From China to Wine & Dine- A Nov 2013 'First' PTR (Trip Report Link)

[Tinker326]

And to interrupt Disney Plans (because I have nothing new to report) I bring you my oldest DD's birthday party!!!

Now I love me a good birthday. Like. Love. I take a small amount of pride when children leave my parties and tell their mothers " I want Mrs. XXXX (me) to do my party next year". My favorite was 2 years ago for the eldest's 9th birthday- Harry Potter theme. Kids are still talking about that one.

This year, on the heels of Oz, Great and Powerful... my eldest (a Wizard of Oz fan in general) chose to go with an "Ozzian" theme. We combined Wicked theme with some Oz elements.

The invites declared "Are you a good witch or a bad witch?" and we ran from there.........

So first up - decorations:

You must always follow the yellow brick road:



And remember, in Oz, the Bell is out of Order.. Please Knock! (sign on door of original movie to Emerald City)...



Course Princess had her Oz shirt on (we went to see Wicked about 2 years ago..which, is my FAVORITE of all musicals I have ever seen... I've seen it 4 times!!!)

You arrive into Munchkinland.....



A flying Monkey Pug greets you.



Then you head this way into Emerald City:



Passing by Glinda...........



I printed out tags to put on the bubbles that said "Glinda's Bubbles- for Travel in Oz"

The witches took a quiz that declared if they were Glinda (good witches) or Elphaba (bad witches) and got a 'badge' to wear stating which they were.

And all witch guests were treated to dinner at the 'witch table'



Food included:

Special drinks like "Glinda's Popular Punch', 'Emerald Fizz', Auntie Em's Lemonade and 'Tornado Twist'





Food included:

TinMan Hats



Elphaba Edibles



and

Sand'witches'



After dinner was game 'spa time'.

Good witches got 'pink' facial masks:



Bad witches got 'green' facial masks:



Then the girls went to the Glindafication Station for some nail polishin'



Then the girls made some 'no place like home' shoes (flip flops with fabric tied around them)



Then it was game time!!! It was a clue game: First the bad witch scrambled the scarecrow's brain so the girls had to find the pieces & put it together (where the next clue was written on top of)



That clue said the witch froze the tin man's heart so they had to find the hearts in ice & unmelt them..and return to the tinman - where they played 'pin the heart' on the tinman to get the next clue......



That clue said the cowardly lion was on the way to give treats when the witch scared him & grabbed the treats. So the girls had to go catch the witch and melt her to get the treats and next clue.. I was the witch & they pelted me with water bombs.....

Look at this fearless bunch......



I'm melting, I'm melting.........



The clue given was they had to 'capture the witches hat' to give to the Wizard to get cake. This was played on 'broomsticks' and was basically capture the flag........



Last but not least.........cake. Made by moi..........





Rainbow, of course....



Happy 11th my little Good Witch. (and my little younger 'bad' witch).

 

[glaserjm]

I love that birthday party there and how awesome you made it look without going crazy. I'm glad to see there's somewhat of a pushback from these crazy expensive birthday parties.

I remember pretty much all of mine were at our house and were so much fun!

Great job! Hope the running is going well. I did about 3 miles today and thought I was going to die as it was 86 degrees!

 

[Tinker326]

I love that birthday party there and how awesome you made it look without going crazy. I'm glad to see there's somewhat of a pushback from these crazy expensive birthday parties.

I remember pretty much all of mine were at our house and were so much fun!

Great job! Hope the running is going well. I did about 3 miles today and thought I was going to die as it was 86 degrees!

Thanks!! Although, probably when I add up all the supplies to make that stuff, it's more than I wanted it to be!!!

I love it because I run both my girls Scout groups and tonight we were meeting to do some bridging stuff & the girls were telling me I had to call them 'witches' still -

And running. Well. No high mileage. I ran 3 miles on Saturday with a personal best time for me (I normally run VERY slow.. like 12:15-12:45 with distance) and I ran it at 10:58 which is fast for me. Then today I was going to do 6 miles- was all prepared...and it was too hot with humidity. I only made it 4 miles & gave myself a headache at that. Oh well........

I run a 5K on Sunday so I'm probably just going to do simple 2 milers tomorrow & Friday and then take Saturday off.......... so NEXT week I'll get back up to 6 miles- or so I tell myself!!!

 

[skier_pete]

Awesome party. You can always tell a Disney fan by how well themed their parties are!

Did all the kids know the Wizard of Oz? It's amazing how a movie that old still works so gangbusters. Our DD has seen the movie, and just read the book for her school reading. She hasn't seen Wicked of course, nor have we seen the new movie - not that that is really related.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Love it Nicole! We love themed parties around here...the PUG was the best! Too cute! Looks like they all had a blast! Savannah wants a rainbow cake this year, last year we made the zebra one (which is the same, just without the rainbow colors) and it was a hit!

You know I have to ask...



How's the training?!?!?!

 

[Tinker326]

Awesome party. You can always tell a Disney fan by how well themed their parties are!

Did all the kids know the Wizard of Oz? It's amazing how a movie that old still works so gangbusters. Our DD has seen the movie, and just read the book for her school reading. She hasn't seen Wicked of course, nor have we seen the new movie - not that that is really related.

Yes, all the kids knew Wizard of Oz. Many were fans from younger years (dressing up as Dorothy for Halloween stuff). Several had seen Wicked as well- you'll notice in one picture there's two girls (mine & her Bestie) both wearing the same shirt. We all went together to see Wicked. And most had seen the Oz movie that came out in March. So we were well covered!

Love it Nicole! We love themed parties around here...the PUG was the best! Too cute! Looks like they all had a blast! Savannah wants a rainbow cake this year, last year we made the zebra one (which is the same, just without the rainbow colors) and it was a hit!

You know I have to ask...



How's the training?!?!?!

Yes, poor Eddie the pug. He gets shoved into a lot of stupid animal costumes. It's our goal to find the silliest looking Halloween costuem every year & shove him in it and make him walk the 'walk of shame' around the block in it while Trick or Treating. Most neighbors don't even care to see my kids- they just want to see our dog. Those wings are left over from his stint as a bat. He's also been a dragon, a pig, a police officer & a cowboy.

The training... the training...... well..... I did 3 miles wiht a personal best time wise on Saturday. Since I run painfully slow- the fact that I ran the 3 miles at 10:58 was big for me. I attempted to run 6 miles yesterday - was all prepared with everything- but the heat & humidity got to me and I only made 4 miles and ended up with a splitting headache in the process. I'm running a 5K on Sunday so just going to keep today & tomorrow's run short- around 2miles. And then break on Saturday. Hope to try 6 miles again next week.

 

[Tinker326]

Let's move back to running. Since I'm about at the 5 month mark for the 1/2. Or maybe because really I wanted to just get on here and brag a little. About an hour ago I hit a new personal best.

Yhea. Ok. That's the real reason.

Time to gloat for myself. ----> NEW PERSONAL BEST <---

Woo!



Ok, ok. So it's like .21 miles more than my old Personal Best mileage wise. But let's add in my other factors here. First, it was OUTSIDE (with hills & concrete & weather) Well, okay, the weather was PERFECT for running.. a balmy sunny & 60. There's no way I could do this yet in higher temps! Second, my average minute per mile BLEW AWAY my prior personal best . When I ran the 6 miles on the treadmill I was at 12:30 minute mile. I did this in 11:35.

Let's not dwell on the fact that it's Friday & I do work at a full time office job. Yes, yes.. I did take an 'early lunch' and throw on my Dry Wick and head out of the office to run........ Yes, my boss is out for a long weekend.

Unimportant!!!!

So everyone.. ready... YHEA ME. Okay. Gloat over. Moving on.

In a non-gloat worthy running moment. I ran a 5K last Sunday. 3.1 miles is not that difficult for me. But granted I am a pretty slow runner. Apparently, based on results, A VERY SLOW RUNNER.

So I did my 3.1 miles with an 11:03 minute mile. I was thrilled with that. Go me. Right?

Yhea, I placed 105th out 137 people. WTH? Clearly, that is not at all a great running time. Oh well, I got a tee-shirt out of the deal. Course, I paid for the tee-shirt with my $35 enterance fee...so whatever.

My training goals for June are as follows: Take my running outside instead of on the treadmill. I HAVE to condition for the weather, the pavement (harder on body) & inclines. I do think taking it outside will make longer runs easier because I won't be AS bored. But, that remains to be seen. Depends on summer weather arriving (will it ever?).

And that is all for the running plans folks! Have a great weekend!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Whoohooo Nicole!!! LOVE running updates! Congrats on your PB and outside too!!!

I'm the same way with 5K's. I think of them as "easy" now, but that's probably b/c I do them so slow! I figure I will speed up the longer I run, right now I think it's just important to get those runs in, ya know? I might never be speedy, but I'm going to be a distance runner!

 

[skier_pete]

And that is all for the running plans folks! Have a great weekend!

Oh, and I WILL be having a great weekend!

 

[glaserjm]

Let's move back to running. Since I'm about at the 5 month mark for the 1/2. Or maybe because really I wanted to just get on here and brag a little. About an hour ago I hit a new personal best.

Yhea. Ok. That's the real reason.

Time to gloat for myself. ----> NEW PERSONAL BEST <---

Woo!

http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/Tinker326/media/Run62.jpg.html

Ok, ok. So it's like .21 miles more than my old Personal Best mileage wise. But let's add in my other factors here. First, it was OUTSIDE (with hills & concrete & weather) Well, okay, the weather was PERFECT for running.. a balmy sunny & 60. There's no way I could do this yet in higher temps! Second, my average minute per mile BLEW AWAY my prior personal best . When I ran the 6 miles on the treadmill I was at 12:30 minute mile. I did this in 11:35.

Let's not dwell on the fact that it's Friday & I do work at a full time office job. Yes, yes.. I did take an 'early lunch' and throw on my Dry Wick and head out of the office to run........ Yes, my boss is out for a long weekend.

Unimportant!!!!

So everyone.. ready... YHEA ME. Okay. Gloat over. Moving on.

In a non-gloat worthy running moment. I ran a 5K last Sunday. 3.1 miles is not that difficult for me. But granted I am a pretty slow runner. Apparently, based on results, A VERY SLOW RUNNER.

So I did my 3.1 miles with an 11:03 minute mile. I was thrilled with that. Go me. Right?

Yhea, I placed 105th out 137 people. WTH? Clearly, that is not at all a great running time. Oh well, I got a tee-shirt out of the deal. Course, I paid for the tee-shirt with my $35 enterance fee...so whatever.

My training goals for June are as follows: Take my running outside instead of on the treadmill. I HAVE to condition for the weather, the pavement (harder on body) & inclines. I do think taking it outside will make longer runs easier because I won't be AS bored. But, that remains to be seen. Depends on summer weather arriving (will it ever?).

And that is all for the running plans folks! Have a great weekend!

Way to go! That's great that you set a PR and increased your time... it's all about the little achievements along the way!

You're definitely going to rock the 1/2!

 

[Tinker326]

Neglected PTR for sure! I have not much to report & therefore...what to write?

I guess an update on my 1/2 marathon training which is this...



Yup. I fell of the horse. Truth be told. I despise running. Really, the irony of the fact that I willing registered AND paid a large amount of money to run 13.1 miles is not lost on me. Oh, I'll do it.. because I'm stubborn and have something to prove to myself. But I am NOT enjoying it.

And because of that, spent much of June making excuses like hot weather & increased work load. I hope to spend July getting somewhat back in the saddle.

I did register for a Mud Run in September with a group of friends and am looking forward to that!

So some plans of the 'running & pre-family' portion of the trip-

Friday, November 8th:

Arrive via an airplane. (2.5 hours of kid-free airplane time, whatever will I do with my time?).

Meet up with 'the cuz' in the airport (arriving from different city)



Rent car? (Undecided still)

Head to Beach Club to meet up with 'the sis' (the sister-in-law arriving earlier that day & going to expo for us).



Crash

Saturday, November 9th "Race Day"

Sleep In? Doubt it. I'm an early riser. Bet I'm up by 6am.

Have panic attack & breakfast. Probably together.

Dress & head to EPCOT

Lunch at Le Cellier for yummy Protien (steak) and Cheddar Cheese Soup. And maybe this:



aye.

Wander slowly around.. do slow things. Have more panic attacks.

Dinner will be some sort of wine & Dine treat (minus wine). And head back to hotel to 'rest'.

Stretch. Panic Attack. Head to starting line. Panic Attack. Run. Panic Attack.

Finish. Somehow. Someway. Oh, I will. And get this sucker.



And maybe do some of this.. if I'm not currently already throwing up...



Afterparty at Epcot till close at 4am.

Room- Crash!

Sunday, November 10th

Yhea. Plans include little to nothing.

Wake up.

Stormalong Bay

Beaches and Cream for Lunch

Stormalong Bay

Dinner- Who knows....

Afterhours.. Jellyrolls to get our Elton John on....

Monday- November 11th

Wake early. Leave the sacrad Mouseland to the Dark Side- Universal.

Check in to Universal Royal Pacific Resort







Head immediately to Hogsmeade



Perhaps pick another wand. Because one can never have enough wands regardless of your age (I currently own McGonnagals)





(no little witches will be with me this time..only us big witches!)

And proceed to Hogwarts.



And all it's glory. Spend some time exploring.......

Perhaps some Butterbeer (for sure some Butterbeer!)



Perhaps some chocolate frogs



Who knows. I just don't know if we'll have time (lame attempt to quote from Old School- classic Will Ferrill Line).

After our fill of magic... we may explore other parts of the park...

If we don't get caught by the police........



Maybe a stop for some sweets.....



Look out for some crazy Things......



And get Hulkified......



(P.S- that's DH in the way back left with his arm out)

Close out the park. And head back to the hotel.

"The Cuz" and "The Sis" head home Tuesday morning.

And I think I'm probably out of picture space! So there you go........

Happy 4th everyone!

 

[skier_pete]

Sounds like a fun couple of days. Except for the actual run part. That sounds like no fun at all.

Still working on my sign design for rooting you on. "NICOLE -> Alcohol is 13.1 miles thataway." perhaps?

 

[Victoriasmom98]

So Nicole, there were quite a few "panic attacks" in your plans. Now, are you scheduling them, getting fast passes for them, or just letting them happen?? Just kidding!! I'm sure you will do absolutely wonderfully and there's nothing to panic over! I'm proud of how far you've come. Lord knows I can't even manage to walk a mile somedays! I just noticed I hadn't commented on your Oz party! Sorry, but OMG was it adorable! That was AMAZING!! And everyone looks so happy! Now Victoria doesn't even want parties, but her Mama does!! Actually, since we've already purchased tickets for 2014's Playlist Live, she does want a "little party" right there in the lounge. I'm wondering if that will be possible. Her dream is to have her fave YouTuber Christian be able to share some birthday cake with her. I hope I can make it happen for her.

Your Universal part of the trip sounds cool. I've never been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so I have no clue what you are talking about, but it sounds neat. None of my family has even read the books or seen the movies. I know, I know...shame on us!

 

[glaserjm]

Actually a pretty nice little Monday! (attempting to throw the Old School back at you)

I think the first few days sound awesome (minus potential panic attacks and vomit) and once you hit the finish line on Saturday night (I guess it's really Sunday morning if you start at 10 isn't it...) it will be all smooth sailing from there. If I can catch up with you after you finish I'll buy you one of those as I'm sure I'll have already had a few myself!

Do you prefer the frozen or non-frozen Butterbeer? I really only like the frozen, the non-frozen seemed really syrupy to me for some reason. I think we are heading back to WWoHP in March '14 and I'm really looking forward to getting that again!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I have been waiting for an update! Panic attacks aside, it looks like a great plan! So you don't think you'll ever come to love it? I know, I'm such a pusher. I can't help it. I'm excited for you, those drinks are going to taste good after 13.1 miles!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

I have been waiting for an update! Panic attacks aside, it looks like a great plan! So you don't think you'll ever come to love it? I know, I'm such a pusher. I can't help it. I'm excited for you, those drinks are going to taste good after 13.1 miles!

It's soooo true Nicole......Karen is a PUSHER!!!!

 

[Tinker326]

Sorry for the delay in responses... I was wireless/computer free for the most part the last two weeks. Unfortunately, relaxing Northwoods vacay ended and it's back to the grindstone (cubicle) tomorrow.

Sounds like a fun couple of days. Except for the actual run part. That sounds like no fun at all.

Still working on my sign design for rooting you on. "NICOLE -> Alcohol is 13.1 miles thataway." perhaps?

Pete, I LOVE that sign. I may just stop right where I see that sign and call it a night. Didn't you say CBR is at about 1/2 mile into the race? The rate I'm going- that's perfect stopping point for me! I'll join the sweep car after my drink. Ha!

So Nicole, there were quite a few "panic attacks" in your plans. Now, are you scheduling them, getting fast passes for them, or just letting them happen?? Just kidding!! I'm sure you will do absolutely wonderfully and there's nothing to panic over! I'm proud of how far you've come. Lord knows I can't even manage to walk a mile somedays! I just noticed I hadn't commented on your Oz party! Sorry, but OMG was it adorable! That was AMAZING!! And everyone looks so happy! Now Victoria doesn't even want parties, but her Mama does!! Actually, since we've already purchased tickets for 2014's Playlist Live, she does want a "little party" right there in the lounge. I'm wondering if that will be possible. Her dream is to have her fave YouTuber Christian be able to share some birthday cake with her. I hope I can make it happen for her.

Your Universal part of the trip sounds cool. I've never been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so I have no clue what you are talking about, but it sounds neat. None of my family has even read the books or seen the movies. I know, I know...shame on us!

I will have a lot of panic attacks at the rate I'm going....I'm doing bad, bad, bad with my training. I need Karen's willpower to transcend into space into my sphere........

Playlist Live Birthday party for Victoria? Um, awesome!!! She will remember that always! I'll keep my fingers crossed it happens!

And shame, shame, shame on you for not seeing or reading the Harry Potter books. You are such a muggle!

Actually a pretty nice little Monday! (attempting to throw the Old School back at you)

I think the first few days sound awesome (minus potential panic attacks and vomit) and once you hit the finish line on Saturday night (I guess it's really Sunday morning if you start at 10 isn't it...) it will be all smooth sailing from there. If I can catch up with you after you finish I'll buy you one of those as I'm sure I'll have already had a few myself!

Do you prefer the frozen or non-frozen Butterbeer? I really only like the frozen, the non-frozen seemed really syrupy to me for some reason. I think we are heading back to WWoHP in March '14 and I'm really looking forward to getting that again!

I'm doing SO bad with my training. I NEED to get some sort of mojo, energy, SOMETHING.....ANYTHING.....

And I LOVE the frozen. Don't care at all for the non-frozen. Me and frozen butterbeer would quite happily spend a long eternity together... (shh, don't tell DH).

I have been waiting for an update! Panic attacks aside, it looks like a great plan! So you don't think you'll ever come to love it? I know, I'm such a pusher. I can't help it. I'm excited for you, those drinks are going to taste good after 13.1 miles!

Karen, I hate it... I really do. I need to get somewhere where I don't hate it.. I'm trying.... About to give it another go here starting this week. I hope. I did a 5K on vacation called the Muggy Buggy. It was on a cross country skiing track so there were hills and it was unpaved...in grass, ect.... It as my WORST 5K time EVER. 40 minutes. FORTY MINUTES. Talk about depressing...............

It's soooo true Nicole......Karen is a PUSHER!!!!

I need it!!! I wish she was closer to me so she could stand behind me and push me with like a cattle prod to actually get out there!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I would too! I usually use a WHIP though.

 

[katiee37]

Just starting to read and I love your scrapbook page from your previous pages!

 

[Tinker326]

I would too! I usually use a WHIP though.

Hey, whatever would work! I brought my gym clothes to the office today...so at least that's a start. Now I just need to force myself downstairs at lunch to the workout room....................

Just starting to read and I love your scrapbook page from your previous pages!

Thank You so much! I am SO far behind in all my scrapbooking. My goal was to finish 2009 before my November trip... It isn't looking promising!