Like...They are Going with STRANGERS?!?! Sayonara Part 1- Join Us on the new thread!

[All7OfUs]

I guess I left that part out. Not on purpose, just didn't think to add it.

Here's the scoop....

In April, 2001, our family of 6, packed up and left the States, to move to Blank-a-Stan, so that we could work in community development. Basically, we provide assistance to very small villages that have NO running water in the form of small projects. It always means that DH writes grants. But each water project is different, depending on the needs of the village. One time we donated a water truck to deliver water to families. Another time, we replaced piping to the street taps, and in the same village we also re-furbed their village deep well. Right now, they are in the middle of providing water systems to about 12 area schools, giving them water heaters, sinks, cisterns, and a septic field.

Anyway, that's what we do, mostly. Of course we are involved in other areas too, but hey, this is the internet. You can PM, and I'd be happy to elaborate.

So, this trip is like a small bonus, because normally, we only come back every 3 years. Our "vacations" are usually to closer places like Thailand or Dubai.
I'm only returning to the States "to get my son situated into university"- at least that's the line I used to talk my husband into letting go.

So, there you have it. My life on the Central Asian Steppe.

 

[TarzansKat]

Wow. I'm amazed by what you do. And maybe to you, because you've been doing it, it seems totally normal, but to me, it's amazing. I can totally understand how you must feel, wanting a little break and coming to Disney. With strangers.

Soldiers of fortune, you might say.

By the way, hi! I'll try to keep up now.

 

[maroo]

Wow. I'm amazed by what you do. And maybe to you, because you've been doing it, it seems totally normal, but to me, it's amazing. I can totally understand how you must feel, wanting a little break and coming to Disney. With strangers.

Soldiers of fortune, you might say.

By the way, hi! I'll try to keep up now.

TK!

I am so glad you joined us!



Even after talking to Leisa for months, it is hard to imagine life there! Some of the stories I read on her blog and the things she thinks are "normal" (ask her to tell you about the rockets some time...) are just amazing.

She talked to Lauren on the phone about a month ago and Lauren still asks about "that friend who lives in the wierd place"... She can't pronounce it!

Anyway...I am glad you have joined us!



** Also...I will be on a mission trip with Lauren for the next week (going to Chicago inner-city). We leave Saturday and don't return till the following Saturday. So...for the first time since October, I will be taking a mini break from the DIS. I don't know how much internet I will be able to use and we will be so busy that I don't anticipate posting much. Anyway...I have people that actually PM me when I am awol for a day or so, so I figured I would let you guys know.

 

[ThePreachersWife]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments on my latest happenings. I am now officially the newest member of the Beaverton School Board. It has been a long process and it feels good to have it behind me. My duties don't begin until July so I have some new found time!

Let me introduce myself.....I am a mom of 5 kids and a wife to one man. Two of my kids are in college and three are still under my roof. I work part time for a corporate housing company and do all the billing, inside sales and other things that no one else can do! I really like it but my favorite thing is to be a mom.

I am new at this sort of thing so I may be a silent observer. I have never been to DW and have only been to DL three times in my life but I am so excited that I going to be a part of this magnificent trip.

So there you have it. Let the fun begin !

 

[maroo]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments on my latest happenings. I am now officially the newest member of the Beaverton School Board. It has been a long process and it feels good to have it behind me. My duties don't begin until July so I have some new found time!

Let me introduce myself.....I am a mom of 5 kids and a wife to one man. Two of my kids are in college and three are still under my roof. I work part time for a corporate housing company and do all the billing, inside sales and other things that no one else can do! I really like it but my favorite thing is to be a mom.

I am new at this sort of thing so I may be a silent observer. I have never been to DW and have only been to DL three times in my life but I am so excited that I going to be a part of this magnificent trip.

So there you have it. Let the fun begin !

LeeAnn!!!!!!! (Is that how I spell your name? All one word?)

It is so nice to meet you!

Thanks for joining us on here! I knew it was you when I saw your user name! NICE!

I am heading out of town tomorrow...so I will be away from the fun for a little while!

But !!!

We are so glad to have you joining in on here!

 

[All7OfUs]

Military generals and analysts, even during Peace time, are constantly evaluating their options for any given enemy or territory, are they not?? They take stock of their weapons, engage in hypothetical battles without ceasing, and scrutinize the lay of the territory with the latest equipment and up-to-date technology.

Would any serious soldier about to conquer such an uncommonly vast and immeasurable territory such as Disney World NOT do the same?? No one likes a long hard slog of a war with many casualties. I can't think of too many folks who WANT to go to the World without some sort of battle plan, so as not to be wounded while on duty. I don't mean broken bones, but worse tragedies, like waiting longer than 20 minutes in ANY line, showing up to a park without an idea of where to find rations quickly, and wasting an inordinate amount of time wandering around and arguing with your comrades as to the best plan of attack! These would far too easily present the chance of battlefield chaos and possibly even defeat!

No way, fellow compatriots, these lady soldiers are going in prepared! Our reward of a week of luxurious fun is almost guaranteed, since no stone will be unturned, no resource undiscovered, and no plan not analyzed fully.

So, what kinds of planning ammunition is available to the serious-minded WDW vacationer?? Let's start with the books that have been my constant companions for many weeks now. Each one has yieded numerous hours of entertainment, and I dare say, a vast and invaluable, treasure trove of tactical planning material!

With this handy-dandy little collection of books, failure is not an option.

I am so happy with this one! It is full of everything from where to eat to how to navigate the transportation options.



This is one I am REALLY looking forward to using in the parks and around the rest of the property, but since I'm such an uber geek, I mean super soldier, I am studying up on it now.



These are good to, and I've learned a lot, but for planning, I'd say they weren't so super helpful. I'm sure they will bring back lots of useless trivia to mind when I'm there, but for now, I'm finding they are just good old bathroom type genre.



The last group is my favorite by far! I LOVE these little books, as they give the backstory to each park, and even each "land" within the parks. They bring the big picture of what the Imagineers were thinking during design and construction, and have given me a whole new appreciation for the care and depth to which they built the parks. These, in my opinion, are must-buys! And, by the way, the DHS one came out not too long ago, and I just ordered mine.



Now, after all that reading and thinking and planning, what does any good student of tactical options do?? She writes them down, of course!! But where?? Okay, I admit it, I'm a goober, and too obsessed, so I made something. Besides, I wanted to play with my new toy. So, here it is the: take it with me to the bathtub, write all options down, pages and pages filled with numbers, and super- secret (still) plans for dining and touring- Master Planning Book. It's small enough to tuck in my bag and take to the parks, and best of all cheap. Cut up computer paper, 1 nice sheet of double sided cardstock from the scrapbook store (sent by my sweetest of Moms) and a wire binding. Easy as pie!



I'm afraid the contents are still classified though until we get our ressie made. Until then, you'll have to be content with other things we are doing to pass the time until our victory is secured.

Well, until next time, happy reading.

 

[KathyRN137]

And, by the way, the DHS one came out not too long ago, and I just ordered mine.

I really enjoy these books, too!

I'll have to pick up the DHS so my colletion will be complete!

No PassPorter?? I love that one!!


Kathy

 

[jenb1023]

I can't remember if I have posted on this thread yet or not. But just in case I haven't, I am a Maroo TR follower that of course had to subscribe to this TR as well. I have enjoyed it so far and am looking forward to the planning unfolding. Congrats to LeeAnne on the election and Liesa I can't imagine juggling that many kids along with life in XXXXstan - to you!

No PassPorter?? I love that one!!
Kathy

Besides saying hello, the other reason I wanted to post was to recommend the PassPorter. I love it too! It is perfect to take to the parks, put in reservations and plans and to take notes at the end of the day for future TRing (or scrapbooking in my case).

 

[All7OfUs]

No PassPorter?? I love that one!!


Kathy

Okay, I will definitely check that one out.

Besides saying hello, the other reason I wanted to post was to recommend the PassPorter. I love it too! It is perfect to take to the parks, put in reservations and plans and to take notes at the end of the day for future TRing (or scrapbooking in my case).

Hiya! So glad to have another fellow scrapbooker along for the ride.

I see a pattern emerging here about the Passporter... I guess I'll have to seriously consider that one. But I want to ask maroo- I vaguely remember her saying she already had one. If so, I want to look at hers. Not sure how I'll do that, though! HA!

 

[mncherokee]

I think I finally caught up!

Yes, I am the lone person who rented a car. I like to be able to get around without waiting for transportation (probably from living in MN where we really don't have public transportation to speak of!)

CONGRATULATIONS LEANN! I have been thinking about your election.

 

[All7OfUs]

I think I finally caught up!

Yes, I am the lone person who rented a car. I like to be able to get around without waiting for transportation (probably from living in MN where we really don't have public transportation to speak of!)

CONGRATULATIONS LEANN! I have been thinking about your election.

Hi There Again!

Well, I voted too, myself,but I went with upgrade resort, just cuz I'm a gal who likes variety. HOWEVER! Renting a car was a VERY close 2nd. Without giving too much info away too fast, I figured we could just use DTrans. and suck it up. But, I also know that by having a car on our last trip, we saved probably what would have amounted to about 3 or more hours of wait time. One time my sis took the bus, and I the car, to EPCOT from The Fort, and she got there at least an hour after me! So, that's why I posted this poll. By the way, we didn't have PH's and were just fine, we never had that urge telling us we should be somewhere else. But, it might be fun to try hopping to hit an extra EPCOT meal or something ? So, don't feel bad!! If I were going with kids and we didn't have the $$ to upgrade, the rental car would have been FIRST on my list

 

[TarzansKat]

First off, WOO HOO for the arrival of the third soldier!!!

And boy, do I love all those books. I've often thought of a trip where I get one of those Hidden Mickey books, and all I do, the whole trip is just look for them. So much fun!

 

[MinnieNurse]

Hello, followed you over from KathyRN's report. I am all caught up and loving your report. Cant wait to hear all the details.

 

[All7OfUs]

And boy, do I love all those books. I've often thought of a trip where I get one of those Hidden Mickey books, and all I do, the whole trip is just look for them. So much fun!

Hey TarzansKat!

Wouldn't that be a totally DIFFERENT kind of trip??! One just to slow down, and one that would force you to stop and see the small things and litte hidden things (no pun intended!) all around you tucked away in the parks and resorts. I'm for sure taking this book and finding as many as maroo and ThePreachersWife will let me. My kids and I LOVED looking for, and finding, a bunch of them last trip!

Hello, followed you over from KathyRN's report. I am all caught up and loving your report. Cant wait to hear all the details.

Welcome, MinnieNurse! It's so great to have you with us! The more the merrier, we say, and lots of opinions will certainly help keep us on the planning track!

I hope maroo will chime in as soon as she gets back from her trip to Chicag-y. (I love the way Doris Day says that in Calamity Jane!)

 

[TarzansKat]

Hey TarzansKat!

Wouldn't that be a totally DIFFERENT kind of trip??! One just to slow down, and one that would force you to stop and see the small things and litte hidden things (no pun intended!) all around you tucked away in the parks and resorts. I'm for sure taking this book and finding as many as maroo and ThePreachersWife will let me. My kids and I LOVED looking for, and finding, a bunch of them last trip!

That would be totally awesome. I get a little taste of that when my son naps on our vacations. Usually I need to do a little power-walking with him in the stroller, but once he's konked out, I can slow down, take my time and check things out. Last year, DH and I just spent some time watching the glass blower on Main Street in the MK, and I loved looking at all the props that themed that area. It was too cool!

 

[maroo]

I wish I could update the title to show this update...

I have talked to Leisa and she has had a tragedy in her family. Her Grandma died on Tuesday. The circumstances are under investigation, but it looks like she may have ended her own life.

Since Leisa is overseas, this is especially difficult because she can't be with her family right now.

Anyway...your prayers would be greatly appreciated for her family!

 

[eyor44]

I wish I could update the title to show this update...

I have talked to Leisa and she has had a tragedy in her family. Her Grandma died on Tuesday. The circumstances are under investiation, but it looks like she may have ended her own life.

Since Leisa is overseas, this is especially difficult because she can't be with her family right now.

Anyway...your prayers would be greatly appreciated for her family!

I am very sorry to hear this. Yes, definitly, prayers will be said for the family.

 

[KathyRN137]

You're in my prayers, Liesa.

Maroo, thank you for keeping us informed.


Kathy

 

[TarzansKat]

I am so sorry to hear that. Everyone will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[maroo]

The FREEDOM Chapter from Soldier #2:

My fellow soldier posted a great introduction to her life in ______stan and explained why she really needs this vacation to gain some FREEDOM from her day-to-day world.

And I contemplated her chapter...

Because I need to write one, too. What am I seeking FREEDOM from? Why do I need a vacation?

And honestly...I had a very hard time coming up with reasons I need FREEDOM.



I am single and in my mid-30's. Some people tend to feel sorry about that..."Don't you wish you were married?" "Are you dating anyone YET?" etc... But honestly...I already have FREEDOM! Every day I enjoy my FREEDOM.


I live, work and play. I have many blessings in my life...


Here is one of my blessings...Muffin. My precious yorkie....child...I know, she is a dog...

But how can anyone resist these eyes?

I live: In a condo. I own it and it is small, so my payments are low (no rent) and someone else takes care of my flowers! (Which is nice, because they would be dead if I took care of them!)

And I have the COOLEST pool...

Do you see it?

Yes, I have a Mickey Mouse pool. Well, not exactly. It takes some creativity to come up with Mickey ears. But it is a bunch of circles and all of the kids call it the "Mickey Mouse" pool, which works for me!


And I work: I have three jobs. At my main job, I have an office with a view. I love my job! I am truly glad to go to work. I work 4 days a week.

My second job is taking care of Lauren.

It still amazes me that I actually get paid to help her. It isn't much and I would do it for free!

This was a pic from our recent trip to Chicago. Lauren's Mom, Lisa, is on my right. And yes, Lauren is wearing a jacket backwards. It is so much easier for her to wear it that way! Crazy, I know. Someone needs to invent a jacket that she can put on backwards and have it look normal!

I don't have any pictures of my third job...but I do a little consulting here and there auditing clinics and doing training on compliance for medical billing.


And I play!

I love to swim and ride my bike! Here is a pic from the last triathlon I did. Don't be impressed, it was completely for fun! I didn't break any records. Well, I might have broken a record for the longest triathlon time on record!

And I love my church. Although it is listed last here...it is a major part of my life and I really love it!

This is the sun setting over our church building the other night.

So...what was the point of THIS?

What do I need FREEDOM from?



I have no idea!



It is HOT here in Mississippi. Well, not so much HOT as HUMID! And it does get hot AND humid in the summer. So, by September, I will be glad to be able to head to the World to cool off! Go figure that, right!