Double the Anniversaries, Double the Fun! Jan 2013 PTR | TR HAS STARTED! 2/13

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your weekend at Mt. Rainier looks so nice! Hahahahahaha I figured I couldn't see the bear either!!

Hope you have a good time in Boston!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Dani,

I peeked into your ptr ... since I thought Doubling the fun always sounds good... and I'm really enjoying it...

Hmmm... in no particular order...

Wow... you live in a gorgeous part of the country... I've only gotten as far north on the Pacific Coast as San Francisco... I think the whole Bay area is lovely and have always been curious about Seattle and Mt. Ranier ... and your photos were gorgeous ... I'm not really a super hot weather person (except for Orlando) and I have a feeling I'd love the climate there...

We took the tour of the WL years ago and I think they said the Lodge was modeled after the one in Ranier... I'd love to get there... Seattle and Mt. Ranier... Hmmm... sounds like a great trip...

btw... that hat your wearing is too cute...


I want an Oswald pin! and ears too!


Disneyland is awesome... what a great birthday gift... I was there in 2011 and they were working on a lot of the changes to California Adventure... and I am itching to get back there to see Carsland, and the new trolley cars, the Carthay (sp?) theatre... and you're going to get to see the Nightmare BC overlay...

I hope you do write a mini report on Boston... It's probably my favorite East Coast City... I do love NY... but its really intense... I find Boston to be just perfect in its level of intensity...You're sure to have great times in both places...

love, love the Beach Club... so much in fact we just bought DVC points... just a bit ... but its a start... can't wait to stay there in 2 months...


Hmmm... I know I had other things but I've forgotten... time for more coffee...

 

[WyldLynx]

Totally subbing! I just finished your TR "Norway, No Way" and I loved your writing style. So I'm pulling up a chair and some

 

[danimaroo]

Hi guys! I just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive. Tonight is my last night in New York City, so I'm just packing everything up since I need to check out of my hotel before I head to the office.

I plan on catching up on the DIS soon; and I will have plenty of photos to share from both Boston and NYC, promise! I hope everyone is doing well and I can't wait to catch up on all of your PTRs/TRs!

 

[fanofWD]

subbing in!! Have actually read your other PTR and TR as well...they are bedtime stories for my husband and I but we are now caught up!!! need you to update fast(ly) and furious(ly) so we have more good reading material

 

[danimaroo]

Oh my gosh! I didn't even realize that you'd left off the picture! I definitely thought that I was being dumb and overlooking it. HAHA! But that's awesome, thanks for sharing!

I hope you're having fun with your family! Hopefully the east coast is treating you well.

Hahaha no, Matt pointed it out to me and so did you! What a goober I am. The east coast treated me well, but I have to say that I am happy to be home! I am looking forward to sharing my little adventures here shortly!

I thought I just couldn't see the bear so didn't want to say anything!!

Hahaha, no, I am a dork and totally left it out!

Your weekend at Mt. Rainier looks so nice! Hahahahahaha I figured I couldn't see the bear either!!

Hope you have a good time in Boston!

Hahahaha, I'm still laughing about it. We really had an amazing weekend away though! I had a good time in Boston seeing my family, and plan on updating about it all here shortly!

Hey Dani,

I peeked into your ptr ... since I thought Doubling the fun always sounds good... and I'm really enjoying it...

Hmmm... in no particular order...

Wow... you live in a gorgeous part of the country... I've only gotten as far north on the Pacific Coast as San Francisco... I think the whole Bay area is lovely and have always been curious about Seattle and Mt. Ranier ... and your photos were gorgeous ... I'm not really a super hot weather person (except for Orlando) and I have a feeling I'd love the climate there...

We took the tour of the WL years ago and I think they said the Lodge was modeled after the one in Ranier... I'd love to get there... Seattle and Mt. Ranier... Hmmm... sounds like a great trip...

btw... that hat your wearing is too cute...

I want an Oswald pin! and ears too!

Disneyland is awesome... what a great birthday gift... I was there in 2011 and they were working on a lot of the changes to California Adventure... and I am itching to get back there to see Carsland, and the new trolley cars, the Carthay (sp?) theatre... and you're going to get to see the Nightmare BC overlay...

I hope you do write a mini report on Boston... It's probably my favorite East Coast City... I do love NY... but its really intense... I find Boston to be just perfect in its level of intensity...You're sure to have great times in both places...

love, love the Beach Club... so much in fact we just bought DVC points... just a bit ... but its a start... can't wait to stay there in 2 months...

Hmmm... I know I had other things but I've forgotten... time for more coffee...

I'm so glad you've decided to join me! I do love living in the PNW; it's a beautiful part of the country! You should totally come visit here sometime; I bet you would love it! It does get rainy in the winter, but I don't mind that over the snow. The summers and falls are absolutely gorgeous here, too.

You are so right about the WL/Paradise comparison! I'm telling you, if you ever visit Mt. Rainier and go inside the Paradise Inn, you can totally tell Disney got inspiration from there for the design of WL. I almost bought the hat up there but I have so many, I had to stop myself.

They sell Oswald ears in the parks now apparently!

I can't wait to go to Disneyland. There are so many things I am excited for with going there, I don't know where to begin! Being in a Disney park around Christmas time is like a dream come true, and with all of the new additions, I'm sure we'll have a blast.

I am doing a mini-TR of both Boston and New York! I'm excited to share it here shortly. NYC was definitely intense but really fun to visit. I think by the time I left though, I was ready to go home!

I am so jealous of your DVC points! We're thinking about getting DVC down the line, as well, and would definitely look at buying into Beach Club! OMG, pay attention to my mini-TR, because I am going to blow your mind with a discovery I made during my NYC trip that involves Beach Club!

Thanks again for joining/commenting! I'm so excited to have you here!

Totally subbing! I just finished your TR "Norway, No Way" and I loved your writing style. So I'm pulling up a chair and some

Aww yay! I'm glad you enjoyed my TR so much! I had a blast writing that report and can't WAIT to write more for our upcoming trips! Hope to see more of you around here!

subbing in!! Have actually read your other PTR and TR as well...they are bedtime stories for my husband and I but we are now caught up!!! need you to update fast(ly) and furious(ly) so we have more good reading material

Hahah this post made my day! I love that my other TR/PTRs were bedtime stories for you guys! I'm the same way with TRs, so it totally makes my day that mine became a bedtime story for someone else!

Don't worry, I have a new update coming up here in a few minutes! Glad you've commented and are reading along!!

 

[danimaroo]

As some of you may or may not know, I am FINALLY home from my Boston/NYC/east coast tour!

I’m not gonna lie, it’s really nice to be home. I missed Matt and the puppies and our cat way too much.

While both trips were fun in their own ways, by the time I was on the airplane home, I was beyond thrilled to look forward to sleeping in my own bed next to my husband.

But let’s rewind for a moment. I promised you guys a little mini-TR for my trips, so I figure I can provide you guys with that much! There’s a little Disney involved (including discovering the BEACH CLUB SCENT IN SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER/LOTION FORM!!), some creepy characters I ran into in Times Square, and lots of neat stuff along the way… So let’s begin!

I left Matt on Tuesday night, the 25th, and I won’t lie, I was pretty sad to be leaving him and the puppies. I don't like traveling alone very much, and lately we've just been needing each other for support, so to be leaving him just bummed us both out.

Tears were shed, but we knew it'd be fine once we finally just said our goodbyes, haha.

Once I got through security, which was a total breeze, I walked into a pretty deserted airport… I'll tell ya, the airports are dead at night!

The one thing that kept my spirits up was listening to Mumford and Sons’ new album, Babel. I’m a huge, huge fan of them, so this kept me going while I waited for my flight…

I had a red-eye from Seattle to JFK, then needed to catch a flight from JFK to Boston. My flights were pretty uneventful; I made friends with the guy sitting next to me to pass the time before I passed out.

I am pretty sure I also watched a Top Chef Masters marathon on my long flight. Oh and my JFK-BOS flight was all of 38 minutes, hahaha.

I finally got into Boston around 7am or so, and made my way to pick up my rental car.

I’ve rented cars before, but only with Matt around, so this was kind of new for me, haha. It made me feel like such an adult!

They gave me a Toyota Corolla and I was on my way, even though I'm pretty sure I initially got a little lost.

Once I finally got on the road to head to my Mom’s condo, I got stuck in traffic, of course. BUT, this was a good thing because I finally got a photo of the inflatable lock up on this building!

Okay, you guys have to understand that when I was little, I was OBSESSED with checking if the lock was on whenever we drove into Boston.

My mom told me how people would shoot it with BB guns so that’s why it sometimes wouldn’t be on the building, but this time, IT WAS ON.

It’s the little things, with me, I swear.

My Mom moved into a condo last December... but what is funny is that it's in the same complex where we lived 10 years ago…

So coming back here was a bit weird for me, since I had some funny memories of this place when I was in high school… but it was really nice to be back at the beach again.

The layout of the condo is the EXACT SAME, and her unit is 5 floors directly above the one she had 10 years ago. It seriously felt like deja vu walking in there and seeing the swirly staircase!

Both my sister Brianna and my Mom wouldn’t be home until the next day, so I was home alone. I didn't mind since I was exhausted from my flight and wanted some time to get settled in...

I did, of course, get some Dunkin Donuts and relaxed on the couch, and also enjoyed the view from my Mom’s balcony.

I saw my Dad that afternoon/evening, and we enjoyed some really good Italian food, along with watched Survivor.

We were talking a lot about things going on, so I didn't get to take any photos. But trust me when I say that my eggplant parm and cannoli were absolutely delicious!

Thursday I spent most of my day working, which was fine since my Mom and sister wouldn’t be home until late, and work kind of exploded so I needed to get stuff done. My boss ended up letting me call it not a vacation day, so it was all good in my book!

My sister got home from school (she’s a senior in college) that night, so we caught up on life until my older brother and SIL stopped by so I could meet my little niece Melina!

OMG guys, she is so stinkin’ cute!

So basically I just want to eat her up. She’s like a little mini adult. I was so happy to meet her and spend some time with my brother and SIL!

My younger brother also stopped by later on, and it was good to catch up with him.

Our relationship’s been rocky for a while but I was happy to see him and just talk about some of our crazy antics from when we were little kids.

Friday, I can’t really remember what the heck we did Friday… I think I just went out shopping with Brianna and ran errands/hung out around the condo.

Saturday, my Mom, Brianna and I all were super lazy and watched Lifetime movies all day, until we finally decided to go out to dinner.

Darn Lifetime movies always suck you in, don’t they?!

We had a nice time at dinner together. It’s always nice spending time with my Mom and Brianna when I can.

Later that night, I met Brianna’s boyfriend for the first time, and luckily, he’s a super nice guy so he got my approval, hahaha.

My Mom, Brianna, her boyfriend Derek, my younger brother Steven and I all went out to a local place for some drinks/karaoke… but no, I didn’t sing. You have to get a few drinks in me first to get me up there, hahaha.

While I was gone on my trips, Matt and I talked a lot through Facetime, which made being away from him and the animals a bit easier.

OH! I totally forgot to mention this, and it’s kind of a big deal so I have to share it.

On Friday at work, we had our big all-staff meeting, so I missed it since I was in Boston. Buuuut I found out two awesomely awesome things.

Number one, and this is huge, our company has given us unlimited/”self-managed” vacation. Meaning, we can take as much time off as we want, as long as our manager approves it.



UM, THIS IS AMAZING. This means I don’t have to sweat taking time off for Disney in January, or if we want to go back again later in the year, it won’t be a problem.

HOLY COW, this news made me dance!

The other thing is we found out we are getting bonuses in December… so that will definitely provide us some extra money for our trip!

Okay, sorry, back to the TR.

Sunday morning I met up with my friend Leah at this tiny hole in the wall breakfast place down the street.

I had Fried Banana Bread French toast. IT WAS SO GOOD. No photos though, because I was too engrossed in trying to catch up with my best friend!

After I parted ways with Leah, I gave hugs and said goodbye to my family, who I had so much fun visiting with, before heading out to drop off my car and catch my flight.

It’s always hard to say goodbye, especially to my little sister, but I’m hoping she’ll come out and visit us soon.

Before I knew it, I was back to the airport to drop off my car! Of course, on my way, I had to snap a photo of this gas tank thing that’s been in South Boston forever… Totally reminds me of my childhood.

I checked in at Logan airport, where it was totally dead at JetBlue…

And I hopped on a plane off to destination number two of my big solo trip… NEW YORK CITY!

Part Two of my mini-TR is coming up here in the next few days!

 

[marDgreen88]

So, since this was a lot of information at once, I don't remember things that I wanted to say...



BUT, I'm glad you had a nice visit to Boston! Your little niece is just the cutest!!! Also, that's incredible news about yalls FOREVER AND EVER VACATIONS and your BONUSES!!! I mean, I'm so excited for yall that I used that guy, and I never use that guy.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Jealous! We are trying to figure out saving vacation for another Disney trip next year, and my manager would totally be fine with it. The bonus is neat too and should help with all that money you will be "saving" with AP discounts!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Glad to hear you had a great time in Boston!!! And yay for your new vacation time policy!! That's awesome!!!

 

[beachphotog]

Um, jealous of your new vacation policy! I'm sitting here thinking of how I can find a company to work for like that!!

It looks like you had a great time with your family! And that baby... precious!!

 

[Terkina]

I'm glad you had a great time in Boston. I can imagen that talking with Matt and the animals on Facetime made it easier being away from them all.

 

[Breagh]

Can I ask where the picture of your husband in the introduction post was taken? The one of him by the sign that says "Young Travellers no overnight stay in this tower please be accommodated in our hotels and guest lodges"? I absolutely love that sign for some reason

 

[danimaroo]

So, since this was a lot of information at once, I don't remember things that I wanted to say...



BUT, I'm glad you had a nice visit to Boston! Your little niece is just the cutest!!! Also, that's incredible news about yalls FOREVER AND EVER VACATIONS and your BONUSES!!! I mean, I'm so excited for yall that I used that guy, and I never use that guy.

Haha it's all good. But thanks! The trip was really great. And I know, right?! It's like they're saying to us, "GO FORTH AND VACATION AT DISNEY WHENEVER YOU WANT TO!" I may have a much easier time of convincing Matt to do a second WDW trip in 2013, mwahaha... though I act like it's hard to convince him, it's really not.

Jealous! We are trying to figure out saving vacation for another Disney trip next year, and my manager would totally be fine with it. The bonus is neat too and should help with all that money you will be "saving" with AP discounts!

Yeah, I was NOT expecting to have that perk added to my job! And you better bet that those bonuses will help when it comes to saving lots of money with our AP discounts, hahaha.

Glad to hear you had a great time in Boston!!! And yay for your new vacation time policy!! That's awesome!!!

Thank you, we had a great time! And the vacation policy is super awesome. It makes multiple trips to both Disneyland and Disney World WAY easier and doable.

Um, jealous of your new vacation policy! I'm sitting here thinking of how I can find a company to work for like that!!

It looks like you had a great time with your family! And that baby... precious!!

Haha, I guess a lot of companies are starting to do it. It's the new "thing". I couldn't believe it when I heard it though. And I might be biased, but Melina is seriously so freakin' cute. She likes to "talk" even though she's only shy of 2 months.

I'm glad you had a great time in Boston. I can imagen that talking with Matt and the animals on Facetime made it easier being away from them all.

Ah thank you, I had a fantastic trip home! And it really did help; especially when I was alone in my hotel room at night. But I have to say I was beyond thrilled to come home!

Can I ask where the picture of your husband in the introduction post was taken? The one of him by the sign that says "Young Travellers no overnight stay in this tower please be accommodated in our hotels and guest lodges"? I absolutely love that sign for some reason

Haha, you know, I've been WAITING for someone to ask me this question! It's in Animal Kingdom, right near the Kusafiri Coffee Shop! It's right near Kilimanjaro Safari, and there's a little sitting area in the shade. I loved that little area, it was nice and quiet while we ate our croissants and drank some iced coffee for a break.

 

[danimaroo]

So I left off that I was heading to NYC!

True story/side note: I have this knack to run into people I know from Seattle in airports that are NOT in Seattle. I totally ran into an old regular from the coffee shop I used to work at a few years ago on my flight to New York! How random, right?!

Anyway, it took me all of 40 minutes before I was landing in NYC! I wish all flights were that fast, especially to Disney World.

I caught a cab outside after grabbing my luggage, and fortunately for me there was no line!

Holy. Crap. My cab driver was awful.

I mean, I realize I was in NYC but this guy was so bad. I don’t normally get car sick but I was starting to feel fairly certain I was going to puke everywhere due to the stop and go!

It didn’t help it smelled like rotten eggs, so of course I sent a text to Matt about it… and this was his response:

If you couldn’t tell, my husband isn’t a fan of NYC.

After the bad taxi ride, I finally made it to my home for the next 4 days, The Roosevelt Hotel.

I don't know if any of you have seen the movie 1408, but parts of it were filmed here. It's a very creepy movie, and Matt suggested we watch it before I leave... HAHA EXCEPT NO.

If you don't know what it's about, it's basically about a guy who writes books about ghosts/hauntings (played by John Cusack), and hears about this hotel room at a NYC hotel (called the Dolphin, but it's clearly The Roosevelt) that's supposedly evil/haunted or whatever. Room 1408. He finally is able to stay there and well... I won't spoil it, but the room is definitely evil.

We DID watch it when I got home, and it was definitely weird seeing it. I'm glad we didn't watch it before I left though!

ANYWAY, sorry for the side tangent...

I was on the 12th floor, with a view of… BUILDINGS!

Haha but no, my room was actually wonderful. The bed was super huge and super comfy. I was a happy lady.

After I got unpacked, I was itching to go explore and walk down to Times Square. My hotel was only a few blocks away, and I had one store in mind that I wanted to check out, so it only made sense to go check things out!

I threw on my headphones, and listened to Mumford and Sons.

Not to sound like a cheeseball, but do you ever have those moments where you are listening to music and you just kind of get lost in the moment/feel like you’re suddenly in a movie?

For some reason I did as I walked down W 45th towards Times Square listening to my music, so I was having a hard time suppressing a smile. I realize it sounds ridiculous, but it’s totally true.

I finally made it to Times Square and I was in awe. There were so many people and it was so… BRIGHT, even at night!

After marveling at everything, I looked around and realized I wasn’t exactly sure where my final destination was… but then I spotted the massive sign.

Holy canoli, you guys.

This Disney Store is HUGE! Two floors, and SO MUCH STUFF.

I walked around the main downstairs area and looked at tons of things, trying to remember what I wanted to get, before heading upstairs to check out what was up there.

The upstairs was just more of what was downstairs, but you could tell they designed it to fit more people in the store. I mean, even for a Sunday night at like 7:30, there were a TON of people in there.

Anyway, I finally picked out my purchases! I bought Matt Pascal from Tangled, whiiiich I didn’t even take a photo of!

I bought myself one of the little brothers from Brave in bear form, aaand same issue, no photo. Wompwomp.

I DID take a photo of my other purchase though… a Statue of Liberty Minnie Vinylmation! It was on sale for $6, and I’d planned on getting it because it just seemed perfect for my desk at work/Vinylmation collection.

This wasn't my final visit to the store, because there was just way too much for me to look at!

I headed out, stopped by the Swatch store and looked at their watches, then decided to walk back to my hotel since I was pretty tired.

I picked up dinner on my walk back at a local deli, and I have to say it was a pretty decent Chicken Parm Panini!

I finished my first night in NYC by Facetiming with Matt (and watching him give our dogs Frosty Paws, hahaha)… and watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion in bed (please tell me I’m not the only one who’s been sucked into that show!):

Next up: My first day in our NYC office, bowling, and more fun in Times Square!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Loving your East coast trip report... Your niece is ADORABLE!!!

And the Disney store... OMG!!! Amazing!!! I can see why you need to visit it more than once...

 

[marDgreen88]

Ahh, NYC. I do enjoy the city but I get an uneasy feeling there too! I was there last summer and we had to drive and NO NEVER AGAIN TAXI DRIVERS ARE MEAN!

Anyways...

YES, I TOTALLY knew what you mean about feeling like you're in a movie and you suddenly wish everyone could witness it! Do you know what I mean?? Those moments are amazing!

So freaking jealous of your Disney store visit! We used to have at least two Disney stores in my area but they both closed! It's heart breaking, really.

OMG I WANT ONE OF THE BRAVE BROTHERS!!! They are the cutest things ever!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

no, you are DEFINITELY not the only one sucked into the Real Housewives...lol
I keep telling myself I need to stop....LOL

cool that you were back in Boston...your mom's condo does have a great view!
I LOVE the building with the lock on it....being on the North Shore I would only see it when we would head thru Boston on our way to Foxboro for Pats games, I would always look for it...never knew about it being shot at with bb guns???!!!

That Disney store must have been sooo overwhelming...in a good way!
my husband does not like NYC either...so chances of me seeing it are not good...
maybe some day I can talk him into a trip...

 

[sunnysideup3]

Yay! Looks like fun so far! I love the "watch Matt give the dogs Frosty Paws". I have a crazy pants puggle/bassett hound mix that loves her Frosty Paws, so I can imagine how entertaining that is

And I'm a RHONJ-er too. All those shows are addicting!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

LOVING your mini-trip reports! I would LOVE to just walk to Times Square, looks amazing. Your niece is adorable, I'm so glad you got to meet her and spend some time with your family.