Down By The Boardwalk, Out By The Mouse. 3/11 Jen's New PTR Pg. 69

[Happydog]

Hey Jen, I agree with Jackie and Anita -- what a rollercoaster, and often for no reason, but it can be really stressful... Anita is right Science and Math are prime subjects. There is a need and demand. I am sure things will work out, it might take a little time to get it all sorted through with the budget and the hiring and staffing, etc. Hang in there.

 

[manntra]

Hope you are having a good week so far Jen

Positive thoughts headed your way

Tracy

 

[creativeamanda]

Jen: I know how things are for you--we are unsure about my husbands job next year, which really stinks because he is a new National Board Certified teacher. I will kieep your situation in my prayers.

 

[All7OfUs]

Really praying that your faith remains unshaken as you press into His care! Facing an uncertain future is so much better with Him on your side!

 

[pooh'smate]

Jen, I am praying for your job situation. It is hard the not knowing but it is so comforting to know that He is in control.

 

[Roxychica7]

Thinking about you Jen! As a biologist, I understand the difficulties of the job search right now. I really really hope things pull through for you because everyone is right, you are such a great fun person and an even better teacher...crossing those fingers and toes for you!

 

[jenjolt]

Thanks guys for all your warm wishes and prayers! They are very much appreciated!!!!!

We did get some good news last night that they are putting off letting us know about our positions until the end of March...while that makes the waiting game a little longer. The more information and more time they have to really look at next year's budget means I'm less likely to lose my job and that is good news!! Our Board of Trustees also made some good decisions to help our budget with our district's rainy day fund and our state legistlature is moving to pass a bill to access some money from our rainy day fund to help with the budget deficit. So all in all I'm feeling a bit better and the good news is I can enjoy Spring Break. Although I have to be honest I am fixing up my resume and getting things together to apply at other jobs if necessary.

 

[TarzansKat]

I've been reading along and not commenting, but I just wanted to say Jen, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, hon.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Glad to hear that things seem a little bit brighter, Jen!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Hi Jen and Leslie,

It has been ages since I have been on the Dis. I just got caught up reading your report.

Jen-I hope everything works out on the job front. I know that can be stressful. Congratulations on the weight loss!

Leslie-Hope things are going well with you. I am up to 42 pounds with the band! Best decision!

I can't wait to hear all about your adventures on the Boardwalk. DH and I just bought into DVC and we were really hoping to stay there this summer but nothing was available.

Looking forward to another update!

Erika

 

[MeMom]

Hey Jen, do you know of anyone retiring or moving in your department? That could always move you up on the list...

Math and science teachers are always in demand especially good high school teachers that are qualified to teach those areas.

Prayers coming your way for the best possible outcome!
You know they want to keep you....

That was my first thought. In our district, anybody who can retire is doing it! Things are just so 'crappy' around here that nobody wants to put up with it any more if they don't absolutely have to.

I'm sure you are high on the list of people to keep, Jen. I have no doubt that you are an excellent teacher and that your administration will do everything it can to keep you or at least help you find another open spot in the district.

Good thoughts and prayers going out for a most deserving young lady!

 

[MEK]

I'm glad you can enjoy a fairly non stressful spring break. Good luck with the resume update!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I apologize for the lack of updates. I truly do. I'm just so super duper busy right now it's not even funny!

*I started my internship today. Only 153 hours left to go!

*Classes start back up on March 31st, my last day of school will be August 25th! Only...173 days until I'm done with school. I can live with that.

*I've officially lost 91.7lbs since I had my gastric band put in. In fact, I have lost 23lbs since January 1st. I'm really focusing on my weight loss and myself in my spare time and it's paying off. Now if I could only get into an exercise routine I would be golden.

*I'm in the middle of planning Marc's 30th Birthday party. We are having a "Mustache Bash"

Here is copy of the invite with all of our personal information taken out....

So that is just a fraction of what has been going on with me. With being so busy I'm going to do a post of picture highlights from our trip and let Jen finish out her highlights at her own pace.

Thanks for sticking with us!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Day 3 started with me going to Magic Kingdom from rope drop. These two couples were so cute walking down Main Street, Aladdin and Jasmine even jumped into photopass photos with families, very sweet.

The new Pooh Queue is AMAZING. I wish I had a little kid to play with when I was in line. LOL.

Always had a soft spot for Eeyore.

A real boy!

Can you BELIEVE that they sell these as pinatas now? Eeek!

A dream come true for me, meeting my very favorite princess. Meeting Prince Eric wasn't 1/2 bad either!

Pirate Goofy outside Pirates.

I finally went into Mickey & Minnie's houses before it was too late.

I just loved this picture in one of the shop displays on Main Street.

The MOST COMFORTABLE chairs in the entire world. I want one for my house. Anyone want to sneak it back for me in their suitcase?

Delicious Scallops with a Mint Pea Puree from Raglan Road- which I now make at home!

Just have to have a Living with the Land picture!

Jen bought these little beauties for me in Japan to keep my toesies warm during Illuminations.

Super Secret Ninja Leslie. It was a little cold...made me a little goofy.

My favorite souvenir, the white scarf. I love it!

I can't find any good pictures of Jen & I that I want to post. Maybe Jen has one.

And last but not least....

I will let Jen tell you all who won the Toy Story Mania Showdown.

Overall this was a great Disney trip but I did realize that I need a break from Disney. I have so much other things going on that I couldn't truly enjoy my break from real life and enjoy Disney this time around. I still have no idea when my next trip is going to be. It all depends on different circumstances and quite honestly even though I've been back for over a month, I don't have that urge or longing to book another trip quite yet. I'm happy with that.

I love love love LOVE Boardwalk and I want to stay there again. I loved being able to walk to Epcot and even Hollywood Studios and of course boat travel is quite high on my list of things I love as well. The one thing I didn't like about Boardwalk is the limited food choices, I know there are a lot of restaurants but I missed having a food court like at Pop or the moderate resorts. A food court is a little easier for me to manage with my gastric band.

I also want to thank Jen very much for making this trip possible for me and also for understanding when I wanted to come home early, most people wouldn't understand and I truly appreciate that.

Thanks for planning and enjoying the highlights of my trip and stick around for the rest of Jen's highlights!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So nice to hear from you, Leslie! I've been thinking to myself that I hadn't seen much of you lately. Glad to hear that you're doing well and Marc's b-day party sounds super cool. Maybe you'll come back and share some highlights with us?

So many random things I wanted to comment on in your highlight pics:

"Toe socks" - am thinking these would be awesome when departing from cold New England to a tropical locale but wanting wear your flip flops. Will be checking these out next trip.

Donald pinata - lots of people are saying this is creepy but I think he's kinda cute.

Pooh - cannot wait to see the new queue area!

Make at home Disney recipes - love that you adapted a Disney food favorite for home. I would love to be able to do that... I just need to get more comfortable in the kitchen first. Right now I am a strictly "by the recipe" kind of girl and would love to be more of an improvisational "chef."

Watch ebay for those lobby chairs... you never know!

Anyway, thanks for checking in and glad you're doing well. Good luck w/ your internship!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on your fabulous weight loss and starting the internship. You're counting down the hours and I am counting down the hours until my student NP is done her rotation. I am sure you will do great.

I love your eclectic group of pictures. They are lovely. I especially love the socks.

Your party invitation is great. Love it!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Leslie:

You look amazing!!! I am so happy for you---90 plus pounds is awesome!

Good Luck with the internship! I am sure things will calm down when it is over.

Take care,

Erika

 

[Charleston Princess]

As I said over on Facebook, I think it is absolutely fantastic how much weight you have lost! Go, LL!!!

The invite to Marc's birthday is hysterical!!! You did a great job on it!

I am rolling over the Ninja picture!

They have Donald pinatas now??? I am shocked, but a little part of me wants one for our house!

 

[mousescrapper]

Leslie....

love the b-day invite...it is one of the cutest and silliest themes I have scene...brillant Have a great party for him!!!! I loved my 30th and crazy enough can't wait for my 40th in 3 yrs

Your picture highlights are great....

very cool seeing the characters just walking down Main Street...so sweet

I love your toe socks too...and the ninja pix there is a very crazy scarf pix of DisMomAmy and I later to be revealed in our TR...and yes it was getting cold in those Jan nights, huh?

the white scarf...I bought the same one in Nov...I love mine too! I wear it often w/ a sweater to church too...

not sure I'd ever say I need a Disney break...but I am glad you are secure enough to do so LOL

sounds like you had a really good trip even though it wasn't the BEST...kuddos to you and the weight loss too

Julie

 

[TarzansKat]

Love the idea of the mustache bash! Too much fun.

I didn't even know there was a pirate Goofy, that is super cool! I'm going to have to see if I can find him in May. I love your pictures with the princesses as well, and I really love that picture of Aladdin and Jasmine hand in hand. So sweet.