It was NOT the time of our lives...but it's still DISNEY! Final thoughts!

[29apr00]

I'm so sorry the pictures weren't what you wanted.....hopefully you will get better ones if you do the engagement shoot.

 

[Disneychix]

I agree with DBF, give it some time for your 'wounds' to heal and then look for a photographer near your home. Think of the great photo ops with little Stella?!

Plus, maybe those could be engagement photos!!

If the Roots are willing to do something for you, Then I would consider going with them again. But you said yourself that you didn't love the options of the Poly and GF.

Please don't be so hard on yourself. Yes, you are allowed to have feelings but you need to see the good in all you've achieved so far too!

 

[DreaGirl]

I guess the only good thing about seeing the photos is you know you weren't crazy when you had your breakdown. I'm so sorry they didn't work out.

I think pictures would be great with Stella right at the peak of the season change. Imagine all the colors you could get in the photos.

Hope Grams is doing well. :

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I agree w/ everyone else about having photos retaken.

If you just do it on a regular day at home, it will really take the pressure off of you to make everything "perfect" and you can actually have some fun w/ your photo shoot.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

So sorry! I'm sure the next time you will have much success! It just must not have been in the cards for you then?? I'm hoping these next updates will be a bit of better news!

 

[Raecheal]

NOTE: I think i know why some people weren't seeing my photos.. I'm not very savy on the Computer and something is up with my photobucket.. maybe i have too many photos uploaded??? I don't know.. I just paid the 2.99 for one month's usuage and now i'm going to have to find another photo site.... i guess... I dont know.. i'm confused.. I"ll have to wait until Dbf get's home at midnight and ask him. Anybody know how that works with photobucket??


-Photos:I’m not sure how to show you the pictures, so I just did a print screen..which I think may be illegal. I apologize…. I just don’t feel comfortable sharing the link online along with the password. They have decided to send us the image disk with all the photos so in time… I’ll be able to share the good, the bad and the ugly ones. Here are our 3 favs:

-Next, my grams got her gallium scan results back. GOOD NEWS, the cancer has not spread to any other limps and the tumor is shrinking beautiful. She’s halfway through at this point…. thank you for all your prayers. BAD NEWS, She feels she’s loosing her voice/going deaf… at this point were waiting for an appointment date with a throat and ears specialist who’s new in town.

-Kelly and I took on for the second time the Britney Spears concert on Friday, August 21st. Although we weren’t as close to the stage as the first time around, I was able to convince her to make ‘home made Fan Shirts;. Here’s how they turned out:

Amazing, Britney did NOT disappoint. ​

-Kelly and I also spent a day at Le Nordic in Quebec, Canada. LOVE, LOVE this type of Spa, specifically the Nordik Baths. IT WAS SOO MUCH FUN, a truly great way to relax.

Info off of website:

The concept requires alternating hot, cold and relaxation periods.
First warm up your body by taking a Finnish sauna or steam bath for 10 to 15 minutes; this will open up your pores and toxins can be evacuated through sweat. Then, quickly cool off by submerging yourself under the Nordic waterfall or in one of our cold or temperate pools; this step will help rinse off toxins and tighten up the pores of your skin. Finally, complete the process with a calming period by sitting peacefully for another 10 to 15 minutes in one of our indoor or outdoor relaxation areas. This step will allow your system to find its normal rhythm. To fully take advantage of the beneficial effects of such an activity, we recommend that you repeat these steps 3 to 4 times in a row, at your own pace, and top off the experience by relaxing your muscles in our outdoor hot tub.

The benefits of Nordic baths are numerous.
Additionally to providing a total sense of well being and relaxation, this activity allows the body to eliminate toxins, relax the muscles, improve the quality of sleep, stimulates the mechanisms of the immune system and contributes to overall oxygenation. All in all, this experience provides an opportunity to purify oneself, both physically and spiritually.

-Thank you everyone for sending the pixie dust my way… but unfortunately Dbf will not agree to take another trip this year AS OF YET. I shouldn’t be surprised; I’m lucky if he goes once a year…. I guess at this point.. I’m really, really, really looking forward to my two-week trip to the world next August with Kelly AND I’m still trying to convince him a trip in early December at AKL would be good!!

Up next: the end of Day 1

 

[tinkabella627]

ok so the pics are small but from what I can tell they look cute! now I know you said you don't like your hair or makeup but I can't really tell what those look like. But definitely the style of pics is amazing! Did you ever say how much a session with them was? I might like to do that next time I get down there.

 

[Lynn5700]

Hi Rach. So glad the cancer is not spreading, and the tumor is going away! That is great. I do hope they figure out what is going on with her voice and hearing. That's terrible.

Ok I love the picture with the umbrella!! So cute.

The shirt is awesome, lol! Very cute, and that spa sounds so nice!!!

 

[DSNYGRL_JKS2006]

Hey girl! I wanna say just by getting a quick glimpse at your pics they look GREAT!!! Like Lynn said the umbrella one looks soooo good.. like that was the positive outcome of the day.. getting a cute picture like that!! You look great! Nice Britney tshirts! Also i'm glad to hear Gram is doing good--good luck when you guys go to the appointment Can't wait for the rest of the update...

 

[Raecheal]

Hi there. I've been lurking in the background, reading, with interest, your TR. First, I am sorry your Gram is so sick. I completely understand what you are going through, I had a similar experience with my Grandfather. We were very close (I lived with him for a few years) and it was, and still is, very emotional for me, as he passed away a year ago. The good thing is, at least, you are close enough to go and spend a lot of time with her.I am also sorry in your experience in your first day! WOW, that just plain sucks, all that bad stuff (wanted to type something else, censored my self there...)The funny thing is, as I am reading it, I could picture my wife and myself in your place, reacting the same way, down to the last tear! I am so sorry it went badly, but, like you said, its Disney, and at least the cake looked great!Yes, Steven Tyler fell off a stage during a concert, and broke some stuff. Bad break, from what they said.Looking forward the rest of your TR!! Thank you so much for sharing!

Welcome, I"m glad you decided to post.. truly. Thank you, I am extremely upset and sometimes i like to just pretend she's not sick... it's hard.. especially now that she tells me she thinks she's going deaf and she IS loosing her voice i can hear it on the phone.

I KNOW.. It was a ruff day.. that's for sure.. I am eally starting to see the positive tho. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who would have reacted that way, it was all just too much for me. Ahhh... Steven Tyler.. geez.. the only good thing about that whole situation was that I actually got my money back on my C/C

Rach,I could literally step into your shoes and feel right at home! I have planned surprises for DH for over 15 years and each one has turned into a story to look back and laugh at...I really hope we get to meet someday and exchange stories...Everyday, I search the board for your TR, just to hear how things turn out, and hope you are seeing the brighter side of life, and knowing that you just have to plunder thru...Keep us informed on your Gram...she picked a great wigKeep the TR coming...

Welcome...

We have laughed at the whole surprise now... it's just my luck that they cancelled the show. It really makes me feel better when people understand how hard it could be to surprise someone who means the world to you and as surprised you more than you know over the years.

I am starting to see the brighter side of things regarding our trip....her wig is exactly her style.. i'm glad she stuck to what she feels comfortable in.

Thanks for posting..... I sent you a PM

Hey! Sorry I've been mia for a few days!! my ptr explains where i've been...but anyway...I would've had the exact same reaction as you. Its so hard when everything just seems to continue going wrong. I'm sorry about stuff going so bad on your trip. Sometimes the only silver lining to all the bad things is what you learn from the experiences and how you are able to bounce back. I really admire the optimistic spin on the title of this thread. It is still Disney. As Lynn once said, that sometimes the magic doesn't come from the vacation itself, but from the person on the vacation. And I can just tell from this trip to everything with your Gram...you are definitely a person who has magic within. And your outlook from just the simple phrase "it's still DISNEY!" just inspires me so much. I haven't been having the easiest time with things in life lately, but you have been showing me that no matter what happens to a person, it only affects you as much as you let it. Thanks. I hope things are looking up

I'm going to go over to your PTR, I haven't been on disboards for what feels like months.. my cousin was here and i didn't want to be rude and dis 24/7 Your right, we do learn from the bad experiences in our life...that's a really nice what lynn said and absolutely true.

I"m really happy that it inspires you. I tell everyone i meet in person and online, there's just something about Disney and being there that makes me feel truly at home and happy when i'm there.. no matter how many outside sources/things that were out of our control.. it's still Disney and I love it.

Thanks..Thank was such a nice post.

OMG!i just got all caught up!!!! first off thats INSANE what happened w/ the cake.. I probably would have lost my patience and got mad.. what a dumb guy!!! Also the laughing part.. I probably would have exploded BUT my boyfriend OR I would have probably in the NICEST manner possible.. "excuse me but is there something funny/what are you laughing at" thats just WRONG! can't believe a CAST MEMBER would do that ?? as for the concert.. are you SERIOUS?!! what in the world did Aerosmith cancel for!?!? thats pathetic.. I hate when bands like that cancel( i honestly dont know whats up w/ them so sorry i dont know if theres something wrong)..If theres nothing wrong w/ the band and they cancel thats just such a let-down.. i hate when bands do that.. I cant believe all that!! I know what you mean abotu surprises..
when we are going in October.. its for our 3 year anniversary too.. so im trying to surprise my bf w/ a bunch of little surprises and something BIG as well.. its hard because we know e/ other so well and know things like you said.. LOL so this is gonna be like impossible!!

No, one of the band members fell.... and hurt himself.. I think he's like 62 years old tho.. probably a little fragile to be rocking out so old.. glad your still here!!!

Have you come up with any surprises? Hows the job hunt going?

Oh my goodness, you poor thing! I about cried reading it, so I can't really even imagine how you must have felt. I am telling you some trips just get jinxed! Ours in June was like that, I can't even write TR I'm still so sad. So kudos to you for writing this down and still having a postive attitude.And I am saying prayers for your gram (and you too, its not easy to go through this with a loved one).

Ohhh.. NO... I'm so sorry you feel like you can't share your TR.... I felt the exact same way. I hope everything is okay, if you need to talk feel free to PM me.

Thank you for your prayers!!!

Hey girl.. I just wanted to say im here!!! ive been MIA for omg a week or so now.. SOO much going on!! I had to post real quick before I go back and read/catch up.. but wow heres whats up:
-I was laid off my job BEST thing to happen too.. except for being unemployed and job searching.. its just omg I HATED my job and have been looking for a new job for 2 months anyways.. so i got a head start i should be starting somewhere within a week-Had 3 interviews so far.. I really like the one thing-Cruise Consultant job.. I'd rather work tho for a BIG name like AAA but who knows.. i got that interview and i hav to come in to "shadow" one day...
-My boyfriend and I finalized all our dining plans for October .. i'm soo excited and as I mentioned to you I think... we are ALSO staying at POP century.. so hopefully all goes well we are excited..

and just craaaazyy busy and not on Disboards to often right now ahh it was fun though tonight I was making dining reservations for my parents and sibilings who are disney right now.. they did the Wonder/Land combo.. we are DVC members.. but its insanely busy down there they said....other than that im back to reading..

That was a huge update, I'm sorry that you got laid off.. that is just horible news.. but seems like your job hunt is heading forward..

All will go well and what adr's did you book?

I'm glad your back!!!

Hi Rach - Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been MIA as well due to a crazy life right now. I read your last post a couple of days ago and almost cried for you. I know how much effort you put into your surprised and it must have been so disappointing to have it ruined. I'm so glad that the cake turned out as beautiful as it did. I can't wait for your next post. Every time I come on the Dis, my husband asks if you have done another post. I read yours out loud to him now because he is so interested in what happened on your trip.

Don't apologize, i've been off of dis for 2 weeks.. I'm going to come over to yours and get caught up.

That is nice of your husband, tell him I said Hi. It was extremely disappointing to have it all ruined.. geezz.. Dbf still appreciated the gesture tho. and that's what really counts in my heart.

Wow - I just got caught up after being away and all I can say is "WOW". You don't read TRs like this one very often! And thank goodness for that!I am so sorry everything went so horribly wrong for you. Hopefully in good time and many years down the road this will be a funny trip story you guys can tell your friends.I hope things get better, but you have already told us they don't I'd say you are due for a fantastic trip on your next visit! In the meantime, I am anxiously awaiting the last installments and crossing my fingers that the Roots photos end up impressing the pants off you!

Seems like every has had a couple of really busy weeks lately.. I'm hoping it will be a funny trip down the line. Some parts are now.. but other parts are still painful.

I posted about the Roots photos...

Hey!!!! I just caught up...not sure how I am even on the internet right now... but your pictures aren't showing is it just my computer?

I know, When I first read your post i didn't understand.. I"m not very computer savy.. until i tried to post an update and realized it was my photobucket.. ARUGH... So i just paid the 2.99 fee.. all photos should be working..

Hey! You are MIA!! Hope everything is ok!

I KNOW.. I'm here now tho...

It's not just you, I can't see them either.

I hope I fixed it!!

I just saw your thread and had to read it. I am so sorry about what happened. I can COMPLETELY relate to not liking the hair and make-up thing and it can totally ruin your time. I am mortified at the incident at the bakery too. I know you've said you just want to forget about it but you definitely should get a refund for your hair & make-up and for the cake. You are thoughtful not to want to hurt anyone's feelings but let's face it, your time is precious (especially on such a short visit!) and you are worth that time and money! I'm dreading anymore updates but I hope things picked up Oh, and I hope we can see the photos - I just joined and I can't see any photos

Thank you, welcome.

Thank you, It's nice to hear that people can related. I NEVER EVER wear my hair curly so it was hard to accept even before we took the photos.

I should have just cancelled. That is exactly my way of thinking, it may be a bit *****y, but I dont like it when my time is wasted... and i try really hard not to waste other people's time.. you know?

I think i fixed the photo problem, please go back and see... I love to share photos..

I can't get over the ignorant behaviour at the bakery and ruining your surprise- I am so sorry you had that experience!

Thank you, I was so disappointed and SHOCKED. I couldn't believe it had just happened and it didn't help that i had a melt down.

I'm so sorry about the photos Racheal.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You truly are a beautiful woman. Inside and out

Thanks Lynn.

That is so disappointing that you do not like your photos. I'm glad that you feel like there are some that are good. You & your BF are both photogenic people....I'm sure all of the factors involved (hair/makeup, rain, stress, etc) just did not help the situation. At least you have gone through it once, and now when you do it again for your next round of pictures, you will know what you like & what you don't like.

Can't wait for your next update. I have been praying for your grams. Is she getting used to her wig?

I think that is EXACTLY IT, you nailed it. I think all the factors, hair/make up, rain, stress, the fact that we felt they wanted to cancel explains all the awkwardness and arugh.. hmm.. i dont know.

We are def. going to do it again.. i'd love to do it with Roots because I LOVE their work.. but I havea feeling if it happens again it will be in Ottawa with Stella.

Grams is haning in there, but she's not doing too good...

I'm so sorry the pictures weren't what you wanted.....hopefully you will get better ones if you do the engagement shoot.

Thank you, I really hope we can shoot with Roots again.. I LOVE their work.

I agree with DBF, give it some time for your 'wounds' to heal and then look for a photographer near your home. Think of the great photo ops with little Stella?! Plus, maybe those could be engagement photos!!

If the Roots are willing to do something for you, Then I would consider going with them again. But you said yourself that you didn't love the options of the Poly and GF. Please don't be so hard on yourself. Yes, you are allowed to have feelings but you need to see the good in all you've achieved so far too!

I"m trying not to be hard on myself... but that's really hard for me to do, honestly. That's exactly what we'll do, take some time and try again. I'd love them to be engagement photos.. but things are not going well for Dbf and I...

I guess the only good thing about seeing the photos is you know you weren't crazy when you had your breakdown. I'm so sorry they didn't work out.

I think pictures would be great with Stella right at the peak of the season change. Imagine all the colors you could get in the photos.

Hope Grams is doing well.

It was nice to have family look at them, especially my aunts and have them understand and confirm my opinions.

Grams is hanging in there.

Photos in the fall with stella would be amazing.

I agree w/ everyone else about having photos retaken.

If you just do it on a regular day at home, it will really take the pressure off of you to make everything "perfect" and you can actually have some fun w/ your photo shoot.

I agree too!!

So sorry! I'm sure the next time you will have much success! It just must not have been in the cards for you then?? I'm hoping these next updates will be a bit of better news!

I guess I just wasn't meant to be.. I'm hoping to get an update on friday evening tonight or tomorrow morning. Things have been stressfull here.. Dbf and I are not doing so good...

 

[DreaGirl]

From what I can see, those pictures look good. Are you thinking of getting them?

What great news about the tumor! I hope you get some answers in regards to the hearing.

So jealous of the spa and the concert! Both looked awesome!

 

[DSNYGRL_JKS2006]

Hey again!!

-As for surprises for my bf I definitley do have ideas(he lurks the Dis boards hehe) but im thrown off now by losing my job suddenly and not having another job right away so i'll have to figure out $$ for my surprises..
-The job hunting is going good on one hand and bad on another.. I've had no problem working my butt of to research,apply,submit resumes etc. Its just the tough part of getting the interview...OR if I get the interview.. get the job..its extremely tough out there as you know w/ the economy making things 10X harder
-The most positive and promising job would be a Cruise Consultant/Travel agent job--of course exactly what my interest lies in.. its strictly a cruise travel agency and YES they sell Disney Cruise Line YAY! .. Ive had 2 interviews..and I pretty much feel i Have the job.. im excitied-I just hope its stabel and I can always make my bills and money etc..
-My boyfriend and I are so excited.. we finalized our ADR's! We called and confirmed confirmation #'s .. times and days.. we pretty much got everything we wanted.. we just might want to change times one of the dinners..just to give you an idea of what we have:
~Ohanas(bfast)
~Cali Grille(dinner)
~Yak & Yeti(lunch/dinner)
~Boma(dinner)
~San Angel Inn(dinner)
~9 Dragons(dinner)
~Archuses(sorry spelling) Princess bfast

hmm im sure i missed some..but thats an idea of what we did..
I also wanted to do "Whispering Canyon" but we had a bad experience there last year so my boyfriend thought ehh we'll pass this year..we also wanted to try Coral Reef but we have seen so many bad reviews.. we passed that this trip too.. hmm we wanted to try "the wave" but we ran out of time for that.. so next trip!

Other than that hope all is well w/ you too!!!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

It's kind of hard to see the pix for sure the way they are up there. But, from what I can see...they look to be ok!! I think you are probably being hard on yourself! I hope all is ok with you and DBF!!! You need a hug!
Here's a couple! You can come with me in December!

 

[shordiebecka]

with free dining, i got some awesome quotes for trips in the winter! besides, you need a good trip to make up for your bad one!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I agree with PPs about the umbrella pic - it is really cute.

I love your homemade fan Britney shirts - so cute!

I'm glad to hear that your Gram's tumor stopped spreading. I hope the hearing and voice thing is only temporary.

 

[Disneychix]

Rachel, I love love the umbrella photo! The last one is beautiful too (and maybe looks like some sun?). Can't wait until you can get them posted regular.

Keeping fingers crossed for Grams for her hearing and voice. Great news on the cancer update!! Positive thoughts are working!

 

[Raecheal]

From what I can see, those pictures look good. Are you thinking of getting them?

What great news about the tumor! I hope you get some answers in regards to the hearing.So jealous of the spa and the concert! Both looked awesome!

I did post the ones we love... As soon as we get the dics. I'll post the ones we love and the one we hate... that way everyone can see.

I know, it's such great news about the tumor... I think she's feeling like she's going deaf and loosing her voice because she's sick.. she has a cold and i have a really bad feeling she caught it from Dbf last time we were down prior to WDW...

Hey again!!

-As for surprises for my bf I definitley do have ideas(he lurks the Dis boards hehe) but im thrown off now by losing my job suddenly and not having another job right away so i'll have to figure out $$ for my surprises..
-The job hunting is going good on one hand and bad on another.. I've had no problem working my butt of to research,apply,submit resumes etc. Its just the tough part of getting the interview...OR if I get the interview.. get the job..its extremely tough out there as you know w/ the economy making things 10X harder
-The most positive and promising job would be a Cruise Consultant/Travel agent job--of course exactly what my interest lies in.. its strictly a cruise travel agency and YES they sell Disney Cruise Line YAY! .. Ive had 2 interviews..and I pretty much feel i Have the job.. im excitied-I just hope its stabel and I can always make my bills and money etc..
-My boyfriend and I are so excited.. we finalized our ADR's! We called and confirmed confirmation #'s .. times and days.. we pretty much got everything we wanted.. we just might want to change times one of the dinners..just to give you an idea of what we have:
~Ohanas(bfast)
~Cali Grille(dinner)
~Yak & Yeti(lunch/dinner)
~Boma(dinner)
~San Angel Inn(dinner)
~9 Dragons(dinner)
~Archuses(sorry spelling) Princess bfast

hmm im sure i missed some..but thats an idea of what we did..
I also wanted to do "Whispering Canyon" but we had a bad experience there last year so my boyfriend thought ehh we'll pass this year..we also wanted to try Coral Reef but we have seen so many bad reviews.. we passed that this trip too.. hmm we wanted to try "the wave" but we ran out of time for that.. so next trip!Other than that hope all is well w/ you too!!

I love those ADR"S and I'm really hoping your job situation works out. I know it can be very difficult process. I was so lucky to get in with the government as a student right after school!!!

It's kind of hard to see the pix for sure the way they are up there. But, from what I can see...they look to be ok!! I think you are probably being hard on yourself! I hope all is ok with you and DBF!!! You need a hug!
Here's a couple! You can come with me in December!

I know, but I wanted to try to show everyone the ones we like... I"m trying not to be hard on myself.. but that's not an easy thing to do.

Thanks.. I really need a hug.. sometimes i wonder if we'll make it through it.. ohhh...I"d love to come with you in December!!!

The park hours haven't been released yet, have they?I told Dbf that no matter what happens between us, for my birthday, All i want is for him to come to WDW with me from Dec 4th to 9th at AKL, free dining. BUT he says he's seen enough Disney to last a lifetime.. I even threw in there that when kelly and I go next August for 2 weeks.. he doesn't have to come!!! We'll see tho, we have A LOT of talking to do!!

with free dining, i got some awesome quotes for trips in the winter! besides, you need a good trip to make up for your bad one!

I agree...

I agree with PPs about the umbrella pic - it is really cute. I love your homemade fan Britney shirts - so cute!
I'm glad to hear that your Gram's tumor stopped spreading. I hope the hearing and voice thing is only temporary.

The umbrella is cute.. most of our photos are with the umbrella because of the pouring rain.

Thanks, the shirts turned out great!! Almost professional looking

Rachel, I love love the umbrella photo! The last one is beautiful too (and maybe looks like some sun?). Can't wait until you can get them posted regular.

Keeping fingers crossed for Grams for her hearing and voice. Great news on the cancer update!! Positive thoughts are working!

It does look like some sun, the last one i'm going to put in our livingroom with another one.. maybe 14 by 11 .. I know.. I'm excited to get the disc.

Thanks..i'm hoping the throat and ears thing is becuase she has a cold.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey Rach, just catching up!!! I can not believe how much they screwed up the surprise for you BF!!! WTH? And after all that the show was cancelled anyway?? You poor thing!!!

I have to say that the pics you posted from the roots shoot from what I can tell love really good, and you do NOT look over weight in the least!!!

How all is well with your grams!!! ~Reese

 

[tinkgurl]

Girl, that pic of you two with the umbrella is ADORABLE!!!

Haha, love the Britney shirts! Glad you had a good time at the concert.

Glad to hear the good news on Grams.

As for the bad news...I hope the losing the voice/hearing is only temporary. I know what it's like to be deaf, and I'm sure it'd be frightening for someone who's used to hearing their whole life.

 

[manntra]

Awwwww I just love the umbrella picture too! It is hard to see them (size) but I really like the style. It is so unfortunate that with all of the other snafus ( I can't believer I just used that word! ) it wasn't what you had in mind but hopefully there are some that you like and then maybe you can get them done again?
So happy that Grams tumor is not spreading and hopefully the hearing/speaking is just a little setback...maybe from the chemo? Here are more hugs for her

Tracy