I keep forgeting that it's Christmas time! Dec 2011 TR (*2/20*)

[annmarieda]

I came here to vent. I think it is better than venting on facebook, but either way I wouldn't ever say anything unprofessional. (unless whining to friends is unprofessional)

I had a parent send me a nasty, nasty email tonight. She told me I laughed at her daughter and accused her of lying.

I had to take the high road and simply write what truly happened (without saying truly of course.) I had to ignore that she told me off; called me unprofessional, and threated to go to the superintendant.

I am spitting mad and sad at the same time. I am optimistic that I smoothed ruffle feathers, or will in the future, but it still sucks.

I try so hard, and I love my students (even the ones who sometimes make it hard to love them).

I thought I'd come to Distown and vent. It is silly, and I will get over it. It felt good to share.

That sucks! I am so sorry... it does feel good to come here to vent though, I know I have spent a lot of time doing just that on dis.

As for your latest update.. I love your pictures..especially where you see how empty the park is that early in the morning.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I'm with you, Deb. I think it's probably harder on you to have that happen BECAUSE you are so dedicated and you KNOW you do a good job. All of us who truly care really take that stuff personally. You can always vent here.

And, love the pics of the girls on the rides. They must have had the best time, evah! And Disney inspires my DH to shop, too, strangely enough.

Hey, here's a question for you - you are the expert! We are only going to do MK one day on our trip. The Friday that I had originally planned is MK EMH in the evening. There is just no way we will take advantage of that - DD is better but will likely poop out before 10. So, I thought about pushing out the trip so that we would be there that Sat morning, in hopes that all the late-nighters were sleeping in and would choose another park that day. What do you think? Clever or silly?

Good thing I am an expert at something (oddly, it comes from reading and researching. I think I knew more than 85% of the park guests before we went on our first trip. I am that obssessive!)

I think it is your best bet to go the day after late evening hours. I know when we stay at MK until 3 am...(huh, obsessive and crazy...) we don't go back the next am...

Sorry I didn't reply to your message. If I don't do something right away and a beeping light, noisy sound, or red word bubble doesn't remind me...

What is happening in our world today? When I was a kid, god help me if my parents got a call from the school...whatever punishment I got at school was nothing compared to what greeted me when I walked thru the door! I don't understand parents .... I really don't! You are a fantastic lady and an incredible teacher...don't forget that

Unfortunately, sometimes it is totally justified. Some teachers are really mean... others it depends on your sense of humor.

Funny story. The girls had a substitute. I have to give his name. It is probably common enough. Anyway, Mr. Law (PERFECT) told the 9/10 year olds that no one else was leaving the room until the end of the day. (I can totally see saying that to a class that I was babysitting!) One little peach chimed in and said, but what if I pee myself. His response: "I'll get a mop!" Dh and I thought it was a riot. I told my daughters that the lovely who said that to him was wrong and they better never say any such thing!


Thank you!

Better here than Facebook, for sure. I know some teachers who put things on FB that make me shake my head and wonder how much they value their jobs.

I've been chewed out a time or two, as well, for situations that clearly did not happen. Kids can play on a parent's emotions and sway a story however they want it swayed. I always invite the parent(s) to make a drop-in visit any time they want to in order to alleviate any fears they might have of things they speculate are happening. Rarely do I have one take me up on it, but when they do, I welcome them to stay, get more acquainted with the class, and get a more realistic view of how things go.

I'm sure if the parent has any sense at all, they will take your words of wisdom to heart. Glad you were able to safely vent your frustrations here.

I really don't have to deal with many of these situations, so I should be thankful. I know I always tend to want the teacher's side. In the example above, the kids were complaining about the MEAN sub. I totally dismissed them and told them he wouldn't have been mean if everyone was behaving.

So sorry to hear that I had a mom come to my school several weeks ago and was upset with me and questioned my teaching/certificate/etc because I'm not Montessori trained. She pretty much told on myself and the other assistant which made me mad since the lead teacher seems to be in and out of the room all day socializing but thankfully the lead and director covered for us and assured the parent that everything was A-OK and you have to get your start somewhere. Meanwhile, I'm the only one with a legit education background unlike the others who had other careers and changed to the education where all you have to do is take an 8 week class to be able to teach...I bet you the mom doesn't know that one!!!!!

Anyways..sorry to steal your thunder but I know how it feels too I know it's far worse in the public schools but it's hard at my school too where they pay $10,000 per kid per year! I hope everything works out!!! <3

No stealing...glad you could vent too. It is a tough job. Not more difficult than many others just more public. People who have no idea get to question you...

 

[Charleston Princess]

They are moving right along on the Fantasyland expansion, aren't they? I always get excited when I see pictures of the progress and imagine what it will all be like when it is finished!

Those Christmas treats look delicious, but I am pretty sure I would never buy a Turkey Leg rice krispy treat.

I am so sorry a parent sent you a nasty email. I hate those -- especially when you know the child has manipulated her parent into believing their version of the story. I really hate when parents are so quick to believe without asking the teacher for her side of the story.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

That sucks! I am so sorry... it does feel good to come here to vent though, I know I have spent a lot of time doing just that on dis.

As for your latest update.. I love your pictures..especially where you see how empty the park is that early in the morning.

Thanks

Luckily we are morning people (okay three of four of us). It is hard at WDW though because we stay up late too, so by the third or fourth day, we are struggling to move out of bed. Knowing that the park is empty motivates us. We always have the nap option.

They are moving right along on the Fantasyland expansion, aren't they? I always get excited when I see pictures of the progress and imagine what it will all be like when it is finished!

Those Christmas treats look delicious, but I am pretty sure I would never buy a Turkey Leg rice krispy treat.

I am so sorry a parent sent you a nasty email. I hate those -- especially when you know the child has manipulated her parent into believing their version of the story. I really hate when parents are so quick to believe without asking the teacher for her side of the story.

Thanks I am so excited about Fantasyland! I know parts will be ready this summer. I can't wait to eat at the Be Our Guest Restaurant! I am a bit worried about the price point. It has to be cheaper than Cinderella's Royal Table, right? If it is too outrageous, we can at least get in to eat counter service.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What an awesome update Deb... I just love looking at your pictures - they are so crystal clear!

I can't believe how empty the park was at that time of the morning, we always get there early too - but at that time of the day, we are usually still going round n' round on Splash, and don't notice that there aren't any crowds.

I am debating if there are rides I can let my girls go on alone too... ToT and RnR for sure, possibly SM - I don't really enjoy dark coasters all that much. I guess I will have to see how I feel and what my "mom's intuition" says to me that day, because normally I don't let them out of my sight.

D~

I missed responding to you.

Thank you. I love my camera; it takes great pictures. I really am starting to understand how to use all of the manual settings. When you look from picture to picture you may notice that some are darker and others are lighter. I would take the shot and then adjust the settings to take the next shot. I spent a long time editing them on the computer, but many of the ones I am uploading are before editing.

I think going with your "mommy gut" as I call it goes along way. I think that with RNR and TOT, I would walk with them through the cue, and then exit through the chicken exit...

I enjoy RNR, but don't love TOT. I do ride both with my family at least once a trip, but I usually let them go on it while I wander off to take pictures or shop. It never fails that when I don't ride with them, they get the "best" drop sequence on TOT. (Which is probably good for me!)

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So we were settled in for a long winter's nap, when..oh. wrong. tale/day.

Our buzzer went off.

I asked the the mom with two kids next to us if she wanted me to take a pic of her with the kids and characters. From there, when the characters came around, I took her pic, and then she took ours.

This worked out well. Usually, I only have the girls in all of the character pics.

After a yummy breakfast, we hopped on the monorail back to MK.

We walked in during parade time...I love that.

Donald is always a tough picture to capture. He seems to always be on the back of a float...not good with the sun...

After the parade, I'm not sure what exactly we did I think I sent the family off to use fastpasses for Space Mountain. This makes sense because of my photos and the fact that I am not a fan of SM...

At some point we decided to meet at the entrance, so as I made my way down Main Street, I enjoyed some Christmas Carols.

(a little overexposed...not sure where my edited file is..)

I met up with the family and we headed to our bus.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great idea planning that out with the lady at the next table Great pics once again and I don't think there is anything better than that gorgeous blue Florida sky!

 

[annmarieda]

What a great idea to trade off taking pictures with the neighboring table. I have never been to Chef Mickey's. How was the food?

Great pictures of the parade.

 

[creativeamanda]

I love the idea of trading out to take pictures with your neighbor! I'm going to have to do that in June!

 

[mgsmom]

Cute pics! I'm wondering about Chef Mickey's too - how do you rate it on the character-meal-ometer? If DH's family is not in town when we are there this summer, I was thinking about doing a late breakfast there on our second day.

Thanks for the advice on MK - I told DH about it and we are changing our reservations today so we will be there the day AFTER the late MK EMH.

What Christmas Carols were the barbershop quartet singing on Main St? That is one thing that I would love to see.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Mmm Mickey Waffles....I loved having those in the mornings!

Great pics with the characters - how did you find Chef Mickeys? I've read disappointing reviews on the food boards.

Wow love the FPs - if only I could ride Splash/Space Mountain soon!

Great pics of the parade! Another one I still have to see...

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to deal with that nasty email - although most parents are supportive there are still some that believe teachers are in the wrong even when they are not

 

[purplepixiedust]

Just subscribed and read my way through your trip report. LOve it. Planning on taking a December 2012 trip this year so I am scoping out the crowds in the photos and checking out what everyone is wearing too, LOL!

Love all the happy photos in your report. Your girls are adorable!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love the idea of trading off for pics at Chef Mickey's! I really wish I had one of those Mickey waffles this morning.

I adore the picture of the girls on the monorail! It really captures the fun of being at Disney!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Happy Saturday everyone!

So, update on the parent email. She emailed me back and apologized for her behavior. It always helps when that happens. I understood her mamma cub instinct coming out, but hate when I am the recepient!

Back to our happy place...

On the bus, I captured how the fun and games quickly change...

Look at the fun, silly manner

ahhh and now the look of frustration...

The next comment must have been me: "Girls no more touching...hands to yourselves!"

Once we arrived back at BCV, it was time for me to go out on my own again. Dh and the girls headed to the pool. I headed to Epcot.

While waiting for La Befana, I enjoyed another show.

I also enjoyed some other sites. It was wonderful just sitting there.

Then, it was time!!

I must have taken 100 pictures of her. She was the best story teller and the story was so wonderful!! I know Memom and a couple of others said she was a not to miss storyteller and they were so right!

A couple more shots of Italy as I continued my tour.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

After Italy, I was off to Japan.

Two apps on this trip were wonderfully helpful. I had used a couple of websites and designed pdfs to save for reference while on my trip, but WDWMagic made on the spot planning much easier! This and WDW Lines were both amazing!

I was super excited to see another storyteller! Unfortunately, the storytellers mic wasn't as loud as it should have been, and there was this family sitting to the side chatting. I kept looking over at them. They were eating and half paying attention. I wanted to ask them to stop talking, but I was afraid it would turn into something. I would miss even more of the story. I was annoyed that the CM didn't say something to them. It had to be difficult for the storyteller!

After he told another wonderful tale, I wanted to buy a daruma. I went into the shop and talked to a salesperson. I wanted to know more about them (and decipher between Disney storytelling and the practice in Japan.) I realized that I was running out of time. I had to meet the family at the bus stop to head to MK.

I headed back to BCV. DH text me and said we missed an MK bus. Then, said we were about to miss another. We all ran towards the bus as it pulled away. I was jogging, waving my hands...please.... the bus stopped and waited for us. AH, I was so grateful to that bus driver . Sometimes, they just get smug, and pull away.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

It was important to catch the bus to MK. We were going to the park in order to see the castle lighting, and rushing out to make our dining reservations for 1900 Park Fare. This was the night of the final MVMCP.

Once again, we walked in during a parade...

this one really needs editing...sorry for the dark pic

I asked the CM to take our pic...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

After the parade, my family sat down on the street to stake a spot. It was amazing how quickly the sky changed and darkness fell.

When Mickey and Minnie appeared, everyone stood up to watch. THIS IS IMPORTANT LATER IN MY TRIP.

We had a great spot, and I began with my zoom lens to capture the characters. Towards the end (this is only about 7 minutes long), I was able to switch to a wider lens.

Weird when I catch a character's eyes closed...

And then,

I put the camera down instead of frame by frame to enjoy the beauty of it. And. I. cried.

With my eyes glistening, we headed back down Main Street to go dine with the stepsisters and Cinderella.

 

[MeMom]

What a treat to catch up here this morning!
We love Chef Mickey's for the food and the fun!
Christmas time in Epcot - yay! I have only seen women storytellers in Japan.
Bella loves to sing, 'Hey, get loud! We're pumpin' up the pahty now!' The castle lighting always brings oohs and aahs and smiles.
I loved all the pictures and stories.
I wish our commute could be a two hour drive instead of a two hour flight so we could make some day/weekend trips more often.
Just when I think I can make it the long time until the next trip (21 weeks from today), I see so many great pictures and it makes me want to jump on a plane and go now!

 

[annmarieda]

After Italy, I was off to Japan.

Two apps on this trip were wonderfully helpful. I had used a couple of websites and designed pdfs to save for reference while on my trip, but WDWMagic made on the spot planning much easier! This and WDW Lines were both amazing!

I was super excited to see another storyteller! Unfortunately, the storytellers mic wasn't as loud as it should have been, and there was this family sitting to the side chatting. I kept looking over at them. They were eating and half paying attention. I wanted to ask them to stop talking, but I was afraid it would turn into something. I would miss even more of the story. I was annoyed that the CM didn't say something to them. It had to be difficult for the storyteller!

After he told another wonderful tale, I wanted to buy a daruma. I went into the shop and talked to a salesperson. I wanted to know more about them (and decipher between Disney storytelling and the practice in Japan.) I realized that I was running out of time. I had to meet the family at the bus stop to head to MK.

I headed back to BCV. DH text me and said we missed an MK bus. Then, said we were about to miss another. We all ran towards the bus as it pulled away. I was jogging, waving my hands...please.... the bus stopped and waited for us. AH, I was so grateful to that bus driver . Sometimes, they just get smug, and pull away.

I am so glad that the parent thing got worked out. I have a friend who works for the school district here and I know that things like that wear heavily on all of you who work so hard with our kids.

I love your pictures...and am so jealous of all the things you got to see. I do notice some of the times you were by yourself. maybe that would have been the key to my own success ... if I went off on my own.

 

[annmarieda]

Oh... your castle lighting ceremony pics are amazing!!! I wanted to see it so bad... and begged my family to get there to go... the best we got was seeing it from way back down main street...so the pictures just are not there.

Thank you so much for sharing!!!