My rant for today

[2Princes2Princesses]

Okay, I can't help myself and may get flamed...but whatever. I gotta be me.

Sometimes I am nervous about saying or posting something for fear of being attacked one way or another. And it has really had an impact on my mood for the upcoming trip.....a mild deflation, if you will. I DO know I should not let things bug me and believe me, when we hit the FL border, I doubt I will care. But thought I would share my little rant here, since DH gives me a when I rant to him.

We are smokers, stay in a nonsmoking room with the kids, and DO NOT smoke in it. EVER. PERIOD. When we smoke at the bus depots or whatever, we go way over in the corner away from anyone who might be around. If it is too crowded, we just don't.

No ashtray around? No problem. DH "field strips" the butts and has a little baggy in his pocket that they go in, to be disposed of in the proper receptacle. No butts on the ground from us.

We never smoke in the parks except where we are allowed. And never would. Too many kids, too dangerous, someone could get burned. If you are near me and I am smoking...say walking around the resort for example and you say, "excuse me, that is just blowing right at me." I would put it out. In a second.

But if I say I am a smoker on a thread about it, automatically I am a litterer, ruin the hotel rooms, have no respect for others, and don't deserve to share space with other people because I dont care about their health. But I do, which is why I act the way I do.

I breastfed my son last year. Apparently this was some sort of crime. I was discreet and careful...as I explained to DH "No parent should have to explain BFing to their 4-yr-old in the middle of Disney because the kid saw me." I also changed my son on a bench. Changed him, then wiped the bench down with a wipe just in case. I have determined from posts on this board that I should be dragged out and stoned to death for this, as well.

We are polite to the CM's, even if they are not in return. I always say "Kill them with kindness" since nothing makes someone feel ickier than being nice to them when they KNOW they were just nasty to you.

We don't cut in line and will happily let you pass us to catch up with your 2 kids who ran like nutcases past us into the line. They are excited...we know this, so why make everyone cranky.

We don't expect an upgrade, towel animals, or anything special when we go. Yes, this trip cost 1/2 my salary for the year, but nothing "special" is guaranteed. Hence the word "special." But other people feel entitled to "special" and so now the CMs don't do as many special things. That makes me sad.

We do not fudge our kids ages or sneak an extra person in our room. This had me indirectly referred to as a hypocrite. Yes, I tell little white lies and sometimes some real whoppers. But things like that rack me with guilt. Maybe it was the catholic elementary school. I have guilt issues, so I would not be able to sleep or enjoy myself knowing I lied. So I am not a hypocrite...the word you are looking for is NEUROTIC.


We try to be nice to others in Disney....big mistake sometimes. I have been treated like doo doo by many people there (other guests). Does it ruin it for me?? No. I love it there. BUt it does detract from the overall well-being I feel there.

I just want to know why a mom and her DH, who have 4 kids, full time jobs, stress, and all of that can have common courtesy for others, but that it cannot be returned.

I get so bummed reading about people wanting to get things faster than everyone else and better than everyone else in Disney. Because we try not to be rude, the people that they will be shoving out and stepping on, unfortunately, will include us. And probably many of you.

When I reply to something, I guess maybe I just want it known that that is REALLY how I feel and REALLY how I would act. And I am not a hypocrite or being a "do as I say, not as I do" type.

And to the other Disney lovers who enjoy being there so much that you are friendly and courteous to others, I cannot wait to see you in a couple weeks. We have run into so many nice people in Disney...it is what helps counter the rudeness for me.

Thanks for letting me rant and babble. And I am not trying to and start anything, so if you want to blast me, please take notice that I will NOT be debating...I don't want to get into an argument and irritate the moderators.

 

[disneygals]

I had no clue that SOME people were watching/judging others so much until I came to these boards.

I have sinned at WDW and Universal in so many ways...my dh and I argued at AK, my toddlers cried sometimes and once even had a tantrum, and the worst of all, my family went to visit another family at a WDW hotel and our kids illegally swam in the pool I didn't even KNOW it was wrong.
I think once I actually stopped dead in a walkway. The list goes on and on.

When I go on vacation I go to have fun, not to judge others.

 

[smilie]

Vent away, everyone needs to sometime. Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[DVC Sadie]

Have a wonderful time on your vacation!. No flames for me and a truly uplifting post.

 

[gris gris]

To be honest I think it's sad that you even have to defend yourself like this. I'm new around here but I've seen a little bit of what you're talking about. Some people have some real strong opinions! You obviously are a person who cares about others and you don't go out of your way to hurt people. You know deep down inside that you're great so don't worry about what others think of the *horrible rotten things* you do I like your attitude and wish more people in the world were like you!

 

[beckmrk04]

OP- I will NEVER flame a considerate smoker- which you obviously are. It's your business if you want to smoke, and obviously you are taking care not to affect others!

And I know- people do get their panties all in a twist about other people's behavior... To that, I say, Oh well.

It's your RIGHT to breastfeed your son- anywhere! And good for you! And hey- if a diaper's gotta be changed, my opinion is have at it!

I don't expect anything "special" or "extra" when I go, and am always surprised when it happens! That's part of the magic!

I won't be there the same time as you, but I gaurantee that if I ever am, you and I will find each other most pleasant to be around in the Happiest PLace on Earth!! Have a great trip!

 

[budbeerlady]

It is a venting kind of day. Vent away! In fact I declare today Happy Venting Day!!!! I did mine for venting day already!

 

[sajetto]

To be honest I think it's sad that you even have to defend yourself like this. I'm new around here but I've seen a little bit of what you're talking about. Some people have some real strong opinions! You obviously are a person who cares about others and you don't go out of your way to hurt people. You know deep down inside that you're great so don't worry about what others think of the *horrible rotten things* you do I like your attitude and wish more people in the world were like you!

Amen!!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

You are totally correct in what you have posted. Not only that, but you have done it in a way that stated your point without being whiny. There was another post here recently with a poster complaining about a similar topic, but it had a totally different feel to it and was a turn off. Your post was something that we can all relate to.

I do understand what you are saying and there is truth to it. In general, I don't worry about people who disagree or judge me harshly who I don't have any respect for. If someone I know and respect (in an internet discussion board sense) comes down hard on me or even questions me, I'll really give it some thought.

You shouldn't have to defend yourself and it does sound like you are a courteous smoker. I appreciate that since not all smokers are. People shouldn't lump all smokers together, which I think that nonsmokers tend to do.

I do believe that there are more nice posters than nasty posters, but the nasty ones can be pretty nasty and they tend to stand out. Same with people in real life--most WDW guests are nice--but the bad ones tend to stand out. I try to look for the pleasant ones. But I do have a nasty one that I met up with last trip! OMG, she was a nasty one!

 

[Marseeya]

My opinion is, you're darned if you do and darned if you don't. So, just go through your life being as considerate as possible and you'll be fine.

That's what I hate about some vent threads (some I do like). People get peeved by the whole gamut of human behavior. There is absolutely nothing you can do to please everyone.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Thanks everyone.

I guess what really pushed me over the venting edge was that I know a lot of people who come on here have never been to WDW....and some of the "behavior" threads sometimes deteriorate to an atmosphere that would make me NEVER want to go in the first place. But I have been many times, and like I said, have met so many great people (I have a particular fondness for visitors from the UK, they have an awesome sense of humor). So I know for the most part, noone will say anything to me if I just act in my normal, polite way and go about my business on my trip.

I truly thank you for abating some of the dark cloud for my trip. I am getting really excited. We bumped our PH's up a day and will be going to MK on our arrival day to ride Pirates and see Spectro (2 of my favs). We have never done a park the first day, and it is kind of a kick for me(I dont get out much ). And this year I have an advantage...if any one is mean to me, I can tell my Mommy. We are taking her back after 30 years!!! I can't wait to show her everything I love so much!!!!

I am trying a trip report this year.
AND I am bringing my alien green Mickey head.

And you can all stop short in front of me, as long as you dont mind me getting your ankle with the stroller if ya do. I will, of course, apologize. I also won't blow you in for using our resorts pool or refilling a mug from 6 years ago, won't push you out of the way for ANYTHING....well, maybe free annual passes or something....hehe

It is yucky and rainy here in Buffalo, so I am sure that is what started my moodiness. But it IS 70, so I am feeling better. Less $$ for heating the house, more $$ for buying useless stuff covered with mice and princesses!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!

 

[Stitchfans]

Nothing negative from me. Have a great trip!!! I agree with most of what you said. My policy is, "If its not life threatening don't worry about it" so ignore the crabby, judgemental people and enjoy chatting with the pleasant ones. even if they aren't pleasant chat away any way.

 

[Stacey2grls]

No flames here. You sound like my kind of person. While I do not smoke, I don't think that all smokers are "bad". Some are very considerate like yourself. I do understand the feeling of "tip toeing" on these boards, but after awhile, you won't feel that way. Have an awesome trip, you deserve it.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

First I want to state, that I am Impressed that your Husband feild strips the butts. *Grins* I wish everyone would do that.

Second, no flames from me, because though I'm not a smoker, if you're a considerate one, or you're my friend and I'm with you, I'll be making the trips to Exile Island (Smoking corners) with you,so we can rest/chat.

Thirdly, If you breastfed your kid in front of me, I'd smile. That's what they're made for,and you're using what you had. AMEN. - funny story. I lived in Southern California, and worked in a book store as a supervisor. A gentleman complanined to me that a woman was "Exposing herself to children" by breast feeding in a public place. Well we were very strict about that. I walked over to her, offered her a cup of coffee, and asked if there was anything I could do to make her more comfortable, and then turned to the guy who'd stormed over to me. "Sir, would you like to look in another area, or perhaps in a different section of the store? California law provides nursing Mothers the right to nurse when ever and whereever the need arises without complication. I see her doing just that, and not doing anything offensive." He turned beet red, she was smiling ear to ear and stroking her baby's arm (the kid's head was very well draped and such). She thanked me after he left.

Nope no flames from me. Have a good trip.

 

[mamacatnv]

Amen, well said, I agree with you! Have a great vacation.

I was not aware that God had created a new position of Judge. Nor was I aware of how many people were promoted until I joined this board and "heard" from so many of them.....

 

[Briarmom]

Have a great trip! Looks like we'll be there around the same time. Is Pirates going to be open? I can't get the WDW calendar to come up....

I, too, was blissfully unaware of how judgemental people were until I joined the DIS. I breastfed in all 4 parks at WDW and both at DL. No clue how offensive it was until I came here, thank goodness.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Yep, according to the calendar it will be open til April 30, closing that night. So we had to hit MK on 4/30, rather than waiting til the next morning.

Everyone was so excited when I told them we could ride Pirates. hehe What a bunch of Disnified dorks our family is.

I LOVE it. hehehe

 

[MsLeFever]

Hey - what's field stripping?

(other that possibly getting nudie in a pasture??)

 

[MouseDogMom]

We'll be there for the weekend of May 5th - hope we run into you! I suffer from being overly polite (most of the time), although I do find that at WDW sometimes an ogre comes out in me to get what's fair, since others are so happy to walk all over me if I don't stand up for myself. I'm just glad to know that there are other people who play by the rules and do the right thing - was afraid that the last had died with my mom - but after reading this thread am comforted to know that goodness is still alive and well!

 

[Briarmom]

Yep, according to the calendar it will be open til April 30, closing that night. So we had to hit MK on 4/30, rather than waiting til the next morning.

Everyone was so excited when I told them we could ride Pirates. hehe What a bunch of Disnified dorks our family is.

I LOVE it. hehehe

Thanks for the info!!