An Alphabetical, (Flower and) Garden Variety TR- V is for: Vida la Tucson! TR COMPLETE! (3/14)

Steppesister

DIS Veteran
Joined
Dec 27, 2013
A is for: Again?! Are you SURE?!


Hey there, Hi there, Ho There! It’s me again, ready to take you on another adventure in and around one of my favorite places to travel. It never gets old, never gets boring, and I never run out of things to find new- even during a time with so many pandemic changes. As we all know, every trip has its unique nuances, its ups and downs. This was filled with a few extra downs, but I’ll get to that in due time. First… let me introduce myself to those of you who might be new to my Trip Reports. For those of you who are Old Timers, WELCOME BACK!! Whether you're new to me or have been around a while, you're all friends!

I go by a lot of things and to most I’m Liesa. I’m sure behind my back at work I go by a few other names. I currently live in Salem, Oregon, but will be moving to Bowling Green, Kentucky in a few short weeks, because I just can’t “Oregon” anymore. I’ll leave that as that. The plan is to spend winters in Arizona in my big, fat giant 5th wheel while doing Travel Nursing Contracts where the sun shines, because that’s always better than being where the sun don’t shine. Obviously, I’m a nurse (because it’d be awkward to do Travel Nursing without being a nurse) and I work in a pretty fantastic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Pre- and Post-Op. In fact, it was voted Best Surgery Center in Oregon last year by Newsweek Magazine. 😊 I love Recovery Nursing because mostly I love not having to work weekends, nights, or holidays. Except I’ve chosen to work a lot of that too leading up to my move and throughout Covid in many other departments. What else was supposed to do with not much open and gobs of work available?!

I’m single with 5 great “kids” from 19-30, which makes me old as dirt. Oddly, I feel pretty good despite that and, while physically it hurts to get out of bed most mornings, I am on-top-of-my-game professionally and mentally. Except I can’t remember what I had for breakfast past 9 AM. I have 3 grandbabies and 1 more due in a couple of weeks.



(Grandbaby #2 who I get to spend the most time with)
What else can I tell you? Hmm, let’s see… since this is a Disney-loving gang I’ll throw out a few from my “Raindrops on Roses” List- Disney-style:

Favorite Park- Animal Kingdom

Favorite Ride- Changes like smoke at a campfire but love FOP, ToT, HM and BTMRR

Favorite Disney Restaurant- Dunno!! V&A’s? Nomad?

Favorite Snack- Peter Pan Float

Favorite Resort- Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk

Favorite Character- Belle for her ability to see the good in someone despite… everything and her brains and logical approach to things and Tinkerbelle for her naughty side.

Favorite Collectibles- Tiki cups and resort coffee mugs


Other fun facts… I have taken and passed my Private Pilots FAA Exam and hope to someday get back into the cockpit to finish that endeavor up, I lived in rural Kazakhstan for almost 10 years with my family and can fluently speak Kazakh, a fairly useless language here and now, have been to all 50 States (I remember most of those travels about as well as I can remember to pack underwear for my trips or not), and I love to get out and practice photography now and then. I hope you can fully appreciate the enormity of that incredible use of run-on sentence.




Now… on to the business of this latest Trip Report. My method of Trip Reporting can be a bit different than others, and for a while now I’ve stuck with a "Topical Approach"- much like Calamine Lotion on an irritating mosquito bite. Once in a while, maybe a chapter will scratch your Disney-lovin’ itch. However, THIS time I’ve chosen to go back to a chronological style for sake of ease and because my creativity for writing is waning. The art of dropping a good cliffhanger is easier, as might the art of keeping a few good readers engaged and spellbound. (The level of the sarcasm is practically dripping from your screen, isn’t it?)

The idea for this trip came in early January, I think? Maybe? At some point I scheduled some major abdominal surgery and knew I’d be in for a long, probably painful recovery. I reasoned, like every hard-core Disney fan would do, “I can sit in my boring apartment and recover wasting my time surfing the internet for 4 weeks, or I can go to Disney World and do what I could as I was able. It doesn’t even matter if I was just there a few weeks ago!” While it was probably a dumb idea, I made plans and the details got firmed up. It wasn’t easy recruiting a couple of gals to travel with and split the costs. But I couldn’t have asked for better company for… the trip that was. In the end, my folks decided to join for a few nights as well, and that was really nice. In all likelihood, that is the last time they will be able to do Disney.

Marcia is a former neighbor who is still a very close friend. She is a fun-loving, wine-loving, travel-loving lady a bit older than me. She’d only been to Disney once a few years ago and was sick for most of her trip, so she wanted to go again and see it through my eyes. And as wonderful as she is, there were some adjustments I had to make, none too huge or trip-busting. I’ll get to those.



Karilynn ( @Malia78 )is a very close friend that I’ve traveled with for years. I love her to pieces and we seem to get along and travel together pretty well. Despite my farting in the room on occasion, I hope she’ll invite me to travel with her again in the future. (You sure you wanna cruise with me, Kari- staterooms are pretty small?) She isn’t on the DIS as much as she was, but if she’s so inclined, she can introduce herself a bit more.


My folks. What can I say? They are the best parents anyone could ever ask for and are still independent albeit a bit slower than they used to be. Heh, aren’t we all? The fact that they are truly amazing AND that they are slowing down BOTH played parts in the trip dynamics… but we’ll get to that.


Back to the trip basics:

I chose to get a Little Mermaid room at AoA, cuz “cheap”. I use that term as loosely as one uses “adult entertainment”. It’d be fine for a short week and plenty big enough. Kari could only be there for a few nights, sadly, due to work commitments, so after she left, the space would certainly be enough. I detest the walk to, well, anywhere from those rooms, but I wouldn’t have to!!! I rented a scooter!!! SAVED. MY. LIFE! Mom rented one too. Saved her life and probably made the trip even possible in the first place for her. Her knee replacement had failed (it was only about a year old) and she literally could barely walk. In the AoA room was only Marcia, Karilynn, and me. After the AoA “portion” of the trip, I moved us over to Coronado where my folks, Marcia, and I shared a bigger, nicer room. I’d never stayed there and wanted to check it off the bucket list. So, it was a split stay which I’m never opposed to. It’s like a Trip Twofer! But not like a BOGO.

I was there from April 20th- 27th, with various peoples and then Marcia and I left for the deserts of Tucson to visit some friends and to see my 5th wheel and I wanted to see for myself, prior to getting there this coming January, exactly what I’d bought and to take measurements of the walls, drawers, etc… Most importantly, I wanted to see what my Covid overtime paid for. Suffice to say, I can’t wait to enjoy my Winter Digs! Marcia and I spent 3 nights at the Casino del Sol Resort only because it is near the RV park and is easy access to the airport as well. Loads of stories from this portion, so I hope you’ll stick around for that.





And now, without further ado and drivelry, I present to you…

🍒:butterfly🌺:flower1:An Alphabetical, (Flower and) Garden Variety TR:flower1: 🌺 :butterfly🍒
 
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Looking forward to another report. I will even try and keep up. Life has been hectic here, my son in law just had his 5th TIA/Stroke. He's only 37 so it's has been a rough day. I can use the distraction.
 
Looking forward to another report. I will even try and keep up. Life has been hectic here, my son in law just had his 5th TIA/Stroke. He's only 37 so it's has been a rough day. I can use the distraction.
Oh wow! That’s awful! :hug: I’m glad to provide some distraction through such a hard season. My thoughts are certainly with you!
 
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I am here to read along but I am not a big commenter but I do love reading your reports.
 
You're always welcome to read along and enjoy what silliness I can dish out! :)
I can't wait. I also can't wait to hear more about your new travel home and your new life in Bowling Green. I have actually been there to visit the Corvette Museum a couple of times so I can say I have been to Bowling Green. Don't remember much other than the museum I am afraid.
 
Hey there, Hi there, Ho There! It’s me again, ready to take you on another adventure in and around one of my favorite places to travel. It never gets old, never gets boring, and I never run out of things to find new- even during a time with so many pandemic changes
I'm here! Wouldn't miss one of your TRs for anything!
I love Recovery Nursing because mostly I love not having to work weekends, nights, or holidays. Except I’ve chosen to work a lot of that too leading up to my move and throughout Covid in many other departments. What else was supposed to do with not much open and gobs of work available?!
Lots of work means extra cash for new adventures!
I’m single with 5 great “kids” from 19-30, which makes me old as dirt. Oddly, I feel pretty good despite that and, while physically it hurts to get out of bed most mornings, I am on-top-of-my-game professionally and mentally. Except I can’t remember what I had for breakfast past 9 AM. I have 3 grandbabies and 1 more due in a couple of weeks.
Ummm as someone who has a year on you I would say that we are in our prime! You were a super young little momma to have a 30 year old and grandbabies already.
Favorite Park- Animal Kingdom
Same!
Favorite Ride- Changes like smoke at a campfire but love FOP, ToT, HM and BTMRR
Also my favourites!
Favorite Disney Restaurant- Dunno!! V&A’s? Nomad?
Yes and yes!
Favorite Resort- Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk
Staying at both in August!
Favorite Character- Belle for her ability to see the good in someone despite… everything and her brains and logical approach to things and Tinkerbelle for her naughty side.
Are we twins??? I was reading along and laughing to myself thinking how we like all the same things. One day we'll actually meet up at the parks! :)
Other fun facts… I have taken and passed my Private Pilots FAA Exam and hope to someday get back into the cockpit to finish that endeavor up, I lived in rural Kazakhstan for almost 10 years with my family and can fluently speak Kazakh, a fairly useless language here and now, have been to all 50 States (I remember most of those travels about as well as I can remember to pack underwear for my trips or not), and I love to get out and practice photography now and then. I hope you can fully appreciate the enormity of that incredible use of run-on sentence.
Lots of wonderful accomplishments and adventures under your belt!
However, THIS time I’ve chosen to go back to a chronological style for sake of ease and because my creativity for writing is waning. The art of dropping a good cliffhanger is easier, as might the art of keeping a few good readers engaged and spellbound.
You are being far too modest. Your writing is always engaging and fun.
The idea for this trip came in early January, I think? Maybe? At some point I scheduled some major abdominal surgery and knew I’d be in for a long, probably painful recovery. I reasoned, like every hard-core Disney fan would do, “I can sit in my boring apartment and recover wasting my time surfing the internet for 4 weeks, or I can go to Disney World and do what I could as I was able. It doesn’t even matter if I was just there a few weeks ago!
Oh my gosh, I hope you are recovering well now.
Karilynn ( @Malia78 )is a very close friend that I’ve traveled with for years. I love her to pieces and we seem to get along and travel together pretty well. Despite my farting in the room on occasion, I hope she’ll invite me to travel with her again in the future. (You sure you wanna cruise with me, Kari- staterooms are pretty small?) She isn’t on the DIS as much as she was, but if she’s so inclined, she can introduce herself a bit more.
Nice to have great friends and travel partners!
My folks. What can I say? They are the best parents anyone could ever ask for and are still independent albeit a bit slower than they used to be. Heh, aren’t we all? The fact that they are truly amazing AND that they are slowing down BOTH played parts in the trip dynamics… but we’ll get to that.
It's hard to see your parents slowing down, isn't it?? I am going to see my parents for the first time in 17 months next week and know I will see some BIG changes. Mom is really declining with Alzheimers and Dad is her primary caregiver. It's a lot.
I chose to get a Little Mermaid room at AoA, cuz “cheap”. I use that term as loosely as one uses “adult entertainment”. It’d be fine for a short week and plenty big enough. Kari could only be there for a few nights, sadly, due to work commitments, so after she left, the space would certainly be enough. I detest the walk to, well, anywhere from those rooms, but I wouldn’t have to!!! I rented a scooter!!! SAVED. MY. LIFE! Mom rented one too. Saved her life and probably made the trip even possible in the first place for her. Her knee replacement had failed (it was only about a year old) and she literally could barely walk. In the AoA room was only Marcia, Karilynn, and me. After the AoA “portion” of the trip, I moved us over to Coronado where my folks, Marcia, and I shared a bigger, nicer room. I’d never stayed there and wanted to check it off the bucket list. So, it was a split stay which I’m never opposed to. It’s like a Trip Twofer! But not like a BOGO.
That was a smart decision. There is no way you could do that trip without one.
I was there from April 20th- 27th, with various peoples and then Marcia and I left for the deserts of Tucson to visit some friends and to see my 5th wheel and I wanted to see for myself, prior to getting there this coming January, exactly what I’d bought and to take measurements of the walls, drawers, etc… Most importantly, I wanted to see what my Covid overtime paid for. Suffice to say, I can’t wait to enjoy my Winter Digs! Marcia and I spent 3 nights at the Casino del Sol Resort only because it is near the RV park and is easy access to the airport as well. Loads of stories from this portion, so I hope you’ll stick around for that.
Arizona will be a great adventure!
 
I'm here!! Can't wait to read your adventures and see your wonderful photos!

We have thought about going to F&G in 2022. Kind of put aside our Oct 2021 30th wedding anniversary trip
1: didn't know what Covid effect would still be there.
2: MK 50th crowds

(did I make page 1 or started page 2 -HA)
 
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I can't wait. I also can't wait to hear more about your new travel home and your new life in Bowling Green. I have actually been there to visit the Corvette Museum a couple of times so I can say I have been to Bowling Green. Don't remember much other than the museum I am afraid.
All of that coming up! I'll included plenty of life updates too as this is a HUGE transition for me. I have either lived in Oregon or overseas in various places since college and I'm so excited! Scared... TERRIFIED, in fact, but it's time. I'll include lots of photo too.

YESS!! The beloved and actually very well done, 'Vette Museum. I really wish the factory was open to the public still. That was a super neat tour.
 
I'm here! Wouldn't miss one of your TRs for anything!

AWww, HI Susan!! You're here! I love when my long-time readers come back for more!
Lots of work means extra cash for new adventures!

YES!!!
Ummm as someone who has a year on you I would say that we are in our prime! You were a super young little momma to have a 30 year old and grandbabies already.

I would say the same. Old enough to be grounded in our convictions, mature enough to stick by them, wise enough to know when those need to be evaluated for accuracy. ;) (I should copywrite that! I like it!)
Also my favourites!
Yes and yes!

So many of the same things!! :goodvibes:

Staying at both in August!

How fun!!! Early August? What are you dates again?

Are we twins??? I was reading along and laughing to myself thinking how we like all the same things. One day we'll actually meet up at the parks! :)

I would love that very, very much!
Lots of wonderful accomplishments and adventures under your belt!

I've had a full and wonderful life. There have DEFINITELY been some bumps along the way, but I am blessed to be sure.
You are being far too modest. Your writing is always engaging and fun.

And you are being far too kind. ;) But!! I am so glad you are here and you find it worth reading!
Oh my gosh, I hope you are recovering well now.

Almost there... I'd say 90% back to normal- thanks!!
Nice to have great friends and travel partners!

Someday, it'd be so fun to travel with a few MORE of the friends I've met here. I've done a lot of that and more coming up in October!
It's hard to see your parents slowing down, isn't it?? I am going to see my parents for the first time in 17 months next week and know I will see some BIG changes. Mom is really declining with Alzheimers and Dad is her primary caregiver. It's a lot.

It is SO Hard. Mine are still very active and go to Nashville a few times a week for lunch- yes, they are crazy like that. But it's hard to see the kidney issues a problem, and other body parts starting to slow them down. :(
That was a smart decision. There is no way you could do that trip without one.

No, I tried to walk to the laundry one day from our room and it didn't go well.

Arizona will be a great adventure!
Having friends nearby to share the adventure with will add to the fun. :) Now.... to find a job there!
 
I'm here!! Can't wait to read your adventures and see your wonderful photos!

We have thought about going to F&G in 2022. Kind of put aside our Oct 2021 30th wedding anniversary trip
1: didn't know what Covid effect would still be there.
2: MK 50th crowds

(did I make page 1 or started page 2 -HA)
Shelly? Is that really you?!!! It's SOOOOOOOOO great to see you!! I was actually thinking about you the other day as I was wondering where so many of my readers had gone. It's always sad to me when they just disappear and I worry a bit about them.

I think there will be MORE than plenty to do in October. More than perhaps EVER Before in the parks with new nighttime shows, new rides, etc... I'd reconsider. :)

For the actual 50th, I am going to EPCOT so I can take advantage of the bigger park/more space. But with Ratatouille opening... I may be in for a surprise with the crowds. It's just when I could go as I was offered a nice room with some of my oldest DIS Friends. But if you postpone to F&G '22, I have no doubt you will absolutely love it. It's stunningly beautiful! :hug:
 
How old were you when you lived in Kazahkstan? It isn't a very common place to live.

When you first mentioned that you were moving to Bowling Green you said that the move was a long way off. I guess times flies around here. ::yes::

To be honest, I've wondered what the heck is up with Portland ever since the city has been besieged by rioters. I don't understand why it still seems to continue.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your April trip. We were at WDW the week after you. :)
 
OMG!!! I lost my entire signature with ALL of my TRs in it!!! It's going to take me HOURS to find them and relink them all.

I could cry!!

I HATE not being able to use BB Code anymore!! Ok off to a day of shadowing in the ER. Lots to learn, lots to learn!!!!

I went back in my history and found this:

Yesterday at 5:26 PM
Please join me on my brand spanking new Trip Report for a Bloomin' Good Time!


🍒:butterfly🌺:flower1:An Alphabetical, (Flower and) Garden Variety TR:flower1:🌸 :butterfly🍒

But don’t abandon this one quite yet! There are three chapters still to come. ;)

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-The ABCs of Trip Planning: A Journey Through Nursing School to Disney PTR- Vol. 1-The ABC's of Trip Planning - Vol. 2-The ABC's of a Nursing School Graduation Trip TR-The ABC's of A Trip Worth Waiting For-The ABCs of Another Steppe Into Adventure; WDW and W. Africa-The ABC's of Sauntering Through Disney -The ABCs of An EPIC Girls' Trip!-The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-Italy Calls, I Answer- The ABCs of a BSN Celebration-
 
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