Hiatus chat thread

[Princess Jes]

I am a guy that likes to cook. We do Christmas eve with my wife's sister, who hosts roughly 60 people for dinner. I will do a whole fillet of beef wrapped in bacon, perogies, and a bone in ham all with the standard sides. We usually get everyone out by 1:00, then clean up and pass out.

Christmas day my wife and I will make the 3 drive to my parents. Once in "lower slower" Delaware, my mother will have a large turkey with a bacon lattice covering the bird.

So much bacon, can I come to your place? no wait... American bacon sucks compared to Aussie bacon... carry on

I will make prime rib and jello salad (lime jello with tiny apple cubes and walnuts) and apple pies...enough to feed the 8 of us for three days. We will also make sugar, chocolate, chocolate chip, molasses, and ginger cookies. All that, plus plenty of drinks and sarcasm from my brother and sister that will result in a scene worthy of a Chevy Chase movie that usually ends in someone getting injured or setting fire to something. Perhaps it's best if we don't dring so much, but then I wouldn't have the story of shooting my brother in the forehead with a staple gun.

Seriously, why do American's call anything with Jello (we call it jelly) a salad?
like, on How I met your mother, Marshall's mum makes a "salad" that has all kinds of weirdness in it, nothing of which is a salad ingredient... please explain...

In the end we will all be cranky and fall asleep early. We won't have eaten much of the food, and the gossip will be over with. Every year I tell my wife we should just go to Florida and avoid this, but no. This is family, and that is really what holidays are about. Therefore I will suffer and smile at the same time while I open the gag underwear my brother will buy me after watching my wife open another kitchen tool she will never use that we now have to regift.

(If any family members are reading this, just buy me a nice bottle of scotch)

Pet peeve/Tip for men and mother-in-laws: WOMEN DONT WANT HOUSEHOLD OR KITCHEN APPLIANCES FOR CHRISTMAS OR THEIR BIRTHDAYS!!! unless they specifically ask for them...
why must people gift this stuff when it's not asked for? grrrr. might as well give them a t-shirt that says "I belong barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen making meals for my husband"
sorry, feminist rant over.

I too would enjoy a fine scotch, or bottle of well aged port

 

[Princess Jes]

Feeling a bit off this year since we're not doing many of our traditional things. Normally we have this massive Christmas campout with some long-time family friends at the beginning of December...complete with singing around the bonfire, skits, football, pinata, etc. BUT...the dam on the piece of forested camping land gave out due to the flooding rains and washed out the roads...so, no campout this year. And as exciting as it is that we're going to Disneyland/LA/skiing at Christmas, that means no massive outdoor light display in our yard, no fresh tree (we have several artificial, but it's not the same), no wrapping gifts until the wee hours of the morning on Christmas/Christmas Eve, and no drinking potent egg nog and scotch all night. On the upside...we are going on this big trip to California, and since we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah, I'm using the 8 nights of Hanukkah and the 12 days of Christmas to gift the kids with all kinds of stuff for the trip. The younger one still believes in Santa, so I have to keep the magic alive. Needless to say, managing 20 days of gift giving while dealing with final trip details, being a mom, and working full time...well, I'm losing my proverbial mind! We'll also be having my MIL over on Christmas Eve, and since things have been tense with her of late...just hoping that goes well.

Since I am not doing outdoor lights this year, I brought in some of my favorite lights and turned my dining room table into a color changing snowscape...

The kids are also trying to keep spirits up by dressing in holiday pjs nearly every day, and this one keeps thinking she's Rudolph...

...while this one keeps jingling everywhere with bells always around her neck.


Beyond that, I made a huge batch of Hanukkah latkes the other night...

(this is only 1/4 of them)

The homemade cookies don't happen until Christmas Eve or Christmas Eve eve...and those are usually filled or decorated shortbread. I'm a big fan of dipping them in chocolate, filling them with raspberry jam, and then nonpareils for the chocolate before they totally cool. Example- last year's cookies.

(oooops- just noticed the feet!)

I do custom cakes on the side, but minus kid bdays, I am on a long-term cake hiatus and have no plans of making the ugly holiday sweater cake I envisioned for this year. It doesn't help that my holiday cake last year was a nightmare, but my snow globe cake with edible figures from 2 years ago remains one of my faves.



Beyond that, I have some holiday work festivities next week and helped put together and wrap our annual Adopt an Angel gifts for some of the underprivileged kids we "adopted" to play Santa for them for the holidays.

And now that I've probably bored you to death with all of this ...stay tuned for my trip report in January. I've never posted one on DISboards, so this should be interesting (hopefully, in the good way!).

Firstly, your kids are adorable!!!
Second, what are the latkes?
Third, shortbread with jam, yum!!!!
and lastly, you're incredibly talented at cake making!! wowee!!!

I'm thinking of doing a Pre-trip report to outline what it takes for an international guest to plan a trip to WDW, but I've never even so much as read a trip report, I was just planning on documenting my thought pattern and things to consider when planning.
I assume no one would be interested, so haven't done anything about it...
But I would love to read yours!! I'm still holding onto hope that work will send me to our USA HQ (it's in La Mirada which is 15 minutes from mickey's doorstep.. and like a 10 minute walk from one of the places on the ART, I think its the medieval thing) so if they do, i'll be going each night and staying for the weekend. and i'll be solo, its a dream, but hey, we all need 'em) so am planning on reading up a lot on DLR soon

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Firstly, your kids are adorable!!!
Second, what are the latkes?
Third, shortbread with jam, yum!!!!
and lastly, you're incredibly talented at cake making!! wowee!!!

I'm thinking of doing a Pre-trip report to outline what it takes for an international guest to plan a trip to WDW, but I've never even so much as read a trip report, I was just planning on documenting my thought pattern and things to consider when planning.
I assume no one would be interested, so haven't done anything about it...
But I would love to read yours!! I'm still holding onto hope that work will send me to our USA HQ (it's in La Mirada which is 15 minutes from mickey's doorstep.. and like a 10 minute walk from one of the places on the ART, I think its the medieval thing) so if they do, i'll be going each night and staying for the weekend. and i'll be solo, its a dream, but hey, we all need 'em) so am planning on reading up a lot on DLR soon

-Thanks! The girls are hams...part of why I usually come out of my trips taking several thousand pics.
-Latkes are potato pancakes. Lots of different ways of making them, but I shred russet potatoes and onions, throw in matzo meal, eggs, salt, pepper and oil...and they're ready to pan fry.
-I'm addicted to those. I made Linzer tart shortbread cookies with everything else last year and they did not last long. Ooops
-I will update my signature with the TR link once we get back and I've started.
-Thanks! I have a love/hate relationship with cakes. In the end, I usually love them, but they take so much time, $, and energy. My older one has food allergies, so I can at least guarantee her a safe bday cake.

That would be so great if you could come over here for work and be able to work in some Disney magic!

You really never know who's interested in what you're writing until you put it out there. There are a lot of people who are traveling overseas for the first time and could probably benefit from the insights. I haven't really done much with the trip reports on here, but I have another site that I frequent where I've posted previous reports and I know I've seen a variety of details from both domestic and international travelers. You just never know what's going to appeal to people and what's going to bring you the most fun in posting. I often use PTRs just to help myself get organized and hash out details.

 

[catycatcat4]

I'm afraid my post may be a big negative about Christmas My and my boyfriend of 4.5 years are taking this frustrating but necessary break/separation (Oh yeah and it happened on Halloween screwing up that holiday too.) and I started getting treated medically for depression and anxiety disorder at the same time. Plus even though It was a huge pain to drag him to Disney he posted a status on Facebook yesterday asking if anyone had passes so he could go use his one last time before it expired. So F*** holidays that I normally love. This year i'll be the Grinch.

 

[Princess Jes]

I'm afraid my post may be a big negative about Christmas My and my boyfriend of 4.5 years are taking this frustrating but necessary break/separation (Oh yeah and it happened on Halloween screwing up that holiday too.) and I started getting treated medically for depression and anxiety disorder at the same time. Plus even though It was a huge pain to drag him to Disney he posted a status on Facebook yesterday asking if anyone had passes so he could go use his one last time before it expired. So F*** holidays that I normally love. This year i'll be the Grinch.

Oh sweet, im so sorry to hear that! about all of it!
But getting treatment is always a good step, and should hopefully help you quite a bit.

So he's going without you? sorry, but what a jerk! want me to come punch him/kick him in the shins for you? or maybe I could just wish he stubs his toe really badly.

 

[catycatcat4]

Oh sweet, im so sorry to hear that! about all of it!
But getting treatment is always a good step, and should hopefully help you quite a bit.

So he's going without you? sorry, but what a jerk! want me to come punch him/kick him in the shins for you? or maybe I could just wish he stubs his toe really badly.

You can do both please XD I also work in magic kingdom so If he steps into my location he will not be having a magical day.

 

[Princess Jes]

You can do both please XD I also work in magic kingdom so If he steps into my location he will not be having a magical day.

Haha, surely he's smarter than that?!

On a brighter note, where do you work in MK?

 

[catycatcat4]

Haha, surely he's smarter than that?!

On a brighter note, where do you work in MK?

Cosmic Ray's.

Me: http://imgur.com/r9gH1MG In case anyone see's me in there! I mostly just work Monday/Tuesday/Wensday. This photo was taken leaving a 13.5 Hour shift at 2 AM, Hair coming undone, no make up, ready to crash. But it's what I look like at work.

 

[Princess Jes]

Cosmic Ray's.

Oh cool!! I think that's the only QS place I ate at in MK, that's the place with the toppings bar right?
Are you CP or are you lucky enough to work for Disney full time?
(I feel like we've possibly discussed this but I've forgotten)

 

[catycatcat4]

Oh cool!! I think that's the only QS place I ate at in MK, that's the place with the toppings bar right?
Are you CP or are you lucky enough to work for Disney full time?
(I feel like we've possibly discussed this but I've forgotten)

I don't work full time because I don't want to give up all holidays. But the nice part about Disney is if you pick up 30-50 hours a week they won't stop you as long as you don't ask for insurance. I live an hour away and have to leave at least an hour and a half before so I've cut down/moved back in with family. I work Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday because i'm sneaky and set it up that way over summer so I would be off on major holiday's this year.

 

[pjweaver]

Sorry to hear that Cat, we guys aren't always good at doing what is right. I've been dealing with anxiety attacks and other issues for some time now, so if you want to, feel free to message me.

On a happy note my wife and I have probably bumped into you. Cosmic Rays is my place for that 2:00 QS. All CM's do a fantastic job there, and you all seem to take pride in your work, even if you're not having a great day. I know that I couldn't smile and have an upbeat attitude after an hour drive in Orlando.

In the end, the holiday is about being with family and loved ones. I try to live by the mantra of 'enjoy what you have in front of you'. Life is what you make of it, and midway through a shift at work it may not feel like it, but you are working at a place that millions of people want to be at. Try to take a few moments each time you go to work to soak it in.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

OMG - that cake is AMAZING!!!!

 

[KingLlama]

I'll just be doing the usual.....donning gay apparel and spreading cheer all over the place. Also, presents.

 

[pjweaver]

I'll just be doing the usual.....donning gay apparel and spreading cheer all over the place. Also, presents.

I read this and instantly thought of my brothers boyfriend. Imagine a guy Kevin's size but wearing a size small sweater with Darth Vader in a santa costume. I wish I had pictures...

 

[superme80]

I'm afraid my post may be a big negative about Christmas My and my boyfriend of 4.5 years are taking this frustrating but necessary break/separation (Oh yeah and it happened on Halloween screwing up that holiday too.) and I started getting treated medically for depression and anxiety disorder at the same time. Plus even though It was a huge pain to drag him to Disney he posted a status on Facebook yesterday asking if anyone had passes so he could go use his one last time before it expired. So F*** holidays that I normally love. This year i'll be the Grinch.

I'm sorry. I'm glad you are getting help. My hubby suffers with anxiety and depression and it is hard. Hoping you can find some joy in the holidays just for yourself.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I'm afraid my post may be a big negative about Christmas My and my boyfriend of 4.5 years are taking this frustrating but necessary break/separation (Oh yeah and it happened on Halloween screwing up that holiday too.) and I started getting treated medically for depression and anxiety disorder at the same time. Plus even though It was a huge pain to drag him to Disney he posted a status on Facebook yesterday asking if anyone had passes so he could go use his one last time before it expired. So F*** holidays that I normally love. This year i'll be the Grinch.

Hang in there Cat - it WILL get better!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Thanks!!!

 

[Hunterr]

Going down to the 'World next week to see the Osbourne lights one last time, and then right after the park closes at 8, I'm heading straight to Disney Springs to get my sriracha chicken & waffles from the food trucks. Soooooo good.

 

[superme80]

So I have to find a light saber for my 2 year old! His brothers each got one at Disneyland last week and he is sooo mad he doesn't have one. And his brothers are "too mean" to share with him. I feel like I have triplets instead of individual ages. I have to buy 3 of EVERYTHING!!!!!

 

[Princess Jes]

So I have to find a light saber for my 2 year old! His brothers each got one at Disneyland last week and he is sooo mad he doesn't have one. And his brothers are "too mean" to share with him. I feel like I have triplets instead of individual ages. I have to buy 3 of EVERYTHING!!!!!

Sounds like my sisters and I growing up, and there is 6 years between the eldest and youngest, with me smack dab in the middle.