Julie's continual struggle (WW thread - comments VERY welcome!!)

[goldcupmom]

I woke up about 7 a.m. in Florence SC. Amazingly I felt very rested. The shower was a bit lacking on water pressure, but felt GREAT. Breakfast was eggbeaters, croissant & decaf. While walking past our car attendants room we noticed a stack of DVD's - all new movies. When I asked he said if a movie comes out on Friday, he buys it on Saturday from a real store in NYC & did we want to watch anything. DD chose Bewitched - I thought it NOT worth my time, but it kept her entertained. Lunch was salad with grilled chicken and I had dessert- the chocolate pyramid. TOO good. They decided since we were 6 hours late to serve us dinner. I had about 6 bites of baked potato and about 3 of chicken breast. Just not hungry.

Arrived in Orlando about 6:30, signed for the car and waited and waited and waited to get luggage. They pulled it off and when someone handed them a claim ticket they checked the number on EVERY bag on the 3 heaped wagons until they found it. They wouldn't take anyones word for which bag was theirs, THEN check the numbers. VERY FRUSTRATING!!!!!!! Took over 45 min and we were one of the first to get our stuff.

Drove to Hard Rock and parked while we walked to the park to pick up our tickets out of the machine. I had ordered when you bought 2 days, got 5 and when you bought 2 adult tickets, got 2 kid tickets free. (With the plan to sell the kid tickets on ebay after our trip). Punched in the number for the 2 orders and out came 8 ADULT tickets. I went to the ticket booths to confirm and they said that was all the machine dispensed and that they can be used for kids or adults. WHAT A DEAL!!!!

Off to drive to Lakeland in the thunderstorms. Arrived at DSis about 9:15. Unpacked, ate some M&M's and off to bed. Stayed on points!!

Walked only about 30 min today. Had plenty of water.

 

[Mykelogan]

Welcome back Julie!

Sounds like you had a great trip overall. I like your pro & con lists, great way to reflect and be accountable. It was a vacation and it's ok if you didn't make all the choices you might have made if you were on plan at home. You know what you need to do to be back on track and are doing it instead of letting a vacation be an excuse for giving up. That is awesome!!

The train travel does sound very interesting, especially the sleeper with separate AC control. very cool! Glad that you had a nice trip and hope you'll share all your park details too! We need our Dis fix! hehe (he says knowing he is negligent in finishing his own trip report!)

Have a happy and healthy Monday! And a great birthday with your DS!
Mike

 

[goldcupmom]

Woke up at DSis about 7 a.m. BIL had made me a pot of decaf. WOW!!!! (he was really bored!)

DNiece (the bride to be) arrived at 8 to come with us to take DSis for her picc line cleaning and her $5000 shot of Procrit. Those POOR nurses!! DSis is normally a nervous nelly, but talk about HYPER!!! I agree with her 2 DD's that she must be ADHD. WOW!!

I had no breakfast, but did eat a couple of M&M's. Went to Starbucks in Target after we left the Dr. DSis had never been, had a sugar free vanilla latte. She downed it in about a minute and the rest of the day kept asking if we could please go get more. I'm talking about every 15 minutes she would ask.

After Starbucks we went to the mall to go to Victorias Secret to buy DNiece Bride (who by this time her family was calling BRIDE-ZILLA as she got a WEE bit cranky the last week before the wedding) some matching bras & panties for a wedding gift. Of course VS is doing away with larger sizes, DNieces being one of them. Went to the department stores and found nothing. I finally ventured into Fredericks and we ended up shopping there - very nice, well made and cheaper than VS. I thought DSis would go nuts as she equated Fredericks with some XXX store. It wasn't. I did sneak a couple of 'fun' items into a bag to give the groom(who decided I must be his "favoritest aunt")

After the mall I convinced them to stop at Subway and we grabbed lunch to take home to eat & let the puppy out. I had a turkey wrap. After a quick 30 min lunch break it was off to the Bridal store to try on THE DRESS for the last time & for DD to try hers on so they could all see if it needed anything done. Met up with DNiece pregnant at the bridal store - she had here hair cut/highlighted in the morning. 6 months pregnant and she fit the size 4 perfectly. Has gained a whopping FOUR pounds - GEE I HATE HER!!!! Walked with her to another subway while DSis & Bride made all the final arrangements for delivery. By now the rains have arrived. Next stop the hotel where the wedding & reception are being held. Spent about an hour there trying to get all the details down. Still storming.....harder. Made a quick stop at Panera across the street to pick up bagels for DD & I to eat on the drive to Discovery cove on 6/30. Then off to Ross & Marshalls as DD had forgotten her swimsuit that could be worn under the wetsuit at DC. And Bride needed a honeymoon purse as she planned to carry her red and white school backpack. NOT!! Found both at Ross - fortunately DD swimsuit was on sale for $10 as she wore it once and left it at a hotel never to be seen again.

Off to DSis. DNieces go to their homes. We order Applebees to go - I had onion soup & tango chicken.

Then off to Pregnant's to pick up DD'sbedding she had paid for using DSis discount at Tuesday Morning. Then to Brides to help her pack for honeymoon. BOY did she need it!!

For 6 nights 7 days at sandals she was taking 11 pairs of shoes, 16 outfits, 7 swimsuits. The worst was that she had packed a ratty t shirt & boxers for pjs, and a pretty, but VERY GRANNY looking nightgown & robe for her wedding night. NOT!!!!!!! I told her to break out the stuff she got at her bachelorette party or I would make another trip to Fredericks and not for bras & panties!! We finally got that settled and got home to bed about midnight. VERY TIRED!!!!

No exercise, but shopping I'd count about an hour. Stayed at least close to OP, but had a couple handsful of M &M's. Why my diabetic sister keeps bowls of SHREK M&M's all over I don't understand. She doesn't eat them.

 

[goldcupmom]

We left Lakeland at5:45 a.m. as the Drive to Orlando on I-4 can be awful in traffic. We arrived at 6:45. UGH!!! Way early. It was a mixed blessing. Ate a blueberry bagel w/ hazelnut lite cream cheese in the car - yummy for 7 pts. Arrived at DC and NO ONE was there except the landscaping crew, so drove around until about 7:15. Dropped the car at valet parking (if you pay $15 for valet at DC you also get it for the 7 days at either Busch or SW) and registered. DD got the first Dolphin time of the day. Promptly at 8 they let us in the park. Picked up our RX goggles, grabbed wet suits and headed for the lazy river. Swam it once then DD went for her dolphin time and I walked the park/swam the lazy river again for an hour. After her dolphin swim we went to the reef and snorkeled from 10 - 12:00 - fed the rays in the ray pool. Then we did the lazy river again, only got out at the aviary and fed the birds. Time to feed us! I was starving by this time (almost 1.m.) I couldn't decide what to eat as they have many choices. Ended up having a garden burger w/ veggies & had peanut butter/chocolate cake. Of course bottled water. The cake was not great, but I was starving and ate almost all of it. Ate the veg burger & half the bun. Walked through shops & then back to the lazy river & reef. It was thundering by this time and started to rain about 2:30. I gave her the choice and she decided we should just go to the hotel & not wait to see if the rain cleared. VERY GOOD choice!!!! Looked through some more, picked up pics we bought, showered & left.

Got on the BeeLine & found our HI Express quickly. Too quickly as we didn't find anywhere to pick up some dinner & it was now approaching 5 p.m. Took our stuff to the room & changed. Went to find food. She didn't want burgers as she had one for lunch, but we couldn't find anyplace we could get into across traffic. After about 30 min she was asleep, it was still raining heavily and I was tired of traffic. She really wanted Ice cream & I wanted coffee & a sub. Not to be easily found. Finally found a combo Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins/To-Go's & ordered a sandwich at the drive thru. Possibly the WORST sub I've ever eaten- very little meat, hard bread, only lettuce & layered with mayo. It did keep me out of the snack bag, tho. There was a little non chain ice cream/coffee shop where we picked her up cotton candy ice cream - the store was very icky looking & I didn't even attempt the coffee. Almost 45 min later we got back to the hotel, ate the subs, took baths & slept. Guys arrived on SW at 10:30 and made the hotel by about 11:30. She fell asleep before 8:30 and never did wake up til morning. YEAH!!!!!

Probably didn't make water today. I'll count about 3 hours exercise.

 

[goldcupmom]

I woke up about 7. Let DH, DS16 & DD sleep in. Went down to the lobby for breakfast. I drank coffee until they woke up. Then had 3 egg whites, an english muffin w/ a smidge of peanut butter & jelly. We arrived in Lakeland about noon, went to check in to our hotel (Residence Inn) & although it was supposed to be ready and they thought it was, they couldn't locate the lady in charge, so we, nor the desk clerks, could go check. So, we went to lunch. Had Chick Fil A - grilled chicken sandwich & I ate the fries. Also CF diet coke. Went to Booksamillion to kill more time and when we got back to the hotel about 2 it was ready. Blueberry white chocolate chip cookies, still warm, were on the counter at the hotel. OOPS!!! I ate 2. Then as we unpacked in our room, DH opens the snack bag I had them bring. At 2 caramel hershey kisses.....and the downhill slide begins!

Ate a couple more after getting dressed for the Rehearsal/dinner. 5:45 had the rehearsal at the hotel. BIL runs Canteen FL and had lots of goodies in the hospitality room. I managed to have a couple of small pretzels & about 6 peanuts. More water. The dinner was at the Grooms parents almost 2 mil. home. Open bar - I resisted - but DH did not. Dinner was, hmmmm, shall we say 'fashionably late'? Almost 8:30 before they announced we could eat. Had meats, rolls, fresh shrimp, salad, cheese potatoes, spinach souffle. Mini cheesecakes for dessert. I had 1 roll, a slice of ham & 1 of beef about 2 x 3", a spoon of potatoes, 6 shrimp, a spoon of salad. I had 1 mini cheesecake - the size from sams. Not too bad. We left there about 10:30 p.m. Unfortunately, I had a run in with hershey kisses before bed - ate 4.

The most interesting part of this day was the Groom's step father. We were introduced and then periodically through out the evening he kept asking me where he knew me from and kept naming different "Strip" joints in various cities across the US where he thought he knew me from. He thought I was a stripper. YIKES!!!!!!!! Is that supposed to be a compliment??????? The last time I simply told him that, although I'm no expert, I didn't think they hired middle aged, rather fat women with stretch marks whose upper frontal appendages (yes I used those terms) had gone south. Didn't even phase him!!

No exercise except standing for hours!!

 

[goldcupmom]

Finally the big day is here. No more Bride-zilla!

I got up about 7, let the others sleep. My 2 brothers got together & went to the Flea Market - not me, not today. Breakfast at Residence Inn was incredible. Alas, I behaved and had a banana w/ peanut butter & decaf. It was tempting, tho, but I knew the rest of the day would be even more tempting. DD had her hair appt at 10:30 at the hotel where the wedding was. Dropped her off and was promptly sent for Starbucks. I had my usual decaf, nf caramel macchiato. Just returned from that run and I was sent to Subway - had a wrap. On the way dropped SIL off at the hotel where we got our clothes, etc for later & picked up my DH & DS16. Back to hotel where wedding was. In the interim BIL had brought huge trays of veggies, cheese, fruit. I ate too many tiny cheese cubes w/ celery, in addition to my wrap.

My duty was to get the 'jr. bride & groom' to actually walk down the aisle. Last night he did, she didn't. Jr. Bride was my under 3 Gniece from GA. Just about a wild as they come at that age. So, I dug out my sheerest, sparkliest Bare Minerals and 2 big brushes and, voila, PIXIE DUST!!!!!! I dusted that little girl telling her that Tink left this just for her and it would turn her into a princess and princesses ALWAYS did just what they were supposed to, especially when they wore wedding dresses. So, armed with Pixie Dust and Fruit snacks, they managed to make it to the front to me. Jr Groom's dad sat w/ me and we opened the 2 bags of fruit snacks so just one of our long fingers would fit and fished them out to the little monsters 1 at a time. Ran out just after 'I do'. Time for plan B. If you are quiet and follow the big Bride & Groom out you can have CAKE!! We made it, they did it and RAN as fast as they could to the Wedding Cake! Fortunately the 'dad' was quicker and grabbed them both just before the fingers hit. Jr. Bride did make a little 'divot' in the side of 1 cake shortly before dinner was served, but it wasn't visible to most.

Dinner was chicken marsala, salad, twice baked potatoes & vegs. I finished it off, and then had 2 pieces - and not particularly small ones- of athe cake. Lots of water & decaf. DH left at 8:30 to drive the newlyweds to the hotel in the orlando airport. DS16, DD and I stayed to help my DSis gather everything & haul it to her house. It was a good thing DH had our car as BIL was in no shape to drive at this point. I took DSis Car, she drove his and we got to her house about 10:00, unloaded, had to potty her puppy before she dropped us at our hotel. I went to let puppy out of the crate and she yells to not let him run as he would pee on the carpet. So, I picked him up - about 30 lbs and he peed on ME!!!!! Needless to say when I got to the hotel I threw my dress in a plastic bag. Haven't washed it yet, but hopefully it didn't stain. Life happens.

I packed until almost midnight when DH got back. Off to Busch Gardens tomorrow.

Food was definitely WAY out of points. I did get in my water. Not much to speak of for exercise.

And, the groom's stepdad started in with the stripper stuff, then later decided DD looks just like Brooke Shields and could he fly her to CA to meet some people he knows so she can be a model? (Yes, they have their own jets and tons of $$, but NOT!!!!!!)

 

[Mykelogan]

Sounds like a fun wedding Julie! And don't forget, wedding cake has no calories because it is made with love!

Mike

 

[goldcupmom]

I'm a real planning NUT for trips and when my schedule said we had to leave for BUSCH 8:00 I meant it. I again had banana w/ peanut butter for breakfast and also an english muffin. Packed up and arrived at Busch at 8:45, parked in the 'preferred' area (due to the DC valet) very near the door.
DD and DH went immediately to the Shei Kra and rode twice in the first hour. DS16 and I walked and people watched. You could not have paid me enough to go on that. While we were waiting a lady asked me if I would take her picture with this guy. Turns out it was the Buccaneers coach. Like I would know, but she was thrilled. It was very hot and I refilled my water twice in the first hour, so 48 oz down. Bought a refillable cup for the others to share. Finally done with Shei Kra we started wandering. Rode scorpion, python, water raft, montu & kumba (even me, but I did begin feeling quite queasy). DS16 has never ridden coasters in the past. Doesn't like to go upside down (and he's the gymnast??????!!!!!) Then every coaster in the park shut down. Don't know why, but some never reopened. Had lunch at the 'real restaurant'. I had salad with chicken, but ate 2 rolls & drank 4 big glasses of ice water. Yes, I think I know the location of every RR in the park now. Walked some more and decided about 5 that we were tired & hot enough to leave. They all rode some other rides, but I was too queasy. Unfortunately, we turned the wrong way leaving and missed I-4. Drove about 30 miles before we realized it, turned around, exited by Busch again and got dinner. DD & DH McDonalds, DS16 and I Arbys - I had a turkey bacon wrap. good, not great. probably a lot of points. At this point while waiting for our food, DS16 bolts from the car into the building, sick. He comes back and DD decides she'd better'd go before we leave. FINALLY back on the road to Orlando back to the HI Express by the airport. Arrived there about 7:30, and DH broke out the snack bag again. I ate a few hershey caramel kisses - probably 4 - 6. Went to bed early. HRH & universal tomorrow.

 

[goldcupmom]

Up early so we could be at HRH by 8 a.m. I had my decaf & english muffin and took cinnamon rolls up to the crew. I did resist them this trip. Left HIExp at 7:30 and pulled into HRH at 8. Dropped me at the door and they parked. When I checked in, they didn't have the room we requested ( deluxe on club), but the girl said she would check again. She did, called the 'supervisor' to get us changed and told us that when we got back our room would be ready and yes, it was a deluxe on club. Left our stuff in the car and off to Islands - DD 'needed' to ride the Hulk. Not me! So, DD, DH and DS16 do the Hulk. Then DS16 decides he needs to play DDR. So, I head to the arcade and DD, DH go back to the Hulk 2x more. Their FOTL passes make a red "frequent rider" message come up, but they are allowed on. Pretty much walk on. Meanwhile in the arcade, DS16 is drawing a crowd. By the time DD and DH are back, DS16 has been videotaped by 3 different people. (he danced at Busch also and was videotaped) His new plan is to see how many vacation videos he can be part of. DD and DH head to the doom towers, DS16 continues to dance . By this time I'm thinking we should put a hat next to him and take donations.

3x on Doom towers and they are all ready for Spiderman, me included. Do it twice then off to rent a locker. Get soaked on the raft & Jurassic park, but the log flume ride shuts down. DD never did get to ride it as we didn't want to get soaked again. next stop Dueling Dragons 3x each. Time for a break. One of the 'to do' items on my list was to have the pineapple ice cream, so that was lunch. Only one size - huge - but was really yummy. The other item I insisted on was that I got to ride "Cat in the Hat" and made them all go. DD wanted to shop & buy a skirt & halter, but nothing passed the Dad-o-meter, so it was off to Universal.

First stop was the Mummy 2x, then DD and DH went 2 more while, you guessed it, DS16 played DDR and drew another crowd of videotapers. Then off to MIB. We all rode 6 times , in a row, then left DS16 while we headed to HRH. Our room was ready. DH brought the car up, bell guy hauled it all up - 14 bags , pillows, etc. and.......NOT a deluxe room. So, I called the desk wondering what had happened between 8:30 and 3:30. Apparently supervisor made note, but didn't actually change the room in the computer, so they gave away the deluxe we supposedly had. I was NOT happy. Had they not said at check in we had it it wouldn't have mattered. So, they said they'd give us a free roll away and move us tomorrow. Just what I wanted to do. Also asked if we wanted our 'welcome amenity' tonight (milk & cookies) - yes!

It is now almost 5. DH and DD head to the club lounge. Tonight was mini hot dogs, pretzels, cheese, veggies. I had 1 dog, veggies & 3 cheese. DH had 4 LARGE glasses of wine and food. DS16 came over and his consumption ability reminded me why it is worth the $$ for us to stay club. By 6:30, they were all ready for dinner. UGH!!!! Cooled off a bit and back to the parks. Repeat of earlier, with more MIB. DS16 was determined to max it out.

Played until about 8 then off to HRC for dinner. It was packed, but amazingly the parks seemed VERY empty. Our longest wait was for MIB - about 15 minutes. The regular line at MIB was also the longest at 55 min. Amazing for the 4th. I had some kind of quesadilla for dinner. Very good, but too much food in one day.

By the time we finished it was about 9:30 and almost fireworks time. We found a railing spot just outside HRH and sat. at 9:50 they announced a delay due to lightening. Then the rains came. Not bad, but we sat. At 10:50 they were able to start and it was well worth the wait. I think they were being shot from 4, maybe 5 areas at once. We had no trouble making it back to HRH and went to bed about midnight. No milk & cookies, no turndown service, hmmmmm...........

Plenty of water, too much food, about 8 hours walking of the 12 we were at the parks.

 

[goldcupmom]

DS16 and I were up about 6:30, breakfast for me was 2 of the tiny muffins in the lounge (w/ butter) and decaf. He had: 2 bowls fruit, 3 cereals, 4 donuts, 2 bread w/ peanut butter & jelly, and was still hungry. He took off to 'jump' (the sport where you climb, jump, roll, etc in public places - it's really an organized sport now) and I headed for the pool/cabana. Swam for about 30 min before DH & DD called for me to come back to the room & get it ready to move rooms. Called the desk and they assured me that our new room would be ready early and we could leave our stuff in the old room until then. DD & DH ate & off to the cabana for about 30 min before the parks. Did a repeat of yesterday in Islands, then USO. DSis called about 11:30 and said she, her DH and pregnant were coming up to see us. Back to the room, moved rooms. Much better. Had to have all our keys redone. Reminded the desk that we didn't get our milk & cookies "welcome' last night & didn't get turndown, but did get a paper which we checked off that we did not want. Said we would get it tonight.

DH refuses to 'skip' lunch or eat by the pool, so we have to go to the Kitchen for lunch- $75. OUCH!! DD has macaroni & cheese, I have a chicken sandwich & fries, DH & DS have burgers. Dsis comes and we spend until 330 at the pool. DH won't get in the water, but uses my digital camera to take "babe" pics to send his buddies. What fun!! We never did get towels at the cabana. We had to call several times to get the drinks & fruit the first time. After DSis leaves we go to the room for a cool off then DH heads again to the loungs. Tonight was buns, meatballs, vegs, cheese. I made the mistake of saying we'd snack there, then snack again in the parks later if they were hungry. He ate & ate & drank & drank as he said I wouldn't let them eat dinner. Oh well......

As we were heading to the parks, we picked up a master key in the hall outside our room. DH tried it and it would open EVERY door, including storage on club floor. he walked all the hallways and slid it into the slots getting green lights. We wanted to turn in to the real hotel manager as in the wrong hands it could be disaster. Went to concierge and were told there was no manager on duty. Finally a guy in a polo shirt said he was in charge of the concierge and would take it. no thank you, no anything, and can you imagine how much it would have cost them if they had to rekey the hotel when master key is lost? All I wanted was 'thank you' and to make sure it got into the proper hands.

Back to the parks until about 9 then back to the Cabana. Called for our refill of sodas/water as we planned to swim til 11. I was told "you're staying on club, why don't you go get some & bring them down yourselves". That did NOT make me happy. I tried for almost an hour and gave up. Off to Emack & Bolios for ice cream then back to the cabana. They were out of SF so I had regular. It was good, but not good for me - 2 scoops. They finally brought over 2 warm bottles of water from the club room, no sodas.

Went to the room, again no 'welcome' milk & cookies & no turndown.

 

[goldcupmom]

DD and DH are totally exhausted & grouchy, so they sleep in. YEAH!!!

DS16 and I are up and eating by 7. I woke up hungry and had 3 little muffins and a slice of dark bread with pbj. I then head to the desk and ask for a manager as all night long I've wondered if 'the key' really made it to the right place. The manager I speak with is Justin. Young, pleasant, but it still strikes me odd to have person in a manager position with multiple piercings- but this is HRH. He assures me he will check on the key and will let us know - but never did. I also remind him again of the welcome amenity and also the front desk.

So, DS and I are off to play MIB. He is determined to max out the gun. We do this and take pictures of him jumping things in US until about 11 when I decide it is time for the others to wake up. Off to lunch at Margaritaville, then DD and I were going to shop some. I had a burger & fries and my one margarita. I drink very seldom and am not very 'aware'. So, I order a margarita frozen and want it blue - thinking it would be blue raspberry flavored. It came with a little side car that I dumped in. AFter about 30 minutes I realized this was not an ordinary margarita and the sidecar had to have been some added alcohol. Alcohol makes me feel AWFUL and makes me VERY tired. But, I had promised DD shopping and couldn't not go. So off we go in a daze while DH heads to the hotel to nap. We made it as far as the Endangered Species store, taking more jumping pictures of DS on the way. The ESS would not deliver packages to the hotel and I bought some Christmas Gifts, so we were done. Back to the hotel. By this time, the 1 drink and the heat had me about done in. DS took off to DDR and ride the Hulk. DD came with me. As soon as we got to the hotel, she decided we needed to go, so made DH come along. More rides, but not for me. I went into shops. Bought some Betty Boop stuff for my friend who picks up Mia. DS16 heads for MIB and calls saying he maxed it out. Took a pic w/ his cell phone. We all head for the hotel lounge. Tonight was chicken wings, cornbread, cheese, vegs. I had 1 wing, 1 bread & veg. Couldn't count what DS consumed. DH had his share and his 4 wines. Back to parks as DD wants to ride things in the dark. Thank you, NO!!! I'm still queasy from lunch! I play MIB with DS and they ride rides. DS maxs out the gun again, but the score doesn't show in the pic. Maybe tomorrow. He continues to play and I go to meet up with DD & DH. They decide to have ice cream again. I buy a piece of Dulce de Leche cheesecake , but ate only maybe half. It wasn't much like cheesecake - more custard - and wasn't much like Dulce. Oh well. It was for the best. DS is starving, so we get him carry out at HRC, then ice cream. When we get to the room. Milk & cookies - 1 small bottle of milk direct from Emack & Bolios - not on ice and 3 wrapped cookies from E & B w/ the price on them. Not what it typically is. But they ate them.

Bed about 11. Tomorrow we leave.

 

[goldcupmom]

I was up early and the bill was under the door. Of course they charged us for 3 nights of roll away - we had it one night which was to be complimentary because of their goof up. And we had several charges from places we didn't eat - probably the people before us. So, shower and off to the desk. The desk clerk was NOT friendly. She wanted the name of the person who said it would be complimentary. I explained the time and day and said I was on vacation and didn't think I needed to keep track of which of their employees goofs things up. Finally took that off. Then, she wanted to see all my receipts for room charges. I volunteered that she could come help me unpack and repack 14 suitcases to try to find them. And I was rather loud. 2 of the charges were for water DH bought one day, and their system was down, the girl tried twice in under a minute, then we paid cash. I tried to ask why we'd buy 6 bottles of water in under a minute for 4 people, but she didn't get it. She finally took the disputed charges off, but I'm wondering if they came off our real bill. Time will tell.

I made DH call and ask for a late check out. DD and DH went to ride the coasters one last time. DS and I headed to MIB. He maxed it out 7 more times and got his picture, finally. I stayed with him about an hour, then simply walked, all of CityWalk, all 3 hotels and both parks. Quiet time for me. We all met at HRC for lunch, bought DS19 a shirt and some guitar picks then loaded up.

Took DH & DS to the airport and dropped them and 2 extra bags. Called and found our train to be late so DD and I went in search of Starbucks. Traffic was bad so we headed to the station instead. Checked our bags and went inside to drop the car keys when we hear someone yell ' so, how was the wedding?' turned out to be one of a pair of brothers we met up with on the way from Washington. They gave their wives a break and took their combined 5 kids on a disney cruise and to the parks - they get an A+ in Daddy! By this time the train was over an hour late so we got directions to starbucks. Headed out and realized we were out of gas. I had prepaid for a tank and wanted to return it mostly gone, so DH had let the light come on and the needle was below empty. Thru traffic we finally found a station, pulled in and the hose wouldn't reach over the car - didn't have any of the stretch to it. So waited for the other side and put in $3. Starbucks was down the street. By the time we got in and ordered, I was getting nervous about traffic and getting back. Then they forgot to make DDs drink. UGH!!!! We made it back and the train was even later, but it wasnt' fun!

This was the day after the London bombings and I was pretty appalled that security had not been increased around Amtrak. There was a police car/officer parked in the lot, reading a book, down near the outdoor spot where baggage is kept. The made the people go as a group to coach, but didn't check tickets or anything until well after the train was underway.

DD and I settled in our room and rested. The 3:55 train left at 6:00. We chose 7 for dinner.

Breakfast was 3 muffins, again. Lunch I had nachos and loved every calorie filled bite. at Starbucks I had an decaf mint frap - VERY good and VERY decadent. Then we both had lemon squares as we didn't know when dinner would be. Good, but not a good choice. Dinner I ordered steak - something I very rarely do. It was incredibly good and I ate 4 bites from the middle. I also had dessert - more chocolate.

 

[goldcupmom]

I got up about 7 on the train, showered and got DD up for Breakfast. This train had no egg beaters, but I tried the omelet anyway. Didn't eat much as it was broccoli, cheese & onion. Had bacon & a croissant w/ jelly and decaf. Packed our stuff so we'd be ready for DC.

We were about an hour late into DC arriving about 10:30. Our original plan had been to take the subway to the White House and walk our way back. Not today. Instead we paid $20 each and took the tourmobile which allowed us to get on and off. We rode it to the Lincoln Memorial, got off and walked seeing the Vietnam memorial, WWII, executive office building, white house and then American & Natural History museums of the Smithsonian. I bought a tie dye t shirt for me and a CIA for DS16. Then in the museums- we basically did the gift shops for lack of time - DD bought 3 books and I got some teddy bear stuff - and gummy army men for DS16. We did a lot in under 4 hours.

I didn't really notice more security inside Union Station which surprised me as it is also the subway/commuter rail hub. Outside, however, were 3 different camera crews under tents with the satellite feeds set up. They truly looked like they were camped there waiting for something to happen.

Elsewhere, we noticed more barricades erected in areas around the capitol. About 1/2 way down the mall it looked like a security convention. A dozen or more police & Secret service cars parked & the guys (possibly gals) out just hanging out. Several in lawn chairs w/ drinks in hand. Our bus had a 'security stop' where a police officer came on & talked while a dog walked the outside. Took about a minute. Nothing else appeared different.

We arrived back at the station at 3:00 for a 3:15 boarding. Just enough time for a starbucks run. This time I had a decaf iced CM and she had her usual mocha frap. I also got her a brownie thing with coconut and a piece of LF blueberry coffeecake for me. It was lunch.

Boarded on time & left for Chicago. This time we had a 6:00 dinner as we wanted to get to bed early for an 8:30 a.m. arrival in Chicago. I had salmon again and it was great as usual. Unfortunately, I also chose to have dessert. This was a 'bodacious brownie' Good, but I didn't finish it. Too tired and it was too rich.

 

[goldcupmom]

We were almost on time into Chicago. Got a wake up call at 6 a.m., ate breakfast - egg beaters, croissant, bacon decaf - & by the time we got ready it was just about time to get off. Stored our luggage in the lounge & headed to Navy Pier. DD thought she'd like to WALK there. NOT!!!!!!!!!! Instead we took the water taxi. Walked the pier a couple of times - doubt we missed any shops - had lunch - she had McD's. I had a turkey sandwich from some deli. Then we stopped at Haagen Daaz. OOPS!!!! Hot and Tired, I had a mint chocolate chip sundae. Wonderful, but I can't even begin to imagine how many points it must have been. I had terrible munchies since the 6th and I caved. I didn't, however, buy fudge (I was still trying to talk myself into or out of it), or roasted pecans.

On the way over on the water taxi we heard a coast guard notice on the radio that said they were stopping all water traffic from Michigan Ave to the lake until further notice, but didn't seem to affect anything.

Got back to the station about 2, boarded at 2:45, left on time. Made it as far as Mendota and stopped. The Eastbound train had hit a car and we were waiting for it to pass. We sat there for almost 2 hours. We had a totally full train and many little kids. Across from us in a 2 person room was a young mom & dad w/ a 4 year old & a 9 month old. Next to them was a lady with 2 kids about 5 - 8. The 4 kids SCREAMED until about 8 p.m. They all chose 5:30 dinner so we chose 6:30. I again tried the steak. Had probably 3 oz. It was really good. Then had Chocolate Bombe. Talk about worth the points!! And it was probably a kazillion. DD has been fighting a cold or something since about the 5th, so we played another round of Phase 10 (a card game from Uno) and went to bed.

 

[goldcupmom]

DD and I REALLY slept last night. With the time zone change I actually slept almost 10 hours. Then got up , went to order breakfast, got her up, we ate, and went back to sleep for another 2 hours. WOW!!! And I was still tired. Whatever she's got, I'm getting.

We made up some good time and arrived home about 20 minutes late. Breakfast was an omelet - this time mozzarella cheese, basil, oregano with egg beaters, and bacon & croissant. Lunch had salad with chicken and a final chocolate bombe.

Arrived home and Mia was SO happy to see us. It was puppy kisses for over an hour. Then DS16 says" I know you're tired and probably don't want to cook. Can we go out to dinner? We haven't eaten since you've been gone" So we went to Red Lobster. Just what I needed - more food. I had salad,a roll, baked potato and 6 shrimp. brought the rest home. Did 4 loads of laundry and off to bed.

 

[goldcupmom]

Well, I got brave and stepped on the scale this morning (and yesterday was NOT a good day). I'm up 5.5 - most of that I believe is TOM weight given my pattern. I feel AWFUL from that and whatever DD picked up somewhere along the way and gave to me. I'm heading her to the DR in a few minutes as it has settled in her ears and she (and of course Mom) were up most of the night. I'm about 3 days behind her on symptoms and feeling lousy. Deep chest cough, stuffy, etc. I won't even try to start back to exercising like this, but I want to.

Back to yesterday. Lunch was a grilled chicken meal w/ cf diet coke at Chick Fil A. then life happened, or should I say DS19 happened. His phone was shut off for lack of payment so I went to his apt only to find him there and his car gone ....again. I keep getting calls from collections people and it drives me nuts. Then the older guy - 24 who is his friend pulls up in his(my) car and we talk. Brock is now moving in with Ben to help him get on track (supposedly) as he inherited 30K( that part is legit). Then later DS19's former girlfriend calls (sweet HS girl, but has some health issues). She has been gone a couple weeks and couldn't reach DS on the phone, so went over. Door to apt open, stuff in boxes and eviction notice on door. So, I get DH and drive over again. Go in to a totally trashed apt. The stuff in boxes belonged to Brock who is moving in. DS is asleep in a GROSS mattress on floor of other bedroom, explains that his is too messy. He can't seem to wake up and is very, hmmm, belligerent. We leave and DH goes off on me. His idea is to continue to throw money at DS and not have any dealings with him. That is basically how this all ended up happening w/ DS19 as DH always wanted to let him be 'himself' w/o much discipline. And during DH temper tantrum, he broke the passenger seat belt mechanism in my bug. GREAT!! Welcome home!

Can you tell I'm STRESSED!!!!!!

So I ended up eating almost an entire bag of baked lays (and not the small one) for dinner. Then DS16 was to get off at 9 and we would have his birthday. 9:30 came and went, no DS and couldn't reach him on his phone. He finally got here at 9:55 - they had him work late. GRRRRRRR!!!!!!! So, I had DQ ice cream cake at 10:30, then DD woke me up at 1 and I've been up ever since.

Today has to get better, doesn't it???????

I'm not answering my house phone anymore. During DS19 road trip to phoenix (see earlier posts) he wrote a couple of bad checks and they are about to send to the AZ attorney general. Wonderful.

So after DD's dr appt it's back to DS19's apt to give him the info, again, on who he needs to call and pay to get this resolved. Boy I wish he'd grow some brains!!!!!!!!! Actually he has the IQ, but ZERO common sense (just like DH at that age which is scary!!)

Breakfast was kashi & yogurt. I have no idea what the rest of the day will bring. a LONG nap sounds good, but probably unlikely.

More later....

 

[pearlieq]

Oh, Julie!

and for you. This will pass. Somehow, some way, you all will come out the other side of this.

I'm thinking of you and hope you have a better afternoon!!!

 

[TigerCheer2009]

Dear, oh dear oh dear oh dearie dear dear. Prayers, hugs and pixie dust comin' to ya. This too shall pass.

 

[goldcupmom]

Just back from Dr. w/ DD. Whatever she has has settled in her right ear and it's badly infected. So, a couple days on the meds and she should be feeling better.


I forgot the clincher that really topped off my yesterday. DH came home and we knew they were going to reorg again. If in the reorg they choose to 'eliminate' the job title you currently have, you are laid off. Although they are hiring engineers, they can only hire from within. If you get laid off, you technically aren't employed anymore and you can't be hired for a different position.

So, sometime in the next 2 wks or so, ,we'll know if he still has a job. They can choose to keep a job title, just have no one in it, or eliminate. What fun!

I told him that if we have to move again it will be to FLORIDA (but he HATES Florida b/c of the humidity) DD has been saying it's almost time for us to move again. She's never lived anywhere over 5 years - 4 states and she's 13.

So, between DS19 and DH job, life should remain interesting here for a while.

Just having lunch - roll up (4) and baked lays (2). I also had 1 tiny bite of brownie of DS16 (1)

On a possibly positive note, DS16 is enrolled in a virtual school in PA for which I pay $400/class. Our HS this year is starting a 'cyberschool'. I don't know if it will work with his gym/work/travel schedule, but I'm going to the orientation meeting Wed night to see. If so, it would be free, he could stay doing that for 2 years and he would still be eligible for the NM Lottery Scholarship which would pay his full tuition for 4 years if he stays in NM for college. And it would be FREE!! We'll see if it will work.

I need to get up the energy to go get all the mail they were supposed to redeliver yesterday and go thru it, but the motivation just isn't there. I also need to get a real grocery list going. On top will be a trip to Costco for Mango Salsa. I could eat worse things!

Thanks for being there guys! It means a lot!

 

[goldcupmom]

Spent an hour going thru mail and reading Mikes journal.

Dinner I ordered pizza w/ scrip as I feel too cruddy to cook and don't want to infect anyone's food anyway. I had one slice med thin burger/onion pizza (5). I want to taste, but have no appetite. Had another cf diet coke.

DH came home and said today they announced they are laying off 5% by the end of the year (over 2000 people) - engineers & all levels of management. Interestingly enough, they have already reorg'd the upper levels and no one is gone. The next management level is his. Not sure what they will be doing. Much prayer needed.

I bought myself a good 'prize' in Florida at the mall near my sisters......Talking Dory. Now I can listen to 'just keep swimming' for real all the time

I also bought a 'hippie' shirt in DC. Tie die with a big smiley face and flowers & peace signs. Says DC, but also things like 'peace' ,'happiness' 'justice' 'freedom' ' love'. I thought it would go well with my BUG. I'm still hunting for a tie dye orange tank top. (my bug is a sunset orange & black convertible) with a peace sign & daisy bra & smiley face stuffed flowers inside. Yes, I'm a bit crazy. This is my 'forever' car that I bought after my mom died last year w/ my part of the estate. DH thought I was nuts, but I've wanted a VW since I was about 5. I gave up the old bug idea for convenience. I needed my AC, heated seats and automatic roof.

It's not even 6 here, but I'm totally worn out. I think DD and I will watch a movie and go to sleep. Because of the timing and late trains we actually only watched one movie on our trip of 9 we took. I did read all 4 of my books tho and the Sisterchicks books are GREAT!!! Geared toward us mid-lifers. DD didn't read any of hers. We played a lot of Phase 10 games.

I'll continue catching up with everyone tomorrow. I managed to read 5 complete journals from 6/25 to now today and hope to do that many tomorrow.

Night Night