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

[-Hope-]

Hi Nicole!

I usually do my DISing on my phone which means I don't see links in siggys but when I hopped on my laptop this morning I finally noticed you have a PTR going too.

I can't wait to get all caught up on your plans and read about that Wicked party.

 

[Tinker326]

Hi Nicole!

I usually do my DISing on my phone which means I don't see links in siggys but when I hopped on my laptop this morning I finally noticed you have a PTR going too.

I can't wait to get all caught up on your plans and read about that Wicked party.

well Howdy! Yes, you can see Eddie the Pug as Elphaba's wicked side-kick!!!

I'm so excited, Wicked is actually coming to town on tour and I got tickets to surprise both my older girls in early November. They are gonna be so darn excited! (me too! me too!!)

 

[skier_pete]

Hey Nicole - been thinking to mention - Peter Pan's Flight is listed for refurb until November 13th. Looks like our family has a "first target" for November 15th Rope Drop (and FPs), since it won't be open on our first MK day. Just FYI.

 

[Tinker326]

Hey Nicole - been thinking to mention - Peter Pan's Flight is listed for refurb until November 13th. Looks like our family has a "first target" for November 15th Rope Drop (and FPs), since it won't be open on our first MK day. Just FYI.

Say what?!?! This be one of my favorites- how dare they attempt to rehab while I am there. Do they not know I personally fund DisneyWorld with all my trips there?

Yes, seems Rope Drop and FP's will be on the agenda for the 15th. It better be open on schedule. And they better open the Mine ride as a consoliation. (is that too many demands?) Ha! Also, I realize I spelled that wrong. And I'm too lazy to do anything about it.

Did I tell you I waited too long to even GET in the castle for BBB? For my entire week there. So bummed about that . I reserved at DD for the following day- but may cancel.... Course my kids will see Adriana & it will be all over- so I mine as well keep it. I got S in at Pirate's Leauge Friday morning at 9. May move that for Peter Pan FP/Rope Drop. No time to waste on makeovers!!!

ALso, did A get B's email? We sent it a few weeks ago.....

 

[skier_pete]

Say what?!?! This be one of my favorites- how dare they attempt to rehab while I am there. Do they not know I personally fund DisneyWorld with all my trips there?

Yes, seems Rope Drop and FP's will be on the agenda for the 15th. It better be open on schedule. And they better open the Mine ride as a consoliation. (is that too many demands?) Ha! Also, I realize I spelled that wrong. And I'm too lazy to do anything about it.

Did I tell you I waited too long to even GET in the castle for BBB? For my entire week there. So bummed about that . I reserved at DD for the following day- but may cancel.... Course my kids will see Adriana & it will be all over- so I mine as well keep it. I got S in at Pirate's Leauge Friday morning at 9. May move that for Peter Pan FP/Rope Drop. No time to waste on makeovers!!!

ALso, did A get B's email? We sent it a few weeks ago.....

There usually pretty good about getting rehabs done in time, and usually they get them done a little early. Especially in this case it isn't a long one.

Sorry to hear you didn't get in at BBB on the same day.

She did get B's last e-mail, but didn't respond yet. She ended up going to her grandma's shortly after, and then came home and I think sort of forgot about it. I mentioned it to her the other day to remind her to respond. I will again. She is so excited to have a pen pal - but I think she is not sure what to write. I will urge her on.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Hey Nicole...how's the TRAINING going??? Don't make me get out the whip again!

 

[-Hope-]

Ok, all caught up! Your family is adorable, including Eddie the flying monkey. All of the plans and ADRs look fantastic.

Sorry about the job stuff... I may have missed some of the follow up since I just clicked through your ToC in the second post but it really stinks the way they extended your hours. Wishing you luck in figuring it all out.

I'm not a runner but I really admire you challenging yourself to do this. I just can't, I've tried and I'm sure Karen would just luuuuuv it if I'd suddenly find myself interested in running... I'm sure it's going to feel great when you finish, even if the rest just stinks.

Love the Wicked party! It's our favorite musical as well. I love all things Oz related but the Wicked version of the story is definitely my favorite.

 

[Tinker326]

Ok, all caught up! Your family is adorable, including Eddie the flying monkey. All of the plans and ADRs look fantastic.

Thanks!!!

Sorry about the job stuff... I may have missed some of the follow up since I just clicked through your ToC in the second post but it really stinks the way they extended your hours. Wishing you luck in figuring it all out.

Yhea, my job pretty much stinks right now. I made it a goal to really sit down and figure out what I want in life over this next year in regards to this. Many days I daydream while getting dealt crap of saying.. "you know what, I quit" and just walk out the door. Course I don't, but I dream about it!

I'm not a runner but I really admire you challenging yourself to do this. I just can't, I've tried and I'm sure Karen would just luuuuuv it if I'd suddenly find myself interested in running... I'm sure it's going to feel great when you finish, even if the rest just stinks.

Well, I'm not really a runner either. I have found that out quickly through this journey. I WILL do the 13.1 but it will most likely never, ever happen again! (shh..don't tell Karen). Course I don't really like exercise AT ALL- but need it- so need to figure out something there when this running stuff is over!

Love the Wicked party! It's our favorite musical as well. I love all things Oz related but the Wicked version of the story is definitely my favorite.

Same here! Love Oz. Love Wicked best of all out of OZ stuff!

 

[happybelle]

Being miserable at work is no way to live. Good luck as you explore options.

 

[Tinker326]

Hey Nicole...how's the TRAINING going??? Don't make me get out the whip again!

Can you believe I totally missed this comment earlier. It was my guilty subconscience.

Let's see... Um... Right, I didn't run AT ALL for most of July. That's how my training has been going.

But. Time is running short & I work best under pressure & with a firm deadline. So the 12 week training schedule is taped to my cubicle wall & I went back down on Monday and started running again. I've run all three days this week. 2 miles each day. Slow and steady...back up.

I so definetly need the whip.

Being miserable at work is no way to live. Good luck as you explore options.

It really isn't- it carries over into everything you do! Thanks for the good luck.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey Nicole...don't know if you noticed the room only discount came out. I know at least part of your stay is renting DVC points, but I didn't know if your early stay was on a room-only, so I thought I would mention it. We save a whopping $80 on our 2 night room-only!

Also, DD sent another e-mail to your girls last night. I admit I helped type part of it, but with DDs approval.

 

[glaserjm]

Can you believe I totally missed this comment earlier. It was my guilty subconscience.

Let's see... Um... Right, I didn't run AT ALL for most of July. That's how my training has been going.

But. Time is running short & I work best under pressure & with a firm deadline. So the 12 week training schedule is taped to my cubicle wall & I went back down on Monday and started running again. I've run all three days this week. 2 miles each day. Slow and steady...back up.

I so definetly need the whip.



It really isn't- it carries over into everything you do! Thanks for the good luck.

I think I ran two times in July...although I'm only running a 5k so my "training" isn't really an issue as much as just a lack of exercise has me worried. That's great that you've stuck to the program for the whole week though...supposedly it only takes two weeks to make a habit!

 

[Tinker326]

Wow, what a slacker I am on the PTR.

Life has been so, so, so busy. Between work, back to school, therapies for the kids, sports, ballet, birthdays & other summer events... who has time for even sleep? Craaaaazy.

But today is a special day. One year ago today we held our youngest daughter for the first time.

She was so, so scared. She had spent 4 years so neglected that she couldn't speak, wasn't potty trained & rocked herself constantly to self-soothe. Her own hands were the only touch/love she had ever known.

Sweet, scared little girl- one year ago today:



What a difference in the course of 365 days of having a family. She went from neglected & abused in life to LIVING her life. From orphan to daughter. From unwanted to LOVED. She conquered her fears, she walked on grass, she swings, she runs, she climbs, she talks, she sings, she laughs (oh how she laughs!!!), she hugs, she LOVES. And she is so, so loved.

Happy 1 year family day Sweet Girl! I am so incredibly blessed to walk this journey with you- you helped me grow & changed me in ways you can never imagine. We are so lucky to have you in our family. LUB YOU!!!



There, did that make you cry? Made me cry. I'm an emotional mess today just remembering how far we've come & how scared we all were just a year ago. I could have never imagined she'd accomplish what she has! She's amazing!

Other life stuff... fun stuff first.

Like the Princess's FIRST CONCERT EVAH!



And what a great first concert it was! We love you Taylor Swift!

And we had a family reunion. Where I made these totally NON-DISNEY cupcakes. Oh.... for shame on me!!!



And we took this pretty nice family picture. We have very (VERY) few of these as I refuse most often to be in pictures!



And more importantly, we had a big FIVE birthday that will be a post of it's own as it was Princess theme! Little Girl waited A LONG time for this day- it was all she could talk about & it was very special for her! She was so excited she even sang happy birthday to herself.......



And last but not least. 1/2 Training. Well. I took all of July off. By 'off' I mean, complete and total lack of motovation. At the tail end of July with my 12 week 'window' quickly approaching, I had to sit down and face some hard facts.......

My current plan was not working. I was de-motivated, unsuccessful & just dreading the run. I was not going to be ready in time. See, I am very, VERY stubborn and I do not like to fail. I can push myself unbelievably when 'failure' is in my future so I don't end up failing. For instance, when I sat for my CPA- pass rate for all 4 parts at the time, first time around was like 15%? I was GOING to be in that 15%. I was. When I walked the 60 miles (with little to no training) for the Komen 3-Day.. I lost my walking partner early on & it was over 100 degrees each day. I suffered food injury and heat stroke. I threw up all over the medic tent. I still walked EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE 60 MILES. I could have used a sweep car. Could have..but I'm stubborn. And I did it.

So for me to get this point was HARD. I felt defeated admitting defeat. My goal was I was going to run ALL 13.1 miles of the 1/2. And I know now that my body just can not handle it. I'm not there... won't be there. Don't want to be there. And so, I had choices to make.

After 'attempting' to get back in the game for 2 weeks with poor running results. I sat down and re-evaluated. How could I complete this? My answer came in the form of I needed to move myself to a run/walk 1/2 marathon. For me to come to that conclusion was so hard. I felt like I let myself down. But it was my choice- so I found one to use (Jeff Galloway) and began this week doing it.

First off, I maintained my workout for five days straight ( I never do that) . Second, It's harder than I thought because he runs you at a FAST run (9:40 mile) I usually run at a 11:30-12 mile. So I actually feel challenged still but not bored. Because the change in run/walk ratio keeps the time moving MUCH quicker and my mental game is better. I'm exhausted at the end of my workouts and that makes me feel good because it makes me feel like I'm still FIGHTING for this 1/2.. and for the first time, I'm MOTIVATED to keep going & doing it.... and so I have hope! 12 weeks starts tomorrow. I hope this gets me there.

Me, in the gym, after doing 3.1 miles!



And that's all she wrote folks. Time to get back work. It's overflowing my desk.

 

[skier_pete]

Geez, do we really only have 12 weeks to go! I have so much going on between now and then.

I hope you can keep yourself motivated. I think even finishing 13.1 miles at a run/walk would be an impressive feat!

Oh, and the story of your little princess always brings a tear to my eye...so wonderful.

 

[-Hope-]

Oh, my you did make me tear up! Reading about the difference a year can make in a life is just amazing, I'm so glad you shared. A friend of my dd's refers to the day she joined her family as "Gotcha Day" so, happy Gotcha Day to you all!

And how exciting that she got to have a proper birthday party as well- such an important thing in a little heart.

We saw Taylor Swift when she came through St. Louis. It was the second stop on the tour and, to be honest, I wasn't looking forward to it. I'm not a huge fan of concerts or Taylor Swift but dd loves her and had never been to a large venue concert (though she had been to small venues). And since Karen was also taking her dd I figured it would be fun to just go with the group even if I don't really enjoy concerts or love this particular artist. I was so wrong to doubt anything! I still don't love her music (though I don't hate it either) but I was BLOWN AWAY by her show. Just completely stellar entertainment. And it introduced Ed to our world and I think he's amazingly talented (though I'm not quite as taken by him as the girls).

Minion cupcakes are adorable! I made something similar for a movie night when we first started planning our trip to the darkside.


DD doesn't like cake so I just modified them to only use Twinkies... which my kids ended up not liking! Oh well, at least they LOOKED cute.

Love the pic of the whole family! I used to bow out of family photos too and then one day I realized that I'd rather be in the pics looking less than perfect than not be in them at all. When my FIL passed away I just saw how much joy my husband, his siblings and all of the grandkids got from looking at old, blurry, grainy pictures of him and I just thought, I can't take this away from my kids. I have to leave something of myself behind. They won't look at them and see the imperfections I see, they'll just see their mom.

I'm so glad you figured out something that works for you with your training! Any type of workout should be about feeling good, both physically and mentally, and figuring out something that fills that need is definitely NOT a failure! I hope it continues to work for you. Now if I could just figure out what works for me...

 

[Tinker326]

Geez, do we really only have 12 weeks to go! I have so much going on between now and then.

I hope you can keep yourself motivated. I think even finishing 13.1 miles at a run/walk would be an impressive feat!

Oh, and the story of your little princess always brings a tear to my eye...so wonderful.

Well don't forget there will alcohol as a motivation at the end of the run. Hopefully that will help propel me! Maybe I should train that way - except then I'll spend the afternoon at my desk with the smell of wine on me! That might not bode well (but might make my time at work more enjoyable!?!?!).

Oh, my you did make me tear up! Reading about the difference a year can make in a life is just amazing, I'm so glad you shared. A friend of my dd's refers to the day she joined her family as "Gotcha Day" so, happy Gotcha Day to you all!

And how exciting that she got to have a proper birthday party as well- such an important thing in a little heart.

We saw Taylor Swift when she came through St. Louis. It was the second stop on the tour and, to be honest, I wasn't looking forward to it. I'm not a huge fan of concerts or Taylor Swift but dd loves her and had never been to a large venue concert (though she had been to small venues). And since Karen was also taking her dd I figured it would be fun to just go with the group even if I don't really enjoy concerts or love this particular artist. I was so wrong to doubt anything! I still don't love her music (though I don't hate it either) but I was BLOWN AWAY by her show. Just completely stellar entertainment. And it introduced Ed to our world and I think he's amazingly talented (though I'm not quite as taken by him as the girls).

Minion cupcakes are adorable! I made something similar for a movie night when we first started planning our trip to the darkside.


DD doesn't like cake so I just modified them to only use Twinkies... which my kids ended up not liking! Oh well, at least they LOOKED cute.

Love the pic of the whole family! I used to bow out of family photos too and then one day I realized that I'd rather be in the pics looking less than perfect than not be in them at all. When my FIL passed away I just saw how much joy my husband, his siblings and all of the grandkids got from looking at old, blurry, grainy pictures of him and I just thought, I can't take this away from my kids. I have to leave something of myself behind. They won't look at them and see the imperfections I see, they'll just see their mom.

I'm so glad you figured out something that works for you with your training! Any type of workout should be about feeling good, both physically and mentally, and figuring out something that fills that need is definitely NOT a failure! I hope it continues to work for you. Now if I could just figure out what works for me...

Yes, Gotcha Day. Although everytime I say that it sounds like we kidnapped her "Gotcha!". But that's typically what it's called in the 'adoption world'.

I do like Taylor Swift as I like the simplicity of her song writing. I also like that they are songs that tend to send decent message to my impressionable tween.... and while I've seen better concerts (Billy Joel/Elton John, Madonna (I am, after all, a child of the 80's!)) I really, really enjoyed taking my girl there- and watching her take it all in. And yes, Ed was very good- except fo or the part where he kept making everyone scream "H#ll Yhea". Did he do that in St. Louis? I generally don't like her screaming that out over & over as being 'cool'. (Although I like to scream it over and over when sitting in my cubical along with other choice words!)

Your minion treats are adorable too. And they are so easy to make! They were a big hit at the reunion.

And I know, I know about me in the pictures. I am just so very self critical that I often can only focus on what's wrong with me in the picture that I end up not liking the picture. But my kids should have pictures of me in them..so I'm TRYING to do better....

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Ahhhh! One year!!! I'm so happy for her, and you...all of you! I cannot imagine how amazing that must feel to see so much change for the better in her life and to watch her really feel JOY!

As for your training, I just wish you had found the run/walk method sooner! I have heard many many people say it made all the difference for them and for some people, they actually go just as fast or faster than running straight! I think it's awesome and I hope that you realize that this is a huge accomplishment and running intervals does not make it less amazing! I'm excited for you!

Hope, speak for yourself, I'm pretty take with Ed myself! Yes, he had us yell hell yeah as well...but my girl is older and well...has heard worse! We loved the concert, I'm so glad you got to take your Princess and watch her enjoy it!

 

[Tinker326]

Also, DD sent another e-mail to your girls last night. I admit I helped type part of it, but with DDs approval.

'Doh, I totally missed this till today. Sorry. I had B look at her email and she replied back to A. Sorry for the delay. I had to edit her spelling, it's so awful. (she gets that from me!).

Ahhhh! One year!!! I'm so happy for her, and you...all of you! I cannot imagine how amazing that must feel to see so much change for the better in her life and to watch her really feel JOY!

As for your training, I just wish you had found the run/walk method sooner! I have heard many many people say it made all the difference for them and for some people, they actually go just as fast or faster than running straight! I think it's awesome and I hope that you realize that this is a huge accomplishment and running intervals does not make it less amazing! I'm excited for you!

Hope, speak for yourself, I'm pretty take with Ed myself! Yes, he had us yell hell yeah as well...but my girl is older and well...has heard worse! We loved the concert, I'm so glad you got to take your Princess and watch her enjoy it!

I hope the run/walk makes a difference too. I feel good about it instead of dread, so that's good. I am still disappointed in myself because I wanted to say I RAN the whole thing. But, ain't happenin'... so I'll deal.

Too funny about Ed! Personally, I prefer the eye candy of Bon Jovi at concerts!! If she could have had him in her concert, it would have been perfect for me! Little for the Princess, Little for the mama!!!

 

[skier_pete]

'Doh, I totally missed this till today. Sorry. I had B look at her email and she replied back to A. Sorry for the delay. I had to edit her spelling, it's so awful. (she gets that from me!).

A is back with Grandma for the week, but returns today. Then next week we leave for a week's vacation visiting family/friends in New England. I will try and get her to reply before we leave!

 

[Tinker326]

Exactly 2 months out. Agh. Panic....

This half will undoubtedly go down as the stupidest plan I have ever come up with. And it looming over my head is ruining all anticpation of my beloved Disney vacation! I HATE running. (Sorry Karen).

So with that out of the way, how's training going? Right. Well, I have been following the Galloway plan and am on the end of week 5. I have done all I am supposed to do. I do continue to find the run/walk method easier- but like all things related to running- I'm growing bored. And body still hurts with running. There is no running high- mind clearing anything with this shiz....

It's also incredibly defeating to read the Wine & Dine thread with people posting long runs with times under 10mm miles. It has made me realize I very likely will be leading up the rear (I'm so, so, so slow!)....and I'm coming to terms with that. If I can still finish (and that's still a big IF) - that's all that matters. Last place & all!

I have three races in a row coming up/past. The first of those three was last weekend- A mud run. I wouldn't really call it a race- it was a fun obstacle course with no timing. We ran as a team & mostly didn't even 'run'. We just had fun with it. And fun it was.

Our team was called "Keep Calm & Mudder On" A homage to my huge love of all things Brittish. Here's a few pics....

Before the mud...



There were lots of walls & tunnels & climbing ropes...and overall- MUD! (duh).

After the mud.......



Yes, we had a blast!!!!





Next weekend is a Color Run with my sis-in-law (who I'm doing the 1/2 with) and the weekend after is a 'zoo run'. Both are 5K's.

Disney plans...

Well, I managed to get Dessert Wish Party reservations for our last night there! Woo!!! I'm very excited to do this. I'm going to cancel our BBB Princess Makeovers to do the dessert party. (Mostly based on the poor times we got for BBB and the fact that I will just do it myself on Minnie- the older two already have done it!)

There is the possibility of more people joining at various times. They are still unsure and it's driving me nuts because they don't realize the dining plans and such are affected. One is my Aunt... the other is my step-sister & her two kids who live in Florida and may come over for the weekend. They just need to let me know already!!! My Type-A planning personality can NOT handle the unknown!!!!

My oldest has started her own countdown and is SO excited. THe youngest won't stop talking about the Nemo ride. We are ready (minus the STUPID half marathon!!!).

Work, activities, training & therapies have continued to suck up EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY.... and I'm ready for it to just BE HERE. For that one week of none of that.

So I'm offiically starting my vacation countdown for the day AFTER the 1/2.