It All Started With A Lie.....NEW 2/4! My Ode to Robert VanWinkle

Today was departure day! I was all kinds of crazy, running around making sure I had enough clothes to keep me from frost-bite.
I received a text from Kate saying the weather was ok, in fact her text read exactly like this: “Mission Space! Crowds low, temps ok promise.” And then I received a text from Andy… “I think I’m coming down with something.” WTH??? Where did this come from? Would he be ok to go? Would he be ok to fly? And what did Kate mean by "Temps ok"? Yeah, you see where my priorities were.

When he got home from work, I checked him out. His temp was reading 99.1. That is NOT a fever, that’s the start of a fever. We started him on Tylenol and Motrin and in no time at all he was back to normal, but feeling a little drained. TE had already pulled her suitcase out ready to take his place in a moments notice. :lmao: Men are wimps.

As I was finishing up packing, Maddie came up and sat on my bed, watching me. And that’s when she started with all the questions.

Maddie: So, Mom…. Where exactly are you going?

Me: I told you, Daddy and I are going to Atlanta and then we’re going to Florida.

Maddie: Are you going to see Auntie Rana in Atlanta.

Me: No, I’m going to see Auntie Lauralee.

Maddie: And then you’re going to the Artic, right?

Me: Um, yeah, sort of. (She’d obviously heard me saying we’re going into the Artic, aka Florida)

Maddie: Well, exactly who are you going to see?

Me: Probably Aunt Lauralee and Aunt V.

Maddie: Oh, they’re going to the Artic, too?

Me: Oh yes, yes they are! :lmao:

I went on to tell her that she was in charge of Evan and that I needed her to really take care of him and be a sweet big sister and to give him lots of hugs for me. No sooner where the words of out my mouth, she jumped off the bed and ran downstairs shouting to Evan that she was his boss! :laughing:


Waldo, so generously, offered to drive us that night. We left the house with no problems from the kids. Heck we couldn’t get Evan to stop playing Super Mario long enough to give us a proper good-bye. We loaded off the car and we were off to airport. I told Waldo I would drive, but he was in comfy clothes and didn’t want to get out of the car, so he insisted he drive… MY CAR! :eek:

We headed toward the freeway, and he started to take the wrong freeway! I reminded him we were flying out of Orange County, not LAX. He insisted on taking this crazy route, to which I vetoed and told him the exact route he was to take.

Let me start this by saying Waldo is 74 years old. His hearing is shot, his reflexes are slow and his right foot is made of lead. You can’t talk to him whilst he drives because he can’t hear and turns to try to read your lips taking his eyes off the road. Anyone from LA knows how traffic can go from 80 to 20 in like 5 seconds. I refused to speak to him the whole ride and I told Andy to sit in his seat like a dead fish. Go limp, go limp! You have a better chance of surviving a crash if you’re limp versus rigid. So we’re driving down the 5 and I’m yelling at Andy every 5 minutes… GO LIMP!!

Thankfully we arrive safely at the airport and practically jumped out to kiss the curb. We were so grateful to have made it alive!

Now, you all know the lovely snow storm that was socking in most of the mid-west, well it decided to visit Atlanta, which was our first stop. We were hoping to get there after the snow had hit, as no accumulation was predicted. There were a few people in line at Continental who had flights cancelled due to the snow, but I had checked before we left and both our flight to ATL and to MCO were still a go.

Orange County airport really is lovely. It’s quiet and non-chaotic, unlike LAX. I usually turn into a crazy, neurotic person as soon as I enter the airport until we’re actually on the plane. Not this round. Heck even the TSA workers were nice and patient. I felt like I was miles from California. It was strange to be the only people in line at security and told to “Have a great flight!” from the workers. I heart Orange County airport.

We found a seat near our gate, got comfy and made our first call home to let them know we’d arrived at the airport safe and Waldo was on his way home. Apparently, Maddie and Evan had been wanting to call us since we left. See that’s why they should have given us proper good-byes. That’s how ya learn, that’s how ya learn. ;)


january2010.jpg

We’re sneaking away…neener, neener, neener!

The area started to fill up with people and a few seats over this man sat down and immediately took his mandals off and propped his dirty *** feet up. Gross! Andy laughed and I pulled out my camera. I was all kinds of wigged out. I bet he took his shoes off during the flight. I also had a pretty good feeling we’d be stuck next to stinky, just ‘cause that’s how I roll. I always get the stinky peeps. :rolleyes:

downsized_0107002036.jpg

Feet. They’re not just for walking… they’re for smelling, too!

UP NEXT: ROCKY GIBRALTAR IS STARING AT ME, DUNKIN DOUGH-NOTS, AND THERE’S SOMETHING ON THE WING, SOME … THING.
 
Maddie: And then you’re going to the Artic, right?

Me: Um, yeah, sort of. (She’d obviously heard me saying we’re going into the Artic, aka Florida)

Kids don't miss a thing, do they? :rotfl:


The area started to fill up with people and a few seats over this man sat down and immediately took his mandals off and propped his dirty *** feet up.

That is just disgusting...:sick:

Looking forward to more!
 
Boy Maddie's quick. She doesn't miss a thing!

I can just picture her running and telling Evan she's the boss!!:lmao:
 

Never wore the hoodie, except to bed. :lmao:
OMG are you serious? You wore the hoodie to bed, bet Andy loved that :rotfl2:

Me: Probably Aunt Lauralee and Aunt V.

Maddie: Oh, they’re going to the Artic, too?

Me: Oh yes, yes they are! :lmao:
Oh T :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

No sooner where the words of out my mouth, she jumped off the bed and ran downstairs shouting to Evan that she was his boss! :laughing
Good girl :thumbsup2

So we’re driving down the 5 and I’m yelling at Andy every 5 minutes… GO LIMP!!
OMG too hilarious :rotfl:

I bet he took his shoes off during the flight. I also had a pretty good feeling we’d be stuck next to stinky, just ‘cause that’s how I roll. I always get the stinky peeps. :rolleyes:
Errrr ummmm I would never ever take my shoes off on a flight :rolleyes1 never ever even when the flight is 9 hours long :rolleyes1 I do still keep my socks on and my feet aren't smelly, is that OK? :rotfl:
 
His sock looks dirty...like for real dirty, not just stanky dirty.
Those aren't socks.... those are his BARE feet! :crazy2:
That is just disgusting...:sick:
I couldn't help thinking how many kids put their faces on the seats or even worse... their MOUTH!
OMG are you serious? You wore the hoodie to bed, bet Andy loved that :rotfl2:
Yes, he did. :lmao:
Errrr ummmm I would never ever take my shoes off on a flight :rolleyes1 never ever even when the flight is 9 hours long :rolleyes1 I do still keep my socks on and my feet aren't smelly, is that OK? :rotfl:
Taking off your shoes and leaving your socks on, is perfectly fine, IMO. BUT taking off your mandals and showing dirty bare feet... GROSS! :lmao:
 
Love your conversation with Maddie - it was just DH and I for DL, we didn't even tell the kids until we got home and showed them the pictures!:cutie:

Dirty bare feet guy...:scared1:
 
You could update your blog, you know. ;)

Good point:thumbsup2


I did wear them under my clothes, but you can bet I tried them on over my clothes, just to try it out! :laughing:

:rotfl2:

No sooner where the words of out my mouth, she jumped off the bed and ran downstairs shouting to Evan that she was his boss! :laughing:

Go Maddie:rotfl:

I’m yelling at Andy every 5 minutes… GO LIMP!!

That is NOT a phrase a man want's to hear!:rolleyes1

UP NEXT: ROCKY GIBRALTAR IS STARING AT ME, DUNKIN DOUGH-NOTS, AND THERE’S SOMETHING ON THE WING, SOME … THING.

popcorn::
 
“How does one wear long underwear?”
:rotfl2:

And now the fun part….packing all this crap.
OMG, seriously! My final count included 2 rolling carry-on-size suitcases, the giant rolling laundry bag, and a trunk full of "just in case" jackets. :headache:

I’m a lettuce. I have to be kept at a perfect temperature. Too hot, I wilt. Too cold, and I’ve got freezer damage.
Right there with you T. I believe I'm a red-leaf variety; I enjoy a brief cold snap per year and that's it.

TE had already pulled her suitcase out ready to take his place in a moments notice.
:rotfl: I love your mom!

I went on to tell her that she was in charge of Evan and that I needed her to really take care of him and be a sweet big sister and to give him lots of hugs for me. No sooner where the words of out my mouth, she jumped off the bed and ran downstairs shouting to Evan that she was his boss! :laughing:
:lmao::lmao::lmao: You know, Leo calls Maddie the "Pit Boss" of their little gang - he likes that she keeps tabs on all the boys!

Waldo, so generously, offered to drive us that night
:scared:
 
I received a text from Kate saying the weather was ok, in fact her text read exactly like this: “Mission Space! Crowds low, temps ok promise.” And then I received a text from Andy… “I think I’m coming down with something.” WTH??? Where did this come from? Would he be ok to go? Would he be ok to fly? And what did Kate mean by "Temps ok"? Yeah, you see where my priorities were.
Seriously. :rotfl:


Let me start this by saying Waldo is 74 years old. His hearing is shot, his reflexes are slow and his right foot is made of lead. You can’t talk to him whilst he drives because he can’t hear and turns to try to read your lips taking his eyes off the road. Anyone from LA knows how traffic can go from 80 to 20 in like 5 seconds. I refused to speak to him the whole ride and I told Andy to sit in his seat like a dead fish. Go limp, go limp! You have a better chance of surviving a crash if you’re limp versus rigid. So we’re driving down the 5 and I’m yelling at Andy every 5 minutes… GO LIMP!!
That's good advice. You would be great to be with in times of emergencies.


UP NEXT: ROCKY GIBRALTAR IS STARING AT ME, DUNKIN DOUGH-NOTS, AND THERE’S SOMETHING ON THE WING, SOME … THING.
Ooh...a Twilight Zone reference! Mama like.
 
:confused3 So...remind me again...why did I come out of retirement? To read something...I think....:surfweb:

:lmao:
 
Love your conversation with Maddie - it was just DH and I for DL, we didn't even tell the kids until we got home and showed them the pictures!:cutie:
See? Now I feel better I'm not the only parent who sneaks away. ;)
That is NOT a phrase a man want's to hear!:rolleyes1
:rotfl2: True that!

OMG, seriously! My final count included 2 rolling carry-on-size suitcases, the giant rolling laundry bag, and a trunk full of "just in case" jackets. :headache:
Yeah, but you didn't have to pay an additional $60 to get them back and forth. :lmao:

You know, Leo calls Maddie the "Pit Boss" of their little gang - he likes that she keeps tabs on all the boys!
:lmao: I can't wait to see how she handles being the only female in the group of what...6 boys?
Ooh...a Twilight Zone reference! Mama like.
:thumbsup2
:confused3 So...remind me again...why did I come out of retirement? To read something...I think....:surfweb:
Patience grasshopper, it's only been a week. I'm working on it, though. :goodvibes
Because you love us;):hug::lmao:
:rolleyes: :laughing:
 
Ick, ick, ick! :scared: I don't even take my shoes off at home.

You absolutely brought the correct winter attire. It was freezing whilst you were here! :scared1:
 
I'm beginning to wonder if there really WAS a trip.

Stop leaving us hanging!
 
I'm beginning to wonder if there really WAS a trip.

Stop leaving us hanging!

UGH! I'm sorry! I'm knee deep in Girl Scout cookies, but I promise to get back to our regular scheduled programing ASAP, Cap'in! pirate:
 
About an hour before our scheduled departure time there was an announcement that the flight was full; oversold in fact, and that they would be checking carry-on bags free of charge. I wasn’t going to do that, as I really needed my funky long underwear and warm coat for Atlanta. The next announcement was that we were going to start boarding and that we needed to do it quickly because of the snow in Atlanta and if we didn’t, that plane wasn’t going anywhere that night. :eek: No WAY! That is not something someone who’s going for a long weekend to WDW wants to hear. One day delay would totally just ruin the whole weekend.

We boarded rather quickly and Andy I laughed as we tried to figure out who are lucky travel companion would be. As we made our way down the aisle, much like cattle to the slaughter, we tried to guesstimate where our row was. As soon as I was able to verify our seating aisle, I started giggling inside. Guess who Andy had to sit next to?

toystoryguy.gif

ROCKY GIBALTER!!!!

I’m not even joking you, this guy looked just like Rocky from Toy Story! He was very large on top, and had to cross his arms in front of him or else one would be in Andy’s lap and the other across the aisle. Andy turned to look at me and I just smiled.

Rocky was sitting and as we approached, I asked if we could get to our seats. He replied with “Cool.” Ummm… ok. Thanks? I got situated, pulled out my blanket and my pillow, tuned my little head rest TV on to “The Real Housewives of Orange County” and got comfy and cozy. I had taken some Dramamine to help me sleep and it was already kicking in. We took off and were Atlanta bound! :woohoo:


About 30 minutes into the flight, there was an announcement over the PA asking if there was a doctor, nurse or medic on board. Andy nudged me as if to tell me to get up, but I only play a doctor/dentist/dermatologist/surgeon at home. Don’t all Mom’s?

Anyway, that’s certainly not something you want to hear mid-flight, right? And me, the ever caring, compassionate person instantly freaked out. Not because I was concerned about the person, but because I was concerned about being diverted to another airport or having to go back to Orange County. I know, shame on me. :blush: I was waiting for my bubble to burst… for my web to unweave… for something to prevent me from my trip of lies. ;) Ok, I was a little worried about who ever needed medical assistance.


I must have fallen asleep soon after that, as I woke up when the announcement that we would be descending into Atlanta shortly was broadcast. I looked up to find Rocky staring at me. He had a weird look on his face, and didn’t look away when I made eye contact. Ewwww… weirdo. I nudged Andy awake and Rocky headed down the aisle to use the facilities. I told Andy what had happened and he replied with “Aw, he’s a weirdo.” Ya think???!! Sheesh.

We arrived in Atlanta and made our way to our next gate. I was starving and in need of some food and coffee. We spied a Dunkin Donuts and jumped in line - only, they didn’t open until 5am, and it was only about a quarter of. So we waited. And waited. And waited. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? Yeah, not so much when your starving.


We grabbed our delicious LOOKING egg sammies and coffee and hit up table. The sammies were really quite good. The coffee? No comment. Ok, one comment. Uh, yuck? It was nasty and bitter, much like my SIL, but that’s another story. ;) Ahem.

Anyway, we ended up at our gate with a couple of hours to spare. Ho-hum. Let me just say Jackson-Hartsfield Airport is the BEST people watching airport EVER! O. M. G. We saw some doosies there… bionic woman springy shoes, man-pris and mandals up the ying yang….it was fabulous. I tried, really I did, so get some pictures, but it just wasn’t possible without being totally obvious. :lmao:

We were finally able to board our plane and naturally I took the window seat and took a peek out. The wings were covered in ICE!!! Dude, I’ve never seen that and now I was going to see de-icing in ACTION!!! :woohoo: Well, yippee skippy! I started telling Andy how cool that was and maybe I bounced in my seat a few time, but heck I was excited. The guy next to Andy was laughing at me. :mad: Hey, dude, like I’m from like California like, and we like just like don’t like have like de-icing machines like there. Like, okay?


January2010002.jpg

Ice ice, baby!

January2010004.jpg

De-ice, ice, baby!

Anyway, our plane headed over to the “de-icing area” and we got the hose, dude. I decided it was my duty to assist the guy with the hose and point to spots that weren’t fully de-iced. He wasn’t very receptive to my assistance, but I felt it was my civic duty to ensure the safety of my fellow passengers. I’m good to have around, people. Trust me.

The de-icing pushed our take-off time behind like around an hour, so we ended up in Orlando around 10:00 am and we immediately headed to the Magical Express. As we approached the TSA area, there were tons of people with balloons and banners and American flags cheering. I turned to look around and saw a small group of soldiers getting off the not-monorail. I stopped to clap and got all verklempt. It was so sweet to see all the children with their Daddys and Mommys, husbands and their wives, and all the parents welcoming their sons and daughters home. It was truly a beautiful sight and I wanted to hug them all and thank them.


downsized_0108001025.jpg

Ok, this picture stinks, but it was hard to use my phone's camera with crusty contacts. :teeth:


We got to the Magical Express area and there really wasn’t anyone there. Once we were on the bus, we had to wait forever and listen to the jack*** driver talk to his co-worker right outside the door about how much money he makes and how people don’t tip, etc. It was so annoying and completely inappropriate, IMO.

I decided to call and check on the kiddos and make sure they got off to school ok, as it was close to 7:30 am back home. Maddie answered and said she was all ready, just waiting to get dropped off and then she told me Evan wasn’t going to school. And I threw the 3 W’s at her. Um, WHAT, WHY and what’s WRONG? My mother got on the line and said he’d had a bad night and asked if he could stay home. Oh, brother. Fine. :rolleyes:


Mr. Whineywhinerpants decided our bus was full enough and we were finally on our way…….

downsized_0108001120.jpg

Ah… Mama’s home…..

UP NEXT: The brown folks are here and yes, we are invading your space! Bwuahahahahaha!!!!
 
I really needed my funky long underwear and warm coat for Atlanta.
Where the heck were you going in the ATL airport that you needed long underwear?! :rotfl:

I got situated, pulled out my blanket and my pillow, tuned my little head rest TV on to “The Real Housewives of Orange County” ...
Dude. Flying to Buffalo, we don't even get radio, let alone TV... let alone TV's playing RHOC! :sad2:

About 30 minutes into the flight, there was an announcement over the PA asking if there was a doctor, nurse or medic on board.
Did someone eat the fish? :scared:

Let me just say Jackson-Hartsfield Airport is the BEST people watching airport EVER!
Sorry, I have to respectfully disagree, though I'll give it a solid 2nd place finish. #1 will always be Miami Int'l. Is Z on here? She'll back me up. ::yes::

Dude, I’ve never seen that and no I was going to see de-icing in ACTION!!! Well, yippee skippy!
It had to be more exciting that MCO's de-icing method! :lmao:

I decided it was my duty to assist the guy with the hose and point to spots that weren’t fully de-iced. He wasn’t very receptive to my assistance, but I felt it was my civic duty to ensure the safety of my fellow passengers. I’m good to have around, people. Trust me.
:rotfl2::rotfl::lmao: Okay, you so owe me a new monitor for that one!

UP NEXT: The brown folks are here and yes, we are invading your space! Bwuahahahahaha!!!!
:woohoo:
 
Full on funny, T. ;) I'm glad you got a thrill with the de-icing, and I'm SURE you were helpful. ::yes:: :rotfl:
 
if you think de-icing is cool you need to see them plow snow off the runway
 






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