GUESS WHO'S COMING TO FREE DINNER, or, Feeding Nebo,,,,completed

[Kay7979]

Another fun segment, but when are we going to learn about the ticking time bomb?! I'm glad you didn't give up writing back in trip report 1 or I would never have "met" you.

And as the supreme compliment, I only read one other trip report episode this week besides yours, while on vacation. Keep it coming! Looking forward to more. I'll be back home tomorrow in time for the Monday installment.

 

[Bee]

But, another thing was, this wasn't anybody I knew. Or talked to online.
Man, if it was You Guys? I couldn't think of anything I'd rather be doing than meet with Jaime, Melinda, Marita, Kay, Monica, Belinda, monymony, winkers, Tiggerwannabe, Bunniesmom, Angela, Rhonda, Suzflee,,,,I'm sorry, I can't name you all, but wow, now THAT would be fun.

You have no idea how honored I am that I was mentioned!

 

[smidgy]

wow! you guys have NO IDEA how much it means to nebo that you like him so much... he's SHY.. really. how about a meet at the bittersweet tap on a sat night when I'm working? yeah, yeah, not a far ride.
he will fill you in on the "time bomb" soon. until then

 

[harleygirl]

 

[nebo]

Hi! Guten abend, frauleins. Ach du lieber, where to start?
You know, I read an excellent post recently on Kay's tr, I think it was from a Detroitdad, something like that, and , as I said, it was excellent. (crap, got that comma thing going again.) Anyway, it mentioned how things seem to be like a "clique" , when it comes to the trip reports. And how he likes hers so much, even though the trip report experts, never seem to post on others. And that's why he likes Kay's so much, it is not contrived, not "clicky" , and is just her story.

And I couldn't agree more. Her's is terrific, and when I'm fiinished with this, I plan to read the whole thing in it's entirety. But, I had to laugh at the contrived part. He had to be talking about me. I can only say, everything that I have written, actually did happen, except for obviously some dialouge.
I'm sorry, but when I tell a story, I can't help but try to make it funny. It's in my nature. No, cheerleaders weren't really saying "nebo nebo he's our man, if he can't wee wee no one can."
That just popped in my mind as I was writing. And in the story it went.
I guess I just wanted to comment on Detroitdads post, cuz I thought it was right on, plus it nailed how good Kay's report is.

Copyies of this speech can be obtained in the lobby, after the show.

Ok, I have to start this with an apology to Harleygirl. I'm sorry, I knew when I was putting down names, I'd miss some, and I guess you got to be miss Some. You are welcome to play any time you want. ( quote, can I play too?)

From Bee;

You have no idea how honored I am that I was mentioned!

You have no idea how worried that statement makes me concerning your mental health!


From Kay; [QUOTEAnd as the supreme compliment, I only read one other trip report episode this week besides yours, while on vacation. ][/QUOTE]

You have no idea how honored I am that I was mentioned. Crap,,,, I can't help it. Tee hee! Welcome back Kay.

Melinda; hope your Sept. trip comes off okay. I do think I'm going to adopt that phrase: God willing and free dining, into my vernacular. Not to put a damper on your plans, but I'm not so sure they will run "free dining" again this year. They have done this two years in a row now, and it's not a new thing that they have to promote anymore. Just like you don't see "room only" discounts anymore. Plus, many people are booking rooms now, so they can be changed to "free dining" when the code comes out, and with all these rooms booked, Disney doesn't need to offer "free dining". Ok, hope I"m not right, just my thoughts.

Marita, Tiggerwannabe, suzflee, actually, our next trip is where we are going tonight. The ticking fanny pack and wallet will probably have to wait till Thursday.

And like Jaime said, she is willing to take Disney dollars. ( I get ten percent). The DIS meets are a funny thing. I wasn't sure if I wanted any part of it,,,,, not on vacation, not with my wife. You know, meeting strangers that you only know from online. And I do know, that a lot of trip report writers won't do it. Happyhaunt's husband put his foot down on it I believe. And ZZUB agreed with him. And that's fine. But, yes I stand by what I said, I would have loved to meet all of you guys.
Even if Lexmelinda showed up in a hockey mask singing "Lizzy Borden took an axe."

Ok, checks, time out, two four , out of the war.

 

[Kay7979]

But, I had to laugh at the contrived part. He had to be talking about me. I can only say, everything that I have written, actually did happen, except for obviously some dialouge.
I'm sorry, but when I tell a story, I can't help but try to make it funny. It's in my nature. No, cheerleaders weren't really saying "nebo nebo he's our man, if he can't wee wee no one can."
That just popped in my mind as I was writing. And in the story it went.
I guess I just wanted to comment on Detroitdads post, cuz I thought it was right on, plus it nailed how good Kay's report is.

Thanks, Nebo. I don't remember him complaining about reports being contrived. I'll have to go back and reread his post. Mostly he was disturbed about a lot of inside jokes and phrases that don't make sense unless you have read certain trip reports by writers who have a popular following. I don't use those inside joke/phrase references so he was able to follow all of my humor.

There 's nothing wrong with adding humor and embellishing. All good writers do. It's not even a case of making things up as much as it's a case of seeing the funny slant on situations that occur. My "story" does the same. I exaggerate. I see the bizzare funny angle in a situation and run with it. That's simply how my mind works. And that's why I call my report a Trip Story. It's more than a strictly factual report. It's a report that pulls out the fun and funny and highlights those things to their best advantage. That's the same reason I like your sense of humor and your episodes. Anyone can write: Now we went here and then we ate such and such, and after that we all went back to the resort yada yada yada. You bring out the everyday humor of events and have fun, and you even make fun of yourself. So, if that's contrived, contrive away, because that's what we all enjoy about your writing.

 

[nebo]

This is an edit, I saw that it carried over to the next page, and just wanted yoiu to know that this started on page 35. That is all, over and out.

Ok, am I set? Viceroy? check, manhattan? check, tigger sweatshirt? check. Cat rubbing up against my leg trying to make me sneeze? check. Class. CLASS. CLAASS!! SHUT UP!!
Ok, now that I have your attention, today's lecture will be on a subject most dear to me. ME! Or, more correctly, the trip planning ME.

Yes, I know it's sounds a little narcississtic, but hey, this whole trip report is just that anyway, right? (boy, I can see people lining up to correct the spelling of that word) Ok, here,,,, sssss,,,,, just in case there wasn't enough "sss"s in it.

Now, I'm sure all of you know my compulsive, nature by now, and I admit it.
And Diane admitts I have this compulive nature too.
It's like this. When we plan a trip, I can't stop "tinkering with it."
It's in my nature.

Diane now cringes when she hears these 3 magical words come out of my mouth.

"I've been thinking"

And she get's like.... "What" we're all booked,wearen'tchanginganythingnotcallingagain,theskyisfallingandjustleaveit!!"
But, I think, therefore, I tink.

Here comes our latest incarnation on the May trip.

I referred to our last May trip as the "Mother of all Vacations", I guess this one will be the "Son of the Mother of all Vacations".

You see, it looks like my company is without a doubt, going down. And there is nothing I can do to stop it. I give it, one month, tops. All options have been stomped on, burned, deleted, and just plain exhausted.

So, if I'm out of work, what better time? Besides, if I have to start a new job, then I won't be able to take a trip this year. So, I told her, we're going, either way.

Besides, I need this.

Now, on to the trip.
If I'm still working, I plan on working half a day, Fri, May 4th. I will be home after the 70 mile round trip to work, by eleven in the morning. hopefully, she will have the Santa Fe all stuffed up and ready to go. I change, go tinkle, and we are off. (man, at this rate, I'm going to be typing till midnight).

Jaime, and whoever else might be in our area, we have driven down to Disney 6 times now, and believe me, I've tried differnet routes. And 57 is NOT the quickest way. It's 65. They have change the speed limit in Indiana to 70 now, and it's more of a hypotenuse than 57. Indiannoplace and Louisville are really nothing to go through, and you will end up in Nashville quicker than if you took 57. \

But this time we want to try something different.
It's going to be the normal route to Louisville, then over to Lexington, down to Knoxville, over to Columbia, then along the Atlantic, through Savannah, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and pick up I-4 to Orlando.

This is what can happen to you when you live your whole life in Illinois. You get desperate to see a mountain.

This route is about 90 miles farther, but it's more scenic. So I changed the normal Saturday leave, to Friday, hoping to make Lexington the first night, then come down the coast and stay in St. Augustine, the second night.
No, we have never been there, and in all our trips to Disney, never seen the ocean.

But, I am going to miss the Ashburn Inn. It's in Georgia, where we stayed last time. Oh Jaime? Would you mind retelling that story about talking about your Ashburn Inn? For me? That was funny.

All right, here's the plan, Stan.
One night in Kentucky, one night in St. Augustine, then on to the evil empire, Universalorlando.
And yes, we always do the evil empire first. If you don't, it will be a huge letdown after being at Disney. Don't get me wrong, we like it there a lot, but it's still not Disney. No pixie dust, I guess.

We have stayed now 3 times at Royal Pacific, and like it a lot, plus it's the cheapest. And visited the other two resorts. But, because we have now pretty much tried all the Disney resorts that we can afford, or are willing to spend the money for, this time we are going to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel for 3 nights. Room only, AAA, 242 a night. Yep. That's a ton o' money. But, it'l be different for us, and the onsite express line pass really helps make up for it.

Park tickets were bought last November on the web site.
85 a person, length of stay, both parks, plus Citywalk.
For a limited time only!
Yeah, right. It's still out there on the site.

Then, on to Disney.
Four nights, Carribean Beach, Aruba section, smoking room, second floor, corner room.
Have I said, "yeah, right" yet?
Anyway, those were our preferences.
Four nights, 6 day base tickets, dining plan for four nights, standard room, AAA,,,,,, 1388.

Then,,, on to Coranado Springs, 6 nights, room only. AAA, 157 a night with tax.

Then, one night somewhere in Indiana on the way home.
When we get home, the first thing on my agenda will probably be to slit my wrists.

So, as you can see, besides the crappy stays in transit, it's still , One night in St. Augustine, 3 nights in Universal, and 10 nights in Disney. Maybe I should call it the Grandmother of all trips.
Oy vey!

But here is part of where the "tinkering" in me shows up. Timing is everything. Does what I have said sound good so far?

There are problems with it.
Number one, it's Kentucky Derby weekend in Louisville. I'm not sure how that will affect the highway.
Plus, the "scenic" route we are taking this time, requires there actually being "scenes'.
That means, no point in driving through the Daniel Boone National Forest, or the Smoky Mountains,,,, in the DARK!
Like I said, when you live in Illinois all your life, you're desperate for mountains. Anything.

They once put a speed bump up on route 57 and called it "Scenic Overlook".

So, we will be in Disney, from the 9th to the 18th, I guess.
God willing.
Back willing.
Knee willing.
Migraines willing.
Good willing hunting.

Ok, guys, that's our story. boy, i sure hope it works

 

[tiggerbell]

I exaggerate.

No, no, no, Kay! If you've told us once, you've told us a million times - you never exaggerate!!!

I cannot convey how much I love that joke... I've used it a million times since I first read it... no exaggeration!

 

[tiggerbell]

This is what can happen to you when you live your whole life in Illinois. You get desperate to see a mountain.

Tinker away, my friend - it'll never be as bad as what I did to our upcoming September trip... Rhonda wanted to drive, not fly, and I agreed (so we leave on Friday, Judi & the gang fly down Saturday). Then I called her back and said we should leave Thursday and drive to Branson, MO, to see Paul Revere and the Raiders before the dude dies, and now I have to visit the adult home of Laura Ingalls Wilder BECAUSE IT'S ON THE WAY FROM BRANSON TO ORLANDO...

 

[tiggerbell]

But, I am going to miss the Ashburn Inn. It's in Georgia, where we stayed last time. Oh Jaime? Would you mind retelling that story about talking about your Ashburn Inn? For me? That was funny.

Driving down to Florida in January, 2005. In the car was me, my then-16DD Stephani, and my nephew-in-law (I can't even begin to abbreviate THAT!), Jay.

Steph has a sick sense of humor that started in the 8th grade. Coming home from work one day, I was greeted with what she had learned in school:

"Mom, did you know that Damascus is a city? Dumb-a$$-kiss! Get it? It's a REAL city!!!" followed by hysterics. Further followed by more hysterics when I replied, "So is Bangkok."

I know what you're thinking - what a great mom!

If you lived with her, you'd do anything to make it laugh, too.

Then came the day when she wandered into the frontroom as my now EXmistake was playing Madden football. Under the little players reads the last name of the player. Steph reads "Butkis" and announces that that had to be made up.

I happily informed her that, not only was that the man's real last name, but his first name was Dick. She is off in hysterics again.

Now we're driving to Florida, remember? We pass Amboy, GA. We start saying it in a southern accent like "damn, boy!" And the next town is Ashburn. Situated in Ashburn is the Ashburn Inn. Now, Jay and I are yelling, "Am-boy! My Ash-burn Inn!"

Come to think of it, the mystery stain from that trip in the backseat may not be from Lauren's skittles - it might have been from Steph laughing so hard...

 

[lexmelinda]

It's going to be the normal route to Louisville, then over to Lexington, down to Knoxville, over to Columbia, then along the Atlantic, through Savannah, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and pick up I-4 to Orlando.

This is what can happen to you when you live your whole life in Illinois. You get desperate to see a mountain.

I don't think you'll have much problem in Louisville from the Derby. Friday is "The Oaks" so most race fans will be there and you'll be going 65 to 64 which is not really close to Churchill Downs. The stretch of I-40 between Knoxville and Ashville, NC is gorgeous but I think you've probably been that way before.

So, we will be in Disney, from the 9th to the 18th, I guess.
God willing.
Back willing.
Knee willing.
Migraines willing.
Good willing hunting.

God willing.

 

[Kay7979]

Diane now cringes when she hears these 3 magical words come out of my mouth. "I've been thinking"

That sounds familiar. Only when I say, “I’ve been thinking,” Lowell usually says, “Again? Twice in the same day?”

But, I think, therefore, I tink.

This line is worthy of a visit from the Tag Fairy. Seriously!

You see, it looks like my company is without a doubt, going down. And there is nothing I can do to stop it. I give it, one month, tops. All options have been stomped on, burned, deleted, and just plain exhausted.

Sorry to hear this. I’ve been through it, and it’s not fun. It seems, however, with all your ailments, you could be on disability. Maybe your back problems would improve somewhat if you spent less time on your feet.

They once put a speed bump up on route 57 and called it "Scenic Overlook".

Great line! I'm looking forward to the Thursday night Nebo Show, if you're up to it.

 

[Bee]

I am concerned about my mental health also!

Yes I was honored!! Nebo said my name, Nebo said my name..

Cant wait to hear about the next trip!

 

[harleygirl]

Wow Nebo - your route sounds great!!!! Every yr when we go to Daytona we actually stay in St Augustine, its such a beautiful little town!!! and right on A1A there is a little restaurant, shoot the name isnt coming to me now, I know its not Caps, its the other one on the Atlantic side...Rays maybe? anyhoo you need to take miss Smidgy there and let her dine fancyschmancy(not to much, we showed up in biker leather nd no one even looked at us funny) waterfront, with some live jazz...its fantasmic...Caps has good atmosphere too, but the food was better at the other place... and the ride down A1A to daytona is SSSOOO gorgeous, go slow - you wont want to miss this one!!!

P.S. you dint hurt my feelins - I's just playin with you!

 

[monymony3471]

Hey Nebo I've been MIA for a bit but I'm back and know you missed me.

Spent the last hour catching up. Your next trip sounds fabulous. Let me know when you are driving through Indiana and I'll swing down for a mini meet. Hey Diane!

I too am devineless. I have a mission to go back and find her.

 

[winkers]

Okay, it's thursday and I'm waiting...........insert picture of me druming my fingers!

 

[nebo]

Hi Winkers

Yu know, with your addition, the states are now covered. From Wahington to Florida with Backstage Gal. Unless you're Wash. D.C. .

Monymony? Now, I admit, I'm easily confused. But....

Spent the last hour catching up. Your next trip sounds fabulous. Let me know when you are driving through Indiana and I'll swing down for a mini meet. Hey Diane!

I too am devineless. I have a mission to go back and find her.

My confusion starts with your signature, icon, avatar,,,, WHATEVER.
It says location MI

You see, where I come from, that stands for Michigan. Now, I know they do things differently a lot in Indiana, especially, the time zones, but, uh, does MI stand for Monies Indiana? Nice to see you back. Strange as you are.
I am sorry to say though, much as we'd love to meet you in Detroit, Indiana, this car will not be stopping till the fuel gauge is on E. There just isn't any time.

Hey, Bikerbabe, thanks for the info on St. Auggie. We'll keep an eye out for Cal's, and or Ray's. Fine dining, huh? They sound like biker bars. heh.
What? Has Hook's closed down?
You may go in your Harley leathers, I'll be in my cut-offs and tank top.

Jaime, thanks for relating that story again. Now, how long do you think before we're both kicked off of here? I forgot about the preliminary before the Georgia part. I still find it funny, especially the part where you would do anything to make Stephanie laugh. Been there, done that.

Lexluthor, about the only way a meet up is possible would be if I end up out of work. And then it would have to be very early, cuz the whole schedule would change.

Bee. [QUOTEBee I am concerned about my mental health also!

Yes I was honored!! Nebo said my name, Nebo said my name.. ][/QUOTE]

Ah, now, finally, a woman that appreciates great talent, and bestows the proper response on the deserving one. You really need to talk to Diane, more.

Wow! Did you hear that sound? Of everybody else throwing things at their computers? I could from here.

Kay: I promise to "contrive" as long as you promise to "exaggerate". Even though, Lord knows, I'd never do THAT!

Originally Posted by nebo
But, I think, therefore, I tink.

This line is worthy of a visit from the Tag Fairy. Seriously!

Ok, my stupidity time again. "Tag Fairy"?

uh, oh, gotta get to work, be right back.
Next, the devil goes down to Epcot. Posting,,,,,,

 

[nebo]

I noticed a funny thing tonight, driving home from work.
Tell me, is it just me or has anybody else noticed how many towns there are that are named after water towers?
Just wondering.

Nighttime.
Fanny pack ticking.
The smell of death, in the room.

No, not my socks.
Geesh!

Didn't sleep good that night. Kinda wound up in my own little mind, thinking , "damn, last night, trip is almost over, gotta FLY home, , and I'm not ZZUB."
(ZZUB, if you ever read any of this, I'm just playin. I love you man.) I don't want to have to litigate at ten paces.

That morning, well, woke up early, got my mind in the right place, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE FUN TODAY! Before we have to get on a plane and fly to our death.

Only problem was, the body wasn't really cooperating that much.
Yes, I know you're sick of hearing about it, but the foot hurt a lot, but not as much as the back did. And I just didn't seem to have much energy.
She was waking up now too, and ready to get started packing after her shower.

I tried sitting up.
Uh uh.
I remembered the ticking I heard.
What? Is there Kryptonite in her fanny pack?

"Hey?" "Arent' you getting up?"

"Yes, honey, I'm working on it."
And I tried again.

"OK!"
"Who turned up the gravity?"

Eventually I made it up, and she went into the shower.
Now here is where I'm going to look like a piece of crap.
As I staggered around, trying to loosen up, I saw these things on the table in our room.
One of them said Early Times.
I do not usually do this, but,,,, heck, it was our last day, and it's not like I'm flying the plane home myself today, so,,,,,I'm still on vacation,,,,, and, ,,,, I can if I want to,,,,, So There!

I I filled up a half empty bottle of Sprite from the fridge, and started packing.
Got done pretty quick. It's amazing how quick the packing thing goes when you fly down, as opposed to driving down. Always, way more stuffage when you drive.

Way more.

At least this time I didn't have to fold up the ping pong table.

I looked outside, and it was beautiful. A perfect day. And then I looked at the door. In particular, the door "knob".
And I saw it.
Hanging there.

"Honey, it's official, we have been evicted."

Boy, Disney can sure mess up your last day with that envelope.

A little bit later, I went down and got one of those collapsible luggage cart rolling thingies.
Still clutching onto my "sprite".
Nope, not going to carry them things this time.

And, It's a miracle! I am being rejuvenated! "sprite" , can have that effect sometimes early in the morning , I guess.

OK, OK, I ADMIT IT. I'LL TALK! YES, I DID TAKE A COUPLE, OK, OK, 3 OF THEM OTHER THINGS. But, I didn't care. Last day, still got some left, I'm going for it!
My motto today is: NO PAIN,,,, NO PAIN.

Back in the room, Diane is just now about to pack up the liquer. She remembers the last day in our May trip and looks at me and says:
"Do you want something before I put this away?"

"You know, I hadn't thought about it, but now that you mention it, it IS our last day, so, WHY NOT?"

"Oh". "I'll just add some to my sprite bottle here."

Finished packing, we leave, and just before the door closes, she says, " Got everything?" "Leave a tip?" "Got your keys, wallet?" "Got your Vicodin?"

"Yes, yes, yes, and yes,,,,, and "you have to be kidding" Think I'd leave that?"

We drop the luggage off , and head over to Epcot.

Yep, this is going to be a great "sendoff" day. I can just feel it.
Well, actually, I can barely feel anything at the moment.
But all is great. You know why? No sign of little Jimmy, and I am eating a Slim Jim for breakfast!

We are there 15 minutes before rope drop, and end up on the side where no one usually goes. Right in front.
Openings at the parks, really do put you in the mood for it. Much better than if you arrive at a later time and just walk in.

Here, I'll show you.

We are going straight to Soarin'. And are the first ones in the building.
From our "discussion" that we had the previous day, Diane had said that "ok, I'll try to do Soarin on the 2nd row. Yes, this was one of the dumb arguments.

As we were heading to the front in the building, I couldn't help but notice she had a look on her face as if she was going to the gallows. Then I remembered why, and I saw that the whole inner walkway was green.

She looked like Delacroix walking the "Green Mile".
"Honey, don't worry about it, we can take row 3 agian, it's alright."
But, when we got up there, she went and got in line in row 2.

One is the highest, 3 is the lowest.
2 is "just right".

Well, not to her.
She did it in row 2, but unfortunately, the fear factor took a lot of the enjoyment factor out of it for her, I think.

One observation I made though, even though you fly higher in row two, the effects are more pronounced. It seemed even more like your feet were going to get wet by a wave, even though you are higher up than in row 3.
Can't explain that .

From there, it was over to Test Track. There really wasn't any line, and I told her I'll just be a few minutes, but she said she'd try it with me.

She did this once, the first time we went back by ourselves without the kids in '92, and if we had bought the photo, it would have shown her head burried in my shoulder.

I told her I was proud of her for doing row two, that's good enough, but she said she'd try this again anyway.

At least for once, the ride didn't break down this time in the middle.

Just when the car slowed down, and you go back inside, she said;
"You mean that's it?" "Oh, that wasn't bad, that was kinda fun."

Yep, views can change over time. It helps when there is not a ten year "nothing break" in between visits.

HISTA was next, then just wandered around Communiventions for a bit.
Then it was time to head over to our lunch seating , the first seating, at Teppyaki.

That's in the Japan pavillion.
Geesh.

I'm not a big Japanese food person fan, but I was willing to try it. One reason is that I"m not crazy about sitting with a bunch of strangers at my table.

They called a bunch of us in, and it was like "musical chairs" as we all just kept walking around the table, waiting for someone to finally sit down and take a seat.

I ended up at the "head" of the table, with Diane sitting next to me around the corner on the chef's side.

Ok, ok, it might have been the "foot" of the table. Guess it's all in the perspective.

I prefer it my way.

When the gorgeous, cute, vivacious little waitress came out and took our order, it seemed that we were one of the few that were on the Dining Plan.
Only us and another couple mentioned it during ordering, and most of the people there ordered normal.
You know, what you might be able to afford?

Not us though.
"Steak and shrimp combination, please."

As we sat there waiting for them to bring our drinks out, which were only soft drinks for us, I felt a sudden chill blow across my back.

I looked behind me, couldn't see anything different, then I realized, the lights had even dimmed a bit.

Nah, just my imagination.

I looked at Smidgy, and she was clasping her arms together, as if she was suddenly cold.

All the other couples were just talking to themselves though, like nothing had happened.

Oh well.

Then Lucifer came back with the drinks.

 

[Bee]

Ah, now, finally, a woman that appreciates great talent, and bestows the proper response on the deserving one. You really need to talk to Diane, more.

Wow! Did you hear that sound? Of everybody else throwing things at their computers? I could from here.

 

[Kay7979]

Great episode. I can feel what's coming and I'm already worried for you, but I won't say another word.