My Journal to Me - Comments welcome!

[CACruisin']

I'm feeling somewhat better, not 100%, but at least I don't feel like I've been run over by a truck anymore. Saturday was DD10's 1st soccer game and they won 3-0! This was great since last season their best game was a 0-0 tie . A lot has to do with the age divisions. There is a really big difference between the girls that have just turned 10 and those that are already 12. So much growing takes place those years. Last year the team was on the young side. This year, they are the "big kids" (DD10 being one of the two youngest on the team.) Today was soccer picture day. OK, can someone tell me why every year they play the first game of the season the day BEFORE picture day? In the past the team colors were red & black. This year: white jerseys w/ red shorts. Looks really cute, but not going to be so "white" pretty soon - more grass stain green mixed w/ ball dirt?

Spent time w/ DH coordinating calendars: on x date do you want to take DD12 to swim meet or DD10 to soccer game? Can you take DD3 to preschool on x date? when are you going to actually be in town? etc. 3 school calendars, swim calendar, soccer calendar, youth group calendar, vacations/travel, PTA crap. Man, my kids lives are too complicated - and I really thought we weren't "overscheduling" them?

Saturday:
b- 2 eggs, 2 slices ham, 1/2 english muffin, 3/4c grapefruit sections, 12oz skim milk
l - burrito w/ 1/3c beans, 3oz steak, 1/4 cheddar, tomatoes, black olives
s - 1/2c FF cottage cheese, 3/4c fresh pineapple
d - salad: 4c lettuce, 1/2c grape tomatoes, black olives, cilantro dressing, 2 slices sourdough, 14oz skim milk
s - 1c moose munch (it was family movie night!)
86 oz water

Sunday:
b- 3 pancakes, 1/4c blueberries, 2T blueberry syrup, 3 slices bacon, 12oz skim milk
l- Church Picnic: chicken breast, 1T BBQ sauce, 1/4c broccoli salad, 1/4c pasta salad, 1/2c tomatoes & cucumber salad, 1 smore cookie thing (good!)
ETA: actual dinner
d - /2 ham sandwich on wholewheat, 9 grape tomatoes, 3/4c fresh pineapple, 1.5c watermelon, 1/4c blueberries, 12oz skim milk
80 oz

Anna
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amy - definitely lots of fake smile. "Dance moms" can be trying under the best of circumstances . Thanks for declaring me back on track. I feel pretty good. I am behind on my exercise challenge, but I will work hard to make up the time!

Tracey - I am feeling much better, thanks. I'm sure I'll get over the "lost" feeling soon...

CJK - That exercise challenge really does get me going when I might not otherwise.

 

[lovinaz]

I know what you mean about busy kids. I always said I'd only have my kids in 1 activity at a time. Right now DD is in tap, ballet and soccer. So much for that theory. Thank heaven DS decided he does not want to play soccer anymore - I did that 2 years in a row and it was TOUGH! I can't imagine having 3 kids, at least you have a big gap between the oldest 2 and the youngest. DD's soccer uniform last year was lavender and black, this year it is flourescent coral and maroon. They always have black shorts, which is nice.

Your food looks great and I know you will catch up on your exercise minutes. Do you have any workout DVDs that you can do at home?

I know what you mean about dance moms. I don't even hang around the studio anymore, I take my book to Dairy Queen and read!

 

[CACruisin']

So I need some help from my WISH friends! Long story short, I transferred an existing cruise reservation to our March vacation to WDW/4 day DCL cruise while waiting for the rumored Med cruises to come true. Then I transferred a second existing cruise reservation to the make the May repo cruise (Don't ask why I had two existing cruises booked - we went a little crazy on our first DCL cruise, I think, and booked several trips while onboard! ) The intent was to cancel the March trip and transfer the deposit $$ to the May trip, but I just hadn't gotten around to it. Well, DH has confirmed that he has a major conference the second week of the May repo cruise and as much as I REALLY, REALLY want to go on the cruise, it just wouldn't be the same without him. So, now instead of cancelling the March trip, I will be cancelling the May trip.

So maybe that wasn't so short, but here is my dilemma. I am 185 days away from the March trip and I haven't even begun to think about dining ressies, etc.!!! DH and I have been to WDW once in 1991 for our first anniversary and loved it. We will again be staying at the Beach Club as a couple (no kids!!) for this trip. We have wednesday evening, +3 park days, and Sunday morning before we go on our 4 day cruise. We know we want to eat at the Mexican place at Epcot on Saturday night (our anniversary ), beyond that I have no idea!!

Help! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CJK]

I'm glad to hear you're feeling a bit better now. Congrats to dd for her win! I hope you were able to get some resting in there!

Your March trip is coming up!! What great motivation to keep going in your healthy lifestyle! I LOVE the Beach Club! Having the anticipation of that relaxation and fun will help you get through all of your crazy scheduling situations right now! Will you be on the dining plan when you're in WDW? Also, what are some of your tastes when it comes to food? Do you both like trying new things (ie. African dishes, curries, at Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge) or do you prefer more traditional fare (ie. meat & potatoes at Le Cellier in Canadian pavillion in Epcot). Do you like buffets? Let us know a bit more about what your likes/dislikes are and I'll give you a few suggestions.
Planning can be so much fun! I haven't a clue what I'm going to do with myself once our trip is over!

Hope you have a great week!

 

[CACruisin']

All good questions CJK! These are the things I have not even begun to think about since I didn't really think we were taking the March trip.

No, not on the dining plan. We have a Land & Sea Package. Yes, we like to try different things. DH loves curries! Buffets are good for trying out different things but dangerous for overeating . We are not thinking about any character meals since we don't have the kids with us. Wednesday night and Sunday morning we thought we would eat at one of the resorts or downtown Disney. I have read about Beaches and Cream (I'm doing the DIS crash course on dining! ). Is it really "out of this world?" Boma looks very interesting. Is it really good? Is the Fantasia dining thing a good idea or no? So many interesting places, so little time...

Thanks guys for any input!

 

[lovinaz]

What a bummer you can't go on the repo! I'll go with you instead of your DH!!!

We are planning a 7-nt WDW trip for next Christmas break. It will be a surprise for the kids. We are not going to do the dining plan (it's just too much food and we would never eat that much!). So I don't have any advice for you, but can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

 

[CJK]

If you and dh like curry and trying exotic dishes, Boma may be just the thing! Yes it's a buffet, but it's also a great way to experiment a bit. We loved it so much, that we're going back! It's our first restaurant on our upcoming trip and my goal is have little samples of things and if I really like something, I'll go back. Jiko is the signature restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's also very good (I had a curry shrimp dish that was fantastic!), but it is definitely pricier.

Beaches & Cream is fun! Note that you cannot make reservations there however. It's first come, first serve. It's VERY small, so it can be difficult getting a table. When dh and I go, we go for a late lunch/early dinner at around 3pm so the wait isn't too bad. I've heard people say how great the burgers are, but for me, it's all about the desserts! What dh and I do, is share a burger w/onion rings or fries (they split it so you get separate plates), and then we each get a sundae for dessert. It's definitely a fun place, but I wouldn't say the food is spectacular.

You'll get conflicting views about the Fantasmic dinner packages. With the package, you get to sit in a specially designated part of the theatre which is to the far right, and you only have to arrive at least a half hour early (rather than an hour early that they recommend for the general public). If you want better seats, then maybe you'd be better off eating a la carte instead. I personally have not eaten at Brown Derby or Mama Melrose (both participate in the Fantasmic Dinner Package), but I have eaten at the buffet Hollywood & Vine. We had a lousy experience with the food there so I couldn't recommend it. I can't say anything about the first two however. I think that you have to choose from a limited menu with the package, but you'd have to verify that to be sure.

As for other suggestions, I've been reading really great things about Wolfgang Puck Cafe (at Downtown Disney) and Kona Cafe (Polynesian Resort). I haven't tried either, but we're dining at both in a couple weeks due to the rave reviews I've read. My dh LOVES Le Cellier and the filet mignon. They have a maple creme brulee for dessert which is terrific too.

I'm sooooo hungry now! I hope this gives you some ideas. Let me know if you have anymore questions!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Anna...

We love the Beach Club! We stayed their last year by renting points and it quickly became our favorite Disney resort. There are so many wonderful places to eat around the Beach Club! You could try Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club, Spoodles, or any of the restaurants in World Showcase. I love the fact that Epcot is walking distance from the Beach Club....

When we were at WDW last year, Beaches and Cream was closed for part of our trip, but we were able to get a Kitchen Sink at the Yacht Club. It was delicious! We had 11 people there to eat it with us and it was yummy! I've heard good things about Beaches and Cream. You may want to check it out!

If you like seafood, there is always the buffet at Cape May in the Beach Club. We are thinking about trying that or the Yachtsman in December.

As for DTD, the Rainforest Cafe usually has good food, but it can be quite noisy at times. Cap-N-Jacks has good seafood, but the service can be a hit or miss.

You asked about Boma.... I've never eaten there personally, but I have clients that ate there a few weeks ago and it was a highlight of their trip! (Besides getting a free room upgrade and a free upgrade to 1st class on their flight home. )

At Epcot, we enjoy eating at Alfredo's (service can be so-so), Biergarten (food is delicious, but we always get filled up fast!), Le Cellier, and San Angel. There are so many choices at WS...

Isn't it fun to decide what restaurants you want to eat at? it's one of my favorite things to plan!

Have a great day!

 

[Jane E.]

What a great Disney Trip!! You'll have a great time with your husband. I've never stayed at the Beach Club but did stay at BWI and loved it. JellyRolls is a blast. Dh and I try to go everytime we stay somewhere in that area. They have dualing pianos. They only have drinks - no food at all so if you go be sure you eat before.

I liked eating at the full service restaurant in Morrocco. They have music and a dancer. The best view at Epcot can be seen from the casual second floor lounge in Japan at Epcot. It overlooks the whole park. We usually go there just to have a drink & relax. I agree with CJK about Boma at AKL. Its one of dh's favorite restaurants at Disney. Have you seen LaNouba? Its expensive but a great show. We love going to Downtown Disney. Thats where we did our drink/appetizer shuffle on Saturday. Have fun planning!

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

Hi Anna,

I can sympathize on the busy kid syndrome!!! One of these days it will slow down. When they're old enough to drive themselves, less running for you but more worrying!

The soccer uniforms - my older DD's team years ago were green shirts and WHITE shorts!! what moron decided on that??!! Needless to say, they didn't stay white very long. Not to mention, when little girls wear cute bright pink or purple underwear, you can see it right through!!

You're doing great, and wow, sounds like a fun trip to plan! My favorite restaurant I think is California Grill, it was romantic, good food, although very pricey, and you get a great view. If the timing is right you can see the fireworks over the castle. Unfortunately for us, we had a seat right by the window, and at exactly the right time of night, but there was an awful thunderstorm that night so they cancelled the fireworks!

We've also eaten at Flying Fish on the Boardwalk, it was good, but again, pretty $$$$. I second Jane's suggestion about Morocco, that's an adventure with different foods, and the belly dancing is fun also!

Have a great week!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Anna, just got caught up with you. I can totally see how you went crazy booking cruises on your DCL trip! I was itching to book another one or two or three but held off! Sounds like you are keeping busy and adjusting to having your littlest one at pre school. It all goes so quick! And dance moms can be in a league all their own! Don't miss that one bit since dd quit dance last January!

As for food at WDW, I love San Angle Inn at Epcot. So I think thats a good choice. Since Mexican food in the US varies so much some people think its too weird but we love it for the atmosphere if nothing else. Le Cellier is great for steak. We also love the Coral Reef, the food is good but eating in that aquarium is really nice. But maybe you can do that at home in CA a lot so that might not be too special? We enjoyed Boma but its a noisy buffet. If I was going with just my husband I would spring for Jiko at AK to get the African theme/food in a more upscale setting. California Grill was okay, my kids were whining so much to go to Chef Mickey's instead it sort of ruined it. But again, if I was kidless, I would probably have loved that one way more. I loved Marrakesh in Morroco, I would go there again in a heartbeat. At MGM, the Brown Derby is very nice and upscale. Have you checked out the menus on www.allearsnet.com They have menus and prices for every single restaurant. The restaurants board here on the dis is great as is the Unofficial Guide. And for what my opinion is worth I do not like the Fantasmic Dining pkg. For one thing if the show is rained out you are just out of luck. And I have been to Fantasmic even during Christmas week when its nuts, always gotten a good seat no problem. If there are two shows, go to the later one, its always less crowded. If the pkg. got you the best seats that would be different but since it doesn't that just sort of irritates me. And I hate reserveing anything with a credit card because if I have to cancel it can get hairy. But again, many experts always recomend the dining package, I just found the one time we did it it wasn't worth the trouble. I think the most important thing to remember with WDW restaurants is that they are frequently more about the experience than the food and that no matter what you are often eating in a theme park and there are just limits. But I still think the dining is exceptional but then again we don't have gourmet tastes! Good luck with your planning, thats half the fun!

 

[CACruisin']

WI today was 168.5, but I forgot to WI until after I ate an apple and drank 20oz of water. Most of last week I was 167. I would like to be at 164 by the end of the month. This would keep me on track for my "43 by 43" and also that was my weight this time 4 years ago when DD#3 first "came to be".

No cheating on food today and I drank 112oz of water. I did another beach walk with the jogger stroller today, but only for 25 minutes. The tide was in and I ran out of "beach". The waves were coming up to the bluffs in places and I didn't want to get trapped. Today and tomorrow are the last ocean swim's for DD's swim team. The waves were huge today and only about half the team even attempted the buoy distance. The coach turned them around too at the half way point. Normally we have a south current, but today there was a really strong north current. Weird.

Food:
7a - apple (ate this instead of snacking while makind DD's lunches)
9a - 1c frosted miniwheats, 12oz skim milk
12p - taco salad: 3c lettuce, 1/2c taco meat, 1/4c cheddar, 1/2c tomato, black olives, 2T salsa
3p - apple, 1 serving PB pretzels
6p - 1c split pea soup w/ 1/4c chopped ham, 1c lettuce w/ 4 grape tomatoes, 1T Cilantro dressing, 14oz skim milk
5 f/v
112oz water
25 minute beach walk w/ jogger stroller

Anna
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks everyone for the great insight into the wonderful world of WDW dining. I really value the opinions of people I "know" It sounds like we would really like Boma or Jiko. It also sounds like table service at Morocco is a "must do". I would like to figure out how to fit in Le Cellier or California Grill too. Sounds like we don't need to do the Fantasmic (sp?) dining package. I am glad that others like San Angel Inn. It is a sentimental favorite from our first trip. I remember loving the ambience, but I don't honestly remember the food. Great tips on Beaches & Cream too. So many great places, so few days!

Amy: This studio requires you to stay onsite for the 3-4 year old class. I tried reading a book, but it didn't work. I might try DH's iPod though DD#1 & DD#2 did dance when I was pregnant with DD#3. I spent a lot of time hanging out at Starbucks that year. Neither DD is particularly cordinated (4 left feet between them )so we didn't continue with dance thankfully. DD#3 on the other hand, hears music and HAS to dance: in church, in the elevator, you name it ... as for workout DVD's ... DD#1 & 2 come by their left feet honestly ...

CJK: I can't wait to hear about your trip in just 2 short weeks. I will want all the details when you get back.

Tracy: We love walking to Epcot from Beach Club too. We thought about stay at Poly this trip, but decided we really loved Beach Club's location.

Jane: Great tips on JellyRolls & the lounge at Japan. I was taking notes while reading about your drink/appetizer shuffle last weekend. I would love to see LaNouba, but since this trip is so short I don't think we will make it this time. Cirque du Soleil is awesome! We have seen a number of their other shows. Our favorite is "O" in Las Vegas. It is unlike anything else I have ever seen.

Kate: white shorts . Bummer about the thunderstorm.

Amy: Good advice on the Fantasmic show. Yes, I have been looking at the menus on www.allearsnet.com. Everything sounds so yummy! I agree with you about the atmosphere/experience being important.

 

[CJK]

It sounds like you had a very successful day yesterday from your food, your water, to your exercise! I bet that slight increase in weight is the water you had to drink. When I weigh myself, I'm one of those crazy types who even takes off my wedding ring for fear of that little ring making the difference!

Jellyrolls is one of my favourite things to do in WDW. The smoke can get pretty bad in there so I rarely make it for an entire evening, but a couple hours of toe tappin' and even a little dancin', followed by a walk along the boardwalk. Sounds romantic to me!

 

[lovinaz]

My DD absolutely loves dance. She can't walk a straight line and is always falling and has bruises all over, but she is dead-on solid in ballet. It is really bizarre!

How exciting planning your trip. I have to wait for so long. I really wanted to go this year, but I think I need to get a grip with reality and spend some money on something besides travel for a while...

Your eating looks great, way to go getting the walk in even if it was cut short. Every little bit counts! I think you can get to your goal by the end of the month, you are doing great!

 

[traceycooper]

OOhh WDW dining my fav subject
another vote hear for Boma, loved it & its the first place we are going to when we return
Looked a Morroca but not eated there, very nice theme
We are trying San Angel Inn this upcoming trip for my dads b/day
we are also trying b/fast at crystal palace, just so we can walk up main street before it opens to the public (b/fast at 8am)
Trying CG too this time! & fantasmic dinner package, did that a few years ago at brown derby very expensive not that great, so last time we didnt do the package & ended up in the standing only area at the very back for fantasmic!!!
So we've booked dinner package at hollywood & vine this time!!
50's prime time at mgm is fun & sci fi diner
& whispering canyon cafe at wilderness lodge is brill
also done 1900 park fayre at GF. oh & i really liked planet hollywood ar DTD!

congratulations to DD for her soccer win
Off to dream about food now!!!!

 

[Jane E.]

Way to go with getting in that beach workout. A stroller in the sand sure sounds like a tough workout to me. Your daughter is brave swimming in the Pacific. Those waves get huge!

We loved "O" too. We specifically went to Vegas for our 25th wedding anniversary because we wanted to see that show. Ds wants to see the newest Cirque with the Beatles music. I won't go until they schedule another straight thru flight. I've also heard that Mystere (?) is very good.

Have fun planning your upcoming Disney trip. Its nice that its just for the two of you.

 

[toystoryduo]

Way to go getting your exercise in Anna! You are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!

Enjoy your planning for your WDW trip! Your restaurant choices are good ones!

Have a great Thursday!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Really good job with the food and exercise. Our fortysomething by fortysomething goal is weighing heavy on my mind! But I know we can do it! I envy your beach walks I must say. Keep up the good work!

 

[CACruisin']

Two busy, but good, days. On Tuesday I went for a 2 hour beach walk after I dropped DD3 off at preschool. I needed the exercise and walking at the beach is so calming for me. It really helped improve my mood. The only thing is I have to remember to check the tide calendar! Where I walk it is beach and big bluffs. Apparently at high tide, there is little to NO beach left. In a couple of places on the way back I had to time the waves in order to get past the bluff and it was still three hours before high tide .... While the older DD's were doing another ocean swim I managed to get in another 20 minute beach walk with the jogger stroller.

Today, DD3 and I went to the SD zoo for 4 hours. She has a book she loves about zoo animals going home on a "magic train." So we took the book and went to see all the animals in order: polar bear, tiger, monkey, elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra, panda, kangaroo, koala, and "billy" and "benny" bear (the train conductor & engineer!) It was fun, but I did spend a lot of time going back and forth across the zoo. I think I went up and down bear canyon 4 times. It was a really good workout and I think the backs of my legs will be sore in the morning. I am counting 140 minutes of power walking in our 4 hour zoo adventure! I didn't walk today during DD's ocean swim. I was already getting a little sore at that point, so DD3 & I just built sand castles.

I've eaten well, but honestly don't remember exactly what I had at this point. I need to keep a notebook with me, I think, since I can't put it directly into fitday at every meal anymore (too much running around).

I drank 80 oz of water yesterday and 79 oz today.

The new pool has finally passed all inspections so today was the last ocean swim for DD's and the last afternoon beach walk for me. Tomorrow they will be in the new pool and with the new practice schedule. I'll have to figure out a new walk routine.

Anna
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CJK - Hadn't thought about taking my rings off. I always take my watch and everthing else off though

Amy - 2006 is our "low key" vacation year in between our DCL cruise in 2005 and what was supposed to be our repo cruise, now March trip, in 2007. I am starting to get excited about our March trip now.

Tracey - I think we ate at 50's prime time last time. I'd like to try lunch at the sci-fi place this time, if I can. I can't wait to hear all about your October trip when you get back! That is going to be so nice!

Jane - the jogger stroller has big bicycle tires on it and I walk at the water line where the sand is packed so it is really not bad. The girls are brave to swim in the waves and with the "creatures". I know I couldn't do it! The new Beatles one does look great. DH's May conference (that is killing my repo trip!) is in LV, so I am thinking I might try and get away and join him for a couple of days and see if we can't see that show. Mystere was the 2nd or 3rd show we saw. I really liked it, but don't remember that much. We had tickets to the late show, and I was definitely sleepy.

Tracy - Thanks for the encouragement. I will want all the details after you get back from your December trip!

Amy - The beach walks are really nice. I am really glad you started the forty something idea. I hope it will keep me on good behavior through the holidays, particularly. You can use it to get back on track after your wonderful cruise. I know you can do it!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Anna, way to go with that exercise. I miss being able to take my toddler aged kids to the zoo like that! They grow up so fast. In any case between the zoo and the beach, what a nice and fun way to get in some awesome exercise minutes! I know we can do our 42/43 pounds together. I have been so discouraged lately about my weight loss efforts, it helps to have a friend to set goals with and then make those goals! Hope today is a good one for you, keep it up!