Just Back From POR - 9/27 Thru 10/4 MORE THAN JUST A VACATION-VALUABLE LESSONS

[Del]

great report...thanks for writing. Del

 

[twotommygirl]

First, let me tell you that I typed this post out twice. Both times, after I finished, I pressed "preview post". BOTH TIMES I tried to make a correction without first leaving "preview" and both times backspaced and erased the whole freakin thing! So what you are gettting now is the bored-of-writing-it, angry version of the post. Sorry.

Second, I'm so sorry that it took so long, but life got in the way of posting. Life and a wicked stomach virus that swept through this house like wildfire. I swear I've seen more vomit this week than in all 9 years I've been a parent. To all of you parents out there - Why is it that a stomach virus never attacks all of your kids at the same time? One good pukefest would have been better than 3 consecutive nights of puke. And why does it always happen in the middle of the night? They never throw up all day - always all night. I swear all 3 kids started puking at approx. 1 a.m. All on different nights. Smart little viruses. To all of you who don't have children - See what you have in store?

Anyway....

Back at the airport where I have now put myself in a "cut off your nose to spite your face" situation that I am always preaching to my kids about. Boy are we two idiots ...... but he started it. And where did my husband's big-mandedness get us? I'll tell you where it got me. They want my husband to stay and wait for the next ME bus from POR with our luggage while I proceed to the gate with my 3 children. Joy. I half-heartedly kiss him goodbye and proceed to security with the kids. Wouldn't you know it? After all the years of flying, this is the first time I have a problem getting thru security. It has nothing to do with my bag - but all 3 of my kids' backpacks. THOSE LITTLE TERRORISTS! UYYYYYY! As we approach our gate, I see it is mobbed. I quickly walk over to the preboarding line and plop our stuff and ourselves down. I just wanted to mention that I didn't use the preboarding option on the way down because I didn't think we needed it. You are eligible if you have a child 4 or under, which I do. While we are sitting on the floor, we make friends with all the people around us and, as I always do when under pressure, I proceed to tell our whole life story. It is around then that I am missing my husband so I decide to try calling his cell. My cell, of course, is safe and sound at home since we were supposed to be TOGETHER this whole vacation. I leave my kids with our new friends (I could see them from the pay phones) and make the call. Did you know that pay phones take credit cards? I had no idea. I don't remember the last time I used one. After going thru the credit card registering 3 times, the call finally goes through and he answers quickly. "Honey, I don't know how to tell you this. I have some really bad news." I wanted to break down. Then I realize how clear he sounds and with an echo. He is in the booth right next to me. Jerk. God only knows what that call cost me. It turns out our luggage didn't make the bus and they are sending it to our home. We'll see about that. So we walk back to the line where my kids and our new friends clap to see that he made it. He was a little confused but should know better being married to me for as long as he has. While sitting on line we see the last of the cute casual cutters. An attractive young couple with 2 children enters the gate area and slows down while they survey the line. He whispers to her, she whispers back, then they push their stroller right up the preboarding line and stand to the right of us, next to the family in front of us. They quickly make polite small talk with the family in front of us, then turn to win us over by telling me how beautiful my daughter is. I'm onto them big time. Little did they know that a "pushy mom" was on line right behind us. She chooses me as her sounding board, "Do they know there is a line here?" Loud enough so they hear it, but they choose to pretend they didn't. I know they did, I could tell.
I just shrug my shoulders and pretend to look for something in my backpack. What are you supposed to say in this situation? I'm mortified. There are times you should speak up, but not this time. "Excuse me, do you know there is a line here?" It is at this time I feel embarassed and am trying to drift off to a nicer place in my mind, when my husband turns and says, "They're with us". (I love that man) She knew it wasn't true, but what could she say? The funny part is, as we were boarding the plane I hear her mother tell the flight attendant that "pushy mom" needed all 7 adults flying with her and her 2 kids to get on the preboarding line because they have to help her with the kids. That makes 9 adults including her and her husband, to handle 2 kids. Ha! While picking out our seats the CCC turn to thank us for intervening and ask where we will be sitting. I just look at them with the look that is like "Are you kidding me?" By this time I've had it with the whole lot of them. We settle in our seats and enjoy a peaceful, luggage-less, ride home. We land on a beautiful, warm, non-humid Fall day in New York. While riding home, I open up the window and let that NY air welcome me home. I can almost hear my hair breathe a sigh of relief as the frizzies relax and my hair seems to be back to it's regular length. Our luggage arrives home via UPS 3 days later as promised. (At the expense of POR) Thanks POR! Our luggage is a little tattered and weathered after this trip, but aren't we all? I can't complain, though, because what I've learned this week is far more important than our little mishaps. Before, I would have said one thing I believed with all my heart is that "what goes around comes around". I still do believe this with all my heart. I've witnessed it many times. But also, there is nothing more important than spending quiet time - one on one - with those you love dearly. In the blink of any eye, that baby you gave birth to - whose diapers you changed - will grow up and be their own person. Somewhere, sometime, my baby became a little person and I almost missed it! That won't happen again! In time, I'm sure I'll forget "booty lady" and the "sweaty little ball of freshness", but I'll never forget sitting with my son on a warm morning as the sun came up. I'd have missed that very important day had I been selfish and stayed in bed. Also, always stop and smell the roses. The rides and attractions will be there next year. While running from place to place, you might miss beautiful ivy ladies or incredible women with precious advice for you. So throw out all those "how to conquer the parks " books. Instead, grab the hand of those you love and enjoy each step. This goes in life too. Take the time to enjoy each day and each other and appreciate them both for what they are. You will be the better for it. Just ask Ty - my smart little 6 year old

Thank you all for reading my report and enjoying my vacation memories with me.

 

[dumby]

You are a fascinating writer. Loved your trip report and all the great lessons included.

Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[kimbac3]

Loved the trip report!! Been there with the stomach virus thing..3 kids then me..DH never gets them.
We are thinking of staying at POR next year so I'm glad to hear they came through with the luggage.
Kimba aw:

 

[monarchsfan16]

Hope you're all feeling better!
I really enjoyed reading about your trip! I'm glad POR came through with the luggage.

 

[MazdaUK]

I don't suppose they did the laundry as well

Glad you and your luggage were safely reunited!

 

[twotommygirl]

MazdaUK - I wish! Thanks for being so patient.

Monarchsfan16 and kimbac3 - funny you should mention it. I just so happened to come down with a fever today. Ugh!

dumby - Thanks so much for the compliment. Not bad for writing off my head huh? It was better the first time (one that was deleted). But that's life. Thanks for tuning in.

 

[leight]

twotommygirl- thanks for the great report. As a former LIer I completely connected with you and your speech patterns. Where are you in Suffolk? I was originally from the Medford area and moved to Tampa last august. Still have lots of Dh's family on the island tho.

We're heading for POR for the 1st time Dec 3- can't wait.

If you're looking for a place to move -we've got great beaches and a FL discount to WDW!

 

[twotommygirl]

leight - too funny! I'm originally from Patchogue but now live out in Manorville (where the LI Game Farm is). While I love FL in the winter, I couldn't live through the summer. Besides, I do still love the change of seasons. Two of my best friends from here moved to Bradenton and Palmetto.

You're going to love POR. I love Parterre Place. Just don't rent the bikes (ha ha) They're harder than they look.

Thanks for writing.

 

[ZZUB]

Great report! I think you hit on the most important part of Disney World: spending time with your family and friends. In Disney, as in life, we focus too much on the things that don't really matter. Getting up early with your son, spending time together with each of your kids; there's value, real value in that. Your report brings that idea home to all of us. Too often when we think about Disney we over focus on getting reservations for CRT or waking up Tink or any of the other so-called magical moments. The real magic is in your kid's eyes; it's holding her in your arms. Thank you for your honest and amusing summary of your trip.

Oh, and be nice to your husband. There are worse things than leaving the luggage behind. He could leave your camera in a cab in NYC. Not that I've ever done that.

 

[twotommygirl]

ZZUB - WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING READING MY REPORT WHEN I'M PATIENTLY AWAITING MORE OF YOURS! I was the one who wrote, "I think I found my soulmate" in response to yours!

Thanks for the comments. You know it's funny. I used to be the person who, instead of enjoying what I was doing, was always thinking about what I was gonna do next. I've learned not to do that. I was that way on vacation and in life. My life has changed so drastically, and we are all so much happier. Who'd a thunk it?

NOW GET BACK TO WRITING!

 

[B.Mary]

Twotommygirl:

I'm another devoted fan -- really enjoyed reading all your reports.

I feel a connection, too. I have three kids and I grew up in Bellport but now live in Maryland. My mom still lives in Bellport and we spend as much of our summer there as possible.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[twotommygirl]

Wow - it really is a small world after all! My mom actually lives in Brookhaven, right off of Beaver Dam Road, down by the bay. It is awesome here isn't it? I don't know that I could ever find the courage to leave. Of course the way taxes are going here, who knows who'll be able to afford to live here in a few years.

Thanks for taking the time to read. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[mikkiwikki]

I just think it is so great that you GET IT- the way you talk to your children and take the time for them is beautiful! I like to people watch and it breaks my heart when I see children trying to talk to their parents and are told to be quiet or "not now honey!" So reading your reports has really made my day.

I soooo totally understand. My son is autistic as well. Many NT parents take so much for granted.....so much. People who stop to appreciate their children...just for who they are...and expect nothing more ...are truly a rarity in today's society. That's why I tell people - don't feel sorry for me or my son. He was a gift...he instantly shows me the TRUE character of all people, and has made our family stronger and much more compassionate.

 

[twotommygirl]

mikkiwikki - I see you are about ready to head on over to POR for the first time! You are going to absolutely love it! You sound like a wonderful mom. It's real easy to get caught up in the excitement once you get there. But please remember that WDW is going nowhere and will still be there next year. Especially now, on your 1ST TRIP EVER, be very conscience of everything. Slow down and videotape when you walk thru the turnstiles and when your kids look down Main Street at the castle. Really take time and you'll see it even lasts longer that way. Time flies when your running!

 

[mbb]

...... but I'll never forget sitting with my son on a warm morning as the sun came up. .....

.....While running from place to place, you might miss beautiful ivy ladies or incredible women with precious advice for you. .....

...... Instead, grab the hand of those you love and enjoy each step. ....

I hope you've had a Disney Day...you've made mine

 

[twotommygirl]

mbb - I'm glad

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I have so much enjoyed your reports, your closing sentences made me teary eyed. Stop by on the Community Boards; we can use your wisdom. Its alot of fun over there and a nice place to post when your are not currently planning your next Disney trip. It was nice talking with you. Leah.

 

[twotommygirl]

Thanks again Leah. I do pop in on the Community boards once in a while, but like most I don't post. I'll be sure to next time.

 

[MazdaUK]

Don't post! I can't resist putting in my oar