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

[Flossbolna]

Good morning Liesa! I have a very quiet day at the office today, yesterday was a public holiday (ascension day) and nearly everybody around here has taken the day off... Or perhaps even nearly everyone in Germany... The underground train was absolutely empty this morning. So hopefully lots of time to hang out at the DIS!

I liked your cliff notes for your newest reader! Just wanted to point out that arm flab really won't dissappear much from running, I am afraid, you ought to take up doing weights for that...

I can't understand why they did not put in a hot tub at the Poly at one point. Before we went there I read on the Poly FAQ that there was an area in the pool where the water was warmer. I never found that...

Camille, your autograph books are wonderful! I can't understand why you say you aren't the crafty type! Those ribbons look gorgeous and must have taken a lot of patience to complete! Also the count down calendar: It's much too nice to not keep it up after your trip!

AKL really is my overall favourite resort, but I am a bit partial to African design anyway. My ex-boyfriend (and still a very dear friend today) is a historian specialising in African history, he took me to Namibia and started me on being interested in Africa. I have quite a few African things in my appartment...

 

[All7OfUs]

You will truly jaw drop when you walk in. I had seen it on t.v. before and I still was gobsmacked when I walked in and finally saw it in person. It's just beyond beautiful, take advantage of your wait for BOMAS once you check in and walk around to take in as much as you can.

I imigine myself being very much the same way. I suspect that not many, if any, of the pix on the boards really give one the full perspective of the grandeur. Kind of like trying to capture the Grand Canyon or something.

Good morning Liesa! I have a very quiet day at the office today, yesterday was a public holiday (ascension day) and nearly everybody around here has taken the day off... Or perhaps even nearly everyone in Germany... The underground train was absolutely empty this morning. So hopefully lots of time to hang out at the DIS!

A quiet day in the office actually sounds rather nice. Hopefully you can catch up in a frantic-free way. AND get some DIS time in. We don't celebrate Ascension day- I'll have to go look it up. (Pretty sure, it's when J. ascended after Easter, but could be very wrong.)

I liked your cliff notes for your newest reader! Just wanted to point out that arm flab really won't dissappear much from running, I am afraid, you ought to take up doing weights for that...

I know you're right. I do need to pick up my 2 kilos and work with them some.

I can't understand why they did not put in a hot tub at the Poly at one point. Before we went there I read on the Poly FAQ that there was an area in the pool where the water was warmer. I never found that...

Me either!!! What is WITH that??!!

AKL really is my overall favourite resort, but I am a bit partial to African design anyway. My ex-boyfriend (and still a very dear friend today) is a historian specialising in African history, he took me to Namibia and started me on being interested in Africa. I have quite a few African things in my appartment...

That's so cool you got to actually go there! I've been to Tunisia, but nowhere else on the continent. someday.

 

[Flossbolna]

A quiet day in the office actually sounds rather nice. Hopefully you can catch up in a frantic-free way. AND get some DIS time in. We don't celebrate Ascension day- I'll have to go look it up. (Pretty sure, it's when J. ascended after Easter, but could be very wrong.)

No, you got it absolutely right. in the catholic areas of Bavaria they even celebrate Mary's ascension day (I just found the English name is Mary assumption day) on August 15th. Bavaria is really lucky, it has the most public holidays in Germany, 13 in all, and the city of Augsburg has even one more - August 8th, the day of the peace after the 30-year war (1618-1648, it was a religious war between protestants and catholic and was one of the most disastrous wars ever fought in Europe).

I know you're right. I do need to pick up my 2 kilos and work with them some.

I have been meaning to start doing sit up for quite some time, but just don't get round to it...

That's so cool you got to actually go there! I've been to Tunisia, but nowhere else on the continent. someday.

Well, Africa is really much closer to Europe than to North America or Asia...

 

[All7OfUs]

No, you got it absolutely right.


August 8th, the day of the peace after the 30-year war (1618-1648, it was a religious war between protestants and catholic and was one of the most disastrous wars ever fought in Europe).

I have been meaning to start doing sit up for quite some time, but just don't get round to it...

Well, Africa is really much closer to Europe than to North America or Asia...

I thought it must be something like that...

I've heard of that war, once upon a time- a bazillion years ago in AP European History. I wish I remembered more, but sadly, marching band was more fun (and of course, had the drum section. )

Yeah, about lifting weights and doing sit ups. Gadzooks, it's just so gosh darned hard to start those. I was pretty faithful over the winter when there was not much else to be done. I guess my off-days from "running" I should be working out the flab!

Someday, I'm going to Senegal. I want to dance at dusk like a maniac to drumming on the beach. That sounds like a song title.

With all this spare time on the DIS today, are you going to put up an update??

Oh yeah, I forgot... can you put in that link one more time to the speech you mentioned??

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Oh boy, I got behind. Sorry I've been MIA this week, Liesa. I was subbing all week, so I didn't even have time to update my thread. I really can't wait for summer! Anyway, I'm all caught up now. Took me about 20 minutes, because of course I don't want to miss the chit-chat in between.

Wow- the pics of the food you made for your birthday party- amazing! What a lot of work! I'm so glad you embraced your day with style! You sure showed 43 who's boss.

I gotta tell ya, I'm really impressed with the creativity on this thread! First your "Minnie" (yes I know, you had a little help) and then Camilles autograph books and countdown poster? Very cool, girls!

 

[that's nice]

Jacuzzi?? Did I hear someone say Jacuzzi?

LOL Sorry to bring it up.

Doesn't POR have one?

Great suggestions, Tim. Especially the hot tub.

Liesa, I've never had Tonga Toast either and I probably never will (don't LIKE bananas at all--this due to the fact that I had to eat one every single day I was pregnant with my youngest son...and that could explain why he is the way he is ).

At Kona if you get the Big Kahuna, there is french toast that is simular to the Tonga toast without the bananas!

That was pretty funny! Right up there with rationalizing what constitutes a vegetable.

Kind of like Cher, I guess...

Or like Pat from SNL.

That was a little crazy!!!!!

I have a question for you guys.

I have read on another board that Labor Day week may be a bit more crowded than usual because of a couple of Jewish Holidays that fall that week?

Perhaps some schools are out at the end of that week creating a good week where the kids would only have to miss 1 or 2 days of school?

Evidently this happens every 5 years or so and there are several folks planning trips because of Free Dining and the holidays. Can any of you guys up north confirm that? I know it affects New York City Schools and New York area schools.

I know it would not change our plans - but I went last year over Labor Day and I think I would benefit from a realistic picture, I guess.

Most CT schools do not follow any Jewish holidays, although there are a handful that do. I'm thinking it is more of a NY & Jersey (?) thing.

I agree with Tim on some of the Pop suggestions.

WHOOT WHOOT!!!

 

[that's nice]

I don't believe these buildings will be destroyed from the way the article was written. I think they will salvage the buildings already there and then add on. I guess we'll find out for sure as time goes on. Liesa can take pics while she's there and then we'll know!!

I would think it would be cheaper to knock them down and start over.... but what do I know?

5) Relax in the Poly hottub? ( I crack myself up!)
OK spill, why is this so funny?

I know Liesa answered this for you... unbelievable right?

It's funny becuase the POLY, if you can believe it, had NO jacuzzi!!!

I can't understand why they did not put in a hot tub at the Poly at one point. Before we went there I read on the Poly FAQ that there was an area in the pool where the water was warmer. I never found that...

LOL I've never heard that one before... but I think it's called the kiddie pool.

 

[KatMark]

At Kona if you get the Big Kahuna, there is french toast that is simular to the Tonga toast without the bananas!


That is why we are going to Kona...because Mark saw pictures of the Big Kahuna in YOUR trip report; I'll have to try his french toast.

LOL I've never heard that one before... but I think it's called the kiddie pool.

Liesa, Happy Friday (or is it Saturday by you now? I'm so ).

 

[All7OfUs]

Hey All, It's





FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Getting the family hunkered down with a movie and popping the popcorn. Tomorrow it will be......... what??


It's Mikki's birthday (3 spring birthdays down, one more to go) so I need to be "involved" by whipping up some frosting for our choco cupcakes.

Will be off and on as I can.

KEEP IT COMING!!!

 

[tinkgurl]

I think I have that HM at the Poly from our last trip, when we went over there. The one in the bamboo wall decoration??

Yep, it's the bamboo one!

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh boy, I got behind. Sorry I've been MIA this week, Liesa. I was subbing all week, so I didn't even have time to update my thread. I really can't wait for summer! Anyway, I'm all caught up now. Took me about 20 minutes, because of course I don't want to miss the chit-chat in between.

Wow- the pics of the food you made for your birthday party- amazing! What a lot of work! I'm so glad you embraced your day with style! You sure showed 43 who's boss.

I gotta tell ya, I'm really impressed with the creativity on this thread! First your "Minnie" (yes I know, you had a little help) and then Camilles autograph books and countdown poster? Very cool, girls!

Hey Rebecca! I completely understand how work gets in the way. I've actually been really busy too with pricing and sorting!! Get this... the same buyer who took our extensive children's library also wants our Classics shelf AND the miscellaneous homeschooling stuff!! WOOT- another $150- KA CHING!

43 is well embraced- I am boss!

I really thought Camille did a fabulous job on the books- she's far too modest to say she's not crafty.

LOL Sorry to bring it up.

Doesn't POR have one?

YES, it does.

At Kona if you get the Big Kahuna, there is french toast that is simular to the Tonga toast without the bananas!

Pineapple / macadamia pannie for me.

Or like Pat from SNL.

I"m pretty sure that's why we all named it, Tate O' Patty

That was a little crazy!!!!!

I loved him, but now that i think about it, he's more appropriate for Rock N Roller Coaster.

I would think it would be cheaper to knock them down and start over.... but what do I know?

Seems like it to me.


LOL I've never heard that one before... but I think it's called the kiddie pool.

ha!! I've actually sat in one before. They DO feel strangely warm.

Liesa, Happy Friday (or is it Saturday by you now? I'm so ).

It is Friday- still, but only barely.

 

[All7OfUs]

Yep, it's the bamboo one!

I thought so! I have that one. And the ones in the carpet.

 

[KatMark]

Hey All, It's





FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Getting the family hunkered down with a movie and popping the popcorn. Tomorrow it will be......... what??


It's Mikki's birthday (3 spring birthdays down, one more to go) so I need to be "involved" by whipping up some frosting for our choco cupcakes.

Will be off and on as I can.

KEEP IT COMING!!!

Popcorn and a movie...now that's something we've not done in a while. But I think it will have to wait. Mark is umpping a baseball game tonight (if the fields have dried enough from all the rain this week), so I think I'll work on an update to my PTR.

Frosting. Choco cupcakes.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MIKKI!!! May all your wishes come true!! Birthday Blessings!!

(Hijack update Called last night - special needs moved us to YC, blocked an HC room, with a fabulous std room location! 4th floor, overlooking lakeside entrance to the lobby - will be prettily decorated for the holiday. Might even see a teensy peek of water from the room if we look sideways...hey, I;m sideways most of the time anyway!)

 

[maroo]

Hey guys, I have a prayer request:

Most of you know Lauren and her family - Lauren's Mom, Lisa, takes call each night for her job so that she can stay home with Lauren and William.

She basically lost her job today. They are eliminating her position.

To say that the past year has been hard for them would be a major understatement and now they are dealing with this.

Please pray for Lisa - that she would have clarity regarding what to do and for their family, of course.

Thanks!!

 

[Millie12591]

I liked your cliff notes for your newest reader! Just wanted to point out that arm flab really won't dissappear much from running, I am afraid, you ought to take up doing weights for that...

Yup, not that I'm a expert, even though I look far from being in shape I do have the knowledge of what I need to do to make myself look good again. Knowing and doing.....well, that's for another time. Back to why I'm making comment to this, Liesa if your doing your crunches or other strengthening exercises the changes your wanting to see in your legs and arms will happen to your liking, (be sure to check out sparkspeople.com for the different exercises that don't require a gym to do them). Not to mention the extra food your eating because of the running won't have to be burned off by working out, your body will do this for you even at rest because of the muscle build up from strength training will burn more calories by just being there.

I can't understand why they did not put in a hot tub at the Poly at one point. Before we went there I read on the Poly FAQ that there was an area in the pool where the water was warmer. I never found that...

That doesn't make much sense does it? Wonder what's up with this? I'm just happy the CSR will have one for me to put my tootsies in at the end of the day.

Camille, your autograph books are wonderful! I can't understand why you say you aren't the crafty type! Those ribbons look gorgeous and must have taken a lot of patience to complete! Also the count down calendar: It's much too nice to not keep it up after your trip!

Thank you for your sweet words. I guess I see things through a perfectionists eye when it comes to my crafting/artistic abilities, my mom is an artist and I couldn't even touch what's she's able to do (she pretty much turns everything to gold that she tries new- it's amazing). Like I said, the kids are happy and I guess that's all that should matter. The ribbons took a bit of time, but Mackie and I had it down to an art on cutting them and then dove tailing them. I should have mentioned she helped with the books by helping with cutting the ribbons and painting in the black paint on Tyler's book and then later the decoupage over it. She did a great job.

AKL really is my overall favourite resort, but I am a bit partial to African design anyway. My ex-boyfriend (and still a very dear friend today) is a historian specialising in African history, he took me to Namibia and started me on being interested in Africa. I have quite a few African things in my appartment...

I have a girlfriend who she and her sister were born in Nigeria (in a small village that had never seen a white person let alone have two born there-they even named two of their streets after them ) she also collects African art. She has some pretty great stuff from all over the world. Her dad worked a job that took him all over the world. We talked about doing a trip every other year with a group of us gals upon turning 40, each person would have a turn planning it and where it would be. WDW would have been the place I would have picked (of course ) and AKL would have been the resort I would have picked to honor where my friend was born. I think she would love it!! I would say it's my fav, but I've only seen AKL and GF so far.

I imigine myself being very much the same way. I suspect that not many, if any, of the pix on the boards really give one the full perspective of the grandeur. Kind of like trying to capture the Grand Canyon or something.

Well put.

I gotta tell ya, I'm really impressed with the creativity on this thread! First your "Minnie" (yes I know, you had a little help) and then Camilles autograph books and countdown poster? Very cool, girls!

Liesa's books are so cute and well done. Thank you for the nice compliments.

I would think it would be cheaper to knock them down and start over.... but what do I know?

Either way, I don't care as long as I can stay there and see it when it's finished.


I know Liesa answered this for you... unbelievable right?

Yes she did. Weird huh?

LOL I've never heard that one before... but I think it's called the kiddie pool.

Hey Rebecca! I completely understand how work gets in the way. I've actually been really busy too with pricing and sorting!! Get this... the same buyer who took our extensive children's library also wants our Classics shelf AND the miscellaneous homeschooling stuff!! WOOT- another $150- KA CHING!

This is great!! Way to go lady, your a selling fool!

43 is well embraced- I am boss!

I really thought Camille did a fabulous job on the books- she's far too modest to say she's not crafty.

I appreciate your compliments, you make me blush. A girl does what she can.

Hey guys, I have a prayer request:

Most of you know Lauren and her family - Lauren's Mom, Lisa, takes call each night for her job so that she can stay home with Lauren and William.

She basically lost her job today. They are eliminating her position.

To say that the past year has been hard for them would be a major understatement and now they are dealing with this.

Please pray for Lisa - that she would have clarity regarding what to do and for their family, of course.

Thanks!!

Of course Maroo. Praying.

 

[yinyanggirls]

I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope things start looking up soon!

 

[All7OfUs]

Popcorn and a movie...now that's something we've not done in a while. But I think it will have to wait. Mark is umpping a baseball game tonight (if the fields have dried enough from all the rain this week), so I think I'll work on an update to my PTR.

Frosting. Choco cupcakes.

The Magnificant 7 was, well... magnificent as always. Ahhhh........ Yul Brenner- be still my heart.

The cupcakes were a bit hit, but they were pretty pathetic looking as I had already thrown out the sprinkles and had ONE tiny little candle left. Poor Mikki really got the short end of the stick this birthday.

Next year, though, I"ll make up for it in a huge way with a blowout Sweet 16 party for her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MIKKI!!! May all your wishes come true!! Birthday Blessings!!

(Hijack update Called last night - special needs moved us to YC, blocked an HC room, with a fabulous std room location! 4th floor, overlooking lakeside entrance to the lobby - will be prettily decorated for the holiday. Might even see a teensy peek of water from the room if we look sideways...hey, I;m sideways most of the time anyway!)

Mikki is my uber spartan- type kid. I think she really didn't mind a quiet movie at home and a simple cupcake.

I really hope you'll like YC! I think Crissy said one of her favorite trees was there all decorated with sailboats. Your room location sounds fabulous!! and you'll be close to EPCOT- BIG bonus!

Please pray for Lisa - that she would have clarity regarding what to do and for their family, of course.

Thanks!!

Already have been!!

I have a girlfriend who she and her sister were born in Nigeria (in a small village that had never seen a white person let alone have two born there-they even named two of their streets after them ) she also collects African art. She has some pretty great stuff from all over the world. Her dad worked a job that took him all over the world. We talked about doing a trip every other year with a group of us gals upon turning 40, each person would have a turn planning it and where it would be. WDW would have been the place I would have picked (of course ) and AKL would have been the resort I would have picked to honor where my friend was born. I think she would love it!! I would say it's my fav, but I've only seen AKL and GF so far.

[/COLOR]

We've been in many villages who've never seen a North American either. It's an odd feeling being on this side of the situation.

I think the music, rhythm and color draws me to Africa most!

I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope things start looking up soon!

They sure could use a break.

 

[All7OfUs]

WARNING: MAROO! STOP READING RIGHT HERE! THIS POST IS NOT FOR YOU!!

Most of those we work with have never had a bath. EVER. It is a luxury that is completely beyond their reach financially and logistically. Soaking in a full, hot tub of water will likely never be a place for them to contemplate their dreams or chase their fantasies. I guess I should consider myself lucky, I get a nice, hot, steaming bath whenever I want one. Imagine! I can even toss in some scented salts ort take a frothy, self-indulgent dip almost at a moment’s notice- well, that is if my teens haven’t drained the tank within the last couple hours.

Last night was no different. After a long day of work, packing up more of our stuff, I drew myself a bath to soothe my cluttered mind and aching back. Everything was going great, the rose scented bath bomb was dissolving nicely, a quick glance in the mirror was mercifully interrupted by a knock on the door that I blissfully ignored, and I eased myself on in. Ahhh, the delicious warmth soaking in to the muscles that had earlier jogged further than they have in oh, say, 15 years. Paradise in 14 square feet.

As I lay there thinking about how I wish my local friends, whose lives would never include this sort of pampering, I noticed-----a floatie!!! Not even one, but three!!! Upon closer inspection, I realized that 3 pieces of grated cheese had wormed their way into MY space. 3 small, yet utterly disconcerting strings of cheese that had now melted into little soft cheese balls were lazily floating in MY bath. How they got there is really no big mystery. The bathtub drain apparatus came with a plug, but the kitchen sink did not. So we use the same drain plug for both. Back and forth it makes its way from sink to tub carrying with it anything that happens to be a cling on. Yes, I should check it before putting it to use in its bath-tubby function, but sometimes such simple logistics are overlooked, and that, my friends, can make for a dicey bath time situation.

So there I was; just me and my floaties. I was grossed out, but not totally. I got rid of the few that were obvious and annoying, and did the only sensible thing. I grabbed a candle, lit it, and doused the light. I not only had an even MORE calming and restful bath, but I also could no longer see the cheeseballs I was co-bathing with. Definitely a win-win situation in my book. Moral of the story?? Have a candle nearby when you only have 1 drain plug; that way you won’t have to streak across the house to get one when floaties invade your space.

Now, you might be asking, "What on EARTH does this have to do with your trip?!?" You need to understand that this whole incident got my to waxing sentimental on my trip and what it means to me. As I lay there in the candle-lit dimness thinking on my incredible blessings to just even have a bath at all, I also couldn't help but to look forward to the 12 days where unlimited hot water runs freely in well-drained pipes; no children knocking on the bathroom door; a Basin store within free bus distance!; and best of all NO cheeseball floaties to share my space!

In conclusion, I wanted to share the almost finished product of the gift basket products with you. My mom is adding some scented bath salts and small votive candles, and I'll pick up some choco when it gets closer. Mom also said she picked up some super cute baskets to put it all in after I get back. I must say, I am so happy to have them done and packed away!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally Posted by maroo
Hey guys, I have a prayer request:

Most of you know Lauren and her family - Lauren's Mom, Lisa, takes call each night for her job so that she can stay home with Lauren and William.

She basically lost her job today. They are eliminating her position.

To say that the past year has been hard for them would be a major understatement and now they are dealing with this.

Please pray for Lisa - that she would have clarity regarding what to do and for their family, of course.

Thanks!!

Holding these dear ones very near in heartfelt prayer.