An Invasion of a "STRANGER" Kind.... NEW THREAD IS UP!! Go Thee NOW!

[glennbo123]

Okay, I am still sick and working, posting and eating lunch at the same time so you are going to have to help me out with what SCCP stands for?

I'm glad you asked about this!

 

[Pollito916]

Well, really life certainly got in the way this week, and I haven't been here for a long time! (Or posted the pictures I promised )

I'm glad all of the plans are falling into place! I hope Maroo's arm is doing better!

As for a perfect solo day, my first choice would also be WS, but since you want to wait for LeeAnn for that, my second choice would be AK, b/c I think there is a lot to wander through there and I feel like I haven't seen it all yet. Or maybe hotel hopping to check out all the great hotels I will stay at some day!

Here are the long awaited souvie pics. I did not find everything, but I did find a few other small WDW purchases that I forgot about, mostly from other trips.

Clockwise, starting with the rose (MK), glass carriage (MK), sombrero key chain (Mexico), Swarovski necklace (Germany), Cinderella slipper (MK), Espresso cup (Italy). Everything else has been lost, mis-placed, or circular filed in the 4 times we have moved since that trip!

Small pill box from China, I believe (found this right after I took the first pic and didn't want to re-set everything up )

And lastly, here's a page from my first and only attempt at scrapbooking, chronicling our extremely short trip around (most of) the world showcase. I am NOT creative, so now I do photobooks on Snapfish. Notice the pic of me & bff with extremely handsome overgrown troll!

 

[All7OfUs]

Okay, okay, I'm here!!! Honestly. I've browsed so many times I thought I was subbed but then Liesa would invite me again and I'd realize NOPE, never did. So, Liesa, you can thank Jen for "reminding" me as well.

Hemet to LA??? Good grief woman! I thought travelling 45 miles to Tucson for dinner was bad.

Congrats on the plane tickets! I'd say under 200 for cross country is excellent!!!

Phew!! I thought you'd never make it!! When I saw Jen's "gentle nudge" (as someone else put it on another thread) I thought I'd give one too. Glad you've come to join the antics and hang out; seems this thread starts hopping around 9 or 10 EST.

My parents were really into "dinner on a whim". Plus my grandparents were in Glendale, so were up there pretty often. We liked to hang out in Little Tokyo a lot too! mmmm, mmmm Tempura bar!!!

Another vote for a "I got a great deal". I'm not going to keep checking!! I like what I got, and don't want to know if I tanked later on. I saw on Glenn's thread what can happen if you go poking around for better fares.

Is there a meet in the works?


I think DC is like 5 1/2- 6 hours away from me.
Don't tell anyone.. I've never been there before.

We're certainly doing some thinking...

BUT~~~~~~~~~

You've never been there??? Oh WOW!! There's all kinds of stuff to see there! AND IT'S ALL FREE!!! Ana would LOVE IT!!

I love that you put packed before the one week mark. I wish I was that organized. I'm usually still running around the night before with a few last minute items. ie small tubes of toothpaste, searching for the matching flip-flop etc.

I've already packed a lot of stuff, into my park bag. Everytime I think of something I stick it in there. I really need to be 95% ready before we leave Blankastan because our time will be pretty busy once we hit Bowling Green. So, it's more out of necessity rather than eagerness.

If my husband was home and I wouldn't have to take all 3 boys with me, I'd be up for a meet! I've had my share of D.C. though. Living around there for 6 years and dealing with the traffic was enough for me!

My sis actually lives in McLean, VA, which is only 20 minutes or so out. But, you are right, even there, the traffic can be pretty bad! And when it rains- forget it- better to stay home.

Well, hmmmm, we'll just have to hope he's home!! Right?

Liessa I may still do a solo in September !! If so will be the 8th thru the 16th and stay at Pop!!!! But if I am going in October for Free prolly will save the money!!

I would LOVE for you to join us in Sept., Rosie!!!! Those dates overlap by 5 whole days!!! Wouldnt' we have so much fun!? just think of the trouble we could get into...

I'm glad you asked about this!

Okay, I am still sick and working, posting and eating lunch at the same time so you are going to have to help me out with what SCCP stands for?

You silly gooses... SPICY CREAM CHEESE PRETZEL!

So far I have:

Over by a Bug's Life
Near the Maharaja Jungle Trail
And somewhere else, Jordan mentioned...

More than one place is just really getting me all giddy with excitement!!

I am so glad you posted Glenn!


I was going to write that it should be about the same distance to you but I has a feeling Liesa would suggest a meet (see below) and I didn't want to assume you would want to meet us crazy people.

I would love to try to work something out but I didn't want to take away from the time you wanted to spend with your sister. A meet in VA, MD or PA would probably be better than DC due to parking, traffic, etc.

Though I may just need to meet you at Dulles and get on the plane instead!

Why little ol' me?? Suggest a Meet??!!

Why, YES, yes, that would be me. There are so many of you who live right in that neck of the metropolis, I thought it'd be fun to swing something. A restaurant? A hotel lounge? One of the museums? Help me out here Easternites!!!

McLean obviously would be best for me, but I don't want to ask sis to host everyone at her place. Her DH is weird at best. But there are plenty of hoity toity places there to meet up at.

You all know you can hop on a plane and fly out with me to a yet MUCH BETTER place for a meet!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, really life certainly got in the way this week, and I haven't been here for a long time! (Or posted the pictures I promised )

I'm glad all of the plans are falling into place! I hope Maroo's arm is doing better!

As for a perfect solo day, my first choice would also be WS, but since you want to wait for LeeAnn for that, my second choice would be AK, b/c I think there is a lot to wander through there and I feel like I haven't seen it all yet. Or maybe hotel hopping to check out all the great hotels I will stay at some day!

Here are the long awaited souvie pics. I did not find everything, but I did find a few other small WDW purchases that I forgot about, mostly from other trips.

Clockwise, starting with the rose (MK), glass carriage (MK), sombrero key chain (Mexico), Swarovski necklace (Germany), Cinderella slipper (MK), Espresso cup (Italy). Everything else has been lost, mis-placed, or circular filed in the 4 times we have moved since that trip!

Small pill box from China, I believe (found this right after I took the first pic and didn't want to re-set everything up )

And lastly, here's a page from my first and only attempt at scrapbooking, chronicling our extremely short trip around (most of) the world showcase. I am NOT creative, so now I do photobooks on Snapfish. Notice the pic of me & bff with extremely handsome overgrown troll!

We all go through "on here a lot" and " not so much" phases cuz of work. Hope whatever you were up to was making a difference in someone's life

Thanks for thinking about maroo; she's getting rpetty stressed out about her race, but I know she'll do fine!

I finally feel like there's been some meat put onto the bones of this trip!! As all of you know, the 6 month mark is a HUGE milestone with ADRs getting made, schedules getting mostly fleshed out, and flights getting bought. It's so exciting!!

You did a great job with the pictures!!! THANKS so much for posting them!

I do love that necklace from Germany you were talking about. It's very elegant, yet simple. My girls actually bought me a glass Cindy shoe with my birthstone in it in the Mexico Pav. in 2008 for my birthday. I'll it's funny you should post a box. My DD, 14, collects boxes from around the world. She has ones from Turkey, China, India, Thailand, and Russia, and a bunch more, but can't remember where- oh yeah, Dubai. They are all made of various materials and are all so intricate. I will most likely end up getting her a box from WS as well, but am leaning towards a German one, since Europe is mostly lacking in her collection.

Oh, I so miss my scrapbooks!! I've never looked into digital ones, and should do that!

 

[KathyRN137]

Yay for getting the tickets!

DIS meets are fun, fun, fun!


Kathy

 

[All7OfUs]

DISMeets are fun, fun, fun!! I so totally remember your meet with Tracy, and you got to have a ton of good fun!!

 

[englishrose47]

I have been thinking how I can justify another trip in September If I am going in October !! Now how does this sound !!! I HAVE to use the SWA credit I have before October !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I have been thinking how I can justify another trip in September If I am going in October !! Now how does this sound !!! I HAVE to use the SWA credit I have before October !!!!!!!!!!!

You and I think so much alike, Rosie, it's almost scary!! Yes, you definitely could swing that!

 

[that's nice]

DISMeets are fun, fun, fun!! I so totally remember your meet with Tracy, and you got to have a ton of good fun!!

I have never met someone I've met here on the DIS. I think that is going to change very soon.

 

[All7OfUs]

I have never met someone I've met here on the DIS. I think that is going to change very soon.

Yes, I think you're right. I know a certain someone who's pretty excited to get to meet a little princess!

You get to meet a couple folks if I'm not mistaken- TG is pretty excited too!

 

[tinkgurl]

Yes, I think you're right. I know a certain someone who's pretty excited to get to meet a little princess!

You get to meet a couple folks if I'm not mistaken- TG is pretty excited too!

I hope Tim and I get to run into each other! Fingers crossed. I'll be at the MK the night he's at Ohana. Just maybe they'll decide to hit the MK.

 

[All7OfUs]

It's been a while since I've posted pictures of just what sorts of Enemies I face here in the Land of Crapistan. Since there's nothing more motivating to keep up the good fight than to look at what kind of bummer stuff one has to put up with, without further ado, here's a photo-filled look at just how craptastic it is here.

First a look at how we get to and from our little city. Oh, if only I had the time to fill up a long list of stories about traveling by these little prop planes, and the times we've literally feared for our lives!! I'm thinking a few of these stories may be good stuff for my blog!



Once there, one of the first things you have to do is use one of these. This is the very first toilet we did our business in- the one we had to live with for 6 months. After that we had to use an outhouse for the next 6 months. And then when it was too cold we used a bucket in the house- which on 2 ocassions spilled. We have a nice(r) set up now...



but 97% of the private homes here do NOT have plumbing at all. So when we go visiting at places like this, it's back to the outhouse.



Let's talk about the weather. Have you felt -30 F?? For weeks on end?? Right now it's winter and looks like this:



But come summer, it will be 120 F and look more like this:



How about shopping?? Everyone's gotta eat, right?? I have to shop like this. Great in the summer, but in winter, it sucks hard!



Thirsty?? How 'bout some fresh mares milk?? They'll even ferment it for you, if you like.



Picnic anyone?? Please pull up a piece of dirt amonst the trash.



Here is the local mosque. Not to slam this religion, I have to say, that because of their belief that if the good outweighs the bad in their lives they go about their merry way bribing, stealing, wife beating, drinking and fighting, hoping that giving to the poor at Ramadan will make up for it all. Without a basis in justice and law being of low value, we see a lot of social problems.



And if that influence weren't enough, let's add a little (or a lot) of this. This contributes to laziness and the spirit of entitlement.



Need a vacation?? This is what we've had to settle for most of the time. Lumpy, broken beds, dirty rooms, leaking plumbing in the bathroom, and drunk guests pounding on the door at 3 am.



Continued in next post:

 

[All7OfUs]

In all fairness, there are many things I will miss here. These are a few of my favorite things...





Disney vacation---------- I am ready for you!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I hope Tim and I get to run into each other! Fingers crossed. I'll be at the MK the night he's at Ohana. Just maybe they'll decide to hit the MK.

Just make sure you have each other's cell #s, and hope for the best! I think it'd be so neat to see a photo of the 5 of you together when you all get back!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Liesa, I didn't know you lived here in southern Arizona! Just kidding, of course, but there were several pics in there that reminded me of Nogales, Mexico. Very interesting...

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, I didn't know you lived here in southern Arizona! Just kidding, of course, but there were several pics in there that reminded me of Nogales, Mexico. Very interesting...

It does look a lot like Nogales! Same stinking toilets (where they have them) and same barren landscape. In fact, when we first got here, the smell reminded me of my childhood vacations to Baja- burning garbage. Which we do regularly- plastic, dead cats, and all.

 

[pipersmom]

Ai yi yi, Liesa..no wonder you're ready for vacation! I have to admit though, the icy tree was beautiful..now whether I'd want to deal with -30 temps to see that beauty in person is an entirely different story! The market also looked neat..though again..at -30..not so much! The picnic amongst the trash reminds me of going to the dump to see the bears in Maine..the big thing to do just about any summer night...we'd get there and there would always be at least 5 other cars, everyone would bring their lawn chairs, etc. The wildlife spotting was great, the stench..not so much. They finally banned it about 15 yrs ago..guess they figured out it wasn't such a hot idea for tourists to hang out with food near bears that are used to humans! LOL. Very cool favorite thing pictures.

 

[carissanboys]

Craptastic living in Crapistan!

I can't believe the extreme in temperatures you've had to deal with! That's just crazy. I'm sure you're looking forward to coming home.

 

[winkers]

You deserve a very long vacation!

I don't think I could give up my reliable indoor plumbing to do the great work you are doing.

 

[jenb1023]

Okay, okay, I'm here!!! Honestly. I've browsed so many times I thought I was subbed but then Liesa would invite me again and I'd realize NOPE, never did. So, Liesa, you can thank Jen for "reminding" me as well.

So glad you are here! I knew you would fit in with our antics and sense of humor over here.

My sis actually lives in McLean, VA, which is only 20 minutes or so out. But, you are right, even there, the traffic can be pretty bad! And when it rains- forget it- better to stay home.

Well, hmmmm, we'll just have to hope he's home!! Right?


You silly gooses... SPICY CREAM CHEESE PRETZEL!

Why little ol' me?? Suggest a Meet??!!

Why, YES, yes, that would be me. There are so many of you who live right in that neck of the metropolis, I thought it'd be fun to swing something. A restaurant? A hotel lounge? One of the museums? Help me out here Easternites!!!

McLean obviously would be best for me, but I don't want to ask sis to host everyone at her place. Her DH is weird at best. But there are plenty of hoity toity places there to meet up at.

You all know you can hop on a plane and fly out with me to a yet MUCH BETTER place for a meet!!!

Thanks for clearing up the SCCP mystery!

A meet in WDW would be better but down in the DC area would be more likely. Liesa - will you have access to a car? If so, it might be easier to be a little further out in VA like Tysons Corners or a little further North in Maryland. I never drive into DC because of traffic and lack of parking - if we go down we drive into MD and park and ride the metro in. Of course, if everyone wants to meet in DC somewhere, I can easily park and ride like I usually do. Glenn and Carissa - put your thinking caps on for locations. (we have plenty of time though)

As for the crapistan photos, oh my!!!! I think I will stop complaining about my walls that need to be painted, the new floor I want in my bathroom and the switch and outlet covers that DH has not reinstalled since painting one room two months ago (did I mention that he is an electrician and I can't get electrical work done in my own house!)