If you put it in writing, you have to deliver right? A Dec. 2011 PTR

[kwitcherkicken99]

HA! and that a spoon full of sugar helps the school cafeteria food go down better too?

[it takes more than a spoonfull... try adding together the total number of spoonfulls mentioned in said song and you might come close ]

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I got in a fight with a bottle of puffy paint....

AND LOST!

It got EVERYWHERE! On my clothes, the computer, my school ID, keys... I even hit our chalkboard!

 

[annmarieda]

I got in a fight with a bottle of puffy paint....

AND LOST!

It got EVERYWHERE! On my clothes, the computer, my school ID, keys... I even hit our chalkboard!

Oh NOOOO!!!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I couldn't do anything but laugh.

It was a brand new bottle! I can't get it off my hands either.

My boss fell over from laughing so hard when she saw the picture!

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

oh the carnage !!!!!!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

YIKES...and red of all colors!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

It wasn't completely terrible to clean up. I still have a few spots that I can't get to easily, but for the most part, I got it all done!

I still can't believe that happened!

------

Anyway, my diet has not been good the past week. I did maintain between last Monday and this past Monday. I'm afraid to step on the scale on the 2nd...

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I got burnt out this weekend. Flat burnt out.

As I looked over my calendar at the weeks ahead, I realized that I will have little to no time to work out. I began to hope and pray that my crazy schedule would be all the workout I needed to slowly burn off the calories I needed to continue to at MINIMUM maintain my current weight.

I sat yesterday, looking at everything that I needed to get done… the “honey-do” list, finding a way to the gym, editing photos for the paper and other people, then I looked at my house. It was in ruins. Since my gall bladder surgery a lot of things got pushed aside and keeping falling further and further down the to-do list. And it hit me like a ton of bricks… I’m not accomplishing ANYTHING because I’ve been depressed.

When I’m depressed, I binge. Yesterday was a binge day. Then I vegged out playing Lego Harry Potter for way longer than I’m willing to admit.

So today, we start looking at things A LOT different. I know that I can’t do it all. DH has been great and supportive, especially the last few weeks. He’s doing as much as he can and I’ve been trying to meet that as well. I’m just lucky that I have a man who actually likes to do the laundry!

Last week, one of my DIS friends shared a bit of her life story over the last year and it really hit home. Attitude is everything! Her post sat in the back of my mind and really stewed over the weekend. I was ready to face the week and the ensuing evil month of May when I awoke this morning, and I’m going to attack the month with a ferocity that I haven’t used in a while.

Now… back to the planning!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

With the month of May, comes the release of Free Dining (currently only for Disney Visa holders) and also the release and sale of MNSSHP and MVMCP tickets.

Originally our plans did not call for attending the Christmas party. E and mom had gone before, and after such a fantastic time at MNSSHP last September, E comparatively said that the Halloween party was better and that I would most likely be disappointed in MVMCP. I was okay with that review – the girl has never led me astray and I highly value her opinion in the matters of awesomeness.

Turns out that the party dates coincide with BOTH days we are planning to be at MK…

So in the middle of innings at the softball games I was photographing for the paper on Saturday, E and I made the decision to go ahead and attend the party. Mom said that she was fine with that decision - if we wanted to go, we would, if not, no big deal.

Bonus is, the way we have our schedule set up, we will be taking advantage of presumably low crowds in MK the morning of the party banana, take an afternoon park “break” and tour some of the hotels along the monorail, then dine at O’hana. After dinner, we will all head back to MK for the evening's festivities.

If you missed it, here are the dates per allears.net - 2011 MVMCP dates

This is an unexpected expense for the trip, but at least I’ve got enough time to save up!

The more I look over our schedule, the more excited I get. Our last trip (with my family), we did a lot of things I hadn’t done in a while AND we also did some new (to me) things that I never stopped to do before. Adding in all of the experiences we are planning for December, I am seeing the World in a whole new light!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

One of most poignant statements from Disney’s Mary Poppins…

Mary, the charge of Jane and Michael, held a conversation with her umbrella (only Disney and PL Tavers could make such an event seem completely natural) and told her little parrot handle that she would stay until the wind changes. With the change of nature, so was she.

Well, my wind is changing, and I’ve got a teenager that I may be leaving behind in its wake.

My charge, a brilliant 18 year old boy, is graduating in a few weeks (five to be exact). With his graduation comes the termination of my department at the high school I’ve been employed at for the last four years. Budget cut backs and the lack of other local children needing the services of the Blind/Low Vision department will leave three of us in the lurch. Our seniority would dictate that we would be able to switch rooms and be paras (student or teacher aides) for someone else, but I’m not sure that I want to. I’ve been spoiled in my position for the last few years and I’m not so sure that I want do use my skills in a room where they may not be appreciated. I would land in whatever room they would put me (and that would range anywhere from mild learning or emotionally disabled “regular” kids all the way over to the most severe physically/mentally/emotionally impaired kids). That is an awful big jump. I know that I would do fine with all of the kids but that position is a lot more emotionally involved than where I am now. I fee like I’m barely scraping by in my real life as it is – so for me to jump into another group of kids would really wipe me out.

About a month ago, DH was asked to submit names of individuals he thought would make good employees at his job (General Motors Holdings Corp.) where they design and build radio and car parts for many different types and companies of automobiles. Being that I was not guaranteed a position at school next year, he asked if I’d like to have my name thrown in the hat for a temporary position at GM.

“Sure.” I said, not expecting in the slightest to get a phone call for a new job. I’m not that lucky. It is a solid job with good pay. AND, the last time they brought on temporary workers in 2006, they kept them.

Well, about a week ago, I got the call to come in and test (basic reading/math skills plus a simple physical test to make sure that I am capable of completing repetitive movements on a production line) and then they also scheduled me for a follow-up interview the following day.
They set up the test for this Thursday (5/5) and the interview for Friday (5/6).

Through the grapevine (a very reliable source), I found out that if they bring me on, my first day would be Monday May 16.

The last day of school is May 27.

I would absolutely have to leave my job at school for the new job because seniority is everything. If I have any hopes of keeping the new job, I need to be hired in the first batch of new hires.

If they bring me on at GMHC my whole life will change. The factory runs 24/7 and being the low man on the totem pole, they can place me on ANY shift they decide. It is highly unlikely that I would be put on 1st shift (which is what DH is on) and depending on if I’m on 2nds or 3rds, my career at the paper and the seven 4-H fairs I’ve agreed to judge this summer are history – just as my photography is really beginning to take off here in town. And I’m scared to death.

The new job would open me up to a large group of people and I know that I would be able to get new photography jobs (weddings, portraits) but I know that I would miss the newspaper job so much! It’s something that I’ve grown to love – it’s definitely a labor of love! Without that paper, I would have never been afforded such amazing opportunities! I mean, it’s not every day that you get asked to drive up to the local air field (former Air Force base) and be allowed to photograph the standing President of the United States! It’s something that I will probably never be able to do again, but it’s a day that I will never forget!

Making the move is in the best interest of my family and so it will be done. All I ask is for lucky pixies in the coming days!

I'll leave you with a few images from the past year, ones that I have done for the paper!

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

That was a hell of a post!! I know life can be a struggle and I know I can be hard on you sometimes, but do not stress it will only make things worse . Each day is a new day so when one goes bad do not fret, for you never know what tomorrow will bring. Stay positive and know that we all love you and support you and will be with you to the end .


































psst....

















psst...




















is she gone???
















great... so I need to tell you fold how my life is about to change for the WORSE! Sure sure, Jenn is moving on to bigger and better pastures. But what about me huh? She is all concerned about leaving behind her kid in the wake but what about me. I have been chatting online with her for hours with her 5 days a week for the past two years and she didn't even write any concern into her post for my feelings. WHO AM I GOING TO TALK TO IN TWO WEEKS??!! My mornings are going to be SO boring . Plus if she is way at work how am I to send her my papers to correct at a moments notice for my school work . It is just not fair! I respectfully protest that Jenn must stay on the DIS and keep posting great tales and funny humor for our entertainment instead of going to a great paying job so she can fund future Disney trips. Our feelings come first right? Whos with me?! ..... ::looks around and hears crickets::



















No takers I see.... (in truth Erica is talking to no one, they all left when she started to complain about herself when this is JENNS post, not hers)

...well fine. I guess I shall have to let my morning chat buddy move on with out me, but I don't have to be happy about it when I not around her... ::goes to sulk in a corner::

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

In my hastiness of self pity... I neglected to share with you the biggest PRO about the new job...




























I would be able to utilize and access the special GM lounge at Test Track and get special fastpasses since I'd work for the company that sponsors the ride! How could I forget that?!?!? DH got us the special fastpasses last September but we didn't get to see the lounge... it was closed. The fastpasses were great because they left open our FP window for other rides like Soarin' and Mission Space.

 

[annmarieda]

Congrats on the potential new job!!!! I know it will be quite the change, but it sounds like it would be a good one.

 

[shocky5]

I got burnt out this weekend. Flat burnt out.

As I looked over my calendar at the weeks ahead, I realized that I will have little to no time to work out. I began to hope and pray that my crazy schedule would be all the workout I needed to slowly burn off the calories I needed to continue to at MINIMUM maintain my current weight.

I sat yesterday, looking at everything that I needed to get done… the “honey-do” list, finding a way to the gym, editing photos for the paper and other people, then I looked at my house. It was in ruins. Since my gall bladder surgery a lot of things got pushed aside and keeping falling further and further down the to-do list. And it hit me like a ton of bricks… I’m not accomplishing ANYTHING because I’ve been depressed.

When I’m depressed, I binge. Yesterday was a binge day. Then I vegged out playing Lego Harry Potter for way longer than I’m willing to admit.

So today, we start looking at things A LOT different. I know that I can’t do it all. DH has been great and supportive, especially the last few weeks. He’s doing as much as he can and I’ve been trying to meet that as well. I’m just lucky that I have a man who actually likes to do the laundry!

Last week, one of my DIS friends shared a bit of her life story over the last year and it really hit home. Attitude is everything! Her post sat in the back of my mind and really stewed over the weekend. I was ready to face the week and the ensuing evil month of May when I awoke this morning, and I’m going to attack the month with a ferocity that I haven’t used in a while.

Now… back to the planning!

Very motivational!!

I'm excited about your new job! I know it's hard to shift and sometimes its done graciously and sometimes more like a cyclone blowing through but you have such a great attitude about it! Best of luck to you!

Whatever you do to keep the photography going - keep it going - you have a gift!!!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Congrats on the potential new job!!!! I know it will be quite the change, but it sounds like it would be a good one.

Thanks! It's technically a temporary position (but would be a minimum 1 yr. deal). Last time they brought on temps, they kept them.

I'm excited about your new job! I know it's hard to shift and sometimes its done graciously and sometimes more like a cyclone blowing through but you have such a great attitude about it! Best of luck to you!

It is definitely a cyclone around here. I told my supervisor what is going on on Monday and it didn't go very well. She's upset that I wouldn't finish the year, but knows that I have no choice. My test is tomorrow and my interview is on Friday. I hope it goes well! I'm never worried about interviews, especially ones over the phone, but I've not taken a test in almost 9 years! I'm so glad they have sample questions online!

Whatever you do to keep the photography going - keep it going - you have a gift!!!

Thanks! It's something I've been doing for a VERY long time. It has become a part of me.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Since we are all playing the waiting game, here is what E has come up with for our schedule so far. I’ve incorporated the day of our trip, what we are planning to do, and what Touring Plans says for the days we are there. We do have Hoppers for the trip (and you’ll quickly see why!).

Sunday December 11 – my arrival day!
Park: Epcot
Food: lunch at San Angel
Crowd Prediction: 1 out of 10
Best Park: MK, EP
Worst Park: HS
Notes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Monday December 12 –
Park: Epcot (evening)
Food: dinner at Teppan Edo
Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10
Best Park: EP
Worst Park: HS
Notes: Backstage Magic Tour day!

Tuesday December 13 –
Park: Animal Kingdom
Food: Garden Grill for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 3 out of 10
Best Park: HS, AK
Worst Park: EP
Notes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Wednesday December 14 –
Park: MK ½ day (lunch), tour Monorail hotels Christmas décor, DTD
shopping
Food: O’hana for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10
Best Park: MK
Worst Park: HS
Notes: MVMCP Day for us!!!!

Thursday December 15 –
Park: Hollywood Studios
Food: Sci-Fi Dining for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 2 out of 10
Best Park: HS, AK
Worst Park: EP
Notes: I cannot wait to see the Osborne lights!

Friday December 16 –
Park: Magic Kingdom
Food: Crystal Palace breakfast, The Wave for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10
Best Park: MK
Worst Park: HS
Notes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Saturday December 17 – Departure day
Park: Epcot (morning)
Food: Lunch at Sunshine Seasons
Crowd Prediction: 7 out of 10
Best Park: EP
Worst Park: MK
Notes: Behind the Seeds tour

Keep in mind, some of this can and will change, depending on any change in TP rotfl2 crowd prediction modifications. Luckily, I can set our trip dates and they'll email me with any changes!

I'm also hoping that MK will be vacant on the MVMCP mornings, just like they are for MNSSHP. Maybe we'll get lucky and be able to stay on POTC until they kick us off! [remember Grizzly River Run, E???]

Being that we are staying at BWI, we are so close to EP, which also is where we plan to spend a lot of time. E and Mom are early risers (and I *ahem* will *cough* be *faint* too…) so we will take advantage of the notoriously empty parks just after rope drop.

Being on the TP rotfl2 site, I’ve been inspired by one of the other members. Last week (Easter Week), he and his family completed the Ultimate Park Touring Plan for DHS and EP. He tallied up something ridiculous like only waiting a TOTAL of 107 for EVERYTHING they did at EP on a 10 out of 10 day!!! They got so much done at Rope Drop! Therefore (raises right hand), I solemnly swear that I will arise for Rope Drop. AND be happy about it!!! If not, all E will have to do is slap a Mickey Bar or OGMS or LGGS in my hand and I’ll be good.

Now if only AirTran or Southwest would release their fares for December!!!!

 

[shocky5]

Thanks! It's something I've been doing for a VERY long time. It has become a part of me.

That being said... can you recommend a good camera for our trip? Not too big, smallish would be preferred, but I want good pictures!!! And it needs to be very user friendly.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

That being said... can you recommend a good camera for our trip? Not too big, smallish would be preferred, but I want good pictures!!! And it needs to be very user friendly.

Best point and shoot camera line, IMH(umble)O... are the Canons. If you aren't very comfortable with the technology, they aren't the most user-friendly. This one is pretty easy to use. That site, B&H, is where I buy most of my stuff. That particular camera is the "old" version, but the newer models are just as good.

I know several people who own the Kodak EasyShare ones and the love them.

I CAN tell you that I am not a fan of the Fuji, Minolta, Olympus, or Nikon point and shoot cameras. I've not had good, quality results from Olympus or Nikon, and as for the other two... the Minoltas are poorly designed and fragile. The Fuji claim to have a higher quality than they actually have, so you get short changed.

 

[veggiemama]

Since we are all playing the waiting game, here is what E has come up with for our schedule so far. I’ve incorporated the day of our trip, what we are planning to do, and what Touring Plans says for the days we are there. We do have Hoppers for the trip (and you’ll quickly see why!).

Sunday December 11 – my arrival day!
Park: Epcot
Food: lunch at San Angel
Crowd Prediction: 1 out of 10
Best Park: MK, EP
Worst Park: HS
Notes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Monday December 12 –
Park: Epcot (evening)
Food: dinner at Teppan Edo
Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10
Best Park: EP
Worst Park: HS
Notes: Backstage Magic Tour day!

Tuesday December 13 –
Park: Animal Kingdom
Food: Garden Grill for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 3 out of 10
Best Park: HS, AK
Worst Park: EP
Notes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Wednesday December 14 –
Park: MK ½ day (lunch), tour Monorail hotels Christmas décor, DTD
shopping
Food: O’hana for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10
Best Park: MK
Worst Park: HS
Notes: MVMCP Day for us!!!!

Thursday December 15 –
Park: Hollywood Studios
Food: Sci-Fi Dining for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 2 out of 10
Best Park: HS, AK
Worst Park: EP
Notes: I cannot wait to see the Osborne lights!

Friday December 16 –
Park: Magic Kingdom
Food: Crystal Palace breakfast, The Wave for dinner
Crowd Prediction: 6 out of 10
Best Park: MK
Worst Park: HS
Notes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Saturday December 17 – Departure day
Park: Epcot (morning)
Food: Lunch at Sunshine Seasons
Crowd Prediction: 7 out of 10
Best Park: EP
Worst Park: MK
Notes: Behind the Seeds tour

Keep in mind, some of this can and will change, depending on any change in TP rotfl2 crowd prediction modifications. Luckily, I can set our trip dates and they'll email me with any changes!

I'm also hoping that MK will be vacant on the MVMCP mornings, just like they are for MNSSHP. Maybe we'll get lucky and be able to stay on POTC until they kick us off! [remember Grizzly River Run, E???]

Being that we are staying at BWI, we are so close to EP, which also is where we plan to spend a lot of time. E and Mom are early risers (and I *ahem* will *cough* be *faint* too…) so we will take advantage of the notoriously empty parks just after rope drop.

Being on the TP rotfl2 site, I’ve been inspired by one of the other members. Last week (Easter Week), he and his family completed the Ultimate Park Touring Plan for DHS and EP. He tallied up something ridiculous like only waiting a TOTAL of 107 for EVERYTHING they did at EP on a 10 out of 10 day!!! They got so much done at Rope Drop! Therefore (raises right hand), I solemnly swear that I will arise for Rope Drop. AND be happy about it!!! If not, all E will have to do is slap a Mickey Bar or OGMS or LGGS in my hand and I’ll be good.

Now if only AirTran or Southwest would release their fares for December!!!!

My goodness, so much information here! I am starting to feel like quite the slacker.... I really don't have good idea of what we are going to do or where we will eat....

I booked our MVMCP too, and we are going to be there the same night as you! I'm debating if we should go to MK for the day that day or go to AK and then come to the party later, since we don't need a park ticket. It's kind of like getting a park hopper for one day!