ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

[tinacaplan]

Incredible blog posts, Liesa. They give you so much to think about.

 

[Flossbolna]

Liesa, I will check out your blog tonight. Do you prefer comments here or on the blog itself?

Oh and just in case you were wondering: I deleted my facebook account. I wasn't using it and decided I rather want to keep my data more private... So me disappearing from your (or anyone else's) list of friends was not personal at all!

 

[lovealldisney]

Leissa,

Sat down and read your blog last night. You truely are a inspirational women, WOW I could never have endured what you and you family did. God bless you.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, this was such a fun update! I love that train - I love to hear the "conductor" do the announcing. I've never seen those clothes on the line. How precious for you to be a part of such fun reminiscing with your Aunt and mom! I can just picture them back in the day, sportin those glasses and checking out the boys! I am not big on donuts lately, but those beignets are making be hungry!!! I was looking up how to spell that fancy schmancy word, and I found you can buy the Cafe Du Mond Mix!
http://www.cajungrocer.com/cafe-du-monde-m-14.html?gclid=CIirpNzpyqoCFeoaQgodaXpA0A

Oh, my favorite scene in PP is the rooftops of London, too! It just sticks in my mind because I was so amazed at the detail the first time I saw it - I don't even remember the mermaids!

You have to actually look behind you to see those clothes- in fact, there's a little housing complex there that's actually pretty cool!

Weren't they a hoot?! Loved hearing them prattle on about how hot they were!

Yes, you CAN buy the Cafe du Monde mix, but honestly, you can make them yourselves; it's quite easy! Give it a try!

I have a spoiler secret about that scene in PP, if anyone wants to hear it...

Wow - what a week I missed! Drama and two updates!

First, I am sorry I wasn't there to send prayers and pixie dust for the difficult family and friend situations. Hope belated hugs are okay!

What great updates!

I've always wanted to try CG but just couldn't justify the price/2 credits. Going for just apps and dessert sounds like a great idea though! It looks like you guys had a great time! It is good to know that Wishes is not all it is cracked up to be from there. I find the Contemporary really hard to navigate but that could be because I am directionally challenged.

I just loved this DL trip update. I could really see and feel the joy they had reminiscing on that train ride. What a treasure of a memory to have for the future! Mickey head beignets!

Well, the drama is healing in some ways, and ongoing in some others. I want to be there for my kids as they navigate young adulthood, and that ALWAYS comes with some amounts of drama.



I think anyone who really wants a nice dinner in a better than average place needs to give CG a try. I really enjoyed everything about it. I've also heard it's an EXCELLENT place to go for a single diner. You can watch the show kitchen, or sit at the bar and order appies and dessert from there.

Glad you enjoyed the DLR update- I really need to get off my butt and do more updates in general!!! EEK! I'm having WAY too much fun this summer!

 

[All7OfUs]

Love hearing how much fun your mom and aunt were having. It's sooo neat to hear our elders talk about things they did as teenagers/young adults and how cool they thought they were. All I have to say about the train is it's my DH and DS(4) favorite ride!!! They both love trains and it's such an addiction we even have a membership to the train museum in Sacramento!! I also need to share that I'm going back to Disneyland August 30 - Sept 4 and I'm pretty excited because my mom is joining us!!! My DS talked to her on the phone last night and was just sooo happy telling her everything he was going to take her on. Can't wait to make some more magical memories with my family!!

It is VERY cool to hear about their antics!! I wonder how much our own kids and grandkids will laugh hysterically at our own silly stuff we did!

WOW! You guys really are dedicated train go-ers! I've always wanted to do that train tour at Disney... someday...

Awesome! You have another trip coming up! Excellent! Do share your details here for all of us to see! How cute that your little guy got all excited about telling his grandma about all the things they'll get to do!

I really enjoyed your last update. Beautiful pictures of the scenery and the three of you! What a lovely time!

Thanks, Mary Ellen! I have another update in the works- uploading photos even now

Oh yes a tough night !!! Had to help them make healthy choices while piling my plate It was fun, they all enjoyed it and the ride after . We drove down River Road and just enjoyed the peaceful river and all the boats !!It was a LONG day I workred from 6 a.m til 11:30 pm !!!But those extra hours will make up for some while I am gone and I will get a decent paycheck waiting when I come back !!This last month my part time job has turned into more like full time !! Dan is sooooo appreciative of the extra hours I am putting in !!

Big paychecks are ALWAYS nice!! by now you are on your way! I just KNOW you're having a wonderful time, Rosie!!

All caught up finally...


What a great day in DL. Reliving memories just makes you giddy at what was "cool" and the things that you did that you now find soooo silly.

Hey, HEADS UP!! You're in my next update going up tomorrow!

Silly is a GREAT word for htem!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh, I LOVE those!!!

Me too!


Great update Liesa! Love all the trips down memory lane. When I was at my parents house the last time I was looking through some old pictures and found a few of my Mom wearing her cat-eye glasses.

Aren't those a hoot? How fun that you could do that! How's your dad, by the way??


A mint julep! Without the bourbon! Really???

Incredibly!

So many comments about the picture with you and the cherry, but I'm definitely passing on that one........


And talk about disappointed. I saw the title to this update and I just knew there would be a picture of you in that clamshell bra, adding some spice to your Liesa greeting!!! Did love the advice for daughters though, including the additional one Mark added for us. Thankfully I didn't have to worry about that side of it......well, except the drugs part.

Well, sorry to bust your bubble. Yeah, leave it to Mark to shake things up.


I actually thought you were kidding about the mint julep being non-alcoholic and that is what the picture looked like after drinking it WITH the bourbon!!!

I'm blaming it on the newest version of the POC!

I'm a long time lurker here. I''ve been here through all 250 pages of the first part of this TR, and all of this one. Although I don't post much I just had to let you know how much I love it! Your writing style is wonderful, I love your sense of humor and your obvious love of your family and friends just shine through in your writing. Thanks for taking the time to write it. I've enjoyed every bit of it and can't wait for it to continue!

Terri

HOLY FLIP! A new reader!! I'm so excited to have you along for the ride!! Normally, things are a bit more Ummm, active around here. Hopefully once school starts things will pick back up and we can all hang again together like the good old times!

Thanks so much for your very kind words- I do enjoy writing very much, and have many more stories to bring your way!

Liesa, I just now read the last couple updates and Camille's post about the trouble you've been having - I am so sorry! I had no idea you were going through all that. I hope by now things are looking brighter, but I'm praying for you nonetheless. Remember, you have my number if you ever want to talk!

Thanks, Rebecca!! I really needed your encouraging words even today!

On a lighter note - the last two updates were just great! What a fun evening you gals had at California Grill! But I do agree, there is no place to watch Wishes like Main Street. For me, anyway!

It was definitely one of our more fun meals together!

I'm so glad you were able to figure out the wheelchair transfer process at DLR so Aunt Cherrie could experience all the old favorites! I love the stories about her and your mom in the old days. I can just picture them living it up in their ponytails and cat eye glasses!

ME too!! What a relief to know that we could ride more than 3 rides! I think you'll like what's coming up!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I am loving the mickey beignets!!

But a boozeless julep is just...wrong.

FUN update! I was cheered just reading it.

wrong is quite the appropriate word here!

Thanks! glad you are enjoying the read through

Now Liessa I just might try a non alcoholic julep!!!I have just 2 more days of work before we leave !Can't believe it is finally here !!!

YEAH!! It's here, it's here!! Hope you're having a great time!

Just read all 6 chapters...amazing story Liesa. I don't think I could have done it. You have no doubt stored up treasures where moth and rust do not destroy.

Just read the last two updates and posted. amazing as always! Hope you are having a good day! How is the washer?

Washer seems to be "getting worked on". But still pulled out from the wall. We'll see... things around my house often take weeks to get fixed. UGH!!

 

[All7OfUs]

DAY 6- The middle of our trip; time to take a breather from the regular schedule of Park: Opening to Closing. Intentionally, we built something different into our day, and quite unintentionally, we had quite a fun surprise waiting for us!

So this

arose at 7:30. Because Poly coffee is so delicious and life-giving, we brewed a couple cups, and made ourselves ready, by wearing our customized shirts of the day. I can’t show you quite yet, as it would give too much away…

But I can say our goal for the day was to hit all the headliners BAM, BAM, BAM at The Studios, including an attempt at assaulting TSMM 6 times!!!! Could we do it?? Is it possible to hit the newest ride in years a whopping 6 times in one day? And even more importantly, would it be possible to beat Glenn’s Incredi-Boy score of 179,600??

Hold my hand, Dear Ones, and let’s find out!

With 20 minutes to spare, the Intrepid Trio made it nearly to the very front of the rope drop barrier. I was quickly elected to blast off first thing and procure our first set of FiPs; the BFP (thanks Cynthia, I’m still using that even today- that’s Big Fat Plan for those of you who are a bit newer.) was to meet back up at the front of the stand-by line entrance as soon as possible- which is harder than you think because the designers of the entire area have intentionally made the queue system as difficult as they could for anyone to navigate. Nuff said.

But having proven that we have higher than average intelligence we managed to figure it out and indeed did meet up rather quickly after opening for our first spin in The Carnival. First off, I love this ride! My arm, even after only one go through felt like I’d been making applesauce all day long, but I enjoyed using this first run to sharpen my skills and warm up for #2.

After Round #1

While we waited for our FiPs to mature, we moseyed over to the Animation Studio to try our hand at yet another sketch. Since Carl was an almost dismal failure, I thought, heck let’s see what more damage can be done turn a Disney character into carnage. I’ll let you judge how successful I was at trashing Tink. In my humble estimation, the word “Neanderthal” comes to mind.

With still a small bit of time left, we began to wander around looking for a bathroom, when lo and behold! I hear a “Liesa!”, “maroo!” HUH?! I turn my wondering eye, and immediately recognize Pat the Poolrat! Cool Beans, such a nice surprise! Together we decided that with the last remaining minutes before our time was up to ride again, we’d hop over to The Streets of America and get the all-important

photo.

Time’s up! We were ready to get FiP Set #2, which we did; then, with our little group of 4, we entered the handicapped queue once again for Ride #2.

The second time was even better, and my score improved a bit more! Nice having an upward trend….

Mine’s on the left

Arms aching and hearts full of mirth, we trotted over to the other side of the park to catch a couple of the big names over there. We got our cool on at RnRC, and screamed like little girls the entire 10 seconds of the line. Good thing the line was practically nonexistent, I’d be rather miffed at having to wait for like more than 15 minutes for as short as that ride is. Seriously, I want more return for my effort than this one seems to deliver. Maybe it’s just me?

We said good bye to Pat sadly, and hoped we’d meet up again sometime. Beauty and the Beast was something Maroo wanted to see, so we entered the theater where we only waited for about 10 minutes for the show to start. One can’t help but be pretty impressed with the voice performances here. I’m a sucker for Broadway, and this always seems to come close in quality. The fake muscles crack me up every time, and I had SO wished Mrs. Potts would have gone **** over teakettle again like in that hilarious YouTube video, but there was no such entertainment this time around.

Lastly, we treated LeeAnn to my personal favorite in all the parks. Anyone remember? Nope, just doesn’t get any better than that, my friends! Best ride ever, right Mark?

Well, to cut the story a bit short… we DID ride Toy Story 6 times! With one more set of FiPs that brought us to 3 rides, but maroo had a nifty little trick up her sleeve. Earlier in the year, she had put in quite some hours volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and used her GAD voucher for 3 more sets of FiPs!! So, with some expertly played stratagem, THE BELLE BATTALION rode TSMM 6 times, rode RnRC, ToT, did Animation Studio, and saw a show, all before 12:30! Yes, we ROCK!!! Well, we all rock at getting attractions in, but we sadly to NOT rock at beating Glenn’s score. I personally topped out at 171, something, and had to walk away in defeat. Next time, my friend, next time; so close, and yet so far…..

Phew, all this writing and excitement makes me hungry!! Are you hungry?? Well, I hope so, because the good news is the next chapter is all about some REALLY, REALLY good looking food!! The bad news is that you could quite possibly starve before I post it.

Until Next Time, have a truly magical DAY!!

 

[jenbear123]

You rode TSMM 6 times?! Too bad you didn't beat Glenn's score. It would've rubbed salt in the wound

 

[jenb1023]

Wow - what an impressive day!!!! TSMM six times and everything else by 12:30! Great shirts! Jordan loves Beauty and the Beast - she insists on seeing it every trip. I Broadway too! How exciting - an impromptu meet with Pat! Love your poses on RNR!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Are. You. Kidding. Me?! SIX RIDES ON TSM! I'm in total awe, I don't think I've ridden TSM that many times over two trips. Mind=Blown Then, you go to the Animation Academy, RnRC, ToT and Beauty & the Beast by 12:30... Your skills Sorry you didn't make your goal on TSM, but those were pretty good scores And great shirts, very cool

Now after amazing us with this feat, you are now going to starve us? That's just not okay. Can't wait to read more!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

But I can say our goal for the day was to hit all the headliners BAM, BAM, BAM at The Studios, including an attempt at assaulting TSMM 6 times!!!! Could we do it?? Is it possible to hit the newest ride in years a whopping 6 times in one day? And even more importantly, would it be possible to beat Glenn’s Incredi-Boy score of 179,600??

6 times?? And without going hard Opening through Closing? What black magic is this?

First off, I love this ride! My arm, even after only one go through felt like I’d been making applesauce all day long, but I enjoyed using this first run to sharpen my skills and warm up for #2.

It is a great ride! Maybe you're onto something with the applesauce...this could be a new pre-trip training regimen!

I’ll let you judge how successful I was at trashing Tink. In my humble estimation, the word “Neanderthal” comes to mind.

Nonsense. Tink's just been sampling a little too much of that Caveman cheese.

I turn my wondering eye, and immediately recognize Pat the Poolrat! Cool Beans, such a nice surprise!

Spontaneous Dismeet!

Crane technique. If do right, no can defense.

Lastly, we treated LeeAnn to my personal favorite in all the parks. Anyone remember? Nope, just doesn’t get any better than that, my friends! Best ride ever, right Mark?

I got a shout-out!

Hey, wait a minute...

Well, to cut the story a bit short… we DID ride Toy Story 6 times! With one more set of FiPs that brought us to 3 rides, but maroo had a nifty little trick up her sleeve. Earlier in the year, she had put in quite some hours volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and used her GAD voucher for 3 more sets of FiPs!! So, with some expertly played stratagem, THE BELLE BATTALION rode TSMM 6 times, rode RnRC, ToT, did Animation Studio, and saw a show, all before 12:30! Yes, we ROCK!!!

Wow! That is a bit of a dirty trick, though...

Of course, none of us here would have turned the FastPasses down!

 

[eandesmom]

That's a serious BFP, and accomplishment! And...I must say...

Way to work the system!

 

[KatMark]

All I can say is YOU GIRLS ROCK!!!!! Six times on TSM.

AND you got to meet Poolrat Pat!

And almost as good as the rest, you got to ride my favorite ride which I just happen to know if Captain_Oblivious's favorite ride as well.

And I don't think your Tink was bad at all.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I don't think your Tink looked neanderthal - she might be just a tad poutier than normal, the little brat. Or maybe she's getting ready to blow up a Mickey balloon. Its also possible she just had her wisdom teeth pulled.

 

[glennbo123]

But I can say our goal for the day was to hit all the headliners BAM, BAM, BAM at The Studios, including an attempt at assaulting TSMM 6 times!!!! Could we do it?? Is it possible to hit the newest ride in years a whopping 6 times in one day?

I submit it can't be done. Impossible!

And even more importantly, would it be possible to beat Glenn’s Incredi-Boy score of 179,600??

Oh boy. Here it comes.

But you know...Jenbear is the cham-peen of this little crew.

My arm, even after only one go through felt like I’d been making applesauce all day long, but I enjoyed using this first run to sharpen my skills and warm up for #2.

Maybe you want to rephrase that to "warm up for a second attempt".

And yes, if you ride that puppy 6 times your arms are going to just hang at your sides as if you're some kind of Neanderthal Tink.

I’ll let you judge how successful I was at trashing Tink. In my humble estimation, the word “Neanderthal” comes to mind.

Oh, what a coincidence...I just said that!

But seriously, I think it's a good rendering.

With still a small bit of time left, we began to wander around looking for a bathroom, when lo and behold! I hear a “Liesa!”, “maroo!” HUH?! I turn my wondering eye, and immediately recognize Pat the Poolrat!

Stalker!

Together we decided that with the last remaining minutes before our time was up to ride again, we’d hop over to The Streets of America and get the all-important

photo.

Speaking of whom, I just got a letter from Jordan.

We got our cool on at RnRC, and screamed like little girls the entire 10 seconds of the line. Good thing the line was practically nonexistent, I’d be rather miffed at having to wait for like more than 15 minutes for as short as that ride is. Seriously, I want more return for my effort than this one seems to deliver. Maybe it’s just me?

I remember thinking that it was actually longer than I thought it was (but I thought it was pretty short, like you). Er, I mean like you thought, not like you're short....even though you might be um, vertically challenged.

Anyway, it's still a great ride. My favorite roller coaster at WDW.

We said good bye to Pat sadly, and hoped we’d meet up again sometime.

I'm going to remember this for a later comment...

Best ride ever, right Mark?

Oh yeah, he loves it!

Now wait a second....isn't that Pat the Poolrat next to you

Well, to cut the story a bit short… we DID ride Toy Story 6 times! With one more set of FiPs that brought us to 3 rides, but maroo had a nifty little trick up her sleeve. Earlier in the year, she had put in quite some hours volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and used her GAD voucher for 3 more sets of FiPs!! So, with some expertly played stratagem, THE BELLE BATTALION rode TSMM 6 times, rode RnRC, ToT, did Animation Studio, and saw a show, all before 12:30! Yes, we ROCK!!!

That is amazing! I am truly impressed.

Well, we all rock at getting attractions in, but we sadly to NOT rock at beating Glenn’s score. I personally topped out at 171, something, and had to walk away in defeat. Next time, my friend, next time; so close, and yet so far…..

My pride thanks you.

Too bad you didn't beat Glenn's score. It would've rubbed salt in the wound

I see you Jenbear!

 

[Pimama]

Well I'm thankful this TR isn't moving at it's usual speed or I would have had way to much catching up to do. Enjoyed a short vacation to MT involving a small fair and relaxing in a beautiful cabin on a river. Good food and family- love it!

I also got a little detoured by a thread of strange pictures that led me to a strange TR by a rugged cowboy named Colt- odd.

Anyway, I'm going to attempt a multi-quote!

Obviously since the power of suggestion works so well with you, I'd like to request that you'd like to bequeath your entire estate to me, and any family members you may have to be included for the sole purpose of yard work. I can guarantee their happiness and well-being.




Once you have a ticker, it's a done deal. Period.

Sure thing, just send me your social security number and your bank account numbers and I'll get right on that. I'll also need those numbers to deposit the 3 million dollars you've just won in the Sri Lankan lottery so don't delay!!

As for the hard working yard workers, I'd be happy to send them over for training if you promise to send them back with cheerful attitudes and a renewed spirit of dilligence. (Actually my 16 year old is quite handy with a lawn mower and he's cheerful- because we pay him!)

And check out the ticker

Just have to on you going to WDW for the first time! Some awesome adventures await you!!! Let the planning begin! We love to help plan over here!

Planning has definitely begun!! I may drive my family crazy before our vacation gets here but they still love me- for now. I'm sure I'll have many questions. In fact here's one- can you watch Wishes from the Poly if you're not staying there?

 

[Pimama]

Also praying for you Liesa. I dealt with some of this family drama last year when my mother passed away. As the only daughter I was given the task of sorting through things first and felt that my brothers were giving me the eye. I really didn't want anything- I'm barely 40 with a baby. I still want my Mom, not her china!!

And to Jill and her cousins' family, I can't imagine such sorrow. I'm hugging my children a little tighter as I pray for you all.

 

[teedee]

Wow, 6 times on TSMM in one morning?? I'm amazed! My poor arm would never make it. I love the ride, but it sure makes my arm sore if I ride it more than once in a short amount of time.

I thought your drawing of Tink was great. The only time I tried the Animation Academy I discovered I have absolutely zero artistic talent. There was a little child sitting next to me and her drawing was way better than mine. Oh well, I'm glad I tried it once. I may take one more shot at it next trip.

Terri

 

[jenb1023]

This article and great photos about Club 33 were on the Disney Blog yesterday. I thought you guys might be interested since we were discussing it a couple of updates ago. Have a great weekend!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ampaign=Feed:+DisneyParks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)