarious!

I just have to share that Malestrom gem, I bet the told all the people in the boat, "now look over here and look really surprised" Some did it better than others!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Yay for military discount! I am going to have to call our travel partners for our March trip! They are military and her hubby is all about staying at shades but she wants to stay at a Disney hotel so maybe this will be her way in!

I meant to ask you before being your DH is on deployment if you were going to try and do a cool fun cute way to tell him it was a boy!

Loving the Epcot plans! Interested to see your review on BD!

Hopefully there is a soft opening for F&W and you can get a early taste at all the fun treats!!!

You should definitely have the check it out! Shades is nice, and I've enjoyed my stays there, but 40% off a deluxe resort is better!

Unfortunately with him being on the ship, there is no skype or anything, so I just told him via e-mail. I could have maybe mailed him something, but the way the mail works it could take a month to get to him, and it wouldn't have been fair to make him wait for the gender clarification. It would have been fun to do something cute!

Whoa! That was quite a surprise update!!! Another little boy - Everett is going to have so much fun with a baby brother.

And how exciting to have another trip in the works. Tiny bit jealous over here.....

Your Epcot/DHS day sounds like a blast!

I start to get a little crazy if I don't have another trip in the works when I leave the previous trip, so this is perfect.

I think Everett will eventually enjoy having a brother, but I'm thinking in the near term, he could take it or leave it!

I think your dining changes sound fantastic! They both make so much sense. I have a feeling you'll be happy with those changes.

And your EPCOT plans sound great, too! That Maelstrom picture is hilarious! I love all of the "shocked" expressions.

I think DHS should be a nice, relaxed evening for y'all! I would give anything to see Everett dancing & singing to BatB. How adorable!

I think your dinner at HBD will go fine!

I'm going to try to get some video of his antics. I know that DH would love to see it! The only problem is that when he knows the camera is on, he stops doing whatever it is I'm trying to film. I need to be sneakier!

Yay for an extra trip to look forward to!

Your plans sound great. I love that you're so excited about doing all of the little things. I'm sure that it makes missing the thrill rides easier.

Don't stress too much about taking Everett to signatures. He may do better than you think with you and grandma both giving him your attention, and if not-that's what iPads and iPhones are for!

I think that you may need to share a video of Everett doing his BaTB routine. That sounds awesome!

Everett can be pretty awful in restaurants, so I'm hoping he has a good week. On this trip I originally wasn't going to do any dining, but being pregnant, I really need to eat something a little better than CS all week, and I need to have some veggies. He'll just have to suck it up (and watch the ipad )

I do have to agree with you here. I loved finding out our 3rd was a boy cuz I thought he'd be just as easy as his older brother. But nope he's actually harder than his older brother but easier than his older sister. I guess it's the 3rd child syndrome!!

Always nice to save money on the room so you can buy more stuff to bring home!!! That's my motto. Go cheap on the hotel so I can buy more goodies to either eat or bring home with us!!

I'm glad to hear that your first boy was easy. I'm really hoping that this baby is a little calmer and less crazy than Everett. I do love how spirited he is, but the thought of living with two whirling dervishes has me shaking in my boots!

 

[Imagineer5]

Your EPCOT & DHS day sounds fantastic! I like your attitude, and we'll be touring very similarly with Aria in tow. Sounds wonderful!

Congrats on the military savings, the skirts fitting, and getting to go shopping some more! hehe. We have a nice outlet mall near us (Wrentham Premium Outlets) which I just LOVE! (if you're ever up in the SE Mass area, check it out!).

And, Congrats on the April trip! DH is being difficult to sway for another trip in 2013, but we'll be working on that...

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Wow! Congrats on the little boy! What a surprise!

Great plans so far! I'm so excited about being able to ride Soarin', since that's the only one of my favorites I'll be getting on! I'm actually considering not even going to the AK because I won't be able to do anything really. I can't believe even the safari is off limits! I have a feeling Miguel will still really want to go, though, so we'll see.

I must say, I think it's cute that Everett hates being wet, but only because I HATE it too. It's mostly because it aggravates my eczema, but I just find the feeling gross! I'm very interested to see how the splash area turns out!

 

[MeMom]

Well, we got some surprising new yesterday! I went to my big ultrasound, and as it turns out, my princess was actually a prince in disguise. I guess the joke was on me!

Now I get to spend the rest of the week returning girl clothes, I probably should have been more practical and less overzealous.

Wow! That must have been a little shocking!

I totally agree about spring in Disney World and all the loveliness that is F&G Festival.

Everett would love AoA's Cars section!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Your EPCOT & DHS day sounds fantastic! I like your attitude, and we'll be touring very similarly with Aria in tow. Sounds wonderful!

Congrats on the military savings, the skirts fitting, and getting to go shopping some more! hehe. We have a nice outlet mall near us (Wrentham Premium Outlets) which I just LOVE! (if you're ever up in the SE Mass area, check it out!).

And, Congrats on the April trip! DH is being difficult to sway for another trip in 2013, but we'll be working on that...

Thanks for the outlet recommendation, I'm always looking for new places to shop, and SE Mass isn't too far from here.

I hope you get your DH convinced, the more Disney trips the better!

Wow! Congrats on the little boy! What a surprise!

Great plans so far! I'm so excited about being able to ride Soarin', since that's the only one of my favorites I'll be getting on! I'm actually considering not even going to the AK because I won't be able to do anything really. I can't believe even the safari is off limits! I have a feeling Miguel will still really want to go, though, so we'll see.

I must say, I think it's cute that Everett hates being wet, but only because I HATE it too. It's mostly because it aggravates my eczema, but I just find the feeling gross! I'm very interested to see how the splash area turns out!

It certainly was a surprise, but I really do think things might be easier with two boys. I'm hoping they'll both like the same sorts of things and will play together. I know I always wished for a sister to play Barbies with, so I'm glad that Everett doesn't have to wish for a brother to play trucks and trains.

Wow! That must have been a little shocking!

I totally agree about spring in Disney World and all the loveliness that is F&G Festival.

Everett would love AoA's Cars section!

The cars section of AoA is certainly in our future, especially now with TWO little boys in tow!

 

[CandleontheWater]

More Updates!

My trip is just a little over a month away and I'm getting so excited! I've been working on a few little things here and there, and I'll give you all a more detailed look at day 4 of our vacation.

First of all I purchased some more trader pins off ebay. I'm pretty addicted to pin trading. According to my pin pics profile, I own 677 pins. That sounds crazy, even to me! My pin trading has certainly been cut back since moving away from Florida, and it is harder to scope CM lanyards and rush around to make trades while pushing a stroller, but I persevere!

I bought three separate lots, one for 100 pins, and two with 5 pins each. I am pretty serious about pin trading, so I always make sure that I do my best to buy authentic pins, and not the fakes from China. I have a system in which I look for pins that are labeled as coming from personal collections and from people that aren't selling many other pins (like they picked them at a yard sale or something). I also look for pin lots that don't contain many hidden mickey pins, since most of those are guaranteed to be frauds. I know which pins are most likely to fakes, and I make sure to avoid lots with those in them. I also avoid any lot that has limited edition pins, because those are almost guaranteed to be fake. I never buy from sellers that don't show pictures of the exact pins you will receive, because those are likely all fakes.

I will gladly pay more, and the lots that have pins in the $2 and up range are generally legit. Also pins with involved design (dangles, 3-D elements, spinners) are likely real because most places are not going to put the effort into turning those into fakes. I know that my system is not foolproof, I know some slip through the cracks, and I'm sure I have some fakes in my collection, but I think not buying from the big time ebay pin sellers (which buy directly from China) is half the battle. I'm really happy with what I received, I've looked them over carefully and I don't have any reason to believe that they are fake. I can trade them with pride.

I also have been busy breaking in my new keen sandals and they are really surprisingly comfortable. I actually returned the first pair I bought because they had a small irregularity, and then ended up purchasing the same pair (in a different color- a royal blue) off Amazon for $25 less than I paid in store. And I got free shipping! I can't be the only one who is addicted to Amazon, I swear, Prime changed my life (and has caused me to spend lots more money ). It is just too easy with one click purchasing- things just show up at my door- and I don't even have to pay shipping- now if only I didn't have to pay the credit card bill!

Tomorrow I'm going on a mission to check out the G-luxe umbrella stroller I've mentioned in previous updates. I tried to do that last week, but I ended up going on the one day of the week the store was closed (in my defense- what kind of store is closed on a Wednesday? ). I felt like such an idiot when we drove up and the parking lot was empty, but I did manage to salvage the day by taking Everett to lunch at Moes. Quesadillas can fix just about anything.

You ready for day 4? Here goes!

We are going to start off our day with an 8:30am photo shoot at the Beach Club. Yes, its early, but since its still such a hot time of year in Florida, I figured the earlier the better. We did a photo shoot at the Poly a few years ago in June, and it was scheduled for 10 am. Big mistake, we were so sweaty and miserable by the end of it, the pictures turned out OK, but we all were "glowing". I'm hoping that it won't be too hot this time around.

After all that excitement (I'm really crossing my fingers that Everett cooperates with the photographer), we'll probably head back to the Contemporary and spend some time in the pool- maybe have lunch at the Sand Bar right there poolside.

This looks like a nice place to eat lunch!

After that I'm not sure what we'll do for naps. Maybe I'll try to get Everett to nap in the room, but more than likely we'll head back over to the MK to stroll him around to sleep.

I really want him to get a good rest because that night we have Everett's 1st MNSSHP!

I think he is going to LOVE it! He has been really into the idea of Halloween lately. We have been seeing Halloween decorations in stores, and hes be asking to read his Halloween books, and has been practicing saying "Trick or Treat!". The only thing he's not sold on is the whole costume idea- although he did tell me yesterday he wanted to dress up like Captain hook. We'll see.

Once Everett wakes up from his nap, we'll head back to the Contemporary and get dressed in our jungle cruise themed costumes and then head back to the MK.

I know that is counter intuitive to go back to the resort just to go back to the MK, but we'll be so close I think it will be OK, and I don't want everyone to put our costumes on before naptime, so I don't see any other way around it. Do you guys have any suggestions?

That night we are meeting up with our friends Shane, Amy Bryan and their son Hayden (all of whom have been in previous TRs) and will be doing the party together.

We have a 5:15 ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern (yummy!) and then the party festivities will begin!

Now I don't have big plans for character meet and greets or anything, but what I do really want to do is give Everett the chance to practice his trick or treating, and watch the parade and the fireworks.

We'll probably do the first parade- just in case someone gets sleepy, and then anything after Hallowishes is icing on the cake.

Maybe we'll do some rides, maybe we'll try some characters, but we'll stay as long as Everett is in a good mood.

Last weekend we had a family get together and Everett ended up staying up til 10:30 (!!) with no whining or crankiness, so I'm hoping that things go well for party night.

 

[marDgreen88]

I am in awe of your pin knowledge! I really have been wanting to start trading, but I don't want to trade the ones I've bought, because they're special! I was going to look into ebay and you're really helping me out with all your tips! Very nice.

Question, how can you tell if one is definitely fake? Do the fake ones still have the gold Mickey backing? That's always the first thing I look at for some reason, even when I bought them from Disney.

Your Day 4 plan sounds great. Let me just say, you mentioning Beach Club AND the Contemporary in the same update sent me over the edge a little... BC is my dream resort and well, you know about the rest! Love... just love.

HOORAY for MNSSHP! It looks like so much fun! That parade is amazing!

 

[shan23877]

I love your system for pin purchasing. It makes me sad that people happily buy fakes to trade. I'd be so upset if I traded and got a fake one from someone. (not that I've ever done any pin trading, but hypothetically)

Disney Store has an adorable Captain Hook costume! We saw it Monday, and I even tried to talk Maddie into it. No dice. (I always Google codes when I shop from any site, so if you can't get it on Amazon, you may be able to find a free shipping code online for the Disney Store. I hate paying for shipping.)

Your plans sound perfect! I think the walk to MK is the best, and I see no reason not to make it twice.

 

[amandaw]

WOW! You know your pins! I have really thought about getting into pin trading but I get so overwhelmed as to where/how to start, etc. If I ever decide to finally take the plunge, I may need you to give me a crash course in Pin Trading 101.

I can't wait to see your BC photo session pictures. I think they're going to be lovely!

With y'all staying at BLT, I would definitely go back to change into the costumes! That's so fun that y'all will get to enjoy the party with friends. We really enjoyed our dinner last year at LTT. It's simple but it's really nice to have a home type meal.

 

[MEK]

I, too, am impressed by your pin knowledge. I have thought about buying them off ebay, but never know what to look for. Your info is helpful.

Your Day 4 (was it?) looks great. A photoshot, the pool, and MNSSHP looks like a great way to spend the day. I really love that party and can't wait to go to my 3rd.

Great update!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Wow, you are a very impressive pin collector!!!

I can't wait to hear what you think of MNSSHP! It really does look like so much fun!!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I am in awe of your pin knowledge! I really have been wanting to start trading, but I don't want to trade the ones I've bought, because they're special! I was going to look into ebay and you're really helping me out with all your tips! Very nice.

Question, how can you tell if one is definitely fake? Do the fake ones still have the gold Mickey backing? That's always the first thing I look at for some reason, even when I bought them from Disney.

Your Day 4 plan sounds great. Let me just say, you mentioning Beach Club AND the Contemporary in the same update sent me over the edge a little... BC is my dream resort and well, you know about the rest! Love... just love.

HOORAY for MNSSHP! It looks like so much fun! That parade is amazing!

Sometimes it really hard to tell a real pin from a fake, they make some really good fakes! One way I use (and this might be a little on the crazy side) is I take a jewelers loop (that magnifies to 10X) and look at the official pin trading stamp on the back. On officially made disney pins, the stamp is very clear and readable, on fakes it is often mis-stamped and harder to read.

Also Pinpics.com is a GREAT resource along with the associated pin boards. If you search for a specific pin, the site will tell you if there are known scrappers and the best ways to identify them. Sometimes its things like the colors are slightly off, or there is enamel missing, or the pin is rough around the edges. It does take some finesse. Some pin are just complete fakes, molds created and produced that never were an official Disney pin.

In my previous life (pre-Everett) I was an archaeologist, so I have a background in scrutinizing small pieces of pottery, and using tiny variations in color or texture to help identify them, so the skills needed to identify fake pins really are like second nature to me and something I do find enjoyable. Some of them are easier to identify than others, and once you get into it, you'll be able pick it up fast.

I love your system for pin purchasing. It makes me sad that people happily buy fakes to trade. I'd be so upset if I traded and got a fake one from someone. (not that I've ever done any pin trading, but hypothetically)

Disney Store has an adorable Captain Hook costume! We saw it Monday, and I even tried to talk Maddie into it. No dice. (I always Google codes when I shop from any site, so if you can't get it on Amazon, you may be able to find a free shipping code online for the Disney Store. I hate paying for shipping.)

Your plans sound perfect! I think the walk to MK is the best, and I see no reason not to make it twice.

I don't think that most people buy fakes on purpose, I think they just don't know. When I first started I'm sure I traded some fakes, because I didn't really understand how to tell the difference. Most CM don't know either, and if I'm trading with someone and see fakes on their lanyards, I'll tell them. Most of the time they'll remove the offending pin but sometimes they'll just shrug. Its tough when Disney doesn't want to take the steps to crack down.

We'll see what he thinks of the captain hook costume in a few weeks. I know they sell one at Disney, and we'll see if he even agrees to try it on. He doesn't even like wearing shirts with buttons, I'm not sure he'll wear a real costume.

WOW! You know your pins! I have really thought about getting into pin trading but I get so overwhelmed as to where/how to start, etc. If I ever decide to finally take the plunge, I may need you to give me a crash course in Pin Trading 101.

I can't wait to see your BC photo session pictures. I think they're going to be lovely!

With y'all staying at BLT, I would definitely go back to change into the costumes! That's so fun that y'all will get to enjoy the party with friends. We really enjoyed our dinner last year at LTT. It's simple but it's really nice to have a home type meal.

I'd be happy to help if you decide to get into pin trading, but just a warning- it does get addictive!

We've done LTT once before, back when they had characters. The food was OK, but I know that Everett will eat the mac and cheese without complaint, so that is a big plus in my book!

I, too, am impressed by your pin knowledge. I have thought about buying them off ebay, but never know what to look for. Your info is helpful.

Your Day 4 (was it?) looks great. A photoshot, the pool, and MNSSHP looks like a great way to spend the day. I really love that party and can't wait to go to my 3rd.

Great update!

Thank you, I've been actively trading/collecting since 2005, so I've had some time to figure out the ins and outs. If you would ever like me to take a look at a pin lot that you are thinking about buying, just send me a PM, I'd be happy to help!

I can't wait for the party either, we haven't done it since 2008 and I really miss it!

Wow, you are a very impressive pin collector!!!

I can't wait to hear what you think of MNSSHP! It really does look like so much fun!!

Have you guys been to a MNSSHP? It really is so much fun, you'd love it!

 

[amazingact21]

8 am is probably the ideal time for a photoshoot in FL. By 10 o'clock, if I walk to the mailbox or the car, I'm drenched. You really have to get up that early to survive the sun.


I think taking Everett to MNSSHP at that age is great. I'm sure you guys are going to have a blast...and Jungle Cruise costumes?! I cannot wait to see what they look like!


I'm very jealous of your pin collection. 600+ is amazing! I'm sure in time Alex and I will get there. We each only have about 50 apiece, but we have only been doing it for a year and a half. And, I'll admit, I base mine off of what collection I'm in to at the time. For instance, last year, I built an Animal Kingdom one, and this year I was looking for Classic Disney film characters.
You mentioned a pin profile pics? Can I ask what is that?

 

[CandleontheWater]

8 am is probably the ideal time for a photoshoot in FL. By 10 o'clock, if I walk to the mailbox or the car, I'm drenched. You really have to get up that early to survive the sun.


I think taking Everett to MNSSHP at that age is great. I'm sure you guys are going to have a blast...and Jungle Cruise costumes?! I cannot wait to see what they look like!


I'm very jealous of your pin collection. 600+ is amazing! I'm sure in time Alex and I will get there. We each only have about 50 apiece, but we have only been doing it for a year and a half. And, I'll admit, I base mine off of what collection I'm in to at the time. For instance, last year, I built an Animal Kingdom one, and this year I was looking for Classic Disney film characters.
You mentioned a pin profile pics? Can I ask what is that?

I'm sure you guys will get there too! I've been collecting for 7 years now, so I have a little bit of a head start. Most of my pins are from when I was living in Jacksonville and was able to get to the parks monthly, now I'm not nearly collecting as many.

Here is the link to the pin pics site- www.pinpics.com You can go on there for free and make a profile and record all your pins. You just search for the pins in the search section by describing the pin- something like "Sleeping Beauty- blue dress" and then you can click on the pin (be sure you click from list to pictures to help you located the one that you own) to add it to your profile.

They are supposed to be making the search more user friendly, because sometimes you really have to get creative to find the pin you are looking for, but mostly it works great.

My user name is "candleonthewater" (big surprise- I know), and if you go into "my pin pics" and type in my name- you can see my collection, if you are interested.

 

[smile4stamps]

I love how you try and pick who to buy from on eBay. I started pin trading on my June 2011 DL trip and how to do some this time at WDW but I want to get some cheaper ones to trade with. I'll have to see if I can follow your advice!

 

[amazingact21]

I'm sure you guys will get there too! I've been collecting for 7 years now, so I have a little bit of a head start. Most of my pins are from when I was living in Jacksonville and was able to get to the parks monthly, now I'm not nearly collecting as many.

Here is the link to the pin pics site- www.pinpics.com You can go on there for free and make a profile and record all your pins. You just search for the pins in the search section by describing the pin- something like "Sleeping Beauty- blue dress" and then you can click on the pin (be sure you click from list to pictures to help you located the one that you own) to add it to your profile.

They are supposed to be making the search more user friendly, because sometimes you really have to get creative to find the pin you are looking for, but mostly it works great.

My user name is "candleonthewater" (big surprise- I know), and if you go into "my pin pics" and type in my name- you can see my collection, if you are interested.

Wow, you weren't kidding about having to get creative with the search engine. There was one set that I had to google to figure out what it was classified under (the keys they sold with purchases once upon a time). I really like that there's a site I can use to keep track of all my pins, though. Makes me feel really organized.

I browsed through some of your pins, as well. You have a great collection!

 

[fitgirl36]

Well, your most recent update REALLY has me thinking we can totally do MNSSHP with DD who turned 2 yesterday. I am really waffling because it looks like so much fun,but it will be a really late night. Do you think you would still do the party with Everett if you weren't staying at the Contemporary and weren't so close for the trek back? We are staying at the BCV and the thought of a crowded bus that late is so not my idea of fun!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I love how you try and pick who to buy from on eBay. I started pin trading on my June 2011 DL trip and how to do some this time at WDW but I want to get some cheaper ones to trade with. I'll have to see if I can follow your advice!

I'd start looking a few months before your trip, because it sometimes takes some hunting to find good lots. I usually try to start at least two months prior, but this time I cut it a little close. I did get lucky, so I was happy with that!

Wow, you weren't kidding about having to get creative with the search engine. There was one set that I had to google to figure out what it was classified under (the keys they sold with purchases once upon a time). I really like that there's a site I can use to keep track of all my pins, though. Makes me feel really organized.

I browsed through some of your pins, as well. You have a great collection!

Thank you!

The search feature sometimes drives me crazy, but I also enjoy having a place to digitally "organize" my collection. I also use it if I am out in the parks and I can't remember what hidden mickey pin I might or might not have. I just pull up my list and can check instantly!

Well, your most recent update REALLY has me thinking we can totally do MNSSHP with DD who turned 2 yesterday. I am really waffling because it looks like so much fun,but it will be a really late night. Do you think you would still do the party with Everett if you weren't staying at the Contemporary and weren't so close for the trek back? We are staying at the BCV and the thought of a crowded bus that late is so not my idea of fun!

I think I still would, but I would plan on staying a little after the fireworks, but leave before the end of the night, that way you will beat the rush and not have to worry about transportation. I think the key to things like hard ticket events with a toddler, is to go in with no expectations, that way you won't be disappointed!

 

[smile4stamps]

I'd start looking a few months before your trip, because it sometimes takes some hunting to find good lots. I usually try to start at least two months prior, but this time I cut it a little close. I did get lucky, so I was happy with that!

I'm probably too late then! I leave for the world in 49 days!