A Rolex Vacation on a Timex Budget: Sept '11 PTR (TR is Live!)

[TanzUnited99]

Glad to hear that you got your flight changed.

Good luck with the exercising - Wi Fit sure is a fun way of doing it!

I follow WW and it seems to work for me, however I know that not everyone likes counting points etc.

 

[swwake]

I use Weight Watchers Online and it works, as long as you stick to it. It is pretty liberal with what you can eat (you can eat anything!), but you pay for eating high point foods because you'll be starving later in the day. Also, now, all vegetables and most fruits are ZERO points!!

I think the best motivator is the people around you. That could be us! So if you want to share your successes and setbacks with us, we're happy to help keep you motivated. Give us as much or as little info as you feel comfortable with, share any and all successes, no matter how small, and let us know when you're having a tough day staying motivated. We'll be here for you!

 

[Nermel9]

Yay for your later flight! Stupid Jet blue moved our flight home up by 90 minutes and I was in such a panic about it for a few days...as long as they don't move it up again, we should be ok, but if they do, I might have to stay an extra night, I'm not going home any earlier!

LOL...had to laugh at your last update! I know all about weight creeping up on you and not fitting into your clothes! I'm glad you're doing the Couch to 5K, that will be a great way to get in shape! I'd like to pick it up again, but it's just so hot...

The ONLY thing that ever works for me to lose weight is Weight Watchers. You can eat what you want, but you have to eat serving sizes, and you have to count your points. As long as you do that, you will lose weight. I like it because it doesn't seem like a diet, since you can have whatever you want. Eventually though, you realize which foods have low points and which are higher, and you start making better choices because you want to eat more of the lower point food, because you can eat more of them, if that makes sense! Good luck, I hope you get back to where you want to be!

 

[PixieMama]

I'm also trying to lose some weight before my trip.

Back in April, when I had 4 months until my trip, I decided I'd try to lose 40 lbs... just 10 lbs a month, I could do it!

Um, yeah.

Fast forward 2 months. Not only have I not lost ANY weight, I've managed to GAIN a few lbs.

So now that I'm down to less than 2 months before I leave (just 6 1/2 weeks, actually) I feel the crunch is on. I'm trying to cut back on soda and drink more water. And I've joined SparkPeople, mainly so I can use the app on my phone to track my meals.

Thing is, I don't use it all the time. And I have zero motivation to get up and get any kind of exercise.

Sorry to hijack your thread, but if you find something that works, please share!

 

[Shannon84]

I have come across an extra 20 lbs since last summer myself...it felt like it crept on over night though I hope the C25K program works good for you guys and like you said...it will help you get prepared for walking around the parks too

 

[jenbear123]

Hey Jen. I saw the link to your PTR in your signature and decided to join in I am so sorry to hear what Disney did to you. Did you ever get a response to the letter you sent? It's disgusting how Disney would say "it's not worthwhile" to dedicate a park entirely to just two people even when you're willing to pay for it! You were meeting the minimum charge required right? I just don't get it. Granted they are a large corporation and have huge power but that doesn't mean they should shun two people who want to "make dreams come true" just because they don't think it's worth it. I'd think they'd be happy with any money coming their way. Goes to show how well off they really are! Sorry to rant but your situation really upset me. I hope you get something out of it!!!

Otherwise, I love all the plans so far. And I would like to extend my sincere condolescences with the loss of your father. It sounds like he was a fabulous guy!

 

[jenneth79]

Good luck with the exercising - Wi Fit sure is a fun way of doing it!

I follow WW and it seems to work for me, however I know that not everyone likes counting points etc.

I think the thing that scares me about WW is that they have like 4 different types of plans, some count points one way, some another. A good friend of mine swears by it, but when she tried to explain it to me, I'll admit my eyes started to glaze over.

I use Weight Watchers Online and it works, as long as you stick to it. It is pretty liberal with what you can eat (you can eat anything!), but you pay for eating high point foods because you'll be starving later in the day. Also, now, all vegetables and most fruits are ZERO points!!

Ok, maybe I should look these guys back up online. Especially because I'm addicted to fuit... probably the BAD fruit... but we shall see. Is there an iPhone App that you can track your points with?

I think the best motivator is the people around you. That could be us! So if you want to share your successes and setbacks with us, we're happy to help keep you motivated. Give us as much or as little info as you feel comfortable with, share any and all successes, no matter how small, and let us know when you're having a tough day staying motivated. We'll be here for you!

THANK YOU!!!! I think I might do that.... because I need some motivation. When I looked down last week and the scale said 160, I panicked and got really super depressed. Then, when I couldn't even button my pants.... ugh.

I'm happy to say that from last week, just from cutting down on sugar consumption (alcohol and sweets... the sweets had gotten out of control!) I'm now at 157.5.... so perhaps there is hope for me yet!

I'm doing a weigh in 3 times per week. Probably a bit of overkill, but I would also like to understand how things might affect my water retention, etc. We shall see. I've been at this weight the last 3 times on the scale....

Yay for your later flight! Stupid Jet blue moved our flight home up by 90 minutes and I was in such a panic about it for a few days...as long as they don't move it up again, we should be ok, but if they do, I might have to stay an extra night, I'm not going home any earlier!

Seriously, you might want to call and see if they can change it. Just do your research and see if there is another flight you want. I guess they tend to change schedules in the beginning of the summer.

LOL...had to laugh at your last update! I know all about weight creeping up on you and not fitting into your clothes! I'm glad you're doing the Couch to 5K, that will be a great way to get in shape! I'd like to pick it up again, but it's just so hot...

Thanks for giving me the idea! My DH actually said he would do it with me. We both downloaded the app for it and we start on Monday! We shall see, since I am absolutely NOT a runner. (more to do with the fact that I busted my knee on a goal post when I was a kid.... yeah.... there's a story there.....) I'm kind of excited to try something new, though!

The ONLY thing that ever works for me to lose weight is Weight Watchers. You can eat what you want, but you have to eat serving sizes, and you have to count your points. As long as you do that, you will lose weight. I like it because it doesn't seem like a diet, since you can have whatever you want. Eventually though, you realize which foods have low points and which are higher, and you start making better choices because you want to eat more of the lower point food, because you can eat more of them, if that makes sense! Good luck, I hope you get back to where you want to be!

Ok, I think you all may have convinced me to look into WW. I like the idea of serving sizes, for certain. I also love the idea of having whatever I want.... you all ROCK! Thanks for the great ideas!

I'm also trying to lose some weight before my trip.

Back in April, when I had 4 months until my trip, I decided I'd try to lose 40 lbs... just 10 lbs a month, I could do it!

Um, yeah.

Fast forward 2 months. Not only have I not lost ANY weight, I've managed to GAIN a few lbs.

So now that I'm down to less than 2 months before I leave (just 6 1/2 weeks, actually) I feel the crunch is on. I'm trying to cut back on soda and drink more water. And I've joined SparkPeople, mainly so I can use the app on my phone to track my meals.

Thing is, I don't use it all the time. And I have zero motivation to get up and get any kind of exercise.

Sorry to hijack your thread, but if you find something that works, please share!

It's not hijacking, it's helpful! I like knowing I'm not alone in this!

I am with you on the sodas. I was soooo good for so long, and had cut them out completely. Now I'm back on the diet coke, which I know is just as bad as anything else.

I need to stop again. Shall we do it together?

I have come across an extra 20 lbs since last summer myself...it felt like it crept on over night though I hope the C25K program works good for you guys and like you said...it will help you get prepared for walking around the parks too

That was the best way to convince myself to do it. If I can run for 30 minutes or 3 miles.... then I can handle a hike across the park for 9 days!


Again, thank you all for the encouragement.... I hope I'll be able to meet those goals! Heck, I'd be happy to fit into my shorts again!

 

[jenneth79]

Hey Jen. I saw the link to your PTR in your signature and decided to join in I am so sorry to hear what Disney did to you. Did you ever get a response to the letter you sent? It's disgusting how Disney would say "it's not worthwhile" to dedicate a park entirely to just two people even when you're willing to pay for it! You were meeting the minimum charge required right? I just don't get it. Granted they are a large corporation and have huge power but that doesn't mean they should shun two people who want to "make dreams come true" just because they don't think it's worth it. I'd think they'd be happy with any money coming their way. Goes to show how well off they really are! Sorry to rant but your situation really upset me. I hope you get something out of it!!!

Otherwise, I love all the plans so far. And I would like to extend my sincere condolescences with the loss of your father. It sounds like he was a fabulous guy!

First off,

I'm glad you made it over to my PTR! Thank you for the kind words about my father as well.... he really was amazing.

As for the response to the letter, I did and I didn't. The woman who was helping me plan the Event from the YC Group was very supportive and did set us up with VIP Illuminations viewing one of our nights at the park, and she also got me reservations for California Grill on the night we were supposed to have our event, even though it was booked. She was great.

In reality, it was the Park that said no. I guess they operate individually... so the management of Animal Kingdom said it was not worth their time. I know it's all one big company in the end, but I feel I should point out where the blame (if any) should be placed. I have heard since then that DHS has made the same statement and will only allow parties of 20 or greater. Which makes me feel like the "event minimum" of 2500 dollars was just some number they thew out there... because really... how could you throw a Disney party for 20 people in a park for that amount of money????

Yes, I was upset, but I've looked at it as extra money for spending and other little suprises on our trip. I was just upset at the time I spent on it and getting shut down at the last possible second. THAT, at least, Disney handled very poorly, indeed.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the PTR! I'm working on Day 3 Plans this morning!

 

[jenbear123]

In reality, it was the Park that said no. I guess they operate individually... so the management of Animal Kingdom said it was not worth their time. I know it's all one big company in the end, but I feel I should point out where the blame (if any) should be placed. I have heard since then that DHS has made the same statement and will only allow parties of 20 or greater. Which makes me feel like the "event minimum" of 2500 dollars was just some number they thew out there... because really... how could you throw a Disney party for 20 people in a park for that amount of money????

Yes, I was upset, but I've looked at it as extra money for spending and other little suprises on our trip. I was just upset at the time I spent on it and getting shut down at the last possible second. THAT, at least, Disney handled very poorly, indeed.

I'm glad to hear it was really the park who said no... which I can understand with having to keep people on staff, etc. It still just stinks how at the last minute they say no. After all that hard work too. I hope dinner at CG will still be just as magical

 

[swwake]

Ok, maybe I should look these guys back up online. Especially because I'm addicted to fuit... probably the BAD fruit... but we shall see. Is there an iPhone App that you can track your points with?

YES! There is an iPhone App that is free with your monthly WW online membership. And it synchronizes with the web so if you open in the browser, the same info is there.

THANK YOU!!!! I think I might do that.... because I need some motivation. When I looked down last week and the scale said 160, I panicked and got really super depressed. Then, when I couldn't even button my pants.... ugh.

I'm happy to say that from last week, just from cutting down on sugar consumption (alcohol and sweets... the sweets had gotten out of control!) I'm now at 157.5.... so perhaps there is hope for me yet!

I'm doing a weigh in 3 times per week. Probably a bit of overkill, but I would also like to understand how things might affect my water retention, etc. We shall see. I've been at this weight the last 3 times on the scale....

I think the 2.5 lbs should give you a huge sense of accomplishment! I weigh every day and track it on my iPhone with "LoseIt!" (free, I think). I know that's obsessive, but it's how I roll.

 

[jenneth79]

Happy Friday, Everyone!

I hope you all have fun plans for the weekend. Mike and I are heading out tonight to go camping on the Shenandoah River with friends! I should use the term "camping" loosely, as we will be staying in a well appointed RV that my best friend owns, but I am super excited because I get to spend the weekend with the best two neices anyone could ask for.

Unfortunately, they also think I am a walking iPod and will demand I sing all the Disney Princess songs. It's a lot of fun until they start correcting you.... *sigh*.... how DID Maria Von Trapp do it????

Day Three: Monday

Today we get to start the day off with a quick stop to the Regatta Club lounge for coffee and croissants. After that, we’ll get ourselves ready and make our leisurely way over to Epcot!



I’m banking on the crowds being less than average on our trip there in September, but even if we rushed, we’d be waiting at the International Gateway entrance, and there would probably be a line at Soarin’, the first ride we will fly (har har) over to!



I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this ride, and I’m anxious to try it! If it’s crowded, we’ll grab a fastpass, otherwise will ride it then head directly over to Test Track!



My husband is a big gear head, his Shelby Mustang just came back from a vacation in Vegas… where it got a supercharger installed by Shelby Automotive. This is a big deal in the house. I tell him he’s not allowed to drive it because that’s WAY too many horsepower, he smiles and drives it anyway….

Boys and their toys, no?

Anyway, since our plans later in the week include a lot of time in World Showcase, we’ll probably spend most of our day in Future World, save for something I really want to do while we are there!



I just think this is the cleverest idea ever. (Remember, I work in Technology, so I’m kind of a geek that way….) I know it’s probably more geared towards kids, but Mike and I will have a blast on a Kim Possible mission, I am sure!

Then, there is Mission: Space.




I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous about this one. I don’t typically get motion sickness, but from all the horror stories I’ve read… I’m sure I’ll give Orange a go…. Unless anyone out there thinks it is a REALLY bad idea?

I’m also looking forward to seeing how the rides I remembered have changed, Living Land, Seas, etc… I know they have all been updated, and I’m especially looking forward to Nemo!

And, of course, no trip could be complete without saying hello to my dear friend Figment.



Even if they did try to kick him off the ride for a few years. I can still remember being so young standing in the “VIP” Kodak lounge in September with my parents for the grand Captian EO opening (the FIRST time around!) I felt like such a celebrity with my Shirley Temple! (I really wish that Kodak hadn’t stopped their sponsorship of the pavilion, I would love to go back there again… such good memories. I don’t know if we’ll actually go see Captian EO, but I will be looking for a little spark!!!

Speaking of changes, I was most disappointed to learn that Spaceship Earth has changed narrators. While I love Dame Judy Dench, I absolutely ADORED hearing Jeremy Irons talk through the whole thing. What can I say? I’m a sucker for bad guys…. Or their accents at least.

After a morning filled with rides, we plan on taking a break for lunch. There were just so many options to choose from, but we decided to head on over to Italy and Tutto Italia!



The last time I was in Disney I ate here, and it was probably the best quality food I had at the time. Granted, I was 18 and hadn’t really experienced much in the way of World Cuisine, but I did know my Italian food then, and the sauce there was fantastic! I already know what I’m getting for an appetizer as well… prosciutto e melone. Perhaps my all time favrotie dish in the summer. Hmm, I wonder if they will let me get two orders for my lunch?

After that, perhaps a few more rides, then back to the hotel and potentially some SAB time. If I can keep myself out of the shops in World Showcase on our walk back, that is! After some suntime funtime, we’re catching a cab to Africa, where we are having dinner at Jiko!



I’m super excited about this one, as I’ve never really eaten much African food, but I adore the spices…..

Hopefully we will run into Tanz and Zaheer, who might be eating there around the same time, and ask them how their vacation has been going. Then, back to the YC with us for a good night’s rest. We’ll probably get a glass of wine or a cup of tea and talk about how three years ago we were finishing up our last evening as singles. 3 years ago that involved Mike off at the bar and my girls and I up in our suite at the hotel drinking prossecco and telling funny stories about me. (My Bridal Shower, my Bachelorette Trip, it was just all one big comedy roast.)

Day Four, the 20th, is our Wedding Anniversary, and it involves the meal I am most excited for on this trip!

Until then, dear reader, I wish you well.

 

[swwake]

Busy day - sounds like great plans. You will love Soarin. I like the orange Mission Space.

My DH and I went alone last Sept and did a KimPossible mission (Japan). It was not too juvenile and was actually quite fun.

We had my DH's birthday dinner at Jiko and both LOVED it!

 

[PixieMama]

Good plans!

Soarin' is awesome! One of the Top 5 best rides in all of WDW... you'll love it!

 

[PixieMama]

It's not hijacking, it's helpful! I like knowing I'm not alone in this!

I am with you on the sodas. I was soooo good for so long, and had cut them out completely. Now I'm back on the diet coke, which I know is just as bad as anything else.

I need to stop again. Shall we do it together?

Well, I can't quit soda altogether... there's just no way. And I can't stand diet soda! But I'm really trying to limit myself to just 2 Cokes (12 oz each) a day. And I'm trying to get 6 glasses of water a day. I've been pretty consistent with getting my water in... I downloaded an app for my phone to track how much water I'm drinking. But it also has a notification to beep if it's been awhile since you've last entered your water intake. LOVE that, as it's a great reminder.

Good luck with WW... my mom and I have talked about joining and doing their online program.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hope you have a fun camping weekend!

Your plans sound great! I can't wait to try Soarin and TT after reading so many good reviews on here. I think I will be sticking to the green side of Mission Space though

I sure hope we run into you guys at AKL - it will be nice to share our Disney experiences so far

Can't wait to hear about the wedding anniversary plans.

 

[Stefy]

Yay on getting your flights sorted, now you get to spend even longer at Disney

Good luck with the new diet regime

Day 3 sounds great, love an Epcot day

 

[jenneth79]

Busy day - sounds like great plans. You will love Soarin. I like the orange Mission Space.

My DH and I went alone last Sept and did a KimPossible mission (Japan). It was not too juvenile and was actually quite fun.

We had my DH's birthday dinner at Jiko and both LOVED it!

I think we're going to try the Orange side, after talking to the DH... but he said we had to make sure we did it well enough AFTER breakfast and BEFORE lunch... just in case

I'm so glad to hear you liked Jiko! I see a lot of people talking about Boma, etc... but less about this one. Perhaps because it's supposed to be a "quiet" place to eat. Which, in Disney Speak, means Expensive.

Well, I can't quit soda altogether... there's just no way. And I can't stand diet soda! But I'm really trying to limit myself to just 2 Cokes (12 oz each) a day. And I'm trying to get 6 glasses of water a day. I've been pretty consistent with getting my water in... I downloaded an app for my phone to track how much water I'm drinking. But it also has a notification to beep if it's been awhile since you've last entered your water intake. LOVE that, as it's a great reminder.

Good luck with WW... my mom and I have talked about joining and doing their online program.

I have heard that regular soda, while bad for you, is still better than drinking the diet stuff.... which I've been hooked on for years. Today is day 1 with no Diet Coke.... I have a bit of a headache, but I'm drinking some tea to try and help the lack of caffiene. I work for a Japanese company though, so there is a TON of great tea in the office... that helps.

I will have to look up that water app, it sounds like a great tool!

Hope you have a fun camping weekend!

Your plans sound great! I can't wait to try Soarin and TT after reading so many good reviews on here. I think I will be sticking to the green side of Mission Space though

I sure hope we run into you guys at AKL - it will be nice to share our Disney experiences so far

Can't wait to hear about the wedding anniversary plans.

We will definitely need to chat before we head out to try and see if we can meet up!

Camping was a LOT of fun, but we came home to find out our A/C unit had died. Mike is home waiting for the repariman to show up, and I'm quite worried because the temperature will be well over 100 before Thursday!

Yay on getting your flights sorted, now you get to spend even longer at Disney

Good luck with the new diet regime

Day 3 sounds great, love an Epcot day

Thanks! Today is day One of our C25K challenge.... hopefully I'll have an air conditioned house to go home to afterwards!

 

[jenneth79]

We’re Two Months Away!!!!

You know what that means? It means I get to start my packing lists. Yes. Lists. Plural. Four of them, to be exact.

I know I am crazy. It’s well established.

I separate out the lists into clothes for me, clothes for Mike, general toiletries and medications, and electronics / other.

Do you make lists? What’s the single most important thing you pack? For that matter, what’s the single most important thing you usually FORGET to pack?

Well, I'm off to find out how much our new A/C is going to set us back.... *sigh*.... not the best Monday on earth.... but it does make me very happy our trip is already paid off!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Woohoo on it being two months!!!

Lol I already have all our lists done and am ready to get going with the packing! Hopefully I’ll remember the important things.

Hope your A/C does not set you back too much.

 

[Nermel9]

Yay for 2 months!!! In 2 more weeks, I'll be at 2 months too!

I love making packing lists, and yes, I make more than one too, and I constantly revise them! I think the most important thing that I have to bring with me, other than my folder with all of my important documents in it, is...my glasses! If I forget my glasses, I would probably freak out! I'd probably go to a wal mart in FL and order a new pair or something, there's no way I could go a whole week without them!