I Knew There Was A Reason Why I've Always Hated My Birthday - COMPLETE

[marDgreen88]

YAY UPDATE!

Hah, buffalo. (Do you know how in UP when Russell sees the picture of Ellie and says "Hah, goggles?" Well, that's how you need to read that. Apparently it was really urgent that I say that or else I'm just a loser that says "hah, buffalo." OKAY THEN.)

WHAT? How have I never noticed that DRAGON WATERFALL? What has my life been?!

"That's okay because there were a ton of things to look at." ASIA. That struck me as funny for some reason. I mean, the ASIA sign! Only the single best piece of WDW! You're right though, AK is gorgeous.

It's recently been discovered that tigers don't do Dasani water. They're strictly Deer Park drinkers.

Tigers are really amazing though, right? At my high school we were the Tucker Tigers. Therefore I'm awesome by association. Too bad they were sleeping when you saw them but yeah, definitely can't blame them there!

Those turtle lampposts are the best things ever. Yet for some reason I only took a picture of the back end of one... who knows what goes on in that brain of mine, really?

OH and I have to ask you: Do you have twitter? Because I feel like your tweets would always be funny and / or enjoyable. And if you don't feel like broadcasting it to the world... my name on there is the same as it is here.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

YAY UPDATE!

Hah, buffalo. (Do you know how in UP when Russell sees the picture of Ellie and says "Hah, goggles?" Well, that's how you need to read that. Apparently it was really urgent that I say that or else I'm just a loser that says "hah, buffalo." OKAY THEN.)

WHAT? How have I never noticed that DRAGON WATERFALL? What has my life been?!

"That's okay because there were a ton of things to look at." ASIA. That struck me as funny for some reason. I mean, the ASIA sign! Only the single best piece of WDW! You're right though, AK is gorgeous.

It's recently been discovered that tigers don't do Dasani water. They're strictly Deer Park drinkers.

Tigers are really amazing though, right? At my high school we were the Tucker Tigers. Therefore I'm awesome by association. Too bad they were sleeping when you saw them but yeah, definitely can't blame them there!

Those turtle lampposts are the best things ever. Yet for some reason I only took a picture of the back end of one... who knows what goes on in that brain of mine, really?

OH and I have to ask you: Do you have twitter? Because I feel like your tweets would always be funny and / or enjoyable. And if you don't feel like broadcasting it to the world... my name on there is the same as it is here.

YOUR TRIP IS SOOOOOO SOON! YAY!!!!

Ha I love UP.

You are most definitely awesome by association. I was a Warrior in high school. Our mascot was rather racist.

I do have a Twitter. I'm @lilmisscynic.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I read this update the other night but it was off my iPhone so I couldn't comment... so I am back to read it again and comment away!

LOL you're so healthy for getting a salad at Pizzafari I can't resist that dang pizza. It's TOO GOOD.

Hahahaha thank you for the shoutout... I'm glad I have good Pizza pictures

Awww I want to watch those little disney videos. Why don't they make stuff like that anymore!?! Like, that is classic. (I mean CA-LASS-IC. Wham. Boom.)

Technical difficulties? Oh no that's sad! I wonder what could have been wrong.

THE GIRAFFE SOUND IS A SCAM. I am almost positive.

Yeah, don't put yourself through that torture again. Youtube + Giraffes = Danger. And you may come to find out that they make a completely different sound all together, which could result in major disappointment.

WHAM!

HANGING WATERMELON! Hahaha that is awesome. What a great life those bats live. Sometimes I just wish I could be an animal at animal kingdom. Life seems so much simpler.

AWWW A TIGER TAIL! I wish tigers were friendly so I could just give one a hug.

DEER!!!!!! (this update is just so exciting)

We will teach them the deer face!! (in july... yayyy! WHAM.)

We followed this bird’s advice (reluctantly…birds are not trustworthy) and continued out to the bus stop.

So true.

Of course, they were all wrong, but I didn’t dare tell them that. I value my life.

Always trust the diser

Great update! I can't wait for the next one!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

I read this update the other night but it was off my iPhone so I couldn't comment... so I am back to read it again and comment away!

LOL you're so healthy for getting a salad at Pizzafari I can't resist that dang pizza. It's TOO GOOD.

Hahahaha thank you for the shoutout... I'm glad I have good Pizza pictures

Awww I want to watch those little disney videos. Why don't they make stuff like that anymore!?! Like, that is classic. (I mean CA-LASS-IC. Wham. Boom.)

Technical difficulties? Oh no that's sad! I wonder what could have been wrong.

THE GIRAFFE SOUND IS A SCAM. I am almost positive.

Yeah, don't put yourself through that torture again. Youtube + Giraffes = Danger. And you may come to find out that they make a completely different sound all together, which could result in major disappointment.

WHAM!

HANGING WATERMELON! Hahaha that is awesome. What a great life those bats live. Sometimes I just wish I could be an animal at animal kingdom. Life seems so much simpler.

AWWW A TIGER TAIL! I wish tigers were friendly so I could just give one a hug.

DEER!!!!!! (this update is just so exciting)

We will teach them the deer face!! (in july... yayyy! WHAM.)

So true.

Always trust the diser

Great update! I can't wait for the next one!

WHAM. BOOM. CHOMPAS.

Well, my salad was DRENCHED in caesar dressing so it probably wasn't that healthy.

I don't know why they don't make videos like that anymore. Don't kids like to sing along to classic songs?

We need to find a Giraffe-ologist and ask him/her to clarify. Until then, I stand firm in the 'Disney is lying to us' camp.

Agreed. Aladdin gave me unrealistic expectations of tigers. Why can't I have a tiger pet!?! Life is just not fair.

I'm sure the strange deer will break out the deer face when they see their deer face brethren approach. You guys are probably like distant cousins.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

WHAM. BOOM. CHOMPAS.

Well, my salad was DRENCHED in caesar dressing so it probably wasn't that healthy.

I don't know why they don't make videos like that anymore. Don't kids like to sing along to classic songs?

We need to find a Giraffe-ologist and ask him/her to clarify. Until then, I stand firm in the 'Disney is lying to us' camp.

Agreed. Aladdin gave me unrealistic expectations of tigers. Why can't I have a tiger pet!?! Life is just not fair.

I'm sure the strange deer will break out the deer face when they see their deer face brethren approach. You guys are probably like distant cousins.

Aww yeah Stacey

Hahaha eh true. Dressing can kill the health factor.

I personally know that my childhood would not have been the same without those videos so they should probably bring them back.

I agree.

And yeah... ALADDIN GAVE ME UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ABOUT MEN, TOO! But really. And yet, it is my favorite movie.

And yeah, I wouldn't doubt it. hahaha

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Aww yeah Stacey

Hahaha eh true. Dressing can kill the health factor.

I personally know that my childhood would not have been the same without those videos so they should probably bring them back.

I agree.

And yeah... ALADDIN GAVE ME UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ABOUT MEN, TOO! But really. And yet, it is my favorite movie.

And yeah, I wouldn't doubt it. hahaha

Tell me about it. Aladdin ruined me. In so many ways. Who knew men could look attractive in purple vests? I sure didn't.

 

[__disneygirl]

Hey!!! It's weird reading trip reports right after you come back from Disney. I'm like, I was JUST AT Pizzafari like 4 days ago. Weird. I didn't get any food but I took a LOT of pictures which you will probably see sometime in 2014 when I get to that chapter of my TR.

"Has anyone ever heard a giraffe make a bleating sound? I really think it’s a big scam." LMAO. Possibly. The giraffe section blows. I think everyone knows that the lion section is the most flawless section. It's not called The Elephant King and while I love Pumbaa, no one wants to make the warthog noise.

Even though AK is so massive I never mind trekking around because it is just SO beautiful. For me, the worst walk at Disney is from the Epcot turnstiles to the Pop Century bus stop. I swear it's ten miles.

IT'S ALSO ALL WHAM hahahakjshkssdjhsdfkj

Oh man, every time I saw a lot of birds I thought of you. Your hatred of them has made a lasting impression on me.

Oh how I love the bats! I never saw hanging watermelon in there before, but I am now jealous of them. I agree, having hanging watermelon beside me at all times would make for a better life.

I LOVE THE GIBBONS omg they were doing the cutest things...but I must save that for my TR. I think you're right, I just have good animal luck.

"We followed this bird’s advice (reluctantly…birds are not trustworthy) and continued out to the bus stop." Cracking up.

OMG it is so funny when I overhear people talking about Disney stuff they have no idea about. The other day on the MK train this family WHO HAD TICKETS to the Christmas party had NO IDEA what it even was. A family of 5, who paid like 50 dollars per person for that, were talking about it like they stumbled upon free tickets or something. And even then, wouldn't you freaking google it? I had to butt in because it was just sad.

Well, another great update and I am anxiously awaiting the next. We are going to have to keep each other very entertained because I am foaming at the mouth for more Disney and I know you are too.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Hey!!! It's weird reading trip reports right after you come back from Disney. I'm like, I was JUST AT Pizzafari like 4 days ago. Weird. I didn't get any food but I took a LOT of pictures which you will probably see sometime in 2014 when I get to that chapter of my TR.

"Has anyone ever heard a giraffe make a bleating sound? I really think it’s a big scam." LMAO. Possibly. The giraffe section blows. I think everyone knows that the lion section is the most flawless section. It's not called The Elephant King and while I love Pumbaa, no one wants to make the warthog noise.

Even though AK is so massive I never mind trekking around because it is just SO beautiful. For me, the worst walk at Disney is from the Epcot turnstiles to the Pop Century bus stop. I swear it's ten miles.

IT'S ALSO ALL WHAM hahahakjshkssdjhsdfkj

Oh man, every time I saw a lot of birds I thought of you. Your hatred of them has made a lasting impression on me.

Oh how I love the bats! I never saw hanging watermelon in there before, but I am now jealous of them. I agree, having hanging watermelon beside me at all times would make for a better life.

I LOVE THE GIBBONS omg they were doing the cutest things...but I must save that for my TR. I think you're right, I just have good animal luck.

"We followed this bird’s advice (reluctantly…birds are not trustworthy) and continued out to the bus stop." Cracking up.

OMG it is so funny when I overhear people talking about Disney stuff they have no idea about. The other day on the MK train this family WHO HAD TICKETS to the Christmas party had NO IDEA what it even was. A family of 5, who paid like 50 dollars per person for that, were talking about it like they stumbled upon free tickets or something. And even then, wouldn't you freaking google it? I had to butt in because it was just sad.

Well, another great update and I am anxiously awaiting the next. We are going to have to keep each other very entertained because I am foaming at the mouth for more Disney and I know you are too.

Ooo I'm excited for Pizzafari pics! I'm always so consumed with eating that I forget to take pictures. It's such a pretty place!

Agreed. Next time they try to stick me in the giraffe section, I'm getting up and walking out. By 'getting up and walking out' I, of course, mean sitting there and watching the show. FOTLK is amazing. I wouldn't wanna miss that. I'll just protest in silence. But I will sing along to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" because I can't not sing along to that song.

I love that I have made such an impression. Birds are the worst. I'm just spreading the good word.

You have RIDICULOUS animal luck. I can't wait to hear about/see everything!

I will never understand people who pay for things and have no idea what they've actually paid for. It just seems like such a waste. It's not like it's hard to find information these days. It's truly baffling.

I'm so glad I have you guys to obsess over Disney with! It makes the time in between trips so much more enjoyable.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 5TH PART FIVE: Might Sound Crazy But It Ain't No Lie
Once we arrived back at Coronado, Dad and I changed into our bathing suits and met up with the rest of the gang at the pool. CSR’s main pool is themed like an archaeological dig site. There are ruins, jungle foliage, and a MASSIVE Mayan pyramid. It’s very cool. I half-expected a Temple Guard to jump out of the bushes and grab me while an all-denim-clad Kirk Fogg provided commentary.

Beyond the décor, this pool is also very cool because it’s HUGE. As anyone who travels in the summer knows, the pools get quite crowded in the afternoon. There are people everywhere. The Volcano Pool at the Polynesian isn’t so much a pool as it is a bowl of people. Seriously. You come in contact with more body parts than you do water. Having a sizeable chunk of pool all to myself was incredibly refreshing. I only got splashed in the face once! Score!

Also, there’s someone at the pool bar that refills the refillable mugs for you.

Who doesn’t want that?

So, here are a bunch of pictures of the pool:

Look, there we are! With tons of space around us!

This is a lovely shot of Mom and Katie walking to the slide. I have no idea what they’re looking at. I was still in the pool. Dad took all of these.

There’s a little bridge that goes over the slide which makes an excellent place to watch your loved ones come barreling into the water.

The pyramid! I wonder if Ancient Aliens has done an episode about this pyramid. I mean, I’m not saying it was built by aliens, but…it was totally built by aliens.

You can see all the way to El Centro from wherever Dad took this picture.

After swimming for a bit, I got out to get some sun. This is jumping ahead, but I actually wound up getting quite a lot of sun. So much sun that I turned red and was lathering on aloe for the rest of the trip. Whoops.

I grabbed Dad's camera and took these pictures from my chair (hence my feet in the first shot):

At 3:00, the lifeguards and recreation CMs host a pool party. I think they do this at most, if not all, of the resorts. They played kid-appropriate popular music and Disney songs, led a dance party, and held a hula hoop contest. It was a lot of fun to watch. The kids were super competetive. I don’t remember what the prize was, but these kids clearly wanted it.

After the kids hoop-dueled to the death, the CMs announced that there would be a 21+ with a free drink as the prize. Since it was my 21st birthday, Katie really wanted me to go do it. It would have required me to walk all the way to the other side of the pool, though, and I’m far too lazy for that. I was really comfortable with my Sprite (that someone else filled up for me) and my lounge chair.

Of course, I regreted that as soon as the CMs turned on *NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” and joked that those who chose to compete would need to do the dance while hula hooping.

I would have wiped the floor with those people.



I must say, laying by the pool on my birthday while singing along to “Bye Bye Bye” was one of the highlights of my trip. In that moment, I was perfectly content. It was my last perfectly content moment of the trip. You all know what’s coming, so I’m sure you can understand why. Things got dark fast and I’m just incredibly grateful to have that moment to look back on. It’s like the universe knew exactly what it needed to do to make me feel happy for one last second before it was forced to smack me over the head with a two by four of awful.

After hanging out at the pool a little longer, I decided to head back to the room and take a nap. Of course, once I got back to the room, I saw my birthday ballon/basket of treats sitting on the table and figured it was about time to open that sucker up. So I did.

Here's the basket:

Here's what the basket looks like without the plastic:

As you can see, they made a basket out of candy bars. I’m a big proponent of edible food storage (bread bowls, waffle bowls, etc) so this was right up my alley.

Finally, here are all the goodies that were inside:

There were various types of Ghirardelli squares, shortbread cookies, Chip and Dale pretzels, Goofy’s Candy Co. jelly beans and gummy bears, and the 14 Mickey candy bars that made up the basket.

It was a lot. I snacked throughout the trip and we still wound up bringing a bunch home with us. In fact, I think there are still a few Mickey candy bars in the freezer.

Well, that's all for now. I hope you're having a fabulous weekend!

UP NEXT: I cry in a hammock

 

[__disneygirl]

Coronado has to be one of the COOLEST pool areas!! To my knowledge I'm guessing it's second coolest to The Beach Club's pool/mini water park. I mean, that place is so epic you have to have a wrist band to prove you are staying there. So funny.

Oh God, my mom is obsessed with Ancient Aliens. She now watches it on Wednesdays over Modern Family which is a big deal because like any other conscious person, she LOVES Phil Dunphy. And yet, the aliens win.

Omg, them playing Bye Bye Bye was totally a divine intervention moment! Totally for you. I wouldn't have gotten out of the chair either, obviously. But oh man, I'm so happy you had that perfect moment before you got the news.

WAFFLE BOWLS ARE IT, oh my god. Now I feel like going to Coldstone and getting one of those bad boys. I'm supposed to be on a diet but whatever. How important is health, REALLY?

14 CANDY BARS? omg. I need one of these gift baskets. What's the website again? Would it be sad if I ordered a few of them just for myself? I'll just tell the Disney people to surprise me, empty out my bank account, and wait for the snacks to arrive! Heaven!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Wow, that is a basket of goodies that seems to be right up my alley!

Crying in a hammock? That can never be good.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Coronado has to be one of the COOLEST pool areas!! To my knowledge I'm guessing it's second coolest to The Beach Club's pool/mini water park. I mean, that place is so epic you have to have a wrist band to prove you are staying there. So funny.

Oh God, my mom is obsessed with Ancient Aliens. She now watches it on Wednesdays over Modern Family which is a big deal because like any other conscious person, she LOVES Phil Dunphy. And yet, the aliens win.

Omg, them playing Bye Bye Bye was totally a divine intervention moment! Totally for you. I wouldn't have gotten out of the chair either, obviously. But oh man, I'm so happy you had that perfect moment before you got the news.

WAFFLE BOWLS ARE IT, oh my god. Now I feel like going to Coldstone and getting one of those bad boys. I'm supposed to be on a diet but whatever. How important is health, REALLY?

14 CANDY BARS? omg. I need one of these gift baskets. What's the website again? Would it be sad if I ordered a few of them just for myself? I'll just tell the Disney people to surprise me, empty out my bank account, and wait for the snacks to arrive! Heaven!

I want to stay at the Beach Club SO BAD omg. They have a lazy river! I'm not even that much of a pool person, but I would float around on that thing for hours.

I love your mom.

I say, how much damage can the occasional trip to Coldstone really do? Physically, it might not be so good for you, but mentally, it's a godsend.

She ordered it through the Disney Florist. And that's not sad at all. Having tons of chocolate waiting for me upon arrival was a dream come true.

Wow, that is a basket of goodies that seems to be right up my alley!

Crying in a hammock? That can never be good.

It was all DELICIOUS.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

...Baby, Bye Bye Bye!

We sadly did not get to experience this beautiful pool in August... but it looks WONDERFUL! Wow. I am impressed. But why should I be surprised? It's Disney.

Ohhh nooo You are going to make me cry. I'm glad you had such a wonderful time at the pool though. It sounded like it was so nice and relaxing and great. (very original adjectives, I know. but i'm tired.. and they explain exactly what I want to say. )

AHHH HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! That's such a cute basket!!

Oh my God, you're basically set for life. CAAAAANDYYYYY Yay.

 

[GillieRose]

Loving your trip report. Can't wait to read more. We are taking the kids in May after not being able to go the last 5 years.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

...Baby, Bye Bye Bye!

We sadly did not get to experience this beautiful pool in August... but it looks WONDERFUL! Wow. I am impressed. But why should I be surprised? It's Disney.

Ohhh nooo You are going to make me cry. I'm glad you had such a wonderful time at the pool though. It sounded like it was so nice and relaxing and great. (very original adjectives, I know. but i'm tired.. and they explain exactly what I want to say. )

AHHH HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! That's such a cute basket!!

Oh my God, you're basically set for life. CAAAAANDYYYYY Yay.

It is truly an excellent pool. Well done, Coronado. *golf clap*

I know, I'm going to make myself cry. I was going through pictures of Riley as a puppy so I could include them in the next update and I lost it. I miss my little furry friend. Especially now because he loved Christmas so much. Watching him unwrap presents was my favorite thing. It'll be weird this year.

A basket of chocolate is basically the best birthday present anyone could ever give me.

Loving your trip report. Can't wait to read more. We are taking the kids in May after not being able to go the last 5 years.

Thanks! You're going to have so much fun! I'm assuming from your ticker that you're staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I love it there! It's absolutely gorgeous.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I know, I'm going to make myself cry. I was going through pictures of Riley as a puppy so I could include them in the next update and I lost it. I miss my little furry friend. Especially now because he loved Christmas so much. Watching him unwrap presents was my favorite thing. It'll be weird this year.

Aww poor thing. I would love to see pictures of him though. Wahh Riley </3 That's SO heartbreaking. My dog unwraps presents too so I can kind of relate. I don't know how they learn to do that.. but he always has. It's quite an impressive skill for a dog. Aww, well at least you have all of the beautiful memories.

 

[marDgreen88]

I already love this update for the title alone. ...BABY BYE, BYE, BYE!
They have someone to REFILL the mugs? Like that's just their job? Aaaand I know where I'm staying next trip... I mean seriously though. What if that was my job? I think it would be pretty hard to complain about that job. "Man I had the worst day today. This one lady wanted like 40 refills and she kept CHANGING HER MIND. And my hands just got so sticky." I mean really though.
That pool is awesome. Seriously, I'm staying here. I'd fit right in, people confuse me for a Mexican all the time. (If only I were kidding.)
90's boy band dances, hula hoops, and a pool? AND someone that fills your soda? AND you're at Disney as an added bonus?! That's the best combination ever.
I'm glad you had that moment of peace. Your birthday basket is so so cute. I don't think I can handle the whole 'up next' thing but we're here for you.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Aww poor thing. I would love to see pictures of him though. Wahh Riley </3 That's SO heartbreaking. My dog unwraps presents too so I can kind of relate. I don't know how they learn to do that.. but he always has. It's quite an impressive skill for a dog. Aww, well at least you have all of the beautiful memories.

Yep, I'm so thankful for the memories. To paraphrase Wicked, knowing him most definitely changed my life for the better.

I already love this update for the title alone. ...BABY BYE, BYE, BYE!
They have someone to REFILL the mugs? Like that's just their job? Aaaand I know where I'm staying next trip... I mean seriously though. What if that was my job? I think it would be pretty hard to complain about that job. "Man I had the worst day today. This one lady wanted like 40 refills and she kept CHANGING HER MIND. And my hands just got so sticky." I mean really though.
That pool is awesome. Seriously, I'm staying here. I'd fit right in, people confuse me for a Mexican all the time. (If only I were kidding.)
90's boy band dances, hula hoops, and a pool? AND someone that fills your soda? AND you're at Disney as an added bonus?! That's the best combination ever.
I'm glad you had that moment of peace. Your birthday basket is so so cute. I don't think I can handle the whole 'up next' thing but we're here for you.

Well, the mug refiller does other stuff at the pool bar too because they serve QS meals, but still, it's a rather unique job. I thought about leaving her a tip, but since she wasn't technically a bartender/waiter, I don't think we were allowed.

Thanks.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 5TH PART SIX: A Brief But Necessary Update
Hi! I’m sorry it’s been so long since my last update. I planned to put my writing skills to use on this one to compose a heartfelt tribute to my furriest friend with pictures and memories, but it, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, hasn’t worked out. After several attempts, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no way to accurately put what eleven years of unconditional love and friendship means to me into words.

I’ve been through a lot in life. I’ve dealt with severe anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. Sure, medication and therapy have helped, but all of the meds and doctors in the world couldn’t make me feel as whole as Riley did. I can honestly say that welcoming him into my life was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I don’t know where I would be without him. Since his passing in July, I’ve spiraled into quite the depression. I’m not entirely sure what to do with myself or where I want to go in life. It’s rough. I don’t feel like me anymore. Just getting out of bed in the morning is difficult. Frankly, the only thing keeping me sane is the planning and preparation for my July trip. Thank god I have something to look forward to.

Anyway, as I mentioned in my last installment, I left the rest of the family at the pool and headed back to the room to take a nap.

I haven’t mentioned this yet, but my aunt had been texting us all day to say that Riley was behaving strangely. He didn’t eat his breakfast, he wasn’t moving much, and she had a hard time getting him to go outside. We weren’t too worried. It wasn't normal behavior, obviously, but we figured he was just sick. We told her to call if things got worse.

When I woke up from my nap, Mom was on the phone with my aunt.

I completely freaked out. We had late reservations for my birthday dinner at ‘Ohana, but the last thing I wanted to do was dress up and go out. Of course, when I told the rest of the family that I was going to stay back at CSR, WWIII broke out. There was yelling. There was door slamming. There were tears. It was ugly.

I needed to get away from everyone, so I grabbed the wristlet with my cell phone and room key inside and went for a walk. I had no destination in mind, but by fate (or the circular layout of the resort) I found myself in a hammock on the beach outside of the Cabanas section of CSR. I’m of the belief that hammocks are the greatest form of seating because they hug you when you lay down, so it was perfect. I really needed a hammock hug.

As I lay there, a million different thoughts ran through my mind. The most commonly occurring thought was, “Riley’s 11. I should’ve been prepared for this. Crap.”

After a while, my parents came over to discuss what we should do. My mom called my aunt and put her on speakerphone so I could ask questions. Trying to diagnose a dog from 1,000 miles away is quite difficult. My aunt was adamant that this wasn’t normal behavior, so we decided to put Dad on the next flight home. It wasn’t until the next morning, but it had to do. We didn’t have a computer with us, so my aunt booked everything from home and Mom later went to the front desk to print his boarding pass and schedule Magical Express pick up so we wouldn’t have to pay for a cab.

Once my aunt hung up, I started crying hysterically. I felt like the worst dog owner in the world. Riley was ALWAYS there for me and, when he needed me the most, I wasn’t there for him. It broke my heart. Even though everyone kept telling me to stay positive, I had a gut feeling that this was it which made me cry even more. I mean, I’m glad I didn’t have to see him suffer and that my last memory of him was a good one, but there is a part of me that will always wonder if things would have been different had I been there. My aunt told me the next day that she grabbed a t-shirt from my bedroom and gave it to Riley to sleep with, so I was there with him in smell and in spirit. I hope that managed to comfort him a bit.

After I finished crying in the hammock, I headed back to the room to cry some more. Mom went to Café Rix and picked up some sandwiches for us since we missed dinner. I ate a few bites of one as we watched something on TV. I don’t remember what it was, but I know it wasn’t Stacey because Dad was sick of her at that point. I know, right? I don’t know how we’re related either. After that, I went to sleep. Well, I curled up in bed and sat there for a few hours before falling asleep. Worst. Birthday. Ever.

Before I end this, here are a few pictures Dad took while we were talking to my aunt:

And because I don’t want this to be the most depressing update to a TR ever, here’s a song I wrote the other night about how much I miss ‘Ohana set to Part of Your World. It’s my favorite restaurant in all of WDW and I hate that we had to miss it. I was all excited about having my first Lapu Lapu and stuffing my face with deliciousness. SIIIIIGH. I’ll see you in July, deliciousness.

I wanna be where my people are,
I wanna see, wanna see ‘em eating
Chomping away on those - what do you call ‘em?
Oh-wings!

Other restaurants don’t serve meat on a skewer
Multiple entrees are required for chicken, beef,
And copious amounts of – what’s that word again?
POOOOOOOOORK

Up where they eat, up where they dine
Up where they give you pot stickers and they’re all miiiiiiiine.
Stuffing my face, at my favorite place
‘Oooooooohanaaaaaaaaaaa



UP NEXT: We manage to have a little bit of fun at Hollywood Studios aka THANK GOD FOR TOY STORY MANIA

 

[__disneygirl]

First, foremost, and most importantly: I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU.

And you are so not alone. I am right there with you. Sometimes it really is creepy how we mirror each other. Especially with the loss of our dogs and depression. The way you described yourself is me exactly. Sometimes I'm seriously just like why should I even get up today, I'm not going to Disney World. Really. Before we left, when my mom was still kind of not into the idea of going on a trip right before Christmas, I was explaining this all to her so she understood why I HAD to go to Disney RIGHT AWAY and not for my birthday or for F&W next year, NOW. And she said something about how lucky I am that I have something like Disney in my life that can pull me out of any funk. And she is so right. Because a lot of depressed people are alone and hopeless and have nothing. And I mean really as soon as I got there it was as if God started snapping his fingers in my face saying IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO WAKE UP. So just hang in there. I know July seems far away but you know how time flies.

I'm so sorry you had to go through losing Riley at Disney. I have absolutely no idea how I would handle such a monumental experience of mixed emotions but I imagine I would need a sedative of some type. Around the time my dog died, I simply just didn't feel like a person anymore. Just a robot going through the motions of life. In a way I think you are lucky that you weren't there when it actually happened because I was and there are no words for how terrible it really was. On the other hand, I can understand you not feeling like you have closure and that is difficult too. No matter how you slice it, it's an unbearable part of life. Just know that I am here for you and so are many other DIS friends. And I am going to try so hard to come in July to help make your next trip the BEST trip of all time.

Also, you are the best for many reasons, but especially because of things like this that never fail to crack me up:

I’m of the belief that hammocks are the greatest form of seating because they hug you when you lay down

AND THE 'OHANA SONG?! I can't handle it. You are an absolutely gigando name in entertainment, my friend.

Remember... if you need to talk just message me! Feel better.