MISSION:Implausible

[mickiecake]

Mickie,
you may already know, but you can a diver to hold a sign with a special message at the coral reef in the living seas at epcot. Your boys might enjoy that suprise, if you are ok with sea food that is.

I read a post about that a looong time ago. I need to call and see if they still do it for free, so I guess I need to find the number for Coral Reef!!!

 

[mickiecake]

Coming Up Soon... (sometime late tonight)

The Pitfalls and Perils of Flying Submarines...

 

[DARuss]

Yes they still do it and as far as I know(hope) it is free. I just spoke with them yesterday.

I read a post about that a looong time ago. I need to call and see if they still do it for free, so I guess I need to find the number for Coral Reef!!!

 

[Trentmom]

Mickie Cake,


Where are you at? We need some entertainment please

 

[mickiecake]

I have been on DIS timeout ... DBOD... it's a disease, I tell you! It's pretty darn bad when the KIDS say "GOD MOM!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!"

Hmpf.

So, I have been um, coerced, into taking a wee break from the DIsney Planning. For the last few days I have just been doing a bit o' lurking... but as of today (Thankie, Trentmom!) I am BUSTIN LOOSE from my chains and diving headfirst back into the pool that is Disney!

Well, all was not lost in my absence, I DID get the Christmas tree up and most of the shopping done. Well, as much as I COULD do, anyway.

DH has been out of work for 2 months now <sigh> and can't find a job. He, of course, does construction, and the bottom done slap fell out of the building market here. I dunno bout where YOU live, but here, well, let's just say the crowds INSIDE Home Dumpo (er, Depot) have disappeared while the crowds outside have grown to staggering proportions.

If ye dinna ken what I mean... listen to Carlos Mencia, b/c I won't be touchin it wi' a kilt length of pole, aye? (can you tell I'm reading a historical novel set in Scotland right now?!)

So, we are feeding 5 people on $206 a week from unemplyment, and he is working a day here, a day there. And to top it all of, my dagblasted mixer flipped a gibbet and now sounds like some sort of large mammal dying a painful death. And works about as much as said mammal would, in it's aforementioned state of deathly distress. So, that means no cakes, on top of no housy-buildy.

And I thought we were broke before!! Ah well. If the biz don pick up after Christmas, he is going to get a job at Wally World as an over-qualified greeter or something, making about a third what he usually does. And, upon return from WDW (if we ever return), I will be starting 2 classes at the local tech college. Oh! And ya wanna know the best part?? I lost my wallet yesterday (at least I don't have any credit cards ), and have been under so much stress, that I resigned as President of the PTO today

In my defense, I have worked 25 plus hours per school week for a year and a half now, as a volunteer. I am tired. And stressed about money, and truth be told, a lil depressed (who wouldn't be!!), so I decided to take that (much beloved) monkey off my back, and leave my very capable, well trained Vice President in charge.

I have been thinking about it for a month now, and the Principal and my VP were both informed weeks ago of my possible intentions. So, late last night I sent my resignation letter to all Staff, parents, and PTO Board members via email, and slid quietly into the Office this morning to turn in my files and my "getchya in anywhere" keys to the school. I thought I would avoid a scene doing it early, that no one would have read my email.. but apparently I was WRONG. Judging by the gaggle of teachers and parents that accosted me upon entering the building, and the secretary's dismay at the repeated ringing of the school phone, worried parents asking "Is Mickie OK?? Who's gonna run the PTO now??"

Now, keep in mind, that when I was elected 1.5 years ago, the PTO was a mess. Maybe 5 people attended meetings, and the yearly fundraising totalled about $7,000 annually. In my first year, I increased involvement tthrough an open-door policy and a series of Family Fun Nights (new to the school). Reports from the Office estimated an increase in volunteer hours of about 200%, and we made over $25,000 fundraising. We also started a Safety Patrol, Talent Show, positive behavior incentive program for students, among other things. So, yeah, the LOVE me at good old WES. And I love them, too. But not as much as they love me...

Truth be told, I think the teachers are just worried they won't get their week long Staff Appreciation Celebration.. or their Valentine's Day Chocolate Buffet in the Lounge.. or their duty-free lunch post-Christmas gift.. or the myriad of wonderful suprises my girls and I pulled off last year. And they may not. But they DO have my undying love , (but possibly not much else, since I have washed my hands of the whole kit and kaboodle).

Have I been called "The best PTO President we've ever had". YUP. Do I believe it? Well... maybe a lil bit. But, I must say, despite the initial wails and lament in the Office this morning, as I drove away, my heart felt lighter with each passing mile. I'm FREE!! FREE TO DISNEY TO MY HEARTS CONTENT!

No more having to peel myself away from the DIS to go pass out fundraiser prizes.. no more Family Fun Nights forcing me to put down my UnOfficial Guide and tri-colored highlighters. No more little kids running up to embrace me with chocolate cake coated faces.. no more staff members thrilling to yet another wonderful suprise from the PTO..... no more teachers threatening to hold my children back a grade so I can never leave Waccamaw Elementary.... ... okay... maybe I AM still a little sad. But, as I told my worshipers this morning, I just can't do it anymore. Yes, I tried doing less, cutting down my hours, delegating. But the truth is, I have lost my love for the work. I am burnt out. Exhausted. And planning a Disney vacation.

Contrary to popular belief, I am NOT Superwoman. AWESOMEwoman, maybe..

Able to leap bad attitudes in a single bound....

Stronger than a Kindergartner.....

Excelling at finding COOL stuff at the Dollar Store that looks like it came from
JCPenney... yuh, I can do all that, and more.

BUT even AWESOMEwoman gets stressed out and tired. And darn it, the BOTTOM LINE for me, is that the kids in that school DESERVE someone who cares.. and right now... I just don't care anymore. I have to put my family first, and that is what I'm doing.

DH and my sister are ECSTATIC I resigned. The boys, not so much. They were so proud that their mom was "the PTO lady". Whenever we has a cool event (such as Fear Factor Night, or the Parents vs. Staff Softball Game), they were puffed up like lil banty roosters crowing "THAT'S MY MOM!" But, I hope a happy mommy will soon outshine the allure of PTO Mommy. Clean clothes will be better than wrinkled (though non-smelly) ones from the hamper during FallFest week. That a yummy, well balanced lunch box is better than an Uncrustable, a Capri Sun and a Little Debbie. Well, ok, they may NEVER like that last one, but non PTO Mommy sure does!!

Now, I can wholeheartedly take on the challenge of "The $50 Christmas". This is where that Dollar Store talent comes in REAL handy!!

COMING SOON: (for real this time) the Pitfalls and Perils of Flying Submarines

 

[Trentmom]

Yeah, you are back


And you did not disappoint


Seriously, sounds like you had a weight lifted off your shoulder, althought it did sound like you were a cool PTO President

I am sorry your DH is out of work and hope it picks up after the new Year

Gotta love the dollar store, I know I do...Our dollar store has an entire Disney aisle...

That is funny your kids gave you a DISNEY TIME OUT



Can't wait to read what is next

 

[DL55]

Talk about stress! I'm amazed you still have a sense of humor. If it gets too much just come here for a hug.
It's time for the PTO to stand on its own, but you did give them a great start.

 

[mickiecake]

Did you know that airplanes are flying submarines? Well, don't feel bad, because I myself had no idea, until I was informed by my son, Ashe.

Now, according to my little 130 I.Q. having mad scientist, "I agree to fly, as long as you assure me we will not be in any peril."

Yeah. He's 8.

I am no slouch in the smarts department myself. But still I sometimes end up staring at him with a blank look on my face, then walking away slightly cross-eyed.

This is the kid who asked for an anvil for Christmas.

And hypothesised at 6 years old that black holes were really "shortcuts" astronauts could use to get through space faster.

And now, he's afraid to fly. I asked both he and his brother a couple of weeks ago if they would prefer to fly to Florida, or rent a car and drive down. Rowan immediately voted for flying. Ashe just looked at me for a moment, and said the most terrifying 6 words that my family fears in situations like this..

"Can I get on the computer?"

Internet permission granted, off he went to explore the delightful world of airplane safety. 2 Hours later, up he comes, printout in hand. He is concerned that we might fly over the ocean on the way to Orlando (which we WOULD, hence the printed out flight map he handed me). While he is unconcerned about flying over land (he is in the process of making his own parachute as a result of this issue), he worries that, were we to crash over the ocean,

1. Sharks would be able to eat him
2. The water would make his parachute wet & heavy, making him sink underwater
3. Airplanes look a little like submarines with wings, so they could possibly shoot straight under water upon crashing, straight to the ocean floor with their streamlined design. Not that this would much matter, but he would like to have some debris floating around to sit on while awaiting rescue. To get away from the sharks, of course. And this flying submarine, will apparently sluice into the ocean like an Olympic diver, refusing to yield even the smallest scrap of life-saving fuselage to the trash bag-and-pillowcase-parachute adorned survivors.

Sheesh.

I explained to him that, statistically, (yes, he knows the word) flying is much safer than driving, and the chances of us crashing were slim to none. And since the airport is about 1/4 mile from the ocean, I don't believe we could NOT fly over it. To be followed by my logical explanation that the dead, non-parachute wielding passengers would be the more likely shark fodder, were we to crash. Sated on the poor bodies of those who would NOT be making it to WDW, the sharks would swim away, unaware of the succulant, trash bag parachute clad, potential victims remaining. He seemed satisfied with this, and, parachutes forgotten for the moment, happily resumed his search for teleporter parts.

So I called my fairy grandmother and advised her of the flight numbers we preferred. They were booked within the hour. Our flight TO Orlando leaves on Feb 9th at 6 AM, arriving in Orlando at 9:30 after changing planes in Charlotte, NC. The flight home FROM Orlando departs exactly 2 weeks later, at 3 PM, arriving back in Myrtle Beach at 7:30 PM.



Now, if I can just make him understand that while coating ourselves in absorbant silica gel may SEEM like a good idea, it would NOT make us float in the ocean, nor be allowed on the flight due to it's resemblance to explosives.

 

[DL55]

What a smart boy you have! Unfortunately he's using his brain to scare himself! I was going to suggest there were larger targets for the sharks but you already handled that. Tell him that denim jeans will protect him a little they don't catch fire as quickly as synthetics. (this in response to the silica gel)

 

[coteau_chick]

Sat: Arrival.. either hang out at AKL or check out Epcot
Sun: Epcot
Mon: MK
Tues: MK & P&PP
Wed:AK w/ PM EMH
Thurs:MGM w/ PM EMH
Fri:Free Day
Sat:Check out.. off to Sea World!

I actually LIKE that!! Whaddyou guys think?? Now I just need to call and reschedule ADRs..

I am enjoying you pre trip report. My family is going to be at akl at the same time as your family. We will be there Feb 4-10. We are from Louisiana. Did you know that you will be at disney for mardi gras. This is a short version of our itinary.
Monday arrive go to MK adr Liberty Tree Tavern
Tuesday MK p&p party adr Tonys
Wed typhoon lagoon and disney quest adr planet hollywood
Thurs epcot adr san angel inn
fri MGM adr for lunch Si Fi Dinner
Sat AK adr Wispering Canyon Cafe

PS I will be praying for your husband to get more work.

 

[mickiecake]

What a smart boy you have! Unfortunately he's using his brain to scare himself!

You have no idea. My son is the only 8 year old I know with a full blown case of OCD. Just to update, he has finished his and Rowan's parachutes. Apparently DH & I will be on our own in the shark infested ocean waters.

I am enjoying you pre trip report. My family is going to be at akl at the same time as your family. We will be there Feb 4-10. We are from Louisiana. Did you know that you will be at disney for mardi gras. This is a short version of our itinary.
Monday arrive go to MK adr Liberty Tree Tavern
Tuesday MK p&p party adr Tonys
Wed typhoon lagoon and disney quest adr planet hollywood
Thurs epcot adr san angel inn
fri MGM adr for lunch Si Fi Dinner
Sat AK adr Wispering Canyon Cafe

PS I will be praying for your husband to get more work.

Thanks! I did know that it would be Mardi Gras, I wonder how it will affect the crowds? I think we are going to the P&PP on Tuesday, too!

 

[Trentmom]

Wow...Your son sure is smart......It is amazing reading about what he comes up with.....You must be so proud

 

[Trentmom]

Mickie Cake,


Hope you and your family have a Wonderful Holiday!!!

 

[mickiecake]

I haven't been on for a few days, due to holiday craziness, but I'll be back soon to update everyone on my new (AND FINAL) itinerary and ADRs!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to all my DIS friends!!

 

[Trentmom]

I haven't been on for a few days, due to holiday craziness, but I'll be back soon to update everyone on my new (AND FINAL) itinerary and ADRs!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to all my DIS friends!!

Can't wait for your update...They are always so entertaining

 

[DL55]

Merry Christmas to you mickiecake.

 

[mickiecake]

Well, despite DH's best efforts, he in unable to find a job. Slacker.
If only he got paid for playing World of Warcraft......

The construction market here has pretty much collapsed. We picked up the Sunday paper this week to look for jobs, and there were only 6 listed in the whole dang paper! Not 6 CONSTRUCTION jobs, mind you. 6 JOBS. Usually there are 100 or so. He is on unemployment, and had to go in for a meeting. He said the waiting area was pretty much standing room only. When he went 6 weeks ago to apply, there was just the normal smattering of Jobless Joes.

I am getting kind of nervous about our trip. I know the important stuff is paid for.. but I need to get luggage and new shoes and moleskin and ponchos, fanny packs for the boys, all the little things you need on a vacation like this. I had intended to buy a little at the time. Now I don't know what the heck I'm gonna do. I guess luggage is the biggie. Can't you just picture us showing up at the AKL with black trashbags full of clothes?! "Oh, don't mind them, they're from South Carolina." No towel animals for you, poor lady!

All I can do is cross my fingers and hope we get our taxes back QUICK! My fairy grandmother keeps telling me that the IRS isn't doing quick refunds this year, which freaks me out. Although we get our refund through a RAL (Refund Anticipation Loan), so I don't think we would be affected. AHHHH! I need some pixiedust, ya'll! GREEN pixiedust, at that!!

Honestly, looking forward to this trip is about the only thing I have to get me through the stressful times. We made it through Christmas by the skin of our teeth. I DID get $20 Disney Dollars and a messenger bag (for in the parks) from my sister!! I wuv my seester

Ugh. SO here I sit, 1 month and 2 days to go, with nothing but a messenger bag and 2 Cars water bottles at the ready. Trying to feed 5 people and pay the bills on $206.45 a week. Sheesh. DH has pounded the pavement trying to find a job. I have even gone to places like Wal-Mart and the mall, to no avail. Winter in a beach town. Go figure.

Ah well. At least I get to go to Disney. I keep telling myself that! Chin up, and all that. Thanks for listening to me rant!. Now, I just need to turn on the funny so I can post something HAPPY!

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Like, in 3 minutes!! WOO!

 

[Trentmom]

It is amazing that you can still find humor in the tough situation you are in right now. I hope that god smiles down upon you and your dh and sends a job to both of you fast......


Happy New Year Mickiecake to you and your family!!!!!

 

[mickiecake]

It is amazing that you can still find humor in the tough situation you are in right now.

Thankee, Trentmom. Truthfully, if I didn't have humor, I would probably be curled up in the corner, rocking and drooling.

 

[Trentmom]

Thankee, Trentmom. Truthfully, if I didn't have humor, I would probably be curled up in the corner, rocking and drooling.

Hear ya..

Getting upset if not going to change anyting or help anything, so why bother, right