In the Spirit of the Season

[annmarieda]

Sorry about your store manager... I think something must be in the water this week because I have dealt with more grumpy teachers than my liking!

definitely something...cause she was cranky with a captital C

Maybe it was a good thing Zoe's surgery was delayed...gives you time to get well and make sure she is well too!

I am definitely grateful because of how I am feeling. I just wish she could get back into a 'normal" routine. This postponement makes it so that she will have had to deal with an indwelling catheter for most of the last 3 months.(December, January and now February)

I can't believe it is time for her birthday...last year I joined your PTR right before her birthday!

Isn't it funny that a year has gone by? Kinda hard to believe... I remember last year being so excited for the trip... and it was so far off still.

I your day at DHS with Zoe! I think that sounds like a perfect day...jealous of your red velvet cupcake (Jeff and I had Red Velvet for our wedding cake, long before red velvet became popular, but we had the REAL red velvet icing...a butter icing, not cream cheese...YUCK)...I won't tell you what I had there or my thoughts yet!

So what is real red velvet icing? Just a tinted buttercream? I always thought it was cream cheese.

Glad that it worked out well that Zoe's appt was cancelled. I hope you feel better soon so that you can enjoy that time off.

I barely left my bedroom yesterday. I NEVER do that. I am feeling much better today which is a good thing since I definitely have things I need to accomplish before Zoe's bday party.

I was happy to read about your excitement over the seats. Aren't those "perfect moments" amazing when you are feeling tears of joy?

I love that you and Zoe had time together! I can't wait to read more!

I really enjoyed my time with Zoe. Not that I didn't enjoy my time with the guys too, but it was definitely more on my terms with Zoe. It didn't matter if she wanted to sit at a specific table at lunch or if she had to use the restroom...again. Or if she was slow moving... it was all still much more in line with how I wanted our time to be spent. There wasn't anything wrong with how the guys wanted to spend time, but it made it hard for me because I wanted to spend time with them and spend time doing what I wanted. Sadly, they mostly conflicted.

I think that people feel rushed in that park because it's mostly shows and they are all on specific times? I know that's why I felt like that there! We gave up on most of the shows because we weren't going to make it just because we were either too early and wanted to try something else or too late and didn't want to wait for the next show!

I know exactly what you mean. DHS is one of the hardest parks for me to fit everything into. I was able to still rely on ridemax some for the show times at least. That way I wasn't doing too much waiting for a show...or missing a show. However.. with the crowds.. and the lack of actually being in the park... we may have still missed something here or there.

How are you feeling? I am sorry I have been a bad friend in following! How is Zoe's back feeling now?

You are not a bad friend!!! I am just fine. Well, I have a cold.. but I will survive. Zoe complains here and there... I know she doesn't feel great, but she is a trooper. I can tell there is an infection brewing. I just hope that it doesn't end up being a kidney infection. Just 13 more days till the rescheduled date! I am not sure we can hold out that long.

Congratulations to Zach!

Thanks!

I am glad that you are done with work, but sorry that you had to go through that to get some time away! I hat when people are just rude and not listening anymore. It doesn't matter what you can say at that point because they aren't listening for anything but something that they can argue about! Glad that your away from that for awhile though and hope that you get everything you need to done!

Funny thing is, this gal won't even recognize me on monday or tuesday when I go back into that store. I have worked with her a number of times.... she just must be too "busy" to keep her head on straight and to be nice.

That does look yummy... what kind of bread was the sandwich made with?

I think it is focaccia. It was super yummy. All of their sandwiches are. AND they are HUGE. Definitely enough for Zoe and I to share.

Sorry you are sick. Glad you have the weekend to recoup. That stinks about the nasty store manager.

I will survive.. both on being sick and dealing with the manager

I sure hope Zoe can beat an infection. Maybe you can call the office tomorrow for a prophylactic antibiotic treatment? Sorry her surgery was postponed.

I am all but certain she is getting an infection. So getting that call in is on my to do list.

That cupcake looks nice! Too bad there is chocolate in red velvet cake. I'm stuck with vanilla cupcakes.

No chocolate for you? That is too bad indeed.

Hello Ann, I so badly need to catch up on your TR.. I have been slacking lately. Well it has happened again our trip got postpone and this time it won't be rescheduled until Dec 2013.. Seems like a long time but oh well life happens. I'm happy to hear that your son got a job now I wish my DH can find a job. I can't believe it has been three months since he's been out of work where does the time go. Maybe if my DH can find a job soon I can take a quick little trip to DL since its closer.

Hope to catch up on your TR this weekend

I am so sorry another trip got postponed. I really hope he gets a job soon. And if you do go to DL, let me know...

I'm sorry to hear Zoe's surgery was postponed! Hopefully her surgeon comes back soon!

Thanks so much! I hope her surgeon comes back soon too...

Ugh, that's definitely not fun to have to put up with unpleasant people at work! Glad this week is over for you!

!

and as for the "unpleasant people" I feel bad for them... since they always tend to be that way and thus... probably their lives kinda suck.

Your lunch with Zoe looks great!

Lunch was excellent! One of my favorites of the trip.

So sorry you are not feeling well. I also have been sick all week. Someone decided it would be fun to give me the flu for my 30th birthday (yesterday). I am supposed to have knee surgery on Wednesday so this weekend will be spent in bed trying to get rid of it! Feel better!

First, happy belated birthday!!!

Second, I hope you feel better!!! And that your surgery goes well.

Poor Zoe having to wait even longer for her surgery. I hope she isn't in too much pain. Hopefully he comes back soon and you can reschedule!

It is rescheduled for the 23rd... not quite 2 weeks...

Loved the last update! I love the BATB stage show. It is so nice to go there and just sit and relax after walking around all day!

It is such a nice show and usually, a comfortable one. Not sure what it is about the other theaters in that park, but I always find myself eager to get out of each one....but not that one.

 

[annmarieda]

I scrubbed the floors, now may I go to play?

Once Zoe and I arrived back at the room, I instantly new that Steve had to take her so I could clean. One would think that a 16 year old would be able to not make such a mess when he was sick, but he certainly did. I learned that he had been sick on the bus so items he had “used” needed cleaning. I would have just thrown them out..but when you pay good money for things... who throws them out?

Luckily, I am one of those people who brings cleaning supplies. I read once on a TR or PTR that noted how quite a few people put their dirty clothes into the drawers. Well that was it for me. I would not want to put my clean clothes or any other item in a drawer that had possibly not been cleaned out after housing dirty laundry. And after Alex being sick, it only solidifies my thought. After all, if I had just placed all his soiled clothing in the drawers... well, you get the point. I also brought a canister of large alcohol wipes for Zoe so these too came in handy when sterilizing the room.

Steve took Zoe to explore the resort until everything was done. The ONLY thing I wasn’t able to get done to my satisfaction was the shower curtain. (another thing to thing about when you are in a hotel room) Since mousekeeping was outside the room, I asked if they would come in to clean it and to take away the garbage. She was happy to come in and help. Help was..spray down the shower curtain with cleaner and then bat at it (yes, not wipe or rinse, but HIT at) the curtain with a towel. Yeah, I made sure not to TOUCH that curtain again the entire trip.

Now, I don’t want to give the impression that I was not attentive to Alex. I made sure to be giving him drinks and medicine as he would take it..in between cleaning. Also, something you should know about me is vomit is a BIG deal for me. I have come a long way in getting past my phobia, but for a long time I would have a panic attack and pass out. It was suggested to me that my phobia stemmed from my dad vomiting a lot the year that he passed away (he died when I was 15) Now, I deal with it a lot and don’t “panic” I still get a bit weird though.. and when I say I sterilized the room.. well.. I am not sure if I missed a single surface...and I actually had to stop myself from going done the hallway outside our room cleaning surfaced. (I did clean the outside door and nob though) Also.. my house... mostly is a pit. I am not sure how I can be so freakish at times about cleaning and sanitizing and then others times.. Like my garage is full of cobwebs... and dust. It smells out there cause of the cat litter and I am sure something may be dead out there. If someone where to actually throw up out there though... I think I would take everything out and hose it down.

But enough of my phobia and cleaning and Alex being sick and on to how else I can be not such a great mom. By the time I was done cleaning and Steve and Zoe were back at the room, it was obvious that a. Alex had done all that he was going to do in regards to being sick and b. that he was going to be sleeping the rest of the day. So what did that leave for us to do? Well, I did not want to linger in that room... my hands were getting dried out from hand sanitizer. Well, first I thought we should just stay close and so Steve, Zoe and I went down to the pool. Zoe loved the pool! She doesn’t much like getting her face wet though and so if she went down the slide, one of us had to be at the bottom to catch her.

After we were done swimming we got cleaned up for dinner. The plan was to head to DTD and eat at WGPE. We let Alex know where we were headed and hopped a bus to DTD.

We got to Wolfgang Puck Express and ordered. Zoe had a pizza and brownie. Steve had the meatloaf and I had the salmon. Steve and I both had the creme brule. We sat and waited for our food and drink. Service was not good. I was a bit surprised. We saw very little of our server or anyone. I know it isn’t a table service, but they do come to the table and get drinks for you and such. It took FOREVER to get a box to bring Zoe’s left over pizza back with us.

Our meal at WGPE

Once dinner was done, I knew we didn’t have a lot of time. So we did not linger in DTD. I wanted to see POFQ and so a boat came and took us. Along the way, we saw the most interesting birds lined up along the banks of the river. Well, interesting in that there were so very very many of them!

That picture doesn't show just how many and it is kinda hard to see, but believe me... there were TONS.
I really still think someday I want to stay at POFQ. After we saw the holiday decorations there, we went to catch a bus to DHS.

The park was close to closing. (what a nice use of Steve’s park ticket for the day) We stopped to get some photos taken in front of the tree.

It was windy. Then we went on to see Osbourne Family Lights.

I was awestruck. Steve about had a panic attack. I wanted to linger, but he couldn’t get out of the section fast enough. It was a good thing we got to the park so late. Since we really didn’t have a lot of time to linger if we wanted to do anything.

Since Steve had never seen One Man’s Dream, it was on his to do list. So this is where we went. This became a standard for the trip. I would do things without him and then he too would want to do them and so (especially in this case) I would either not want him to go alone or would want to go with him so did it a second time.

TOT was scheduled for this day and we had yet to do it. Poor Zoe, this was one of her favorite rides and I knew we only had one more day at DHS and it looked pretty full. With the park closing in minutes, Zoe pleaded with us to go. The ride was empty. (remember the park was closing) Walking on was easy. I oohed and ahhed at the theming and walked all the way through the queue with Steve and Zoe.

If any of you remember me mentioning how my one and only time I rode this went, you may not be surprised by what came next. No, no violence this time but rather I gracefully removed myself down the “service” elevator. That thing is scary enough! i did get a picture of Steve and Zoe in their seats just before I ducked out. I waited for them at the end of the ride. I was unable to get a good shot of them off the screen.. and I didnt’ pay for a picture. Zoe came down and wanted to ride again, but the ride was closed and so was the park.

It was now time for us to head back to WL where we in bed by 10pm. Before bed though, we had to go down and get a snack at Roaring Fork. Since Alex did not use a cs at dinner we used it to get him a bottle of water, my a smores cupcake and Steve some sushi. I am not sure how many of those I ended up having on this trip, but let me just say.. they are my favorite. I even ended up figuring out how to make them at home. (box of yellow cake mix..altered the amount of liquid and added crushed graham crackers) It is the texture that I love more than anything!!!

Next Chapter: Waiting on Buses Interferes with My Plans Yet Again.

 

[lovethattink]

Great ToT picture!

Too bad Alex was so sick. I'm sure it did him good to get it out of him and get rest.

 

[dizneeat]

I take my hat up to you for being able to clean up after Alex.

To be honest I start to gag having to even look at the hairball our cat throws up now and then. Sorry, didn't want to be so graphic.

I am sorry to hear that service lacked at WPE. It might be different for us as we already know so many people who work there.

Great visit to DHS. We loved the Osbourne lights when we were there, but it was packed .... and it looked packed in your photos as well.
One Man's Dream is a great little show and I can totally understand why you went to see it again with Steve.
Zoe got her favourite ride! It's one of my favourite rides as well. Maybe one time we can meet there and she can ride with us as often she she wants!

All in all a great update ...... as always!

 

[annmarieda]

Great ToT picture!

Too bad Alex was so sick. I'm sure it did him good to get it out of him and get rest.

I think it did. I still am not sure if he caught something or was dehydrated.. either way, a day in bed was good for him.

I take my hat up to you for being able to clean up after Alex.

To be honest I start to gag having to even look at the hairball our cat throws up now and then. Sorry, didn't want to be so graphic.

I am sorry to hear that service lacked at WPE. It might be different for us as we already know so many people who work there.

Great visit to DHS. We loved the Osbourne lights when we were there, but it was packed .... and it looked packed in your photos as well.
One Man's Dream is a great little show and I can totally understand why you went to see it again with Steve.
Zoe got her favourite ride! It's one of my favourite rides as well. Maybe one time we can meet there and she can ride with us as often she she wants!

All in all a great update ...... as always!

I know what you mean about those kitties and..well... yes. I too end up gagging at that often.

WPE was still very very good. I will be back. I just was a bit surprised that we were not checked on.. and I never once got a refill on my drink..even after asking.

Yes, Osbourne Lights were packed...very very packed. I can understand why Steve could not handle it.

It is nice to know that you will take Zoe for me on TOT!!! I am just too much a baby!

 

[KatMark]

Vomit has always been one of my least favorite things to clean up and I give you kudos for handling it. I can't believe that about housekeeping (I would have insisted they replace the shower curtain).

Glad you got to go to dinner (we went to WPE a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it; I want to take Mark now) and to check out POFQ. The Osborn lights look so cool...I really hope to plan a Christmas trip soon.

Love the photo of Steve and Zoe on TOT--my favorite ride in all of Disney.

 

[momabaarjo]

Hmmmm...not fun with sick children on a trip, I totally understand what you went through with the clean up! I have to admit, Jeff is getting better helping me out with this type of situation. Never think of you as a bad some, when the kids get about 12-13 they pretty much just want to be left alone and can take care of themselves when they are sick...I am sure Alex just wanted to be left alone to sleep!

Okay another ADR I WANT to...add it to the growing list for 2013, WGPE...the pizza looks divine!

I understand Steve wanting to leave Osborne lights and you wanting to stay...happened to me too...but our problem was not the crowd!

Wait to you see what Jeff's favorite thing in DHS was...hmmmm. Love Zoe's face on TOT!

 

[annmarieda]

Vomit has always been one of my least favorite things to clean up and I give you kudos for handling it. I can't believe that about housekeeping (I would have insisted they replace the shower curtain).

I was kinda surprised at the thorough attempt at cleaning the curtain (or lack there of) Made me wonder if this was why rest of the week it seemed as though some sort of outbreak happened at WL. I heard so many people mention that (insert some family member) was back at the room because they were sick. I even saw someone get sick in the hall by the elevators and in the restroom near RF.

Glad you got to go to dinner (we went to WPE a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it; I want to take Mark now) and to check out POFQ. The Osborn lights look so cool...I really hope to plan a Christmas trip soon.

I do like WPE. I am just surprised at what our service was like. And POFQ is definitely on my list of places to stay. Christmas is a very magical time of year at WDW for sure.

Love the photo of Steve and Zoe on TOT--my favorite ride in all of Disney.

I wish I liked it. I know how much Zoe loves it. I just hope that there is always someone around to ride with her....cause... I just don't know that I can do it.

Hmmmm...not fun with sick children on a trip, I totally understand what you went through with the clean up! I have to admit, Jeff is getting better helping me out with this type of situation. Never think of you as a bad some, when the kids get about 12-13 they pretty much just want to be left alone and can take care of themselves when they are sick...I am sure Alex just wanted to be left alone to sleep!

It wasn't fun...and even though he was older, I did worry. However, you are right... at that age they do just want to kinda fend for themselves more.

Okay another ADR I WANT to...add it to the growing list for 2013, WGPE...the pizza looks divine!

WPE is so nice because it is a good use of a cs credit. They do bring the food to you and "serve" you, so gratuity is still appreciated... but still when trying to use cs credits, it is one of my favorite places to do so and NORMALLY I don't have an issue with tipping. This time though... it is kinda good that service was bad cause I totally forgot to tip.

I understand Steve wanting to leave Osborne lights and you wanting to stay...happened to me too...but our problem was not the crowd!

Wait to you see what Jeff's favorite thing in DHS was...hmmmm. Love Zoe's face on TOT!

I can't wait to hear about your DHS day and the lights and what was Jeff's favorite thing???

 

[annmarieda]

Ok, so after day 6 this is where we sit.. keep in mind I am ONLY counting things I personally have enjoyed. So you will not see TOT since I didn't go on it. Maybe I should list the queue though

Rides
BTMRR
HM
Cinderellas Carrousel
POTC
Finding Nemo
Journey Into Imagination
Living with the Land Boat ride
Sum of All Thrills
Toy Story Mania

Shows/Attractions
Enchanted Tikki Room
Living Seas Aquarium
One Man’s Dream (2)
Beauty and the Beast Musical
Osbourne Family Lights

Parades/Firework Displays
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade(2)
Holiday Wishes
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party

Characters Met
Seven Dwarfs
Terrance
Tinker Bell
Lady Trumaine
Cinderella (2)
Prince Charming
Druzella
Anastasia
Mickey (2)
Minnie (2)
Belle
Aurora
Ariel
Snow White
Marie
Duffy
Pluto
Goofy

Dinned At
Garden View Tea Room
EOS
Everything Pop (3)
Casey's Corner
CRT
CHH
Aloha Isle
Ohana
Sunshine Seasons
Coral Reef
Karamell-Kuche
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
Roaring Fork (2)
Starring Rolls
Wolfgang Puck Express

 

[tinacaplan]

I was worried that I had gotten terribly behind. But it seems I'm ok, although I'm sorry you're not. Being sick is just so icky. And I'm sorry you had to deal with not so nice people at work this week. It was a long, tiresome week for me, too.

That's too bad that Zoe's procedure was cancelled. Max's surgery has been rescheduled twice now. We're hoping it goes off without a hitch in April.

Your lunch with Zoe at Starring Rolls looks great. What was on the frosting? I love red velvet cupcakes, so I'm curious. Beauty and the Beast looks great. I can't believe we've never seen it, especially given what a huge fan Mark is. Hopefully we'll get there in a couple of weeks.

I don't think you're a bad mom for cleaning up. Cleaing up is often a huge part of being a good mom.

WPE is so yummy, but I'm sorry the food wasn't as good as you might have liked. Curious how the busses were from POFQ to DHS. Back in 2010, Mark and I went out there from DTD on the boat to check it out, as it was the resort we'd almost stayed at. I had loved the pictures of the grounds, as New Orleans has always interested me. I was ultimately swayed by CSR's recently renovated rooms, though. So, yes, we visited and then hopped a bus to EPCOT and I remembering being appalled at how packed the bus was and the numerous stops it made at POR. But maybe I was just super cranky? So, how was the bus?

The Osbourne lights look amazing and seem like enough reason to try and get to Disney for Christmas someday.

 

[momabaarjo]

I really like your tally post...Hmmm, I think when I finally get down with my TR my last post should see how many of my 100 things we actually did!

 

[annmarieda]

I was worried that I had gotten terribly behind. But it seems I'm ok, although I'm sorry you're not. Being sick is just so icky. And I'm sorry you had to deal with not so nice people at work this week. It was a long, tiresome week for me, too.

I am begining to feel better. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself. I have to finish getting things ready for Zoe's party tomorrow. (why again did I plan to have this at my house?)

Tiresome work weeks suck.

That's too bad that Zoe's procedure was cancelled. Max's surgery has been rescheduled twice now. We're hoping it goes off without a hitch in April.

It is frustrating, isn't it. However, at least we don't have to wait till April. that would be even more frustrating!!

Your lunch with Zoe at Starring Rolls looks great. What was on the frosting? I love red velvet cupcakes, so I'm curious. Beauty and the Beast looks great. I can't believe we've never seen it, especially given what a huge fan Mark is. Hopefully we'll get there in a couple of weeks.

I believe it was some sort of toffee. I know... seems a bit odd... but then again. If you have ever had better than (insert whatever you want to say) chocolate cake. It reminded me a lot of that... only not so gooey.

You HAVE to see BATB at some point. I truly can't go and miss that show..

WPE is so yummy, but I'm sorry the food wasn't as good as you might have liked. Curious how the busses were from POFQ to DHS. Back in 2010, Mark and I went out there from DTD on the boat to check it out, as it was the resort we'd almost stayed at. I had loved the pictures of the grounds, as New Orleans has always interested me. I was ultimately swayed by CSR's recently renovated rooms, though. So, yes, we visited and then hopped a bus to EPCOT and I remembering being appalled at how packed the bus was and the numerous stops it made at POR. But maybe I was just super cranky? So, how was the bus?

.

The food was still excellent. It was only the service that was lacking. I know we went during dinner time, but it was really dead in there. It almost seemed like they were about to close. However at 6pm I find it unlikely.

The bus back to DHS from POFQ was quick and uneventful. I actually do not remember even getting on the bus it was so uneventful. As crowded as the parks were this trip, that is one thing I did seem to avoid...crowded buses. I think there was only once where the bus had us packed in like sardines. Was that the difference in staying at a deluxe? Was it the times I was on the bus? I don't know.. but we always got a seat and like I said, there was just that one time where it was packed and that was after picking up a very large load of people at Ft. Wilderness.

The Osbourne lights look amazing and seem like enough reason to try and get to Disney for Christmas someday.

For me, I would say yes! I was just so moved by the lights. Steve it was a complete sensory assault. He couldn't take it. I knew he probably wouldn't like it well before the trip though. Now, other things that I thought he would also not be a fan of he LOVED. 25 years with a guy and you think ya know him... he still keeps me guessing.

I really like your tally post...Hmmm, I think when I finally get down with my TR my last post should see how many of my 100 things we actually did!

You totally should! I didn't have an official 100 or anything like that... and.. probably good since other than where we planned to eat... we missed a bunch of things that I had planned.

 

[Monknmom]

The Osborne lights look really nice!!! And I think that I went to the wrong WGPE I mean it was good, I just would have liked the food you had! But everything looks nice! And my goodness I know exactly how you feel about vomit! I can't... I can't even smell it or anything! Emily did it the other day and my neighbor from the ambulance company came over since I have been doing her favors! I was so grossed out by it!

 

[oceanwave]

So sorry to hear about Alex. Poor guy! Hopefully he got better quickly.

Hope Zoe's surgery gets rescheduled soon and I really hope that she doesn't develop an infection. That manager sounded awful. There are just some horrible people out there.

Your day at DHS sounded like fun. At least you got to spend some time alone with Zoe. The Osborne lights look like something I need to put on my wish list! They sure do look amazing.

What did you think about POFQ? Would it be a nice resort to stay at if it didn't have Christmas decorations? Thinking about staying there in September.

Hope your feeling better, and have gotten lots of rest this weekend.

 

[annmarieda]

The Osborne lights look really nice!!! And I think that I went to the wrong WGPE I mean it was good, I just would have liked the food you had! But everything looks nice! And my goodness I know exactly how you feel about vomit! I can't... I can't even smell it or anything! Emily did it the other day and my neighbor from the ambulance company came over since I have been doing her favors! I was so grossed out by it!

Wolfgang Puck Express is really good.. I love the salmon there. The bacon wrapped meatloaf I have heard is very good (Steve didn't share) You will have to check it out again...

So sorry to hear about Alex. Poor guy! Hopefully he got better quickly.

Hope Zoe's surgery gets rescheduled soon and I really hope that she doesn't develop an infection. That manager sounded awful. There are just some horrible people out there.

Your day at DHS sounded like fun. At least you got to spend some time alone with Zoe. The Osborne lights look like something I need to put on my wish list! They sure do look amazing.

What did you think about POFQ? Would it be a nice resort to stay at if it didn't have Christmas decorations? Thinking about staying there in September.

Hope your feeling better, and have gotten lots of rest this weekend.

Osbourne lights were wonderful! Definitely worth going in December for.

POFQ is definitely on my some day list. I do think it would be wonderful to stay at. I like POR too. Both are on the list as host resorts for the TOT 10 miler... so assuming I actually can do that... I would consider them. Course... funds could dictate one of the all stars...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I missed the tire swing! Bummer!

Love your pictures of the lights. Sorry that you couldn't just sit and enjoy them.

Hope you are feeling better after some needed rest.

Have a great week!

 

[momabaarjo]

 

[Leger13]

ok I'm back on page 22! Poor Alex getting so sick I know how that goes!! I hope it doesn't last long.

 

[Leger13]

Today was suppose to be the day that Zoe went back to the hospital. The doctor ended up being "stuck" in India though... so it was cancelled. They are concerned that Zoe will develop an infection in the mean time but there really isn't a lot they can do at this point. Steve was the one who took the call and while he let the nurse know that Zoe was starting to complain of a back ache... he (unlike me) did not think to suggest we start her on a course of antibiotics just in case.

Personally, I am glad the procedure got pushed back. I have just been so sick. Not a lot of fun. I did manage to get all my work done for the week though so I can now take today through Sunday off. I have managed to stay on top of the house for the most part...and when I haven't, like last night when I chose to get caught up on my emails, Zach did the work for me. (although, while dishes were done... well... counters could stand to be wiped down a bit better and sweeping/vacuuming is not up to my standard as well)

Speaking of Zach... he finally got a job!!!! (well, outside the one that doesn't afford him to live on his own) He has drill this weekend and so he officially starts on Monday.

I am glad that I am done with work for the week. It has not been a fun week. I love my job and the flexibility it gives at time (like.. I rushed to get everything done this week so I could have a couple days off) however, sometimes... it sucks. We had a big job this week. Big, meaning important. Personally, I like to go into each of my stores.. do my stuff and get out before I am noticed by the store employees. There are some stores where there are exceptions..where they know me by name and are nice. However, for whatever reason, the particular chain of stores that this job was in are notorious for not being fond of outside vendors. I avoid those managers as much as I possibly can - cause to put it simple..they are mean. So this hugely important job... it involved me meeting with store managers. Everything needed to complete this task was scheduled to take approximately 30 minutes. In the first store I showed up for.. I knew there would be trouble the minute I went to where I was told to meet the manager and she was no where to be found. I, not feeling well, had to walk all the way back to the front of the store to have them page her and tell her that I needed her in a specific isle anyway and to just meet me there. Next sign of trouble... when she showed up... she was irritated with my introduction (not like I am not in that store several times a week) She made a face then snapped at me and said "what company are you with" I again explained what company and how I am here normally doing x (to try and jog her memory) She told me this better be quick cause she doesn't have time. It all kinda went down hill from there. Good grief she was the nastiest piece of work.. it ended with her dragging me to the back room (hmm... where she was originally suppose to meet with me) because "she wasn't going to stand in the isle and argue with me" I tried and tried to explain to her that I didn't care (I think at the core of why this chain of managers is testy is they tend to think I am some sort of enforcer... any type of audit and they just get so worked up..bottom line is I could care less about what they do in their stores... if it goes against some corporate policy that is between them and someone else)... I was just representing x and as the client, x believe y to be true. I was not calling her a liar. In the end I left her with a sales sheet that did not give her the information regarding what she has available to her in her warehouse. (let her and her grumpy butt figure it out) Luckily, the other managers were timely and while they too refused what the client was wanting me to do in their stores... they were nice about it and gave a very good reason. (which I agreed with and totally was thankful for since I didn't want touch their shelves feeling the way I did) At the end of the day though, those 30 minute tasks.. well, I spent an hour arguing with that first manager.. and the others ended up still being around 30. Not sure how long it would have taken me if I had to get scu's printed and placed on the shelves and items moved around. Happy news though... as long as the client (or my managers manager) doesn't pitch a fit.. I have closed out all tasks associated with that job...and I don't have to worry about it any more. (all week I was dreading this job)

Now I can prepare for Zoe's bday party and do (hopefully more than one) updates to my TR.

Well, I'm praying Zoe doesn't get an infection and that you start to feel better before her surgery. I'm sorry you have not been feeling well and had to deal with a nasty work person on top of all of that. i hate when people have an attitude for no reason.

I love the update about you and Zoe alone in DHS. Looks like a wonderful lunch and your pics of BATB make me sad that we missed it yet again. Some day I will get to see the show. Some day.

 

[Leger13]

boo to having to clean up so much throw up and yikes to how mousekeeping "cleans". Now I really feel sorry for whoever stayed in our room at POFQ after us. Oh well. I hope after this Alex was feeling better. And the food pictures after talking about throw up. Nice But the food sure does look good. I too love POFQ but I don't think we will ever stay there again after this trip for fear of reliving it. I'd love to stay at POR though. Their food court alone is HUGE and that's where boatwrights is. Yum!!!

So glad y'all got to ride ToT! Such a great ride!

Ok I think I'm all caught up now