"It's Coming and it's BLUE" - A July 2010 TR - COMPLETED!!

[tinkgurl]

That's so exciting!!

 

[Tracy161]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! How exciting!!! I bet you are counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds already!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Yay congrats on booking your trip!

Thanks!!

Awesome Kara!!!! I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to hear about all your ADRs.

Don't be scared of the 4th!! We were there last year and it not nearly as "bad" as we expected! We had a great plan for the 3rd and 4th if you want to check it out...

As soon as it dawned on me that going for my birthday meant going for the 4th, I was like, I need to re-read Nikki's TR! So I will definitely be doing that. I'm glad to hear that it's not that bad. I think, as of now, we'll be at the Magic Kingdom on the 3rd and Epcot on the 4th. Any tips?

Woo hooo congrats Kara! Can't wait to hear what your ADRs are going to be. Have you stayed at CSR before?

Thanks!! Nope, we haven't stayed at CSR before. We're excited to try it out. It looks really pretty! And the rooms look gorgeous!

That's so exciting!!

I'm really excited!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! How exciting!!! I bet you are counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds already!

Oh, I am. 4 months from today, I'll be in Florida, and 4 months from tomorrow I'll be at Disney!! Hopefully those 4 months won't drag on too long...

 

[YukiPhnx]

Jumping on the bandwagon to CONGRATULATE YOU!!! Hoooraaaay!!!!! It's going to be SO AWESOME, I just know it.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

As soon as it dawned on me that going for my birthday meant going for the 4th, I was like, I need to re-read Nikki's TR! So I will definitely be doing that. I'm glad to hear that it's not that bad. I think, as of now, we'll be at the Magic Kingdom on the 3rd and Epcot on the 4th. Any tips?

That sounds like a good plan. If you REALLY want to avoid the MK on the 3rd and the 4th, you can always try to book a fireworks cruise on the 3rd like we did!! It was seriously the BEST idea ever! We still got to see the patriotic fireworks, hung out with a few DISers, and didn't have to deal with any crowds! The 4th is Epcot was just amazing.

If you remember from my TR, we had A LOT of rain that week so that really kept the crowds away. There were times when it was just empty! And we were expecting wall to wall people. By the evening, it got pretty crowded but I didn't think it was too much worse than your average crowded summer night. Maybe someone who is used to going in the off-season would think it's crazy but it was definitely deal-able.

We also decided to get a spot to sit around 6/7, when the fireworks weren't until 10pm. It was actually a great thing because we had been there all day and were so exhausted, we didn't even think we were going to make it! So being able to sit for 3+ hours rejuvenated us enough to stay and enjoy EMH that night. World Showcase cleared out and we just hung around, looking at the projection of "Happy Birthday America" on Spaceship Earth, while they were playing patriotic music! Aw man, the more I think about it..that may have been my favorite night at Disney World EVER!

Oh and the spot we had for the fireworks was incredible! The lower level by the water in the UK. And we got a bench!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Jumping on the bandwagon to CONGRATULATE YOU!!! Hoooraaaay!!!!! It's going to be SO AWESOME, I just know it.

Thanks, Yuki!!

I'm sure it'll be an INCREDIBLE trip. I mean, things would have to go really really really really really wrong for me to not have a good time at Disney. Like, I'm pretty sure that I could show up and have the parks all be closed, my purse stolen, a hurricane passing through, a giant flock of seagulls land on me, no Mickey rice crispy treats left in all of WDW, and the channel that shows Stacy not work on my TV and I would still have an amazing time.

That sounds like a good plan. If you REALLY want to avoid the MK on the 3rd and the 4th, you can always try to book a fireworks cruise on the 3rd like we did!! It was seriously the BEST idea ever! We still got to see the patriotic fireworks, hung out with a few DISers, and didn't have to deal with any crowds! The 4th is Epcot was just amazing.

If you remember from my TR, we had A LOT of rain that week so that really kept the crowds away. There were times when it was just empty! And we were expecting wall to wall people. By the evening, it got pretty crowded but I didn't think it was too much worse than your average crowded summer night. Maybe someone who is used to going in the off-season would think it's crazy but it was definitely deal-able.

We also decided to get a spot to sit around 6/7, when the fireworks weren't until 10pm. It was actually a great thing because we had been there all day and were so exhausted, we didn't even think we were going to make it! So being able to sit for 3+ hours rejuvenated us enough to stay and enjoy EMH that night. World Showcase cleared out and we just hung around, looking at the projection of "Happy Birthday America" on Spaceship Earth, while they were playing patriotic music! Aw man, the more I think about it..that may have been my favorite night at Disney World EVER!

Oh and the spot we had for the fireworks was incredible! The lower level by the water in the UK. And we got a bench!

Ooooo a fireworks cruise would be a lot of fun! I'll have to look into that.

I'm really excited to spend the 4th at Epcot. I mean, is there a better way to spend the 4th than by wearing some red, white, and blue, watching The American Adventure, and listening to the Voices of Liberty? And then, we get to cap it all off with the fireworks. I find Illuminations ridiculously inspiring already, so I can only imagine how I'll feel during the 4th of July segment. I will probably be crying buckets.

Glad to know you didn't think the crowds were too bad. We're used to the summer crowds so hopefully it won't be that much different. And even if the crowds are insane, we'll manage. That sardine feeling isn't ideal, but it's manageable.

 

[__disneygirl]

HJALKJHFASDHUFUISDHFLAJKSH!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so jealous I am so jealous omg BUT SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! AHHHHH omg. omg. omg. omg. #winning #tigerblood #adonisdna

I actually just started crying about Disney World LOLOL I am such a loser but oh my God if I don't end up going there in May... well, not a lot will happen since I will be IN BED PRONOUNCED DEAD. I AM on a drug, America. It's called DISNEY WORLD.

You are going to have the best trip ever! and discounted dining?!??!! etc!!!!!!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

HJALKJHFASDHUFUISDHFLAJKSH!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so jealous I am so jealous omg BUT SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! AHHHHH omg. omg. omg. omg. #winning #tigerblood #adonisdna

I actually just started crying about Disney World LOLOL I am such a loser but oh my God if I don't end up going there in May... well, not a lot will happen since I will be IN BED PRONOUNCED DEAD. I AM on a drug, America. It's called DISNEY WORLD.

You are going to have the best trip ever! and discounted dining?!??!! etc!!!!!!

But Lia, dying is for FOOLS and AMATEURS. Of which you are neither because YOU ARE A WARLOCK and you are an F-18 and you are #winning. You are going to go to Disney World - because can't is the cancer of happen - and you are going to ride there on a mercury surfboard. #winning #poetryinmyfingertips

 

[YukiPhnx]

Lia, when you said Disney World was a drug, it just reminded of me those Anti-drug campaigns when I was in high school. DISNEY WORLD, My anti-drug

You guys are both going back this year, I'm SO JEALOUS!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Lia, when you said Disney World was a drug, it just reminded of me those Anti-drug campaigns when I was in high school. DISNEY WORLD, My anti-drug

You guys are both going back this year, I'm SO JEALOUS!

Funny you should mention those anti-drug campaigns. I saw this posted on Tumblr the other day. *NSYNC was totally my anti-drug..."And now we dance!"

Gosh, another*NSYNC mention. I'm sorry that you have to put up with me while I'm re-living the glory days. Siiiiigh.

Aw, I wish you could go back this year, Yuki! Thinking about all of the Disney-lovers that don't get to go every year makes me sad. We need to set up, like, an annual AWESOME PEOPLE GO TO DISNEY week or something.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Funny you should mention those anti-drug campaigns. I saw this posted on Tumblr the other day. *NSYNC was totally my anti-drug..."And now we dance!"

Gosh, another*NSYNC mention. I'm sorry that you have to put up with me while I'm re-living the glory days. Siiiiigh.

Aw, I wish you could go back this year, Yuki! Thinking about all of the Disney-lovers that don't get to go every year makes me sad. We need to set up, like, an annual AWESOME PEOPLE GO TO DISNEY week or something.

BEST IDEA EVER. I really wish I could go along with you guys to Disney too!

Wow....I haven't seen that video in FOREVER. Gosh I miss N'SYNC and Lance and JC and all the rest. I have a DVD of their Pop tour tucked away in my house somewhere. I need to dig it out and rewatch it. I was able to dance to every song on that CD. In fact, for my gr.8 talent show, I sang "God must've spent a little more time on you" and did the dance too! I was on top of the freaking world.

 

[duckylady]

I just wanted to stop by and say WE BOOKED MY BIRTHDAY TRIP TODAY!!

We're staying at Coronado Springs July 3rd through the 8th! AND WE GOT FREE DINING! #WINNING!

FFFF I AM SO JEALOUS OMG

My mom and I stayed at Coronado Springs last time we went and it was amazing. It was super peaceful and quiet at night, and the main building - El Centro - is fantastic. I miss the Pepper Market and the gift shop so much!

You are going to have THE GREATEST OF TIMES!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

BEST IDEA EVER. I really wish I could go along with you guys to Disney too!

Wow....I haven't seen that video in FOREVER. Gosh I miss N'SYNC and Lance and JC and all the rest. I have a DVD of their Pop tour tucked away in my house somewhere. I need to dig it out and rewatch it. I was able to dance to every song on that CD. In fact, for my gr.8 talent show, I sang "God must've spent a little more time on you" and did the dance too! I was on top of the freaking world.

Someday we'll make a DIS trip happen...Someday...

I watch that concert often. Like, even if I'm doing something else, I play it on Youtube and just listen because I'm a weirdo who often prefers the live versions to the recorded stuff. Not that the recordings were bad or anything, I just like to hear 'em live.

FFFF I AM SO JEALOUS OMG

My mom and I stayed at Coronado Springs last time we went and it was amazing. It was super peaceful and quiet at night, and the main building - El Centro - is fantastic. I miss the Pepper Market and the gift shop so much!

You are going to have THE GREATEST OF TIMES!

YAY! I'm glad to hear that you liked it. From the pictures I've seen, it does look super peaceful at night, so I can't wait to experience it firsthand! It sounds weird, but one of my favorite parts of a Disney Day is walking back to the room late at night after getting back from a long day at the parks. Everything's lit up, I'm dead tired, and the walk is just so relaxing.

 

[duckylady]

YAY! I'm glad to hear that you liked it. From the pictures I've seen, it does look super peaceful at night, so I can't wait to experience it firsthand! It sounds weird, but one of my favorite parts of a Disney Day is walking back to the room late at night after getting back from a long day at the parks. Everything's lit up, I'm dead tired, and the walk is just so relaxing.

I totally know what you mean. It was my first time staying onsite, and I could never stay off Disney property again. It's amazing staying your whole time there instead of going in and out of the gates every day.

Dude, funny story. Mom and I were walking back from the bus stop to our room late one night. We had a great day and we were exhausted, so we were just trudging along the walkway, eager to get to bed. Suddenly, we hear this horrible hisssssss sound. We both freeze, our hearts pounding. We just know it's a snake, a horrible poisonous snake and we're going to get bitten and die on Disney property.

Turns out the sprinklers in the grass were turning on.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

I totally know what you mean. It was my first time staying onsite, and I could never stay off Disney property again. It's amazing staying your whole time there instead of going in and out of the gates every day.

Dude, funny story. Mom and I were walking back from the bus stop to our room late one night. We had a great day and we were exhausted, so we were just trudging along the walkway, eager to get to bed. Suddenly, we hear this horrible hisssssss sound. We both freeze, our hearts pounding. We just know it's a snake, a horrible poisonous snake and we're going to get bitten and die on Disney property.

Turns out the sprinklers in the grass were turning on.

That's a great story. I would've freaked out at the noise too. I had a run in with a snake at WDW (a harmless small garden snake, but it was a snake nonetheless) and ever since I'm super paranoid whenever we walk around grassy/bushy/wooded areas.

Which section of CSR did you stay in? We're trying to decide if we want to add a building request to our reservation, but we can't decide between the Casitas and the Cabanas.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 26TH PART TWO: OF SALADS AND SNAKE ENVY

Hello all! I've turned into an insomniac, so instead of sleeping, I figured it was about time I updated this thing. So here it goes...

When I last left off, we had just returned to the present after a couple terrifying “OMG WE’RE GOING TO DIE” trips back in time to hang out with some dinos. At this point, it was about 10:30 and we decided to head over to Africa to see how long of a wait there was for Kilimanjaro Safari. Despite the fact that we’ve never really had a great experience on this ride – there never seem to be any cool animals out when we ride it…just ostriches, lots and lots of ostriches *shiver*- the morning had already exceeded my expectations so I thought, “Why the heck not?” and we started walking in the direction of Africa.

I love the lampposts in Discovery Island. They’re all so bright and cheery!

Although, that owl looks to be a little on the angry side. Or maybe that’s just my hatred/fear/belief that all birds are evil talking.

The sign hanging from this giant cartoon-y giraffe’s tongue says we’re almost to Africa!

And this way more authentic looking sign says that we’re here!

Here’s the view of Mt. Everest from the bridge to Africa. And that’s a sentence that would confuse anyone who’s never been to the World. I’d get a “What in the world is this crazy girl talking about?” look followed by criticism of the public school system from which I received an education (or lackthereof).

The sky was really pretty on this particular day. And it was kinda cloudy so we didn’t have the sun beating down on us, thank god. You could actually take three steps outside before breaking a sweat. It was a nice change from the usual 3985478832674984 degree temperature.

The wait for Kilimanjaro was an hour, and we were like, “No thanks”, so we grabbed some fastpasses for later that afternoon. We were all starting to feel a little hungry, so we decided to go grab an early lunch at my favorite AK counter service restaurant, Pizzafari.

Ok, so it’s really only my favorite by default because I’ve never eaten anywhere else. But Pizzafari is A) indoors so I don’t have to worry about birds attacking me for my food B) equipped with air-conditioning C) serves a mean Chicken Caesar Salad and D) one of those words that is REALLY fun to say. Pizzafari. Pizza-fari. PIZZAFARI!

Mom and Dad went and ordered for everyone while Katie and I found a table. And by “found a table” I mean, we walked into a completely empty room and carefully selected the table that was up to our high dining standards. None of that “OH MY GOD THERE’S AN OPEN TABLE. RUN AND GET IT! QUICK!” stuff. Yay for eating early!

Despite the fact that Pizzafari is decorated really well, I never seem to take pictures, and this year was no exception. Well, I did manage to take this one picture of a flamingo on the wall.

For a girl who hates birds, I sure take a lot of pictures of fake ones.

It wasn’t long before Mom and Dad came over with the food. Mom and Katie got pizzas, Dad got some sort of Italian sandwich, and I got the Chicken Caesar Salad, of course.

I devoured that thing, wild animal style. Except my opposable thumbs and (questionably) well-cultured brain allowed me to use a fork and a knife. My family appreciated that.

While we ate, we discussed what we wanted to do next. Katie was aching to go back and ride Everest again with the FPs from that morning. I wanted to do something I’ve never done before, but always wanted to do - go meet Minnie in her safari garb. Also, I’m lazy and I really didn’t want to walk all the way back over to Everest. Neither did Mom. So Dad and Katie headed to Everest, while Mom and I went and spent some quality time with our favorite mice.

So, we headed back up into Camp Minnie-Mickey which is the closest I will ever come to visiting a camp site on vacation. I am not a camper. I’ve slept in tents in my friends' back yards, but that’s about it. Although, when I was in 6th grade, all 160 people in my grade (I went to a small-ish school) did this week-long outdoor school program in one of the state parks, but we weren’t really roughin’ it. There were brand new cabins, comfortable bunk beds, meals that were cooked in an actual kitchen, and a crazy counselor that told us ridiculous stories about wolves every night before we went to bed. Plus, it was a week away from actual school spent canoeing, learning how to use a compass, singing stupid campfire songs, and hanging out with my friends. It was not bad. And, the cabin my friends and I were in was named Leatherlips which we got a lot of laughs out of. Seriously, to this day, we still tell stories about that trip. Lots of crazy things happened in those 5 days. Oh, to be 11 again...

Anyway, back to Camp Minnie-Mickey…

We’ve obviously been to Camp Minnie-Mickey before to see Festival of the Lion King (my favorite part of the Animal Kingdom) but we had never really explored the character greeting areas. They’ve got a really cool set-up. There was a FotLK show going on at the time, so there was pretty much no one back there. It was great.

First up was Minnie.

There was an adorable little girl in line ahead of us (she and her mom were actually the only people in line ahead of us) so it was so much fun to watch her meet Minnie. She ran up and gave her a big hug. It was adorable. I could watch kids meet characters all day.

When it was my turn, I gave Minnie a hug and told her how much I loved her outfit because her safari outfit is awesome. I love her little hiking boots!

The picture isn’t great, but that’s what happens when I hand the camera over to Mom. She’s not the greatest photographer. Or rather, she doesn’t really know how to use my partially-broken camera, so Minnie and I were posing forever and it was just awkward. But, here’s the picture…

Next up was Mickey who also looked adorable in his safari outfit. Mom and I decided we’d both get into the picture, so we handed my camera off to Mickey’s handler, and hoped he’d be able to utilize my sucky camera. The picture ended up being not too bad. My glasses are reflecting, but that happens all the time. Oh, glasses…

Then, we got in line to meet Donald. He also has an adorable outfit! A+ to whoever designed these costumes. They’re perfect! Again, the picture didn’t turn out that well because I’m standing awkwardly, but at least my hair looks nice. Normally, it’s a giant frizzy mess. Small victories…

The CM with Donald told us to go check out the Good Times Gathering Spot because there would be more characters over there, so that’s what we did.

It was a fun little area for kids. They had hula hoops out, and right as we were leaving, a DJ started playing some Disney Channel/Jonas Brothers/Hannah Montana-type music, and leading kids in a dance. It was cute.

Here’s me with Thumper and Miss Bunnie who were posing with their hula hoops. They were really fluffy. I kinda wanted to just stay and cuddle for a while.

Chip and Dale were wandering around as well, so we spent a little time with them. I watched Rescue Rangers all the time as a kid, so I’ve been a big Chip and Dale fan forever. Dale especially. His little Hawaiian shirt just drew me in. So, I told him I loved him, got a hug, and then posed for a picture.

Because I was giving Dale all of my attention, Mom thought she’d give Chip a little love.

Pocahontas and Meeko were also meeting and greeting out here, but they had a bit of a line and we didn’t really feel like waiting. Plus, Katie had texted me to say that she and Dad were next to board Everest and then they'd head over to meet up with us to go see Festival of the Lion King. So Mom and I hung out near the FotLK entrance taking pictures.

Poor Donald. Always catching boots.

These little statues reminded me so much of the Campout at WDW Sing-a-long VHS tape I watched over and over and over as a kid, which, by the way, is on Youtube. I know because I just went and found it (and the Beach Party one). So, of course, I subjected those around me to a stirring performance of “Don’t Fence Me In” and “Jeepers Creepers”. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my bumblebee costume with me though.

Thankfully, for those around me, Dad and Katie showed up right as I was about to start “Mountain Greenery” and I had to cut the performance short so we could get into the FotLK line. Or rather, the giant mass of people waiting to be herded into the theater.

It wasn’t long before the doors opened and in we went. Well, in we went after the mass of people in front of us went in, so it was a kind of slow process, but we eventually made it to some seats. They taught us the Hand Jive which I didn’t really need. I mean, I was born to Hand Jive, baby! But I guess there are others who haven’t mastered the art of the Hand Jive. Y’know, they should make us do the Macarena next time. Everyone knows that, right?

Once they were sure that everyone in the theater could do the Hand Jive, it was time for the show to begin. I love Festival of the Lion King. A lot. It makes me really happy. Sure, just about everything at Disney makes me happy, but this is different. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I still sit there with my eyes wide, completely captivated by what’s happening in front of me. I sing along and I clap along with a huge smile on my face. For those 28 minutes, it’s like I’m 4 years old again and it’s MAGICAL.

We were sitting in the Lion Section (aka the Best Section) and we wiped the floor with the other sections in the Animal Calling Contest. I must say though that the Animal Calling Contest isn’t even a real thing. It’s just a completely arbitrary way for me to declare my section “Most Awesome”. I like to be the best.

One thing that continues to bother me is that, like always, after an adorable little kid doesn’t know how to make a giraffe noise, they define it as “a low bleating sound”. What little kid’s gonna know what “bleating” means? Heck, I wouldn’t even know what bleating meant if not for this show. Of course, they follow it up by comparing it to a sheep, but why not just say “Oh, a giraffe makes a sound like a sheep!” instead of confusing us with these big words. We’re on vacation, people!

Anyway, I quickly got over my outrage that Disney would dare use such an obscure word because the lights were dimming and it was time for the show to really start. When the wind/animal sounds kick in, I get chills every time. And then the dancers come out and I sigh because my dream Disney job is to be the snake in FotLK.

This is an old picture and it’s super grainy, but I’m posting it so you’ll know who I’m talking about.

I want to be her so bad. The costume is FABULOUS. I’d probably vomit from excitement if I ever even got to put the headpiece on.

But back to the actual show…

Pumbaa’s “I’m in a PARADE!” kills me every single time. As does just about everything Timon says or does. The Tumble Monkeys are awesome. The guy who twirls fire makes me so anxious. I’m always terrified that something will go wrong and he’ll set himself on fire. The “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” section is gorgeous. Everyone singing along to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” fills me with so much joy. Because we were in the Lion Section, we got to sing the “Weeeeeeee-e-e-um-um-a-wehs” which is way more fun than the “wimowehs” so yet another victory for the Lion Section! RAWRRRR!

My absolute favorite part of the show comes at the very end when the Finale Medley transitions into “The Circle of Life”. It fills me with warm fuzzies. And then, of course, I can’t stop singing “In the circle, in the circle, in the circle, THE CIRCLE OF LIFE” for the rest of the day. It’s spectacular.

Here's a picture from the show...

And here's one I took as we were walking out. When I was a young warthoooooooooooooooooog!

UP NEXT: BGFF - Best Giraffe Friends Forever

 

[Cat0727]

Ahhh how cute you got to meet Thumper and Miss Bunny! <3

 

[duckylady]

I'm such a big Lion King nerd, so FOTLK fills me with joy. ALSO YES THE LION SECTION IS THE BEST SECTION. Everyone else can suck it.

Every time we go to Animal Kingdom, we eat lunch at Pizzafari. I should probably get us to branch out a little more, but I had a friend that worked there on her college program so I have an odd sense of loyalty to it.

D'awww the character pictures! YOU ARE ADORABLE.

Which section of CSR did you stay in? We're trying to decide if we want to add a building request to our reservation, but we can't decide between the Casitas and the Cabanas.

We requested Casitas 1-3, and were given room 2285 in Casitas 2. I really, really recommend the location - you get a parking lot view, but you just have to cross that parking lot to get to Bus Stop 2. The only thing is, it has to go to pick up people at the other bus stops, so make sure you get there early enough to accomodate that. On our first day, we wanted to get to the Magic Kingdom for the opening show, and we got on the bus with enough time to spare - but picking up other people took a while so we didn't get to see it.

But still, it's a really great place. And talking about it is making me miss it horrifically, oh man.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

These little statues reminded me so much of the Campout at WDW Sing-a-long VHS tape I watched over and over and over as a kid, which, by the way, is on Youtube. I know because I just went and found it (and the Beach Party one). So, of course, I subjected those around me to a stirring performance of “Don’t Fence Me In” and “Jeepers Creepers”. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my bumblebee costume with me though.

OMG ME TOO!! I watched that religiously! That, and Disneyland Fun, where I first heard, "Walking right down the middle of Main St. USA!" Oh, when they did the talent show to Jeepers Creepers?! Ugh, just pure nostalgia! Don't they go to Discovery Island on that one too, or is that another one? Oh and they sing a song with the Country Bears for sure! Oh Susanna, if I'm not mistaken. There was one girl in particular who, even at a young age, I found extremely annoying! Overacting like CRAZY!! BTW, I bought BOTH of those Sing-a-longs on DVD from Best Buy a few years ago but haven't gotten around to watching them yet....

Okay, I found it and my husband has you to thank for the next 32 minutes of misery for him, and pure bliss for me!! I took a picture for you!

That's the girl on the front! The really super annoying one!

 

[Tracy161]

Awesome update, Kara! I am always so entertained by your writing, it's awesome! Let me know when you publish your first book, I'll be the first to buy it!