I Kicked it I Played it and now..Wheeling & Dealing at the WL final 9/9 p87/88

[MEK]

I'm so glad you went for it, hard and as devastating as that must have been. You have an amazing voice and it's good to feel out the waters in other areas.

If you hadn't have tried you'd still be going...."what if".

So a huge from me.

And I love your "recovery" strategy!

Thanks Cynthia! You are so right - I would always be thinking "what if". I'm glad I tried. I should have practiced a few more songs on my own, but no regrets.

It was a pretty slick recovery strategy, if I do say so myself!!!!!!

This is so funny that you had the flashback that kept you from begging! It is sooo uncomfortable to watch those people on TV doing it! I'm so sorry Mary Ellen. You're still a winner in my book!

I love, love, love the pics you took in line at ToT! That is my absolute favorite ride and I never get tired of seeing pics of it!

Oh I totally had a flashback of begging AI candidates! If I hadn't seen it so many times I probably would have said, "can I have another chance".

I'm so glad you like the ToT pictures. I know you love that ride and can ride it over and over and over........

I'm so sorry you had to deal with the rejection and all those awful emotions that go with it, but think of what you did accomplish - you overcame 2 fears, 1 of trying out and 1 of ToT alone! That is MUCH more than many, many people would ever do.

You are BLESSED with an amazing voice, and you bless people all the time with it at your church, and all those that have listened to your YouTube videos. God is using you, and your talent in great ways! I bet you would have been a shoe-in if AI was looking for a larger variety of talent. (and I think you can sing much better than many pop stars of today! )

Thanks Brooke! I appreciate your insight. It really is much more rewarding to be singing at church than it is singing for "fun". It is really humbling when a parishioner thanks you for singing something that moved them. I really appreciate your compliments. Thanks!!

I'm sorry about the AI experience. I know how hard it must have been, dealing with that rejection, but at least you were brave enough to try, you should be proud! I would NEVER be able to do that!

And I LOVE ToT, it's probably my favorite ride in all of Disney, but I don't know if I could do it alone! So you should be proud of yourself for that, too!

I am proud that I tried, even though I felt embarrassed afterwards. Now I just feel like it's "all good".

There are so many people that really love ToT. It really is such a unique ride - nothing else like it anywhere. So for us "chickens" I think the uniqueness contributes to the fear.

I'm sorry you didn't make AI! I don't think not having a voice for Pop music is a bad thing, you sing beautifully, many pop singers can't even really sing. You were brave enough to try and that totally makes you winner in my book!

Gorgeous pics of ToT!

Thanks Michelle. I think pop singing is different because you need to use your "chest voice". Its like power singing and I just don't do that anymore. I try to sing the notes more like I am playing an instrument. I think pop music is all about vocal acrobatics these days. I like a nice clean sound so my all time favorite singer is eva cassidy. Unfortunately she died about 10 years but thankfully her music is still alive today.


Here is a link to eva. She is simply amazing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFFo1pu4q7Q

 

[MEK]

OK....disclaimer.....I feel like the rest of my day at DS was pretty boring. I think its cause I really thought I was going to get into an AI show, so I didn't really plan my day all that well.

When I left off I had decided not to wait 20 mins for the animation class. I really didn't want to sit around that long by myself. I was afraid that I would start feeling sorry for myself again. Boo hoo!

So I headed over to the GMR and ended up missing half of the ride cause I was texting. I even think Brian may have texted me from home while I was on the ride. When your kids are 1000 miles away and they text you, you must respond AND promptly.

At the end of the ride it was time for me to ride TSM. I texted Denny and told him I was riding TSM and then I would meet up with them. So I headed for the FP line. I took no pictures here. I think I went into a weird time warp because I walked right past the 3D glasses. Once I realized I missed them I was already up the stairs. I had to turn around and fight my way through a sea of people to get my glasses. Talk about a DOH moment. A MAJOR DOH moment! Boy did I feel stupid!

It was fun riding TSM by myself. I had the WHOLE board to myself so I ended up adding about 20,000 to my usual score. My usual score is NOT that great, so I won't reveal it. In fact, my enhanced score could be achieved by some of you with your eyes closed. But I was pleased.

When I finished TSM I texted Denny. I don't really remember where we met up, but I know we went to see One Man's Dream. How do I know - well I have pictures, of course.

Here are a few of the pics I took before we headed in to the movie.....

I love the film about Walt's life and I always remember his quote about how a good, hard failure is sometimes a prerequisite to better things. Those weren't his words exactly - but you know what I mean. And since I had just failed at AI, I felt a special solace in those words.

Gift Shop teddy bears.....

There were still FP's available for TSM......

Everyone was starting to get hungry for lunch so we decided to walk over to Studio Catering. I was afraid it would be uncomfortably warm over there, but those huge fans really cooled it down. It was quite comfortable. Here's the menu for Studio catering.......

Pressed Tuscan Deli - shaved smoked ham, smoked breast of turkey, provolone, Caesar dressing and Pesto marinated vine ripe tomatoes on a Tuscan Roll, served with apple slices or French Fries $8.29

Chicken Caesar Wrap - oven roasted breast of chicken, romaine, caesar dressing, wheat flour tortilla and served with apple slices or French Fries $8.49

Buffalo Chicken - breaded chicken breast, romaine, tomato, spicy ranch dressing on a Tuscan Roll, served with apple slices or French Fries $8.59

Turkey Club - apple wood smoked bacon, swiss, roasted red pepper, arugula, sunflower panini bread served with apple slices or fries $8.99

Grilled Vegetable - Grilled Zucchini, Roasted mushrooms, roasted red pepper, vine ripe tomato, watercress, provolone, smoked tomato pesto, black olive chiabatta with apple slices or fries $8.39

Greek Salad - Romaine, tomato, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, greek dressing $6.49



I had the grilled vegetable wrap and it was quite good. I was starting to feel like I was on food overload so this was a good choice. Sorry - no pics.

On the way to studio catering I did take a few more pictures.......

And my favorite....chuck having fun with the green men.........

At some point I must have slipped away from the gang. I took a few pictures while heading over to LMA to see what time the next show was......

The next LMA show was at 130pm and it was about 1230 or so when we headed to lunch. I decided not to mention the show. I wanted to eat lunch and then kind-of feel out the gang.

When lunch was over the "what do you want to do next?" question was mentioned. So I said...."Let's go see the stunt show". And off we went.....

I haven't seen this show since 06 or 07. I was looking forward to it. While we were waiting for the show to start I decided to try out the distance lens on my camera to see what that baby could do.......

Continued.........

 

[MEK]

Continued.....

And finally....It was time for the show to begin. DRUM ROLL PLEASE (cause I took a ridiculous amount of pictures)............

Start your engines please..........

Then a familiar car made a surprise visit.......

But we weren't done yet......I love this part....the stunt car with the hidden driver.....

Continued Next Post.........

 

[MEK]

Continued........

Coming up Next....LMA grand finale and a DVC tour!

 

[eandesmom]

your LMA pictures

WOW

WOW

and

WOW

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love TSM. I am sure you score is just fine!

I'm not a big fan of LMA. Just not my thing. The bleachers freak me out. You took great pictures though!!

 

[podsnel]

I LOVE this shot!!!

 

[thecapells]

The pics are cool!
How did you get so many without anything being blurry?
With all that motion, I can't imagine getting a shot that would be that crisp...

Also - I've never done LMA but we are planning it for the next trip.
Is there alot of downtime between stunts?
That is, will the kids gets bored out of their mind waiting for them?

 

[MEK]

your LMA pictures

WOW

WOW

and

WOW

Thanks. I took WAY too many pictures, but I put the camera in sports mode and just couldn't stop!

I love TSM. I am sure you score is just fine!

I'm not a big fan of LMA. Just not my thing. The bleachers freak me out. You took great pictures though!!

My score was "OK". Certainly far from impressive!

Thanks. The pictures kept me occupied so I didn't think about the heat. That's the only thing I don't like about the bleachers.

I LOVE this shot!!!

Thanks Ellen - that is definitely one of the better pics!

The pics are cool!
How did you get so many without anything being blurry?
With all that motion, I can't imagine getting a shot that would be that crisp...

I used the sports mode and it just keeps taking pictures. The camera is fast and with the bright sunlight I got mostly all keepers.

Also - I've never done LMA but we are planning it for the next trip.
Is there alot of downtime between stunts?
That is, will the kids gets bored out of their mind waiting for them?

The show moves really quickly. It really is non-stop action. I know your kids are young, but I forget exactly how old. I think your kids will like it because its cars, motorcycles, and a jet-ski. Kids love that kind of thing. I don't think they will get bored.

The first time I saw the show I thought it was amazing. Once they explain some of the trips its not quite as amazing, but its still a good show. I hope you like it! Its very popular. The stands are always full.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yep, I am bound and determined to make it to One Man's Dream now! Not to mention, I would really like to own a miniature Jungle Cruise!

Your LMA shots are awesome!!! I feel like I watched the show just looking at them!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I would say your distance lens is pretty darn good....I could seriously sit and just keep scrolling through your TR looking at your pictures!!

And I cannot believe they didn't pick you for AI...clearly they don't know great talent when they hear it

 

[vamassey1]

Once again your pictures are fantastic! What did your friends think of LMA? The pictures of Chuck with the green army man were a hoot.

 

[dawnbu40]

Great action shots! We haven't done LMA in a long time and your pics make me think it's time to check it out again

 

[brookelizabeth]

Looks like they recently changed the menu for Studio Catering...they used to have a REALLY good chicken meal on there, but all those sandwiches sound good too! If I can peel a certain 2 year old away from Buzz over at Pizza Planet perhaps we'll get to try it again!

Wonderful LMA pics! The jet ski one is my favorite too. It's a great show, so much going on to watch - it's fun to take pictures of!!

Also - I've never done LMA but we are planning it for the next trip.
Is there alot of downtime between stunts?
That is, will the kids gets bored out of their mind waiting for them?

My two year old hardly moved a muscle during the entire show. He was glued, he LOVED it. The downtime between stunts is pretty quick. He would just keep watching and would say, "Mommy, more, more!" to which the show would deliver a few moments later. I bet your kids will enjoy it!

 

[praisehisname]

Your DHS day is turning pretty nice for not being planned! Wow, those pics of LMA are amazing! I've never seen the show, but now I really want to!!!

 

[MEK]

Yep, I am bound and determined to make it to One Man's Dream now! Not to mention, I would really like to own a miniature Jungle Cruise!

Your LMA shots are awesome!!! I feel like I watched the show just looking at them!

OMD is such a great exhibit. It really is. There is just so much to look at. Nicholas loves it more than anyonw. The kid could spend hours looking at all the details.

I think I posted the LMA shots like that on purpose - for people who have never seen the show. That's pretty much how it goes, but I still have to post the fire pics.

I would say your distance lens is pretty darn good....I could seriously sit and just keep scrolling through your TR looking at your pictures!!

Thanks! I am so glad you are enjoying the pictures. I have had a blast with this camera and I am please with everything except my night time shots.

And I cannot believe they didn't pick you for AI...clearly they don't know great talent when they hear it

That's so nice of you to say. I really think they were looking for a certain style of voice and I just don't have it.

Once again your pictures are fantastic! What did your friends think of LMA? The pictures of Chuck with the green army man were a hoot.

My friends enjoyed LMA. They are so laid back that they really enjoyed everything. They just go with the flow.

Chuck's pictures are very funny! I am glad he can joke around like that because Denny would never do that!

Great action shots! We haven't done LMA in a long time and your pics make me think it's time to check it out again

You guys should think about checking it out next trip. The first two times I saw it there was about 10 months between trips.
the second time was underwhelming compared to the first, so I skipped it for a long time. I think I waited just the right amount of time before seeing it again. I really enjoyed it this time.

Looks like they recently changed the menu for Studio Catering...they used to have a REALLY good chicken meal on there, but all those sandwiches sound good too! If I can peel a certain 2 year old away from Buzz over at Pizza Planet perhaps we'll get to try it again!

Wonderful LMA pics! The jet ski one is my favorite too. It's a great show, so much going on to watch - it's fun to take pictures of!!

It was nice for a change of pace. I usually go some place airconditioned but I am tired of many of the CS places. I think I really need to try Starring Rolls. Everyone seems to love that place.

My two year old hardly moved a muscle during the entire show. He was glued, he LOVED it. The downtime between stunts is pretty quick. He would just keep watching and would say, "Mommy, more, more!" to which the show would deliver a few moments later. I bet your kids will enjoy it!

That doesn't surprise me because I think my kids would have gone craz over that show when they were that age. They loved ALL motorized things.

Your DHS day is turning pretty nice for not being planned! Wow, those pics of LMA are amazing! I've never seen the show, but now I really want to!!!

My DHS day did turn out nice, although we left right after LMA. If you have never seen the show you really should see it at least once. Every Disney fan needs to see it once because there is really nothing else like it. Those drivers are really amazing!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I always hear great things about Starring Rolls too - we've only ever had dessert items there, but the sandwiches looks awesome!

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I'm late for the update...been busy taking care of the patient. Great pictures of the Lights Motor show (we've never seen this). It looks as if your Studios day is very productive.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

How did I fall so far behind? Stupid work.

Fantastic, amazing pictures. As always. You have a knack for getting just the right moment/angle/expression etc. in your pictures. Love them!

I applaud your bravery on both the AI and ToT fronts. Sorry that AI didn't work out but as others have said, you truly have a beautiful voice. Not pop enough. Pfffft...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Once again - AMAZING pictures!!! LMA is fun - very LOUD, but fun! I think your distance lens is better than my binoculars! Very nice work!