Confessions of a Disboard Dropout...New chapter 3/14

[pkondz]

A little behind, but catching up.

DRAWL???? Chicago DRAWL????? ahem.. drawl is southern, as in Blake and deedede (aka buzz) or LexMelinda (a KY alumni from nebo's older TRs.)
we speak normally. the rest of you have accents.

She said with a Chicago drawl...

Just watch out for the one's they call Pkondz and T_Man. Well not so much T_Man as the other guy.

What other guy??

A student you say. Hmmmm.

I don't have a student of my own, but I wonder if I can borrow one for the day.

Hey Ponzi, you're the one person I kinda know that has a student that might meet these qualifications. Can I borrow yours for the day? Just make sure to enroll her in the Disney College Program first.

1. Get in line, bub.
2. She's not eligible.... yet.

TWANG???!!!

I will say, nebo and I come from the "intelligent" area of chicago.. in that we don't say "de's, dem's and doe's ala the Dalys. and we do NOT say "youse" as in "youse guys" (and I gave up my machine gun years ago!)

She said with a Chicago twang...

Monkston had a small solo in her chorus concert at school this week. I can't believe how fearless she's become.

http://youtu.be/dq1sqLzc6YM

That was great! You must've been just about bursting with pride.

And now, I'm off to read the latest update!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Well, Sheena is definitely more of the "see what the day brings" type. She is the yin to my yang, not that I'm a planner, because I really am not. However, when it comes to Disney, Laura74 has taught me well. I really hate watching other people doing what I would like to be doing only because they had the forethought to make plans and I am wandering around aimlessly and spotted something cool that I would like to do. So, Laura74 suggested the whole group phone call thing and the months in advance fastpass+ thing and it worked out really really well for us. Just think about going to WDW without restaurant reservations, or better yet, experience attempting to get something decent to eat without reservations and the worst planner will quickly understand the value in planning ahead for a WDW trip. Enough said.

You have learned well, Padiwan (or whatever that is ) I'm planning our first trip with Magic Bands, etc. My first try at linking was to invite myself to be DH's friend on MDE. Guess what? That page could not be found. I thought they had fixed the glitches, Not making me too happy right now, but I totally get the need for planning, and it's half the fun for me.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Aunt Laura. Oh. you're not my aunt. Hi Laura74! At least you've made it to the airport, so I'm confident there will be a trip here. I'm glad Mr Squid was able to fix the suitcase handle. It would be crazy to try and re-pack at the last minute. I think it's always okay to show your Nerdy side when it comes to Disney! I'm going to be planning my boss's trip for next Spring - I'm so excited because I get to plan to trips, but only spend my money on one!

Great job on the solo, Monkston. You have a beautiful voice

 

[smidgy]

Excalibur in reverse!!!!

 

[smidgy]

I can't believe you ran into the queen bee of the PTO at the airport. that's like the head market day lady.. or the belle of the soccer moms... OR the prom queen, ala the movie "heathers" .

I actually like the way that conversation ended, with her not knowing about swim suits n the carrion......

I still like not having to worry about the bags. 2 problems.. twice we have gotten sunburned that first day, waiting for our room poolside (we were poolside, not the room tee hee). I just leave the sunblock in the checked bag cause it's liquid . I suppose Icould do the 3/3/1/ thing..

the other problem is the OTHER liquids!!! (our whiskey, vodka, etc) ok, it's been a couple hours.. WHERE is our luggage?? one trip we were by the computer pool at pop century and I SAW our luggage at the bottom of a luggage cart aguy was wheeling around. but.. he wasn't going towards OUR building.. nay,. nay (shout out) I ran over and said "those our OUR suitcase!!! I would like them please!"
of course he wouldn't just hand them over. so I ran back to the room , retrieved the proper paperwork, and he still wouldn't hand them over. .. it wasn't my turn
but.. but.. I am here .seeI amtouching my lugggage, it is mine, here is the proof. I know it's on the bottom, but I will remove all the other luggage and then put it back.
nope Barney Fife had to deliver the luggage in the proper order. .. sigh... "can I just dig around in there for a couple shots of vodka to put in my mug?" he was not amused.

 

[smidgy]

to both Laura AND Shannon.. I HATE being late. despise it. every trip nebo and I argue about what time the taxi should pick us up.
um, if you forget a very importatn bag 150 miles out when you are driving (not that anyone has done that before...... you can turn around and retrieve it..

it will be a pain in the butt, your wife will be angry, you will have wasted 3 hours and a whole tank of gas, but!!!! it can be done!

If you are on the way to the airport and the car has a flat tire, or there is an accident ahead of you, or YOU get in an accident, .. they will NOT wait the airplane for you!!!.. I rest my case.


I would like to respond to Ponzies remarks.. but.. I am not speaking to him.. if I speak he might accuse me of speaking with a swahili accent.. or!! slurring...

 

[laura74]

Great update Laura!

I can so relate to the late thing. I hate it! Cant' handle it.

I wish I could be more nonchalant about time. I don’t like to think about how many hours of my life I’ve spent waiting for people. Thank God for iPhone!

Always hide the Disney Nerdiness. People just do not need to know that. I don't have time to plan their trips for them-I'm too busy writing about my last one on a Disney fan site.

I know what you mean. A few years ago I helped my neighbors out by giving them some plans and making ADRs for them. It worked out well for them. So well that they were telling other neighbors that I had special Disney trip planning software and that they should see me to help plan their trips.

I know what you mean. We use all the abbreviations when we are talking as a family, but out and about, I try not to be overwhelming. Maybe I should stop wearing my Mickey tie-dye because I get too many questions about WDW that no one really wants to hear the answer to anyway.

I’m often confused by some of the more obscure abbreviations. I read some trip reports and there are abbreviations for stores and restaurants and I have to put on my thinking cap to figure out what the heck they’re talking about.

That was a fun update, Laura, thanks!

I never had to worry about vacationing at Disney, I think hubby would kill me it I suggested it. BUT, we are leaving in a week on a Disney cruise. I have my packing list made, but luckily we won't have to worry about airplanes.

You’re so lucky! Have a great time and tell us all about it when you get back!

OH, and as an FYI for everyone, Disney is just now starting testing Direct-to-Room, meaning if you are going via ME and have your Magic Band, you will be texted your room number and can totally bypass the Front Desk IF you so choose.

Interesting. How do the cast members feel about that? Does that mean jobs will be going away or redirected?

A little behind, but catching up .

Ponzi! Welcome back! I hope Ottawa was great.

Ha! A little behind! I’m sure if I wrote that you’d have something to say about it!

That was great! You must've been just about bursting with pride.

Watched it with tears in my eyes. I can’t believe how brave she is.

You have learned well, Padiwan (or whatever that is ) I'm planning our first trip with Magic Bands, etc. My first try at linking was to invite myself to be DH's friend on MDE. Guess what? That page could not be found. I thought they had fixed the glitches, Not making me too happy right now, but I totally get the need for planning, and it's half the fun for me.

Good luck! We had so much trouble linking everyone. If you’re still having trouble call them and the tech people can hopefully solve the problem. Or you could save your complaints for the concierge desk and maybe they’ll hook you up with some fast passes or something.

Hi Aunt Laura. Oh. you're not my aunt. Hi Laura74! At least you've made it to the airport, so I'm confident there will be a trip here. I'm glad Mr Squid was able to fix the suitcase handle. It would be crazy to try and re-pack at the last minute..

I don’t even know how I would do it.

I'm going to be planning my boss's trip for next Spring - I'm so excited because I get to plan to trips, but only spend my money on one!

That should get you a nice bonus!

Great job on the solo, Monkston. You have a beautiful voice:thumbsup

So proud..

I can't believe you ran into the queen bee of the PTO at the airport. that's like the head market day lady.. or the belle of the soccer moms... OR the prom queen, ala the movie "heathers" .

I actually like the way that conversation ended, with her not knowing about swim suits n the carrion......

So I just did a search for “head market day lady” and this is what came up.

I still like not having to worry about the bags. 2 problems.. twice we have gotten sunburned that first day, waiting for our room poolside (we were poolside, not the room tee hee). I just leave the sunblock in the checked bag cause it's liquid . I suppose Icould do the 3/3/1/ thing..

That’s one of the reasons I like to go get our bags. We are usually at the pool or somewhere outside waiting for the room and Monkston and I both have really fair skin. I put sunscreen before we leave but I don’t think it lasts long enough if you’re going to go swimming.

the other problem is the OTHER liquids!!! (our whiskey, vodka, etc) ok, it's been a couple hours.. WHERE is our luggage?? one trip we were by the computer pool at pop century and I SAW our luggage at the bottom of a luggage cart aguy was wheeling around. but.. he wasn't going towards OUR building.. nay,. nay (shout out) I ran over and said "those our OUR suitcase!!! I would like them please!"
of course he wouldn't just hand them over. so I ran back to the room , retrieved the proper paperwork, and he still wouldn't hand them over. .. it wasn't my turn
but.. but.. I am here .seeI amtouching my lugggage, it is mine, here is the proof. I know it's on the bottom, but I will remove all the other luggage and then put it back.
nope Barney Fife had to deliver the luggage in the proper order. .. sigh... "can I just dig around in there for a couple shots of vodka to put in my mug?" he was not amused.

That is so funny and so frustrating!

to both Laura AND Shannon.. I HATE being late. despise it. every trip nebo and I argue about what time the taxi should pick us up.
um, if you forget a very importatn bag 150 miles out when you are driving (not that anyone has done that before...... you can turn around and retrieve it..

it will be a pain in the butt, your wife will be angry, you will have wasted 3 hours and a whole tank of gas, but!!!! it can be done!

If you are on the way to the airport and the car has a flat tire, or there is an accident ahead of you, or YOU get in an accident, .. they will NOT wait the airplane for you!!!.. I rest my case.

I remember that story!

Interesting. I thought after reading T-Man’s report that you were both pretty conscious about being on time.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Well look at that! You are famous already - trending on GOOGLE and everything!!!!

 

[smidgy]

nebo IS, for parks, rides, etc. but he hates being at the airport. he's like "what are you , afraid they won't have a seat for us?"

well. sometimes they are overbooked. OR if you don't get in line to board son enough, there might not be room for your carry on. I've seen people have to check their carry ons.

come to think of it Laura, there is no predicting nebo.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Interesting. How do the cast members feel about that? Does that mean jobs will be going away or redirected

Potentially some Front Desk jobs might go if there enough people doing that (which I highly doubt), but Disney is always hiring, and a lot of college program students for 6 months, so nobody will lose their job.

 

[MisterSquid]

Thank You Tammie

("I'm glad Mr Squid was able to fix the suitcase handle."). I simply took a chapter out of Druid's scientific approach to dealing with problems of this nature... like a stuck handle.

I turned Laura's 50 lbs. suitcase of hair products at 180-degree angle and dropped it onto the concrete.

I owe my success in this endeavor... to gravity.

Also, I am not Grumpy.

I'm "Logicky" the oft-forgotten, extra-ordinarily tall, sensible member of the dwarf team. The one who would have LOCKED THE DOOR when we all hi-ho'd it to work!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thank You Tammie

("I'm glad Mr Squid was able to fix the suitcase handle."). I simply took a chapter out of Druid's scientific approach to dealing with problems of this nature... like a stuck handle.

I turned Laura's 50 lbs. suitcase of hair products at 180-degree angle and dropped it onto the concrete.

I owe my success in this endeavor... to gravity.

Also, I am not Grumpy.

I'm "Logicky" the oft-forgotten, extra-ordinarily tall, sensible member of the dwarf team. The one who would have LOCKED THE DOOR when we all hi-ho'd it to work!

Now you went and gave away your secrets when we could have all kept thinking you were an engineering genius (not that you aren't )

Oh LOGICKY! That makes more sense - SOMEONE has to do the practical things while the rest of us dance and play all day!!!

 

[laura74]

nebo IS, for parks, rides, etc. but he hates being at the airport. he's like "what are you , afraid they won't have a seat for us?"

well. sometimes they are overbooked. OR if you don't get in line to board son enough, there might not be room for your carry on. I've seen people have to check their carry ons.

come to think of it Laura, there is no predicting nebo.

But Smidgy, what I really need to know is what is a head market day lady? Google doesn’t even know.

Thank You Tammie

("I'm glad Mr Squid was able to fix the suitcase handle."). I simply took a chapter out of Druid's scientific approach to dealing with problems of this nature... like a stuck handle.

I turned Laura's 50 lbs. suitcase of hair products at 180-degree angle and dropped it onto the concrete.

I owe my success in this endeavor... to gravity.

Also, I am not Grumpy.

I'm "Logicky" the oft-forgotten, extra-ordinarily tall, sensible member of the dwarf team. The one who would have LOCKED THE DOOR when we all hi-ho'd it to work!

If Logicky had been there the dwarves wouldn’t have had free maid service, dinner and dancing.

 

[smidgy]

Ih! I thought you were joking. Market day in Illinois is monthly, you order food from order sheets, and it all comes in.. the "market day ladies" (volunteers) run it and put together your orders. it's mayhem. I think the food is a little pricey, but some love it.. some of the proceeds goes to the school (pto? not sure)

as in most volunterr orginzations, there are always a few people who are "in charge". some people let it go to their heads (I know, they do a lot of work)

I was just imagining running into the "big cheese" of Market day.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Ih! I thought you were joking. Market day in Illinois is monthly, you order food from order sheets, and it all comes in.. the "market day ladies" (volunteers) run it and put together your orders. it's mayhem. I think the food is a little pricey, but some love it.. some of the proceeds goes to the school (pto? not sure)

as in most volunterr orginzations, there are always a few people who are "in charge". some people let it go to their heads (I know, they do a lot of work)

I was just imagining running into the "big cheese" of Market day.

That's funny! "Those" ladies will always have the big clipboard and make sure everyone knows they are in charge!

I have never heard of "Market Day" either. I wonder if that's where my DMIL gets it, though. Her mother was from up your way, and she always describes grocery shopping, as "getting a large grocery order." I've never asked her about it, because I thought she would get defensive. Maybe that's how her mom shopped way back when.

 

[smidgy]

could be , or maybe she just had her groceries delivered. In chicago, you could do that. I would put todd in the stroller, walk to Gikas Bros. grocery store, buy my stuff, adn they would deliver it! it was a 4 flight walk up so I would tip well.

when hubby dragged me kicking and scraming out of the city, 45 miles Northwest in the boonies, I walked with Todd and had baby Jeremykn the stroller to the Eagles store (we only had one car). after I paid I started to give them my address for delivery. they looked at me like I had a 3rd eye.

me "what do you mean you don't deliver???!! what kind of God forsaken place has my husband dragged me to?" (they held my groceries till nebo got home from work. ) I wil never again be without my own car....

 

[pkondz]

Hey Laura,
Just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you.
But I just spent the last 3 hours or more on updating my own TR and now I'm too beat to comment on yours.
But I hope to tomorrow, okay?
Wait.... that's today now.

I'm tired. Let's leave it at that.

(In the meantime, go read my update while you wait. See? I'm thinking of you, here.)

 

[laura74]

Ih! I thought you were joking. Market day in Illinois is monthly, you order food from order sheets, and it all comes in.. the "market day ladies" (volunteers) run it and put together your orders. it's mayhem. I think the food is a little pricey, but some love it.. some of the proceeds goes to the school (pto? not sure)

as in most volunterr orginzations, there are always a few people who are "in charge". some people let it go to their heads (I know, they do a lot of work)

I was just imagining running into the "big cheese" of Market day.

Ah, interesting. Where does the food come in? Do they deliver it to your house or do you have to pick up your order?

could be , or maybe she just had her groceries delivered. In chicago, you could do that. I would put todd in the stroller, walk to Gikas Bros. grocery store, buy my stuff, adn they would deliver it! it was a 4 flight walk up so I would tip well.

when hubby dragged me kicking and scraming out of the city, 45 miles Northwest in the boonies, I walked with Todd and had baby Jeremykn the stroller to the Eagles store (we only had one car). after I paid I started to give them my address for delivery. they looked at me like I had a 3rd eye.

me "what do you mean you don't deliver???!! what kind of God forsaken place has my husband dragged me to?" (they held my groceries till nebo got home from work. ) I wil never again be without my own car....

Funny!

Hey Laura,
Just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you.
But I just spent the last 3 hours or more on updating my own TR and now I'm too beat to comment on yours.
But I hope to tomorrow, okay?
Wait.... that's today now.

I'm tired. Let's leave it at that.

(In the meantime, go read my update while you wait. See? I'm thinking of you, here.)

Take your time, Ponzi! Enjoyed your update!

 

[shan23877]

I can back Smidgy up here. The Market Day ladies are an interesting bunch. In fact, I usually don't buy it because I don't want to deal with them. You order, and then they have a certain evening that you have to pick it up-at least at Maddie's school that's how it works. Some of the food is good, but it's crazy over-priced.

 

[pkondz]

Beep…beep…beep…

Ugh! 4am? Wait … this isn’t a work day. Do over!

Beep…beep…beep…

Ugh! 3:30am? On a Saturday?

I know just how you feel!
There's nothing worse than when you're trying to catch up on some much needed sleep and there's some doofus in a truck backing up.

We’re going to Disney World!

Ah! So the beeping truck in reverse was actually a good thing.
Next time, try using an alarm.

I take my time getting ready.

So you could've hit snooze a half dozen more times?

Confession #6: Most things I do quickly. Getting ready isn’t one of ’em.

Shocked! Shocked I am! :

After enough primping (is there ever enough?),

Heavens no! Sometimes it takes me over an hour just to get to the point where I feel I can start.

Well, okay. That's because Ruby's in the bathroom ahead of me... but still.

I screw up the courage to poke the bear.

“Squid,” I whisper sweetly. “Time to get up.”
“Ugh. Grumble, grumble grumble,” as the blankets go over his head.

On to my next victim...

“Monko,” I whisper sweetly. “Time to get up.”
“Ugh. Grumble, grumble grumble,” as the blankets go over her head.

I wonder if they're related?

What happened to my little early bird? Now that she’s 12, she’s too cool to go to bed early. She stays up late curled up with her iPhone these days.

Oh.
That refrain sounds awfully familiar.

“Squid!” I cry, not so sweetly. “Time to get up!!!”
“Grumble, grumble, grumble.”

“Monko! Get up!”


That seemed to do the trick as they actually take the blankets off their heads.

Air sirens.
Cold water.
Screaming.

Just trying to help.

Nope. Not budging. I’m no weakling! I work out! (If my brother is reading this he just rolled his eyes and said, “Again with the Jillian Michaels talk…”)

She is at that age when Mom doesn’t know how to do anything.

So that narrows it down to anywhere from 5 to 105.

“Yeah, knock yourself out, kid.”

She tries and fails.

And a little part of you feels smug right then, right?

We are getting dangerously close to being on time here. That is almost late in my book.

You and me both.... you and me both.

He sighs out to the hall and tries the handle. Not budging for him either. This is like Excaliber in reverse!

So some fantastical aquatic creature took it and plunged it into a lake?

He tries again. I’m panicking. What are we going to do?

No worries. Just cancel the trip.

Aren't I helpful?
I am nothing if not helpful.

I go get Monkston’s stuff and see him outside on the porch attacking my bag like the Samsonite gorilla. I hope my belongings survive.

Please tell me he was making hooting sounds too.

He huffs in and produces the bag…
With the handle down! My hero!

Ha! I'm way ahead of you.
Gravity is your hero.

We finally get on the road. We’re almost to the entrance ramp to the highway.

“I think I forgot my sunglasses,” Squid says. He has been known to say this with said sunglasses on his head but this time he’s not wearing them.

Ugh. We were so close.

I like that. "We were so close."

You're lucky though.
I always remember stuff that I've forgotten... when it's way too late.

Like on the plane. In the hotel. Etc.

We’re just a little behind schedule. Not early like I like, but not L-word yet.

Lazy?

See how luxurious!

Beautiful.

And how about a drink in the swanky Sky Lounge?

Whoa. I can picture Frank, Deano and Sammy sipping martinis there.

Monkson and I sit on the curb and watch carload after carload of people park their vehicles and walk toward the terminal. Carload after carload of people that will be ahead of us in line.

And each one of them eats at your soul.

Deny it if you can.

I feel the dewy morning air gently frizz my hair.

NO! Not the hair!!! Anything but that!
Here! Take my kid, but leave the hair alone!!!!

“Where is he? What could he possibly be doing?”
“Mommy! Calm down!”
“I am calm. I was just wondering where Daddy is.”
“You are not. You’re nervous.”
“Am not.”
“Are too.”
“Am…oh never mind.”

She's right.
You're wrong.
Move on.

The shuttle bus comes by and the driver asks if we want to get in. This is a perfectly logical question to ask of people standing with their luggage. I have no logical answer. I say no thanks.

You're waiting for a magic carpet of course.

Gotta keep the destination in mind here, folks.

Finally, FINALLY, I see a familiar hat above the cars in the distance.

“Come on!!”

He looks at me like I’m crazy.

oooohhhhh....

Nope. I'm not touching that one.


Nope.

Squid takes the bag with the untrustworthy handle and carries it the hard way…off the ground. I see him straining. It’s probably pretty darn close to 50 pounds. I hope his back doesn’t give out.

Nah. That sort of thing only happens in the movies.

This is not like any airport I’ve ever been in. It looks like a small bus terminal. There are two planes parked outside.

Does one of them have only one engine?
With a <gasp> propeller?

“Don’t look at my hair,” she says to me. “It’s such a mess.”

Laura resists the urge to throttle Queen bee.

It's interesting that she worries about what I think about her hair. I guess we’re all not so different. Her hair looks fine to me just as I’m sure mine does to her.

Except, of course, for the painfully obvious frizziness.

“You’re so lucky to have curly hair," she says. "You just wash and go.”

"Local former PTO president found, at airport, beaten within an inch of her life."

I stop myself from launching into a conversation about the trials of curly hair…the products, the drying methods, the angst and just sort of wave it off.

Your restraint is admirable.

She also has a gorgeous Tory Burch bag that I covet. Of course I want to be her best friend.

Ah.
No bag. No friendship.
Gotcha.

“You know a lot about Disney, don’t you?”

Rats! My Disney nerdiness is showing. Turn it down a notch, Laura 74.

Red flag! Red flag! Full reverse!

Yes, I know you can put swimsuits in the carry-on. Done that. I just want all my stuff.

She looks a bit panicked. I guess she didn’t know to put a change of clothes in her carry-on. Her wedge heels and long pants will not be comfortable in the parks…or at the pool.

Heh. That's telling her!

“Oh, I’m sure your bags will show up quickly!”

And they probably will.

Yeah. Probably.

Shoot.

Thanks for the chapter, Laura!