Has the DIS taught me nothing? Spring Break at WDW! **Trip Report Link p.12**

[Wonders10]

TGIF!

I got my taxes done this afternoon. I was a little nervous since in addition to my normal W-2, I also get a 10-99 for my private SLP work. A couple years ago, I had to pay. A lot. So last year, my accountant had me "pre-pay" for the year ahead. Turns out I pre-paid by a lot because I'm getting it all back and then some! I still let the IRS have a little bit of it for next tax season, but I'm thrilled with what I'm getting back. I went in just not wanting to have to pay so this was a HUGE treat! Now, I definitely feel like a summer cruise is very doable, too!

I will try to work on an update, but I do have some work to do for my private clients. Plus prepping for my evaluation on Monday. I'm a bit of a procrastinator though so I will probably do lots of DISing. In the meantime, I hope you all have a great weekend!

 

[tinytreasures]

Yah for getting money back

 

[blessedmom4]

TGIF!

I got my taxes done this afternoon. I was a little nervous since in addition to my normal W-2, I also get a 10-99 for my private SLP work. A couple years ago, I had to pay. A lot. So last year, my accountant had me "pre-pay" for the year ahead. Turns out I pre-paid by a lot because I'm getting it all back and then some! I still let the IRS have a little bit of it for next tax season, but I'm thrilled with what I'm getting back. I went in just not wanting to have to pay so this was a HUGE treat! Now, I definitely feel like a summer cruise is very doable, too!

I will try to work on an update, but I do have some work to do for my private clients. Plus prepping for my evaluation on Monday. I'm a bit of a procrastinator though so I will probably do lots of DISing. In the meantime, I hope you all have a great weekend!

Shannon, I LOVE surprises like that!!! Way to go and hoping that cruise IS in your future! The DIS is a GREAT place to get lost and not worry about things, I fully agree!

 

[Queenofallthings]

What you said about not putting things off is so true...if you can afford it...do it!! My parents immigrated from Scotland and the last time I was back was in 1989, my cousin and I went for 3 weeks and I am so happy that I did it before real life set in! I have great memories of times spent with aunts and uncles who are no longer here......looks like you have a great time in Ireland!!! Thanks for sharing

 

[Wonders10]

Today marks 1 month until my trip! I can't believe it. 4 weeks and I'll be on spring break and heading to one of my favorite places. And what better way to celebrate than with an update?

Shopping Update:
I finally ordered my Old Navy clothes. I deleted many things from my shopping bag and ended up getting 2 pairs of shorts (navy and khaki color) and a navy sundress (not necessarily for Disney, but I love dresses and wear them all the time). Today, I stopped at Stein Mart (discount department store), intending to look at end tables and home decor and walked out with socks and a bathing suit I needed/wanted socks and the bathing suit is from Nautica. I already have a bathing suit from them and I love it, plus this was a really good deal. In the real stores, each piece was $60. Today I got each piece for $24.99! I didn't really need it, but since it was a good deal and I have a hard time finding cute bathing suits that look nice on me, I got it since I know it will last me a couple years at least. I also bought some shampoo and conditioner for .99 cents each! They were on sale so I took advantage and got it for the trip. Eventually I will take pictures of some of these things and share it all.

Earlier this week, I made an ADR for Wolfgang Puck on the West Side for dinner on our arrival day. This way, I know we won’t have to wait a crazy amount of time if we do decide to go the DTD route instead of AK. Although, I think we are both pretty much set on DTD. I had my pic of times, well at least the timeframe I was looking at.

Since I think I covered most of Epcot last time (our plans and memories), I’m going to go in order of what parks we will visit on the trip and talk about DHS next. Can I just vent for a second and say how much I hate typing “DHS” and not “MGM”.

Anyway, I’m not going to lie. DHS is not my favorite park. I’d skip it altogether except for the fact that one of my fave rides (TSM) and my mom’s fave ride (TOT) are there. We don’t usually watch any of the shows and that probably won’t change this time around, although I’ve seen One Man’s Dream twice and have seen all of the shows before, just never have the patience to see them a 2nd time. I’m anticipating we will be done with DHS relatively early. This is also the day I plan on hitting DTD (for the 2nd time) after a swim break at the hotel. I have no ADRs made for today. We will probably have lunch at DHS, but no clue where and will probably not decide until we realize we're hungry and it's lunch time.

Our must do’s for DHS
TOT
RNRC
TSM – hopefully twice!
GMR
Backlot Tour – Haven’t done it in awhile and if the lines not too long, we’ll give it a go
Browse the shops, not just the ones in the front of the park
Anything else is a bonus!

Time for a Disney memory...Keeping with the theme of me liking the boring rides no one else does, I actually enjoy the Great Movie Ride. I like the clips from old movies, seeing the Wizard of Oz “set”, and watching movie clips from tons of movies I’ve never seen . But in November, my mom and I went to DHS, in the afternoon, set on riding RnRC and TOT. And GMR since we were there, too, right? So we get in our car and the CM who is our tour guide starts talking. My mom and I look at each other and try not to bust into giggles.

Why?

Our dear, sweet CM had a lateral lisp. A very noticeable one. What’s that, you say? A lateral lisp is the “lisp” where the air is coming out of the sides of your mouth and not the center when you are talking – I’m trying to think of someone who may speak that way and all I can think of is the “sufferin’ succotash” character…a cat, right? Try making the /sh/ sound come out the side of your mouth (doing the Elvis lip while you are doing it helps), and you’ve got it.

Okay, before you all think I laugh at my clients and make fun of them for their speech impairments – I don’t! What I did think, however, was of all the CM and all the ride vehicles, I (the SLP) came into his (lateral lisp). Seemed comical in that ironic way. Plus aside from that, he was very flamboyant in his speaking and to be honest a little difficult to understand at times. I’m just wondering why they put him to work where he has to talk to guests for 20 minutes straight on a ride? But aside from all that, I just found it very distracting to listen to during the ride.

So hear is today's soapbox for speech therapy. Let this story be a lesson to all of you who know children with a “cute” lisp or someone who saws “wewo” for yellow, or weewy for “really”. Please get them some speech therapy (if its not a developmental error) – or they could be the 20-something tour guide at Disney that no one can understand and no one thinks its cute to listen to. It's actually a huge pet peeve of mine because right now, in many schools, they give the SLPs a really hard time justifying why a child needs speech "just for 1 sound". Well, it may only sound now, but how are they going to sound when they are 22 on a job interview and can't say that "1 sound".

There you have it, one of my most recent memories from DHS.

Sorry no photos with this update, apparently I never take pictures in DHS because I cannot find any

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend! I actually managed to get some work done earlier and tomorrow, I may take Winston to a local outdoor art festival. Thanks for reading!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

great updates! Yay for taxes! I think I'm getting around $500 back. When my dad first did mine, it was saying $700+ but he forgot to add something and then it went down..sad day but money is money!

I need to look at my Old Navy bag! I was going to stop at Old Navy last night but I forgot my gift card at home so I figured it can wait till tomorrow or next weekend. I do want to order a new pair of white flip flops since they always sell out of those so quickly! My college that I went to is on Spring Break right now and I can't imagine having spring break so early but we did not complain, that's for sure!

Did you see the new resort mugs! I'm totally in love with them and can't wait to buy the pink or teal one!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Yay for one month...same with us!!!

I like the GMR too. We don't get it in every trip but I'm definitely planning on doing it this time!

 

[tinytreasures]

Yay for the month mark

 

[blessedmom4]

ONE MORE MONTH!!!!
That is awesome!

I could see how the lateral lisp would be VERY annoying, especially to someone trained to help others with speech. That is why I fight so hard for my children, I have been told too many times...it is "just a little problem"...hello, if you had the problem, it wouldn't seem so "little"! Funny how things can be little when they aren't your to carry... I think you would be a GREAT SLP for my children (You know I want to hire you...now where is that lottery win)???

and we LOVE the GMR!!!!

 

[Moira222]

Shannon great trip updates! I am a few days behind (ok a week) so I had lots to catch up on.

I love your Ireland pics, esp your niece on the meadow. My paternal grandfather's family is also from Ireland...I have not been though my sister and I have met online an O'Connor cousin who keeps us well informed of the old country.

I am SOO jealous of your Alaska trip. Alaska has been on our to do list for so long though now that we have a child I think it will have to wait even more. Plus, once I FINALLY got DH to go to WDW he is HOOKED and would more happily spend the $ on WDW than Alaska. We'll see. eventually we'll want to go somewhere else, right?

YIPPEEEfor a nice tax refund. I just finished mine this weekend too and breathed a sigh of relief that my tax refund will be enough to cover two big bills. its been a rough year.

I KWYM about DHS....we always seem to wander from spot to spot nhow knowing what to really do there. this year I really read up on the boards here on the attractions and made a real plan to experience the DHS things we haven't done before, plus the ones we loved.

one month.....sigh .... i am jealous. i know you're not supposed to wish time to go faster but......it should be May!

btw looking forward to hearing how Winston enjoyed the art festival. Thor is too bossy to go to fairs and festivals. and WAY to loud. here is Thor trying to get me to play stick with him.

 

[Wonders10]

great updates! Yay for taxes! I think I'm getting around $500 back. When my dad first did mine, it was saying $700+ but he forgot to add something and then it went down..sad day but money is money!

I need to look at my Old Navy bag! I was going to stop at Old Navy last night but I forgot my gift card at home so I figured it can wait till tomorrow or next weekend. I do want to order a new pair of white flip flops since they always sell out of those so quickly! My college that I went to is on Spring Break right now and I can't imagine having spring break so early but we did not complain, that's for sure!

Did you see the new resort mugs! I'm totally in love with them and can't wait to buy the pink or teal one!!!

I saw on your thread you got some great purchases! I do like the new mugs. I am a naughty girl, and use my old mugs when we go, but these are just really cute so I may buy a new set this time.

Yay for one month...same with us!!!

I like the GMR too. We don't get it in every trip but I'm definitely planning on doing it this time!

Yay for the month mark

less than a month now!

I could see how the lateral lisp would be VERY annoying, especially to someone trained to help others with speech. That is why I fight so hard for my children, I have been told too many times...it is "just a little problem"...hello, if you had the problem, it wouldn't seem so "little"! Funny how things can be little when they aren't your to carry... I think you would be a GREAT SLP for my children (You know I want to hire you...now where is that lottery win)???

and we LOVE the GMR!!!!

Distracting is an understatement. If I lived in NC, I would definitely at least pay you a visit!

Shannon great trip updates! I am a few days behind (ok a week) so I had lots to catch up on.

I love your Ireland pics, esp your niece on the meadow. My paternal grandfather's family is also from Ireland...I have not been though my sister and I have met online an O'Connor cousin who keeps us well informed of the old country.

I am SOO jealous of your Alaska trip. Alaska has been on our to do list for so long though now that we have a child I think it will have to wait even more. Plus, once I FINALLY got DH to go to WDW he is HOOKED and would more happily spend the $ on WDW than Alaska. We'll see. eventually we'll want to go somewhere else, right?

YIPPEEEfor a nice tax refund. I just finished mine this weekend too and breathed a sigh of relief that my tax refund will be enough to cover two big bills. its been a rough year.

I KWYM about DHS....we always seem to wander from spot to spot nhow knowing what to really do there. this year I really read up on the boards here on the attractions and made a real plan to experience the DHS things we haven't done before, plus the ones we loved.

one month.....sigh .... i am jealous. i know you're not supposed to wish time to go faster but......it should be May!

btw looking forward to hearing how Winston enjoyed the art festival. Thor is too bossy to go to fairs and festivals. and WAY to loud. here is Thor trying to get me to play stick with him.

Yes, my student loans are what kills me with the money issue, plus I have some credit card debt so a good chunk of my refund is going towards my summer vacation (TBA soon! ), and credit card plus keeping a little in my checking for some "cushion".

Thor is so funny - I'd love to see Winston in snow. I have a feeling it would scare him since everything "new" has that effect. He did really well at the Art Festival. It was pretty warm (warmest its been here in awhile) and crowded and Winston was just in awe of it all. Last year, Winston had a lot of tummy troubles and they seemed to get worse when he was scared/excited, so when we went last year, everything was fine until we started walking back to my car and he stopping in front of the frozen lemonade stand and went #2, and it wasn't very easy to pick up if you know what I mean. So I had that in the back of my mind the entire time we were there But it was a success overall


Hope everyone out there had a great weekend! I pretty much shared already what I did so I won't repeat myself. Today is my observation/evaluation that was rescheduled from 2 weeks ago - Wish me luck! This should be an okay week, mainly because I took a personal day on Friday. Where my mom lives (and I used to live) they are having a "Walk for the Animals" event on Saturday so I just decided to make a long weekend out of it and head down Friday. It's a fun event with tons of people and dogs, a 1-mile stroll, along the intercoastal waterway and all the proceeds benefit the local Humane Society. We've done it the past 5 years, but Winston of course has only been to 2! I will try to get some cute pics of us while we are there.

 

[blessedmom4]

I saw on your thread you got some great purchases! I do like the new mugs. I am a naughty girl, and use my old mugs when we go, but these are just really cute so I may buy a new set this time.





less than a month now!



Distracting is an understatement. If I lived in NC, I would definitely at least pay you a visit!



Yes, my student loans are what kills me with the money issue, plus I have some credit card debt so a good chunk of my refund is going towards my summer vacation (TBA soon! ), and credit card plus keeping a little in my checking for some "cushion".

Thor is so funny - I'd love to see Winston in snow. I have a feeling it would scare him since everything "new" has that effect. He did really well at the Art Festival. It was pretty warm (warmest its been here in awhile) and crowded and Winston was just in awe of it all. Last year, Winston had a lot of tummy troubles and they seemed to get worse when he was scared/excited, so when we went last year, everything was fine until we started walking back to my car and he stopping in front of the frozen lemonade stand and went #2, and it wasn't very easy to pick up if you know what I mean. So I had that in the back of my mind the entire time we were there But it was a success overall


Hope everyone out there had a great weekend! I pretty much shared already what I did so I won't repeat myself. Today is my observation/evaluation that was rescheduled from 2 weeks ago - Wish me luck! This should be an okay week, mainly because I took a personal day on Friday. Where my mom lives (and I used to live) they are having a "Walk for the Animals" event on Saturday so I just decided to make a long weekend out of it and head down Friday. It's a fun event with tons of people and dogs, a 1-mile stroll, along the intercoastal waterway and all the proceeds benefit the local Humane Society. We've done it the past 5 years, but Winston of course has only been to 2! I will try to get some cute pics of us while we are there.

Looks like an amazing weekend coming up! I just love Winston, what a cutie!

How did the evaluation go? Did she show up this time?? Was it as bad as you expected? Please let us know when you have time.

I can't believe your trip is so close!

 

[Wonders10]

Looks like an amazing weekend coming up! I just love Winston, what a cutie!

How did the evaluation go? Did she show up this time?? Was it as bad as you expected? Please let us know when you have time.

I can't believe your trip is so close!

Yes, I'm excited! A 4-day work week and a fun event with my doodle-bug He went to the groomers today and looks adorable - very fluffy and white, plus he can see again now that the hair is away from his eyes

I'm going to give an update on my eval now! Thanks for thinking of me!

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone,

My supervisor did in fact show up for my evaluation on Monday. I had 1st graders (I may have taken only my "cooperative" students" that day ) and did a lesson that combined speech and language (reading a book, answering questions and practicing their sounds). Nothing earth shattering, but she did compliment me on combining speech and language into one session. Honestly, all of us school SLPs do that so I don't know what she is observing in other schools But I will take a compliment when I get 'em! I meet with her next Wednesday to officially go over it and get all my evaluation paperwork completed. She always finds something for me to work on, but hopefully it still all comes out well.

In other news, I mentioned last week (I think on page 5 somewhere) about an interview I'd be going to at a skilled nursing facility. Well, it was this afternoon and it went really well! She pretty much offered me the position right there on the spot, but I don't even know what my salary would be and I need to hear more about the benefits and things. But I did like the rehab director - very nice, down to earth, we had a lot in common. And the facility itself is really nice as well. They have a serenity garden with butterflies, and a lot of the therapists do their therapy out there sometimes. They even have a salon so the ladies can get their perms and hair done. The hours would be longer I think and I'd lose all those great holidays that I get off now most likely- 2 weeks at Christmas, Summer, spring break, etc. Obviously, I'm assuming I would get the actual holiday off, but nothing like what I have now. But then again, I am very lucky to have had that schedule at all since most working people don't get all that time off. BUT I want to use my adult therapy skills now, while they are still fresh. Then, later down the road if I am lucky enough to get married and have babies, I can have the option to return to working in a school, to have that flexibility for my family, if I want to. And I'm just assuming the salary will be a significant amount more than what I get now, which would really help with playing my student loans and saving for a house/the future. So send good thoughts that they do officially offer me the position. And that I make the right decision for me, professionally.

In Disney news - I have none! But I can't believe its almost 3 weeks away! I need to buy our tickets still, but keep forgetting! AAA sells them for about $4 cheaper than Disney so I plan on getting them there. I will add it to my to do list for next week, I think! Thanks for reading - hope the week is going well! Tomorrow is my Thursday/Friday!

 

[tinytreasures]

Great job updates.
Wow only 3 where does the time go?

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone!

Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing weekend! I came back from my mom's earlier today, but spent some time relaxing, cleaning and grocery shopping. Now I'm ready to give you an update! I received the 2 pairs of shorts and dress from Old Navy. It actually came while I was down at my mom's. Everything fits great, actually a smidge on the loose side so I plan on washing them and putting them in the dryer to shrink them a little bit. Now I'm trying to figure out my outfits for each day, with extras for evenings in case I get extra sweaty. I will probably wear a casual sundress for our DTD nights. I can't believe it is 3 weeks away! It appears it is going to be packed while we are there so I'm bracing for the worst, and hoping we can still have a fun, relaxing, stress-free time while seeing everything we like. In job news, I spoke with the recruiter who said she is waiting for my paperwork (the lady I interviewed with is faxing it to her). But she did give me an idea of the salary and vacation time and I like it! So I've been thinking about it all weekend and I really, really, really, hope they officially offer me the position because I think it would be a good opportunity for me for a lot of reasons. So if you could spare some good thoughts that they call me soon to offer me the job!

Now for an update on my weekend! The whole reason I went down to my mom's house was because on Saturday, the humane society in Ft. Lauderdale had their annual walk for the animals event, to raise money for their organization. Like I mentioned previously, we have been doing it for years and I look forward to it every year. We woke up bright and early on Saturday and after getting ready, loaded everyone up in the car. The dogs were really excited:

Don't worry, they eventually went back and sat on their seats while we drove .

When we got there, we had some free I-HOP pancakes and browsed all the kiosks set up with pet products. It was a lot more crowded than we expected that early and Winston need some chill out time (okay, maybe I did - I hate crowds). So what better way to relax than by walking along the Las Olas River and taking some pictures!

Okay, this next one was sort of a joke. Obviously, most people don't carry around a dog that weighs 55 lbs+, but its sort of a running joke in my family that I often have to pick him up to put him in his crate, take him off a table, etc. So I thought I'd take a picture of me holding him. It wasn't until I got home and could see the pictures in better light that I saw Winston's face:

I must have caught him mid-lip licking or something because he gave no indication whatsover that he was ticked off, growling or anything, but I just find the picture hilarious.

By this time, the actual walk had finally started, so we headed for the start area. It's a little over 1 mile and it goes through downtown Fort Lauderdale and along the River and intracoastal. The actual walking started at 10, and we got in the pack about 15 minutes later and here was our view ahead:

All 4 of us made it through the walk in one piece, taking a couple pit stops so the doggies could get some water. Once we made it to the "finish" line, we were done. It was getting hot and even more crowded so we headed home. It had been a long morning:

So that was the bulk of my weekend...the rest wasn't too exciting. Hopefully I will have a Disney update for you all soon! Thanks for reading!

 

[PrincessV]

I can't believe it is 3 weeks away!

So if you could spare some good thoughts that they call me soon to offer me the job!

You've got it - it sounds like a great opportunity!

It had been a long morning:

Those are some wiped-out doggies!

 

[Moira222]

Thor is so funny - I'd love to see Winston in snow. I have a feeling it would scare him since everything "new" has that effect. He did really well at the Art Festival. It was pretty warm (warmest its been here in awhile) and crowded and Winston was just in awe of it all. Last year, Winston had a lot of tummy troubles and they seemed to get worse when he was scared/excited, so when we went last year, everything was fine until we started walking back to my car and he stopping in front of the frozen lemonade stand and went #2, and it wasn't very easy to pick up if you know what I mean. So I had that in the back of my mind the entire time we were there But it was a success overall

its like they TRY to embarrass us by going in the worst possible spot, isn't?

Hi everyone,

My supervisor did in fact show up for my evaluation on Monday. I had 1st graders (I may have taken only my "cooperative" students" that day ) and did a lesson that combined speech and language (reading a book, answering questions and practicing their sounds).

for a good review!
[/quote]

[/quote]

In other news, I mentioned last week (I think on page 5 somewhere) about an interview I'd be going to at a skilled nursing facility. Well, it was this afternoon and it went really well!


In Disney news - I have none! But I can't believe its almost 3 weeks away! I need to buy our tickets still, but keep forgetting! AAA sells them for about $4 cheaper than Disney so I plan on getting them there. I will add it to my to do list for next week, I think! Thanks for reading - hope the week is going well! Tomorrow is my Thursday/Friday!

good to wait for the official offer to get all the facts in ahead of time!

get your tickets!!


I love your Winston updates. so cute! I love those wiped out puppy pictures!! they are the best!

 

[Queenofallthings]

3 weeks? I can hardly believe your trip is almost here! There is nothing like those last few days leading up to departure day is there? So excited for you guys!

 

[tinytreasures]

Three weeks how did that happen